The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-04-09
lFrom the Pictorial Drawing Room Companion
THE TRAPPER'S DAUGHTER.
A WESTERN SKETCH.
BY DR.. J. II. ROBINSON,

About two years ago, found myself a
ST. Louis, on my wav 10 Fort Laramie
and the wild regions of the West. was
influenced in my movements, partly by the
love Of gain; | was also the bearer OF gov.
ernmet dispatches Of some Importance.
Alter completing my outfit at ST. Louis
lrcsolved to empty two royageurs, and go
as far as Council Bluffs, in canoe, whence
having procured horse from some
friendly lndians-I would make the best
OF my way to the North Fork of the Platte
River.
Having decided upon this course, be-
gan to look about for the proper person 70
assist me in carrying out my plans. Voy-
ageurs were plenty, but most of them were
drunken. rollicking fellows, not fit to be
trusted; and even those of this character
would not engage themselves while they
had cent Of money 10 make merry with.
After considerable delay, and great deal
of bargaining, two individuals were enga-
ged. TO describe them would he work
of some difficulty, and shall condense
what | have to say of them as much as
possible.
Vanburton was as ugly compound of
French and Indian blood, as could be
found between St. Louis and the Rocky
Mountains. lie was short in stature. and
remarkably muscular. His face was COW
cred with dirty beard OF some months
growth, and it was subject of some Curl
osity 10 me to know how he could insinuate
his foOI thrptIuh cuc, E,ro,t ~ h,;,
But was soon convinced that he expe.
rienced no difficulty in finding his mouth,
especially when whisky was to be disposed
of. His dress consisted of leathern hunt.
ing shirt and deer-skin breeches. He nev-
er conversed, but answered all questions
by series Of grunts, far from musical.
His worthy companion differed from him
quite materially in person. lie was taller
and more symmetrical, but no less ugly in
feature. Inever heard him called by any
other name than "Nick," which cognomen
appeared to answer his purpose just as we'll
as longer one. He belonged to no par
ticular race of men, but seemed mixture
Of all; and among what people he will be
classed, when all the tribes and kindred
Of the earth shall be gathered together for
final adjustment Of human affairs, is a
subject which puzzles me not little. Per-
haps he will "turn up'' Mexican; per-
haps French Canadian; perhaps an In.
dian; possibly Negro, but it's my hum
BILE opinion that he will find his relations
among these varieties OF men.
Nick was not much more talkative than
Vanburton, and loved whisky quite as well.
Everything being in readiness, left St.
Louis with my two voyageurs, but not
greatly proposed in favor Of either. |
soon discovered, not much to my satsfac-
ton, that Vanburton kept his eyes upon
small keg Of brandy which | had taken
with me; and that Nick had fallen in love
with my excellent rife; in short, both par
ties regarded my superior outfit with envi-
Gus eyes. My silver mounted "rsvolvers,
with their elaborate workmanship and cast
steel barrels, were obviously, in their esti-
nation, objects to be coveted.
= reached Westport without accident
When had passed it fairly, and found
myself getting into the Indian country, the
voyageurs began to talk in an unintelligi.
Die iargon. Their usual apathy and indif.