The Kevin review., 1927-09-22

/ - HAVE already written OF the river
1 Journey to Omaha in the summer Ca
/ 1868, taken by our party consisting
OF 10 persons, and of how we out
fitted there for crossing the plains. We
were bound for eastern Idaho, having
no knowledge of the western portion d
the immense area from which q new
territory was to be formed within two
years, and named Montana.
The story has also been told of our
Teaching Snake river where we heard
of the gold fields to the north. There
ward journey the following spring. 1T
was not the gold fever which stranded
us east OF the Bitter Root mountains
but the lateness of the season. Had we
known what was to be our destination
it would have been much easier for us
to have gone up the Missouri to Fort
Benton and perhaps remained there Until
spring instead Of going on to Bannack.
We enjoyed every minute of our
river trip, and on arriving at Omaha
reluctantly left the boat. Each day
after leaving st. Joseph, Mo-, was filled
with new and delightful experiences.
Some of our number had been through
canals on calm and uneventful jour
neys; all of us were familiar with the
chOpping waves of Lake Erie, and had
been rendered deathly sick thereby, but
none of us ever before tried river travel
There was nothing for us to do but fill
in the leisurely hours with enjoying to
the full the strange sights and sounds
each day provided
It was the perfect month of June,
welcomed by the surrounding country
through which we ploughed our way up
stream. The banks on either hand were
In gala dress of tender green and the
scent Of wild strawberries was in the air.
There was no annoyance from insect
pests, and the weather was all that could
be desired.
From St. Joe onward we passed his
toric points, but of this we were ignorant
OF river navigation we learned little
and soon recognized to a certain extent
the superior position of the pilot both
aloft in his little house above the rest
Of us. and in the estimation accorded
aim by those on board the boat. We
did not then know that no boat could |
,ravei without licensed pilot and that |
he number of Missouri river pilots was
hen limited because Of the Civil war
Pilots We're Scarce
No boat could employ a pilot who
vas known to be disloyal, and most Of +
hem being Southern born, were natu-
ally in sympathy with the confederacy.
The demand being far greater than the
upply, the pilots often demanded large
,ay, a thousand dollars or more, in one
n two instances, and the demand was
lOQOreQ. WnaJ else COulQ q captain QOfi
t was simply question of paying the
rice asked or remaining an indefinite
eriod tied up at the wharf. In one
UGH emergency a captain told a pilot
e demanded more in salary than the
oat could earn in the line Of profit
uring the proposed trip. This explana-
ion, or plea failed to reduce the amount
+ cash assured the pilot before he
vould step on board the boat.
With such exorbitant salaries it is
title wonder there were some of those
iIots who wished to advertise their Inn
Ortance to less favored mortals. One
Hot was the owner of the largest and /.
lost expensive gold watch on the river.
Le wore it hung from his neck by an
Impressive gold chain, and it was this :
j winter with long fur gloves and in I
lmmer with those of light kid.
Many pilots, like gamblers, were fond
{ diamonds. OF one pilot the story I
3es that when the boat was crowded I
fth passengers he refused to take his / :
IeaIs in the Texas with the other Off :
srs of the boat, as he wished to display :
Is gems before the admiring or enVious +
ne Of the cabin occupants II
It is said that when the call for Mis- I
,1Iri river pilots was the most insistent ! c
man applied for the position who was b
nknoWn to the boats captain. lie
'.Have you ever been up the Missouri o
e was asked. ln
sYes." he replied. 1t
How did you gos" lie