Forty Years Among the Indians: A true yet thrilling narrative of the author's experiences among the nativesJones, Daniel W. (Daniel Webster)
History
Forty Years Among the Indians: A true yet thrilling narrative of the author's experiences among the natives
Jones, Daniel W. (Daniel Webster)
Frontier and pioneer life -- West (U.S.); Indians of North America; Latter Day Saint pioneers -- Biography
I was well acquainted with both men, one being a relative. I took much
interest in their case, as it was one of the worst on record. I felt
like trying as much as possible the same regime, and believe to this
day, in case of severe wounds, that the system should be reduced by
abstinence to the lowest possible living condition. Nature so directs
many of the lower animal creation. I have known some domestic animals,
as well as wild ones, that on being dangerously wounded would hide up
for days without food or drink and come out well in time.
Finally on the 6th of September, 1850, we came in sight of a
settlement, then a fort on the Provo river. This surprised us
considerably for we had not expected to meet anyone before reaching
Salt Lake City.
I shall never forget the peculiar feelings that came over me when we
arrived at the fort. The little party with me had become separated from
the main company while coming down Spanish Fork Canyon, and we were
considerably behind when we saw signs of settlements. We felt somewhat
uneasy for fear "the bad Mormons" would take advantage of us and rob
us, as we had some money. When the company of fifty were all together
we felt as though we could stand the Mormons off, but the four of us
counting myself, I wounded and weak, feared we might be taken in. I had
my pistols by me and told the boys I would do my best, if molested.
When we got to the fort instead of trouble we found the people with
about the same kindly look of the eye and expression of sympathy as was
manifested by the Indians on Green river. There are many now living in
Provo who remember the circumstance, and how I looked, a mere skeleton
sitting on the top of a mule. The Indians also remember me to this
day from these circumstances, and call me "Chacon's boy." I now felt
conquered as far as Mormon goodness was concerned for many offered me
help if needed.
I was at first tempted to accept their kind offers,
but a spirit of pride came over me. It seemed humiliating to receive a
favor under any circumstances, so I went into camp with the rest. I was
now out of danger; my wound having done well, but the position in which
I had to ride had set the muscles so that crawling on hands and knees
was my only means of moving about; still I had not lost my spirits. I
had started to California to get rich and did not want to fail.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account