The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-18
AUBREY.s GREAT RIDE.
Remarkable Journey Horseback Across
the Western Plains.

Remarkable Journey Horseback Across
the Western Plains.
Kansas City News
Among the deeds of early life in the West tho
famous ride of F. x Aubrey from the plaza OF
Santa Fe to the public square of Independence,
Mo-, as physical Achievements stands without
equal Indeed, il is doubtful il the history
of the world can present parallel TO that great
ride of 800 miles. through a country overrun
with hostile Indians, large part of the distances
being through sandy deserts. and leading across
rivers, mountains and prairies, with only the
sky for covering and the earth as resting
place.
An old resident of this city, who used TO know
Aubrey very we'll. In conversation recently, saidi
when first met Aubrey, about lS48. he was
young man of thirty five. the perfect picture
of health and strength. Short, rather heavy
set, weighing about 160 pounds, he had an hon.
est open countenance, and was one Of the rising
men of the plains He French Canadian,
came to ST. Louis in 1840, and very soon after
ward engaged in business Santa Fe trader,
making trips 20 Santa Fe from Independence.
No., and spending the larger pars of his time in
the saddle. He was a noted aorseman. and
nev Everything he did was done with rush.
aubrey made two rides alone from Santa
Fs TO Independence. The first was wages
of 81 900 that he could cover the distance in
eight days. He succeeded in reaching hiE dess
tination three hours before the expiration "a
the time. He killed several horses IN the ride
and 10 is said that the death of one horse on the
way obliged him to walk twenty-f five miles to-
Council Grove. carrying his saddle on his back.
day at St. Louis and Independence after this
ride There were many powerful men and many
good riders in those times, but not one OF them
dared to attem DIT to beat Aubrey's record he
determined to beat it himself, and on second
wager he left Santa Fe in 1851, and gave the
severest test Of human endurance l have ever
known.
II was on ray way to Santa Fe lit was thirty
seven years ago) with train of twenty-five
wagons allied with merchandise and knew noth-
ing of his design. When we We're at the Rabbit
Eare, about one hundred miles from the old
Spanish city, we saw a man approaching in a.
sweeping RalIop. mounted on yellow mare and
leading another. As he came nearer, installing
for Indians, he whirled and retreated fifty or
sixty yards, then turned to take a second look.
Our wagons coming round n hill proved that we
were friends, and putting spurs to his steed he
dashed past merely ncdding his head as the dust
few into our faces It was a great surprise to
me for Aubrey to treat friend In that style,
hut when / reached Santa Fe / understood it,
Every moment precious. It the su-
rushed on Six horses dropped dead as he rode
them.
His own beautiful mare, Nellie the one ha
was riding as he passed our party. and OF
and fell in the agonies of death at tho
end of the first $50 miles Several splendid
horses had been sent ahead, and stationed at
different points the trail. No could
keep up with Aubrey. He would have sacri-
feed every horse in the West If necessary to
money he after, but fame. He had laid
wager that the trip would DO made in SIX days
stAt the end OF five dAys and thirteen hours.
exhausted and faiuting, he taken from
horse that was trembling from head to foot, AID
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-"