Exhibit item:
JAMES O. PATTIE
The Personal Narrative of James O. Pattie, of Kentucky, 1831

Quotation:
JAMES O. PATTIE
The Personal Narrative of James O. Pattie, of Kentucky, 1831

"My companions all joined with my father, in encouraging me to rise, and make an effort to reach the mission, which they represented to be but three miles distant.

It was out of the question for me to think of it, and they concluded to go to the settlement, and obtain a horse, and send out for me. I kindled me a fire, for I suffered severe chills. The Indians gave me the strictest caution against allowing myself to go to sleep in their absence.

The reason they assigned for their caution was a substantial one. The grizzly bear, they said, was common on these mountains, and would attack and devour me, unless I kept on my guard.

I paid little attention to their remarks at the time. But when they were gone, and I was left alone, I examined the priming and picked up the flints of my gun and pistol."