The Yakima herald. [volume] (North Yakima, W.T. [Wash.]) 1889-1914, 1897-07-29
HANK PEARSON'S RIDE
A Story Of The Yakima Indian Wal
Of 1855.
STEVENS NOTIFIED OF The OUTBREAK
Daring Ride of One Of the Dauns.
less Spiriss of the Early Days.
From Vancouver 90 Fort Benton
Through a Hostile Country.

vi All tilOSt uhuulitEe rIlTlte ITht
roamed the forests and valleys Of the
Columbia in the primeval days OF the
Northwest, tradition invests none with
more romance and charm than that which
clings to the name of Hank Pearson,
when his story is told by some comrsde
who still cherishes the memory Of those
eventful days.
Pearson resided at Vancouver, but his
true home was in the trackless wildwood
and upon the lone mountain side. His
throne was upon the horses back. There
he held undisputed sway-for among all
the expert horsemen Of that time he was
without rival. lie was sent on many a
venturesome expedition, and was for
years one OF the most famous scouts in
this region. At length the time came
when his patriotism and daring were
put to severe test. At the beginning of
the Indian uprising under Chiefs Kamia-
kin and kanesket, in the fall OF 1855,
Governor Stevens was near Fort Benton
'iOut.j dNtcuuibs tbc
council. AS the people needed their gal
liant leader in this great emergency, Hank
Pearson volunteered to hasten forward
with a dispatch from Acting Governor
Mason.
His course led him through 500 miles
of hostile land filled with lurking savages
and over rough, snow covered mountains.
When one horse was worn out he jumped
upon another, and pressed on into the
dense forests and treacherous streams
Scarcely pausing for rest, the daring rider
pushed forward on his perilous journey
onward through the rocky mountain
passes Of the Cascade range, across the
lonely alkai plains of Eastern Washing
ton, and over the bleak, snow-clad ridges
of the Bitter Root mountains. The
binding snow storms sought in vain to
check his onward progress; the pitiless
tempest of hail and sleet passed him by
unheeded. The chilling blasts drove the
widest beasts to the shelter OF their deep
COT utIS tllt utltteI uiOulllhln llUb
crouched in terror in his secret lair; but
the weary horseman pursued his solitary
way. No night was too dark for his tire
less eyes. No storm was too severe for
his invincibe courage. He halted at the
lonely log cabin only long enough to eat
hurried meal and exchange his exhaus-
tod hnrna fnr fyalh phurnar IN lin,
did the pioneer housewife entreat him to
pause for needed rest and recuperstion ;
in vain did the gallant frontiersman vol
unteer his service for the remainder OF
the journey his errand would brook no
delay-to no substitute coulu be entrusted
the message placed in his hands. Jump
ing on his new courser he would wa We a
hurried farewell and dash on-now
through Walla Walla's lovely vale, now
through the narrow defies of the Occur
d'Alenes, and on over the icy gorges OF
He'll Gates rocky pass. At last, we'll
nigh speechess from exposure and almost
dead from fatigue, he drew rein before
the tent OF Governor Stevens.
The strong man, now frozen and help
less was tendery lifted from his painting
horse and carried before blazing fire
where he gradually recovered some of his
lost strength. Quickly opening a pouch
that hung by hi. side, he took therefrom
his important message which he handed
to the impatient governor. In feeble
voice, broken by many a gasp, Pearson
added few words emphasizing the need
of great speed.
But little urging was needed to hasten
the noble Stevens. He prepared to start
Immediately upon his journey. Az he
was leaving the tent he turned and
said:
Take good care of the brave scout.
NY people need me and ] must hurry
on; were he my own boy | would in.