The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1865-11-25

From Mr.. James Grant, who left Portland
Thursday evening on the steamer Active for
Victoria, W obtain the following facts. They
certainly constitute a history Of the most
pafhfui suffering VIC have ever been called
upon to record, and which will carry to the
mind of the reader q gloomy realization Of
tho trials, suHerings, and dangers which be.
set the path Of the prospector when penetrat-
ing and exploring unknown regions in
search Of gold. On tho 10th day of Janua.
~ last Joseph De Shields. Jermiah Cross,
Joseph Woods, Alexander Dorrell and our
informant started from the town of Cotton
wood-the County Scat Of Deer Lodge conn-
", Montana Territory. and after prospect.
ing Carpenters Bar they crossed the Rocky
Mountains to Helena, where they procured
the services of an old Frenchman 10 act as
guide, and proceeded to explore the country
about the headwaters of the Mariah-one of
The tributaries Of the Missouri river. The
company were proyisioned with six months
supplies and carried with thcm all the nee
essary arms, tools, and utensils the miners
camp and vocation requires. On the 10th
they reached the base of the mountains, and
not expecting Indians in section OF country
20 remote, they ta1hed their animals loose
d Craze, and after the usual fepast, and
resting and smokn around their camp
fre-seeling every sc surity-they Law down
20 enjoy tia SQUAD and refreshing sleep
voucheafed only to the hardy miner and
naeuntaineer. On tho following morning
their horses were not to be found presum-
ing theyhad etrayed, the party-after break
fast-startcd to find them, and after hours
q fraitless search they returned from their
several directions TO find their camp strip
ped Of everything they had possessed save
their buffalo robes. Realizing their situa-
ton, that their horses and supplies had been
stolen by some wandering band Of hostile
Indians, they started ON the morning Of the
2Ist to retrace their steps. They werc then
50 miles above the Marian among its tribu-
nries. Weary, hungry, and stripped of
horses and provisions, they began their
mazsh-through a drizzling snow, back to
TIE Big Bend Of the Marian. The storm be.
came more severe and violent as the desti.
tute men plodded on their way. On the 18th
they reached the Big Bend, where they found
wood and built a Ere by which they thawed
tAetT frozen feet, and became concious OF
their deplorable and helpless situation-the
W1cn not aware of the fact until they found
wood and built q IRE. Thoughts Of home
crowded upon the mind Of Ross. and as the
R4bSRSLt u ACA<AA ~ SUCH q HlUCSe anu uuAIE
such q place, and under such circumstances
appeared iaesitable, he wept aloud. Dc
Shields observed that they were g all in the
same fix, " that there was " no use in crying
about it, that they would "all die togeth.
CT, and find m " end to their troubles y
The Whole company, with the exception of
Grant, wire helpless. Directed by the old
Frenehman, Grant-thoagh badly frozen
started from their camp, determined to find
saceor and assistance for the party or perish
alone IN the attempt. lie dragged his fro
zeu Sect oyer a distance Of IS miles in four
days and reached an Indian trading post on
b Mafiah. One Mexican, accompanied by
eleven Indians with horses and supplies
started from the post the following day after
Grants arrival there, to relieve the frozen
and starving men. Nine days elapsed from
b time the Indians stole their horses and
supplies TO thctiupw the mriraf Of the rcs.
cueing party, and during the interim one
prairie chicken, shot by De Shields, was ell
the 1ood partaken Of by the party. None Of
them were able to walk step, and had il
not been for the unconquerabie resolution
and perseverance, Of Ross they must all have
persisted. He would crawl upon his hands
and knees, and break and gather twigs and
sticks, which he would tie together, take the
N4AA41o " HIS EcCeug ddA0 0H6k I1Cm " TIT
camp fire to keep up warmth and life In his
HELPLESS e-ompanions.
Stormy weather continued from January 18th to
ApF2 sfh. Exposed to the severity Of the Meathez
the party Were compelled 20 remain IN camp On the
Big Bend. On April 9Th the frozen men were put
upon tEivorA end hauled to st. Peters, or Blackfoot
Mission, 81 the Missouri river, where they were
resolved By Father Juraey and Father Amenda-
Italian Fr1ests-Kho extended % thsm more than
hospitality and more than humanity. Some gro
cezles, buaalo meat and aoRr, constituted the sup
piss At ths Mission, and ths Priests were on an
allowance of bread bat they denied themselves
ana gave their portion 70 the suffering party.
GresA Woods, Dorren, the french guide, and De
6h1elds all lost their feet De Shields sharpened
sss butcher knife on 8 stons and cut of his own
MI The feet Of the remainder of che partv were
mp1taSsd 81 the Mexiean and the Indians. The
- g Hrnnt we're badly frozen, and aIfhough some
g re bQnes came out, be expects in time to be
s1le 70 uear boots again. His feet look as If they
- eesn Eeundea, barned aud erisped With 4 hot
zen De6helds and Grant were pioneers in the
1870 ce1ntIy, and are well known IN British
SaA1aax ms good Priests refused an remuner-
z-lsn, elt the unfortunate adFenturers-lfbaral a
e-sy Nste fearless and braye-cempelled them to
aecspfthe sum Of $500, and long as ANY oftha aartv
1s1starant says9 they viii never cease Is fasl
sesak1M and grateful 60 fhe Priests Of 81. peterss
@zszl2n 19r extending to Hem tho hospitslitv
AreserKea their3ixes, AID who exhibited such
@l9g extdonee that all men are brother.
h-5Ss.eeks eSter Grant left the same Indians who
insos mem nassacreda party of nine Amer
e~esse-aooe negro who Ecre engaged in survey
As 1aeAn Ae 4 the month Of the Mariah.