The National tribune., 1891-02-26

4
and myself had been
almost inseparable
We had studied together, passed examina-
ton and graduated together. As might
have been expected, we became much at
tached, and such being the case, our sorrow
MAS truly great, when, for the last time
(as il proved 10 be-, we met, clasped hands
and parted, each 20 do for himself, each TO
work out his own destiny, each 10 build for
himself a monument Of success or to be
lost among the thrOng of mortals who simply
live and pass away.
My friend had given much attention 10
the study Of mathematics and civil engineer
ing, and was in all respects well qualified 10
engage in the active pursuits Of life. He
had one desire, however, which seemed TO
oyerbalance everything else. That was TO
travel. Especially was he anxious TO visit
that portion Of his own country which he
called the Far West"
Being thus animated he with pleasure
accepted an invitaied TO become one OF
party Of 10, whose object was the explora-
ton Of the San Francisco Mountains aud
the territory adjacent thereto.
The party, if remember correctly. were
employed by and acted under the instruc-
tions Of number Of Boston capitalists who,
believing in the fertility Of the soil and the
prospective greatness Of that portion OF
Arizona as a mineral producing country, had
determined 10 secure all available lands
Few young men would have contemplated
such a journey with pleasure. With Jerome
Clifford it was different He could not be
dissuaded, and laughingly he ridicnled me
for my lack Of courage when attempted il.
So, full of ambition and hope, he left his
peaceful New England home TO travel TO q
iar-Of Western wilderness
Many can recall the unhappy condition OF
our country one year later. Many can re-
member the dark months and years that
followed, when war spread such horror
DER our fair land.
Through two long years Of this deadly
turmoil watched and waited for some word
from my absent friend. At last, when hope
had well-nigh fOrssRen me, received a
letter The envelope was smeared with dirt
and worn AS If by much handling. ] recog-
nized the handwriting at once. 1t was from
Jerome Clifford.
For moment my heart beat quicker.
was all aglow with happiness, for now the
good old mother would learn OF her absent
boy, and ones more a smile would over
spread that saddeDed face. Musing thus
broke the seal.
The letter addressed me as Dear Old
Friend" As ] copy il now, after lapse OF
more than 80 years, cannot fail TO notice
how yellow ia pages are and how nearly
.oblteraeed by time are The words written
30 long ago.
The letter follows:
IL fully acquaint you with my journey
lngs and mlsiOrlunes since / left you, must
write as rapidly as possible for fear my
hours on earth are few. j do not think an
expedition ever started under more favor
able conditions than ours. Even Mr. s.,
whose past experience told him Of the dangers
and haTdships we were liable 10 encounter
was as hght-hearted, reassuring and conf
dent at any Of Us. Tie would often say,
Boys, it viii be grand thing for al OF US
We wall make our fortunes" That part of onl
journey winch was accomplished by rail was
especially harmonious and enjoyable A
more joyial lot OF fellows ii would have been
hard 10 find.
On the morning Of July we reached the
railroad terminus Two days were here
consumed ia preparing for the continuance
OF our journey, !. E., IN securing an outfit
purchasing supplies and making such gen.
eral preparations as would be necessary ioi
the overland trip We contemplated. On the
morning Of July 6, being well equipped, We
pulled up stakes and started for iar-away
Arizona, The latter part Of August We
reached the interior Of New Mexico. Up Il
that time nothing worth mentioning had
occurred 70 mar The success Of our under.
taking. We were all in the best Of health
and as full Of energy as when we started.
On the afternoon OF the 2jth OF August
we concluded TO camp somewhat earlier than
WAS our custom, cook our dinner, and theT
\ pass an hour or two in hunting, there being
every appearance VI game in the vicinity
4 As have Nrltten, all had been well with a,
up 10 that time. 1T was not decreed, how.
ever, that our pathway should be all sun
shine. Dark clouds were lowering over us
aud the blackness OF an awful night wa
close upon us. Although we dneamt no
OF a., our sun was fast declining, and a mid
night OF desOlau0n and death was closinl
1 around u.s. As j write now ] feel thankful
| that the frghtiul experience have under
! gone has not unhinged my mind. thanl
God that my reason is yet left and that
can think clearly as Of yore.
You are aware Of the dissension which hai
20 long and perhaps always will, exist nea,
The border between the Americans an(
MeKicans. The maxim Of the Mexicans an
pear 10 be, death 10 all Americans VIII,
come in their way. I have never befor,
seen displayed such venomous hatred by am,
civilized people Not knowing Just wher,
we were, We had unfortunately pitched ou
camp in one Of the most hotly-dispntee
localities IN the whole Territory. A prett,
little spot il was, with its spring Of ice-col,
water gushing from the hall side and ",
congratulated ourselves on SECURING SO favor
able a camp-ground.
As you know, ] am very fond Of hunting
no no sooner was my appetite appeased thar
] was In the saddle, aud regardless of IN,
disposition Of the rest Of the party. ridip,
rapidly toward the distant foothills where
hoped 10 encounter willy antelope or deer
j must have kept on al my break neck pac
for nearly five miles for, upon slackeninl
my speed and dismounting, discovered tha
] was among the hills and our camp wa
entirely hidden from my view.