USA > Idaho > Vigilante days and ways : the pioneers of the Rockies, the makers and making of Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, Vol. I > Part 34
USA > Montana > Vigilante days and ways : the pioneers of the Rockies, the makers and making of Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, Vol. I > Part 34
USA > Oregon > Vigilante days and ways : the pioneers of the Rockies, the makers and making of Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, Vol. I > Part 34
USA > Washington > Vigilante days and ways : the pioneers of the Rockies, the makers and making of Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, Vol. I > Part 34
USA > Wyoming > Vigilante days and ways : the pioneers of the Rockies, the makers and making of Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming, Vol. I > Part 34
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" I selected a place thirty-six miles west of the old California trail, under the shadow of the Coast range of mountains, in one of the most charming of valleys. The only evidence that it had ever been visited by a human being was a small Indian trail near by, which led from the base of Siskiyou mountain to the ocean, near the mouth of Coquil- las river. I turned my cattle upon the fine range of native grass which covered both hill and valley in all directions, and, with the aid of the herds- men, built a log cabin, stockading a half-acre, en- closing it with poles fifteen feet high. My armory consisted of one rifle, fifteen United States yagers, one double-barrelled shot-gun, a pair of Colt's re- volvers, and a large supply of ammunition. Feel- ing that I was now prepared to defend myself against the Indians, I dismissed the men, who re- turned to the settlements, and began the life of solitude.
" In the early days of this experience, I confess I
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sometimes cast longing thoughts back to the rela- tions and friends I had forsaken, and wished I had been less precipitate in my choice of a mode of life. Then the past would come up, with its com- mencement of promise and happiness, and its close of disappointment and gloom. I called philosophy to my aid, and strove to forget, in my studies, which I engaged in with energy, all my former joys and griefs.
" Familiarity with my condition wore away all regrets, and I soon learned to love my exile, and to regard it as the most instructive and least harm- ful portion of my life. To avoid too great monot- ony, I occasionally spent a day in hunting or fishing, or looking after my herd; but the pro- ficiency I made in study was my greatest source of encouragement and happiness.
" Month after month imperceptibly glided away, except as each was marked by some increase in knowledge, and some additions to my cattle. I felt resigned to an isolation which cast me off from all communion with the world and all knowl- edge of its transactions. Indians would occasion- ally appear, but they knew my means of defence, and never disturbed me. Their attacks upon armed men, like those made upon the grizzly or mountain lion, are only ventured when safe, and
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always with strategy. Sometimes, when I saw them passing, I longed for a tussle with them as a change of occupation, but they never gave me the opportunity.
" One day, wearied with a problem in Euclid, I shouldered my rifle, and strolled into the adjacent forest in quest of a deer. A rustle in the under- growth attracted my attention. Supposing it to be caused by some animal, I peered cautiously in the direction from within the shadow of a pine, and saw, to my surprise, a man half concealed in a thicket, watching me. It was the work of an instant to bring my rifle to an aim.
"' Who are you ?' I demanded, knowing if he were a white man he would answer.
" He replied in unmistakable English, 'I am a white man in distress.'
" Dropping my rifle on my shoulder, I hastened to him, and found a shrunken, emaciated form, half naked, and nearly famished. A more pitiable object I never beheld.
""' My name,' said he, 'is Boone Helm. I am the only survivor of a company which, together with the crew and vessel, were lost on the coast ten days ago. We were bound for Portland from San Francisco, and were driven ashore in a storm. I escaped by a miracle, and have wandered in the
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mountains ever since, feeding on berries, and sleeping under the shelter of rocks and bushes. I came in this direction, hoping to strike the California trail, and fall in with a pack train.'
" He gave me a circumstantial account of his shipwreck and wanderings, which interested me very much. My sympathies were enlisted, and I conducted him to my home, sharing 'bed and board' with him for a month or more. He re- cruited in strength rapidly. I found him genial and intelligent, though uneducated. He was an agreeable talker, and told a story with an enchant- * ing interest. By shreds and patches he disclosed much of his personal history, occasionally drop- ping a word or expression which led me to believe he had been a great criminal, and more than once imbrued his hands in the blood of his fellow- man. He remained with me for a month or more, long enough to make the prospect of separation painful, though I felt that I would be better off without than with him. When he left, I gave him a good buckskin suit, a cap, a pair of moccasins, and a gun. He wrung my hand at departure, expressing the warmest gratitude.
" For a while I was very lonely, and found my studies irksome; but, as time flew on, I fell naturally into my old round of employment, and
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solitude became sweeter than ever. Another year came and went, during which I labored diligently at my books. I was proud of my acquirements. I had mastered Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geome- try, and read Latin and Greek with facility. My herds had greatly increased. I could drive them to Yreka and sell them for a small fortune, a measure I had determined upon for the following summer. Except when I went to fish or hunt, or look after my cattle, I never left my home. It was my custom, during the warm days of summer, to spread my blanket, and lie down in the shade of the stockade; and, with guns and pistols in reach, pursue my studies.
" One day while thus extended, reading a thrill- ing passage in the Æneid, I was startled by the distant clatter of a rapidly approaching horse. Seizing my rifle, I sprang to an opening, to reconnoitre for Indians. I could see nothing, - the noise had ceased, and I resumed reading ; but in a moment I heard the hoof-beat more distinctly, and applied myself again to the crevice. Judge of my astonishment, to behold at no great distance a woman well mounted, urging her steed rapidly towards my stockade, along the Indian trail. There was something so unreal in the thought that a woman should traverse this wilderness
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alone, I could not for a moment believe my senses. But there she was, coming at rapid rate, and, to all appearance, a very beautiful woman too. She rode along with the air of a queen ; her riding- habit fitted closely to a magnificent bust, and fell in graceful folds over the flanks of her horse, which, though jaded with travel, seemed proud of his burden. Assisting her to alight, I invited her to a seat upon a box, spread with my blankets. It was the work of . a moment to secure her horse, and hasten to her to learn the import of her wild errand.
"I need not say that my conduct on this occasion bordered somewhat upon the romantic. Indeed, how else than after the fashion of a cavalier or knight of eld could I, under the cir- cumstances, approach a strange and beautiful lady, who had voluntarily, and without premoni- tion on my part, placed herself so completely at my disposal ? I felt all the delicacy of the situa- tion, for I discovered at a glance that she was high of spirit, refined, and intelligent.
" ' Tell me,' I inquired, ' where you came from, and why you are here. It must be a mission of more than ordinary purport that has caused you to brave the perils of a journey through this wild, unfrequented region.'
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"Seemingly for the purpose of putting my curiosity to the rack, she evaded my question, and talked about the beauty of the scenery, the deso- lation of my home, and finally, picking up my books one after the other, she commenced scanning and rendering the liquid hexameters of Virgil with the grace and ease of an accomplished professor. Provoking as this caprice was, there was a charm about it, which led me soon to adopt the same playful humor.
"' It cannot be,' I said laughingly, 'that you have come here to marry me.'
"'No, indeed,' she replied, blushing and smiling at the same time. 'I need not have run so great a risk, if marriage had been my object.' "' Well, then,' I rejoined, 'Madam or Miss, angel or spirit, or whatever you are, for the love of Heaven relieve me from this suspense, and tell me what brought you to my desolate cabin.'
"The earnest tone in which I asked the ques- tion elicited a serious reply.
"'I was born and reared in Boston, the only child of highly educated parents. My father was a merchant of wealth and position. I never knew a want unsupplied or a pleasure ungratified, that parental love could bestow in my childhood days. At school, I learned rapidly, outstripping
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my classmates, and receiving encomiums from my teacher. I was sent to a seminary, and graduated with signal honor. Exhibiting an early taste for music, vocal and instrumental, after my classical course was completed, I was placed under the instruction of the best professors. Just at this time, my father failed because of the misconduct of his partner, and was utterly ruined. Every- thing, even to the old homestead, was swept away by his creditors. My father, wounded in spirit and feeble in health, sunk under the blow, and died in a few months.
"' Never shall I forget the look of utter despair on the face of my dear mother, when we consigned my father to his last resting-place. It seemed as if her fountain of tears was exhausted, and her heart would break. She threw herself into my arms like a child, and looked up to me for coun- sel and protection. I, in turn, almost sinking beneath the care thus early cast upon me, looked up to the Great Father for aid, and became strong.
"'The California gold excitement had just reached the Atlantic coast. People everywhere were wild. I partook of the infatuation, and then determined to seek my fortune in that far-off land. My friends tried to dissuade me, but my purpose was fixed. Placing my mother in charge
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of a kind relative, where I knew she would be cared for, I sold my jewelry for money to meet the expenses of the journey, and sailed by way of the Isthmus, for San Francisco, where I arrived early in the summer of 1850.
"'There were but four American ladies in California when I arrived. I found myself alone, a stranger in a strange land ; but, with courageous heart, pure purpose, judgment matured by expe- rience, and a firm trust in God, I had no fears for
success. I soon became familiar with the marvel- lous richness of the mines, the solitary life and many wants of the miners. My opportunity was apparent. Purchasing a small assortment of stationery, consisting chiefly of pens, ink, paper, envelopes, and postage stamps, I visited the various mining camps, selling my wares to the miners, writing letters for many whose hands were so stiffened that they could not guide a pen, and singing the simple ballads I had learned in the days of prosperity. They paid me generously, often an hundred-fold the value of their purchase. I was everywhere received and treated with a re- spect akin to idolatry, regarded, indeed, as a being almost supernatural. These noble-hearted men, remembering beloved ones they had left in the States, were so respectful, so kind, so attentive,
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it seemed that they could not do enough for me. Commencing thus, afar up in the Sierras, near Hangtown ( Placerville), I visited all the mining regions, until I arrived at Yreka, a new camp, just then creating the wildest excitement.
"' I had now money enough to carry out the design nearest my heart, of going East, and returning with my mother to live at San Francisco. While at Yreka, I put up at the principal hotel, a half-finished house, with rooms separated by light board partitions, and crowded with the varieties of a thriving mining town.
"' One evening, after a day of more fatiguing labor than usual, I retired early, but could not sleep. While tossing upon the pillow, I heard two men enter the adjoining room, and engage in earnest conversation. I could hear distinctly every word they uttered, and the subject they were dis- cussing very soon riveted my attention. They were planning a murder and robbery. In the midst of their conversation, another man entered, whom they saluted by the name of Boone Helm. He seemed to be their leader, for he proceeded at once to describe the home and surroundings of the intended victim, said he had been there and shared his hospitality for several weeks ; spoke of the road leading there, the trail from the road to
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the house, and the distance of the large herd of cattle, and the ready sale for them at Yreka.
""" We cannot," said he, " make more money in a shorter time, with greater ease, and less liabil- ity to detection, than to go there and dispose of the man and take his property."
"' They finally agreed that at a certain time the three should go in company, and execute their murderous design. I immediately determined to foil them in their bloody purpose, or lose my life in the attempt. I could not sleep ; indeed, so nervously anxious was I to start on my errand of mercy, that I could hardly await the approach of morning. I arose early, made immediate prepara- tion for departure, and before noon was in the saddle and on my way. I had no fear of Indians, simply because I believed God would take care of one engaged on a mission so pure and holy. I have ridden more than two hundred miles to warn you of your danger. Be on your guard. Make every preparation to defend yourself, for, as sure as the time comes, the men will be here to take your life. And now,' she concluded, 'bring my horse, and I will start on my return.'
" Language was inadequate to express my grati- tude, or the admiration with which I regarded this
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noble act of humanity. I begged and insisted that my benefactress should remain, at least long enough for rest, but she refused. I then told her my own history, prepared a hasty meal, and asked her to favor me with a song. In the sweetest voice I thought I ever heard, she sung the Hunters' Chorus in 'Der Freyschutz :' then, springing to the saddle, she waved me a farewell, and in a few moments disappeared. So sudden had been her appearance and disappearance, so startling the warning she gave me, so wonderful her long and dreary ride, that it all seemed like a dream. I had never made a habit of prayer, but, influenced by the emotion of the moment, I dropped on my knees, and thanked God, in a fervent prayer, for this special manifestation of his Providence.
" The next day I made every needful prepara- tion for defence, and calmly awaited the arrival of the ruffians. In the afternoon of the day my in- formant mentioned I saw them approaching, one, whom I recognized as Helm, half a mile or more in advance of the other two. I stood in the gate of my stockade, with my revolver in my belt, and as he approached me greeted him kindly, bade him enter, and closed and bolted the door behind him. As this had always been my custom, he did not notice it. I saw at once, by his subdued,
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churlish manner, and his crabbed style of address, that he was bent upon mischief. Hardly waiting for an exchange of common civilities, he said, -
"'Lend me your pistols. I am going on a perilous expedition.'
" ' I cannot spare them,' I replied.
"' But you must spare them. I want them.'
""' I tell you, I cannot let you have them.'
" Flying into a passion, he with bitter oaths re- joined, -
"' I'll make you give 'em to me, or I'll kill you,' at the same time grasping his revolver.
" Before he could pull it from its scabbard, I had mine levelled with deadly aim at his head, and my finger on the trigger.
" ' Make a single motion,' said I emphatically, 'and I will shoot you.'
" He quailed, for he saw I had the advantage of him. His comrades now approached the gate from without.
"' Break down the door,' he shouted, and, add- ing an opprobrious epithet, ordered them to kill me.
" Still holding my pistol level with his temple, I replied sternly, -
"' If they attempt such a movement, I will kill you instantly.'
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" He knew me to be desperately in earnest, and, taking the hint, told them to go away. They obeyed.
"' Now, sir,' I persisted, still holding him under fire, 'unbuckle and drop your belt, pistol, and knife, and walk from there, so that I can get them.'
" He begged, but I was inexorable. He tried to throw me off my guard by referring pleasantly to our former acquaintance, and assuring me he was only jesting, and would not harm me for the world. I told him I had been warned of his com- ing and its object, and detailed with some partic- ularity the conversation he had with his companions at the time they agreed upon the expedition. He stoutly denied it, and demanded the source of my information. Knowing that he was ignorantly superstitious, I gave him to understand that it was entirely providential. For a moment he seemed dumfounded, and, hardened as he was in crime, showed by his action that he believed it. I made him sit down, and kept him in range of my revolver all night, conversing with him, meantime, on such subjects as were best calculated to win his confidence. The night seemed a year in duration, but he told me his entire history - his birth, the errors of his early manhood, his first
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and only love, the illness and death of his be- trothed, his resolution to lead a criminal life, his murder of Shoot, his escape, and many other mur- ders that he afterwards committed, and of his in- tention to murder me and dispose of my cattle. I never heard or read a more horrible history than that narrated by this man of blood. He lost no opportunity to throw me off my guard, but I knew too well what would be the result. He was my prisoner, under absolute control, as long as his life was in my power.
" Morning came. Helm's companions were still lingering near the stockade. I ordered them to withdraw a certain distance, that I might with safety release my prisoner. I then opened the gate, and with my double-barrelled shot-gun lev- elled upon him, bade him go, assuring him that if we ever met again I would shoot him on sight. He marched out and away with his comrades. The next intelligence I received concerning him was the announcement of his execution by the righteous Vigilantes of Montana in 1864.
" I beg pardon, gentlemen, for detaining you so long. My story is done."
After a moment's silence one of our circle, a nervous, excitable young man, remarked, -
" We cannot consider the story completed until
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we know something more of the young lady. She is really the object of the most interest."
" Well, gentlemen," he resumed, " since you desire it, I will tell you all I know. Soon after Helm's departure, influenced by a desire to have the address of and see once more my benefactress, I drove my herd to Yreka, and sold it for a hand- some sum. While there I searched diligently, but in vain, for my heroine. She had gone, and, as she had refused to give me her name, I found inquiry for her impracticable. I went to San Francisco, but no one could give me the least trace of her, and, after repeated disappoint- ments, I gave up the search and returned to Oregon.
" Five years thereafter, business took me to Port- land. While seated by the office stove, in conver- sation with some old friends, the clerk came and whispered that a young lady in the parlor wished to see me. Wondering who she could be, I hastened to the room, and there sat my friend of the wil- derness. She gave me a cordial greeting, and to my numerous and eager inquiries, informed me in substance that soon after she left me and returned to Yreka, she went to Boston. After a year spent among old friends, she came back to San Fran- cisco, accompanied by her mother. She purchased
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a neat residence there, and it was now her home. She had arrived in Oregon with some friends the day before on a pleasure excursion, but intended to return in a few days. We had a pleasant in- terview, and I bade her good-by."
" So you did not marry her, after all," was the eager remark of our young friend.
" No, gentlemen. Had I not been fortunately 'married some time before our last meeting, I can- not tell what might have happened ; but as it was, I did not marry her after all, as you say."
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CHAPTER XVII.
WHITE AND DORSETT.
PROSPECTING ON THE BIG BOULDER - JOHN WHITE AND RUDOLPH DORSETT - THEY FIND ONE KELLEY IN DISTRESS - ALL RETURN TO VIRGINIA CITY - PREPARATIONS FOR RETURNING TO THE BOULDER - KELLEY DELAYED -THE STOLEN MULE-DEPARTURE OF DORSETT - ANXIETY FOR HIS SAFETY - MEETING OF KELLEY BY A STRANGER -THOMPSON AND RUM- SEY SET OUT IN SEARCH OF DORSETT AND WHITE - DISCOVERY OF THEIR BODIES - PURSUIT OF KELLEY - HE FLEES TO PORTLAND, ORE., THENCE TO SAN FRANCISCO - THOMPSON FOILED - KELLEY RETURNS TO PORTLAND - IN PORT NEUF CANON ROBBERY.
THE attachments formed between men, where the privileges and enjoyments of social life are confined to the monotonous round of a mining camp, are necessarily strong. The surroundings, which dictate great prudence in the choice of friends, where confidence is once established, are continually strengthening the ties that bind men to each other. Self-preservation and self-interest will furnish apologies for incompatibilities of tem-
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per in the mountains, which would sever friend- ships formed in less exposed communities. The sterling qualities of truth, honor, integrity, and kindness are sooner ascertained and more highly prized among miners than any other class. We have seen the operation of these principles in the instance of Beachy and Magruder, a very strong but not an exceptional case; this is another narrative of similar import.
Rudolph Dorsett arrived at Bannack with a party of miners from Colorado, in April, 1863. During the following summer, he, in company with John White, the discoverer of the Bannack mines, and a few others, left for the interior on a prospecting tour. The winter of 1863-64 found the little party near the head of Big Boulder creek, where they had made some promising discoveries. Being nearly out of provisions, White and Dorsett started on horseback for Deer Lodge, to obtain a fresh supply. At the head of Boulder, they came upon one Kelley and a comrade, who had made a camp there, and been detained several days by deep snows. They were literally " snowed in;" and, their food being exhausted, they had killed and were feeding upon one of their horses.
After supplying their immediate wants, White
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and Dorsett, discouraged by the gathering snows from any further effort to cross the main ridge, changed their course, and, taking the two men with them, started for Virginia City, where they arrived after three days of perilous travel. Kelley and his partner were entirely destitute. Their
kind benefactors made known their condition to Henry Thompson and William Rumsey, and they paid their bills at a restaurant the two days suc- ceeding their arrival ; and other citizens of Vir- ginia City, at Dorsett's solicitation, provided them with clothing. An arrangement was made for Kelley and his comrade to return with White and Dorsett to their camp; but, when the time came to leave, Kelley said that he had been promised a horse the next day, which he would get and over- take them. The three men departed without him, and, after a cold ride of several days, found their party camped on the upper waters of Prickly Pear creek. They were all in excellent spirits, and supposed they had found a very prolific placer. Dorsett, true to the confidence reposed in him by his friends, Thompson and Rumsey, returned im- mediately to Virginia City, to apprise them of his good fortune, so that they might improve the earliest indications of a stampede, and secure a good interest in the placer mine. This is one of
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the rigid requirements of friendship in a mining region. No matter how distant the discovery may be, nor how difficult the journey, when a mine is found of any value, it is the duty of the discov- erer, before disclosing it to the public, to notify his friends, that they may make sure of the best location. Indeed, in the early days of Montana, there were hundreds of old miners, experts in the business of prospecting, who, being unable to purchase " grub," were fully supplied with horses, food, and tools, upon the distinct understanding that they were to share with those who " out- fitted " them in all their discoveries. Woe to the man who was base enough to violate this agree- ment ! If he escaped lynching he never failed being driven from the country by the hisses and execrations of every "honest miner" in it. Therc was held
" in every honest hand, a whip To lash the rascals naked through the world."
During the night following the departure of White, Dorsett, and Kelley's partner from Virginia City, a mule belonging to William Hunt, and a horse owned by another citizen of Virginia City, were stolen. Dorsett was informed of this on his return, and, not having seen Kelley since his prom-
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