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Show 14 FROM FORT KEARNEY dian depredations the year before) we started for the hills, which looked to be about a mile away ; but the distance on the plains is very deceptive, and it required a ride of three or four miles before we reached their summit. The ascent, as we approached, looked so gentle as to permit of riding up at a canter, but we found it so steep upon approaching nearer, as to render it difficult even to lead our animals to the top ; but we reached it, and remained for an hour in admiration of the magnificent view which was there afforded. For twen ty miles either way the broad surface of the Platte, dotted with its islands of verdure, could be seen in all its windings; and, between it and the range of hills, the broad valley cov ered with the new prairie grass in all its. richness. Far away on the banks of the stream were the white tents of our camp, which looked like a bed of mushrooms, and the herd of ani mals grazing nearer to the foot of the hills appeared like a pack of hunter's hounds. South of us was a succession of hills and ravines the former of sand and without vegetation ; the latter covered with long grass looking greener because of the contrast with the barren hills surrounding them. The sight was altogether one of the grandest I had then ever beheld, but I subsequently found that it was only initiative to greater grandeur and beauty which awaited me in the moun tains further west. The sand buttes of the Platte were as the Rocky Mountains in miniature. Along this valley, only a year ago, the Indians had per petrated the most barbarous murders, as well as destroyed a large amount of property. The country is a peculiarly adapted for their depredations. The hills in some places are but little removed from the river, affording the savages a most excellent place for concealment. From these hills they watched for trains incapable of resisting on attack, and sallied forth upon the defenceless emigrant, with whom re treat was impossible because of the river on the other side, and he fell an easy victim to his brutal foe. Not only were trains attacked, ranches pillaged and de stroyed, but the occupants murdered. In many instances the latter abandoned their property, and sought safety at the |
