Transcript
Transcript for "Nearest, Best, & Healthiest Road to Salt Lake and California," Frontier Guardian, 20 Feb. 1850, 2
The difficulties of crossing the Horn and Loup Fork of the Platte, have been entirely removed by the subscribers placing upon each of those streams large and substantial flat boats.
Heretofore emigrants have had to lose several days in constructing rafts which at last made it rather a hazardous undertaking. Besides these considerations it is an undeniable fact that hundreds of person who went up on the South side of the Platte fell victims to the dreadful pestilence while nearly all those who took the north side escaped unharmed. This is the Mormon trail and it is a subject of remark that so few of those people have suffered from disease while on the route. Another thing the emigrant must have in view, and that is their feed and camping places; the routes from Independence, Kansas, Weston, St. Joseph, and all other places below the Platte before going one hundred and fifty miles emerge into one road consequently when there is such an immense amount of travel, grass and wood become scarce. This too is the very end of the road where it is most needed, because emigrants expect to leave early and it is necessary that both "man and beast" should fare well in the beginning. The above is a very important advantage to those who take the north side and is a consideration compared with which all other sink into insignificance for grass is the only subsistence for stock on the plains.
In addition to these facts emigrants will avoid crossing the dangerous streams of the Saline, the South Fork of the Great Platter, and the Great Platte itself.
To sum up the whole in a very few words, the subscribers would respectfully say to the public generally, and all those who contemplate taking this route, particularly, that at the Kanesville Ferry on the Missouri river, they will find two good boats, each capable of crossing one wagon and team.
At the Ferry on the Horn they have one large and substantial boat capable of crossing a wagon and team every five minutes.
At the Ferry on the Loup Fork of the Platte we will have one excellent boat, which, with the men we will have in charge will ensure to all a safe and speedy crossing.
Emigrants who wish plenty of grass for their stock, and camping places for themselves, besides the best chance of escaping all epidemics will find this route far preferable over all others.
Out boats with competent hands will be at their places on the 1st of April; and all may rest assured that what we have said may be relied on with the utmost confidence.
In the Kanesville Market, Emigrants will find every thing necessary for their outfits at as reasonable rates as can be procured in the Western country.
Kanesville, Feb. 20, 1850.