escape. As I stopped, they made signs for me to come to them;
but this I took to be a decoy, under a pretense of friendship, to
get me away from the river. Instantly divesting myself of my outer
clothing, I plunged in, seeing them start for me as I did so, at a
full run. There were no islands there, and to get away, I must make
the other side. The water was very cold, the current strong, and I
soon became chilled. I found my strength going fast, and gave up my
last hope of escape. I would have gone under but for another
interposition of Providence. I drifted on to a _sand bar_, and
stopping there, I expected to die. I did not wait long. In a brief
time the two men had reached the river-bank opposite me, and judge
of my joy, dear sir, to see the uniform of United States cavalry
soldiers!

They had been sent out (from Fort Morgan) two days previous to
search for some deserters. They happened to come upon the ground
just then, else I should not be writing you this account to-day.
They saw the whole affray from the outset, but did not dare to
attack. They counted the Indians and said there were about thirty
of them. Now, when I started for the river, after the fall, they
agreed to assist me if they could. Fortunately I did not go in
immediately on reaching the river, but went towards them without
knowing of their presence. When I went into the river finally, they
understood that I mistook them for Indians, and made a dash to save
me. God bless them! In doing that they put themselves in danger. I
saw this and spoke of it, but they said they intended to give the
"red devils" to understand thus that they were supported by others.
Their strategy had precisely that effect. I looked towards the
Indians, and they were making off in the other direction towards
"the bluffs," as fast as they could go. We went safely back to
"Godfrey's," one of the soldiers kindly giving me his horse to
ride. I wish it were in my power to reward in some substantial way
these noble young men. After saluting me from the river-bank, I
swam and waded back to the shore. It was with difficulty that I
could stand when I reached it. My coat was stained with patches of
blood. The soldiers at first were sure that I was wounded, but
strange to say, I was not hurt. The blood was from the driver, and
got upon my coat from