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Show 310 AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF They told how, when I arrived, I was presented with the best war-horse they had ever seen ; that he had two panther-skins on his saddle, and a collar about his neck trimmed with bears' claws, and a bridle surpassing all they had ever heard of. They said that they would all have been killed on their approach to the village, as the Crows came to the camp during the night ; but that the great chief only spoke one word, and the tribe was stilled, and departed in a moment. Not a word did they mention about their attempt on my life. They Inerely said that the Crows would not make peace with them, but had wished to treat again with them at some future time. I suspect they must have told marvelous tales when they reached home, for we ·were not troubled with them any more for a long time. The Crows have something of the Gallic temperament: they must have excitement, no matter whence derived, although the excitement of war suits them by far the best. They were again clamorous for war, they did not care against whom, and I alone must lead them, as my presence was a guarantee of success. Many of my friends opposed my going. My father's medicine told him that I should meet with a great disaster. My wife pleaded with me to remain. Even the ~m·oine, who never before showed reluctance to engage In war, had forebodings of disaster, and earnestly entreated me to stay. But I had previously given my word to my warriors, and had selected one hundred and. ~fty-four of my best followers to engage in an exped~ twn. I must co_nfess that if I had obeyed my own f~el_mgs, or, rather, If I had attended to my own misgiVIngs, I should certainly have staid at home. What motive prompted me to go? and what gain could pos- •• JAMES P. BECKWOURTH.· 311 sibly accrue to mixing with savages in their intestine broils with other savages? However, we started. Little White Bear, as brave a warrior as ever drew bow-string, was my second in command, and Pine Leaf was one of the number. We started for the Black Foot territory, traveling by way of the fort, where we staid three days. They had already finished their pickets, and the work was progressing finely. There were fifty men employed upon it. Mr. Tulleck inquired where I was going. I told him that my warriors wanted employment, and, to gratify them, I was going to the Black Foot country in quest of scalps or horses. He said, "For God's sake, do not go, Jim! I have a presentiment that a great calamity awaits you-that I shall never see you again. For your own safety, turn back to the village, or rest here." Many of my friends, who were working at the fort, expressed the same sentiments ; all mentioned a faTeboding that, if I should venture into the Black Foot country with my little foTce, I should infallibly be cut to pieces. I thought such despondency only natural, since they had been so badly harassed with the enemy that their fears magnified the danger. Still it was singular that both civilized and savage should give way to such forebodings. The morning for our departure came ; my warriors were impatient to get on. Some had galloped on ahead, and were prancing and curveting, awaiting my departure. I prepared my going with a heavy heart, which ill fortified me against the representations of my friends. I started, Mr. Tulleck and several of my friends accompanying me a few rods. I bade them good-by: my friend Tulleck's eyes filled with tears. I was |
