Transcript

Transcript for Bartlett Tripp journal, 1861 May-August, 1-25

Camp out of Florence  --  N.T.

Florence campground
Wednesday May 19, 1861

Organization this afternoon by M. Jacob Gates[,] Pres. of the Western Emigration & D[avid]. H. Cannon elected Cap. of Company—W[ashington]. <L> Jolley. Capt of ten—Wm. Tanner 2. ten[,] Wiley Thomas 3. ten—Wm. W. Hutchings 4. ten.—P[elique]. B. Jolley Sergeant Guard.—Bartlett Tripp Clerk, Isaac Harrison Chapl[a]in—speeches to the company by Eld[er]s. Gates[,] Spencer. Martindale & others in which much careful advice was given to the several members of the Company[.] Dance in camp in the evening seemed to afford much pleasure to the participants, who consisted not only of members of company but many of their friends come out to bid Mem[bers] adieu.—

Thursday morning finds ours a busy camp. All are preparing for their long journey across the American Plains. The little camp presents a varied appearance [-] families from many nations are now assembled in one great family. Some are in want. some in plenty—some happy—others, alas are never so—what a variety of characters have already exhibited themselves!

All have been busy during the forenoon making their preparations for departure—camp broke up about 1. P.M. and came out about 1½ miles to Deep Springs then we went into camp again. Plenty of good water. Green Sumach [Sumac] wood—Three new wagons came into came tonight from F[lorence]. Sheriff came in to claim some cattle from the loose herd—Wm. Wilcox owner of the stock will not allow his to be taken without trial—

 

Friday 31.


Rainy this morning. did not roll out. several members of the camp down to F[lorence]. to the contest for the heifer which is now all the man claims. He (the stock claimer) was not ready for trial and it was postponed until next week . Eld[er.] Martindale was into camp tonight and gave us a lecture on obedience to officers—harmony in camp—and the dispensing with dogs &c—8 new wag[on]s came in tonight—

 

 

Sat. June 1st


Started out at eight A.M. some difficulty in getting the teams together—but a few times yoking will render them docile—Mr. W’s. cow is in camp this morn. and will go out with the stock. She knows her owner quite as well as the Law—Roads very muddy—hills very bad for cattle without shoes— went into camp at Big Papio [Pappea]—11 mi from Florence—afternoon very warm. kept our tents pitched—came up showery—night very wild and stormy—Cattle very uneasy—herded in a bend of the creek which several swam during the night and were found in an adjoining wheat field next morning

 

 

Sunday 2


Morning rainy—Came off fair and we rolled out about 10 A.M.—11 miles to Elkhorn Bridge where we went into camp. Roads hilly but not as muddy as yesterday—the smartness of the rain seems to have beat the surface hard—we leave the Bluff roads at this point and come out upon the bottom of the Platte—Found here several teams for D. Lake: overto[o]k also several on the road—Hailed several from S. Lake. This is a fine place for camping—plenty of wood, feed and river water and the luxuriant shade of the Stately Cotton Woods invites the weary traveller to a moment of sweet repose—Here we met with our first Indian friends (Pawnees) who were not long in making known their wants.

 

Axle broken in Bro. Allen’s wag. which was quickly repaired by the skill of Cap. Hutchings—little damage has been sustained by the train thus far –

Some very judicious remarks in the evening by Capts. Cannon, Jolley & Turner upon Harmony in camp and the carrying of unnecessary things by weak teams –

 

Monday 3.


Morning rainy—Came off fair about 7 AM: Rolled out at 9½—Bottom roads not as bad as was expected or reported—First came in sight of the Platte today—A Big Muddy stream! In camp at Platte Island about 1 m[ile] beyond Fremont a distance of 16 mi creek water good[,] feed[,] weed Suf[ficient]—Several accidents; Tung broken in Bro. Merryweathers 3 wag. Capt Thomas fast in the mud and Br Wilcox’s team run into a hole by the road. Little damage but some delay—in camp at 6 P.M.

 

 

Tuesday 4.


Cle[a]r and warm—Last night dark and rainy: camp called out in the night to bring in Guard <cattle> which had escaped the Guard: Camp broke up at 8½ a[.]m. e[x]cept one wag. (Barzee) delayed by his cow—In camp at 3.P.M. last wag. 3—North Bend—water from the Platte, weeds for wood—a horse of Mr. Wilcox’s strayed from the gang and gave him a journey back of about 10 mi. Copious dew—roads badly cut up –

 

 

Wednesday 5.


Clear and warm—Started out 8.—roads better—Indians from Elkhorn on with us each night trailling about the same distance each day—Turned out to dinner on the Platte—On the road at 2 P.M.—In camp at 6 on the Platte—no wood. creek water—At noon camp called together and some very judicious remarks made by Capt. Cannon upon proper deportment of females in traveling. making allusion to the gen. recieved impression of the women by the world—"The Little Capt" as he is dubbed is becoming very popular in the camp—distance 16½

 

 

Thursday 6.


Broke up camp at 6 9 o’clock—Dinner on Loup Fork—The tributary has the same muddy complexion as the Platte into which it empties—crossed a very bad slough just before dinner which came up near the wag. beds—Came into camp about 5. 2 mi from Columbus—16 mi—Plenty of wood—river water—and feed good[.] Indians still in camp increased in number

 

 

Friday 7.


Came out about 7½ - 2½ mi to Ferry at Columbus swam the loose stock—Teams commenced crossing at 9 and were all across at 5. P.M.—Ferry extends about half way across the river. boat coming to the shore on the east side leaving a long distance on the west side to be forded—Quick sand forms it [at] bottom which renders the fording very difficult for loaded wagons—most passed with little difficulty. some teams afraid of the water—In camp near the west bank of the Fork with plenty of water and wood—a very fine Spring about ¾ of a mile from camp[.] our team came in today which raises our number to 61 wagons—They are as follows[:]

 

(A) W[ashington]. & P[elique]. B. Jolley. 8 mules, 6 oxen[,] 3 wagons. (Passengers &c)D[avid]. H. Cannon, Elijah Thomas. Isaac Harrison, Phebe A. Overbay, R. L. E. Nichols.

(E) Sam[uel]. Ward & wife & 1 child

(A) William Dreemer [Desumer] - wife & 6. chil.
James Bosworth Levi Dreemer [Desumer] 4 mules. 1 wag[on]

A) Thomas J. Jones & wife. Wm. Orton—6 Horses—2 wags

A.)Truman Higley. wife & 4 chil[dren]. Walter Gladwin. Sarah J. Wooldridge & E) James Bosworth—4 mules. 4 Horses. 6 cows. 2 wags

S) Ralph Smith. wife & 4 chil. E.R. Walker. 6 oxen. 6 cows. 1 wag.

E.) Martha Baly [Bailey] & Son. 2. oxen. 1 wag.

A) Elam Sperry. wife & child. 2 oxen. 1 wag -

E) Frederick Merryweather & wife

A) Hylan Davis. 4 oxen. 1 cow. 1. wag

A) W[illia]m. W. Hutchings.

E). Fred. Kingston & Martha Hanson 6. oxen. 2 cows. 2 wag—

A) Lewis Williamson wife & 3 chil.

E) Jane Pearsley. 2 horses. 1 wag

S) James Paul & wife & 3 chil. 4. 1 wag

E) Robert Halford, wife & 2 Sons. Martha Sant. 6 oxen. 1 wag.

E) Robert Fisher. wife & 2. chil. 4 oxen. 1 wag.

E) Wm. Turner. wife & 1 child. Jos[eph]. Oxborrow & wife. 4 oxen. 4 Cows. 1 wag

E) John Sanderson. wife & 2. chil. 2 oxen. 4 cows. 1 wag

E) John Denton. wife. 3 chil. 4 oxen. 2 cows. 1 wag—

W) Jos[eph]. [Henry] Joseph. wife & 3 chil. Ann Joseph & Reese Richards. 4 oxen. 2 cows. 1 wag

A) J. W. Thomas & John Koyle.

E) John Bosworth & wife. 10 oxen. 4 cows. 2 wag

E) Rob[ert]. Thomas & wife & 2 chil. Elisabeth Carlson. 4 oxen. 1 wag. 3. cows

C) Marrilla Hanson & 6 chil.

E) Abel Matthews & Son. Martha Roscoe. 8. oxen. 2 cows. 2 wag—

E) Wm. Green. wife & 1 child. Charles Wootten. 2 oxen. 2 cows. 1 wag

E) Elisabeth Ford & 3. chil. 2 oxen. 2 cows. 1 wag

C) Clark Barzee. Wife & 4 chil. Bartlett Tripp. 4 oxen. 4 cows. 1 wag.

C) Gilbert Cummings. wife & 4. chil. 2 oxen. 4. cows. 1 wag.

A) Lem[uel]. J. Cornwell. wife & son. Chas. [Charles] Williamson

E) Emma Morris 1. Horse. 2. oxen. 2. cows. 2 wag.

A) Hilton [Milton] Cheney. wife & 2 chil. James McCurdy, Hurd [Heard] Cheney

E) Susan Leggett. 16. oxen. 8 cows. 11. L[oose]. Stock. 7 Horses. 5 wag

A) Clark Higley. wife. 5 chil. Lucritia Higley. Harv[e]y Lyons[,] Elisha Harrison.

E). Mary Mills. 12 oxen. 12. H[orses]. 46. L[oose]. S[tock]. 4 wag

A) J[ames]. S. McClintock, wife & chil. A.J. Greenfield. 4 oxen. 1 cow. 1 wag

A) S[amuel]. A. Wilcox. wife & 8 chil. John McGuire. Crandall Ellison 6. Horses. 16. oxen. 90 Loose Stock. 3. wag

A) Reub[en]. B. Eggleston. wife. 1 child. Orson H. Eggleston. 4 oxen 1. cow. 1 wag

W) Thom[as]. George. 3 boys. Ed[ward] Burgoyne & wife. 2 oxen. 1 wag

E) Sam[uel] Allen & wife. Rob[ert]. Morris. 1 oxen. 2 cows. 1 wag.

A) S[olomon]. J. Despain. wife & Six chil. Susan Dean. 2 oxen 2 cows. 2 Horses. 2 wags-

A) David Allred. wife & 7 chil. Wm Miller. 4 oxen 2 Horses. 11 L[oose]. Stock. 2 wags.

A) Isaac Allred. wife & 5 chil. 3 oxen. 1 wag.

A) G[reene]. W. Allred. wife & 5 chil. 3 oxen. 6 cows. 2 Horses. 2 wags.

A) John J. Allred. wife & 6. chil. 2 oxen. 3 cows. 1 wag.

C) Michael Yeamans [Yeaman] wife & 2. chil. 2 oxen. 2 cows 3. Horses. 1 wag.

C) W[illia]m Yeamans [Yeaman]. Wife & 3 chil.[,] 4 oxen. 1 wag.

C) Tho[mas]. Yeamans [Yeaman]. wife & 1 child. 2 oxen. 1 wag.

A) Thomas Eldridge & wife. 3 chil. Wm. Hall. wife & 1 child[,] Sophronia Barlow. Mary Davis. 2 oxen. 4 cows. 1 wag.

 

Sat. 8.


Started at 8.—cool and cloudy. Took dinner on the ; 6 miles—In camp on Badger Creek. Dist. 16 miles. Last part of the road quite bad. many bad sloughs—Bro. P.B. Jolley had a very violent attack this morning resembling a fit. Train halted some 20 m. He is much better at night though weak

 

 

Sunday 9.


Still cool and cloudy. Fine weather for travelling cattle. Came out 7½ A[.]M. so far as the Junction of the roads leading from the Genoa and Columbus Ferry. —Preaching P.M. by Bro. W. L. Jolley. and remarks by Bro Cannon[.] Miss Emma Morris had a very bad fainting fit at the close of the services—Evening 15 were baptized. Names as follows[:] Wm. Desumer. aged 38. Born N.J. [;] John Allred. 39. Tenn. Michael Yeamans [Yeaman]. 53. New Bruns.[;] David Allred 35 Tenn: Wm Yeamans [Yeaman] 28. U[pper]. C[anada]. Emily Desumer 33 N.Y.[;] Susan Dean. 18. Ark.[;] Cynthia Yeamans [Yeaman] 49. N.J.[;] Sop[h]ronia Barlow 19. Ill.[;] Rach[el]. Desumer 15 N.Y.[;] Mary Allred 24 Ohio.[;] Jas. Bosworth. 77. Eng.[;] C[hristopher]. C. Williamson 19. Mich: Levi Desumer 20. N.Y.: Thomas Yeamans [Yeaman] U. C.

 

 

Monday 10.


Came out at 7—Cool and cloudy still—Dinner on a small creek tributary to Platte—came off warm toward night—In camp 5½ PM at Lone Tree—a distance of 20 mi . Very good camping place—The day has been quite dusty. first inconvenience we have suffered from it so far—The surface of the country is gradually changing becoming more sandy and less timber –

 

 

Tuesday 11.


Clear and warm. Came out 7½.—Clouds of dust hide the teams—Dinner near Shoemakers 9 mi. P.M. quite warm—In camp 2½ East of Grand Island City—a distance of 18 mi[.] Three muleteams from valley. report all prosperous there—

 

 

Wednesday 12


Clear and cool—come out 7.—roads good—not as much sand as yesterday. soil more fertile—dinner at Wood River west side. A furious storm struck us as we come into camp at Moores on Wood River the most severe I ever knew—hail stones fell the size of a hens egg which pelted man and beast unmercifully[.] Came up very cold toward morning—

 

 

Thursday 13.


Camp drying up - scarcely an article in the train escaped a good wetting—Creek or River swollen immensely Broke up camp [-] P.M. and came out to Wood River center. 6 mi[.] A large Ranch here at which considerable business is done—Printing Office—Blacksmith Shop. Store &c. Quite a no. of settlers in the vicinity—Houses all in rude Backwoodsman’s stile [style] but cheering to the traveller—Cal. Train of 23 wagons camped just below us

 

 

Friday 14.


Laid over at Wood River Center today to make repairs. purchases &c. Wrote back to Bro. Gates at Florence giving him an acct of the camps proceedings prosperity &c. Party out hunting Buffalo were unsuccessful—6 wags left our train and joined the Cal. Train—giving as a reason our slowness of advancement—They were the Cheneys and McClintock

 

 

Sat. 15.


Rolled out 7½. very warm and dusty—the warmest of the season—Two horses missing this morning—when found were driving in an opposite direction by a stranger—too close guard cannot be kept over stock in this vicinity—Came out to dinner to Nebraska Center or Henrys Trading Post—where there is a store. Brewery &c.—In camp on the Platte 6.P.M. a distance of 23 mi—5 mi or more above Kearney[.] Cal. Train just above us—Fine camping place—Conflicting reports from the States—nothing definite

 

 

Sunday 16


Came off this morn. 7½—very hot—Indian adventure this morning—Loose Cattle about 1 mile from train—Sioux to the number of twenty or twenty five from a victorious encounter with Pawnees came riding up on their ponies and frightening the boys in charge—one came on up to the top of his horses speed and informed the Capt—Some fifteen of us went back with our rifles and soon restored quiet—many of them were in camp begging at noon—In camp at Elm Creek 5 pm[.] Met 52 wagons of the Church Train just before encamping and found another camp of 54 wagons encamped about 1 m[ile] west of us—Cal. train just ahead—The six wags which left us at W. River came back this P.M. and wished again to be admitted—They will probably be admitted but not suffered to crowd others from their places in the train—3 small showers just at night—Fine evening—Dist 20 mi

 

 

Monday 17


Rolled out 7. Roads rough—crossed 3 bad ravines—cooler A.M. P.M. very hot. Met 3rd Mormon train at Buffalo Creek where we dinnered. In camp 6½ on the Platte—Camp and cattle make an eager rush for the river—From B[uffalo]. Creek we took the Pioneer trail instead of the Emigrant road. The Mormon co. which we just met was behind but came on ahead by taking this trail and arriving at B. Creek some hours before the other Co. which was not in sight when we left—One ox dropped in yoke. supposed to be melted but was probably alkalied. A team arrived in camp tonight which has been following since we left Florence—reported to have been exposed to Small Pox and camped one side of us[.] Dist. 15 mi

 

 

Tuesday 18.


Came out 10 A.M. Broken wheel cause of delay. The melted ox was found dead this morning. Dinner on the Platte out about 7 mi [.] In camp at Willow Pond. very hot. Prairie shows less signs of rain—has been very dry since we came to Buffalo creek—

 

 

Wednesday 19.


Came out at 8. very warm .—Dinner on the Platte 7 mi[.] Laid by until 4 P.M. on acct of the heat. The sun came down almost intolerable. In camp 7. on the Platte. Road passes about one mile from the river at this. Cal. train in camp just above us again—very heavy shower in the evening accompanied by severe wind as all these storms here are Alkali water about us—Dist 15 mi

 

 

Thursday 20.


Came out 7½—some place of sand—neared the sand Bluffs about noon—The bottom has been growing narrower to this point where the Bluffs approach very near the river—Here we stopped to dinner—PM. some of us went over the sand hills in search of game but with no success—game is very scarce. Scarcely any has been seen by any of the Eastern bound teams we have met—In camp 4½ on the Platte—Feed good and abundant—Dist 13.

 

 

Friday 21.


Came out 7. Sev[eral] places of sand today—It lays mostly in drifts or low bluffs—In camp 2. P.M. at Cold Spring. This is one of the finest issues of water I ever saw—The water boils from the castle about 15 mi[le]s from the foot of the sand Bluffs in a beautiful clear start It is one of the places remembered by the Emigrant[.] A large party out Buffalo hunting but unsuccessful as on previous occassions—Sioux Indians in camp by scores. They brought us plenty of Antelope and repaid us by hanging over our tables and begging the food from our very mouths. they were fierce for trades and drove some pretty hard bargains—

 

 

Sat. 22.


Came out 7½. proceeded about 3 mi when Indians & some of our boys came running up on their horses frightening the loose herd and causing a stampede of the hind wagons—one wag. completely overturned. its axle broken. one wheel of another is crushed. and the axle of a third broken. Train came to a halt at the distance of about 4 mi from Cold Spring and the broken wagons brought in and repaired[.] near the Indian village—some trading going on with the Indians giving giving flour. bread. sugar &c. receiving in exchange moccasins[,] robes[,] skins &c.—Hitched up at 5.P.M. and came out a piece on the Platte—Dist. 9 mi

 

 

Sunday 23


Came out 7½ passed along finely during the forenoon P.M. crossed sev very bad sloughs—another stampede of a few wagons—caused by running of loose horses—one wheel broken—woman run over and mans thumb badly crushed—some of our cattle are wild and start easily and the fright of the last few days is not yet forgotten yet.

 

In camp at a point when the roads nears the Platte wheel soon repaired by Bro Hutchings whose services have been almost indispensible to the company and whose kindness has been equal to the necessity—Dist 13 mi

 

Monday 24


Came out 7. Roads good except one bad slough[.] Dinner on West side of Bluff Fork. Feed in valley good—Antelope seen here. Ascended the bluffs about 1½ mi from Fork. Sand deep in places and hard upon teams—Prairie burned over for about 4 mi—Passed the grave of a child just buried—In camp at 6.P.M. on a creek arriving first on a spring which being dug out afforded us plenty of excellent water. Mosquitoes here almost intolerable and ground gave up a very unhealthy smell

 

 

Tuesday 25


Came out 7½—soon ascended bluffs—sand in places deep and heavy drawing—crossed several small creeks, water colder and clearer—Dinner on a creek or Slough distant about 8 mi from last camping place—Sand again bad most of the way—In camp 6. 2. mi west of Bluff creek. Camp of emigrants camped opposite on the south side of river. Report the roads good on that side

 

 

Wednesday 26


(Came out 7½. A fine hard bottom for a number of miles. feed good as well as roads) Came out 7. Roads sandy some bluffs to cross and sev. small creeks bluffs approach shore on opposite side. another wheel broken—Dinner near Rattlesnake creek—Soldiers passed us at this point and camped on west side of the creek—concluded not to leave here today to avoid passing their company on acct of rumors of Small Pox among them

 

 

Thursday 27.


Came out 7½. A fine level bottom for sev. miles feed good as well as roads. Rattlesnake Creek which we crossed this morning is a fine clear creek some 2 yds wide. swift current. opposite Cedar Bluffs which are craggy and high and covered with low brushy cedars—some sand during the forenoon but roads generally good—Dinner on Spring Creek which rises in the Bluffs and spreads over considerable extent of the bottoms—road here passes near the bluff. water cold—Passed several Alkali pools during the forenoon. quite strong—Passed soldiers escort at their camp just west of S. Creek. Capt Maynadier denies there being any S. Pox [smallpox] in his camp—crossed sev[eral] fine clear creeks during the afternoon. one called Wolf Creek is a beautiful clear stream of water about 6 ft wide. Bluffs this afternoon show more appearance of rock. In camp near the highest sand Bluff on the road—

 

 

Friday 28.


Came out at 6. earlier than usual to pass the sand while cool—High sand bluff. Sand bluff deep doubling of teams—road again comes out upon the bottom where it is pretty good for some distance—Bluffs rockey and steep. Arrived opposite Ash Hollow a distance of 4 mi about noon—Mr. Wilcox lost an ox here supposed to be Alkalied—some crossed here for timber. river pretty deep—came out a[t] 5. a distance of 3 mi to Quicksand Creek. Heavy shower at evening—

 

 

Sat. 29.


Came out 7½—cool in the morning. teams walked off briskly—Alkali country nearly every pool is impregnated and the ground in many places are covered with incrustations of soda. several of company tried the ford of the river with no success. current too deep and swift—made but one drive of 17½ mi on the Platte[.] In camp 4½.—

 

 

Sunday 30


One month on the road. Company cheerful. Little bad luck—Drove 12 mi to Shoal Creek a clear small stream of water. Appearance of a shower but passed around on the bluff as most our showers do. 2 Cal. Packers passed us: report feed ahead poor—Tried the ford again at this point but with no better success—Most of the bottom at this point wet and covered with Alkalai pools. Man in company opposite side of river accidently shot—

 

 

Monday. July 1


Came out 7.20. Roads A.M. very good. Hard and gravelly. Bluffs Rockey and opposite us covered with pines—Dinner a[t] a point where the bluffs approach the river—sometimes called Cobblestone Bluffs from whose summit Chimney Rock is in sight. After crossing these the road again descends to the bottom—some sand. In camp where the road nears the river which makes a large island near the shore[.] ground to west crossed by numerous sloughs to the East high and sandy. Passed the bodies of two men shot for stealing cattle from Emigrants. Lost a cow. drowned in slough Dance in camp in which all seemed to participate with unmixed pleasure. I never was in company with a people who seem to take more pleasure in this healthy exercise—Old and young participate and make merry at the sound of the bow. Distance some 18 mi—

 

 

Teusday 2—


Came out at usual time—Dinner near opposite Court House Rock some 10 mi[.] Roads pretty good with some sand. Feed poor. P.M. smart shower accompanied with hail. some of unhitched and turned side to wind[;] some drove on into camp[.] road here lies some distance from river. drove for some time after it become dark finding it impossible to reach the river until a very late hour[,] we encamped on a slough some 2 mi from the River and nearly opposite Chimney Rock—water very poor. smart taste of Alkali—some of camp did not get in until pretty late—

 

 

Wednesday 3.


Roads very good. Bluffs upon S. side of Platte present some very curious appearances resembling in places ruinous old castles. dismantled old fortresses &c. Feed poor. Road runs near the river most of the way—Dinner on the Platte some 11 from the last encampment. In camp at 6 on the Platte opposite a long island. Traders ranche [ranch] near

 

 

Thursday 4


Came out at 8. Took our celebration on the road. Road here runs over a very dry country—little growing but Prickly Pears. roads gen. over this ground hard and good—Dinner on the Platte nearly opposite Scott’s Bluffs—In camp at 6 on a spring Creek—water cold—road runs near but does not cross it—A tribe of Sioux encamped near. with which out [our] people traded for furs and skins—giving in exchange bread. flour. meat &c.—They seemed much better fed and posted in the prices of their articles than last tribe met

 

 

Friday 5.


Mr. Harrisons son quite sick[.] road at a distance from river. drove down to it at a point where a clear spring creek is its tributary and about 2 mi East <from> and opposite Horse Shoe [Horseshoe] Creek. A young Harvey in the camp on S. side stole two of their horses this night and left. Mr. Harrisons son baptized by Bro. Cannon and confirmed by Br. Thomas. Born in Iowa—

 

 

Sat. 6.


Laid over on acct. of the illness of Mr. H’s son. who is very low—Some Indians and Ranche [ranch] men in camp from their camp some 2 mi up the river—Camp variously employed in hunting. fishing. reading. washing. baking &c. such employment as necessity or pleasure finds them,

 

 

Sunday 7.


Come out 7 5. which is the usual time of starting. sometimes we are delayed by cattle straying by accident. &c. roads dusty and sandy but not deep bottom. very dry with no feed except on ba[n]ks of river—dinner on a creek left of road. water clear. feed left of creek good. Bluffs here for sev. miles approach the river—Scrub timber during the afternoon on this side of the river—In camp about 6½ on Platte near a large Island in river Plenty of feed and wood—

 

 

Monday 8


Roads for a distance in the morning pretty good but for 2 or 3 mi E. of Raw Hide [Rawhide] Creek on which we encamped[.] sand very deep and hard upon teams. Creek dry and feed nearly so. wood plenty but not as dry—several of company have gone to Ft. Larimie [Laramie]—report Harvey caught and on his way thither for trial. Laid up at R.H. [Rawhide] Creek the rem. of day feed being reported worse above—Ranche [ranch] just below—Ranche men on this side are generally French and a low illiterate[.] knowing however sufficient to take the advantage of the necessities of emigrants

 

 

Tuesday. 9.


Rolled out 10 A.M. delayed by cattles straying[.] Dinner about 4 mi up the river—poor feed. plenty of wild currants. roads sandy. and flies murderously hostile[.] cattle all brought. rolled on in the afternoon to the point of timber nearly opposite Larimie [Laramie]—feed very poor—Decided to divide company until we strike better feed 1.st <and> 5.th & 6th under charge of Cannon. 2nd 3rd & 4th under care of Wiley Thomas—Bartlett Tripp. Sergeant Guard of 2nd Co. other officers remaining as before—Stampede of Horses during the night—Harvey cleared with 30 lashes—

 

 

Wednesday 10.


Did not find the horses and mules until a late hour—The rem. of camp came on and dinnered on Larimie [Laramie] Bottoms. feed better—Missing mules and horses came in about noon. Came out about 3. to Dry Creek some 4 mi. Fine bottom. grass good. Road P.M. quite hilly—

 

 

Thursday. 11.


Mr. Harrisons son dying. Camp Laid up during the day. died about 11.P.M. His disease thought to be of the liver—has been very low for some days—Blacksmith’s shop here at which the camp is busily employed—

 

 

Friday 12.


Did not off until 10 A.M. some of the cattle coming up missing. Camp rolled on leaving hands to bring them after paying the last honors at the grave of young Harrison—Rolled Road very hilly and rough. came down two very bad hills and up one. the worst I ever saw. Rockey and steep—several wagons broken—These are the famous Black Hills. deriving their names I presume from the black appearance presented by them which arises from the great amount of scraggy pines growing upon their sides—In camp on the Platte a distance of 12 mi. 1st. Co. in camp just above us—

 

 

Sat. 13.


Our company passed the other which was delayed by missing cattle. Road hilly but gen. hard and firm not as many rocks as yesterday—Spent a few moments at Alder Clump. where we met a number of Californians on their return to the States—There is a fine spring at this place and green grass though very short—In camp on a fine spring creek about 3 mi from Alder Clump at right of road and some distance from it. feed here good. and water excellent

 

 

Sunday 14


Roads good[.] crossed sev. dry creeks. but one with water near which a Trader had established himself—In camp on Platte at a distance of about 16 mi from last camp near some Ranches. Cold spring on bank of river—Feed on this side short. good on opposite side where we herded our stock. The country over which we are passing is generally barren and broken[,] covered only with sand[,] sage &c. feed only can be found along the banks of the Creeks and river.

 

 

Monday 15


Again rolled out ahead of 1st Co. they are somewhat dilatory in getting up their stock. Some few hills but roads most of the way hard and good. Dinner on the Platte just west of a Dry Creek where we found some excellent wild currants. Mrs. [Hannah] Thorpe run over and reported badly hurt—In comp 7½ on the Platte a distance of about 15 mi—no feed on this side but our cattle to[o] tired to swim the river[.] we herded this side near the camp.—

 

 

Teusday 16.


Drove stock over the river at an early hour where we found very good feed for them—came out about 8. Passed the Old Mormon Ford and commenced ascending some very bad hills—passed what might well be called the Winding Ridge where the road passes over a succission [succession] of hills for many miles—camped on the bottom when the road leaves the bluffs. 1st Co. Just above us—Mr. Cornwell lost two cattle today out of his team. Disease appears like Murrain—Cattle driven across the river for feed which is reported good

 

 

Wednesday 17.


Came out late this morning. several cattle in train sick. Mesrs. [Clark] Barzee and [Gilbert] Cummings each lost a fine ox this morning with the same disease—Its first appearance is a stupidness on the part of the animal drooping of the ears &c. soon he runs at the eyes—passages of blood soon take place the animal runs blood at the nose and dies sometimes in 2 hours from first sym[p]toms of disease—Dinner on the Platte a distance of 8 mi[.] Forded the river at this point. N[orth]. shore Rockey. S[outh]. sandy. A very good ford did not come up to the beds of wagons and current not as swift as in places—In camp on south side about 1 mi from ford. feed good. 1.st Co. some distance above us—several of the company are sick with the Mountain Fever

 

 

Thursday 18.


Three more cattle died this morning with the same disease—Passed Box Elder Creek at the distance of 1½ mi[.] Dinner 3 mi East of Deer Creek on a bend of the Creek River—Camped 4 mile West of Deer Creek. feed better. Deer Creek is composed of a number of houses of logs. Store. S. Station &c[.] Here is a ferry of the river. The two Camps near again united—

 

 

Friday 19.


Came out at 10 waited for Mr. [Samuel] Wilcox to come up who is back with a sick daughter—another ox died this morning. They have commenced bleeding the cattle which promises a remedy—In camp about 3½ P.M. on a Bend of Platte near a Station—fine time shooting geese which came down the river. 10 killed which made some fine eating—sick in camp are getting better as we approach the mountains where the atmosphere becomes purer & water clearer.

 

 

Sat. 20.


Came out at 9. Delayed by cattle’s crossing river—The Allred camp which has been opposite us for some time now just ahead of us—Bluffs on this side very steep and high & covered with pine which from the river look like shrubs although they are large trees. and the bluffs although some 20 mi distant appear only some 2 or 3—In camp 3. P.M. 1 mi East of the upper Platte Bridge

 

 

Sunday 21.


Started out not very early—Mr. Wilcox remains behind with his daughter who is too feeble to travel. Mr. Cummings remains with him—Crossed the Bridge which is one of the finest constructions in this upper country—Built of Pine and cost $60,000—Passed the Allred Company at the N. end of bridge where they assist Mr. Wilcox—In camp near the next station. some 12 mi Mineral Spring though not bad to the taste. feed scarce[,] cattle herded at a distance up the creek. Passed a company of Texans in camp a mile below us—

 

 

Monday 22


Came out at 6 for a long drive—road hard & gravelly & stopped a few moments at Willow Spring for drink and rest. No feed—Passed over Prospect Hill. good springs on East side[.] In camp at Springs in a valley on left of road 22 mi from River—Feed short and mingled with poisonous segoes. No wood but Sage—Three wagons from the valley further down the valley—first appearance of Sage Hens in flocks—sev. killed—Texan Co. in camp near us a part of them design going to Oregon a part to the valley—

 

 

Teusday 23.


Came out in good time—Dinner on Grease Wood [Greasewood] Creek where the feed was short as usual—The country between the Platte and S. Water [Sweetwater] rivers is a barren broken waste. no trees of any kind are to be seen—It is one vast waste broken only by a few craggy and crooked ravines, sand hills &c—passed the Soda Lakes during the afternoon. a good view of these lakes can be had by ascending a hill just to the west—they are scattered over considerable extent of ground and in some the incrustation of soda is of considerable thickness—Many of the company stopped and took in a supply—In camp on the S. Water about 2 mi E. of Independence Rock. Feed good. No wood. water very clear and pleasant to the taste

 

 

Wednesday 24.


Bro. Thomas and I visited Independence Rock preceeding the train—S. Station 1 mi to the East—It is an immense Granite formation—some 600 by 120 yds. length and width bears the appearance of upheaval from the earth—It bears the names of hundreds of its visitors—some in large bold characters others scarcely legible. From here we passed in a direct line to Devils Gate some 5 mi distant the greatest natural Curiosity on the road. we passed through the rugged gateway. jumping sometimes from rock to rock. Sometimes climbing over perpendicular sides of a rugged boulder and again sometimes creeping under the sides of a projecting cliff we made our way through this ragged recess—The stream through the pass is bold and rapid and rushes on with frightful speed as if in terror at the rocks above. its height is given by different travellers from 300 to 400 ft. Dinner at W. end of the Gate near Merchants Ranche. Feed thick but short[.] In camp about 6 mi on feed good. No wood—S. Station just to the East—

 

 

Thursday 25


Came out at 3. P.M.—Forenoon spent in repairs—In camp is a pleasant valley surrounded by hills about 8 mi distant—No wood on this river but Sage and Buf[falo]. Chips make a very good substitute. Some go to the mountains for Pine and Cedar of which there is considerable growing in the recesses of the rock wherever their roots can find Earth

 

 

Friday 26


Came out early[.] After ascending a high sandy Bluff the road continued good for many miles—passed several creeks all dry—Dinner on River 1 mi W. S. Station. In camp 1 mi East of Three Fords [Three Forks] feed good—Texan Camp just below—

 

 

Sat. 27


Laid over forenoon on acct. of the death of one of our number. Old man [Heard] Cheney who has been ailing since our departure from Florence—the immediate cause of his death supposed to be Mountain Fever. He was a man very much loved and respected by family and friends and passed from this life leaving in their circle a vaccum that nothing can fill though with no regret on his part only that he might have lived to have laid himself to rest in the valley of the Saints AGE 69. It seems harder to leave ones friends upon the plains than lay them in the grave of civilization[.] The grave is dug wide at the top with several shelves of earth as we pass down the bottom as formed in the shape of a coffin and a board above and below the body clothed in befitting garments forms its only protection from the damp earth—while above the graves are generally piled with rocks to save them from the ravaging wolves which inhabit these mountains—P.M. passed the Three Crossing of the Sweetwater which winds its way between lofty overhanging mountains on which are inscribed a multitude of names of travellers—the road after you leave here is high and gravelly for sev. miles passing at a distance from the river to which it again descends some 6 or 7 mi where we encamped for the night

 

 

Sunday 28


Clear and cool—came out early—crossed the river and passed up on S. Side the rem. Of day. Dinner at the Ice Springs situated in a long valley through which the road passes for some distance. S. Station at E. entrance[.] From here drove to the river a distance of 12 mi and camped on N. side where we found abundance of wild gooseberries

 

 

Monday 29.


Steep ascent from river to which we came again at the distance of 2 mi[.] Forded twice near S. Pass City where we stopped to dinner. This consists of a Ranche with it’s accompanying outbuildings of logs as usual—crossed a part of the Rockey [Rocky] Ridge which I think little better entitled to the name than many already passed—In a camp 1 mi to left of road and 1 mi North of Sweetwater in a small valley wher[e] we found plenty of feed but no water. Days warm but nights exceedingly cold. Snow not been in sight for several days—

 

 

Teusday 30.


Road hilly but hard and gravelly, passed Strawberry Creek where is a station—Dinner on a branch of Sweetwater where we found more excellent gooseberries and like those cultivated in the States. This a clear swift moving creek on which are growing an abundance of willows[.] The descent on either side is steep—Road now a high rolling country. In camp on the Sweetwater at the upper Ford[.] Here is a Station. Blacksmith Shop &c[.] feed short closely fed by previous emigration

 

 

Wednesday 31


Several teams behind hunting their cattle. Through the South Pass water begins to run West. Elevation 7,084 ft[.] Dinner at Pacific Springs 1 mi W. of Station. Feed good ground miry—and will shake at a great distance though the turf seems tough. In camp 2 mi to West on a road turning to left on a fine meadow where feed is excellent but water poor—

 

 

Thursday Aug. 1st


Very warm—Laid over to let cattle rest and feed—Three mule teams Jolleys and Dreemer [Desumer] drove out this morning for the city with more speed—The Texas Co. which we left at S. Pass City or the post going to Utah came into camp this morning. Mr. Cummings left at P. Bridge came in tonight reports Mr. W’s daughter is better and the rem. of the Company rolling—The camp seriously engaged in ox shoeing and repairing—

 

 

Friday 2


Came out early—road same as usual across this country. gravelly. passed Dry Sandy where was but little water & that brackish. no feed. Camped on Little Sandy where we found the three wag[on]s which drove out yesterday awaiting their mules lost. This is the longest drive we have had without feed or water. 24 mi—

 

 

Sat. 3.


Mr. Robert Thomas lost a little girl last night with the Mountain Fever. buried this morning. She was a cripple and Non Compos Mentis. The loss of such a child ought never to be mourned—Dinner on Big Sandy which is little better entitled to the name than that on which we encamped last[.] The road passes along this river at the distance of 1 to 2 mi[.] In camp B. Sandy 1 mi from road. no bottom feed[.] Bunch grass—

 

 

Sunday 4


Late start—road hilly—passed Creek where the Mormons burned the soldiers wagons. The ashes still marking the outlines of the [illegible]—Dinner at 2 mi crossing of B. Sandy where the grass is excellent. S. Station building some Alkali pools found here very strong. Smart shower[.] bottoms very muddy. clay bottom—In camp at Green River quite late. grass & wood plenty[.] first Cotton wood [cottonwood] we have found since we left Platte

 

 

Monday 5.


Moved across the river only—ford deeper than usual . blocked up the wagon beds. All crossed in safety[.] Several shower[s] struck just as the last wagon reached this side—river risen considerably during the day. Del[egate]. to Congress from Utah <Mr. Hooper> and Train passed here on way home [.] Evening log Fire round which speeches were made and stories were told in which each vied with the other until a late hour—

 

 

Teusday 6.


Late on the road. Met my brother come out to meet me about 7. mi from G[reen]. River. We loitered along at our pleasure and came into camp with the company on Hams Fork[.] Some of the company did not get into camp until a late hour. Smart shower about noon and another in the evening—Found here old Man Sanderson who had missed the road at Pacific Springs and came in here to await the company—I shall go on now with my brother leaving the office of Clerk to Bro. Cannon having made mention thus far of such incidents. events and descriptions as I am accustomed to enter in my own journal

 

 

Wednesday 7.


Got my things from Mr. Barzee’s wagon and came on with my brother. Paid Mr. B. $11.00 for bringing my things thus far. Dinnered on Blacks Fork[.] Train came up before we left[.] secured their best wishes for our safe arrival at the City and came on. crossed Smiths Fork at Millersville Station and camped about 4 mi west on the Fork Two men on their return with Gro[cery]. Wagons and gents Stewart and Robinson in camp with us[,] the latter owner of Ferry at Green River[,] put our animals on an island formed by a creek and the Fork—

 

 

Thursday 8


Came out early. met the gent with their oxen just E. of Bridger whither they had strayed: we crossed S. Fork at Bridger which is a station for soldiers consisting of sev. Block Houses. Stables. Stockhouses &c. Soldiers here from Camp Floyd on their return to States to participated in the war there[.] Dinner on a small spring creek 2 mi East of Muddy Fork. Rocky descent. another small creek. Muddy ¼ mi Copperas Spring Winding Ridge; camped near Quakenasp [Quaking Aspen] Station. Mules on Bunch grass. Spring brackish. Mr. Sant and Mrs. Mustard. M. Tanner and Freight Co. camped with us. Dist. 32 mi

 

 

Friday 9.


Came out 6½ passed a fine spring on left of road in descending from [illegible] Station—Sulphur Creek nearly dry—Bear River. swift current and clear water. Station W. side—Long ascent 3 mi. Dinner on Yellow Creek at foot of rocky bluff hanging frightfully over the road. Station—Ascent 2 mi encountered on its summit a severe shower. some wet—Cash Cove 6.070 ft. head of Echo Canyon. into which the road now enters—In camp about 4. mi from next station to west. another shower in the evening. Mr. Perry with two wagons came into camp with us[.] Dist. 38 mi

 

 

Sat. 10


Came out 4. passed the Sold. Bag. Train. broke wag. axle on about 8 mi. Stopped here to breakfast. Mr. Peary and Enoch fixed the axle while I got the breakfast—soon ready to start again—Out of E. Canyon at Weber River down this 1 mi tunnul [tunnel] to right <left> and dinnered about 12 mi up—Mule sick sym[p]toms of cold[.] bled her in the mouth and came on—After a long winding ascent arrived at the Summit of this river and began to descend another canyon which brought us to Canyon Creek which is a cold mountain stream. roads good here except in places springy—Mule worse. Camped about 2 mi up this creek—Mr. P.s wags. drove on. plenty of willows[,] currants & Service berries on this creek. Dist 33 mi

 

 

Sunday 11


Mule better. drove up about 6 mi to breakfast—was the E. foot of Big Mountain. gained its sum[m]it through a winding Canyon—W. descent very steep. Dinner on Little Mountain. in Town about 5 P.M.