Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1878-06-01
South of Dodge.

drawn by horses is a luxury not often en-
loved by ono TO whom time is valuable;
but as the Dodge City. Camp Supply and
Southern railway is not yet completed,
and Professor Edison is too busy with his
photograph to manufacture flying rigs.
the next best mode of conveyance oyer the
prairie to the south, is the good old way
by stage. U. S. Paymaster BrOdhcad.
who, accompanied by Mr.. Bassett. his
clerk, makes an overland trip every two
months to disburse funds among the
military, rendered n seat in his ambu-
lance, shelter from the night>winds under
dations. together making the frontier
hardships" assume almost a palace car
ASPECT. IL is needless to say that the
Paymaster's offer was accepted without
the least hesitation.
An escort of soldiers, with two four
mule teams, took care OF the baggage.
guarded the treasure in the iron box and
did the camp work. so nothing was left
for us to do but take IN the surroundings
as successfully presented to vlew-a mo-
potonus task, as the face of the country
along the route is of the same mould,
with very slight variations. from he start
ing point to tine terminus of our trip.
To strike Bluff Creek, after riding
TWENTY-FIVE miles without crossing a
stream, was something of relief. and
this was our camping place for the first
night, Youfhever hear any one ask why
this stream was named Bluff Creek. 1t
would have been q libel to give it any
other name, as the bluffs that rise on
either side its banks are as genuine an ar
ticle as the Creator ever made. and pre-
dominate over every other freak Of
nature. They may not be as ''frownlng.'
n n a ~ a -
mountain bluffs we read of in dime
novels, but they are the pure, unvarnisb-
sd Kansas butt, rising a hundred feet or
more above the level Of the stream. The
camp was struck on little plateau, not
far from Maley's rancho. the most fashion,
able hotel in that vicinity, built Ia
tcckade, and of cedar.
Almost as soon as dark set in a DRILLING
rain commenced TO patter on the roof of
the tent. and We listened TO the strain
watchful rounds, his shadow now and
then falling on the canvas and his eagle
eye no doubt ever on the alert to detect
the festive mu!e fancier. We slept.
The next day We rode MP one little hill
and down the other side. with now and
trail led into the ugly bluffs and breaks of
Bear creek. In trying to arrive at some
indication of bears in the vicinity of this
creek have fearfuliy strained my imag-
nation. The only evidence TO the point
IS that of q weakened yot,ng man who
thought he saw a bear one dark night
about four years ago, but II might have
been only a lame goose. Bear creek af-
fords water Tor stock the year round Red
Hole, branch of Bear. some miles
further on, is full; of deep eave-iike holes,
walled up with blood-red clay.
In the evening of the cond day we
crossed the Cimarron, sixty miles from |
Dodge City, and very similar 70 the |
Arkansas in point of sand. From CimarrOn |
TO Camp Supply is thirty miles. While |
travelling over this part of the road We |
had the Immense satisfaction of seeing q |
real live hoIse-thief. He was coming |
toward us, but when he saw we were
honest men. his courage failed him. He |
turned his horse TO one side and circled |
around US at distance of a hundred |
yards. keeping his face turned away as if |
he feared recognition. He wore long,
black curley hair and had the appearance
OF an ideal hiehwayman. Now we come
to the toughest part of the route. Snake
creek winds its iDnumorable band-like
coils over the entire country, leaving deep
gulches in its track. From Que point on
the road this treacherous snake can be
seen on all sides. and once in its winding
path the festive horse thief is safe from
pursuit.
Crossing Devils bridge Ia natural pass>
age over horrible country somewhat
70 tat OF Tie OrOuS we
arrived at the top of a divide. overlooking
{ he Beaver river, with Camp Supply on
its southern bank.
Camp Supply was first established as
supply post during the Sally and Cnstar .
of 1868 against the Indians,
mo afterward became permanent post
md took the name Of Supply 1t is built
II cedar and cottonwood. after the stock
tide fashion. excepting the hospiral-a l
Iery line frame building. Messrs. Lee & i,
reynolds, the famous Indian traders.
ave large store and warehouse in sup .
1iy, and do an extensive business in the
ODE and fir trade, besides the Red Mans | Il
'atronage. The business is under the
of Mr.. William MeKenney. c
ma ~ is cuurrcnt report around Supply
hat he never sleeps. "
The object most beautiful to look upon ii
a the vicinity of the Fort is the garden, e.
onslstIng of about twenty acres wbera n