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The following extracts are made from Fremont’s First and Second Expeditions, 1842-3-4, Ex.  Doc., 28th Cong. 2d Session, Senate, Washington, 1845: 

“Columns of smoke rose over the country at scattered intervals—­signals by which the Indians here, as elsewhere, communicate to each other that enemies are in the country,” p. 220.  This was January 18, 1844, in the vicinity of Pyramid Lake, and perhaps the signalists were Pai-Utes.

“While we were speaking, a smoke rose suddenly from the cottonwood grove below, which plainly told us what had befallen him [Tabeau]; it was raised to inform the surrounding Indians that a blow had been struck, and to tell them to be on their guard,” p. 268, 269.  This was on May 5, 1844, near the Rio Virgen, Utah, and was narrated of “Diggers,” probably Chemehuevas.

ARRIVAL OF A PARTY AT AN APPOINTED PLACE, WHEN ALL IS SAFE.

This is made by sending upward one column of smoke from, a fire partially smothered by green grass.  This is only used by previous agreement, and if seen by friends of the party, the signal is answered in the same manner.  But should either party discover the presence of enemies, no signal would be made, but the fact would be communicated by a runner. (Dakota I.)

SUCCESS OF A WAR PARTY.

Whenever a war party, consisting of either Pima, Papago, or Maricopa Indians, returned from an expedition into the Apache country, their success was announced from the first and most distant elevation visible from their settlements.  The number of scalps secured was shown by a corresponding number of columns of smoke, arranged in a horizontal line, side by side, so as to be distinguishable by the observers.  When the returning party was unsuccessful, no such signals were made. (Pima and Papago I.) Fig. 339.  A similar custom appears to have existed among the Ponkas, although the custom has apparently been discontinued by them, as shown in the following proper name:  Cu-de ga-xe, Smoke maker:  He who made a smoke by burning grass returning from war.

SMOKE SIGNALS OF THE APACHES.

The following information was obtained by Dr. W.J.  HOFFMAN from the Apache chiefs named on page 407, under the title of TINNEAN, (Apache I): 

The materials used in making smoke of sufficient density and color consist of pine or cedar boughs, leaves and grass, which can nearly always be obtained in the regions occupied by the Apaches of Northern New Mexico.  These Indians state that they employ but three kinds of signals, each of which consists of columns of smoke, numbering from one to three or more.

ALARM.

This signal is made by causing three or more columns of smoke to ascend, and signifies danger or the approach of an enemy, and also requires the concentration of those who see them.  These signals are communicated from one camp to another, and the most distant bands are guided by their location.  The greater the haste desired the greater the number of columns of smoke.  These are often so hastily made that they may resemble puffs of smoke, and are caused by throwing heaps of grass and leaves upon the embers again and again.