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Show :JUG JOURNAL OF A VOYAGE. n1ain branch of that strea1n, which was now bearing nearly west towards the main chain of the third chain of moun! ains. We encamped on the opposite side. Distance IS miles. Intensely cold, obliged to stop frequently and make fires. Snow deep. 28th February, Saturday.-We marched late. One of the Frenchmen informed me, that the expedition which had been at the Pawnees, had descended the Red river 233 leagues and from thence crossed to the Pawnees expressly in search of my party (this was afterwards confirmed by the gentleman who commanded the troops.) He then expressed great regret at my nusfortunes, as he termed them in being taken, and offered his services in secreting papers &c. I took him at his word, and for my amusement I thought I would try hitn and give him, a leaf or two of n1y journal (copied) which mentioned the ume of my sailing fron1 Belle Fontaine, and our force. 1 his I charged him to guard very carefully and gtve to me after the investigation of my papers at Santa Fe. This day we saw a herd of wild horses. 'I'he Spaniards pursued them and caught two colts, one of which the indians killed and eat; the other was let go. We pursued our journey over some hills, where the snow was very deep, and encamped at la~t on the top of a pretty high hill, a1nong some pines. Dis .. tance 36 miles. We left the river which in general ran about 6, 8, and 10 miles to the left or east of us. Saw great sign of elk. 1st March, Sunday.-We marched early and although we rode very hard we only got to the village of L'eau Chaud or W ann Spring, sometime in the afternoon, which was about 45 miles. The difference of climate wa~ astonishing, after we left the hills and deep snows, we found ourselves on plains where there was no snow, and where vegetation was sprouting. TO THE SOURCES OF THE ARKANSA \V, &c. ~ 0 7 The village of the Warm Springs or Aqua caliente (in their language) is situated on the eastern branch of a creek of that name, and at a distance, presents to the eye a square enclosure of mud walls, the houses forming the wall. They are flat on top, or with extremely little ascent on one side, where there are spouts to carry off the water of the melting snow and rain when it falls, which we were informed, had been but once in two years, previous to our entering the country. Inside of the enclosure were the different streets of houses of the same fashion, all of one story ; the doors were narrow, the windows small, and in one or two houses there were talc lights. This village had a mill near it, situated on the little creek, which made very good flour. The populatioh consisted of civilized Indians, but much mixed blood. · Here we had a dance which is called the Fandano-o 6 ' but there was one which was copied frozn the Mexicans, and is now danced in the first societies of New Spain, and has even been introduced at the court of Madrid.* This village may contain 500 souls. The greatest natural curiosity is the warm springs, which are two in number, about 10 yards apart, and each afFord sufficient water for a mill seat. They appeared to be impregnated with copper, and were more than 33 ° above blood heat. From this village the Tetaus drove off 2000 horses at one time, when at war with the Spaniards. 2d March, Monday.-We n1arched lat~, and passed several little mud walled villages and settlements, all of which had round mud towers of the ancient shape and construction, to defend the inhabitants from the intrusions of the savages. I was this day shewn the ruins of several • s d .. ce eRcnptwn and dissertation on moral;;, manner•, &c. in Appendix Lo ('an Ill. p. :36. |
