Sarah Larimer’s Heroic Escape From the Sioux: Fanny Kelly ep. 7, 1864 

Sarah Larimer’s Heroic Escape From the Sioux: Fanny Kelly ep. 7, 1864

today on unworthy history we’ll be reading some actual history from the following book The capture and Escape life among the Sioux by Sarah L Larimer this book was published all the way back in 1870 so today is episode 7 in my series on Fanny Kelly now back in episode 4 the night before Fanny Kelly was condemned to die by the chief she found Sarah Larimer and her son had gone missing and in this episode we will hear from Sarah larimer’s perspective about what happened to them after they disappeared two hours were spent in this beautiful

Camp when we proceeded upon the journey in a Northern Direction after traveling 10 miles we again found water and they all halted to rest a little and quench their thirst the sun was fast sinking in the west with a feeble hope of being overtaken by friends I pleaded fatigue and asked the privilege of remaining by the Brook until the next morning but my entreaties were disregarded they having determined to proceed several miles up the valley before stopping for their night’s encampment we traveled until after dark the third Camp was in a

secluded Nook of the valley it was entered at the base of a succession of Bluffs and Rocky Peaks that almost surrounded it amid these encircling Hills at lay a small Meadow watered by a little brook or possibly it was a creek of some size and other seasons of the year but now it was almost dry the enclosure was dotted by numerous bushes that were covered by Green foliage the moon set early and in the Dem Starlight could be seen the frowning Bluffs that shut us in on every side like the Grim walls of a fortress our carriage horses

were brought in and as I looked upon them their familiar faces were like the countenances of dear old friends and the thought of their services through so many years and through our journeyings on the plains rushed through my memory it was the last look at those dear faithful creatures who like us were introduced to a wild roving life bushes were cut off at the ground and placed in a circular and conical form meeting at the top and over them coverings were stretched making them comfortable shelters each large enough for one

person to Repose in one of these little teepees furnished with some bedding was placed at my disposal and taking my child in my arms I retired Frank being weary with his fatiguing journey soon fell asleep the 30 hours of our parallel and Provisions had made sorrow painfully apparent upon his dear little face yet true to my injunctions not a tear trembled in his eyes nor a word of complaint passed his lips nor glance of impatience darkened his brow but quiet sorrow was impressed on every feature while the cheerful brightness of his

eyes seemed quenched when he sat in silent thoughtfulness I had from the first endeavored to gain the confidence of the Indians and cause them to believe that we were resigned to Our Fate that their vigilance relaxing a chance for escape might present itself several small fires were made in the camp which gave it a cheerful appearance and by each of these a guard was stationed one being burning near the door of my little teepee a guard was near us the child lay peacefully sleeping and I silently watching and

waiting until between midnight and the morning when all being still I arose noiselessly and looked out at the scene the fires had burned low and the guards appeared to Slumber overcome doubtless by the fatigue of the previous day’s March and lulled the carelessness by our apparent resignation to Our Fate and the knowledge of the distance we were from the fort softly stepping lest my foot should touch the slumbering form of an Indian I made my way to the place I thought my friend and fellow prisoner Mrs Kelly lay her bed having been made

in the open air but in the darkness I could not distinguish one figure from another and fearing I would be discovered if I endeavored search closely remembering too that she had said in the evening she would Endeavor to take a horse that night and go back I hope she had succeeded and I retraced my steps to the door of my shelter a terrible sense of isolation overcame me no one can realize the sensation without in some degree experiencing it in the heart of a Wilderness a thousand miles from home and a prisoner in the camp of

a band of hostile Indians with but a life of slavish wonderings for myself and child there was but one glimpse of light in this darkness and that was flight but between the camp and the Civilized world were many difficulties to pass the guards to keep points of the compass in the trackless wilderness pursuers to elude hunger and thirst to endure possibly ravenous beasts of prey and venomous reptiles to encounter to remain was a life of bondage and the companionship of barbarous Indian I resolved to make an attempt to escape

and snatching the child he awoke and I lifted him from the bed fearing that he might be only partially awakened and become frightened I whispered I am about for starting for home and clasping him closely in my arms I looked around to discover any danger all was quiet not a sound saved the breathing of the sleepers broke the silence a few dim Stars Shone above the rocky Peaks that surrounded us pressing him to my bosom and unspoken Assurance of my Fearless resolution to save him I stepped noiselessly but rapidly across the camp

to the place where we had entered it and in precaution instead of turning to the South by the way we had come I climbed a bluff to the westward hoping in this way to evade our pursuers this Bluff was succeeded by another and still others which I climbed until my strength failed under the laborious labor and weight of my child and I could carry him no further then placing him upon the ground I adjourned him to run and climb for his life he realized the necessity of doing this and brought all his energies to the task

thus we traveled in the southwesterly direction until morning judging it unsafe to travel in daylight we sought a canyon and concealed ourselves under the side of a projecting rock where we remained in silent watchfulness until late in the afternoon but although secreted from our Indian foes who had discovered our absence at early Dawn and instituted a search which lasted until almost noon a scarcely less terrible enemy in the form of thirst seized us threatening Our Lives of hunger we had no consciousness although it was a fast

from Seven meals but water became the one absorbing thought in it even our Danger from the Indians was forgotten mother said little Frank as we were traveling the previous day a I would rather go up to God than to go with the Indians but when his lips became parched his throat dry his tongue protruding so that he could scarcely speak he said mother we might as well have been killed by the Indians as a die of thirst in this Canyon and he seemed to sink as a Fading Flower under the midday sun in childhood I had listened to my

grandmother’s stories of Indian cruelties while at Night My Dreams have been haunted with the horrible Phantoms of those recitals to prevent my boy’s brain becoming a prey to equally dreary Visions I had forbidden such narratives being related in the presence of Frank but it was a reserved for him to taste the reality of those Dreadful Legends and realize the bitterness of fear I had shrunk from and description crouched in the shadow of our Rock of Refuge endeavoring to console the child with cheering stories and assurances that

water would be at last obtained I thought of many characters in romance and history wherein the Indian is enshrined in Beauty the untutored nobility of the soul the Brave and lofty Spirit the simple dignity untrammeled by the ceremonies of a hollow world with many other traits of noble character attributed to him Rose mockingly before me and strange contrast with the realities we had just escaped from the stately Logan The Fearless Philip the Invincible Tecumseh the Bold Blackhawk and the gentle Pocahontas how unlike the

greedy cunning and ruthless Indians we had seen truly those pictures of the children of the forest that Adorn the pages of the novelist are delightful conceptions of the Airy fancy fitted to charm the mind they amuse and beguile the hour but the true Indian roams his native waste and to study his real character so much must be sacrificed that few persons become really acquainted with them by some remarkable sagacity is attributed to the endian it is even said that they can discern Footprints upon a rock and follow sense

of footsteps upon the ground but these ideas are dreams of fancy the Indians cultivate the powers of the eye and the ear and arrive at a great degree of acuteness in those organs which however might be equally the possession of any other people indeed their custom of plucking out the eyebrows and lashes thus exposing the pupils to Sun and dust might be supposed to be injurious to the eyes late in the afternoon when our thirsts had become almost intolerable fearing Frank’s sufferings for water would disable him for travel his

strength already fading I concluded to go from our place of concealment and Endeavor to view the face of the country and accordingly I cautiously stepped over the sand to the base of a huge Rock and I venture to climb its craggy side until I could Overlook the surrounding country tree but could see no living creature the Indian Camp had been left several miles to the northeastward and the Bluffs over which we had traveled intervening effectually concealed the Valley from view the surrounding country seemed a vast pile of sand interspersed

with huge rocks productive of nothing but sage bush and Cactus the former growing from a few inches to several feet in height and literally covering the country for miles and extent this herb is used by the Indians for fuel it is somewhat like the cultivated Sage having a strong taste that resembles the flavor of that herb its prolific growth however was almost equaled in some sections by the cactus which covered the ground for miles and extents and its numerous formidable Thorns repel intrusion wherever it spreads returning

to Frank in my fears for his failing strength arousing me to the necessity of procuring water I resolved to leave the canyon for that purpose he was anxious to make every effort his strength would permit and we began to climb the rocks at the side of the canyon opposite our place of entrance with the view of leaving still another obstacle between us and the Indians Camp here a whip and lash were found proving that the place had been visited before a little squirrel came frisking along and on discovering us seemed amazed to see

Intruders there and after a few glances with its bright little eyes it whisked away among the rocks and sand from whence it came then a little bird alighted upon a point and fluttered about in quest of something that it did not find soon winging its way to another place leaving a Solitude to us we began to ascend the craggy height and soon stood upon its Summit but the work of descending was not a trifling undertaking and required some time and patience when the ground was reached we immediately started to the South

Eastward with a hope of arriving at the valley we had left in the morning a few miles south of the Indian camp but now a painful reality interposed when escaping the camp having not worn my shoes but carrying them in my hand hoping in this way to avoid leaving tracks in the sand I had in the darkness walked into a vast bed of cactus Rife with thorns which had penetrated my feet in a very painful manner on the discovery of the pitileus Thorns I had caught the child up and carried him through thus saving him the

pain he otherwise must have suffered and disregarding the piercing needles had hastened on possibly it was there that our pursuers were eluded for it was not deemed probable that any person would undertake to cross an unknown bed of cactus now when I press my feet to the ground the Thorns caused no little pain Frank sympathizing with me in this torture begged that I would Endeavor to forget it in the wreck collection of the Urgent necessity of traveling as he had found his thirst grow more intense by dwelling upon it after a walk of several

miles we arrived at the valley where we had hoped to find water but alas the stream had sunk under the surface leaving however some wet mud in the bed of the creek at this disappointment Frank wept for his thirst was intense but heaven and mercy suggested a plan by which a few drops of the delicious liquid might be obtained Frank wore two shirts I divested him of one and by placing some of the moist Earth in it and pressing it with my hands a few drops of water were obtained which fell like pearls into the mouth of the child

it was a most welcome draft although muddy and much impregnated with iron it brought back the life that seemed ebbing under the torture of thirst according to the geographical account of the country this was probably the head of Sage Creek abundance of Tall Grass grew in the valley and a few rose bushes were scattered upon the little Knolls that dotted it and though the season for Roses was almost over a few were left blooming we followed the stream or rather the valley for one or two miles and could see the prince of footsteps of

birds in the moist Earth as They too had searched for water nothing of animal life was seen except a deer that leaped from its covert at our approach and escaped over the hills finally we came to a little pool of water that tenaciously held its position in the bed of the creek its surface was covered by a green scum an innumerable little snakes darted about on seeing us approach and seemed by their Hasty movements of swimming from Shore to Shore lapping their slender tongues darting Keen glances from their gleaming

little eyes to resent our approach we however were persevering and in spite of their hostile demonstrations in hurried movements advance to the brink and stooped a drink of the tempting liquid first however taking the precaution of frightening the reptiles away and spreading a cloth upon the surface and we only drank of what was strained through unless we might swallow some tiny reptiles further down the valley more water was found but soon the creek with its lovely green turned to the Eastward and we were compelled to leave

it and pursue our way Southward over the dry and desolate Hills the sun was fast sinking behind the Western Peaks and we only awaited the friendly Shadows of night to pursue our way over the Wild and arid Heights before us not daring to venture in daylight lest the watchful eye of a weary Indian should detect our movements having procured some moist Earth in a cloth for its dampness and in case no water could be found on the road we treasured it as a preserver of Life while sitting in a sheltered Retreat awaiting the sun’s decline we observed

to the northward a small party of Indians advancing but apparently unconscious of our presence in the vicinity they were at a distance of several hundred yards and were not recognized as being of the party we had escaped from our only safety was in concealment because cautiously we crept to some large Bunches of Sagebrush and were shielded by their protecting leaves yet painful suspense was endured as the Indians approached and passed just within a few yards of us as night spreader Sable mantle over the hills

bringing coolness and repose to the weary the young Moon Shone faintly and a few Stars could be seen But silence reigned not even a sound of the murmur of water or hum of insects could be heard upon the clear air I arose and felt in the darkness for the child he slept where last I saw him it was cruel to disturb that needed rest yet many miles of weary walking lay between us and our own people with a silent prayer to God for protection I awoke him and we proceeded upon the journey as we ascended the hills the wind arose

blowing fresh and cold we continued to walk all night looking stealthily on every side for the approach of danger and expecting a at any moment that we might overtake the ban that had passed us in the evening just before Daybreak the darkness was intense and the way so rugged that it was deemed advisable to wait until morning which would give a view of our surroundings accordingly we went aside a few steps to seek a hiding place beneath the shelter of some sage bush soon my weary child fell asleep but the intense anxiety for water prevented

me from finding rest we had seen no signs of water since we left Sage Creek and it might yet be days before it could be obtained the horrors of our situation were harassing to contemplate and once a thought of returning to the pool we had left presented itself but reason coming to Aid a better resolution the Cowardly suggestion was banished and as the first rays of daylight Tings the Eastern Horizon I arose to look upon the surrounding country the Wolves seemed congregated upon the Highlands and awaking from their Knights Repose their

wailing cries echoed back from the distant Hills with terrific clearness these prowling creatures abound in that country where some species attain a great size they congregate in large numbers attacking the Stray animals that they happen to meet even the Buffalo which does not fear them in the herd knows his danger when overtaken alone and the solitary bull secreted from its Hunter succumbs before the United force of a gang of wolves advantages sometimes taken of the unsuspecting Buffalo by the Indian who covers himself with a wolf

skin and creeping cautiously is permitted to approach within a few yards of the herd when he is able to discharge his Arrows with deadly effect in this way great Slaughter is sometimes made by the cunning Indians each secures a piece of meat for present use leaving the carcass to become a feast for the Wolves thus wasting their own game when the day became clear a Green Valley could be seen to the Southward and dreading the agony of thirsts that Frank might suffer I concluded to Mark the place and proceed in search of water alone being

soon convinced that the Hope was not delusive and that it really could be obtained by return for Frank and my horror could not find the spot where I had left him the direction was not lost but in my eagerness I had traveled further than I had anticipated for a while I searched with anxious dread with frantic arter hastening through the sage bushes but a great sameness prevailed each Place appearing much like another at length he awoke and finding himself alone stood up and cried my joy was great for truly the Lost was found

together we hastened into the valley and on the way thither came into a deserted Indian camp and from its relics selected a pair of abandoned moccasins which being bound upon Frank’s bruised and bleeding feet served as a shield to protect them from the scorching sand farther in the valley covered with durian growth of grass we found a creek flowing over a bed of unusually white sand this water was very cold and though of the depth of two feet it was so clear that it appeared to be but a mere Ripple above the sand this section was

evidently a great Indian Rendezvous unless we be observed it was necessary to seek a secluded place in which to spend the day looking about we discovered the mouth of a small Creek that emptied into this stream from the southwest thither we went and found the waters though occupying so nearly the same section of the country to be in great contrast with the first Creek one being of icy coldness and clear as Crystal the other warm and stagnant and of a greenish color with a conviction that the Indians would probably make

their encampments near the best water and most luxuriant grass we selected our secluded Retreat for the day near the other this temporary home was a cavity in the side of Bluff rising perpendicularly from the valley at the Southward it had been formed by the action of water that flowed from the hills into the valley in wet Seasons it was of oval shape and about 30 feet in length with perpendicular walls on either side which were about 20 feet high and 12 feet apart the mouth was a narrow passage which had been formed by

the outward flow of water through a rock and in this natural doorway grew clusters of wild rose bushes which concealed the entrance from View and just beyond the door was a pool of water that like a good fairy promised to keep away the bane of thirst this seemed like a tolerably safe Retreat as long as our tracks should not be discovered and guide the Indians to our seclusion the sun arose in all its Majestic Beauty not a cloud intervened to obscure the golden Rays as they tinge the tops of lofty Peaks and nestled into silent Nooks thus

overspreading the vast arid Hills not even a bird was seen to soar flit upward and but the murmur of the sparkling Brook broke the Silence of that long and ever to be remembered day the pool of water near our door was of a green color and inhabited by slender dark colored reptiles which very much resembled horses hairs and were supposed to be tiny Roots until a closer observation revealed the truth that instead of floating by the action of the water they possessed animal life and had eyes and looking at us curved their slender form

seeming to resent our approach looking about in the hope of finding a rosebud an empty eggshell was discovered from which the little warbler had winged its flight and upon this we dined this eggshell proved to be the only meal that broke our fast of four days later in the day when on a cautious visit to the neighboring pool we discovered a very large toad sitting in the grass pouting silently as though pondering over some great wrong frogs are eaten by civilized people but toads never nor will the Indians use them for food their

appearance is repulsive and disagreeable to such an extent as to lead to the belief that they are a poisonous reptile yet it has been said that some soldiers during the Revolutionary War in great extremity ate them this toad we captured and carried triumphantly to our cave and we resolve that whatever its exterior homeliness might be it should serve as a shield against a day of starvation to kill it without a weapon was now a matter of consideration and finally a little stick was procured and used vigorously but the reptile clung

tenaciously to life and only yielded under repeated blows it finally lay dead upon its breast yet we refrain from eating it reserving it for a greater emergency our prejudice is not being easily overcome some rose leaves and the small game were secured in our pockets and at night some moist Earth was placed in a cloth for it might be a refreshing balm in the absence of water slowly the sun went down and night hovered over the hills as we resumed our journey more Hills were to be climbed soon we discovered that the mud we carried in

the cloth would not retain moisture and in consequence was worthless we had now been long fasting in the absence of food aggravated our thirst the country was high in Barren and no signs of water being discovered a fear that none could be obtained haunted us as night wore on at length a child’s strength failed to such a degree that he could walk but a few steps in succession and then must rest a little he begged to be permitted to lie down but I knew it would be unsafe to travel in daylight and fearing Frank would not survive the next day

unless water be procured I endeavored to encourage him onward reminding him of the weary hours of the previous night how he had traveled over Sandy Heights and dreary ways to find that morning dawn water and rest now the night was Far spent and soon a new day would come when we would probably be as fortunate as before a large white flower nodded gracefully on its slender stalk and seemed a reminder of the poppy in the garden of our Pennsylvania home its Dwelling Place was among the mountains where it stood blooming alone seeming by

its contentment and Beauty to mock our starvings I plucked it for its moisture and fragrance and offered it to Frank but he declined it remarking I do not care for flowers now and trembling under the influence of fatigue hunger and thirst his husky voice and pleading eyes again begged for rest I was unable to carry him and could but realize the painful truth that his strength was exhausted I sought a small wash in the ground and taking him in my arms lay down and fell asleep soon the day dawned when the shrill

voices of the Wolves rang upon the clear morning air rousing us to a sense of immediate danger a little sleep had revived the child somewhat we arose in contrary to our previous intentions began to travel in daylight the danger being divided and it being scarcely less terrible to risk the withering influence of thirst and the attack of ferocious wolves in our seclusion than the Indians in travel the former evil was almost certain and as our way was not to the place of our attack which the Indians would most likely suspect we hope to

elude the latter and proceeded on our lonely walk it was not exclusively a time of suffering for though cast out as it were from the world there was a magnificent scenery to enjoy a grand Panorama spread in Majestic Beauty before us yet not as Splendid as is that sometimes seen in this mountainous country where the most Sublime objects in nature are crowd it into a scene as wild and beautiful as imagination can picture the Rarity of the atmosphere nowhere more inviting than on the vast slopes and plateaus of the Rocky

Mountains gives to everything a Mystic Beauty small objects close at hand start up with a remarkable rapidity into gigantic monsters a raven at a short distance looks like some large animal and when the deception is discovered recalls to mind the monster Birds described by Sinbad the Sailor and The far-off Buttes mock with their retreatings the approach of the traveler who thinking that a moment’s ride will bring him to a landmark a pool of fresh water or some approaching stranger travels onward while the Visions sink

one by one behind the Horizon above which refraction has raised them sometimes a solitary Antelope walking alone will be multiplied into a band of 20 and a small herd of seven or eight looks like the march of a band of Indians causing fears unless they be pursuers sometimes the Artemisia patches rocks and alkaline Flats covered with the encrustation of alkali sparkling in the sun suddenly seemed to vibrate before the eyes and transform themselves into lakes and Gardens of the most bewildering Beauty then with a misty

Vapor they pass away leaving the barren plane in its blank sterility as before a desolation covered with Artemisia or Buffalo sage and prickly pear patches that add little beauty to the surrounding desolation still over the desert-like Wilderness the antelope roams and vast numbers and the huge bison flounders in comparative security sailing in Mystic curves the American Eagle surveys the plains unconscious of danger or swoops with fearful rapidity upon the unsuspecting rabbit or Sage hen and bears it to his irie with a

triumphant scream about nine o’clock we descended to the bed of a creek or shallow river whose Waters had all disappeared beneath the sand or under the influence of evaporation as is not uncommon in that country and dry seasons a green tree could be seen down the stream standing like a forest King spreading its branches to the weary traveler of these desolate Hills when we had crossed the Sandy Creek and gained the opposite Bluff Great Smoky Hills could be seen to the Southward looming up against the morning sky and adding

their wild Grand doer to the surrounding scene soon a Green Valley of 30 miles width spread out before us and through it rolled a mighty river whose windings amid verdant Banks could be marked from our elevation and the emerald spots of luxuriant green that dotted the Silvery crests were visible upon its bosom while the Rays of the July Sun were reflected back from its glassy surface and dazzling Splendor those Hills were a spur of the Rocky Mountains and our had to derive their Smoky appearance from the burning of bituminous coal in which

they abound the Great River was the North Platte and although miles of weary walking lay between us and its Cool Waves and even when gained it might be too much swollen to Ford the prospect of relief from thirst and the consciousness of being thus far on our Homeward Journey brought renewed hope the road lay over great Sandy Hills and the scorching Sun seemed to wither all vegetation under its influence Frank’s hat and my Bonnet had been left behind and our heads were exposed to the hot rays of the sun I had undertaken to make

temporary caps but being warned by Frank that white could be seen at a great distance and might lead to Discovery just when hope had sprung into our hearts I desisted thankfully accepting his suggestion on ascending another Eminence what appeared to be an Indian village resting upon the opposite Bank of the river presented itself in bold relief and and to the Eastward at the distance of a few miles another Village was located between us and the river as if guarding the Blessed refreshing liquid it was death to retrace our steps

and dangerous to go forward One Moment In that exposed place might cost us our lives or a recapture our position was on the brink of a precipice and at its base could be seen a clear pool or lake that had formed from the super abundance of the river but that was beyond our reach over 200 feet below while it’s cool and tempting freshness only increased the desire to be at its Brink there was but one thought which came like a flash safety and a moment later we were concealed from the danger amid the gaping walls of a Canyon’s mouth that

opened immediately to our right as if to offer a shelter that otherwise we could not have found it was entered by a gradually descending slope for a few feet and in a narrow passage between two box seem to open for us to pass and down into its cool declivity we went strong and high the massive rocks Rose above us and we seemed buried alive in the bowels of the earth nothing grander than this Mighty Canyon did my eyes ever rest upon and feeble words can convey but a faint impression of the wondrous beauty of

this Noble feat of nature after reaching a gentle slope we came to a steep Descent of stones resembling stair steps without the aid of which it would have been impossible to penetrate its depths the greater space below wind gained resembled the cell of some old prison and in it we felt more severed from the breathing thinking World passing still further down this Canyon for it was long and seemingly divided into rooms or apartments we came to a natural Hall paved with smooth Rock and overhung with arched walls gray and rough and garnish

with curious devices beautiful white stones of various shapes and sizes decorated this place being disposed around in grotesque shapes and exquisite Harmony of order even weariness fear and thirst and not dead in the faculties beyond the power of enjoying this masterpiece of Nature’s cunning worksmanship on which she had lavished so much skillful tracery to rear a palace for the Abode of silence for not a sound broke the quiet whose solemn presence was felt if not seen the way went over rocks and cautiously we went

across places that our feet were the first to press it was now 22 hours since we had tasted water and we seem to sink under the influence of thirst the way had been over a dry Sandy waste that was scorching Under the Sun now the cooling shades of the Towering walls on either side were as a refreshing bomb but could not supply the need of water and that became the one absorbing thought water in the river water and the well water at the fount water in the lake water everywhere after resting a while a descending slope was discovered and we

proceeded we soon came to where the floor was of sand and a great tree presented itself in bold relief but appeared in its Prison Walls as a tree of insignificant growth at this place the sand was damp and immediately at the right was the mouth of another Mighty Canyon which with a hope of finding water we entered and though this new Wonder presented fearful forebodings it also gave hope we hurried onward inspired with a growing certainty that water would be found and soon came to a pool of bright clear cold water the best

of liquids during that long night and day it had seemed that if once it was within our grasp our thirst would be insatiable never tiring of the refreshing stream it was more than 100 hours since we had last eaten food yet we were not conscious of a desire for it this Canyon was in great contrast with its sister that we had just visited everything being damp the sand beneath our feet was moist great pools of water stood here and there and occasionally a stream rippled along and then sank into the poorest strata of sand to rise again

in pools or to flow along at the base of the mighty walls and mingle with the drops that drip from their sides this Canyon though not so grotesque was truly beautiful and in it were marks a former intrusion a boot track and a print of a horseshoe were discovered in the sand Indians do not wear boots nor are their horses shot a hope not a delusive hope spraying to our breasts we had previously heard the tinkling of a bell and the lowing of a cow but at suppose they belonged to the Indians of the neighboring Village but now it seemed a

proof in connection with the tracks that possibly civilized people were in the vicinity hastening back to the dry Canyon I ascended the side and looked eagerly for any Assurance of the vicinity of a civilized person again the loaning of a cow as pleasant music broke the silence for it carried with it hope Indians only steal cattle for their meats we felt that we must be near the camp of Christian people hastening to Frank I took his hand and ascended the opposite side which since the junction of the Canyons was a huge embankment of

sand even roots and bushes were interspersed freshly chopped wood was found upon the side they are a hunter had been I left my child believing the marks sufficient to secure my finding him again and climbing still higher I caught a glimpse of the valley we had so long been approaching knowing our Danger from the Indians that roamed the hills every possible assurance that civilized people were really in the neighborhood was necessary less with a delusive thought we might rush into Danger a cloud of dust arose beyond the river and

sailed along as though it was being raised by a little Whirlwind from a public Highway The Village could be seen but it was at too great a distance for the people to be recognized as Indians the lowing of cows the tinkling Bell the tracks in the sand cut wood the dust as of a highway all rose up as evidences of a vicinity to white people possibly a train was encamped near the Indian village perhaps we were nearing The Immigrant Road and much nearer to the Fort than had been supposed calculating the distance we had been taken by the

Indians and the way we had come in returning we had not hoped to strike a frequented road for 10 miles beyond the Platte River but now the cheering evidences of our vicinity to civilize life combined formed an Illuminating Light such as a not been shown before in our satin minds and just as the last Ray of the Glorious Sunset died on the tops of the surrounding Hills the clear soft sound of music floated through the still air and lingered upon the rocks to Echo back the enrapturing notes and at that moment an eagle with widespread Wings

sell proudly Aloft into the dying sunset at the site of the noble bird and the sound of our nation’s horn danger seemed to fly and I bounded down the rocky steep to carry the Good Tidings to my son he too had caught the sound and with hope and joy beaming in his eyes exclaimed The Soldier’s maw I hear the bugle sound Retreat it was truly so and clasping my dear child in my arms we Rejoice together having bathed and combed at the pool no future preparations were to be made and we proceeded to the mouth of the United

Canyons by a passage between two precipitous Bluffs that led several hundred feet downward to the river arriving on the bank of the stream under the cover of night we sought the shelter of some bushes for for the mighty River rolled between us and the fort The Village we had seen on the North side with some little distance below us and we still believed it to be inhabited by Indians who had capture or murder us immediately on Discovery caution had been learned through bitter experience and although there were so many

evidences of our vicinity to a friendly settlement we dreaded lest a lurking Indian discovering us at the threshold of friends for we felt that we were surely approaching the place of a white man we still cautiously avoided exploring a path that might be beset with dangers as we sat in this shelter which proved to be the last a most joyful and welcome sound greeted our ears one in which there was no mistake our own language spoken by some boys who passed driving cattle we arose at the pleasant and encouraging sound in the

sight of the boys and believing that what we had supposed was an Indian village might be an immigrant train walk slowly and that direction and soon saw a man who was approaching with two horses and called to him he came forward and I inquired if he was a white Emigrant when he proudly raised his head and said well I believe I am then I endeavored to explain to him why thus unceremoniously addressed him but he interrupted me by saying oh yes I have already heard of the Indians outbreak and that you were carried away but no one ever dreamed of

your coming back by yourself two companies of soldiers have arrived at Deer Creek just beyond the river on their way to chastise those Scoundrels but come along with me and I will take you to the train where there are ladies and still holding my hand he drew us with him as you are acquainted with the circumstances can you tell me where the men of our train are I inquired your husband he replied was wounded although not fatally and he is beyond the river in the fort this was the first intimation I had that any of our our

train had been shot when the Indians fired and in hope that some mistake existed I made further inquiries but the kind man knew the truth and having heard of a little boy being carried away and seeing Frank knew it was my husband that was convalescent and proceeded to explain we soon arrived at the place where the women were and were introduced and cordially welcomed never before was I so glad to see ladies they were of course all strangers to me but notwithstanding they seemed as sisters while some laughed others cried each in

her way expressing Joy at our return their interests and sympathy were like healing balm after our dreary wanderings among the hills it was regarded as but little less than a miracle that we had made her escape from the Indians entirely unaided and successfully found our way back very soon hundreds of persons flocked to see us and inquire in what Manner we had affected an escape and how we found our way back to that point many of these good people were Germans and as they conversed among themselves expressed a very great hatred

of the Indians I felt Almost Persuaded that they were as much embittered against the Indians as myself for an hour this entertainment lasted and though I felt weary and faint I endeavored to reply correctly to all their questions although it seemed an unceasing stream of inquiries this train had come from Iowa and the river being very high they had been unable to cross until they arrived at that place and were awaiting a fall in the water numerous small trains coming up the encampment was increased to a great size

and upon First Sight the covered wagons appeared like an Indian village thus arose my first impression that this was an Indian camp with great kindness a Sumptuous supper was prepared but Although our fasts had been long we felt no desire for food and I declined to accept anything but a cup of tea and a small piece of bread and permitted Frank to only have a little milk and rice at the taste of which his appetite returned but mine did not until tempted by Delicacies prepared by kind ladies at the fort on the second day after our

arrival as the waters were too high for us to cross that night a soldier by the name of Sparks who happened to be there kindly offered across the river and informed my husband of our safe arrival then Mr Kelly immediately came over to inquire the fate of his family but I was able to give him no very encouraging information The Afflicted husband and Father’s emotion on listening to what I could tell was a site that moves strong Hearts his wife still in captivity with all the horrors of uncertainty surrounding her and his little daughter

alone upon the hills or Carried Away by another party or perhaps mutilated and left for wolves to Prey Upon all this seemed to press heavily upon his mind and feelings endurance struggled with stronger sentiment but the great sorrow that oppressed his heart did not prevent him from sympathizing with our joy and he related the particulars of the condition of the wounded and assured me that my husband was convalescent avowing his intention to start the next morning in search of his Lost Child he returned to the fort and the bedside of the

Wounded men so that’s it for this episode this was really quite a remarkable escape from their Sioux chapters by Sarah Larimer and her son Frank it took them about four days and with no weapons or food and very little water so in the next episode in this series we’ll get back to Fanny Kelly who is still in captivity so if you want to see more episodes like this then be sure to like And subscribe and we’ll see you next time on unworthy history