The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-06-28

the Smoky Hill throughout its entire
length: traces are still visible near and be-
You'd Ellsworth. The Oregon and Califor-
mia trail crossed the Blue. and on to the
crest of the Sierra Nevada, where, at Lake
Truckee, in 1916, stood a cabin whose his
lory is a chapter of human misery and suf-
fering that has few parallels in fact or nc
ton. Its story would shock the readers of
the Star and dare not attempt recital OF
its awful details, but those of us who have
fate of the Reed and Bonner company,
who were snow bound and driven to can
nibalism on that old Oregon trail in 1e4j.
Gen. kearney. on his return from the con-
quest of California in 1S47, halted at the
spot and destroyed by fire every vestige of
that notwithstanding tragedy.
The Sheridan-Custer trail of the winter
expedition of 1868 against the Indians
starts from Fort Dodge, on the Arkansas.
follows the north bank twelve miles east,
crosses the river at that point, and at the
north of the Mulberry on the south side of
Wolf and Beaver, in Indian territory, where
Camp Supply was established. The trail
is in four tracks, and is plainly discernible
for its whole length where the land has not
been plowed. One of its most historic
spots is where the town of Ashland, in what
is now Clark county, rests in the shadow OF
Mount Jesus. 1t was there. in April, 1868,
that Sheridan first received the notice of
his appointment to the lieutenant general
ship. made vacant by the promotion OF
Sherman to that of general, caused by
Grants retirement on account of his elva-
ton to the presidency. Sheridan was rid
ing north in my ambulance, and when a
point on the broad trail was reached where
Mount Jesus is, a horseman was discovered
| coming toward the ambulance enveloped
| in cloud of dust. His animal was fecked
with foam, and as the scout drew near,
| wi, NhariIou ha mi
| from his breast pocket of his flannel shirt
at the same time waving his hat and yelling
at the top of his voice: ''Hurrah for the
lieutenant general" He was carrying the
telegram. from Washington notifying Sher-
| idan of his confirmation.
Mount Jesus was named in this wise:
| One cold morning in November, 1868, dur
ing the expeditions initial march south, l
was riding with Gen. Custer ahead of the
column, following the hounds, who had
routed pack Of wolves from one of the
rocky ravines. We saw in front of us, III
the log. what appeared to be the detached
spur of we'll defined range. az it doomed
up in the mist. over which the guide, "Old
John Smith, told us our route lay. Sud
| denly Custer turned to me, rs we com
menced to climb the steep hill, and said,
"What is this?'' l looked around the re-
gion, whose desolateness reminded me SC
much of the Holy Land that said: SWELL
| call this Mount Jesus" Some of the super
sensitive people there now, in their igno-
rance fancying blasphemous connection
with the title--whlch there is not the slight
est tinge of, Jesus being one of the com
monest of Spanish names-have made sew
eral abortive attempts to change it tc
| Mount Lookout, but Mount Jesus it is ano
Mount Jesus it will probably remain, for i
is historic spot in our American classics.
Our Natal Day.
| The Montana Central railway compan y
| will sell tickets at one fare for the rouno
| trip on account of the Fourth of July
Tickets will be on sale from July I'd to 4th
inclusive and may be used for return pas
sage up to July 7th. The rate will apply te
a terminal within three hundred miles OF
starting point. Tickets may be procured
atNo. 6 North Main street or at depot