Torn to Pieces by Canyons

In 1840 Walker went southwest on the northern banks of the Colorado River, traveling from Sevier Lake to the Virgin River, becoming the first white to make the crossing of the Utah/Nevada desert.

Walker later recalled that part of the country as "torn all to pieces with canyons".  He could never be talked into going back.  Walker and his party were the first Americans to see the upper Virgin and a series of falls and side canyons which in contrast to the desert they had just crossed, was "grand beyond description".

The expedition continued down the Virgin River, riding through country now deep below the surface of Lake Mead to where it junctioned with the Colorado, then across the Mojave, entering California in late fall of 1840s.  417 pounds of beaver pelts made a $1200 in Los Angeles  - a good living for that year.

Next time...Brother Joel joins his brother....

Thanks, But No Thanks

Governor Figueroa made Captain Walker another offer after observing the conduct of the men - outright title to 30,000 acres of any unoccupied land he wanted in northern California in exchange for a settlement of 50 American mechanics.  Walker would direct these men and their families to develop the land however was best and lucrative to them.

Figueroa needed men to hold the Indians in check, frustrate the British and Russians to the north and control undesirable settlers from the East.  

Walker politely turned him down and as Leonard wrote in his journal "...his love for laws and free institutions of the US and his hatred of Spanish government deterred him from accepting."

Time to go home...next time.

To Eden and Back

In December of 1833, Joseph Walker and his expedition reached the Pacific Ocean about 70 miles North of Monterrey.  They spent 2 days playing in the sand and surf until heading south through the marshy coastal meadows, eating well and making moccasins from the cattle they dined on at the ranch of a Scotsman, John Gilroy, the first English speaking settler in northern California.  Gilroy directed them to the mission of San Juan Bautisa, a commune of 20 priests and 1000 Indians.  

In his diplomatic way, Walker made the acquaintance of the governor, Jose Figueroa, who extended the offer to stay the winter, travel freely,  hunt as much game as they wanted, and trade with the Indians - as long as they showed them respect.  Needless to say it was a time of enjoyment for Walker and his men, who went riding and roping with the Mexican cowboys - probably the first experience for the men with a lariat.  

Leonard recorded in his journal that they had found California to be "a land of sunshine and plenty, the men were mad with delight."   

Next Time...Thanks, but No Thanks