The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-11-24
RESCUE PARTY RETURNS.
Thrilling Experience in the
Mountains of Montana.
SEARCH FOR CARLIN PARTY.
Narrow Escapes from Death in the
Swollen Streams.
a Pen Picture of Life in the WiIds of the
Bitter Root 1iountains--Brave
Struggles with the
Elements.

NTissoula. Nov 22-The Carlin party
has been located, but the rescuers were
driven back by terrific snow storms.
Their passage was blocked by streams
SO swollen as to be almost impossible.
They have been obliged to retreat from
the Clearwater valley. The withdrawal
was accompanied with great difficulty,
and Harry Wright, the intrepid guide,
almost lost his life in the Clearwater
river. Information has been gained,
however, says a dispatch to the Ana
conda Standard as to the whereabouts
of the Carlin party and less anxiety is
felt now than when it was feared they
were in peril. In Lolo canyon is a
Swede named Larson. who. with his
partner, three weeks ago camped with
the Carlin party one night. He had
packed over the Lolo trail to Warm
Springs nine months provisions for a
party of hunters there, and while at
the springs saw the Carlin party. His
description to Lieutenant Martin leaves
no doubt as to the identity of the men.
They became alarmed at the threat
ening snow and decided to return after
one days hunt. On the following
started home and made camp that
night on the summit. A terrific snow
storm set in and at midnight they
packed their outfit and started on,
fearing they would be showed in. Lar
son believes that the Carlin party was
overtaken by the snow and returned
to the Warm Springs camp, where
they are now probably waiting. The
Carlin party had sixty days proviS-
for md hal
nine months supplies for two men,
so there is no danger as long as the
party remains at the springs. They
were conveniently near the camp of the
hunters and the guide would surely re-
main there until relief came.
Late last night Lieutenant Martin
arrived at the post after q long and
perilous ride from the divide, where
he left Captain Andrews command
His long ride was an eventful one and
he had one narrow escape from drown
ing. His attempt to reach the post
during one day, and his most init
mate friend would not have recognized
him when his jaded horse staggered
up to the headquarters building His
clothing was frozen stiff and he was
chilled from long exposure, but he
brought the cheerful news that the
brave little party from the fort had
escaped safely from the perils of the
storm on the divide. and is
now at Lolo springs, and
that the CarIin party was
probably safe at Jerome Johnson's
camp To a reporter Lieutenant Mar
tin this morning related the experience
of the relief party. After it had start
ed home an attempt was made to de-
scend the north fork of the Clear
water. After an extremely hazard
Gus trip over the divide the party
composed of Lieutenants Caldwell and
Martin, Guide Wright, Sergeant Buck
and Corporal Green, found a small
cabin, where they camped. In the
morning they started down the river,
but found the stream badly swollen.
In going two miles they had to ford
eight times and in one of the fordS
Wright had a marrow escape from
death. He was swept from his horse
by the swift current and nearly car
ried own the stream. Starting at 8:55
in the morning, it required till 2:30 to
traverse these two miles. The party
rested and next morning decided to
abandon the river route and attempt
to cross the Lo Lo trail on the south
slope. After terrific struggle with
deep snow, Wheeler at one time being
buried to his chin, and advancing only
six miles, they were forced to turn
back and abandon the idea of crossing.
AS rapidly as possible the retreat was
made, and, keeping the trail with
great difficulty, they returned to the
outposts and with the men there came
in to Captain Anderson's camp.
It is feared that Andrews will have
difficulty in getting in, as the snow is
melting in the day time and the river
is so swollen that fords are exceed
ingly dangerous. 1t is impossible to
come down the river, as forty-eight
dangerous fords are to be made out
and the only way they can get back
is by packing tightly and abandoning
everything but men and animals and
come over the old Howard trail, which
is very dangerous. 1t will take four
or five days to get out the men and
the remaining animals. The loss of
animals will probably be heavy.
Lieutenant Devol left the post this
afternoon with supplies for the animals
and will meet the party as they come
into the Bitter Root valley from the
trail. Lieutenant Martin returned to
the Vancouver barracks this after
noon. This does not mean that the
search for the lost party has been
given up. It is more than probable
that an expedition will be organized
to attempt to reach Warm Springs
over the snow as soon as it hardens.