On October 13, the expedition reached the Sprague River, one of their first landmarks after leaving Klamath months before. Seeing the familiar burbling stream seemed almost like arriving home. They traveled along the Sprague River for two more days, then rested on its banks on October 15 before making their final push forward.
“We’ll take a Sabbath rest tomorrow,” Drew announced to the men on the evening of October 15. “Start sprucing up your gear. We’ll want to make a good appearance as we ride into Klamath in a few days.”
But his orders to the cavalry to spend their rest day cleaning gear didn’t seem to apply to Will. On Sunday morning, Drew called Will to scribe for him. “I have some summary thoughts I want to capture,” the colonel said. Once again, Drew ignored his earlier rebukes of Will.
When Will was settled with quill and ink, Drew began, “The land from the Owyhee to the new pass was mostly volcanic. The lava beds ran north to south, so we crossed them at the perpendicular as we headed west, making travel fatiguing. But we took care to find the best passes over the mountains, despite the rugged terrain. We crossed through two large watersheds, one heading north to the Columbia, and the other south toward the Sacramento.”
Drew spoke on for several minutes, while Will tried to keep up. After describing the land in more detail, Drew made his recommendations to his superiors. “I suggest a permanent post at the northern end of Goose Lake Valley, which would benefit the frontier settlements throughout Northern California and Southern Oregon. A post established in Goose Lake Valley would permit the rapid movement of troops in any direction to protect our citizens.”
Then Drew paused. “This next section is confidential,” he told Will. “I expect you to keep it to yourself.”
“Yes, sir,” Will said. He didn’t plan to get crosswise with Drew so near the end of their journey. He’d been in the colonel’s bad graces twice, and that was plenty.
Drew continued, “I am indebted to the men under my command for the success of this reconnaissance. Sergeant James Moore ably commanded the detachment left in Camp Alvord, and he is worthy of higher rank. Sergeant Garrett Crockett was my staff officer and quartermaster. Sergeants A.M. Beaty and Geisy were diligent in performing their duties on our reprovisioning foray to Boise.” Drew went on about the other sergeants and corporals in the group, then said, “The uniform cheerfulness and alacrity with which the enlisted men performed their duties added to my pleasure and interest in this expedition.”
Will noted that Drew did not mention any of the packers. But then, this report was for military commanders who would appreciate commendations for their soldiers, rather than for the hired packers. Still, Will wished he knew what the colonel thought of him.
Sunday evening, Will and Jonah lay on their blankets. Joel sat beside the nearby campfire, smoking a cigarette he’d rolled.
“Joel?” Jonah murmured drowsily.
“Hmm,” his brother responded.
“I aim to stay with you in Jacksonville this winter.”
Joel puffed the cigarette and released a cloud of smoke. “I told you, I ain’t sure I’ll stay in Jacksonville.”
“Ain’t you going to prospect?” Jonah asked, rising on one elbow to stare at Jonah.
“Maybe not,” Joel said. “I ain’t decided yet.”
“What would you do instead?” Will asked, curious, though not involved.
“Maybe take you boys back to Oregon City. Stay there the winter,” Joel said. “We got to let Esther know where you are.”
“But if’n you stay in Jacksonville, can I stay with you?” Jonah asked. “I ain’t tried my hand at prospectin’ yet.”
“Minin’ ain’t easy,” Joel said. “Can’t find gold just sittin’ on the ground, like back in forty-eight and forty-nine. Easy pickin’s are all gone.”
“But men still make fortunes, don’t they?” Jonah asked.
“A few do,” Joel said. “But I ain’t never made mine.”
Will remembered Mac telling him Joel had made and spent several fortunes, while Mac saved and invested his earnings. “Mac says the real money is in serving the miners,” Will told Jonah.
Joel pointed his cigarette at Will. “You remember that, McDougall.” Then he turned to his brother. “And you, too, Jonah. If I was as smart as Will’s pa, I’d be sittin’ in the lap of luxury in San Francisco right now. If you make money, keep it. Don’t do like I done and spend it all.”
“What’d you spend it on, Joel?” Jonah asked.
Joel grinned wickedly. “You boys ain’t old enough for me to tell you.”
Chapter 57: Reunion
The expedition moved into Klamath Valley on October 17 and camped at Gabb’s Springs. “We’re only a few miles from Fort Klamath,” Sergeant Moore said to Drew. “Shouldn’t we ride on tonight?”
Drew gestured at the night sky. “It’s already dusk. We’ll camp here and ride in tomorrow morning. Tell the troops I want everything spic and span by dawn.”
“He still ain’t in a hurry to get to Klamath,” Joel muttered. “Moon’s bright enough to light our way. I still wonder what he’s hidin’ from.”
Will shook his head. Drew never mentioned his orders to attend the treaty negotiations.
Despite the frosty evening, every soldier and packer unpacked and repacked his gear, stowing everything as neatly as possible. Will was glad the mules’ packs were considerably lighter after the monthlong journey from Boise. The men had eaten most of the provisions.
The next morning, October 18, the expedition rode the last four miles to the fort. Drew ordered the bugler to announce their arrival, which he did with gusty blows.
After entering the fort, the packers took their mules to the supply building to unload. They stored their remaining provisions and equipment where Sergeant Crockett ordered.
“Take the mules to the stables,” the quartermaster then said. “The stable master will want to make sure they’re healthy and fit.”
As Will and the others led their horses and mules toward the stables, he heard a shout. “William McDougall, get over here.”
He turned around—Mac. And Daniel Abercrombie stood beside him.
