OCR Text |
Show VALLEY OF THE HUEEFANO. 75 CHAPTER XII. Journey up the Arkansas-Bent's Fort-Huerfano River and Valley-Description of the Country-Huerfano Butte-Behind Camp-Daguerreotypes-Scientific Observations- Approach of Night-Trail Lost, and Encampment in the Woods-Buffalo Robes and Blankets-Col. Fremont sends to find us-Bear Hunt-Roubidoux Pass-Emotion of Col. Fremont when Looking upon the Scene of his Terrible Disaster on a Former Expedition- Found a Half Starved Mexican-Col. Fremont's Humanity-His Skill in Pistol Shooting. WE travelled up the Arkansas, and passing the ruins, of Bent's Fort on the opposite side of the river, struck the mouth of the Huerfano; we followed that river to the Huerfano Valley-which is by far the most romantic and beautiful country I ever beheld. Nature seems to have, with a bountiful hand, lavished on this delightful valley all the ingredients necessary for the habitation of man; but in vain the eye seeks through the magnificent vales, over the sloping hills, and undulating plains, for a single vestige to prove that even the foot of an Indian has ever preceded us. Herds of antelope and deer roam undisturbed through the primeval forests, and sustain' themselves on the various cereals which grow luxuriantly in the valley. But where are the people ? Were there ever any inhabitants in this extraordinarily fertile country ? Will the progress of civilization ever extend so far in the interior.? At present, not even the smoke from an Indian wig- |