SEARCH FOR MISSING HERDER. 
127 
gone back in search of the man returned the same evening without having been successful in 
discovering any traces of him, though the body of the abandoned mule, with an arrow buried in 
its side, which was found near the spot where the Mexican had been last seen, gave unmis- 
takeable evidence of the late presence of Pai-Utes. There was scarcely room for doubt as to the 
fate of the poor fellow; but it was determined that one more attempt should be made, at least, to 
find his body, and give it proper burial; and the next morning Lieut. Ives, with Lieut. Stanley, 
Dr. Kennerly, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Mollhausen, and four Mexicans, started to make a thorough 
search. Going back about six miles they entered a deep ravine through which the train had 
passed, and near whose mouth Torrivia, with the two tired mules, had been last seen. Many 
narrow gorges conducted back into a labyrinth of sand-hills that extended a long distance to 
the south. Carefully examining the entrance to each of these, the faint impress of a mule’s 
foot was finally discovered. The nature of the ground rendered it difficult to perceive any 
tracks, but closer inspection showed at last that a party of Indians driving two mules had gone 
that way. As they ascended the gorge the trail became more distinct; and, though occasionally 
lost, it was always found again, and the pursuers followed it successfully several miles back, 
now passing over steep hills, and again threading deep and narrow chains that wound between 
high walls of sand and gravel. In one of these they came upon a cunning hiding-place which 
the Pai-Utes had occupied several hours previously. The remains of a mule were here seen, show¬ 
ing that they had had a feast upon part of their booty. From all appearances they must have 
eaten the flesh nearly if not quite raw. As there was every indication that they had been gone 
for some time, and as it was supposed that they were still a long distance ahead, the pursuing 
party were less careful to preserve silence in their movements, and one or two words were 
spoken in an unguarded tone, afterwards much regretted ; for, following the trail onward, 
in a few minutes a sudden turn brought them into the very midst of the enemy’s camp, from 
which it was evident the Indians had fled in the utmost haste, but a few moments before. A fire 
was burning, and upon it were large pieces of mule-meat that had only just been placed there 
to roast, for they were still bloody and raw. The surrounding hills entirely excluded the view, 
but there was an instant scattering in all directions to overtake the late occupants of the camp. 
The latter, however, were too fleet, and having the advantage of a perfect knowledge of the 
country, which was admirably adapted to furnish hiding-places, succeeded to a man in effecting 
their escape, and the pursuers came back, one by one, disappointed. The party of Pai-Utes ap¬ 
parently numbered fifteen or twenty. In their flight they had dropped most of their camp fur¬ 
niture and property. Baskets, cooking utensils, clothing, and even their bows and arrows, were 
found scattered upon the adjoining slopes. The clothes of the murdered Mexican were also found, 
literally riddled by arrows, and stiff with hardened blood. He had probably been killed by a 
party in ambush as he was driving his mules along the ravine. A long and laborious search 
for the body was ineffectual; and, after burning and destroying everything belonging to the 
Indians that could be found, Lieut. Ives and his party returned to the camp. 
March 13 —Camp 146.—In the cool air of the morning, our Mojave guides having taken leave 
of us, we proceeded onward towards the Pacific. Soon ascending a mesa to avoid a bend of the 
river, we overlooked a large extent of valley with prairie beyond. Southeast, towards the mouth 
of Bill Williams’ fork, the plain extended to the horizon. 
Having travelled about six miles, we struck the Mormon road. Upon it were fresh wagon 
tracks leading towards the Salt Lake City. At the crossing the stream was flowing, and the 
land fertile ; but having been much used for a camp ground by emigrant parties, grass was 
scarce. The road was found excellent. The river as we ascended grew larger, and sunk less 
frequently beneath the surface. Cotton-wood and mezquite trees were more abundant. After 
a march of twenty miles on a general course west-southwest, we encamped. Near this point is 
said to be the trail which leaves the river and ascends the prairie slope towards Walker’s Pass. 
There are a few isolated hills intervening, but none to interrupt a nearly uniform grade to an 
