WESTERN INCIDENTS,

that he found in its vicinity. We saw several groups,
but they were careful to keep beyond the range of our
carbines; and we were therefore obliged to proceed on
our journey with only a mountain grouse, and jack rabbit
in our haversacks, which I had brought down with my
Ballard carbine during our morning ride.

Our descent toward the Laramie Plains, soon brought
us to an intersection with the stage road, which we fol-
lowed to the station at Willow Springs, where we found
our attentive commissary prepared to receive us, with an
excellent lunch for ourselves, and provender for our
animals.

A further ride of six or eight miles, brought us to Fort
“ John Buford,” just at sunset, where we were most hos-
pitably received and entertained by Col. Mizner, the offi-
cer in command. In addition to his own quarters, which
he placed at our disposal, he caused to be put up another
fine wall-tent for the accommodation of the balance of
the party ; and our stay thus far of one night in his camp
has been both pleasant and refreshing.