Earlythenextmorning，agleamofhismerryhumorreturned，onfindingthathis
woundedlimbretaineditsnaturalproportions。Onattemptingtouseit，however，he
foundhimselfunabletostand。Hemadeseveraleffortstocoaxhimselfintoabeliefthat
hemightstillcontinueforward；butatlength，shookhisheaddespondingly，andsaid，that“ashehadbutoneleg，“itwasallinvaintoattemptapassageofthemountain。Everyonegrievedtopartwithsoboonacompanion，andundersuchdisastrous
circumstances。Hewasoncemoreclothedandequipped，eachonemakinghimsome
partingpresent。Hewasthenhelpedonahorse，whichCaptainBonnevillepresentedto
him；andaftermanypartingexpressionsofgoodwillonbothsides，setoffonhisreturn
tohisoldhaunts；doubtless，tobeoncemorepluckedbyhisaffectionatebutneedy
cousins。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter36[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter36Thedifficultmountain——Asmokeandconsultation——Thecaptain”sspeech——Anicy
turnpike——Dangerofafalsestep——ArrivalonSnakeRiver——ReturntoPortneuf——
MeetingofcomradesCONTINUINGTHEIRJOURNEYUPthecourseoftheImmahah，thetravellersfound，
astheyapproachedtheheadwaters，thesnowincreasedinquantity，soastolietwo
feetdeep。Theywereagainobliged，therefore，tobeatdownapathfortheirhorses，
sometimestravellingontheicysurfaceofthestream。Atlengththeyreachedtheplace
wheretheyintendedtoscalethemountains；and，havingbrokenapathwaytothefoot，
wereagreeablysurprisedtofindthatthewindhaddriftedthesnowfromofftheside，so
thattheyattainedthesummitwithbutlittledifficulty。Heretheyencamped，withthe
intentionofbeatingatrackthroughthemountains。Ashortexperiment，however，
obligedthemtogiveuptheattempt，thesnowlyinginvastdrifts，oftenhigherthanthehorses”heads。CaptainBonnevillenowtookthetwoIndianguides，andsetouttoreconnoitrethe
neighborhood。Observingahighpeakwhichovertoppedtherest，heclimbedit，and
discoveredfromthesummitapassaboutninemileslong，butsoheavilypiledwith
snow，thatitseemedimpracticable。Henowlitapipe，and，sittingdownwiththetwo
guides，proceededtoholdaconsultationaftertheIndianmode。Foralongwhiletheyall
smokedvigorouslyandinsilence，ponderingoverthesubjectmatterbeforethem。At
lengthadiscussioncommenced，andtheopinioninwhichthetwoguidesconcurred
was，thatthehorsescouldnotpossiblycrossthesnows。Theyadvised，therefore，that
thepartyshouldproceedonfoot，andtheyshouldtakethehorsesbacktothevillage，
wheretheywouldbewelltakencareofuntilCaptainBonnevilleshouldsendforthem。
Theyurgedthisadvicewithgreatearnestness；declaringthattheirchiefwouldbe
extremelyangry，andtreatthemseverely，shouldanyofthehorsesofhisgoodfriends，
thewhitemen，belost，incrossingundertheirguidance；andthat，therefore，itwasgoodtheyshouldnotattemptit。CaptainBonnevillesatsmokinghispipe，andlisteningtothemwithIndiansilenceandgravity。Whentheyhadfinished，herepliedtothemintheirownstyleoflanguage。“Myfriends，“saidhe，“Ihaveseenthepass，andhavelistenedtoyourwords；youhave
littlehearts。Whentroublesanddangerslieinyourway，youturnyourbacks。Thatisnot
thewaywithmynation。Whengreatobstaclespresent，andthreatentokeepthem
back，theirheartsswell，andtheypushforward。Theylovetoconquerdifficulties。Butenoughforthepresent。Nightiscomingon；letusreturntoourcamp。”Hemovedon，andtheyfollowedinsilence。Onreachingthecamp，hefoundthemen
extremelydiscouraged。Oneoftheirnumberhadbeensurveyingtheneighborhood，and
seriouslyassuredthemthatthesnowwasatleastahundredfeetdeep。Thecaptain
cheeredthemup，anddiffusedfreshspiritinthembyhisexample。Stillhewasmuch
perplexedhowtoproceed。Aboutdarktherewasaslightdrizzlingrain。Anexpedient
nowsuggesteditself。Thiswastomaketwolightsleds，placethepacksonthem，and
dragthemtotheothersideofthemountain，thusformingaroadinthewetsnow，
which，shoulditafterwardfreeze，wouldbesufficientlyhardtobearthehorses。This
planwaspromptlyputintoexecution；thesledswereconstructed，theheavybaggage
wasdrawnbackwardandforwarduntiltheroadwasbeaten，whentheydesistedfrom
theirfatiguinglabor。Thenightturnedoutclearandcold，andbymorning，theirroadwas
incrustedwithicesufficientlystrongfortheirpurpose。Theynowsetoutontheiricy
turnpike，andgotonwellenough，exceptingthatnowandthenahorsewouldsidleout
ofthetrack，andimmediatelysinkuptotheneck。Thencameontoilanddifficulty，and
theywouldbeobligedtohauluptheflounderinganimalwithropes。One，moreunlucky
thantherest，afterrepeatedfalls，hadtobeabandonedinthesnow。Notwithstanding
theserepeateddelays，theysucceeded，beforethesunhadacquiredsufficientpowerto
thawthesnow，ingettingalltherestoftheirhorsessafelytotheothersideofthemountain。Theirdifficultiesanddangers，however，werenotyetatanend。Theyhadnowto
descend，andthewholesurfaceofthesnowwasglazedwithice。Itwasnecessary；
therefore，towaituntilthewarmthofthesunshouldmelttheglassycrustofsleet，and
givethemafootholdintheyieldingsnow。Theyhadafrightfulwarningofthedangerof
anymovementwhilethesleetremained。Awildyoungmare，inherrestlessness，
strayedtotheedgeofadeclivity。Oneslipwasfataltoher；shelostherbalance，
careeredwithheadlongvelocitydowntheslipperysideofthemountainformorethan
twothousandfeet，andwasdashedtopiecesatthebottom。Whenthetravellers
afterwardsoughtthecarcasstocutitupforfood，theyfoundittornandmangledinthemosthorriblemanner。Itwasquitelateintheeveningbeforethepartydescendedtotheultimateskirtsofthe
snow。Heretheyplantedlargelogsbelowthemtopreventtheirslidingdown，and
encampedforthenight。Thenextdaytheysucceededinbringingdowntheirbaggage
totheencampment；thenpackingallupregularly，andloadingtheirhorses，theyonce
moresetoutbrisklyandcheerfully，andinthecourseofthefollowingdaysucceededingettingtoagrassyregion。HeretheirNezPerceguidesdeclaredthatallthedifficultiesofthemountainswereat
anend，andtheircoursewasplainandsimple，andneedednofurtherguidance；they
askedleave，therefore，toreturnhome。Thiswasreadilygranted，withmanythanksand
presentsfortheirfaithfulservices。Theytookalongfarewellsmokewiththeirwhite
friends，afterwhichtheymountedtheirhorsesandsetoff，exchangingmanyfarewellsandkindwishes。Onthefollowingday，CaptainBonnevillecompletedhisjourneydownthemountain，
andencampedonthebordersofSnakeRiver，wherehefoundthegrassingreat
abundanceandeightinchesinheight。Inthisneighborhood，hesawontherockybanksoftheriverseveralprismoidsofbasaltes，risingtotheheightoffiftyorsixtyfeet。Nothingparticularlyworthyofnoteoccurredduringseveraldaysasthepartyproceeded
upalongSnakeRiverandacrossitstributarystreams。AftercrossingGunCreek，they
metwithvarioussignsthatwhitepeoplewereintheneighborhood，andCaptain
Bonnevillemadeearnestexertionstodiscoverwhethertheywereanyofhisown
people，thathemightjointhem。Hesoonascertainedthattheyhadbeenstarvedoutof
thistractofcountry，andhadbetakenthemselvestothebuffaloregion，whitherhenow
shapedhiscourse。InproceedingalongSnakeRiver，hefoundsmallhordesof
Shoshonieslingeringupontheminorstreams，andlivingupontroutandotherfish，
whichtheycatchingreatnumbersatthisseasoninfish-traps。Thegreaterpartofthe
tribe，however，hadpenetratedthemountainstohunttheelk，deer，andahsahtaorbighorn。Onthe12thofMay，CaptainBonnevillereachedthePortneufRiver，inthevicinityof
whichhehadleftthewinterencampmentofhiscompanyontheprecedingChristmas
day。HehadthenexpectedtobebackbythebeginningofMarch，butcircumstances
haddetainedhimupwardoftwomonthsbeyondthetime，andthewinterencampment
mustlongerethishavebeenbrokenup。HaltingonthebanksofthePortneuf，he
dispatchedscoutsafewmilesabove，tovisittheoldcampinggroundandsearchfor
signalsoftheparty，oroftheirwhereabouts，shouldtheyactuallyhaveabandonedthespot。Theyreturnedwithoutbeingabletoascertainanything。Beingnowdestituteofprovisions，thetravellersfounditnecessarytomakeashort
huntingexcursionafterbuffalo。Theymadecaches，therefore，onanislandintheriver，
inwhichtheydepositedalltheirbaggage，andthensetoutontheirexpedition。They
weresofortunateastokillacoupleoffinebulls，andcuttingupthecarcasses，
determinedtohusbandthisstockofprovisionswiththemostmiserlycare，lestthey
shouldagainbeobligedtoventureintotheopenanddangeroushuntinggrounds。
Returningtotheirislandonthe18thofMay，theyfoundthatthewolveshadbeenatthe
caches，scratchedupthecontents，andscatteredthemineverydirection。Theynow
constructedamoresecureone，inwhichtheydepositedtheirheaviestarticles，andthen
descendedSnakeRiveragain，andencampedjustabovetheAmericanFalls。Herethey
proceededtofortifythemselves，intendingtoremainhere，andgivetheirhorsesan
opportunitytorecruittheirstrengthwithgoodpasturage，untilitshouldbetimetosetoutfortheannualrendezvousinBearRivervalley。OnthefirstofJunetheydescriedfourmenontheothersideoftheriver，oppositetothe
camp，and，havingattractedtheirattentionbyadischargeofrifles，ascertainedtotheir
joythattheyweresomeoftheirownpeople。FromthesemenCaptainBonneville
learnedthatthewholepartywhichhehadleftintheprecedingmonthofDecember
wereencampedonBlackfootRiver，atributaryofSnakeRiver，notveryfarabovethe
Portneuf。Thitherheproceededwithallpossibledispatch，andinalittlewhilehadthe
pleasureoffindinghimselfoncemoresurroundedbyhispeople，whogreetedhisreturn
amongthemintheheartiestmanner；forhislong-protractedabsencehadconvincedthemthatheandhisthreecompanionshadbeencutoffbysomehostiletribe。Thepartyhadsufferedmuchduringhisabsence。Theyhadbeenpinchedbyfamine
andalmoststarved，andhadbeenforcedtorepairtothecachesatSalmonRiver。Here
theyfellinwiththeBlackfeetbands，andconsideredthemselvesfortunateinbeingabletoretreatfromthedangerousneighborhoodwithoutsustaininganyloss。Beingthusreunited，ageneraltreatfromCaptainBonnevilletohismenwasamatterof
course。Twodays，therefore，weregivenuptosuchfeastingandmerrimentastheir
meansandsituationafforded。Whatwaswantingingoodcheerwasmadeupingood
will；thefreetrappersinparticular，distinguishedthemselvesontheoccasion，andthe
saturnaliawasenjoyedwithaheartyholidayspirit，thatsmackedofthegameflavorof
thewilderness。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter37[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter37Departurefortherendezvous——AwarpartyofBlackfeet——Amockbustle——Shamfiresat
night——Warlikeprecautions——Dangersofanightattack——Apanicamong
horses——Cautiousmarch——TheBeerSprings——Amockcarousel——Skirmishingwith
buffaloes——Abuffalobait——Arrivalattherendezvous——MeetingofvariousbandsAFTERTHETWODAYSoffestiveindulgence，CaptainBonnevillebrokeupthe
encampment，andsetoutwithhismotleycrewofhiredandfreetrappers，half-breeds，
Indians，andsquaws，forthemainrendezvousinBearRivervalley。Directinghiscourse
uptheBlackfootRiver，hesoonreachedthehillsamongwhichittakesitsrise。Here，
whileonthemarch，hedescriedfromthebrowofahill，awarpartyofaboutsixty
Blackfeet，ontheplainimmediatelybelowhim。Hissituationwasperilous；forthe
greaterpartofhispeopleweredispersedinvariousdirections。Still，tobetrayhesitation
orfearwouldbetodiscoverhisactualweakness，andtoinviteattack。Heassumed，
instantly，therefore，abelligerenttone；orderedthesquawstoleadthehorsestoasmall
groveofashentrees，andunloadandtiethem；andcausedagreatbustletobemade
byhisscantyhandful；theleadersridinghitherandthither，andvociferatingwithalltheirmight，asifanumerousforcewasgettingunderwayforanattack。Tokeepupthedeceptionastohisforce，heordered，atnight，anumberofextrafiresto
bemadeinhiscamp，andkeptupavigilantwatch。Hismenwerealldirectedtokeep
themselvespreparedforinstantaction。Insuchcasestheexperiencedtrappersleepsin
hisclothes，withhisriflebesidehim，theshot-beltandpowder-flaskonthestock：so
that，incaseofalarm，hecanlayhishanduponthewholeofhisequipmentatonce，andstartup，completelyarmed。CaptainBonnevillewasalsoespeciallycarefultosecurethehorses，andsetavigilant
guarduponthem；forthereliesthegreatobjectandprincipaldangerofanightattack。
Thegrandmoveofthelurkingsavageistocauseapanicamongthehorses。Insuch
casesonehorsefrightensanother，untilallarealarmed，andstruggletobreakloose。In
campswheretherearegreatnumbersofIndians，withtheirhorses，anightalarmofthe
kindistremendous。Therunningofthehorsesthathavebrokenloose；thesnorting，
stamping，andrearingofthosewhichremainfast；thehowlingofdogs；theyellingof
Indians；thescamperingofwhitemen，andredmen，withtheirguns；theoverturningof
lodges，andtramplingoffiresbythehorses；theflashesofthefires，lightingupformsof
menandsteedsdashingthroughthegloom，altogethermakeuponeofthewildest
scenesofconfusionimaginable。Inthisway，sometimes，allthehorsesofacampamountingtoseveralhundredwillbefrightenedoffinasinglenight。Thenightpassedoffwithoutanydisturbance；buttherewasnolikelihoodthatawar
partyofBlackfeet，onceonthetrackofacampwheretherewasachanceforspoils，
wouldfailtohoverroundit。Thecaptain，therefore，continuedtomaintainthemostvigilantprecautions；throwingoutscoutsintheadvance，andoneveryrisingground。Inthecourseofthedayhearrivedattheplainofwhiteclay，alreadymentioned，
surroundedbythemineralsprings，calledBeerSprings，bythetrappers。Herethemen
allhaltedtohavearegale。Inafewmomentseveryspringhaditsjovialknotofhard
drinkers，withtincupinhand，indulginginamockcarouse；quaffing，pledging，toasting，
bandyingjokes，singingdrinkingsongs，andutteringpealsoflaughter，untilitseemed
asiftheirimaginationshadgivenpotencytothebeverage，andcheatedthemintoafit
ofintoxication。Indeed，intheexcitementofthemoment，theywereloudand
extravagantintheircommendationsof“themountaintap“；elevatingitaboveevery
beverageproducedfromhopsormalt。Itwasasingularandfantasticscene；suitedtoa
regionwhereeverythingisstrangeandpeculiar：——Thesegroupsoftrappers，and
hunters，andIndians，withtheirwildcostumes，andwildercountenances；their
boisterousgayety，andrecklessair；quaffing，andmakingmerryroundthesesparkling
fountains；whilebesidethemlaytheirweepons，readytobesnatchedupforinstant
service。Paintersarefondofrepresentingbandittiattheirrudeandpicturesque
carousels；buthereweregroups，stillmorerudeandpicturesque；anditneededbuta
suddenonsetofBlackfeet，andaquicktransitionfromafantasticreveltoafuriousmelee，tohaverenderedthispictureofatrapper”slifecomplete。Thebeerfrolic，however，passedoffwithoutanyuntowardcircumstance；and，unlike
mostdrinkingbouts，leftneitherheadachenorheartachebehind。CaptainBonneville
nowdirectedhiscourseupalongBearRiver；amusinghimself，occasionally，with
huntingthebuffalo，withwhichthecountrywascovered。Sometimes，whenhesawa
hugebulltakinghisreposeinaprairie，hewouldstealalongaravine，untilcloseupon
him；thenrousehimfromhismeditationswithapebble，andtakeashotathimashe
startedup。Suchisthequicknesswithwhichthisanimalspringsuponhislegs，thatitis
noteasytodiscoverthemuscularprocessbywhichitiseffected。Thehorserisesfirst
uponhisforelegs；andthedomesticcow，uponherhinderlimbs；butthebuffalobounds
atoncefromacouchanttoanerectposition，withaceleritythatbafflestheeye。Though
fromhisbulk，androllinggait，hedoesnotappeartorunwithmuchswiftness；yet，it
takesastanchhorsetoovertakehim，whenatfullspeedonlevelground；andabuffalocowisstillfleeterinhermotion。AmongtheIndiansandhalf-breedsoftheparty，wereseveraladmirablehorsemenand
boldhunters；whoamusedthemselveswithagrotesquekindofbuffalobait。Whenever
theyfoundahugebullintheplains，theypreparedfortheirteasingandbarbarous
sport。Surroundinghimonhorseback，theywoulddischargetheirarrowsathiminquick
succession，goadinghimtomakeanattack；which，withadexterousmovementofthe
horse，theywouldeasilyavoid。Inthisway，theyhoveredroundhim，featheringhimwith
arrows，asherearedandplungedabout，untilhewasbristledalloverlikeaporcupine。
Whentheyperceivedinhimsignsofexhaustion，andhecouldnolongerbeprovokedto
makebattle，theywoulddismountfromtheirhorses，approachhimintherear，and
seizinghimbythetail，jerkhimfromsidetoside，anddraghimbackward；untilthe
franticanimal，gatheringfreshstrengthfromfury，wouldbreakfromthem，andrush，with
flashingeyesandahoarsebellowing，uponanyenemyinsight；butinalittlewhile，his
transientexcitementatanend，wouldpitchheadlongontheground，andexpire。The
arrowswerethenpluckedforth，thetonguecutoutandpreservedasadainty，andthecarcassleftabanquetforthewolves。PursuinghiscourseupBearRiver，CaptainBonnevillearrived，onthe13thofJune，at
theLittleSnakeLake；whereheencampedforfourorfivedays，thathemightexamine
itsshoresandoutlets。Thelatter，hefoundextremelymuddy，andsosurroundedby
swampsandquagmires，thathewasobligedtoconstructcanoesofrushes，withwhich
toexplorethem。Themouthsofallthestreamswhichfallintothislakefromthewest，
aremarshyandinconsiderable；butontheeastside，thereisabeautifulbeach，broken，
occasionally，byhighandisolatedbluffs，whichadvanceuponthelake，andheighten
thecharacterofthescenery。Thewaterisveryshallow，butaboundswithtrout，andothersmallfish。Havingfinishedhissurveyofthelake，CaptainBonnevilleproceededonhisjourney，
untilonthebanksoftheBearRiver，somedistancehigherup，hecameupontheparty
whichhehaddetachedayearbefore，tocircumambulatetheGreatSaltLake，and
ascertainitsextent，andthenatureofitsshores。Theyhadbeenencampedhereabout
twentydays；andweregreatlyrejoicedatmeetingoncemorewiththeircomrades，from
whomtheyhadsolongbeenseparated。ThefirstinquiryofCaptainBonnevillewas
abouttheresultoftheirjourney，andtheinformationtheyhadprocuredastotheGreat
SaltLake；theobjectofhisintensecuriosityandambition。Thesubstanceoftheirreport
willbefoundinthefollowingchapter。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter38[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter38PlanoftheSaltLakeexpedition——Greatsandydeserts——Sufferingsfrom
thirst——Ogden”sRiver——Trailsandsmokeoflurkingsavages——Theftsatnight——A
trapper”srevenge——Alarmsofaguiltyconscience——Amurderousvictory——Californian
mountains——PlainsalongthePacific——ArrivalatMonterey——Accountoftheplaceand
neighborhood——LowerCalifornia——Itsextent——ThePeninsula——Soil——Climate——
Production——ItssettlementsbytheJesuits——TheirswayovertheIndians——Their
expulsion——Ruinsofamissionaryestablishment——Sublimescenery——Upper
California——Missions——Theirpowerandpolicy——Resourcesofthecountry——Designsof
foreignnationsITWASONTHE24THofJuly，intheprecedingyear1833，thatthebrigadeofforty
mensetoutfromGreenRivervalley，toexploretheGreatSaltLake。Theywereto
makethecompletecircuitofit，trappingonallthestreamswhichshouldfallintheirway，
andtokeepjournalsandmakecharts，calculatedtoimpartaknowledgeofthelakeand
thesurroundingcountry。AlltheresourcesofCaptainBonnevillehadbeentaskedtofit
outthisfavoriteexpedition。Thecountrylyingtothesouthwestofthemountains，and
rangingdowntoCalifornia，wasasyetalmostunknown；beingoutofthebuffalorange，
itwasuntraversedbythetrapper，whopreferredthosepartsofthewildernesswhere
theroamingherdsofthatspeciesofanimalgavehimcomparativelyanabundantand
luxuriouslife。Stillitwassaidthedeer，theelk，andthebighornweretobefoundthere，
sothat，withalittlediligenceandeconomy，therewasnodangeroflackingfood。Asa
precaution，however，thepartyhaltedonBearRiverandhuntedforafewdays，until
theyhadlaidinasupplyofdriedbuffalomeatandvenison；theythenpassedbythe
headwatersoftheCassieRiver，andsoonfoundthemselveslaunchedonanimmense
sandydesert。Southwardly，ontheirleft，theybeheldtheGreatSaltLake，spreadout
likeasea，buttheyfoundnostreamrunningintoit。Adesertextendedaroundthem，
andstretchedtothesouthwest，asfarastheeyecouldreach，rivallingthedesertsof
AsiaandAfricainsterility。Therewasneithertree，norherbage，norspring，norpool，nor
runningstream，nothingbutparchedwastesofsand，wherehorseandriderwereindangerofperishing。Theirsufferings，atlength，becamesogreatthattheyabandonedtheirintendedcourse，
andmadetowardsarangeofsnowymountains，brighteninginthenorth，wherethey
hopedtofindwater。Afteratime，theycameuponasmallstreamleadingdirectly
towardsthesemountains。Havingquenchedtheirburningthirst，andrefreshed
themselvesandtheirwearyhorsesforatime，theykeptalongthisstream，which
graduallyincreasedinsize，beingfedbynumerousbrooks。Afterapproachingthe
mountains，ittookasweeptowardthesouthwest，andthetravellersstillkeptalongit，
trappingbeaverastheywent，onthefleshofwhichtheysubsistedforthepresent，husbandingtheirdriedmeatforfuturenecessities。Thestreamonwhichtheyhadthusfalleniscalledbysome，MaryRiver，butismore
generallyknownasOgden”sRiver，fromMr。PeterOgden，anenterprisingandintrepid
leaderoftheHudson”sBayCompany，whofirstexploredit。Thewildandhalf-desert
regionthroughwhichthetravellerswerepassing，iswanderedoverbyhordesof
Shoshokoes，orRootDiggers，theforlornbranchoftheSnaketribe。Theyareashy
people，pronetokeepalooffromthestranger。Thetravellersfrequentlymetwiththeir
trails，andsawthesmokeoftheirfiresrisinginvariouspartsofthevastlandscape，so
thattheyknewthereweregreatnumbersintheneighborhood，butscarcelyeverwereanyofthemtobemetwith。Afteratime，theybegantohavevexatiousproofsthat，iftheShoshokoeswerequietby
day，theywerebusyatnight。Thecampwasdoggedbytheseeavesdroppers；scarcea
morning，butvariousarticlesweremissing，yetnothingcouldbeseenofthemarauders。
Whatparticularlyexasperatedthehunters，wastohavetheirtrapsstolenfromthe
streams。Onemorning，atrapperofaviolentandsavagecharacter，discoveringthathis
trapshadbeencarriedoffinthenight，tookahorridoathtokillthefirstIndianheshould
meet，innocentorguilty。Ashewasreturningwithhiscomradestocamp，hebeheldtwo
unfortunateDiggers，seatedontheriverbank，fishing。Advancinguponthem，he
levelledhisrifle，shotoneuponthespot，andflunghisbleedingbodyintothestream。
TheotherIndianfledandwassufferedtoescape。Suchistheindifferencewithwhich
actsofviolenceareregardedinthewilderness，andsuchtheimmunityanarmedruffian
enjoysbeyondthebarriersofthelaws，thattheonlypunishmentthisdesperadomet
with，wasarebukefromtheleaderoftheparty。Thetrappersnowleftthesceneofthis
infamoustragedy，andkeptonwestward，downthecourseoftheriver，whichwound
alongwitharangeofmountainsontherighthand，andasandy，butsomewhatfertile
plain，ontheleft。Astheyproceeded，theybeheldcolumnsofsmokerising，asbefore，in
variousdirections，whichtheirguiltyconsciencesnowconvertedintoalarmsignals，toarousethecountryandcollectthescatteredbandsforvengeance。Afteratime，thenativesbegantomaketheirappearance，andsometimesin
considerablenumbers，butalwayspacific；thetrappers，however，suspectedthemof
deep-laidplanstodrawthemintoambuscades；tocrowdintoandgetpossessionof
theircamp，andvariousothercraftyanddaringconspiracies，which，itisprobable，
neverenteredintotheheadsofthepoorsavages。Infact，theyareasimple，timid，
inoffensiverace，unpractisedinwarfare，andscarceprovidedwithanyweapons，
exceptingforthechase。Theirlivesarepassedinthegreatsandplainsandalongthe
adjacentrivers；theysubsistsometimesonfish，atothertimesonrootsandtheseeds
ofaplant，calledthecat”s-tail。TheyareofthesamekindofpeoplethatCaptainBonnevillefounduponSnakeRiver，andwhomhefoundsomildandinoffensive。Thetrappers，however，hadpersuadedthemselvesthattheyweremakingtheirway
throughahostilecountry，andthatimplacablefoeshungroundtheircamporbesettheir
path，watchingforanopportunitytosurprisethem。Atlength，onedaytheycametothe
banksofastreamemptyingintoOgden”sRiver，whichtheywereobligedtoford。Herea
greatnumberofShoshokoeswerepostedontheoppositebank。Persuadedtheywere
therewithhostileintent，theyadvanceduponthem，levelledtheirrifles，andkilledtwenty
fiveofthemuponthespot。Therestfledtoashortdistance，thenhaltedandturned
about，howlingandwhininglikewolves，andutteringthemostpiteouswailings。The
trapperschasedthemineverydirection；thepoorwretchesmadenodefence，butfled
withterror；neitherdoesitappearfromtheaccountsoftheboastedvictors，thata
weaponhadbeenwieldedoraweaponlaunchedbytheIndiansthroughouttheaffair。
Wefeelperfectlyconvincedthatthepoorsavageshadnohostileintention，buthad
merelygatheredtogetherthroughmotivesofcuriosity，asothersoftheirtribehaddonewhenCaptainBonnevilleandhiscompanionspassedalongSnakeRiver。ThetrapperscontinueddownOgden”sRiver，untiltheyascertainedthatitlostitselfina
greatswampylake，towhichtherewasnoapparentdischarge。Theythenstruckdirectly
westward，acrossthegreatchainofCaliforniamountainsinterveningbetweentheseinteriorplainsandtheshoresofthePacific。Forthreeandtwentydaystheywereentangledamongthesemountains，thepeaksand
ridgesofwhichareinmanyplacescoveredwithperpetualsnow。Theirpassesand
defilespresentthewildestscenery，partakingofthesublimeratherthanthebeautiful，
andaboundingwithfrightfulprecipices。Thesufferingsofthetravellersamongthese
savagemountainswereextreme：forapartofthetimetheywerenearlystarved；at
length，theymadetheirwaythroughthem，andcamedownupontheplainsofNew
California，afertileregionextendingalongthecoast，withmagnificentforests，verdant
savannas，andprairiesthatlookedlikestatelyparks。Heretheyfounddeerandother
gameinabundance，andindemnifiedthemselvesforpastfamine。Theynowturned
towardthesouth，andpassingnumeroussmallbandsofnatives，posteduponvariousstreams，arrivedattheSpanishvillageandpostofMonterey。Thisisasmallplace，containingabouttwohundredhouses，situatedinlatitude37°；
north。Ithasacapaciousbay，withindifferentanchorage。Thesurroundingcountryis
extremelyfertile，especiallyinthevalleys；thesoilisricher，thefurtheryoupenetrate
intotheinterior，andtheclimateisdescribedasaperpetualspring。Indeed，all
California，extendingalongthePacificOceanfromlatitude19°；30”to42°；north，isrepresentedasoneofthemostfertileandbeautifulregionsinNorthAmerica。LowerCalifornia，inlengthaboutsevenhundredmiles，formsagreatpeninsula，which
crossesthetropicsandterminatesinthetorridzone。Itisseparatedfromthemainland
bytheGulfofCalifornia，sometimescalledtheVermilionSea；intothisgulfemptiesthe
ColoradooftheWest，theSeeds-ke-dee，orGreenRiver，asitisalsosometimescalled。
Thepeninsulaistraversedbysternandbarrenmountains，andhasmanysandyplains，
wheretheonlysignofvegetationisthecylindricalcactusgrowingamongthecleftsof
therocks。Whereverthereiswater，however，andvegetablemould，theardentnatureof
theclimatequickenseverythingintoastonishingfertility。Therearevalleysluxuriantwith
therichandbeautifulproductionsofthetropics。Therethesugar-caneandindigoplant
attainaperfectionunequalledinanyotherpartofNorthAmerica。Thereflourishthe
olive，thefig，thedate，theorange，thecitron，thepomegranate，andotherfruits
belongingtothevoluptuousclimatesofthesouth；withgrapesinabundance，thatyield
agenerouswine。Intheinterioraresaltplains；silverminesandscantyveinsofgoldaresaid，likewise，toexist；andpearlsofabeautifulwateraretobefisheduponthecoast。ThepeninsulaofCaliforniawassettledin1698，bytheJesuits，who，certainly，asfaras
thenativeswereconcerned，havegenerallyprovedthemostbeneficentofcolonists。In
thepresentinstance，theygainedandmaintainedafootinginthecountrywithoutthe
aidofmilitaryforce，butsolelybyreligiousinfluence。Theyformedatreaty，andentered
intothemostamicablerelationswiththenatives，thennumberingfromtwenty-fiveto
thirtythousandsouls，andgainedaholdupontheiraffections，andacontrolovertheir
minds，thateffectedacompletechangeintheircondition。Theybuiltelevenmissionary
establishmentsinthevariousvalleysofthepeninsula，whichformedrallyingplacesfor
thesurroundingsavages，wheretheygatheredtogetherassheepintothefold，and
surrenderedthemselvesandtheirconsciencesintothehandsofthesespiritualpastors。
Nothing，wearetold，couldexceedtheimplicitandaffectionatedevotionoftheIndian
convertstotheJesuitfathers，andtheCatholicfaithwasdisseminatedwidelythrough
thewilderness。ThegrowingpowerandinfluenceoftheJesuitsintheNewWorldat
lengthexcitedthejealousyoftheSpanishgovernment，andtheywerebanishedfrom
thecolonies。Thegovernor，whoarrivedatCaliforniatoexpelthem，andtotakecharge
ofthecountry，expectedtofindarichandpowerfulfraternity，withimmensetreasures
hoardedintheirmissions，andanarmyofIndiansreadytodefendthem。Onthe
contrary，hebeheldafewvenerablesilverhairedpriestscominghumblyforwardtomeet
him，followedbyathrongofweeping，butsubmissivenatives。Theheartofthe
governor，itissaid，wassotouchedbythisunexpectedsight，thatheshedtears；buthe
hadtoexecutehisorders。TheJesuitswereaccompaniedtotheplaceoftheir
embarkationbytheirsimpleandaffectionateparishioners，whotookleaveofthemwith
tearsandsobs。Manyofthelatterabandonedtheirheriditaryabodes，andwanderedoff
tojointheirsouthernbrethren，sothatbutaremnantremainedinthepeninsula。The
FranciscansimmediatelysucceededtheJesuits，andsubsequentlytheDominicans；but
thelattermanagedtheiraffairsill。Buttwoofthemissionaryestablishmentsareat
presentoccupiedbypriests；therestareallinruins，exceptingone，whichremainsa
monumentoftheformerpowerandprosperityoftheorder。Thisisanobleedifice，once
theseatofthechiefoftheresidentJesuits。Itissituatedinabeautifulvalley，abouthalf
waybetweentheGulfofCaliforniaandthebroadocean，thepeninsulabeinghere
aboutsixtymileswide。Theedificeisofhewnstone，onestoryhigh，twohundredand
tenfeetinfront，andaboutfifty-fivefeetdeep。Thewallsaresixfeetthick，andsixteen
feethigh，withavaultedroofofstone，abouttwofeetandahalfinthickness。Itisnow
abandonedanddesolate；thebeautifulvalleyiswithoutaninhabitant——notahumanbeingresideswithinthirtymilesoftheplace！Inapproachingthisdesertedmission-housefromthesouth，thetravellerpassesover
themountainofSanJuan，supposedtobethehighestpeakintheCalifornias。From
thisloftyeminence，avastandmagnificentprospectunfoldsitself；thegreatGulfof
California，withthedarkblueseabeyond，studdedwithislands；andinanother
direction，theimmenselavaplainofSanGabriel。Thesplendoroftheclimategivesan
Italianeffecttotheimmenseprospect。Theskyisofadeepbluecolor，andthesunsets
areoftenmagnificentbeyonddescription。Suchisaslightandimperfectsketchofthisremarkablepeninsula。UpperCaliforniaextendsfromlatitude31°；10”to42°；onthePacific，and
inland，tothe
greatchainofsnow-cappedmountainswhichdivideitfromthesandplainsofthe
interior。Thereareabouttwenty-onemissionsinthisprovince，mostofwhichwere
establishedaboutfiftyyearssince，andaregenerallyunderthecareoftheFranciscans。
Theseexertaprotectingswayoveraboutthirty-fivethousandIndianconverts，who
resideonthelandsaroundthemissionhouses。Eachofthesehouseshasfifteenmiles
squareoflandallottedtoit，subdividedintosmalllots，proportionedtothenumberof
Indianconvertsattachedtothemission。Someareenclosedwithhighwalls；butin
generaltheyareopenhamlets，composedofrowsofhuts，builtofsunburntbricks；in
someinstanceswhitewashedandroofedwithtiles。Manyofthemarefarintheinterior，
beyondthereachofallmilitaryprotection，anddependententirelyonthegoodwillof
thenatives，whichneverfailsthem。Theyhavemadeconsiderableprogressinteaching
theIndianstheusefularts。Therearenativetanners，shoemakers，weavers，
blacksmiths，stonecutters，andotherartificersattachedtoeachestablishment。Others
aretaughthusbandry，andtherearingofcattleandhorses；whilethefemalescardand
spinwool，weave，andperformtheotherdutiesallottedtotheirsexincivilizedlife。No
socialintercourseisallowedbetweentheunmarriedoftheoppositesexesafterworking
hours；andatnighttheyarelockedupinseparateapartments，andthekeysdeliveredtothepriests。Theproduceofthelands，andalltheprofitsarisingfromsales，areentirelyatthe
disposalofthepriests；whateverisnotrequiredforthesupportofthemissions，goesto
augmentafundwhichisundertheircontrol。Hidesandtallowconstitutetheprincipal
richesofthemissions，and，indeed，themaincommerceofthecountry。Grainmightbe
producedtoanunlimitedextentattheestablishments，werethereasufficientmarketforit。Olivesandgrapesarealsorearedatthemissions。Horsesandhornedcattleaboundthroughoutallthisregion；theformermaybe
purchasedatfromthreetofivedollars，buttheyareofaninferiorbreed。Mules，whicharehereofalargesizeandofvaluablequalities，costfromseventotendollars。Thereareseveralexcellentportsalongthiscoast。SanDiego，SanBarbara，Monterey，
thebayofSanFrancisco，andthenorthernportofBondago；allaffordanchoragefor
shipsofthelargestclass。TheportofSanFranciscoistoowellknowntorequiremuch
noticeinthisplace。Theentrancefromtheseaissixty-sevenfathomsdeep，andwithin，
wholenaviesmightridewithperfectsafety。Twolargerivers，whichtaketheirrisein
mountainstwoorthreehundredmilestotheeast，andrunthroughacountry
unsurpassedforsoilandclimate，emptythemselvesintotheharbor。Thecountry
aroundaffordsadmirabletimberforship-building。Inaword，thisfavoredportcombines
advantageswhichnotonlyfititforagrandnavaldepot，butalmostrenderitcapableofbeingmadethedominantmilitarypostoftheseseas。SuchisafeebleoutlineoftheCaliforniancoastandcountry，thevalueofwhichismore
andmoreattractingtheattentionofnavalpowers。TheRussianshavealwaysashipof
waruponthisstation，andhavealreadyencroachedupontheCalifornianboundaries，
bytakingpossessionoftheportofBondago，andfortifyingitwithseveralguns。Recent
surveyshavelikewisebeenmade，bothbytheRussiansandtheEnglish；andwehave
littledoubt，that，atnoverydistantday，thisneglected，and，untilrecently，almost
unknownregion，willbefoundtopossesssourcesofwealthsufficienttosustaina
powerfulandprosperousempire。Itsinhabitants，themselves，arebutlittleawareofits
realriches；theyhavenotenterprisesufficienttoacquaintthemselveswithavast
interiorthatliesalmostaterraincognita；norhavetheytheskillandindustrytocultivate
properlythefertiletractsalongthecoast；nortoprosecutethatforeigncommercewhich
bringsalltheresourcesofacountryintoprofitableaction。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter39[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter39GaylifeatMonterey——Mexicanhorsemen——Abolddragoon——Useofthe
lasso——Vaqueros——Noosingabear——Fightbetweenabullandabear——Departurefrom
Monterey——Indianhorsestealers——Outragescommittedbythetravellers——Indignationof
CaptainBonnevilleTHEWANDERINGBANDoftrapperswaswellreceivedatMonterey，theinhabitants
weredesirousofretainingthemamongthem，andofferedextravagantwagestosuch
aswereacquaintedwithanymechanicart。Whentheywentintothecountry，too，they
werekindlytreatedbythepriestsatthemissions；whoarealwayshospitableto
strangers，whatevermaybetheirrankorreligion。Theyhadnolackofprovisions；being
permittedtokillasmanyastheypleasedofthevastherdsofcattlethatgrazethe
country，oncondition，merely，ofrenderingthehidestotheowners。Theyattendedbull-fightsand
horseraces；forgotallthepurposesoftheirexpedition；squanderedaway，
freely，thepropertythatdidnotbelongtothem；and，inaword，revelledinaperfectfool”sparadise。WhatespeciallydelightedthemwastheequestrianskilloftheCalifornians。Thevast
numberandthecheapnessofthehorsesinthiscountrymakeseveryoneacavalier。
TheMexicansandhalfbreedsofCaliforniaspendthegreaterpartoftheirtimeinthe
saddle。Theyarefearlessriders；andtheirdaringfeatsuponunbrokencoltsandwildhorses，astonishedourtrappers；thoughaccustomedtotheboldridersoftheprairies。AMexicanhorsemanhasmuchresemblance，inmanypoints，totheequestriansofOld
Spain；andespeciallytothevain-gloriouscaballeroofAndalusia。AMexicandragoon，
forinstance，isrepresentedasarrayedinaroundbluejacket，withredcuffsandcollar；
bluevelvetbreeches，unbuttonedatthekneestoshowhiswhitestockings；bottinasof
deerskin；around-crownedAndalusianhat，andhishaircued。Onthepommelofhis
saddle，hecarriesbalancedalongmusket，withfoxskinroundthelock。Heiscasedin
acuirassofdouble-folddeerskin，andcarriesabull”shideshield；heisforkedina
Moorishsaddle，highbeforeandbehind；hisfeetarethrustintowoodenboxstirrups，of
Moorishfashion，andatremendouspairofironspurs，fastenedbychains，jingleathis
heels。Thusequipped，andsuitablymounted，heconsidershimselfthegloryofCalifornia，andtheterroroftheuniverse。TheCalifornianhorsemenseldomrideoutwithoutthelaso[sic]；thatistosay，along
coilofcord，withaslipnoose；withwhichtheyareexpert，almosttoamiracle。Thelaso，
nowalmostentirelyconfinedtoSpanishAmerica，issaidtobeofgreatantiquity；andto
havecome，originally，fromtheEast。Itwasused，wearetold，byapastoralpeopleof
Persiandescent；ofwhomeightthousandaccompaniedthearmyofXerxes。Bythe
SpanishAmericans，itisusedforavarietyofpurposes；andamongothers，forhauling
wood。Withoutdismounting，theycastthenoosearoundalog，andthusdragittotheir
houses。Thevaqueros，orIndiancattledrivers，havealsolearnedtheuseofthelaso
fromtheSpaniards；andemployittocatchthehalf-wildcattlebythrowingitroundtheirhorns。Thelasoisalsoofgreatuseinfurnishingthepublicwithafavorite，thoughbarbarous
sport；thecombatbetweenabearandawildbull。Forthispurpose，threeorfour
horsemensallyforthtosomewood，frequentedbybears，and，depositingthecarcassof
abullock，hidethemselvesinthevicinity。Thebearsaresoonattractedbythebait。As
soonasone，fitfortheirpurpose，makeshisappearance，theyrunout，andwiththe
laso，dexterouslynoosehimbyeitherleg。Afterdragginghimatfullspeeduntilheis
fatigued，theysecurehimmoreeffectually；andtyinghimonthecarcassofthebullock，
drawhimintriumphtothesceneofaction。Bythistime，heisexasperatedtosuch
frenzy，thattheyaresometimesobligedtothrowcoldwateronhim，tomoderatehis
fury；anddangerouswoulditbe，forhorseandrider，werehe，whileinthisparoxysm，tobreakhisbonds。Awildbull，ofthefiercestkind，whichhasbeencaughtandexasperatedinthesame
manner，isnowproduced；andbothanimalsareturnedlooseinthearenaofasmall
amphitheatre。Themortalfightbeginsinstantly；andalways，atfirst，tothedisadvantage
ofBruin；fatigued，asheis，byhispreviousroughriding。Roused，atlength，bythe
repeatedgoringofthebull，heseizeshismuzzlewithhissharpclaws，andclingingto
thismostsensitivepart，causeshimtobellowwithrageandagony。Inhisheatandfury，
thebulllollsouthistongue；thisisinstantlyclutchedbythebear；withadesperateeffortheoverturnshishugeantagonist；andthendispatcheshimwithoutdifficulty。Besidethisdiversion，thetravellerswerelikewiseregaledwithbull-fights，inthegenuine
styleofOldSpain；theCaliforniansbeingconsideredthebestbull-fightersintheMexicandominions。AfteraconsiderablesojournatMonterey，spentintheseveryedifying，butnotvery
profitableamusements，theleaderofthisvagabondpartysetoutwithhiscomrades，on
hisreturnjourney。Insteadofretracingtheirstepsthroughthemountains，theypassed
roundtheirsouthernextremity，and，crossingarangeoflowhills，foundthemselvesin
thesandyplainssouthofOgden”sRiver；intraversingwhich，theyagainsuffered，grievously，forwantofwater。Inthecourseoftheirjourney，theyencounteredapartyofMexicansinpursuitofagang
ofnatives，whohadbeenstealinghorses。ThesavagesofthispartofCaliforniaare
representedasextremelypoor，andarmedonlywithstone-pointedarrows；itbeingthe
wisepolicyoftheSpaniardsnottofurnishthemwithfirearms。Astheyfinditdifficult，
withtheirbluntshafts，tokillthewildgameofthemountains，theyoccasionallysupply
themselveswithfood，byentrappingtheSpanishhorses。Drivingthemstealthilyinto
fastnessesandravines，theyslaughterthemwithoutdifficulty，anddrytheirfleshfor
provisions。Sometheycarryofftotradewithdistanttribes；andinthisway，theSpanish
horsespassfromhandtohandamongtheIndians，untiltheyevenfindtheirwayacrosstheRockyMountains。TheMexicansarecontinuallyonthealert，tointerceptthesemarauders；buttheIndians
areapttooutwitthem，andforcethemtomakelongandwildexpeditionsinpursuitoftheirstolenhorses。TwooftheMexicanpartyjustmentionedjoinedthebandoftrappers，andproved
themselvesworthycompanions。Inthecourseoftheirjourneythroughthecountry
frequentedbythepoorRootDiggers，thereseemstohavebeenanemulationbetween
them，whichcouldinflictthegreatestoutragesuponthenatives。Thetrappersstill
consideredtheminthelightofdangerousfoes；andtheMexicans，veryprobably，
chargedthemwiththesinofhorse-stealing；wehavenoothermodeofaccountingfor
theinfamousbarbaritiesofwhich，accordingtotheirownstory，theywereguilty；hunting
thepoorIndianslikewildbeasts，andkillingthemwithoutmercy。TheMexicansexcelled
atthissavagesport；chasingtheirunfortunatevictimsatfullspeed；noosingthemroundtheneckwiththeirlasos，andthendraggingthemtodeath！Sucharethescantydetailsofthismostdisgracefulexpedition；atleast，suchareallthat
CaptainBonnevillehadthepatiencetocollect；forhewassodeeplygrievedbythe
failureofhisplans，andsoindignantattheatrocitiesrelatedtohim，thatheturned，with
disgustandhorror，fromthenarrators。HadheexertedalittleoftheLynchlawofthe
wilderness，andhangedthosedexteroushorsemenintheirownlasos，itwouldbuthave
beenawell-meritedandsalutaryactofretributivejustice。Thefailureofthisexpedition
wasablowtohispride，andastillgreaterblowtohispurse。TheGreatSaltLakestill
remainedunexplored；atthesametime，themeanswhichhadbeenfurnishedso
liberallytofitoutthisfavoriteexpedition，hadallbeensquanderedatMonterey；andthe
peltries，also，whichhadbeencollectedontheway。Hewouldhavebutscantyreturns，
therefore，tomakethisyear，tohisassociatesintheUnitedStates；andtherewasgreat
dangeroftheirbecomingdisheartened，andabandoningtheenterprise。[ReturntoContents]Irving”sBonneville-Chapter40[ReturntoContents]WashingtonIrving”sTheAdventuresofCaptainBonnevilleChapter40Traveller”stales——Indianlurkers——PrognosticsofBuckeye——Signsandportents——The
medicinewolf——Analarm——Anambush——ThecapturedprovantTriumphofBuckeye——
Arrivalofsupplies——Grandcarouse——Arrangementsfortheyear——Mr。Wyethandhisnew-leviedband。THEhorrorandindignationfeltbyCaptainBonnevilleattheexcessesoftheCalifornian
adventurerswerenotparticipatedbyhismen；onthecontrary，theeventsofthatexpeditionwere
favoritethemesinthecamp。TheheroesofMontereyborethepalminallthegossipingsamong
thehunters。TheirglowingdescriptionsofSpanishbear-baitsandbull-fightsespecially，were
listenedtowithintensedelight；andhadanotherexpeditiontoCaliforniabeenproposed，thedifficultywouldhavebeentorestrainageneraleagernesstovolunteer。Thecaptainhadnotlongbeenattherendezvouswhenheperceived，byvarioussigns，that
Indianswerelurkingintheneighborhood。ItwasevidentthattheBlackfootband，whichhehad
seenwhenonhismarch，haddoggedhisparty，andwereintentonmischief。Heendeavoredto
keephiscamponthealert；butitisasdifficulttomaintaindisciplineamongtrappersatarendezvousasamongsailorswheninport。Buckeye，theDelawareIndian，wasscandalizedatthisheedlessnessofthehunterswhenan
enemywasathand，andwascontinuallypreachingupcaution。Hewasalittlepronetoplaythe
prophet，andtodealinsignsandportents，whichoccasionallyexcitedthemerrimentofhiswhite
comrades。Hewasagreatdreamer，andbelievedincharmsandtalismans，ormedicines，and
couldforetelltheapproachofstrangersbythehowlingorbarkingofthesmallprairiewolf。This
animal，beingdrivenbythelargerwolvesfromthecarcassesleftonthehuntinggroundsbythe
hunters，followsthetrailofthefreshmeatcarriedtothecamp。Herethesmelloftheroastand
broiled，minglingwitheverybreeze，keepsthemhoveringabouttheneighborhood；scenting
everyblast，turninguptheirnoseslikehungryhounds，andtestifyingtheirpinchinghungerby
longwhininghowlsandimpatientbarkings。TheseareinterpretedbythesuperstitiousIndians
intowarningsthatstrangersareathand；andoneaccidentalcoincidence，likethechance
fulfillmentofanalmanacprediction，issufficienttocoverathousandfailures。Thislittle，
whining，feast-smellinganimalis，therefore，calledamongIndiansthe“medicinewolf；“andsuchwasoneofBuckeye”sinfallibleoracles。Onemorningearly，thesoothsayingDelawareappearedwithagloomycountenance。His
mind
wasfullofdismalpresentiments，whetherfrommysteriousdreams，ortheintimationsofthe
medicinewolf，doesnotappear。“Danger，“hesaid，“waslurkingintheirpath，andtherewouldbe
somefightingbeforesunset。”Hewasbanteredforhisprophecy，whichwasattributedtohis
havingsuppedtooheartily，andbeenvisitedbybaddreams。Inthecourseofthemorningaparty
ofhunterssetoutinpursuitofbuffaloes，takingwiththemamule，tobringhomethemeatthey
shouldprocure。Theyhadbeensomefewhoursabsent，whentheycameclatteringatfullspeed
intocamp，givingthewarcryofBlackfeet！Blackfeet！Everyoneseizedhisweaponandranto
learnthecauseofthealarm。Itappearedthatthehunters，astheywerereturningleisurely，leading
theirmulewellladenwithprimepiecesofbuffalomeat，passedclosebyasmallstreamoverhung
withtrees，abouttwomilesfromthecamp。SuddenlyapartyofBlackfeet，wholayinambush
alongthethickets，sprangupwithafearfulyell，anddischargedavolleyatthehunters。Thelatter
immediatelythrewthemselvesflatontheirhorses，putthemtotheirspeed，andneverpausedto
lookbehind，untiltheyfoundthemselvesincamp。Fortunatelytheyhadescapedwithouta
wound；butthemule，withallthe“provant，“hadfallenintothehandsoftheenemyThiswasa
loss，aswellasaninsult，nottobeborne。Everymansprangtohorse，andwithrifleinhand，
gallopedofftopunishtheBlackfeet，andrescuethebuffalobeef。Theycametoolate；the
marauderswereoff，andallthattheyfoundoftheirmulewasthedentsofhishoofs，ashehad
beenconveyedoffataroundtrot，bearinghissavorycargotothehills，tofurnishthescamperingsavageswithabanquetofroastmeatattheexpenseofthewhitemen。Thepartyreturnedtocamp，balkedoftheirrevenge，butstillmoregrievouslybalkedoftheir
supper。Buckeye，theDelaware，satsmokingbyhisfire，perfectlycomposed。Asthehunters
relatedtheparticularsoftheattack，helistenedinsilence，withunruffledcountenance，then
pointingtothewest，“thesunhasnotyetset，“saidhe：“Buckeyedidnotdreamlikeafool！“AllpresentnowrecollectedthepredictionoftheIndianatdaybreak，andwerestruckwith
what
appearedtobeitsfulfilment。Theycalledtomind，also，alongcatalogueofforegone
presentimentsandpredictionsmadeatvarioustimesbytheDelaware，and，intheirsuperstitious
credulity，begantoconsiderhimaveritableseer；withoutthinkinghownaturalitwastopredict
danger，andhowlikelytohavethepredictionverifiedinthepresentinstance，whenvarioussignsgaveevidenceofalurkingfoe。ThevariousbandsofCaptainBonneville”scompanyhadnowbeenassembledforsometime
at
therendezvous；theyhadhadtheirfilloffeasting，andfrolicking，andallthespeciesofwildand
oftenuncouthmerrymaking，whichinvariablytakeplaceontheseoccasions。Theirhorses，as
wellasthemselves，hadrecoveredfrompastfamineandfatigue，andwereagainfitforactive
service；andanimpatiencebegantomanifestitselfamongthemenoncemoretotakethefield，andsetoffonsomewanderingexpedition。