The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-11-17
INKLINGS FROM THE FRONTIER;
LIFE ON THE PLAINS AND ADVENTURES IN
THE TENTED FIELD.
CAMP ON EPSON CREEK.
IL

CAMP ON EPSON CREEK.
To the Editor the National Era:
Epson Creek is so called from the peculiar
quality of its water, which tastes as would a
quart of rain water impregnated with table
spoonful of EPSON salts. The peculiar flavor
Of this water renders it unpleasant and almost
undrinkable for the men, but the horses and
other animals seem to like it better than water
not thus impregnated. We, after some search.
ing, found fine pool of pure rain water, held
by red clay reservoir, and shaded from the
suns rays by the steep clay banks of ravine,
from whence we carried water for drinking and
making coffee. The grass inthe vicinity being
Of sufficient quantity and good quality, the
commanding officer, with the consent of the
doctor, determined to remain encamped for
several days.
After the tents were pitched, took my fowl
ng.piece, and strolled down the creek on foot,
for the purpose of bagging few young turkeys,
rabbits, grouse, quails, to fry, broi, or roast
at supper, for our mess, one of whom had prom
ised to make spot" of extra-good and strong
coffee, while another undertook to have ready a
lot Of fne tempting, warm biscuits. / had not
proceeded more than mile before succeeded
in "bagging hare, three grouse, and two
quails, and was about returning with my game,
when l noticed that stream of fresh blood
had recently been trickling over the short
grass. Some wounded and bleeding thing OF
life had certainly but just passed that way.
From the manner the blood, still warm, was
sprinkled on the grass, whatever it was had
been going up out of the creek and passing
through spur of scrubby oaks. Ny hounds
had not followed me, and my only canine COM
paniQp was small setter, who evinced great
fear, and appeared reluctant to follow the trail
of blood, unless accompanied by me. So we
set out together in a tour of discovery, the set
ter being very careful not to get far in advance
of me. On nearing the outskirts Of the grove,
| espied very large panther, Indeed he ap-
peared as large as a mule) standing over the
dead body of fine, large deer which he had
Just slain, and was doubtless carrying to his
female companion and her young whelps in
their cavern home in some neighboring canon
like ravine. His majesty had doubtless dis
covered Tasso, the setter, who was little to
nv right, for he had assumed halfcrouching
position, and was closely watching the move
ments of the little fellow, but seemed determin-
ed not to be frightened out of his "resting
SPELL" | cautiously gained a nearer proximi-
ty, and, taking aim right at the small Of his
back, fred. The shot took effect for his pan
thershp suddenly bounded forward with quick
and painful howl. But the faithful mate and
father, though wounded, had no idea of relin-
gushing his prize, aud returned, took up the
deer as large dog would rabbit, and was
about 10 bound off with it, when / pulled trig-
ger, and gave him the contents of my other
barrel Just behind the left shoulder. The last
barrel discharged had a heavier load of larger
shot than the first, and therefore more serious
effect. The poor fellow uttered sharp shrek,
bounded high in the air, fell heavily to the
ground, and rolled over several times in ex-
eruciating agony after which, he rose to his
feet, and doubtless would either have engaged
me in hand.to hand fight, or relinquished the
field and fed, but while he was going through
his painful contortions, / drew my revolver,
charged upon him, and, just as he gained his
feet, sent pistolball through his brain. He
fell forward, and turned on his side to breathe
his last But did not relish the idea of trust
ing anything to so formidable and ferocious an
animal, and did not cease firing until had
put the six balls through his huge skull.
By this little adventure, added a fine deer
to our larder, and wofully disappointed Mrs.
Panther and her family of young ones in their
anticipations Of delicious supper. This pam
Their is one of the largest | ever saw-measur-