The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1874-10-20
SHANKS' SON.

HIS SICKNESS WHILE ON HAYDEN's ExPLoR-
ING EXPEDITIoN-HIs MOTHERS HERoIsM
-CoNvALEsCENCE OF THE YOUNG MAN.
In the columns of the Denver Tribune is
found the following in regard 10 the son of
the Hon. j. p. c. Shanks of this State: The
messenger was dispatched by Prof. Hayden
from his division of geological survey, which
was making Investigations at the foot of Elk
Mountains, informing Mai. Stevenson, in
this city, of the serious illness of the son
of the. Hon. j. p. c. Shanks. member ofCon-
gress from Indiana, and directing him
10 come Immediately and devise
means for getting the sick man out of this
almost inaccessible locality. Major Steven
son started at once and arrived in Fairplay
in two days, where he awaited the arrival
of General and Mrs. Shanks, who had been
telegraphed for by Prot. Hayden. They
arrived at Granite few days after, and i'm
mediately the party started on horseback
for the Elk Mountains. Transportation was
very limited, and Mrs. Shanks, with heroic
determination, decided to visit her son with
the party. Although warned of the dangers
and difficulties attending such journey,
she still persisted in going. Accordingly
she was furnished with a small Indian
pony, which she rode astride-having
no stirrups, rude straps were impro-
vised in which she placed her feet. In this
manner Mrs. Shanks accompanied the party,
bDcfD 10 TAKE IQ6lT own BdlC, anu SD6
would surely follow, which she actually ac-
complished. The route was over two ranges
of mountains, and through a country re-
garded by Prof. Hayden as inaccessible to
all except mountaineers and the most in
trepid explorers. Deep gorges were crossed,
mense tracts of fallen timber traversed.
and, beside all this frequent and
severe snow storms were encountered. Yet
the party, in three days from their departure
from Granite, arrived at the camp. Here, in
an alkaline locality, in a rude hut, which
had been hastily built by the division,
young Shanks was found just barely alive.
His condition was somewhat improved from
the day before, but still he was far from be-
ing
OUT OF DANGER,
yet recognized with joy his father and moth
er and Major Stevenson. The following
day he was moved half a mile for the pur-
pose of obtaining purer water and fresh
camp. Here several days were spent in con-
structingan apparatus which would be adapted
to the delicate condition of the patient, and
the rough nature of the country which he
must traverse. The apparatus consisted of
two long poles, about 80 feet in length, with
two braces far enough apart to admit of
the body of the sick man in
horizontal position. Between the
braces, cords were woven. Over the frame
WILLOWS W6r6 Dent, upon WHICH canvas was
placed to protect the sufferer from storms.
TO the larger end of these poles mule was
attached, being provided with rude bar
ness. The smaller ends of the poles being
timber, were left to drag upon the ground.
This contrivance was found TO meet all eme-
gencies, and even surpassed the expectations
of the entire party. The sick man made bat
few complaints of being Jared by this
method of transportation. The early part of
the return trip was over sage brush and
across large streams, and other impediments
spoken of above, yet five miles was made
the first day, 10 miles the second, and the
latter part of the journey 25 and 80 miles per
day. The party reached Twin Lakes in
safety, the condition of the young man be-
ing much improved, on the 10Th Of Septsm-
Der last; and the rapidly recovering man,
with his friends, viii probably arrive in
Denver tomorrow. The members Of the
Hayden party have become much attached
to the young man on account of his indus
try, energy. and amiable character, and it is
with great pleasure to them, as well as to the
anxious parents that he was safely brought
Jrom the wilderness,