Transcript

Sept. 15, 1855—Salt Lake City—Well at last I am here, arrived here 5 weeks ago today after having passed through some rough scenes on the plains. Since then I have written to Father and Willard. My letters are probably now on the way to the states after submitting to several insults from Don Peterson, which I ought to have redrossed with a dose of Galena pill.

I in company with 8 others left the train on the night of the 10th of July. The boys had called a party together and determined to leave before I was appraised of it. One of them told me of what was up, and invited me to join them which I immediately consented to do and was conducted to the conference. We were about 30 rods from the corrilla [corral] after making the necessary arrangements we proceeded to the work of getting out provisions. In the duty every man had his part allotted to him. Some got plows, some bacon, some one thing and some another. All of which we carried to the bluff at the left of the road about 50 rods from the camp. After having all things secured, appointed a guard and lay down on the ground for sleep. This took place about 8 miles west of Fort Laramie near where the hill road comes down into the bottom of the Platte river.

Next morning we saw them roll out of camp and could hear their remarks concerning the stampede of our gang. We were prepared for a row but they did not offer to disturb us.

On the 11th, we started for Laramie. After about two days spent in sleeping, fishing, some travelling, we got within about 1 mile of the fort. Met a train of Dutch immigrants for Oregon. We immediately tried to get them to carry our luggage, which after a little consultation they agreed to, provided we would take our turn at standing watch. We traveled with them about 1 week, found them to be very kind and hospitable. The Capt. is first rate man, a Dr. I don't recollect his name but shall not soon forget him. The day we started with them they were joined by a company of 8 wagons, 7 of them bound for California, and one for Salt Lake. At the expiration of a little more than a week these left the Dutch on account of their laying up for Sunday. We came on with them, except 2 of our number Bates, blacksmith and [blank line] who agreed to go with the Dutch to Oregon.

In just 1 week we split up again coming on with [Ralph] Smith and his one wagon, some of our crowd took their packs and came ahead, 2 kept splitting up, some staying behind, so that finally I was the only one left with the wagon.

I got in on the 11th of August in the afternoon.