# James P. Beckwourth — The Life and Adventures

## The novel

- [Preface (T. D. Bonner, 1856)](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/introduction/preface-bonner.md): Editor’s preface from the first book edition of Beckwourth’s Life and Adventures, describing how the narrative was taken down from dictation.
- [Welcome](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/introduction/welcome.md): How to read this edition and use the assistant.
- [CHAPTER I.: Birth-place and Childhood. Removal to St. Louis.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-01.md): Chapter 1 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER II.: Expedition to the Mines. Am Hunter to the Party. First Trip to New Orleans. Sick with Yellow Fever.  Return Home. First Trip to the Great West.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-02.md): Chapter 2 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER III.: Return from the deserted Pawnee Villages. Sufferings on the Way. Prospect of Starvation. Fall in with the Indians most opportunely. Safe Arrival at Ely’s trading post at the mouth of the Kansas.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-03.md): Chapter 3 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER IV.: Severe sufferings in the Camp. Grand Is1and. Platte Riven-Up the South Fork of the Platte. The Dog, the Wolf, and the first Buffalo.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-04.md): Chapter 4 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER V.: Sufferings on the Platte. Arrive at the Rocky Mountains. Fall out with General Ashley. Horses again stolen by the Crow Indians. Sickness of our General. Rescue of the General from a wounded Buffalo. Remarkable Rescue of the General from the Green River “Suck.”](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-05.md): Chapter 5 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER VI.: We separate into six Detachments, and start out. Trapping on Green River. Narrow Escape from a Massacre by the Arapahos. One Man murdered in Camp. Retreat. Fall in with a Detachment of our Company. Great Joy at the Meeting. Return of the Detachments to the Place of Rendezvous at the “Suck.”](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-06.md): Chapter 6 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER VII.: Arrival of General Ashley and Party. His Relation of their sufferings after leaving the Rendezvous. Their Excursion to Salt Lake. Fall in with a Fur Company before unknown to the Mountaineers. His final Fortune, and return to St. Louis.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-07.md): Chapter 7 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER VIII.: Unexpected Return to the Rocky Mountains. Camp removed. Final Success in finding our party in the Mountains. Joyful Meeting. Horses stolen by the Pun-nak Indians. A Battle, and six Indians killed. We recapture our Horses.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-08.md): Chapter 8 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER IX.: The Company removes from Cache Valley on a Hunting and Trapping Excursion. Discovery of a Band of Black Feet. A Battle ensues with them-Description of the Battle. Return to Rendezvous. Fulfillment of the Medicine Chief’s Prophecy.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-09.md): Chapter 9 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER X.: Great Battle with the Black Feet. Departure of General Ashley](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-10.md): Chapter 10 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XI.: Removal of our Rendezvous. Battle with our Friends, the Black Feet.  A Race for dear Life. Great Victory over the Grovan Band of Black Feet.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-11.md): Chapter 11 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XII.: Departure from the Rendezvous. Trouble in Camp. Leave the Party and Traps. Arrival at the Crow Village. Great Stir among the Crows. Joyful Meeting with my Crow Parents, Brothers, and Sisters. Three Years without seeing a White Man.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-12.md): Chapter 12 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XIII.: War between the Crow Nation and other Indian Tribes. My first Victory as a Crow Indian-A Melancholy and Sentimental Indian.  Indian Masonry. Return to Camp-Great Rejoicing among my innumerable Relatives. The Little Wife.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-13.md): Chapter 13 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XIV.: Great Loss of Horses in the Mountains. Destructive Battle with the Black Feet. Storming of their Natural Fort. Trouble with the Cheyennes.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-14.md): Chapter 14 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XV.: Short Account of Pine Leaf, the Crow Heroine. Twenty Days’ Battle with the Cheyennes. Return of the Village to the west Side of the Mountains. Letter from M‘Kenzie.  Visit to his Trading-post at the Mouth of the Yellow Stone.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-15.md): Chapter 15 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XVI.: Departure from Fort Cass. Capture of Squaws. Battle with the Black Feet; with the Cheyennes. Great Success of the Grows in stealing Horses. A successful Fall for Beaver. Return to the Fort with Peltry.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-16.md): Chapter 16 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XVII.: Victory over the Cheyennes. Treachery of the Snake Indians. Loss of six Crow Warriors. Victory over the Snakes and Utahs. A Mountaineer killed. Trouble in the Wigwam. I am disgraced. Great Sacrifice of my Father’s Property. Three Whippings for violating Crow Morals. Great Battle with the Re-ka-ras.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-17.md): Chapter 17 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XVIII.: Departure from the Fort with the Crows. I am elected First Counselor of the Nation.  Death of the head Chief. I am appointed Successor. Last Moments of the Chief.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-18.md): Chapter 18 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XIX.: Departure from the Fort. Arrival of Fitzpatrick and Party at the Crow Village. Hair-breadth Escape from a Massacre. Rescue and Restoration of Property to the Owners. Departure of the Party. My Return to the Fort. Escape from Black Feet. Defeat of the Crows.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-19.md): Chapter 19 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XX.: Excursion to the Fort. Arrival of Long Hair’s Village. Building of a new Medicine Lodge. Triumphant Entrance of my little Wife into the Lodge. Attack on the Crow Village by the Siouxs. Meeting of the two Crow Villages. Visit of the Grovans.  Visit to the Grovans and Fort Clarke.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-20.md): Chapter 20 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXI.: Attacks of the Black Feet on the Fort. Six White Men killed. Abandonment of Fort Cass. Fort constructed at the Mouth of the “Rose Bud.”. Removal of the Village. Peace concluded with the *As-ne-boines*. Hair-breadth Escape. Death of Mr. Hunter, of Kentucky.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-21.md): Chapter 21 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXII.: Meteoric Shower. Its Effect upon the Indians. Their Sacrifice to the Great Spirit. Continued Hostilities with the Black Feet. A Black Foot burned in the Crow Village. Visit to the Fort.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-22.md): Chapter 22 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXIII.: Removal to our Tobacco-ground. Expedition to the *Arrap-a-hos* for Horses.  Discovered, and the Party scattered.  Wanderings for fourteen Months. Return at last amid tremendous Rejoicing.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-23.md): Chapter 23 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXIV.: Excursion to the Fort. Great Battle with the Cheyennes on the Way. Rejoicing on my Arrival at the Fort. Horses stolen by the Cheyennes. Pursuit and Battle with the Thieves. Battle with the Black Feet. Return to our Village.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-24.md): Chapter 24 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXV.: Visit of the whole Crow Nation to the Fort. Seven Days’ Trading and Rejoicing. Separation of the Villages. Expedition to the Camanches. Narrow Escape from their Village. \-Battle with the Black Feet. The Whites assist us with their Cannon. Captured by the Black Feet. Recaptured by the Crows. Final Victory.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-25.md): Chapter 25 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXVI.: Deputation from the *As-ne-boines*. Characteristic Speech of Yellow Belly. Visit to the Fort. Visit to Fort Union. Rescue of Five White Men from Starvation. Arrival at Fort Cass. Departure for the Village. Visit of the Snakes to the Crows.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-26.md): Chapter 26 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXVII.: Departure for St. Louis. Visit Fort Uni0n. F0rt Clarke. Descend to the *A-rick-a-ra* Country. Am taken Prisoner. Extraordinary Means of Release. Reach St. Louis. Scarcely recognized by my Sisters. Changes. Estrangement of Friends. Sign for my Indian Home.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-27.md): Chapter 27 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXVIII.: Disagreeable Encounters in St. Louis. Messenger arrives from Fort Cass. Imminent Peril of the Whites from the Infuriated Crows. The Cause. Immediate Return. incidents of my Arrival. Pine Leaf substituted for Eliza. Last Battle with the Black Feet. Final Adieu to the Crows.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-28.md): Chapter 28 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXIX.: Return to St. Louis. Interview with General Gaines. The Muleteers’ Company. Departure for Florida-Wreck of the “Maid of New York.” Arrival at Fort Brooke. Tampa Bay-Bearer of Dispatches to General Jessup. Battle of *O-ke-cho-be*. Anecdotes and Incidents.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-29.md): Chapter 29 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXX.: Departure for the Mountains. Severe Sickness on the Way. Arrival at Bent’s Fort. Arrival at Sublet’s Fort. Interview with the Cheyennes. Difficulty with a Sioux Warrior. His Death. Successful Trade opened with various Tribes. Incidents.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-30.md): Chapter 30 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXI.: Invitation to visit the Outlaws. Interview with “the Elk that Calls.”  Profitable Trade with the Outlaws. Return to the Post. Great Alarm among the Traders. Five Horses killed at the Fort. Flight from the Siouxs. Safe arrival at the Fort. Trade with the Arrap a-hos. Attacked by a Cheyenne Warrior. Peace restored.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-31.md): Chapter 31 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXII.: First Trip to New Mexico. Return to the Indians with Goods. Success in Trade. Enter into Business in St. Fernandez. Get Married. Return to the Indians. The fortunate Speculation. Proceed to California with Goods.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-32.md): Chapter 32 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXIII.: The Californian Revolution. Rifle Corps. Position of the two Armies. Colonel Sutter. Cannonade. Flight of Sutter. \-His. Return. Trial and subsequent Release.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-33.md): Chapter 33 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXIV.: Affairs at Santa Fé. insurrection at Taos. Discovery of the Plot. Battle at the Cafion. Battles at Lambida, at Pueblo, and at Taos.  A Mexican Woman redeemed from the Indians. Return to Santa Fé.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-34.md): Chapter 34 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXV.: Departure for California.  Meeting with the Apaches.  Hostile Threats. Trouble with the Utahs. Most terrible Tragedy-Society in California. Adventures with Grizzly Bears.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-35.md): Chapter 35 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXVI.: Discovery of Beckwourth’s Pass. No pecuniary Reward for public Services.  Transformation. A new Character.  Emigrants at Home and at their Journey’s End. Description of the Happy Valley. Interesting Reminiscence.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-36.md): Chapter 36 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXVII.: Mistakes regarding the Character of the Indian-Extent of the West ern Tribes. Their Character. How a War against them should be conducted. Reflections. Closing Address to the Indian Heroine.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-37.md): Chapter 37 of The Life and Adventures of James P. Beckwourth.
- [CHAPTER XXXVIII.: The Pike's Peak Country, and a New Sort of Rendezvous at Denver.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-38.md): Supplement (post-1856 context): chapter 38 of the extended reader edition—not part of the 1856 Hall & Brothers imprint.
- [CHAPTER XXXIX.: The Inquiry: Denver, Fort Lyon, and What the Government Chose to Hear.](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/chapters/chapter-39.md): Supplement (post-1856 context): chapter 39 of the extended reader edition—not part of the 1856 Hall & Brothers imprint.
- [Character relationships](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/reference/character-relationships.md): High-level diagram and notes on major figures in the narrative.
- [Glossary](https://beckwourthpass.com/read/interactive-novel/reference/glossary.md): Short reading aids for people, places, tribes, and fur-trade terms in Beckwourth’s narrative and the later supplements.