Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1888-07-06
AUBREY'S GREAT RIDE.
Remarkable Journey on Horseback Across
the 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 a parallel to that great
ride of 800 miles, through a country
overrun with hostile Indiana, a large
part of the distance being through sandy
deserts and leading across rivers, mount
aims and prairies, with only the sky for
covering and the earth as a resting
place.
An old resident of this city, who used
to know Aubrey very well, in converse.
ton recently said:
"When first met Aubrey, about 1S4S.
he was young man of 35. the perfect
picture of health and strength. Short,
rather heavy set, weighing about 100
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 lS40 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 81, 900 that he could cover
the distance in eight days. He succeeded
in reaching his destination three hours
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
die 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.
II was on my way to Santa Fe lit was
thirty-seven years ago. with a train of
twenty-five wagons filled with merchan-
IL.
When we were at the Rabbit Ears, about
100 miles from the old Spanish city, we
saw man approaching in sweeping
gallop, mounted on yellow mare and
leading another. AS he came nearer,
installing US for Indians, he whirled and
retreated fifty or sixty yards, then turned
to take a 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. 1t was
great surprise to me for Aubrey to treat
a friend in that style. but when reached
Santa Fe | understood it. Every mo.
ment was precious. 1t 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
ever saw, quivered and fell in the
agonies of death at the end Of the first $50
miles Several splendid horses had been
sent ahead, and stationed at different
points on the trail No man could keep
up with Aubrey He would have sacri-
feed every horse in the west, if neces-
sary to the accomplishment of his design.
1t was not money he was after. but fame.
He had laid wager that the trip would
be made in six days.
"At the end of five days and thirteen
hours, exhausted and fainting. he was
taken from a horse that was trembling
from head to foot, and covered with
sweat and foam, at the southwest corner
of the present square Of Independence
He sank into stupor, from which he
was not aroused for forty-eight hours. "
Kansas City News.