[Death Valley in ’49 by William Lewis Manly]@TWC D-Link bookDeath Valley in ’49 CHAPTER XII 1/63
Leaving the little party whose wanderings we have followed so closely, safely arrived in Los Angeles, their further history in California will be taken up later on, and this narrative will go back to points when the original party was broken up and trace the little bands in their varied experience.
It will be remembered that the author and his friends, after a perilous voyage down Green River, halted at the camp of the Indian chief, Walker, and there separated, the Author and four companions striking for Salt Lake, while McMahon and Field remained behind, fully determined to go on down the river. The story of these two men is told by McMahon in the following interesting letter. * * * * * Dear Manley:-- Yours requesting me to give you a synopsis of the history of incidents, experience, and observations of our mutual friend, Richard Field and myself, from the time you, John Rogers, Alfred Walton, and the Hazelrig brothers left us at the camp of the generous old chief Walker on the west bank of the river near the mouth of the "great seven days canon" is at hand. You no doubt distinctly, and with pleasure, remember that unbroken friendship which existed among us up to the time of our separation and that we parted warm and tried friends. Well, after you and your companions had left us we set to work to prepare the canvas for the continuation of the voyage down the river.
We drilled holes through the sides of the "Pilot"-- you, I have no doubt remember which that was, yours and mine, in which we took so many fearful risks, and "No.
2," so that we might in case of necessity lash the two together.
After a day or two Field lost courage and finally determined to go no further down the river.
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