The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1897-09-11

with snow. That night the ice frOZe in
the bucket an inch thick. The next day
we arrived at Pacific Springs. The
large stream from it flowed westward.
II was the first water we had seen that
went to the Pacific. We gave hearty
cheer and went forward with renewed
vigor.
Two days afterward we had another
Indian experience, which for while
caused some anxiety. Several of the
dusky tribe were discovered mile
away, coming to us. Their bright
shields and spears glittered in the rays
of the MONDAY sun. 1t reminded the
writer OF :. Spartan band of warriors,
and the impressions created were any
thing but desirable. We were not
i'll corral, but moving along the road,
not knowing what Indians they were or
what fate awaited us. We expected a
fight and prepared for it. Capt. Brown
ordered every man to arm aud prepare
for fight, if necessary. The Indians
came up, and were band of Shoshones,
one of the friendliest tribes. They
wanted to swap ponies and trinkets for
whisky and ammunition, which we re-
spectfully declined.
No other incident of interest occurred
| until the fourth of July. That natal
day was celebrated by Us in a valley on
a small stream, not far from the head of
the Humboldt river. We had a race in
the morning with train from Cooper
county, and drove them into camp. In
the afternoon we prepared the best din
ner we had enjoyed Stree leaving indie
pendence. The last of our stock of
alcohol was used with happy effect.
Col. VIM. II. Morrison, who now has a
national reputation. was with us, and
standing upon the head of a ten-gallon
keg, there in that beautiful grass val
ley, more than a thousand miles from
home, surrounded by snOw-capped
mountains, he delivered an eloquent
and patriotic Grafton, that cheered us
up and revived in us the sentiment of
love of our country and government.
We had another orator with us. Sher-
man Eddy, who went from this county,
was young, well educated man, and
blessed with the gift of eloquence. He
also delivered an Grafton full of the fire
of patriotism. He spoke eloquently of
the liberties we enjoy, and pronounced
a fine eulogy upon the heroes who
fought for and handed them down TO US.
When we arrived at the headwaters of
the Humboldt river, some of the team S
were jaded and worn and could travel
1 hnf ell nd Iix,io
tion followed. Seven teams, the best,
went ahead. leaving six behind. Col
Morrison and Sherman Eddy were in
the latter train, and we did not hear
from them until they arrived in Califor-
mia. We arrived at Sacramento city
the first day of August, having been out
ninety days. 1t was the shortest time
made that year.
have given the principal incidents of
the trip. 1t was one, at times, full OF
hardships, trials and dangers. Many
who started to the FL Dorado never
reached it, but died on the way. There
was, however, another side to it. 1t had
its pleasures as well as rials. The at
tachments formed were of the strongest
character, and the ties that bound us
were never broken. None but those
who have experienced it can realize the
pleasure of a social around the camp
fires at night. 1t was one of our great
est pleasures TO sit up. listen to anec-
dotes, spin yarns and think of our
homes and of the loved friends we had
left behind.
But what has become of the members
of this party that left Lafayette county
in 1887 L VIII give the record as far as
l know it. There are but few living
now.
John McFadin, Chat. E. Lankford
James Hale and myself returned and
now live in this county. Thos. w. Man,
on, a noble man, died at Sacramento
city soon after his arrival. Judge Tyret
died several years ago on his farm in
this county. Matthew Talbot, the
good old Baptist, who never lost his re-
ligion, came back and died long ego.
fornia and died there several years ago.
Col. VIM. X. Morrison returned to his
home in Illinois in 1850. He is now one
of the great men of this country, and
has won for himself national repu-
tation.
have no information about many OF
the others of that noble band. l have
heard of some in different parts of the
country, but do not know what has
befallen them.
At that time the western line of Mis-.
souri, was the boundary of the white
settlement and of civilization. The
country between that line and Califor-
mia was inhabited only by the Indians
and wild beasts. Now 1T is all settled
by Anglo-Saxons. The distance to Sac
ramento city was about 1000 miles, and
emigrants were from three to six
months in making the trip. Now the
flying iron horse makes it from Kansas
City to Sacramento city in four days.
What change has science and money
effected! ROBERT HALE.
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