Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1823-07-17

terest and variety to the scenery. TIE
wolves sometimes attack the butfaloe
and whenever an attack is contemplu-
ted, company of from ten to twenty
divide into two parties, one of which
separates builaloe from his herd, and
pursues him, while the others head him
counted twenty one wolves one morn
ing in chase of this kind.
We still continue meandering the Ar
kansas, but travel very slowly in conse-
quence of the continued i'll health Of
some Of the party. Our horses here for
the first time attempted to leave the
encampment; and one strayed of which
we never saw afterwards.
The water of the river is here clear,
although the current is muchmore rapid
than where we first struck it, It's bed has
gradually become narrower, and its
channel consequently deeper. The grass
in the low lands is still ver,lcnt. but in
the high prairie it is so short that rat
tie snake, of which their are vast num-
bers here. may he seen at the distance
Of fifty yards they inhabit holes in the
ground,
On The 9Th, we discovered lake,
which had every appearance of being
strongly impregnated with saltpeter.--
Our horses having become very weak
from fatigue and the ,infitness of their
food, we encamped three DAYS to re-
cruit them and dress Some skins for mo-
casihs; during which time we killed
three goats and some other game.
On the 2ist We arrived at the forks
of the river. and took the course of The
left hand one. The cliffs become inn
mensely high, and the aspect of thd
country is rugged, wild, and dreary.--
On the evening of the esd, we heard
the report OF gun, which is the first
indication OF our beingin the mel ghbout-
hood of Indians.
As vet, we have encountered no diff
fculty for water, but have been desti-
tute Of bread, or even salt, for several
weeks.
On the 9Th we saw large focl1s of
mountain sheep. one (which | killed.
1t had long thick hair; its colour of a
dirty blue, with very fine fur next the
skin; black streak extended from its
head to- its tail, which is short. and of
lighter colour than the body its
rump and hams were very similar to
those of our domestic sheep
We had now some cliffs to ascend,
which presented difficulties almost in
surmountable, and we were laboriously |
engaged nearly two days in rolling a
way large rocks, before we attempted
TO get our horses up, and even then one
fell, and was bruised TO death. At length |
we had the qualification of finding our
selves on the open plain; and two days
travel brought us to the Canadian
Fork, whose rugged cliffs again threa-
tened to interrupt our passage, which
we finally effected with considerable
difficulty.
November lst, we experienced a
keen northwest wind. accompanied
with some snow. Having been now
travelling about fifty days, Our diet |
altogether different from what we had |
been accustomed to, and unexpect- d |
hardships and obstacles occurring al
most daily, our company is much dis
couraged; but the prospect of the near
termination of our journey excites hope
and redoubled exertion, although our |
horses are so much reduced that we |
only travel from g to Is miles per day. |
We found game scarce near the noun
tains, and one night encamped without
wood or water On the 4th, and several
subsequent days, found the country |
more level and pleasant-discovered "a
bundance Of iron ore, and saw many |
wild horses. After several days descent |
towards Rock river. on Monday, the |
10th, we struck trial, and found Sc !
veral other indications which induced
us to believe that the inhabitants had
here herded their cattle and sheep
Timber, consisting of pine and cotton
wood. is more plentiful than we have
found it for some time.
On Tuesday, the 18th, we had the |
satisfaction of meeting party ofSpan-
ish troops. Although the difference of
our language would not admit of con-
versation, yet the circumstances at
tending their reception of us, fully con-
vinced us of their hospitable disposition
and friendly feelings. Being likewise
in strange country, and subject to
their disposition, our wishes lent their
aid to increase our confidence in their
manifestations of kindness. The dis
cipline of the officers was strict, and the
subsection ofthe men appeared utmost
servile. We encamped with them that