Wilmington daily commercial., 1872-05-20
GENERAL.


A RIDE THReueH THE wEsF-THE OLD RUINS, OF
AN EXTINCT RAcE-BoArINo ON THE COLORADO.
Correspondents Of the Commercial.
TThe following letter from. DIR. Tonner was
written in january, but owing to the Doctors
leaving for a long tour through the Territory,
failed to be mailed until his return. His letter
enclosing it, is dated at Colorado River Indian
Reservation, April 80. ED.
General Crook having fortunately ordered an
other Delawarean, and former schooimate, to
command the troops stationed at our post We
left Prescott on January 10th, and drove to Camp
Vallapia. The first days route LAY over beau
tiful natural road, bordered by pines and oaks
with brown rocky mountains on either side Of the
valley, and far to tho North the San Francisco
mountain showing its pure White peak, although
seventy miles distant. To one ullaccustomed to
the fairfield atmosphere Of this dry region, the
correct estimationo of distances is impossible, and
many bets are won by the knowing settlers from
those having more confidence in their own judg-
ment than in the experience OF othera,
The Post is situated amoag pines and live
oaks, In pleasant valley On the North side,
the mountains are precipitous, and on one Of
them, almost inaccessible, are the ruins of q
large building, Whese history is now unknown.
II is supposed to have had the same origin as
those found along the Gia. Here we suffered
greatly from cold, the thermometer being at
zero, the elevation causing an average difference
Of thirty degrees between that region and hum
dred miles south or west. Y.--.r-.
The second day, we passed through fine gra-
zing country leaving on our right Gross Mountain,
q curious formation, rising with sloping sides
about a thousand feet above the plain, then
with perpendicular sides q hundred feet more,
forming an almost perfect Roman Gross, the
top pointing eastward. 1t is said that when the
Jesuits passed northward to found their Missions
they proposed building large church on it, but
were driven off by the Indians. We were anx-
ious to ascend but feared like treatment.
Within twenty miles is Fort Rock, about eight
hundred feet high and surmounted by the re.
mains OF fertilization, concerning which moth
ing is known. We found three men, here, try
ing to raise stock, but the Indians had run off
seven horses the week before. There was an
abundance of grass, and fine water within foot
Of the surface potatoes grew finely, and some
were said to have attained weight OF three
pounds. -'
Our fourth days ride took us to Camp Bsale
Springs, the most barren, rocky spot imaginable.
Troops were located here to control the Huala-
pals Indians who number about i've hundred
warriors beside non combatant. Those who
come in to remain are fed. They are more noted
for their thieying, than their murderous propen-
stiles. few months since they declared their
intention of going upon the war path, and tried
to have the Mojaves join them. The gallant
commanding officer, of the United States
troops with force Of twenty-three men at his
disposal sent fOTNthe chief and thus addressed
the commander OF nYe hundred - ID 1t Tor
peace yees are, Charley, oris it for war ? If its
war ye want, III move me whole command agin
yees, and there wont be a Wallahoop Of yees
left arter three weeks"
They dispersed. Between here and Fort Mojave
we crossed the range of mountains, in which the
celebrated Sacramento District il situated. Great
excitement existed regarding its promises, and
talk OF claims, number of feet, chlorides and
silver bricks 30 tired us, that we concluded
not to await the steamers arrival, but taking a
boat and two Indians, started on a trip of one
hundred and fifty miles down the Colorado river.
Our chief difficulty consisted in keeping Off the
sand bars, which sometimes necessitated the
jumping overheard of the party to tighten the
BOAT and push 1T off. The average depth is six
inches in low water; the channel, when discover
able, has about eigteen inches, and in this depth
the steamer runs without difficulty.
Not being able TO see the channel after dark,
we made fast to the bank, had fire built and
prepared supper. Coffee, crackers and fried
cheese formed the staples Of our meal, after
which we drew lots for the Watches Mine came
the earlier part of the night the hours dragged
YEARLY along, without even snore from my
| sleeping companions, to break the oppressive
| stiffness the Indian boatman occasionally
| moved their burning log to keep the Goals glow
ing, then doubling themselves around it with
their heads wrapped in a blanket, and their bod
les bare, they seemed to enjoy the most refresh
| lug Blumber,
The second night found us at Rancho, and
| the third in our Arizona home. Il.