Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 13.djvu/362

 354 CLARENCE B. BAGLEY constructed from willow twigs. Provisions became scarce ; one night they supped on two polecats they were fortunate enough to encounter. Near the headwaters of Bear River they met another historic character, Peg-leg Smith, who supplied their pressing needs and sent them on their way with all the pro- visions they could carry. From Bear River they went over to Green River, and from there to Fort Bridger. Here they found Bridger, who fed them well and supplied them with good mules. In the South Pass the snows were very deep, and two of their mules were lost in it, so they had to ride and walk by turns. Game was scarce, and by the time the party reached Fort Laramie they were nearly starved, as well as almost frozen. From that point to St. Joseph, Mo., the difficulties from cold and snow and lack of food were not so great, but they were in constant danger from Indians, and but for Meek's previous ex- perience in caring for his scalp it is doubtful if they would have got through safely. From St. Joe to St. Louis they went by steamer. Here Meek got in communication with the President by telegraph, and thence to Washington by steamer and stage the remainder of the trip was made in comparative ease. The trip from the westerly slope of the Blue Mountains to the Mis- souri River was made in a little more than a month over two mountain ranges during inclement weather. It was one of the notable achievements in that period of heroic efforts and ac- complishments. After Meek's departure, the Oregon Legislature also re- solved to send a messenger overland to California to notify Governor Mason of the massacre and through him the com- mander of the United States squadron, asking for arms and ammunition for arming the settlers and a war vessel to be stationed in the Columbia River. Jesse Applegate, at the head of a party of 16 experienced men, set out on that errand about the first of February, but encountered such depth of snow they were compelled to return. The letters they carried were deliv- ered to the brig Henry, March 11, and in due time reached their destination, but not in time to do any good. In fact, I do not find