Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/128

Rh luxuries, and comforts of his solitary situation, uninterrupted, undivided, and unenvied. When he returned, we received him as the Robinson Crusoe of the camp; and the Island, in commemoration of the event was afterwards the Juan Fernandez of the Desert.

We continued on our way, without interruption, or occurrence worthy of notice; traveling about twenty miles each day; and on the 17th, arrived at Fort Hall. Here, and in the camp of Capt. Grant, we received every assistance, attention, and respect, which it was in his power to give, or we could desire; contrary to the treatment we formerly received from him, while on our way to Oregon. For this kindness and attention, under such circumstances as those in which we were often placed, we will ever feel the deepest sense of gratitude, and consider ourselves, but of every individual in the company. Yet, while we remember those kindnesses, with the warmest feelings, justice forbids that we should forget entirely that other treatment, so contrary.

We remained at Fort Hall one day, in order to rest our animals, and have the company of a Mexican, who would conduct us by the shortest route, to the camp of Messrs. Vasques and Smith, (Peg Leg,) where we hoped to have some addition to our company. We received a letter at the Fort, written from their camp, and addressed to any Company, returning from Oregon to the United States; stating that there were several persons there, who wished to go down by the first opportunity, and requesting us to come that way. We were informed that they had probably gone, but our anxiety to receive any addition to our numbers, urged us to leave nothing doubtful.

Our company, excepting two, left Fort Hall on the 19th, for the Soda Springs. We delayed nearly one day, on the way, waiting for the two men who were behind; but becoming impatient, we determined to proceed to that point, by which, we knew they would have to pass. When we came to the Springs, we found that they had arrived already, and were waiting for us. We had prepared ourselves to talk hard to them, for causing us delay, but the information which they brought, was ample to shield them from our displeasure. There was a company behind, from California.

They were near, and we, of course, halted until they came up. We were soon to enter a country, inhabited by a powerful warlike, and hostile tribe of Indians, the Sioux; and it was with no small degree of mutual pleasure to us, that a kind Providence, guiding and guarding, was pleased