CHAPTER XI V. 
From the Chemehuevis to the Mojave Valley , on the Colorado. 
Progress up the river.—Mojave band and chief.—Trading for provisions.—An old acquaintance from the Gila.—Mojave country.— 
Ceremonial visits from the Indians.—Their dress, ornaments, dwellings, &c.—Crossing the Colorado river.—Assistance of the 
Indians.—Council of the Mojaves.—Offer of a guide. 
February 23— Camp 130.—The beautiful valley of the Chemehuevis Indians is about five miles 
broad, and eight or ten miles in length. As we ascended the eastern edge, we saw numerous 
villages and a belt of cultivated fields upon the opposite bank. Great numbers of the natives 
swam the river, and brought loads of grain and vegetables. The chief begged us to encamp 
again within the limits of his territory, to enable his people to trade ; but, as we could not, the 
poor Indians were obliged to turn homewards with their heavy burdens. The chief alone 
accompanied us; and, after travelling between eleven and twelve miles, we encamped upon the 
coarse but abundant grass of tbe valley. 
Waiting at this place was a Mojave chief, Avith his band of warriors, to welcome us to their 
country. With eyes cast to the ground, and in silence, he submitted to the ceremony of an 
introduction. With apparent indifference he received the few presents that were offered, and 
then quietly watched the trading of his people. It was now evident why the Chemehuevis 
would not follow us with their articles of traffic to camp. They feared to encroach upon the 
privileges of the Mojaves. The trade commenced by tbe offer of a basket of maize for three 
strings of Avhite porcelain beads. No sooner was the bargain concluded, than the whole multi¬ 
tude crowded in to dispose of their produce at the same price. Delighted at their bargains, 
they were exceedingly merry. But the acting quartermaster, not wishing to' dispose of all the 
beads, hid a part, and tried to induce them to trade for other things. They understood the 
operation, refused all offers, and Avere silent for half an hour. Then they rose en masse , took 
up their grain, and Avere about to leave; when, after an explanation, the spirit of trade Avas 
restored, and calico being established as currency, became as popular as beads had been. We 
purchased in a short time about six bushels of maize, three bushels of beans, and considerable 
Avheat, besides squashes and peas. At sunset the Indians seemed happy as possible, and made 
arrangements for passing the night with us. But their acquaintance was deemed, of too short 
duration to entitle them to such confidence, and all, except the chief and a few of his friends, 
were driven reluctantly from camp. Some of them were considerably exasperated, but they 
went quietly enough and built their fires just beyond tbe line of sentinels. Those remaining 
did not once lie doAvn during the whole night, but sat at the fire using wood at the cook’s 
expense. Indians always expect to be waited upon by the servants of Avhite people. 
During the evening there came into camp a young felloAv, asking for the captain. At the 
first glance he Avas recognised as an old acquaintance, from the Algodones beloAv the mouth of 
Rio Gila, where I had seen him a year since. He is a Cuchan; and, at that time, his people 
were at war with our troops, and kept aloof upon the opposite side of the river. But Jose, 
(that is the name he assumed,) putting confidence in us, SAvam the river, and led our train to the 
place where were boats for crossing the Colorado. We found him a shrewd lad, and he proved 
of considerable service to tbe party. 
The sky has been partially overcast, but the usual set of astronomical and magnetic obser¬ 
vations were taken. Near the termination of the day’s march, the trail passed among hills 
where a little Avork would make a Avagon road. A better route would doubtless folio av the bank 
