Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1941-06-14

came into existence 100 years ago
and flourished until about 1850,
when It began 10 decline, was made
up of the boldest, most reckless
adventures that ever glanced
down the sights Of a rifle or chal-
Ienged death each day the sun
arose. No man could face the un-
told periIs Of the wilderness as did
they unless his eye and hand were
ever ready and lightning quick TO
act; unless his heart was steeled
against fear, and unless he could
walk alone I'm q wild and terrible
land and ignore that grim shadow
that stalked ever at his elbow.
These free trapperS we're men OF
lion courage, with the cunning OF the
black fox. Willy as were the plains
Indians, the free trappers were even
more crafty. Many of them used 70
boast that the scalps Of a hundred
reds were worn at the belts OF the
trappers for every trapper's scalp that
was used to trim the war leggings OF
the Indians
And. trained in the brutal school Of
plains and mountain warfare, these
white pathfinders reverted in some re-
spects toward the status Of the SavageS,
although it would be unjust to rate
them with mere renegades and des-
peradoes. The trapper, whatever his
BraveSt of the brave, cool and saga
cious in the strategy of border war,
capable in any emergency, faithful to
his own code of honor, generous with
out limit to all but his foes, there was
something heroic In this fierce and
mcouth figure who dominated for a
time the vast area that today com
priSes Montana and its neighbortng
states along the eastern and western
slopes of the Rockies.
Knew Vast Areas
These free hunters Of the far west
were great rangers. Men Of the type
of Bill Williams, Killbuck, La Bonte,
Bridger and Walker, whose names are
found IN the pages Of every story writ
ten about early western fur trapping
and trading, knew not only the valleys
and mountain defiles of our Montana,
but had Travelled as well every hunting
ground as far south as the Mexican
line. Many had pushed through from
the Great Salt lake across the desert
to the southern Californian missions,
whittier they rode in small bands on
horse stealing expeditions.
Two of the most famous Of the free
trapperS were Killbuck and La Bonte,
mentioned above, whose adventures on
the Yellowstone were recounted by that
unfortunate young English explorer |
end hunter, George Frederick Ruxton,
who died at st. Louis in 1848 after
spending couple OF years with the |
free trappers in the Rocky mountains. |
Ruxton, in his story of the trapperS, |
gives a graphic account OF an expedi-
ton Of IA trappers of which La Bonte !
and Killbuck were members, which (
rode on a foray after horses all the |
way to southern California and re-
turned the same year with 200 head /
of fine Spanish mares and stations, !
which they sold at Bent'S fort in Colo
RADIO at a big profit. They were at
tackled by Indians and lost 200 horses,
or half of the number they stole from
the SpaniardS at the missions on the
way back. They also lost two of their
party, one in the battle with the Span
iards which they fought and won be-
fore they were able to round up the
horses and drive them away. The other
was killed in a fight with Indians.
There are doubtless ranging the
Montana prairieS today many descend
ants OF these mares and stations that
were brought back on that and other
raids made from this side Of the main
range into Spanish settlements. In
view of this, a brief summary Of the
trip is of interest to Montana readers.
Spells Trouble for Foe
Killbuck and La Bonte, after an ex
citing episode with the Blackfeet on
the Yellowstone, headed south and by
chance met the party of IL seasoned
trappers, whom they joined, swelling
the number of the band to IA, as men j
toned above Although not a large
party, it was a formidable one that I
pushed down toward Salt Lake to the
trail to southern California Fourteen I
good rifles in the hands of IA noun /
tain men, well mounted and equipped, I
spelled trouble in plenty for any foe {
that might bar their way. Before them !
stretched a thousand miles of dreary {
desert, infested with hostile Savages. I
Famine and drouth threatened them. /
Beyond these dangers lay the civilized {
settlements Of the Spaniards the least S
of which contained 10 times their num- {
Der OF armed and bitter enemies. When /
they reached these there must follow q
their sudden sWoop upon their count G
less herds of mules and horSeS-the I
fierce attack and bloody battle. Then, 4
If success attended their adventure, j
there still awaited the perils of the
return journey, for all along their dan G
gerous trail would await war parties /
of Indians determined to Stay the +
whites and capture their horses. ID
But the cavalcade rode merrily along I
without thought Of what might lie q
ahead. Never a more daring band I
crossed the mountains. In the hearts
O1 Lne Wapperb burned desire lOT 4
against these southern In
dams. Grudges for many privations, 8
FOR wounds and for lost comrades re-
manned to be paid. So reckless we're 3
they, says Ruxton, that they invited 1
trouble and at night their wild war y
songs and grotesque scalp dances, Dor !,
rowed from the Blackfeet and other =
lribes, made weird scene in whatever =
valley they happened to be camped. Z
Whites Attack Sioux
Soon after Killbuck and La Bonte Il
Ioined them, they suddenly one day n
band Of 20 Sioux, scattered b
m a small prairie, butchering buffalo. n
Before the Indians could concentrate I'd