The avant courier. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1871-1872, 1872-04-04
head d the Ms assus Il property throughout the set sne

N, NJ. I.
destruction Of property throughout the set
Elements.
This perilous state of afElirs continued un-
til the spring Of 1866, WIN Col. John Boze-
na.l-n whose honor the metropolis of Eas-
tern Montana WAS l,anled-was horribly
murdered ky Indians within days ride Of
the settlements. and another prom inent citi-
zen who was with him made hair-breadth
escape. The survivors, horse was not yet
cool alter his arrival at Bozeman, when re-
liable scouts CAME in with the alarming news
that the ferocious Red Cloud and his blood
thirsting followers were marching on the
settlements with the intention OF numbering
all the whites, running off their stock, and
giving. to the flames their improvements.
And that these fearful threats. would have
been carried into execution, had it not been
for the protective measures Immediately in
ang,,rated b. acting governor Thomas Fran-
els Meagher, there scannot be the slightest
doubt, I lied Cloud was raatly coming. As
it was, the effect was disastrous enough
business. in all its branches, was paralyzed;
and those having families abandoned their
honesteads and fed for their lives. The.
call OF the Executive for troops was respond
ed to promptly and with enthusiasm in all
parts of the Territory. but for a while it was
feared the protective movement would utterly
fail and the valley be given over to rapine
and destruction, owing to the general un-
willingness on the part Of the merchants to
advance supplies. At this critical juiciu 2
it was that Col I.eander NJ. Black, a capitalist
of rare sagacity aud enterprise, and hu
mantarisn in the fullest sense of the word,
came forward and made himself the savior
OF Eastern Montana.
OUR ILLUSTRATION. Ss#f
The surveyors have been through the pass
shown at the right OF our cut, and it is con-
sitlered the best route for the Northern Pa
cific r. r. The mountains in the vicinity Of
the town are rough and pgecipitots, but the
valley is covered with fields Of grain. At the
mouth OF, the pass Isl Situated Fort Ellis,
erected there some time since. The build
ings are substantial, the lumber from which
most ot them are built being abundant near
by. The -four mill is seen short distance
this side of the mountains. Besides the nc
tells, which may be recognized, the stores
and, public buildings are ON Main street. The
residence of Col Black. on Black street. IS
the house surrounded By trees. in front Of
which stands horse and buggy.
II. VI. &
The above Interesting sketch of the settle
nent and development Of the Gallatin VAL
ley is from the versatile pen Of VIM. u
Murray, Esq., the travelling agent and cores
rondent Of the Pacific Rural and s. r. sciehli-s
tiic Press-in both Of which papers It ap-
pears. III The result Of data collected BY
him during his trip through Montana last
tall. Mr.. Murray gives such a comprehensive
history Of the rise and progress Of the indus-
trial resources Of the valley, and pays such an
eloquent tribute 70 the energy, enterprise,
and undaunted courage OF the pioneers
through whose instrnmcntaTty this beautiful
valley. but i few years since a bowling will
derness, has been made to .sblossom as the
rose. = that we publish it entire, as not only
being Of interest 30 the general reader, but
indicative Of the favorable impression left
upon the minds Of all who have examined IN
to the present condition and future prospects
Of this most favored portion Of the Ear West.
We may now confidently say that the dark
and perilous days in Montana's history are
fairly oyer-that the future dawns before us
without cloud. The eyes Of America and
Of the world are upon her to-day as the most
promising andinyiting Of all the Territories
and henceforward she win be the chosen
field of literary and pleasure seeking tourists
and honest adyenturers for new hemes and
befter fortune from all parts Of the world.
Tae world ii ii last dIsabused of The false
and damaging Impression, TO long preya-
Isnt, thal II Mleenfsaas owing e her no',ntain-
gus character md SEQ rsnhical position, y
os high Aericeltural develop
nent ;;the truth i II Inst firmly established.
Irom The personal obseryations and reports
Y those whose ysraeity oapnct b inpeach-
q, that she 4 not only Z region Without 1
j y y