The Prairie Traveler: A Hand-book for Overland ExpeditionsMarcy, Randolph B. (Randolph Barnes)
History
The Prairie Traveler: A Hand-book for Overland Expeditions
Marcy, Randolph B. (Randolph Barnes)
Overland journeys to the Pacific; West (U.S.) -- Description and travel
When a halt is made the wagons are "corraled," as it is called, by
bringing the two front ones near and parallel to each other. The two
next are then driven up on the outside of these, with the front wheels
of the former touching the rear wheels of the latter, the rear of the
wagons turned out upon the circumference of the circle that is being
formed, and so on until one half the circle is made, when the rear of
the wagons are turned in to complete the circle. An opening of about
twenty yards should be left between the last two wagons for animals to
pass in and out of the corral, and this may be closed with two ropes
stretched between the wagons. Such a corral forms an excellent and
secure barricade against Indian attacks, and a good inclosure for
cattle while they are being yoked; indeed, it is indispensable.
STAMPEDES.
Inclosures are made in the same manner for horses and mules, and, in
case of an attempt to stampede them, they should be driven with all
possible dispatch into the corral, where they will be perfectly secure.
A "stampede" is more to be dreaded upon the plains than almost any
disaster that can happen. It not unfrequently occurs that very many
animals are irretrievably lost in this way, and the objects of an
expedition thus defeated.
The Indians are perfectly familiar with the habits and disposition of
horses and mules, and with the most effectual methods of terrifying
them. Previous to attempting a stampede, they provide themselves with
rattles and other means for making frightful noises; thus prepared,
they approach as near the herds as possible without being seen, and
suddenly, with their horses at full speed, rush in among them, making
the most hideous and unearthly screams and noises to terrify them, and
drive them off before their astonished owners are able to rally and
secure them.
As soon as the animals are started the Indians divide their party,
leaving a portion to hurry them off rapidly, while the rest linger some
distance in the rear, to resist those who may pursue them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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