22 FROM FORT LEAVENWORTH TO FORT KEARinT. 



witli numerous terraces rising one above the other, having a strik- 

 ing and picturesque effect. Some shales are interspersed among 

 the chalky limestone. Here also were seen several small boulders 

 of red granite. Some good-sized catfish were caught in the Blue 

 by the men, during the night. 



Sunday, June 10. — Bar. 28.82; Ther. 70°. The camp rested, 

 it having been determined, from the commencement of the expedi- 

 tion, to devote this day, whenever practicable, to its legitimate 

 purpose, as an interval of rest for man and beast. I here beg to 

 record, as the result of my experience, derived not only from the 

 present journey, but from the observation of many years spent in 

 the performance of similar duties, that, as a mere matter of pecu- 

 niary consideration, apart from all higher obligations, it is wise to 

 keep the Sabbath. More work can be obtained from both men 

 and animals by its observance, than where the whole seven days 

 are uninterruptedly devoted to labour. 



Very early in the morning it was discovered that three horses 

 from our herd, and one from a neighbouring encampment, had 

 been stolen during the night, and that so adroitly as not to occasion 

 the slightest noise, although our animals were all picketed in the 

 very centre of the camp and within a few feet of the tents. Search 

 was forthwith made for the trail of the robbers, which was soon 

 found, and ascertained to be that of Indians. Two parties of 

 scouts were despatched in pursuit. In the mean time, the ammu- 

 nition chests were opened, additional cartridges served out, arms 

 examined and reloaded, the men practised in shooting at a mark, 

 and every preparation made to guard against a repetition of the 

 outrage. In a few hours one of the parties, under Archambault, 

 the guide, an experienced hunter and mountaineer, returned, but 

 without the animals. They had crossed the Blue at the ford, and 

 followed the trail of the Indians about six miles, but here the lat- 

 ter had recrossed, and taken to the hard open prairie, where all 

 further trace of them was lost, and the pursuit in consequence 

 given up. They found, however, the spot where the Indian party 

 had encamped the day previous, marked by the fragments of an 

 ox they had just stolen from a neighbouring train. They had 

 taken two; one they had killed and devoured, leaving in their 

 haste the yoke and hide of the slaughtered animal, together with 

 a small portion of the meat, while they made off with the horses, 

 and drove the other ox before them. The robbers were Pawnees, 

 and had evidently been watching ever since our arrival, as they 



