The herald., 1894-01-01


| wagon, slide down the the mountain to Cot
tonwood island. With such profusion
of upheaval crookedness, who is it that
would not be confounded, with his
head twisted to his back?
Having the previous day supplied our
team and self with one ration OF water
and that having been exhausted to a
gallon canteen, our anxiety to lind the
spring in the top OF the mountain was
intense. But with hope and the i'm
preston that we were going direct to
water, we journeyed on with our tired
and thirsty team until the sun was set
ting behind the western mountains.
Upon an elevated spot. fruitlessly
looking for water, the stubborn fact was
realized. and had to be admitted, that
we were lost and badly bewildered. A
brief consultation was held and the sub.
iect uppermost of all was water, water;
where is it and how shall we proceed to
get to it?"
1t was at first thought best to leave
the wagon and drive the horses back to
Crosemans Spring where we last saw
water, which was two days travel back.
But later we concluded to make an
effort to find Lewis hole, or Piute
spring. believing them to be nearer.
Accordingly, we took up line OF
march. But few miles travel and it
was utter darkness. The lantern was
lit, and upon foot led off and was fol-
lowed by MT. Stanchfield and the team,
thus travelling to obviste precipitating
the team from high banks or upsetting
in deep gorges. We had travelled about
Eve mile when / discovered very indis-
tinct road, crossing the course we
were travelling, at right angles, and at
once concluded to take the south end OF
the old road, hoping it might lead us to
loves Holes or Piute Springs. But to
our distress we travelled around and
around, until IL to Is miles had been
made, when at large arroyo we con-
clrded to rest ourselves and teams,
which were completely exhausted. I'm
hitching, we threw them little hay,
and as it was cold we built large fire
of the plentiful mesquite wood that was
convenient.
We stood aboutit for a few hours.
then hitched, and as before, travelled
ahead of the team, with lighted lam
tern, and was often off of the old road,
scrsmbling in the brush to find our way.
We had just few green apples with
us and before leaving Ia1iPs We we literally
divided the fruit between ourselves and
horses, which seemed to be great
benefit to them.
Facing bleak wind-and it may be
correctly said a bitter cold wind-we
travelled southeast over the old and ex-
tremely difficult road to follow, until we
had made about ten miles. The dawn
of day could scarcely be seen and we had
come to no water.
There was no time to lose and we
pushed on. We were ascending
mountain range and at sun-up we had
reached it's summit. In viewing the
country around all was yet strange and
nothing recognized that tended to our
relief. Again we pressed the tired team
on and in three miles travel we came in
view of great valley. with here and
three spots that resembed email lakes.
But few miles farther and the sun was
higher and we saw more distinctly. We
recognized the expansive valley and
supposed lakes to be the grand old
Colorado river and its fertile lands.
1t was an indescribable experience.
In the midst of death we lived and as
quick as the flash of sight the feelings
OF insanity and most torturesome
death wa5 converted into inexpressible
Joy. We knew we could make the dis
tance to water. Eight to 10 miles, all
the way down hill, and Robbers Roost
by the lake was reached The dry
tongues of the horses were wet, and we
drank, cooked. ate and rested. 1t will
be borne in mind that from Marvel to
this point we had water at but one
camp, and that the distance, l07 miles,
was made without drop of water on
the way.
Robbers Roost is situated at the head
of half mile lake on bottom land, two
miles west of the river. This camping
place, christened Robbers Roost. is off
the thoroughfare OF the old Los Angeles
and Prescott wagon road, and is reached
by either one OF many hideous trails,
the roadway passing through dense
and obscuring undergrowth and large
cottonwood, mesquite and willow trees,
all OF which terminate at the little
spring at the heed OF the lake. | have
no knowledge of crime having been
committed at this place, but must say
that | knop no place where murder
might be committed more successfully
secretly.
VISIT TO THE INDIAN SCHOOL.
Upon reaching the river we found
ourselves opposite old Fort Mohave, 80
miles south of point at which we had
previously proposed to strike the river.
A day and half OF solid rest was en-
joyed, and while doing 80 1 availed NV
self of the opportunity of visiting tne
Indian school.
The buildings now occupied for school
purposes are those OF old Fort Mohsve,
long since abandoned by the officers
and troops.
The situation and surroundings OF
this school and the little handful of
people here are especially isolated and
lonely.
Prior to the existence of railroads in
Arizona. and when the General Beale
survey was made and the main travelled
road from Los Angeles to Prescott,
crossing the river at this poiut, was
travelled by hundreds of freight teams,
laden with government and miners sup
plies, and when the bloodthirsty
Apaches were committing their mur-
ders and depredations, and the two
forts, Camp Willows and Fort Mohave,
were garrisoned with officers and troops,
it was busy little world all around
here. There was snap and vim
truly characteristic of western pioneer
life, wrought to successful prosperity
and the civilizing of the Apache, though
done at the cost or sacrifice OF many
mothers sons and millions of dollars.