Transcript

Transcript for Caroline B. Crosby, Journal, 1848 May 10-1853 February 7, 7-24, in Caroline Barnes Crosby papers, 1848-1882, in Jonathan Crosby and Caroline B. Crosby papers, 1848-1882

Saturday June 17th arrived at the ferry[.] had to wait untill Sunday morn [Nelson] Merkl[e]y and [Solomon] Conly gave over[.] our turn comes next. Found Samuel Richards and wife just came over from the other side[.] going down 60 miles in Mo to live on a farm, he has lat[e]ly returned from Europe on a 2 years mission, had the small pox[.] is quite disfigured with it, her health very poor[.] had the chills and fever for sometime. The wind rises[.] begins to rain[.] feer it will be bad eroding, went into the stor this morn in co with sis [Sarah] Merkl[e]y, found nothing that I wanted.

Sunday evening arrived safely at winter quarters[.] called at br Hewitts, staid, till towards night, came up to the camping ground, stoped near an old chimney where they told us John Parker formerly lived.

Monday washed

Tuesday commenced braiding a hat.

Wednesday made crackers.

Thursday rainy day, cold and unpleasant, felt sick all day in consequence of the hard days work the day before,

friday finished my hat, sis Merkl[e]y and I took a walk about town[.] Called at Phinehas [Phineas] Richards[.] saw P. Johnsons, Also called at Nathan Tanners[.] had quite an agreeable time.

Sunday 25th very windy, baked bread in br [Joseph Lee] Robinsons, and prepared to leave on monday, but did not get started untill Thursday, feel very anxious to get away from the flies and dirt which are almost intolerable.

Thursday all hands begin to roll out, great rejoicing among us. all seem pleased to leave the Omahaws [Omaha's] lands, and the dirt cabins which are only fit for such a race. Thursday night 29th stoped on a high prairie[.] very pleasant arrived late[.] about 110 wagons[.] 6 miles

Friday morn expect to stay here today[.] theres waiting for Dr Richards. [text missing] is addressing the brethren. Sister Merkley and myself [text missing] taking on a walk, Yes her husband parted with her probably for a year, she feels quite dejerted and wounded

Sat. July 1st today all hands rolling out, going into the horn leave Dr Richards to come with another com, Br [Amasa Mason] Lyman waited as long as he dares to, fears cold weather will [...] us before we get through[.] last night we were [...] disturbed with the cattle, the guard had as much as they could do to keep them within bounds.

Sunday the 2nd all crossed the horn[.] formed a large circle with the stockfold in the centre[.] everything good order and harmony.

Monday all washing and hubring expect to wait 2 or 3 days for Dr Richards

Wednesday a messenger arrived from him requesting us to wait untill friday[.] Bro A[masa] Lyman has consented to it

Thursday Dr Rarrinca with quite a large co and understands not much order in it.

Friday morn 7th day all preparing to go ahead, it appears that the 1st are to be last, and the last first or the scripture says. The camp are all in tolerable health and believe five children born since we stoped here. My health been rather poor. it is a cool and windy day[.] good weather travelling[.] friday camped near Platte river close by the [lit..] [..ot.] sis Merkley and myself with several other inscribed our names on it. I understand it was erected by P[arley] P. Pratt and J[ohn] Taylor, it is now filled with names nearly high as they can reach, the platt[e] is as good water but not [.....]

Saturday, July, 8th 1848 all [text missing] roll on. When I first a[rose] this morn I imagined myself on a large form with numerous flocks and herds about me of all descriptions, cocks crowing can bring sheep bleating and pigs squealing and to crow the music [illegible]. Sat night staid near the Platte

Sunday 9th rested and then did meeting Bro Lyman read the rules of the camp and exhorted us to attend to [r....iones] distres and strive to live in peace one with another. Sunday night sister Tanner called to see us. Sis [Elizabeth] Bailey sick with toothache[.] had hands laid on her, I was called on to assist in taking care of her children.

Mon[day] 10th cool pleasant morn[.] the old cow strayed from the camp[.] probably gave to the other co.

Tuesday morn 11th cool air very pleasant[.] Last night the old cow had an heir, shall be obliged to carry it a day or two. Yesterday Nelson Berkly [Merkley] broke his wagon tongue, made a new one last night. We staid at a very pleasant camping place called shell creek, plenty of grapes, I gathered quite a quantity.

Wednesday the 5th co went ahead, the heat and durt was almost insufferable, several pigs died and cattle almost gave out, we staid close to a little lake southside the road, haveing travelled 11 miles and 3/4

Thursday night staid at Beaver river, a very pleasant stream and some of the cattle strayed to the other camp which carried bad feelings, but they were all in vain for they found them again before night, the next night day friday came to cedar creek, passed the indians settlements, or where they had been burnt out by the Sioux, several of the Omahas came to our camp[.] staid overnight. Capt Crosling [sic] fed and kept them to prevent them stealing.

Sat 15th one mile from Loup fork, it commenced raining. crossed over the fork near an indian settlement, had plenty of visitors but not [ - -] came on awhile or two[.] staid over Sunday[.] Expected to have meeting, but all had to go and help Dr. [Ric.] 6 over, and The women had a washing party at loup for [...] cattle[.] beautiful soft water.

Monday July 17th very warm morning [......] an alarm raised about indians[.] thought they were [dr.....][.] several men went armed on horseback, but it was a false alarm. Last night called on sis tanner[.] her oldest daughter sick with ague, she gave me a piece of good cheese. Monday came on to loup fork near the upper ford the heat and dust[.] almost sufficated[.] Brs [Amasa Mason] Lyman and Capt [James Madison] Flake went ahead and found litter from the other camp[.] found they were just before us[.] we have gained three days of them in coming from the horn.

Tuesday morning cool and cloudy, have 20 miles to go to day and expect ford no wood to night[.] Tuesday night arrived in good season at our stopping place near prairie creek, having had a cool comfortable day for travelling.

Wednesday very warm here[.] 10 miles to go to day, had a beautiful camping place tonight, on a high prairie, entirely out of sight of time. Wednesday night arrived late at our camping place having travelled much farther than we expected to[.] next morning we stoped about 7 miles west of wood river in an entirely new camping place, being almost worn out with the head and dust[.] Capts Amasa [Mason] Lyman and [James Madison] Flake went on a hunting excursion, got so far from the camp and being destitute of water they nearly perished of fatigue and thirsty, their horses broke from them by being frightened with an antelope which they caught they were discovered by D. Richard and rescued from their almost perishing condition, br Lyman [...nders] was so far exhausted as to be deprived of reason.

Thursday July 20th 1848 came to the Platte again, where the road descends to the low land, having travelled 8 miles.

Friday 21th [21st] this morning they have been repairing wagons, have spent nearly half of the day which has given us time to wash; the Platte is rather hard or at least not as soft as loup fork. yesterday and today the weather has been quite comfortable.

I understand that br Lyman is quite low yet not able to speak above his breath. Our camping place is very beautifully situated on the platte, an excellent chance for cattle. Yesterday the prairies took fire by light Capt lighting a pipe and spread with great violence, the wind however being in our favor it passed by us without doing any material injury. Friday night stayed on the platte again, plenty of graze but no wood short of going to an island just opposite our camping place, it was quite a curiosity to see the men and boys wade the river which is very wide, and return with old trees on their shoulders, so that we had a supply of wood.

Sat[urday] 22nd cool and cloudy, the camp preparing to take an early start. Last night the girls sung me to sleep with songs and hymns, quite a mixture of moral and religioous music. Saturday travelled 20 miles which kept us out untill near nine o clock at night, we then stoped far from [..n....] and were forbidden to make fires, on account of high winds and dry grass.

Sunday morn 23rd winds still high[.] ware afraid to burn what little wood we picked up here and there[.] probably load wood, some went and dug fire places in the rivers bank, it however abated towards noon so that by diging holes in the ground we ventured to make fires. Sunday, the brethren killed an immense sight of wild game[.] I believe 9 buffaloes and some 12 or 15 antelopes and deers which supplied both camps abundantly with fresh meat, and a great deal was dried to carry along. This morn we met a company returning from the Valley, principaly soldiers returning for their pay. some of them left the vally the 8th June which makes 45 days they have been coming.

Monday morn 24th this morn they talk of traveling the companies into three divisions, the prospect is we shall have a warm day.

Tuesday 25th contrary to our expectation yesterday morn, we have stay untill today, the council was sometime deciding upon our manner of travelling, none of our cam[p] were willing to leave and go into Dr. Richards, they therefore decided that we should all leave together in a large body, for the present. We have 23 miles to go today, my health is quite poor, was very unwell yesterday, but feel better today. Wed[nesday] 26th Last night we arrived late at our camping place, had some rain towards evening, had to go to bed on a cold supper after being sick all day, took pills last night, feel better this morning, think I am troubled with the kidneys and less complaint. Yesterday I invited sister [Margaret Ann Adair] Riettchie [Richey] a doctry women to come in and see me. She thought she co[uld] help me if she could find the roots she wanted but ap[peared] she could not. This Morning the weathers remarkably cold for the season, have 20 miles to go,

Thursday 27th Yesterday a very sad accident occured in the camp[.] one of Sidney Tanners little boys [Sidney Tanner, Jr.] was killed almost instantly by a wagon wheel running over him, he appeared like a very forward smart child for one of his age, was between 6 and 7 was driving team sitting on the tongue and fell backward.

Friday the 28th cool and cloudy, carrelled near the river last night, plenty of buffalo chips but no wood. This morning they are burying the child, have brought along to find a proper burying place. There are high bluffs here some distance from the river. Friday came a short distance[.] carrelled near the river. Saturday all hands washing baking and hunting. Satu[rday] eve terrible storm of wind and rain, hunters had a bad time, did not return untill late at night, Sis [Sarah Davis] Merkley slept with me in consequence of her wagon being gone after buffalo Sunday we still continued our labours washing and cooking as we expect to see no more wood at present. In the evening the camp heldd a meeting to organize travelling company. We are in the second co[mpany] led by Capt [Andrew] Cunningham. I believe there are some little feelings with some of the old women and girls, for one I am quite passive on the subject, notwithstanding my former acquaintances principly in the other co[mpanie]s.

Mon[day] 31st All preparing to have Dr Richards takes the lead, we are in the centre; br [Amasa Mason] Lyman brings up the rear. Mon[day] night camped on shunkeree[.] a very pleasant little stream. Dr. Ri[chard]s co just opposite us[.] plenty of buffalo chips to cook with, and fine chance for the cattle.

Aug 1st; this morn we were visited by a large herd of buffalo but they all escaped unhurt[.] It is a fine pleasant morning. Tuesday night, came 15 miles[.] Correlled close to the platte, heard the buffalo bellowing, and wolves howling all night, thousands of them to be seen on the opposite shore, but out of the reach of the hunters[.] had a hard showering. We however succeided in getting a fire made and [--], Bro [.ue...] wagon broke down, today had to distribute his load among our team.

Wednesday 2nd cool and pleasant, teamsters preparing to leave.<p.Thursday 3rd Soon after we started Yesterday we were met by a large band of Sioux warriors going to battle with the Pawnees. They were dressed in very sp[l]endid indian style, appeared very friendly to us, traded some with our people, swap[p]ed horses &C. We crossed black mud creek a little before night, came to where the road and river join and camped; passed Dr. Richards co a mile or two back. Last night some of the brethere worked all night mending wagons for br Luces [Lucas][.] Our co trying to get away before Dr, [Richard]s comes along, We understand that his co have voted him sole leader their band, which I suppose constitutes [..arin..] separate parties.

Friday, 9th Yesterday we crossed the sandy bluffs which are very cureously formed. I took a walk by myself, passed through some of the most singularly lookin places I ever saw; it seemed to me that nature in her playful moments had formed curiosities for her own sport; One I observed which was particularly interes[.] It was formed in the shape of a bonet, and I presume 20 feet deep and so steep that it was hard climbing up the sides, it had no entrance only at the top with not a stick or shrub of any kind but lined with clean white sand, almost as white as snow In the co[urse] of my walk I saw a large buffalo which had been to the river for drink, he was just rising the bank as I came in sight of him It appearyd that his curiosity was as much aroused as mine; he gazed at me for a moment as I did at him then shaking his head and switching his tail, [ - - ] me in great haste, but as there were several deep gulfs between us I was not much afraid of her tail reaching before I could gain the wagons, however I decided it was best for me to be leaving. We arrived at our camping ground in good season, found a very pleasant bottom with plenty of feed and water, and dry willows for fires.

Saturday 5th last night we staid near spring creek[.] very good camping place[.] plenty of buffalo, our boys killed Some[.] met a company of soldiers returning from California. We understand there are lots of indians a little ahead of us, expect to meet them to day. Saturday, evening arrived at the indian town where were quite a large body of Sioux. They seemed much pleased to see us, commenced beg[g]ing immediately and offering thier skins and mockasins for sale, would give a good pair of mockasins for a slice of bread. Thier curiosity was much excited at seeing our wagons and the variety of animals we had. They were willing to trade us anything they had even to their squaws; offered my husband a young one for me, wanted to buy our children. but notwithstanding their proffered friendshib they stole a number of articles from us before we could get away. Their chiefs tried hard to keep them back from our wagons but it was almost impossible. We did not intend to travel on sunday but in consequence of being so annoyed, our Capt[ain]s thought best to travel on, and rest the next day. Acordingly we came for 7 or 8 miles (escorted by some of their young warriors half that distance and put up untill Monday noon, we then proceded to shoal creek, staid on the ground where the former companies had staid[.] found buffalo chips read [already] gathered.

Tuesday 7th came for 16 miles[.] passed the long tree[.] staid on the bank of the river; excellent feed for the cattle.

Wednesday cool wind, just visited by an indian, preparing to roll out

Thursday morn, We had not proceeded far yesterday when we were met by a number of Indians on horseback[.] some of the same we passed a day or two before; they dismounted and asked a present; the same as they had done before probably thinking we should not know them. The company nearly all gave them something, they followed us 2 or 3 hours, traded some mocasins and buffalo robes for bread and meal, At night we staid where the road and river joins, Yesterday we found several buffalo skulls with inscriptions on them which gave us intelligence from the forward co, &, We found they were a month wanting four days before us [.] This morning is very cool and cloudy

Friday morn we have a prospect of a warm day. Yesterday we passed what Clayton called the cobblehills, and as the road was sandy and hard on teams we all concluded to walk that were able to. Sister Merkley and myself took it in to our heads to take an excursion over ancient bluff ruins. I presume we travelled 5 miles over some of the greatest natural curiosities our eyes ever beheld, they resembled very much the ainciant [ancient] ruins In which I have heard described by travellers in central america and other places. We climbed several steep ascents where we would have thought it almost impossible for persons in our feeble health to have ascended, but curiosity lent strength to our limbs, and our ascending one only added fresh desires to attain that of another, and thus we were led on from one to another untill we began to fear we should be left far in the rear of our company who already feared we were lost or taken captive by indians. But we had no such fears as we were nearly all the while in sight of the wagons. One singularity we noticed was several old cedar trees growing at that great height just between those big rocks, and now and then a lone shrub a little wild say and one article we called wild camamile.

[text missing]

The tops of the rocks were bespengled with a red moss wrought into many curias flowers and also scatered over with a variety of pebble stones resembling those in the beds of our eastern streams They extended over many acers [acres] and were as level on the top as between the immense piles of rocks were several dry [illegible], the edgtes [edges] projected over in many places and under rocks, and the whole land for many miles had no [dou...] [A...] were dens and haunts for wild beasts[.] been once the bed of some mighty stream probably. We found several places where there were [illegible] stairs formed. [illegible] quite convenient to descend[.] Our minds were [illegible] God of nature who in his mighty power formed such wonderful curiosities. Marvelous are the works thou Lord of hosts. almost forgot we were a little past the meridean of life and for an

Saturday morn cool and cloudy, last night met another company of Sioux beg[g]ing for something to eat, a camp of them in the opposite side the river, this morn, they have come again asking for sugar, brought letters from the leaders of the forward companies. I gave them a little[.] They appeared very thankful[.] said we would all go together and dance together. Sunday 13th last night carralled near the river, many indians around us. Our company rests today. Dr. Richards Co came up with us, It is a pleasant place here but no wood and fine buffalo chips. No chance for washing or baking. Monday. Yesterday we had a cold rain[.] it is remarkably cold for the season, we expect to cross the river today. Tuesday morn vary pleasant[.] We still continue on the north side of the river. Staid at spring creek last night, very pleasant little stream of water clear as chrystal. Wednesday, last night staid at a small creek which runs near the river very good water, but no wood short of a [ - - ] the creek and river to an island Thursday 17th Yesterday we crossed the platte, found plenty of good dry wood but had food for cattle. [....] co are on the opposite side last night had music and dancing inside the carrall expect to [page ends]

Friday morning last night staid in sight of Laramie for[t]. three gentlemen from there visited our camp, we found good roads the most of the way. Yesterday after crossing the river, it seemed like the eastern turnpikes. Last night my favorite pet sheep was destroyed by wolves. My heart ached when I saw the bloody rope which was round her neck and could not refrain from tears. I feel like waging a war of extermination against those ferocious beasts of pray. But her destruction was occasioned by neglect or carelessness. I sincerely wish we may learn daily by the things we suffer. Monday morn 31st. We have been staying here on the bank of the river since friday noon, about 7 miles from Laramie, I understand the Dr's. camp has passed us. The brethren have burned a [turk.....] and made some repairs on their wagons. 22nd Yesterday passed the warm spring, heavy sandy road, our Captain us to keep the river road, he therefore called us back 2 or 3 miles through the sand[.] brought us up several bad hills, we travelled untill 9 oclock and therefor no feed for cattle The herdsmen took a different road and staid out all night with nothing but milk to eat from one morning until the next excepting a little bread which sister Merkley sent them by Nelson who went in search of them after sunset in co with br Luces [Lucas] boy and staid untill morn. They arrived at the camp about breakfast time[.] in good spirits, said they had not suffered for victuals as they had the cows and bells to drink out of.

Wed[nesday] yesterday we came only 7 miles in consequence of the hard [.ount] the day before, found good water, wood, feed for cattle.

Thursday last night stopped in good season, vary good feed plenty of water wood and thousands of choke cherries and the largest blackberries I ever saw, besides hops in abundance. We all gathered as many as we could, in so short time. One of our oxen gave out yeter[day] in consequence of haveing a very sor[e] neck, Capt [Ezra Thompson] Clark let us have one of his and got a loose one out of the herd to put on his own team.

Friday 25th Remarkbly cold[.] east wind, we staid on a very high prairie last night, having travelld quite late, creek close by, pretty good feed on it for cattle, yesterday we passed a singular looking place where the platte runs through the high bluffs, they were several hundred feet perpindicular on each side, the bluffs being of a reddish color gave them quite a curious appearance. I wanted to visit it myself, but my health would not admit it.

Saturday Yesterday we accidently left the river road[.] came on the hill again, passed Dr Richards co, they however passed us again this morn. Br. Lymans co close by us, some of them visited our camp. Homer Duncan, Charles [Allen] Bairk [Burke], Oliver Mcbride. Our oxen have sore necks and feet so that they are hardly able to travel.

Sunday 27th of Aug[.] very warm and pleasant[.] Camped near small creek last night, no feed of any [acc....tonea.] yesterday passed the red sand which had a singular appearance, our wagons and teamsters were covered with red dust. Sunday night staid at box elder creek[.] plenty of wood and water but poor feed.

Monday [......] came to deer creek where Dr Richards co were camped

Tuesday morn I called to see some of them[.] Phineas [....] Johnson, found them well, came over ten miles[.] our team was weak for want of feed, hardly able to travel[.] staid at large grove near platte [ - - - - ]

Wednesday 30 th cold wind[.] came only one mile in hope to find better feed but found none of any account.

31 st This morning the men are holding counsel in the corrall, Some hardness between some of them I believe. Bro Alexander left Capt Martins ten, came and found ours.

September 1st passed the [tr..] mentioned in the [.....], corraled near the river Br Alexander broke one of his wagons in [h...][.] had to stop in the [- - - - -] to get it repaired [- - - -] wind and cloudy this morn Yesterday found an inscription from H.C. Kimball from which [- - - -] his company passed here

Sat and crossed the platte came to the [illegible]

Sunday 3rd very cool[.] windy[.] some fear concerning the bad water. Capt Martin had [- - - - - -] she crossed the well enough but soon after [ - - - - -] laid down and died [illegible]

Monday 4th Staid at grease creek[.] very good water[.] Monday night Sis [Sarah Davis] merkley's cow died with the murrain. Several cattle sick. Met a co of brethren returning to winter quarters, some from Francisco[.] some from the Valleys of salt lake, others from br Youngs Co[.] Recd a letter from sis P. Tuesday passed the salarating [saleratus] lake which is as a great curiosity to [text missing] filled sacks with it [text missing] it resembled a lake of [text missing] with snow[.] Came on to the Sweetwater river [text missing] close to Independence rock

Wednesday morn [text missing] came to [text missing] walk upon the rocks saw [text missing] many names [text missing] devils gate a place where the sweetwater river [text missing] there we went into [text missing] through the rocks which were 400 feet perpendicular [text missing] which resembled a [text missing] several names engraven thereon [text missing] we found on the top of the rocks a hollow filled with clear cool water in which we washed our hands and faces, and [.etur..] muddy [- - - -]

Thursday sept 7th rested from our travels to wash bake and hunt[.] the most of our ten went out but had no success, they have not been prospered in the hunting time for some reason or another.

Friday morn very warm sun[.] all preparing to roll on[.] one of our oxen are missing[.] Friday night staid at [.....] ake

Saturday Sept 7th very warm sun. Yesterday met two [m......] from the valley[.] they brought [- - -] report, [- -] back to winter quarters, thought they could not live there, said the crickets destroyed their crops, said they came in great droves,

Sunday came Sunday[.] rested

Monday the men all gone hunting, hope they will all be successful, as it is nearly their last chance at cat[c]hing buffalo. We are now about 300 miles from the valley.

Tuesday Last night the brethren returned much fatigued haveing spent 2 days and one night and obtaind only one buffalo, the wolves destoyed part of that. On their return home they lost several articles which [......] my husband[.] travelled of 12 or 15 miles this morning to find them. He start as soon as it was light [ - - - ] through a route thick [ - - - ] beset with wolves and bears[.] it gave me great concern of mind[.] feared for his safety. but he returned about 10 oclock with all the lost articles, said he saw neither bears nor wolves

Friday morn[.] Last night the [- -] returned. [- -] took supper with us, My husband [.....ed] them to a drink of [ - - - ] [.] We had a very sociable time with [- - - - ] with us to fill [ - - - ] time. I sent a letter by him to Sis Pratt, baked them a mince pie to take with them. My husband [......nt] them a [- - -] to feed their horses, with the promise [ - - - -] it again when we get to the valley

Saturday and Sunday [- - - - - -] Came to the Pacific creek[.] travelled late [- - - - - -] ox died [illegible]

Tuesday 19th Sep and will have 20 miles togo.

Wednesday 20th arrived late last night at our camping place[.] I was much fatigued, besides being afflicted with a bad headache[.] Yesterday met a co from fort bridger and the Valley among whom was a br Tudingburn and family who were going to Ohio, I understand they inquired for me but saw no one that I knew. They were principly fur traders going to Laramie. We are now 20 miles from the Salt Lake Valley