Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-08-16

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Brignoli seen-An old Roud discoU-
ered--Starpdtion- The Rocky Moan
tains--Horse killed for Food.
The complexion of the country now
compelled US to abandon our old
course, northwest, and travel almost
in southerly direction. 1t was ev-
ideut enough that there was a stream
north Of US of no inconsiderable size,
but the intervening country was so cut
up with hills and gullies that we found
it impossible TO reach it. Go ahead in
some directions we must, and on the
morning of the 9th we struck off to
the northwest.
The country over which we passed
was exceedingly Rough, and for the sake
of our poor horses at least we wished
ourselves back upon the smooth prai-
RE. Many oftheir shoes were torn of
by the rocks and unused to go without
them their feet became so tender they
could move with difficulty. Add to
this the circumstances that We had moth
ing whatever to eat and the reader can
readily imagine our calculation was
any thing but pleasant or agreeable.
In the afternoon of the 8lh Of Sep
tember-I never can forget the date
we came to a beautiful stream
of fresh water the bed of which was
some fifty yards in width, At the time
it was low and we forded it with ease.
In the vicinity of this river, which
many thought 10 be the South Fork
Of the Canadian although a majority
set it down as the Red River. we
found trees cut down evidently by
Mexicans. Remnants of old cars
standards and wheels were also dis
covered, plainly showing that the
place had been visited by other than
Indians, although apparently some
years previous,
After crossing the stream we pro-
ceeded along the northern bank until
dark, when we encamped. The next
day we pursued our journey occa-
sionally close in upon the river banks
and then out upon sand mills, as the
turns in the stream threw US of. Plums
Of unusual size and rare flavor were
found among these sterile hills, tho
bushes not more than eighteen inches
high bnt thriving luxuriantly in the
sand. Ripe or green they were alike
swallowed by our starving men. Fine
grapes were also found, and these shar-
ed the same fate.
1t was this day, and while two of
our party were out some distance
from the main body in quest Of plums,
that our whilome guide; the runaway
Carlos, was seen in company with
the Italian Brignoli. They stated that
they had been lost for nearly a month
were half starved, and begged earnes-
tly for some provisions! Their bag
gard looks spoke plainly that they had
endured the greatest suffering. With
a promise that they would come in to
our camp at night the men left them.
Carlos was not seen again until after |
was taken prisoner. He probably fear
fear that we might shoot him, and for
that reason kept out of our way, and
we were too weak and our horses too
much jaded TO start in pursuit.
On the 10Th we found what appear
ed to be on old road, and also an old
deserted Mexican Camp. The road
we followed until it was lost upon the
prairie. Some twenty miles ahead three
large mountains were discovered which
come nearer the description given of
TIE CrO,cs by Carlos than any we had
noticed previously. 1t looked, too, as
though we could discover a pas
sage through the long chain of hills
which RIM off to the north-an opening
resembling the Angosfuras l have be-
fore mentioned-but we had been 81
often deceived that few ofus could now
anticipate any such good luck.
In the meantime our men were dri-
ven nearly to desperation by hunger.
Little or no order could be preserved
by the officers, and they scattered
about in nearly every direction hunt
ing for plums, grapes and such game
as might fall in their way. Few deer
or antelopes were seen; and they were
SO shy it was impossible to shoot
them, but in place Of them every tor
toise and snake, every living and
creeping thing was seized upon by our
furnishing men with an avidity that
nothing but the direst hunger could
bring about. Occasionally a skunk
or polecat would reward some more
fortunate than the reSl; but seven ont
of every ten of US were compelled to
put up with nothing.
The evening Of the 10th came and
we had lost all trace Of road. That
passage must be forced through the
high chains Of mountains and rough
looked hills before us was evident
enough. Although we were not aware
of itat the time they proved 10 be spurs
of the Rocky Mountains, and as the
sun gradually sunk behind thema cold
breeze sprapg up from the north-o asst.
| If Il, Il 3