Arizona weekly enterprise., 1888-07-21
AusReY,s eREAr RIDE.
Remarkable Journey on Horseback Across
 fhe Western Plains


 Remarkable Journey on Horseback Across
 the Western Plains.
 Among the deeds of early life in the west the famous ride of F. X. Aubrey from the plaza of Santa Fe to the public square of Independence. Mo, as physi- cal achievement stands without an equal. Indeed it is doubtful if the history of the world can present parallel to that great ride of 800 miles, through a country over1ln with hostile Indians. large part of the distance being through sandy deserts and leading across rivers. mount aims and prairies, with only the sky for a covering and the earth as a resting place.
 An old resident of this city. who used to know Aubrey very well, in conversa- ton recently said:
 "When first met Aubrey about 1S49, he was young man of 35. the perfect picture of health and strength. Short. rather heavy set, weighing about 160 pounds, he had an honest, open counten- ance, and was one of the rising men of the plains. He was French Canadian. came to St. Louis in 1S40. and very soon afterward engaged in business as Santa Fe trader. making trips to Santa Fe from Independence, Mo-, and spending the larger part of his time in the saddle He was noted horseman, and spared neither man nor beast when on journey. Every thing he did was done with rush..
 Aubrey made two rides alone from Santa Fe to Independence. The first was on wager of $1, ,000 that he could cover the distance in eight days He succeeded ;r,r before the expiration of the time. He killed several horses in the ride. and it is said that the death of one horse on the way obliged him to walk twenty five miles to Council Grove, carrying his sad- dle on his back, before he found another. He was the lion of the day at St. Louis and Independence after that ride. There were many powerful men and many good riders in those times. but not one of them dared to attempt to beat Aubrey's record. He determined to beat it himself, and on a second wager he left Santa Fe in 1851. and gave the severest test of human en- durance have ever known.
 ''l was on my way to Santa Fe (it was thirty seven years ago) with train of twenty five wagons filled with merchan- disc. and knew nothing of his design l When we were at the Rabbit Ears, about 100 miles from the old Spanish city. we saw man approaching in sweeping 1 gallon, mounted on a yellow mare and leading another. As he came nearer, mistaking us for Indians, he whirled and rereated fifty or sixty yards. then turned to take second look. Our wagons com ing round a hill proved that we were friends, and, putting spurs to his steed. he dashed past, merely nodding his head as the dust flew into our faces It was a great surprise to me for Aubrey 10 treat a friend in that style, but when reached Santa Fe l understood it. Every mo ment was precious. It was the supreme effort of his life. Night and day he rushed on. Six horses dropped dead as he rode them.
 His own beautiful mare, Nellie, the one he was riding as he passed our party. and one of the finest pieces of horse flesh l ever saw, qnivered and fell in the agonies of death at the end of the first l50 miles. Several splendid horses had been sent ahead. and stationed at different points on the trail. No man could keer up with Aubrey. He would have sacri- feed every horse in the west, if neces- sary to the accomplishment of his design. It was not money he was after. but fame. He had laid wager that the trip woulG be made in six days.
 , ''At the end of five days and thirteen hours, exhausted and fainting he Wa. taken from horse that was tremb bling from head to foot. and covered wi,i sweat and foam, at the southwest corner of the present square of Independence He sank into a stupor. from which Ils was not aroused for forty eight hours. J (titv Nave