The Saga Of Jedediah Smith
Jed:
Ashley asked for men of reckless and westering mind.
I answered. 'Twas a right fair bargain we made.
Men of good morals don't enter business of this kind
but my faith and principles aren't for sale or trade.
Courage and good conduct are honorable and right.
Whiskey, tobacco, and curses never won a fight.
I've made the wilderness my place of meditation,
rejoicing in this free life and every circumstance;
laid me down with danger in the country of starvation,
and escaped with my scalp when I barely stood a chance.
The beaver have bought ease for loved ones left behind.
My thoughts are tightly tethered by the ties that bind.
But new trails beckon now, stretching out to Santa Fe,
winding down the distance to horizons hardly known.
Though duty muddles my mind and tells me to stay,
with God and good companions, I'll not go alone.
What say men? Destiny perchance awaits us yet!
Load the wagons light and point us toward the sunset.
James Clyman:
Ol' Griz stood up sudden; meanest one I've seen.
Sprung on Mr. Smith and scalped him near 'bout clean.
The men was makin' tracks but he'd have none of it;
sent one after water an' me fer the sewin' kit.
When I give the word his ear were all but gone
he said, "Well then Jim, you've got to stitch it on."
Through that whole ordeal Jed didn't cuss or weep.
Reckon his religion shore 'nuff went bone deep.
Joe Meek:
He was a mild man, a Christian. Still,
you could count on Mr. Smith in a tight.
He saw his share of such, no doubt.
Wagers were placed concerning which night
his luck would run out, an' leave him lying
wolf meat. I'm sad for the word of his dying.
Tom Fitzpatrick:
Jed was a trailblazer. Men did, and would,
follow him to the gates of hell and hunger.
His rifle, Bible, and the clothes on his back
were all he carried, but he had no lack
of courage, and care for those in his charge.
Duty was a word my friend understood.
He wasn't long on laughter, but we kept our hair,
and he had the damnedest way of findin' water
when coverin' country the devil wouldn't own.
It troubles my mind that he died there alone
in quest of the same; one final sacrifice,
his dry bones bleachin' in that bright desert air.
William Ashley:
I saw from the start that Smith
was a man who would lead.
That trust was never broken.
He was honest to the bone,
fearless, and careful of speech.
Perseverance proved his mettle;
that a well read, gentle spoken
man could hold his own,
among scoundrels and grizzly bears.
He left me in charge of his affairs,
but there's little left to settle.
Ralph Smith:
My brother made the wilderness
his place of meditation. All creation
was his altar. Why Jedediah
chose that life, I can but guess.
So many years and miles apart...
these letters my only window on his heart.
He asked my prayers; commended our parents
to my care. The balance of his beaver wage
was sent to smooth the pillow of their age.
I know little of his life, but 'tis said he met his end
attempting to alleviate the suffering of his men.
|
