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Show 8Fb y Pe OS BG AF eee) e o-- 4 > 5 Sod bs an J ~ Ad eed v-~-9 OE oh 3 Li 6 ad oJ * *.-¢ ee Se Se ee ae oo Oo ot eb . 06 110 LEADING FACTS OF NEW MEXICAN HISTORY division and scattered group along the valley. On such occasions, a scene of confusion ensues, which must be seen to be appreciated. The woods and dales resound with the gleeful yells of the lighthearted wagoners, who, weary of inaction and filled with joy at the prospect of getting under way, become clamorous in the extreme. Scarcely does the jockey on the race-course ply his whip more promptly at that magic word ‘Go,’ than do these emulous wagoners fly to harnessing their mules at the spirit-stirring sound of ‘Catch up.’ Each teamster vies with his fellows who shall be soonest ready; and it is a matter of boastful pride to be the first to cry out — ‘All’s set!’ ‘“The uproarious bustle which follows — the halloing of those in pursuit of animals — the exclamations which the unruly brutes call forth from their wrathful drivers; together with the clatter of bells — the rattle of yokes and harness — the jingle of chains —all conspire to produce a clamorous confusion, which would be altogether incomprehensible without the assistance of the eyes; while these alone would hardly suffice to unravel the labyrinthian manoeuvres and hurly-burly of this precipitate breaking up. " “All’s set!’ is finally heard from some teamste — ‘All’s r set, is directly responded from every quarter. ‘Stretch out!’ immediately vociferates the captain. Then, the ‘heps!’ of drivers — the cracking of whips — the trampling of feet — the occasional creak of wheels — the rumbling of wagons —form a new scene of exquisite confusion, which I shall not attempt further to describe. ‘Fall in’ 1s heard from headquarters, and the wagons are forthwith strung out upon the long inclined plain, which stretches to the heights beyond Council Grove.’’ The make-up of a caravan was as well defined as a modern freight train. As has been said, both mules and cattle were used, the cattle being always designated as ‘‘bulls;’? in later days more ‘“‘bulls” than mules were used. The drivers were known by the choice ap- confines of Missouri to Santa Fé, met on this spot with some bands of Osages, with whom they concluded a treaty, whereby the Indians agreed to allow all citizens of the United States and Mexico to pass unmolested, and even 1 es their aid to those in the Santa Fé trade; for which were to receive a gratification engaged of eight hundred dollars in merchandize. they The com missioners, on this occasion, gave the place the name of ‘Council Grove.’ ’’ Council Grove, the name of the town on this site, is now the seat of Morris ‘There are some vaseoaht Kansas, with a population of about three thousand. buildings still Standing that were used in the days of the Trail. After cros® me. the Neosho, going west, the first building is the old blacksmith shop. ~ was at one time the last chance to have horses and mules shod. The he hotel, built of native oak and walnut. For many yea this was the most noted tavern along the route. Almost a block west of eS 18 the pioneer stor e, the last place where neglected or forgotten supplies cou be obtained. OLD SANTA FE TRAIL 111 pellation of ‘‘bull-whackers.’’ The caravan, or train, consisted of twenty-six wagons, twenty-five for freight and one fora mess-wagon. There were twenty-six drivers, one wagon-master, one assistant wagon-master, one ‘‘extra hand,’’ and two night herders. Each wagon had usually five yoke of cattle, with from six to ten teams of six yokes extra. These extra cattle were taken along to fill the places of those that had to be left on the way. It was easier to drive the extra ones in the team than to allow them to run loose. Kach wagon’s load was usually from five to seven thousand pounds. Ordinarily a train traveled about eighteen miles a day. The drivers always walked on the left side of the team, and each carried a whip from ten to sixteen feet long, with a stalk from sixteen to twenty inches in length. Camping places were selected in advance by scouts, with a view to securing plenty of water and good pasturage for the stock. It was the practice for a caravan to move in four divisions for the reason that, moving in this manner, it was the easier to arrange the wagons for defensive purposes in the event of attack. Upon encamping the wagons were formed into a hollow square, each division to a side, constituting at once an enclosure or corral for the animals when needed All camp fires were lighted travelers spread their beds, buffalo robes or rugs and tethered around the wagons, five or thirty feet in length, and a fortification against the Indians. outside of the wagons, where also the which consisted for the most part of blankets. At night the mules were at proper intervals, with ropes twentytied to stakes fifteen or twenty inches long, driven into the ground, a supply of which, as well as mallets, the wagoners always carried with them. To the west of Council Grove the country began to change from the pleasant and fertile prairie to the arid plains where the caravans were exposed not only to the attacks of the Indians but also to the action of the elements, dangers by no means insignificant. The tricks of the Indians were many and very ingenious. In some instances they would stampede the buffalo in the direction of a caravan, so that in the confusion, dations upon the caravan. they would be able to commit Some of the tribes had depre- their horses |
