Report of an expedition down the Zuni and Colorado rivers / by Captain L. Sitgreaves.

  • United States. Army. Corps of Topographical Engineers.
Date:
1853
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Report of an expedition down the Zuni and Colorado rivers / by Captain L. Sitgreaves. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Colorado. We entered a rugged and difficult pass, between cliffs and pinnacles of gneiss, and attained the summit after a long and fatiguing ascent and the loss of several mules that gave out by the way, to be again disappointed in beholding, instead of the river, another extensive and desolate plain, and beyond it a similar formidable looking mountain range. While halting to rest the mules and endeavor to bring up those that were left on the road, Mr. Leroux turned off to ascend a higher peak, affording a more extended view of the country ahead; and, passing by a cluster of rocks, received the discharge of a flight of arrows from a concealed party of Indians. Three of the arrows took effect, inflicting severe wounds in the head and wrist, which caused him much suffering and disabled him for the rest of the journey. The Indians were driven from rock to rock, but always contrived to keep out of rifle range; and, after the pursuit was abandoned as fruitless, they returned as near as their safety would permit, watching our movements and making ges- tures of rage and defiance. When the march was resumed they fol- lowed for a short distance, approaching near enough to discharge some arrows, without effect, at the rear of the party. They were similarly clad and appeared to be of the same tribe as those last seen; some of the men, indeed, thought they recognised the one who had been in our camp two days before. November 4, Camp No. 31.—Many trees of the Spanish bayonet, scattered over the plain, varied the scene somewhat, but gave no relief to its aspect of barrenness; and another night passed without grass or water, added to the sufferings of the nearly exhausted animals. November 5, Camp No. 32—The approach to the mountains,before alluded to, was by a gradual ascent, so that when we arrived at their base, there did not remain much to be overcome. The pass was never- theless exceedingly rough, and bordered by overhanging crags, which it was deemed prudent to occupy before advancing with the atajo. Wo passed through, however, unmolested, and were at length cheered by the view of the Colorado, winding far below through a broad \ alley, its course for many miles being apparent from the large trees upon its banks. The smoke of numerous fires in the valley gave evidence of a large Indian population, and the sight brought a spontaneous cheer from the men, who believed that this was to be the end of their privations and of the labors and anxieties of the journey. The barometer showed us to be about 3,200 feet above the ri\er. The descent to it was rapid and continuous, the slope of the mountain reaching almost to its banks.