Glacier County chief., 1939-01-13

paused to confer with other members
Of the American Fur Co. there. w. A.
Ferris. trapper for the company. was
detailed to make circuit to find the
Salmon river, for the purpose of as
pertaining their fur crop, after which
he was to join Vanderburgh and
Dripps in the Big Hole basin.
Vanderburgh and his partner
searched the area at the sources of
the Jefferson river. They proceeded up
that river to the Beaverhead, and at
Of Dillon, cached part of their equip
ment in order to tighten themselves
and speed their trail on the pursuit of
Bridger and Fitzpatrick. They found
the signs of their rivals and knew that
the Rocky Mountain men could not
be far distant. Ferris, having COM
pleted his mission, Joined them on
Another five days and we'll be see
ing Bridger and Fitzpatrick" Wander
burgh promised.
Overtaken on jefferson
However, he miscalculated the time,
and 1t was not until 10 days later that
they overlook Bridger and Fitzpatrick
on the jefferson.
Bridger was exasperated by the per-
siStent shadows and resolved to lead
them a chase they would remember.
He decided to decoy them into poor
territory and there give them the slip
Bridger was man thoroughly capa-
bic Of doing that. Experienced in the
ways of the wilderness, keen judge
of the red mans mind, and knowing
the terrain like map, he set out to
lose his pursuers.
As it happened. he misjudged VAN
derburgh Vanderburgh, too, knew his
wilderness, and he was determined to
stick to Bridger until the Rocky Noun
country he was sure they were headed
for Vanderburgh's party had been
augmented by other employees Of the
American company, and 1t was size
able party that Bridger and Fitzpatrick
determined to evade.
On Sept IT, Bridger set out north
ward down the jefferson river, ap-
Missouri. Vanderburgh decided to split
his pursuers, since time was passing
and he was out for furS as much as
to follow Bridger Accordingly Dripps,
with a portion of the American party,
followed Bridger, while Vanderburgh
took the remainder and crossed over
to the Madison to trap along the course
termined to take up the chase later,
and put his faith in Dripps. But
Dripps, not so experienced in wilder
ness ways, permitted Bridger to give
him the slip, and in encouragement
returned southwark.
This was about Oct. l, 1882. Dripps
started up the jefferson, while Bridger
and Fitzpatrick, highly satisfied at
having dropped their pursuers' head
ed up the West Gallatin.
Time better devoted to trapping had
been consumed in the chase. and now
members of both companies settled
down to their work. A Rocky Mountain
fur party, having assembled the West
Gallatin in company with Bridger,
crossed over the range to the Madl-
son, Oct. 6, where unexpectedly they
came upon Vanderburgh and his party.
Bridger and Vanderburgh were at last
face to face, but the chase had fizzled
out. This was Vanderburgh'S last en-
counter with the man whom he mad
followed so far. There had been no
enmity in the chase-it was merely
case Of one company wanting TO cut
in on another company's rich terri
tory.
Ascends Madison River
On Oct. II the Rocky Mountain party
started up the Madison to trap on the
headwaters of that stream, near what
Is now the northwestern corner OF
Yellowstone park. Vanderburgh moved
camp the next day ana went DOWN
the Madison about Is miles, which
would place him in the vicinity Of the
present-day town Of Ennis. The next
day he crossed over in a northwest d.
rection 10 miles and encamped on a
little stream. In all probability, this
took place one of the widest gold
rushes in history. Though he did not
know it, Vanderburgh had played a
game of chase with Bridger over ter
rain that was later to become famous
as one Of the richest bonanza's Of all
time.
The party, headed by Vanderbrgh.
descended Alder Gulch to the junction
Of the Ruby river, then known as the
Sinking Water. due to the presence
Of sulphur springs near the creek. Here
there were indications of Indians.
whether friendly or hostile. evidences
did not show. w. A. Ferris and few
others were sent to recoinnottre and
discovered the remains Of freshly-
butchered buffalo. VAnderhurHh, hear-
ing Of this, cot out with SIX others up