CHAPTER I.

The first Encampment--The Oatman Family--Their checkered Allotment up to the Time of their Emigration--Mr. Oatman--His Ill-health--Proposes to join the Party organized to form an American Colony near the Gulf of California, in 1849--The 10th of August--Discord in Camp, owing to the religious Prejudices of a few--First Danger from Indians--The Camanche Band--Two Girls taken for “Injins”--The Grape Dumpling--Mexican Settlements--The Hunt for Antelopes, and its tragical End--Charles refuses to fight “Injins” with Prayer--Moro--Scarcity of Provisions--Discontent and Murmurings--Mr. Lane--His Death--Loss of Animals by the Apaches--Mrs. M. in the Well--Santa Cruz and Tukjon--Some of the Company remain here--Pimole--The only traveling Companions of the Oatman Family resolve to remain--Mr. Oatman, in Perplexity, resolves to proceed PAGE 21