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Show JOUHN :\L OF A VOYAGE geography of the sources of the (supposed) Red R1v· ,r, as I well knew the indefatigable researches of doctor Hunter, l)unbar and Freeman, had left nothing unnoticed in the extent of their voyage up said river, I determined that its upper branches should be equally well explored ; as in this voyage I had already ascertained the sources of the Osage, and White Rivers, (been rounJ the h ad of the Kans River) and on the head waters of the Platte. 25th D~.·cembrr, Thursday.-It being stormy weather and having meat to dry; I concluded to lie by this day. Here I must tak~ the liberty of observing that in this situation, the hardships and privations we underwent, were on this day brought n1ore fully to our mind. Having been accuston1ed to some degree of relaxation, and extra enjoyments; but here 800 miles from the frontiers of our country, in the most inclement season of the year ; not one person clothed for the winter, many without blankets, (having been obliged to cut thein up for socks, &c.) and now laying down at night on the snow or wet ground; one side burning whilst the other was pierced with the cold wind: this was in part the situation of the party whilst smne were endeavoring to make a miserable substitute of raw bufl~llo hide for shoes &c. I will not speak of dict3 as I conceive that to be beneath the serious consideration of a man on a voyage of such nature. W c spent the day as agreeably as could be expected frmn men in our situa· tion. Caught a bird of a new species, having made a trap for him. • ,.Tbi:l bird was C'f a green color, nlmost the size of a quail, and had a small tuft on its head like a phca~ant, ami was of the carnivorom species; it differed from any bird we ever saw in the U nitcd ~tatc.!s. w c l(cpt him with us in a small wicker cage, feeding him on meal, lin til 1 left the interpreter on the Arkan· .;aw, with whom left it. We at one time took a companion of the same Epe· (.jes, and put them in the same cage, when the first resident never ceased att~ck.• ing the stranger until he killcJ him. 'fO Til~ SOUHCES (H TilE AHKANSA \V, &c. 179 26tb December, Friday.-Marched at two o'clock and tnade 7 1-2 milr·s to the entrance of the mountains. On this piece of prairie the river spread considcrab l y, and formed several small Islands, a large stream enters from the south. As my boy and some others were sick, l omitted pitching our tent in order that they 1night have it ; in conscqn<' nce of which we were completely covered with snow on top, a · well as that part on which we lay. 27th Deccmut'r. Sat urrlay.-~1arched over an extreme rough road, our horses r eceived frequent falls and cut themselves considerably on the rocks. From th 're being no roads of bufralo, or sign of horses, I am convinced that neither those animals, nor the aborigines of the country, ever take this route, to go frmn the source of the river out of the mountains, but that they must cross one of the chains to the right or left, and find ~ smoother tract to the lower country. Was obliged to unload our horses and tarr} the baggage at several places. Distance 1 ~ 1-2 miles. 28th December, Sunday.-Marched over an open space and from the appearance before us, concluded we were going out of the mountains, but at night encamped at the entrance of the most perpendicular precipices on both sides, through which the river ran and our course lay. Distance I 6 miles. 29th December, ]1/fonday.-Marched but owing to the extreme rugg-eJness of the road, made but five miles. Saw one of a new species of animals on the n1ountains; ascended it to kill him, but did not succeed. Finding the impos~ibility of getting along with the horses, made one sled, which with the n1en of three hor~cs , carries their load. SOtb December, 'f'uesday.-Marchcd : but at h~lf past one o'clock,· were obli ,red to halt and s cud back lor (") the sled lo;.H.I", as they had brokrn it and coulJ not proct't.:J |
