MOJAVE VALLEY.—CHIEFS AND WARRIORS. 
113 
of the Colorado. These hills are scarcely worth mentioning in connection with the prospects 
for a railway, as it would he easy to pass along the base of the bluffs that border the river. 
February 24 —Camp 131.—The Indians seemed to have recovered from the annoyance of 
being turned from camp last night, and again became lively and good-humored, cheerfully 
answering our questions regarding the way before us. A short distance from camp was seen 
a second mountain spur, intersecting the valley, similar to the one where we had deserted the 
wagons. The chief told us that the trail traversing it was rough, and impassable for the spring- 
carriage. After much consideration, the natives informed us that, by turning to the right, the 
ridge could be entirely avoided; and two of them consented to act as guides, to conduct the 
surveying party by that route. With the pack-mules we kept the old trail, that led through 
ravines, and over hills, to avoid the bluffs upon the river-bank. The path in some places passed 
through deep chasms, and over precipices of porphyritic rocks. The mules tumbled headlong, 
became weary and dizzy, and four were left upon the roadside. Having travelled about ten miles, 
we emerged from the hills, descended by an arroyo to the river, and were gladdened by a sight 
of the great valley of the Mojaves. Ascending it a short distance, we joined the surveying 
party, and encamped; Lieutenant Tidball, with a portion of the escort, being still in advance. 
Again we have experienced the advantage of having cultivated a kindly feeling with the natives. 
Our parties to-day have necessarily been scattered widely, and an attack by Indians would have 
proved disastrous to the expedition. But instead of impeding our operations, they have ren¬ 
dered good service, giving valuable information and faithful guidance. The trail of the sur¬ 
veying party conformed strictly to the account given by the guides—passing over a smooth 
prairie country, without encountering a hill. But to avoid the circuit which it made, a road 
might be constructed along the bank, to a narrow gorge, where the spurs upon either side came 
down to the water’s edge. There the position is favorable for bridging the river, and from 
thence the valley would be ascended upon the west side. 
We have had, to-day, violent wind from the north. It filled our eyes with sand, and added 
much to the labor of driving the mules, and replacing the oft-broken packs. 
February 25 —Camp 132.—We continued the survey about a mile along the border of the 
fine valley, to Lieutenant Tidball’s camp. Here, finding a large field which had been burned, 
and fresh grass springing from the roots, we turned our mules loose, to graze and rest from 
the fatigue of yesterday’s march. Indians collected, and we were informed that one of the 
great captains was coming to visit us. A few hundred yards distant was seen an assemblage, 
and soon a long procession of warriors approached, headed by the chief and his interpreter, our 
Cuchan friend Jose. The latter with great formality introduced the distinguished dignitary of 
the Mojave nation, who returned our salutations with gravity becoming his rank. He then 
presented his credentials from Major Heintzelman; who stated that the bearer, Captain Fran¬ 
cisco, had visited Fort Yuma with a party of warriors, when upon an expedition against the 
Cocopas, and professed friendship; but he advised Americans not to trust him. The parade 
and ceremony were not, upon this occasion, as vain and useless as might be supposed, for without 
them we should have taken this great chief for the veriest beggar of the tribe. He was old, 
shrivelled, ugly, and naked, except a strip of dirty cloth suspended by a cord around his loins, 
and an old black hat, bandless and torn, drawn down to his eyes. Judging from his half 
stupid, half ferocious look, one might suspect that there had been foul play towards the former 
owner of the hat. But his credentials being satisfactory, he was received, and seated on a 
blanket at our right. The pipe was passed around; the object of our visit explained, and a 
guide asked, to conduct us to the intersection of the Mormon road with the Mojave river. He 
replied that it was all well; none of his people would commit depredations upon our property, 
but would afford all the aid in their power. A few trinkets, some tobacco, and red blankets 
cut into narrow strips for head-dresses, were then presented for distribution among the warriors. 
As the chief would accept nothing for himself, the council was dissolved. Then commenced 
the trade for grain, and the scene suddenly changed from grave decorum to boisterous merri- 
15 h 
