Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-06-30
nailp Asnnebet yomrnal.
A THRILLING SCENE.

letter TO the Omana Herald, uateu
.sOld Militia Camp, on the Yellowstone,
May H." says;
a party composed of Jules Farrar,
Pierre Bernard, Ike Hedges, George Hen
den, a Grow Indian, and the undersigned,
left this place on the 18th of March, for
trip to the almost unknown falls OF the
Yellowstone.
On the I'd of April, about 10 A. NJ. we
halted at the base of some foot hills, there
being some sign of gold, and commenced
sinking a hole. We had not proceeded
long with our work before we were start
led by seeing our Crow Indian running
swiftly towards us. He reported small
band of Indians, known as "Sheep Eat
ers,n distant about four miles above, and
in the same canon. We felt no great I'M
easiness, however, knowing full well that
with our improved fire arms we would be
enabled to overcome fifty of the sneaking
red devils.
The same night our pack-horses, three
in number, were run off by the sheep
Eaters we started in pursuit before day
light, and the sun was not more than fif-
teen minutes high when we struck their
trail. From the appearance of the same,
it was evident that they had at least four
hours the start ofus. Upon questioning our
guide, we ascertained that the valley We
were in, and which their trail followed,
was bordered on both sides by precipitous
mountains. and there was no possible
mode of egress save by the upper end of
the valley, which opened to the Yellow
stone but short distant above one of the
falls.
No sooner was this information ELECTED
than away we sped in pursuit. After
nearly three hours sharp riding we came
upon the band, and in such manner as TO
cause us some surprise, about midway in
the stream. where could be seen hastily
constructed rsfs, composed of drifl-wood
Joined together by thongs made of buck
skin and buffalo robes. Upon this strange
Graf were seen. in the centre, thirteen
braves, while FIVE squaws were essaying
to paddle the unwieldly craft to the oppo
site shore, with pieces of bark as substi
tutes for paddles. Our pack horses were
in the river, and also were the Indian
ponies. Four of the latter reached the
opposite shore.
This strange sight bursting upon our
view rendered US, Tor the time being inca
pable of action, At a glance we could see
that they were gradually going down
stream, despite the efforts of the squaws. |
and although our senses for the moment
forsook us, the sharp crack of a rifle and
the yell of sheep Eater. told that the
equanimity of our Crow gnide was well
preserved. At this juncture Pierre Bern
ard shouted out, .For Gods sake. boys, |
don't murder them; they are bound to go
over the falls We looked out and a /
sight met our gaze which was fearfully
impressive.
The raft having been caught in an eddy, |
not vestige of it was to be seen, it having
sunk several inches below the surface,
and the Indians seemed to be like so many
weird spirits floating on the rushing wa
tiers. One of the Indians rose, and, bend |
ing his bow, shet our Crow through the
arm. The shot was returned, and again
a yell of pain was heard proceeding from
'sSheep Eater" Bernard then told the
Crow, in his own dialect, to stop firing,
but he paid no attention to the command. |
Again he raised his rifle, but a lariat skill
fully thrown by Pierre held him fast The
scene now presented was one which those
who Witnessed twill not forget to their dy
ing day.
The mid-chanpel, in which they were
now swiftly gliding down, seemed to be
clear of distractions, while on either side
Jagged rocks peered out from the foaming
water. When abont fifty yards below
where we were standing, an old Indian
arose and stood erect in the centre of
circle of braves. He spoke few words,
turned his face towards the sun and SEEM
ingly babe it farewell; then wrapping his
robe around him he sat down The sqnaws
Immediately flung their pieces of bark in
to the river, threw themselves on the
submerged raft and commenced pulling
out their long tresses. in the meanwhile
screaming and bowling more like demons
than human beings.
Indians seated in the circle shook hands,
and then commenced wailing their always
mournful death song. Nearer, nearer,
they approached the fearful abyss, still
not q movement was perceptible on the
part of the braves. They sat rs immova-
bic as statues, and did not quake with fear
at the near approach of the king of Ter
rors. As they shot swiftly down the
stream, our party instinctively raised their
hats while looking at them, and doubt if
there was one, except the Crow, who did
not show signs of visible emotion.
We turned from the spot with indescrib-
able feelings. As we take our last look at
the treacherous stream, where eighteen
mortals passed from life to death, we dis
Germ lowering over the fatal precipice two
large eagles, whose screams resound
above the noise of the waters. The roar
of the cataract and the eagles scream
what fit requiem for these departed red
children