The Nature of A Cache
A Cache is a term common among traders and hunters, to designate a hiding-place for provisions and effects. It is derived from the French word "Cacher" to conceal, and originated among the early colonists of Canada and Louisiana; but the secret depository which it designates was in use among the aboriginals long before the intrusion of the white men. It is, in fact the only mode that migratory hordes have of preserving their valuables from robbery, during their long absences from their villages or accustomed haunts, on hunting expeditions, or during the vicissitudes of war. The utmost skill and caution are required to rend these places of concealment invisible to the Lynx eye of an Indian.
The first care is to seek out a proper situation, which is general some dry, low bank of clay, on the margin of a water course. As soon as the precise spot is pitched upon, blankets, saddle cloths, and other coverings are spread over the surrounding grass and bushes. To prevent foot tracks or any other derangement; and as few hands as possible are employed. A circle of about two feet in diameter is then nicely cut into the sod, which is carefully removed, with the loose soil immediately beneath it, and laid aside in a place where it will be safe from anything that may change its appearance.
The uncovered area is then digged perpendicularly to the depth of about three feet, and is then gradually widened so as to form a conical chamber six or seven feet deep. The whole of the earth displaced by this process, being of a different color from that on the surface, is handed up in a vessel, and is heaped into a skin or cloth, in which it is conveyed to the stream and thrown into the midst of the current, that it may be entirely carried off. Should the cache not be formed in the vicinity of a stream, the earth thus thrown up is carried to a distance and scattered in such a manner as not to leave the minutest trace.
The cave being formed, is well lined with dry grass, bark, sticks, and poles, and occasionally a dried hide. The property intended to be hidden is then laid in, after having been well aired; a hide is spread over it, and dried grass and brush, and stones thrown in and trampled down until the pit is filled to the neck. The loose soil which had been put aside is then brought and rammed down firmly to prevent its caving in, and is frequently sprinkled with water to destroy scent, lest wolves and bears should be attracted to the place and root up the concealed treasure.
When the neck of the Cache is nearly level with the surrounding surfaces, the sod is again fitted in with the utmost exactness, and any bushes, stocks or stones that may have originally been about the spot are restored to their former places. The blankets and other coverings are then removed from the surrounding herbage; all tracks are obliterated, the grass is gently raised by the hand to its natural position, and the minutest chip or straw is scrupulously cleaned up and thrown into the stream. After all this is done, the place is abandoned for the night and if all be right the next morning, it is not visited again until there is a necessity for reopening the Cache.1
Notes…
As many of you may know, Cache Valley derives its name from the frequent Caching of furs and goods, at various places around the valley. The Cub River location noted above and one on the Little Bear River near Hyrum, Utah are two of the more well knonw sites. Cache Valley was also the host of the 1826 and 1831 Rocky Mountain Rendezvous.
- The Nature of A Cache, Merlin R. Hovey, 28 April 1954.