Rocky Mountains. 313 



their most important papers, with a small stock of ammu- 

 nition, provisions, and astronomical instruments, in a re- 

 tired place, that they might not be entirely destitute of re- 

 sources after the contemplated rencontre with the Spaniards 

 should have taken place. At sunset, on the 28th July, as 

 they were about to encamp, they heard several guns ahead 

 of them, which left no doubt that they had arrived near the 

 Spanish camp. On the ensuing morning, Capt. Sparks, Mr. 

 Freeman, and a favorite Indian, walked before the boats, 

 along the sand beach, with their guns in their hands. The In- 

 dian discovering some tracks, ran hastily among the bush- 

 es on the bank, and then returning, made signs that the Span- 

 iards wefe there. The party was now halted, the arms exa- 

 mined, and put in readiness for immediate action; then all 

 went on board the boats, and continued their ascent, as 

 if they had known nothing of the Spanish troops. The ad- 

 vanced guard, which the Indian had discovered, consisted of 

 twenty -two men, stationed a mile and a half below the en- 

 campment of the main body. On seeing the boats, they fled 

 instantly, and hid themselves in the woods, leaving behind 

 their clothes and provisions. 



On turning the next bend, they had a beautiful view of 

 the river, for about a mile. The banks were steep on both 

 sides, and level sand beaches occupied about one half the 

 bed of the river. On one of these, at the distance of half a 

 mile, they discovered a sentinel, and soon afterwards, saw 

 a detachment of horse gallop from thence, through the small 

 cotton-wood bushes, near the next bend of the river, and 

 shortly after return to their former station. As it was no\f 

 the middle of the day, the Exploring party halted, according 

 lo custom, and kindled fires to prepare their dinner. 



About half an hour after they had halted, a large detach- 

 ment from the Spanish camp were seen riding down the sand 

 beach, enveloped in such a cloud of dust, that their numbers 

 could not be accurately estimated. The s©ldiers belonging 

 VOL. II. 40 



