Castleman Diary 1849

Misc. stories about Philip F. Castleman

Submitted by Emmett Conway

NOTED PIONEER DEAD
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Philip F. Castleman Passes Away in San Francisco
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TO BE BROUGHT TO EUGENE
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Conducted First Photo Gallery in Eugene, Where Hulin Block Now Stands

Philip F. Castleman, one of the pioneers of Oregon and one of the earliest settlers in the Willamette valley near Eugene, died at his home in San Francisco, Cal., Wednesday, March 27. He will be brought to Eugene for interment, leaving San Francisco tomorrow morning on No. 16 and arriving in Eugene early Sunday Morning.

The funeral will be held under Masonic auspices.

Mr. Castleman was one of the most noted characters of the early days of Oregon. He was a Kentuckian, being born in Hodginsville, in the "Blue Grass" state on May 17, 1827. he crossed the plains to California in 1849 and was engaged in gold mining and other enterprises for a couple of years when he left California and came to the place where Eugene now is, and in 1851 started the first sawmill erected in Oregon. It was a small affair, supposedly run by horsepower, but really propelled by ox power.

Later he established a water power mill on Bear creek and helped manufacture the lunber from which were built many of the early homes in this part of the state. Ever a restless and energetic spirit he returned to the east by way of the Nicaragua route, but the effete land of Atlantic slopes had no attractions for the adventurous child of Kentucky, and a short time later he returned to Eugene. On the site now occupied by the Hulin building Mr. Castleman conducted the first photograph gallery ever opened in Eugene, and for a time was content to make the likeness of his fellow townsmen, but ere long an opportunity of the sort for which he longed gave him a chance to again display, more strikingly than ever, the mettle of which he was made. News of Indian war and massacre was wafted from the Rogue river country, and Mr. Castleman forsook the camera for the musket.

It was in 1855 that Mr. Castleman took up the cause of the white man against the red child of the forest and a few days later he was at the head of a company of militia which was rapidly preparing to go to the front, when General McCarver arrived in Eugene at the head of a body of troops. The soldiers were short of ammunition and it was necessary to send a messenger through the enemy's lines to the base of supplies 91 miles away to hurry reinforcements and supplies. The task of performing this daring and dangerous feat was granted to Mr. Castleman at his earnest request and he carried out his mission with dispatch. In every battle, seige and march in the fierce war that followed the name of this brave soldier figured.. He received wounds in the conflict, the marks of which he carried through after life.

Later he went to Walla Walla and Boise, Ida., but again returned to Eugene. In 1878 he closed his last period of residence in this city, and after some migrations finally settled in San Francisco.

In 1856 he married Mrs. I. J. Evans, the widowed daughter of Benjamin Davis of this state, a sister of Dr. M. M. Davis, who still resides here. There were five children born of the match of whom three, Mrs. J. A. Campbell, of Berkeley, Cal., Mrs. E. H. Gaines, of Portland, Or., and W. R. Castleman, of San Francisco, survive him.

Mrs. Castleman passed away several years ago.

Mrs. Freda Smith, of Fall creek, is a grandaughter of Mr. Castleman.

NOTES: by Richard Olson, July 1999.

This was published in a (the?) Eugene newspaper of (probably) Friday, March 29, 1918. By independent investigation Wednesday, March 27th in 1918 was a Wednesday.

For Hodginsville read Hodgenville which was in Hardin County, Kentuckey, until that county was split in 1843 and Hodgenville then came to be in LaRue County.

Example of Editing for the day June 12, 1849

...from the diary:

June 12th Tuesday. after we had finished our camp duties we resumed our march with the intention of crossing the Platt before we encamped again but the road was very muddy so we could not make very much speed but we kept moving all the time except a few minutes we occupied at noon about the middle of the afternoon it began to cloud up and it threatened a heavy shower of rain some two miles before we reached the ford of the river we came up with a train that had killed a buffalo a short distance from the road and halted while they would carry some of it to the wagons our train drove on I with some two or three others went to the place where they were butchering it after which we started for our train again but did not overtake them untill they reached the river and part of them had crossed over one or two had stalled in the river and two still remained on the south side all our cooking utensils were in the wagons that had crossed the river my partner had crossed and as the clouds were growing more heavy and threatening a heavy rain every moment we thought it best to stop on this side of the river until morning but about this time one of Churchill's negro boys by the name of Alexander showed strong simptons of the cholera we sent across for some medicine as the chest was in my wagon but before we could get it the storm began the vivid flashes of electricity seemed as if they were agoing to shock everything alive while the loud claps of thunder shook the earth and now the hail stones came in such a great abundance it threatened the destruction of all the vegetable creation after which the rain fell in torrents until near daylight I was compelled to take refuge in a wagon with four or five others when I had to lay or sit on a small hose all the night which was the most disagreeable night I have seen since I have been on the road Distance 20 miles

...as edited:

June 12th; Tuesday.

After we had finished our camp duties we resumed our march with the intention of crossing the Platte before we encamped again, but the road was very muddy and we could not make very much speed. We kept moving all the time except a few minutes we occupied at noon. About the middle of the afternoon it began to cloud up and it threatened a heavy shower of rain.

Some two miles before we reached the ford of the river we came up with a train that had killed a buffalo a short distance from the road and halted so they could carry some of it to the wagons. Our train drove on and I with some two or three others went to the place where they were butchering it.

After this we started for our train again but did not overtake them until they had reached the river and part of them had crossed over. Two had stalled in the river and two still remained on the south side. All our cooking utensils were in the wagons that had crossed the river. My partner had already crossed and as the clouds were growing more heavy and threatening a heavy rain every moment we thought it best to stop on this side of the river until morning.

About this time one of C. Churchill's Negro boys by the name of Alexander showed strong symptoms of the cholera. We sent across for some medicine since the chest was in my wagon but before we could get it the storm began. The vivid flashes of electricity seemed as if they were going to shock everything alive while the loud claps of thunder shook the earth and then the hail stones came in such a great abundance it threatened the destruction of all the vegetable creation. When the hail ended rain fell in torrents until near daylight. I was compelled to take refuge in a wagon with four or five others where I had to lay or sit on a small hose all the night. This was the most disagreeable night I have seen since I have been on the road.

Distance 20 miles. Total to Date: 400 miles.

Individuals or Groups Referred to in Phillip Castleman's
Diary of a Journey to California in 1849
With Excerpts from the Journal Wherein They Are Mentioned

Alexander* Arehart, George Barry, James
Batateau Been, David Bentley, J. H.
Brackey Bradford, Dr. Buckner, H.
Buffalo Train Bullock, Washington* Campbell
Carter, William Cherokee Train Churchill, C.
Churchill, Jacob Clark, J. Dorant, J.
Eldorado Train Ford Foster, John
Goodfellow Graham, A. Henley, James
Jeffers Kerr McCoy, Alexander
McCoy, Samuel McIntosh, Colonel McMurtry, Dr.
More (or Moore), Preston Ned Red* O'Conner
Ottawa Train Pepper Brothers Philip*
Pioneer Company Porter, E. Richeson or Richardson
Robidoux Roleson Ross
Shields, Dr. Smith, Governor Summers, T.
Swift, Captain Tarecaugh, A. Tilly, H.
Tucker, J. Turner, Captain Waldo Train
Warner, Captain Watkins White, Dr.
Wyandot Company

* Slaves owned by C. Churchill

Alexander (slave)

June 12th; Tuesday. South Platte River Crossing
About this time one of C. Churchill's Negro boys by the name of Alexander showed strong symptoms of the cholera. We sent across for some medicine since the chest was in my wagon but before we could get it the storm began.

June 13th; Wednesday. Crossing the South Platte River
I went to the wagon Alexander was in and Washington informed me that he was very ill. We could get him to talk but little. There were a number of persons here in our situation and among them was a company from Buffalo N.Y. in which was an able physician on whom I called for medical aid. He said there was but little hopes for our companion to recover so I mounted a horse and crossed over to the other part of our company to fetch H. Beckner who gathered up a lot of physic and we crossed back again. He took charge of the sick man.

June 14th; Thursday. South Platte River Crossing
Our sick boy, Alexander, was no better yet so we unloaded our wagons to dry our provisions which had got wet on Tuesday evening by the heavy storm. About 9 o'clock we discovered several buffalo coming to the river so several of us gathered our guns and ran down near the place. When they struck the river there we got within sixty yards of them. After they had started across one or two fired on them. When they all reached shore we all got a shot and killed one large bull and wounded two others. We now sent to camp after a horse which we packed with the most choice parts of the buffalo. We then returned to camp it not being more than noon. We now learnt that Alexander was worse and he died in less than two hours after.

Arehart, George

July 6th; Friday. Deer Creek
This morning after breakfast three men came to our camp in search of government horses which had strayed or been stolen from this place about 9 o'clock. I went to the river where the above mentioned trains were crossing. Here I found J. Foster and J. Clark who had come here earlier in the morning. I also found a cousin of mine who was employed as quartermaster of this division of the Mounted Riflemen by the name of George Arehart. He gave me the boat which the train had crossed with, it being composed of three canoes lashed together.

July 31st; Tuesday. Bear River
About 8 o'clock this morning the Third Division of the Government's Mounted Riflemen train passed us. George Arehart came to see me but did not remain because the division was marching on so he bade us goodbye for certain as he said they would pass the forks of the road before we could overtake them again and they were bound for Oregon.

Barry, James

July 7th; Saturday. Crossing the North Platte River
When we arrived at the river we found that Foster & Clark had ferried over some four wagons but could not drive the cattle across so some time in the afternoon we began to ferry our wagons across. We made an attempt to drive the cattle that belonged to them across but they being hard to drive three of their men swam in after them. Two swam across while one of them took the cramp and drowned. A. Graham and J. Tucker went in to try to rescue him but were too late. They succeeded in getting him to an island. Here John O'Conner and James Barry went to their assistance but could not succeed in restoring him to life. The deceased was a native of Ireland late from St. Louis. His name was James Henley.

July 9th; Monday. North Platte River
This morning after the guard had brought in the stock we began to prepare to leave camp when I heard O'Conner call for assistance as J. Barry had taken a spasm or fit and was likely to die. After using many remedies he got much better and by 9 o'clock we were on the road.

Batateau

October 6th; Saturday. Spring Valley
We have learned that Capt. Warner who was exploring Goose Lake was killed a few days since with Batateau his guide and that an emigrant was also severely wounded at the same time. This was said to be done north of the lake in a canyon by the Digger Indians who fled after the first few shots.

Been, David

August 13th; Monday. Rock Castle City
This place is known by the name of Rock Castle City as there are a number of rocks standing in it which make it look like a city surrounded by a huge wall. These scattered rocks have quite a picturesque appearance. I saw a gentleman by the name of David Been who belonged to the Cherokee train washing some sand here which he said had a little gold in it but I think it was mica.

Bentley, J. H.

September 9th; Sunday. Mud Meadow Springs
There was a shooting affray took place here on Wednesday last between to gentlemen from Cincinnati, all of the same mess. I learned from J. Dorant that J. Bently and Dr. Shields and he had all started from Cincinnati in company and after they had traveled to St. Joseph, Missouri they had fitted out a wagon and team in co-partnership. They had traveled from thence to this place where Shields and Bently quarreled, which I learned had almost been daily since they had left St. Joseph. Here Shields wanted to divide their provisions and team and said he would join another train but Bently refused so Shields went to another train. There he told his circumstance which he said was gloomy if he could not get aid as Bently was a large stout man and had threatened to whip him to death if he took a pound of provisions or anything the belonged to the company. Four men instantly volunteered their services and said they would see him righted so they all went to his wagon when Bently was off looking after the cattle. Shields got in the wagon and began to divide the provisions when Bently came up and said he would thrash him to death. As Bently approached the wagon Shields commanded him to stop which he did not do so Shields shot at him. The ball took affect in the left side of his breast but did not disable him from the attack so Shields shot him again. This took effect in his forehead, the ball lodging in his brain. This last shot brought him down and as he fell against the foregate of the wagon the blood and brains oozed from the wound. The Doctor was called as soon as possible as there were several encamped here. Bently was informed of the certainty of his death as he was yet rational and was asked many questions relative to his estate since he had 900 to 1000 dollars in his possession at that time. He would only say that he was born in Yorkshire, England and that he once had an uncle in New York but had no relations now in America. He also stated that he had been in America seven years during which time he had traveled over several of the southern and western States and had a large acquaintance from Cincinnati to New Orleans. Dr. Shields and his friends now divided the provisions and team and Shields joined another wagon and left here some two day since. Dorant remains with Bently as he is still alive. The mark on the wagon is plainly to be seen but is not continuous. Shields I learned is a native of Massachusetts and has been practicing medicine for several years in Cincinnati.

September 10th; Monday. Mud Meadow Springs
J. H. Bently died this morning and was buried today this being the fifth day since he was shot.

September 11th; Tuesday. Mud Meadow Springs
There was a committee appointed by some gentlemen from Wisconsin to await on J. Dorant, the remaining partner of the deceased Bently. J. Dorant was instructed to make an examination of Bently's property which he did. His papers were also examined which consisted of a few receipts, a note or two, and several letters from individuals with whom he had been doing business. There were several letters written back to those different men by the committee or at least they said it should be done as soon as they would have an opportunity of sending to the U.S. by the mail.

Brackey

September 23rd; Sunday. Willow Creek
There was a company made up now to follow the thieves, Tucker & Foster going from our company. T. Summers & Brackey were out in search of Mr. Kerr's oxen. They found the trail and as there had been several parties of Indians they had gone off in two or three directions. Brackey followed on three miles with Summers when they came in sight of the cattle and Brackey fired at the Indians who were three in number. They fled and left the cattle so they returned with the oxen and left the thieves much disappointed in their anticipated feast on Kerr's faithful but worn down animals.

Bradford, Dr.

September 16th; Sunday. Steep Rock Canyon
We also fell in company with Dr. Bradford of Illinois and Alexander and Samuel McCoy of Independence, Missouri. They all had mules and seemed to be in fine spirits.

September 29th; Saturday. Pitt River
We halted in a small spot of mountain grass some two hours at noon after which we traveled some two miles when the road crossed the river. Here a sad disaster happened to J. Tucker. As the wagons were crossing he got on the end of a coupling tongue to cross the river. He had his gun which he put in the wagon foremost. Thus he crossed the stream. When he left his seat and was drawing his gun from the wagon, the muzzle towards him, the hammer caught in some of the rigging of the wagon cover and on pulling loose it fired. The ball passed through his groin and came out near the middle of this thigh but fortunately did not break the bone. Dr. Bradford was called immediately. He dressed the wounds after examining them. He said that he was a doubtful case as he thought the artery was injured and would soon begin to bleed and could not be stopped.

October 14th; Sunday. Butte Creek
There was a consultation held this morning with the company whether we should travel on or not. C. Churchill said he would leave it up to Samuel McCoy and Long. They both said they would lay by but this way of deciding on the subject did not please a German who was traveling with Long and he said he was agoing on. J. Kerr also said he was going to travel so the whole company started by 9 o'clock. Dr. Bradford drove on yesterday. We traveled on to Butte Creek a distance of eight miles over a stony and hilly road.

Buckner, H.

May 22nd, 1849; Tuesday. Departure from St. Joseph, Missouri.
This was the first night that we had ever camped on the plains so some resolutions were passed, as was often later said by some of our company. I think it might be more properly said some appointments were made, as one or two had all the say to themselves. C. Churchill was appointed or proclaimed himself captain. He appointed John Foster wagon master, H. Buckner company physician, and I was appointed the clerk for the company.

June 8th; Friday. Platte River Bottoms
The morning was clear but as Ned Red was no better we could not start. Following breakfast I, in company with several of the company, went to the river and waded to an island. After hunting some time and finding nothing there, we returned to camp when H. Buckner informed me that it was expected Ned Red would die before noon. I got a little water on a cracker which I ate after which Buckner, Tilly, and I went out to the hills in search of game. We had not gone far before Buckner complained of being very much fatigued and he returned to camp. Tilly and I continued our course some two or three miles when we discovered an antelope and after much pains I crawled up within a hundred yards of it. My gun failed to fire the first time and the antelope ran off unhurt.

July 12th; Thursday. Sweetwater River
We passed a small lake some two miles back which was strongly impregnated with alkali and in many places the salts were two inches thick on the water. H. Buckner gathered some two or three pounds.

July 13th; Friday. Devil's Gate Canyon Entrance
H. Buckner, A. Graham, and I went up to the top of the cliff which was some 500 or 600 feet high. We discovered a fine spring about half way up the cliff. We also discovered marble of two or three colors which I supposed to be very fine. The distance being farther than I thought, we did not return until dark.

July 27th; Friday. Pine Springs
We concluded to lay by the balance of the day as I was very unwell and had not been well for several days though being able to be about. H. Buckner & Mr. Porter are both complaining.

July 28th; Saturday. Sublette Cutoff
This morning I felt very unwell so I went to Buckner who was our company physician, or pretended to be. He said I had a bilious fever which he termed the Mountain Fever. He gave me a dose or two of calomel which he said would break the fever if it had the right effect. I then went to one of the wagons in which there were a few blankets spread for my accommodation as we were going to travel until we came to Bear River Valley. Here we intended to lay by a few days as Buckner and Porter were both unable to ride on horse back.

August 15th; Wednesday. West of Goose Creek
Here Porter and Buckner both got their horses swamped and we had to pull them out of the mire. There was a very bad stream to cross but we all went and carried a bundle of willow brush which we threw in the branch making a kind of bridge over which we drove our wagons.

September 4th; Tuesday. Humboldt River, Lassen's Cutoff
The morning was cool and chilled us so that the few scattered willows we had gathered in the evening were all consumed in a very short time. For the purpose of warming ourselves we left camp at 6 o'clock and traveled down the river over a sandy and barren road for some eight miles when we came to the point where the road leading to Feather River in 180 miles leaves the Humbolt River. Here we halted for noon when we had quite an argument about the way we should go, some saying that they would go by the old road anyhow. Finally, we put it to the vote and they were so equally divided that it was a tie. As C. Churchill and H. Buckner were both on the side in favor of going the near way to the mines, as it was called, the opposing party yielded to their judgment. This was much regretted by all the company long before we reached the settlements.

September 14th; Friday. Steep Rock Canyon
We knew that we must either lose a great deal of our property now by throwing it away or lose all our teams soon with provisions, clothing, and everything else if we did not do something to help our horses. We all agreed to throw away everything that we did not actually stand in need of. There were several who wanted to throw away all the tools but this was opposed by C. Churchill and H. Buckner, both who had now begun to show dispositions to rule. We overhauled our wagons and threw away a great many things that we thought might be disposed of but was still compelled to haul two or three hundred pounds of tools which never was worth having even when they were first made.

October 19th; Friday. Deep Hollow, Antelope Creek
We all moved on towards the next spring which was said to be twenty miles without water for we felt as if we would suffer it as long as possible all being able to walk as Buckner, Graham, and Tucker had stopped with the other wagon and intended to remain there until we could send a team after them.

Buffalo Train

June 24th; Sunday. Horse Creek
By 6 o'clock this morning we were all on the road again and after traveling some five or six miles we came to a small but beautiful stream known by the name of Horse Creek. Here were two or three trains laying by on account of sickness. Among them were the Buffalo train from Buffalo City, New York. They informed us that their company physician had died at Chimney Rock and that two of their company had been attacked this morning and died, all of cholera.

July 15th; Sunday. Sweetwater River
We made quite an early start this morning and after we had traveled some ten miles over a sandy road we halted for the noon. Near us were encamped the Buffalo train. They were leaving their wagons intending to pack through to California from that place.

Bullock, Washington (slave)

June 11th; Monday. Platte River
We traveled on at a brisk gait until noon when we halted and after partaking of our simple dinner Washington Bullock, a slave of C. Churchill's, and myself went off of the road thinking we might be able to kill some game. Since these have all been run off the road on account of the large emigration, we soon found ourselves three or four miles from the main trail. Here we struck the hills which were very rough with deep ravines. We found several clusters of fine cedar timber and saw wild flax pea and a small cherry tree, or rather a small cherry shrub. There are no large trees here. We discovered a great deal of signs but saw no game.

June 13th; Wednesday. South Platte River Crossing
I went to the wagon Alexander was in and Washington informed me that he was very ill. We could get him to talk but little. There were a number of persons here in our situation and among them was a company from Buffalo N.Y. in which was an able physician on whom I called for medical aid. He said there was but little hopes for our companion to recover so I mounted a horse and crossed over to the other part of our company to fetch H. Beckner who gathered up a lot of physic and we crossed back again. He took charge of the sick man.

June 24th; Sunday. Horse Creek
We drove on some three miles when we halted for the noon. John Foster and Washington Bullock brought in an antelope. They said that they had killed another some eight miles back on the road.

July 6th; Friday. Deer Creek
So Foster remained with the boat and I returned to camp when on arriving there I was informed that there had been a buffalo and two antelopes killed by our company and that Washington Bullock had been out all day and had not returned.

July 7th; Saturday. Deer Creek
Washington Bullock did not return until daylight. He said he had been lost all night and that he had killed two antelopes one of which he had carried all the time. He also killed a buffalo which he did not touch as he had killed the antelope first.

October 15th; Monday. Feather River, California
Three of our company went off of the road some six miles back where one of them killed a fine black tail deer and Washington came in at dark and took one of the best mules and went back after it.

Campbell

September 11th; Tuesday. Mud Meadow Springs
There were a number of trains which came in from the desert today among them were Mr. Campbell from Christian County, Kentucky and Captain Swift with whom we are due to travel after we leave this place.

Carter, William

Cherokee Train

August 9th, Thursday. Pine Springs
We made an early start this morning as usual and after traveling some eight miles we came to a small spring. Here we watered our animals and drove on some two miles to a well where we halted for the noon. Then we traveled on to Pine Springs. We overtook the Cherokee train where they were encamped. Grass being scarce, we went on some seven miles where we found wood, water, and first rate grass and bedded down for the night.

Churchill, C.

May 3rd, 1849; Thursday. On the steamboat from St. Louis to St. Joseph
The two deceased were Negro men known by the name of Joshua and Richard belonging to C. Churchill who had seven others with him.

May 22nd, 1849; Tuesday. Departure from St. Joseph, Missouri.
C. Churchill was appointed or proclaimed himself captain.

May 31st; Thursday. Little Blue River
Earlier this evening C. Churchill was a short distance ahead of the train in search of a camping place when a large wildcat made his appearance some fifty yards ahead of him. The animal stopped and turned around as if it was going to make an attack on him. He stopped his horse with the intention of returning to the wagons for his gun but the animal became frightened and with a few bounds disappeared from his sight This is the only animal of the kind that has been seen by any of our company as yet.

June 3rd; Sunday. Platte River
We discovered several antelopes before leaving camp this morning. I with two of C. Churchill's slaves went in pursuit of them but could not get our guns to fire so we returned without affecting anything whatever.

June 6th; Wednesday. Platte River Bottoms
We encamped as Ned Red, one of the slaves that C. Churchill had brought with him, was complaining very much and showed some symptoms of the cholera.

June 12th; Tuesday. South Platte River Crossing
About this time one of C. Churchill's Negro boys by the name of Alexander showed strong symptoms of the cholera.

July 11th; Wednesday. Greasewood (now Horse) Creek
This morning, after the horses had been brought from the hills and we were making preparations to start, C. Churchill gave orders to lighten our loads by throwing away some articles which the company had been desirous of disposing of for some time.

July 14th; Saturday. Sweetwater River
At 7 o'clock this morning we moved on the road again. C. & Jacob Churchill wanted to go to the spring which I spoke of yesterday so I accompanied them. We did not overtake the wagons until noon when we came up to them.

July 25th; Wednesday. Green River Ford
This morning after breakfast we learned of the guard that one of our mules were lost and had been lost all night so we all turned out in search of it. C. Churchill and I went up the river to where there were several lodges which were occupied by traders who had been there some ten to fifteen years. They all had taken wives among the Snake Indians. They had a great number of fine horses so we bartered them for two swap horses which they said was just to their hand so we drove our horses up and C. Churchill made two or three swaps. J. Clark made one and I made a trade but the man with whom I traded backed out saying he would trade in the morning so we drove our animals up the river two miles to good grass. C. Churchill found the mule on an island where we found another mule which was lame.

July 26th; Thursday. Fontonelle Creek
Today one of our company, a the gentleman by the name Ross who joined us at Fort Laramie, was ordered by C. Churchill to leave our train on account of some difficulty which had happened with Jacob Churchill. We also had a man from Illinois by the name of Porter come to us at the river and C. Churchill made a bargain to take him to California.

July 31st; Tuesday. Bear River
We did not make an early start this morning as usual on account of C. Churchill being taken with the fever.

August 23rd; Thursday. Humboldt River
J. Foster and C. Churchill had ridden some three miles ahead of the wagons and they thought it best to encamp at this place for the night. They dismounted, freeing their horses of the saddles, and went to the spring, which was something more than a hundred yards off, leaving their guns with their saddles. They had not more than reached the spring before the three men that nooned with us came up at a lope and ordered Foster to give up the horse. This he said he would not do. Goodfellow then ordered one of them which he called Watkins to take the horse. Watkins dismounted and proceeded a few paces towards the horse when Foster informed him to keep his hands off of the horse or he would shoot him. At this Goodfellow and Jeffers, which was the other's name, both drew revolvers and said that they would shoot him but Foster held onto the horse and said he would shoot the first man that touched it. As C. Churchill never carried arms he gathered a stone and told Foster not to give up the horse. The three then gave up this project which would have cost them some trouble if they had undertaken to take it through. C. Churchill told them that they should show their authority before we would give up the horse which they said they could do when they came to Dr. White who was ahead a short distance with the Pioneer company.

September 4th; Tuesday. Humboldt River, Lassen's Cutoff
For the purpose of warming ourselves we left camp at 6 o'clock and traveled down the river over a sandy and barren road for some eight miles when we came to the point where the road leading to Feather River in 180 miles leaves the Humbolt River. Here we halted for noon when we had quite an argument about the way we should go, some saying that they would go by the old road anyhow. Finally, we put it to the vote and they were so equally divided that it was a tie. As C. Churchill and H. Buckner were both on the side in favor of going the near way to the mines, as it was called, the opposing party yielded to their judgment. This was much regretted by all the company long before we reached the settlements.

September 6th; Thursday. Black Rock Springs
The road was generally speaking very good and it was cool and pleasant so our animals traveled on at a very fair gait until about daylight when two of them began to fail. As we had no water for them and did not know when we would get to the spring I feared we would loose them. One was a white mule, Old Hitt, that C. Churchill had brought from home with him. He said she was twenty-two years old and had been worked to his knowledge fourteen years at iron works pulling a wagon. As Old Hitt began to fail and refuse to go on there seemed to be quite a change in all present. We had flattered ourselves that she was the hardiest animal we had and would be sure to go through. We took her into camp but it was with great difficulty as she seemed to give up entirely. We got to the spring at 10 o'clock and as the water was almost boiling hot and strongly impregnated with alkali we gave up the idea of taking Old Hitt any farther. She was left to perish with the thousands of oxen and horses on these deserts.

September 14th; Friday. Steep Rock Canyon
We all agreed to throw away everything that we did not actually stand in need of. There were several who wanted to throw away all the tools but this was opposed by C. Churchill and H. Buckner, both who had now begun to show dispositions to rule. We overhauled our wagons and threw away a great many things that we thought might be disposed of but was still compelled to haul two or three hundred pounds of tools which never was worth having even when they were first made.

September 23rd; Sunday. Willow Creek
Here there was a little grass to be had so we encamped C. Churchill being very sick with a high fever.

September 24th; Monday. Goose Lake, California
The morning was cool and clear and as C. Churchill had began to improve a little in health we traveled on to Goose Lake.

October 23rd; Tuesday. Deer Creek
After all was ready to move C. Churchill came to us and said that there was a number of mules to be had from Lawson and that some two of us must go back after the wagon that we had left and the property that was left at Steep Hold. He selected me and Philip a slave of his, I being a little somewhat scurvied which had drawn one of my legs a little crooked but I could walk by limping a little. I told him my circumstance and he said I should go which I soon told him could not be the case and he then said I must lay in my winter's provisions. I told him I was broke and he then accused me of having money and not spending it. I told him I should leave the company when Foster said he would go back after the wagons. Foster also took me to one side and said he had a hundred and fifty dollars half of which I might have if I wished. This was unexpected but I took $5 as I had not a dollar in the world or any way of getting any that I knew of.

Churchill, Jacob

June 7th; Thursday. Platte River Bottoms
Some of the company went out hunting and Jacob Churchill, myself, and J. Clark, one of three men who had fell in with us several days since, went back to kill some prairie dogs. We shot several times before we succeeded in killing one as they were very wild, being shot at by every one almost that passed.

July 26th; Thursday. Fontonelle Creek
Today one of our company, a gentleman by the name Ross who joined us at Fort Laramie, was ordered by C. Churchill to leave our train on account of some difficulty which had happened with Jacob Churchill.

September 24th; Monday. Goose Lake (California)
The morning was cool and clear and as C. Churchill had began to improve a little in health we traveled on to Goose Lake. Here we left the Oregon trail as it passed to the north of the lake and the California trail to the south. We halted a few hours here at noon when Jacob Churchill and myself went on the side of a mountain to our left and found a great many plums. They grew on small bushes not more than two or three feet in heighth and were the best plums that I had ever tasted in a wild and uncultivated state.

Clark, J.

June 16th; Saturday. Junction of the North and South Forks
of the Platte River
Some two or three miles back this evening I saw a lodge off from the road some distance where I supposed there were some Indians camped so J. Clark and myself went to it. We found two or three dead horses and a part of a buffalo all laying around the lodge which was made of dressed buckskins. There were a number of Indian dogs alaying around which seemed to be in distress as they were howling and making a pitiful noise. We ventured up to the entrance which was partly shut by a deer skin being tied over it. We discovered a number of articles that might be found in a camp such as bucket, pans, cups etc. What was more horrible was to see two corpses partly wrapped in a blanket in there. We supposed that this was the mode of burying with the Indians hereabouts. We had seen several scaffolds earlier today which are said to be the tombs of some Sioux Indians, but it may be possible that the persons we saw died of cholera and the items were their property. Everything could have been left with the dead for fear that the disease was contagious and they left in their wigwam. This is the only sign of Indians we have seen since we left the Mission.

July 6th; Friday. Deer Creek
I went to the river where the above mentioned trains were crossing. Here I found J. Foster and J. Clark who had come here earlier in the morning.

August 5th, Sunday. Hudspeth Cutoff
We had not been here long before an Indian rode up to us. He came to every one and gave us a cordial grapple with his hand which he used somewhat awkward. We tried to buy his pony but he refused. We purchased an elk skin from him for which we gave him a pint cup full of powder and two or three papers of vermilion. I gave him a small looking glass in trade for a reata. He invited us to go to his wigwam where he said he had a great many horses and that he would trade one for a gun. J. Foster and J. Clark went with him taking a gun and a half keg of powder but were not able to conclude a trade for a horse instead buying three rugs for the saddle with a few trinkets and obtaining two more reatas.

August 30th; Thursday. Humboldt River
J. Clark and company came to our camp at 4 o'clock this afternoon. They encamped with us tonight. They have been detained some time on account of breaking an axletree.

Dorant, J.

September 10th; Monday. Mud Meadow Springs
J. H. Bently died this morning and was buried today this being the fifth day since he was shot.

Eldorado Train

July 20th; Friday. Sublette's Cutoff
It was decided that we should go by way of Sublette's Cutoff so we drove on to the river where we found several trains encamped and the grass was very poor. We drove a mile or more up the river when we fell in with the Eldorado Company train so we have encamped for the night as we had traveled with them on the Platte and they had become acquainted with us and felt like neighbors.

Ford

October 21st; Sunday. Feather River
From this place we struck through the canyon thinking it would shorten our road but it was so rough we were until after dark before we got through and struck the road. I chanced to meet a man by the name of Ford who had come in after provisions and was now on his way back to his men. He told some awful stories about the country, etc. in the valley. We stopped with him and as he had plenty of beef and flour I got enough to eat and more after which I lay down by a grease wood fire and slept a little during the night, it being clear and pleasant.

Foster, John

June 20th; Wednesday Castle Rock
I, in company with J. Foster and two others, went off toward Castle Rock as we supposed it was no more than six miles from the road but before we got to it we began to think that it was not less than eight miles and at least twelve from where our camp would be. When we arrived at the rock we found quite a number of spectators.

July 6th; Friday. Deer Creek
This morning after breakfast three men came to our camp in search of government horses which had strayed or been stolen from this place about 9 o'clock. I went to the river where the above mentioned trains were crossing. Here I found J. Foster and J. Clark who had come here earlier in the morning. I also found a cousin of mine who was employed as quartermaster of this division by the name of George Arehart. He gave me the boat which the train had crossed with, it being composed of three canoes lashed together. So Foster remained with the boat and I returned to camp when on arriving there I was informed that there had been a buffalo and two antelopes killed by our company and that Washington Bullock had been out all day and had not returned.

July 26th; Thursday. Fontonelle Creek
Here J. Roleson, one of the traders, came with a wild Indian man. I made a swap with him after he had saddled and rode my horse a few rods for which I had to treat to a half pint of whiskey. We now commenced our march. I had not went more than two miles before my mare undertook to go back. She reared and kicked for some fifteen minutes when my blanket worked out from my saddle so I got off to replace it when the brute pulled loose and ran back to the wagons where J. Foster caught her. She fought like a tiger and we finally whipped her, but she was always wild and often fought me for an hour at a time.

August 6th, Monday. Hudspeth Cutoff
By 7 o'clock this morning we were all ready to commence our march again. The wagons went on the road. J. Foster, Jacob Churchill, and myself went up the stream a short distance to the Indian camp that had visited us on the previous evening. They had a fine drove of horses, several of which we tried to purchase or swap for, but could not reach a trade. We then tried to buy some robes for which we wanted to sell them blankets and trinkets of various kinds but could not. We arrived at their camps before they had finished their breakfast which was composed of a kind of cricket which they had prepared in some two or three ways.

August 23rd; Thursday. Humboldt River
We had not proceeded far in the canyon until a gentleman that had come to us in camp this morning rode up and asked one of our teamsters for something to eat which he got. He rode off immediately some distance when he was seen to divide it with another man. This caused some suspicion, but we saw nothing more of them until noon when this gentleman again came up to us in company with Goodfellow who had once threatened to take a horse from J. Foster that belonged to the government as he said he has orders from the quarter master to take all government stock. J. Foster and C. Churchill had ridden some three miles ahead of the wagons and they thought it best to encamp at this place for the night. They dismounted, freeing their horses of the saddles, and went to the spring, which was something more than a hundred yards off, leaving their guns with their saddles. They had not more than reached the spring before the three men that nooned with us came up at a lope and ordered Foster to give up the horse. This he said he would not do. Goodfellow then ordered one of them which he called Watkins to take the horse. Watkins dismounted and proceeded a few paces towards the horse when Foster informed him to keep his hands off of the horse or he would shoot him. At this Goodfellow and Jeffers, which was the other's name, both drew revolvers and said that they would shoot him but Foster held onto the horse and said he would shoot the first man that touched it. As C. Churchill never carried arms he gathered a stone and told Foster not to give up the horse. The three then gave up this project which would have cost them some trouble if they had undertaken to take it through. C. Churchill told them that they should show their authority before we would give up the horse which they said they could do when they came to Dr. White who was ahead a short distance with the Pioneer company.

September 23rd; Sunday. Willow Creek, California
There was a company made up now to follow the thieves, Tucker & Foster going from our company. T. Summers & Brakey were out in search of Mr. Kerr's oxen. They found the trail and as there had been several parties of Indians they had gone off in two or three directions. Brackey followed on three miles with Summers when they came in sight of the cattle and Brackey fired at the Indians who were three in number. They fled and left the cattle so they returned with the oxen and left the thieves much disappointed in their anticipated feast on Kerr's faithful but worn down animals. We now harnessed up the remainder of our horses and traveled on some eight miles through a heavy timbered country when we came to a small but beautiful stream. Here there was a little grass to be had so we encamped C. Churchill being very sick with a high fever. We have not heard of Foster and Tucker since they left this morning.

September 25th; Tuesday. Pitt River
Tucker and Foster arrived a little after dark. They were much fatigued saying that they had followed the Indians some time when they found an ox now and then that had been killed on account of his not being able to keep up with the rest of them. They finally gave up the chase without avenging the wrongs that had been committed by the Indians as they were afoot and had no grub or anything to eat but the beef they found that had been killed.

October 23rd; Tuesday. Lawson's Ranch
After breakfast we drove up our mules with the intention of going down the river some two miles where we were informed that there was good grazing and a great abundance of wild grapes. After all was ready to move C. Churchill came to us and said that there was a number of mules to be had from Lawson and that some two of us must go back after the wagon that we had left and the property that was left at Steep Hold. He selected me and Philip a slave of his, I being a little somewhat scurvied which had drawn one of my legs a little crooked but I could walk by limping a little. I told him my circumstance and he said I should go which I soon told him could not be the case and he then said I must lay in my winter's provisions. I told him I was broke and he then accused me of having money and not spending it. I told him I should leave the company when Foster said he would go back after the wagons. Foster also took me to one side and said he had a hundred and fifty dollars half of which I might have if I wished. This was unexpected but I took $5 as I had not a dollar in the world or any way of getting any that I knew of. The property that we had was joint stock and I had nothing that was my individual property but my clothes, blankets, and personal belongings. I selected a few of the best and two blankets and struck out on foot.

Goodfellow

August 6th, Monday. Hudspeth Cutoff
There we had a gentleman by the name of Goodfellow to come and claim a government horse which one or our men had found on Green River. Our man would not give the horse up. So we all informed Mr. Goodfellow that he could not get the horse as he had no more right to him than we had.

August 23rd; Thursday. Humboldt River
Very early this morning a gentleman came to our camp in search of a gray pony. We had not seen any strays. He then said that he belonged to a company from Cincinnati and that they were out of bacon and would give flour, sugar, coffee, or money for some. We had none for sale so after being informed thus he rode off. We left camp at our usual hour of starting and after driving some three miles we came to the road that led through the hills their being a road through the canyon also. We thought it best to go the river road on account of water. We had not proceeded far in the canyon until a gentleman that had come to us in camp this morning rode up and asked one of our teamsters for something to eat which he got. He rode off immediately some distance when he was seen to divide it with another man. This caused some suspicion, but we saw nothing more of them until noon when this gentleman again came up to us in company with Goodfellow who had once threatened to take a horse from J. Foster that belonged to the government as he said he has orders from the quarter master to take all government stock. We invited them to stop and share our simple meal which was composed of cold bread and a little cold bacon and cold water. They accepted the offer and after noon rode on in company with some of our company for several miles after which they rode on ahead. The road along the river is tolerably good and once or twice today I have seen a great deal of lava. There was no feed on the river so we left it a little before sundown where the road ran some five miles across the hills before it struck it again. We we drove on a short distance when we came to a spring a short distance from the road. Here some two or three wagons had encamped there being a little grass scattered among the sage brush. J. Foster and C. Churchill had ridden some three miles ahead of the wagons and they thought it best to encamp at this place for the night. They dismounted, freeing their horses of the saddles, and went to the spring, which was something more than a hundred yards off, leaving their guns with their saddles. They had not more than reached the spring before the three men that nooned with us came up at a lope and ordered Foster to give up the horse. This he said he would not do. Goodfellow then ordered one of them which he called Watkins to take the horse. Watkins dismounted and proceeded a few paces towards the horse when Foster informed him to keep his hands off of the horse or he would shoot him. At this Goodfellow and Jeffers, which was the other's name, both drew revolvers and said that they would shoot him but Foster held onto the horse and said he would shoot the first man that touched it. As C. Churchill never carried arms he gathered a stone and told Foster not to give up the horse. The three then gave up this project which would have cost them some trouble if they had undertaken to take it through. C. Churchill told them that they should show their authority before we would give up the horse which they said they could do when they came to Dr. White who was ahead a short distance with the Pioneer company.

Graham, A.

July 1st; Sunday. North Platte River
Here the road left the river some seven miles and then struck it again. A. Graham and myself went up the river and after traveling some three or four miles we struck the bottom again. Here the road came near the river so we, being ahead of the train, halted and in a short time it came up and we all stopped for the noon.

July 7th; Saturday. Deer Creek
When we arrived at the river we found that Foster & Clark had ferried over some four wagons but could not drive the cattle across so some time in the afternoon we began to ferry our wagons across. We made an attempt to drive the cattle that belonged to them across but they being hard to drive three of their men swam in after them. Two swam across while one of them took the cramp and drowned. A. Graham and J. Tucker went in to try to rescue him but were too late. They succeeded in getting him to an island. Here John O'Conner and James Barry went to their assistance but could not succeed in restoring him to life. The deceased was a native of Ireland late from St. Louis. His name was James Henley.

July 13th; Friday. Devil's Gate Canyon Entrance
During our stay at that place J. Tucker, A. Graham and myself went on to the rock where we got a fine view of the valley around which was narrow but fertile valleys with tall mountains on each side. This rock stands something like a quarter of a mile from any other mountain or rock. There are thousands of names engraved on it, some dated as far back as 1842. We engraved ours and left this place at 2 o'clock driving an hour or so when we encamped a mile or two above the Devil's Gate, a deep canyon through which the Sweetwater River flows. Here we have found wood and tolerably good grazing. H. Buckner, A. Graham, and I went up to the top of the cliff which was some 500 or 600 feet high. We discovered a fine spring about half way up the cliff. We also discovered marble of two or three colors which I supposed to be very fine. The distance being farther than I thought, we did not return until dark.

August 12th; Sunday. Raft River
This morning at our usual time of starting our company all met around the camp fire and it was agreed that we would lay by as we had not rested once for some seventeen days. We were all soon engaged in washing and overhauling our wagons which we found to have 1200 lb. on all but Graham's wagon which had but 1000 lb. He said he was too heavily loaded and would leave the company if we did not take 200 lb. off of his. This created a muss and I thought for a time it would end somewhat serious. Finally, it was settled amicably and we will all roll again tomorrow.

September 10th; Monday. Mud Meadow Springs
We here threw away Graham's wagon so we were all busily engaged in overlooking our loading and leaving some things that we thought would be of little use to us when we got to the settlements.

September 15th; Saturday. Steep Rock Canyon
A. Graham returned to camp and stated that he had found a horse track heading from the place where our animals were found with an Indian track following which was bare footed and as all the animals but one were now found we were satisfied that it was stolen. Graham and myself with four others took the best horse that was left, it was the best horse that we had that was missing, and taking our guns only we fell in pursuit of the Indian and the horse. We tracked them for several miles in a meandering way on the south side of the road after which they crossed the road and made off in a northeast direction crossing the valleys, hills, and mountains.

October 17th; Wednesday. Feather River
A. Graham shot three deer today but as he was lame with a stiff knee which was rheumatism he could not follow them.

Hambleton

October 25th; Thursday. Potter's Ranch
At the approach of day we were all ready to continue our march and so we left the ancient oak that we had sheltered under for the last six or seven hours. Since the morning was cool we traveled on to Potter's ranch which was nine miles. Here we found Hambleton an old acquaintance of my companions all from Tennessee. He had been encamped here two or three days and had bought a beef of Potter. We halted and got our breakfast with him and then spent two or three hours in gathering grapes for him and his company as they were all sick with the scurvy and could hardly walk even with crutches.

Henley, James

Jeffers

Kerr

September 16th; Sunday. Steep Rock Canyon
After we had been in camp some two hours we struck our tents and made preparations to move up the valley which we did. Here we fell in company with Mr. Kerr, a gentleman from Columbus, Ohio. We made arrangements to have 600 lb. of our freight carried through in his wagon and we were to travel through with him as his was an ox team.

September 23rd; Sunday. Willow Creek
The night was cool and at daylight all hands that were able, for two or three were complaining, were off in search of our animals as we had put out no guard on the previous night there being such a great number encamped here that we felt that all were safe. We found all but one horse and one mule that belong to us but those being the best animals we had. Mr. Kerr's ox team was all gone. We learned of a company that were encamped near us that they had lost several head and that two of their men were on there trail who soon returned with two or three arrows that they had drawn from an ox. There was a company made up now to follow the thieves, Tucker & Foster going from our company. T. Summers & Brakey were out in search of Mr. Kerr's oxen. They found the trail and as there had been several parties of Indians they had gone off in two or three directions. Brackey followed on three miles with Summers when they came in sight of the cattle and Brackey fired at the Indians who were three in number. They fled and left the cattle so they returned with the oxen and left the thieves much disappointed in their anticipated feast on Kerr's faithful but worn down animals.

September 28th; Friday Pitt River, California
Here in a short turn that the wagons had to make Mr. Kerr's wagon broke which was heavy loaded so we unloosed the team and found it was only the tongue so we withed and lashed it so as to be able to still travel and after getting near the mouth of the canyon we came to a mire. Here we had to work several hours to get across as most all our mules mired and we had to wade in and help them out.

October 3rd; Wednesday. Pitt River
Here we have encamped for the day and as Kerr had five yoke of cattle he said we could kill the fattest one so we bought his ox and had him butchered in a short time. This was rather hard beef but it was the only chance for provisions.

October 19th; Friday. Deep Hollow, Antelope Creek
All were busily engaged this morning in cutting oak trees for our animals to brouse on when I chance to find a little spring in a small ravine where we drove our animals and all seemed to get as much they wanted except Kerr's oxen. They didn't get as much as they could drink. At 9 o'clock we all moved on to the spring where we expected plenty of water but after arriving there we were informed that it was almost impossible to get as much as we could drink. We arrived in Deep Hollow at sundown where we learned that it was two miles off to the south to Antelope Creek where we had to go after water. Kerr left two of his oxen today and we left a mule also. We have found wild grapes, wild cherries, shrubs on this stream.

October 20th; Saturday. Deep Hollow
Mr. Kerr and C. Churchill had a few hard words this morning and Kerr threw out the freight that he had hauled from Steep Rock Canyon. My baggage and several of the boy's things being among it. They all left theirs but I put mine on a mule. I was driving and carried it to our next encampment where I succeeded in getting it hauled through by Kerr giving my watch to his driver which was worth about thirty dollars.

October 23rd; Tuesday. Deer Creek, Benton City
After passing a great many encampments on the river I came to Mr. Kerr's wagon some four miles below the river. Here I halted and went across the river and got a great many grapes which I found to be the best I had ever tasted. This I was informed was the best diet I could use as I had an attack of the scurvy. I stopped with Kerr tonight.

October 24th; Wednesday. Lawson's Ranch
The morning was cool but as the sun rose it began to moderate and by noon it was as warm as I had ever felt it I thought in August. I had concluded to go to the mines immediately and I struck off after breakfast leaving Kerr who said he would come on in a few days.

McCoy, Alexander

McCoy, Samuel

September 30th; Sunday. Pitt River, California
Samuel McCoy has flour which he say we can have until the Wyandots overtake us so we will be off as soon as practical in the morning.

October 20th; Saturday. Deep Hollow
We doubled teams with Samuel McCoy to pull the hill and after traveling a mile or two we came to a large encampment.

October 22nd; Monday. Lawson's Ranch
There was a little dew last night which made me think that it was much warmer in the valley than it ever is a few miles in the mountains. We left at daylight and traveled on to Lawson's ranch where I found Long and Samuel McCoy who had come on ahead some two or three days ago.

McIntosh, Colonel

August 24th; Friday. Humboldt River
We made an early start this morning and it being cool and the dust being laid with a small shower of rain that fell last night, we drove on at a brisk gait until noon when we came up with the Pioneer company. We went and saw Dr. White. He showed us his order from Colonel McIntosh to take up government stock and deliver them to Governor Smith of California. We then gave up the horse to White who said he had not sent those men after the horse the day before.

McMurtry, Dr.

October 11th; Thursday. Big Meadows
We left camp after breakfast and drove on to the Big Meadows where we found a great number of trains encamped. Among them was Dr. McMurtry. We were much rejoiced to take our old friends by the hand in this unhallowed land.

More (or Moore), Preston

June 20th; Wednesday. North Platte River
Preston More is complaining of a diarrhea which I fear will terminate in cholera as it has been running on two days.

June 21st; Thursday. North Platte River
They had halted to eat their cold bit of grub, as it was sometimes called, but when we came up with the train they informed me that the train had stopped at 10 o'clock on account of Preston Moore who was getting worse every hour and did die at 4 o'clock in the P. M. This being the sixth man we had lost with this sad disease.

Ned Red (slave)

June 6th; Wednesday. Platte River Bottoms
We encamped as Ned Red, one of the slaves that C. Churchill had brought with him, was complaining very much and showed some symptoms of the cholera.

June 7th; Thursday. Platte River Bottoms
Nonetheless, as one or two more of our company were complaining and Ned Red was not on the mend, we concluded to lay by today.

O'Conner

June 23rd; Saturday. Scott's Bluff
We can see some of the lofty peaks of the Rocky Mountains this evening, this being the first time they have been in sight. A gentleman by the name of O'Conner with two others joined our train this evening to travel with us to Fort Laramie where they expect to pack their animals and leave their wagon.

Ottawa Train

August 13th; Monday. Rock Castle City
We passed the junction of the road leading from Salt Lake some 5 miles back and we have learned of the Ottawa train also encamped here that it is 140 miles from here to Salt Lake.

Pepper Brothers

May 21st, 1849; Monday St. Joseph, Missouri
We arrived at St. Joseph on Thursday, the 17th of May. Here we had some blacksmith work done; but, while we were making ready to get off, Mr. Pepper, one of our company, was taken ill and on the evening of the 21st died. He had a brother along who was taken sick on the same evening and died on the following morning. This brought our company down to sixteen before we left the States.

May 22nd, 1849; Tuesday. Departure from St. Joseph, Missouri.
I arose this morning a little after daylight and was informed that Mr. Pepper was dead so I crossed back on the St. Joseph side and attended his funeral, this being the fourth man we had lost. After the funeral I wrote a letter to my Father informing him of the sad misfortune we had already met with. So it was between 9 and 11 o'clock in the A.M. before we made a start.

Philip (slave)

October 23rd; Tuesday. Deer Creek, Benton City
After breakfast we drove up our mules with the intention of going down the river some two miles where we were informed that there was good grazing and a great abundance of wild grapes. After all was ready to move C. Churchill came to us and said that there was a number of mules to be had from Lawson and that some two of us must go back after the wagon that we had left and the property that was left at Steep Hold. He selected me and Philip a slave of his, I being a little somewhat scurvied which had drawn one of my legs a little crooked but I could walk by limping a little. I told him my circumstance and he said I should go which I soon told him could not be the case and he then said I must lay in my winter's provisions. I told him I was broke and he then accused me of having money and not spending it. I told him I should leave the company when Foster said he would go back after the wagons.

Pioneer Company

June 28th; Thursday. Fort Laramie
This morning as soon as breakfast was over H. Tilley accompanied me and we struck off for Fort Laramie which we found to be seven or eight miles from our last encampment. We did not get across Laramie River until 10 o'clock as there was no ferry and we had to wait for an opportunity to go in a wagon. Our company arrived at the fort at noon and after disposing of many articles at cost and selling a wagon for twenty dollars to the Pioneers, a company from St. Louis, we drove some four miles up the river and encamped for the reminder of the day.

July 12th; Thursday. Sweetwater River
The Pioneer company of St. Louis is encamped one mile below. They are lightning their baggage to seventy-five pounds each. The road ran through a sandy country where there is no vegetation except the wild sage.

July 17th; Tuesday. Sweetwater River
We passed several large trains among them were the Pioneer company and the Waldo train from whom some of the company bought a canteen full of brandy.

July 18th; Wednesday. Sweetwater River
We were all on our march by 6 o'clock this morning and as the road was very good we traveled on at a brisk gait for some 10 or 12 miles when we came to a small but beautiful creek where we found the Pioneer company encamped who had passed us in the night.

August 23rd; Thursday. Humboldt River
C. Churchill told them that they should show their authority before we would give up the horse which they said they could do when they came to Dr. White who was ahead a short distance with the Pioneer company.

November 11th; Sunday Sacramento, California
After I had looked about a few hours this morning I chanced to meet Captain Turner of St. Louis who had brought the Pioneer company through. He said he was a going to open a bakery in a few days and wanted to hire hands and offered me $175.00 per month.

Porter, E.

July 26th; Thursday. Fontonelle Creek
We also had a man from Illinois by the name of Porter come to us at the river and C. Churchill made a bargain to take him to California.

July 28th; Saturday. Sublette's Cutoff
Here we intended to lay by a few days as Buckner and Porter were both unable to ride on horse back.

August 15th; Wednesday. A Few Miles West of Goose Creek
Here Porter and Buckner both got their horses swamped and we had to pull them out of the mire. There was a very bad stream to cross but we all went and carried a bundle of willow brush which we threw in the branch making a kind of bridge over which we drove our wagons.

October 13th; Saturday. Feather River, California
This morning is clear and pleasant. E. Porter fell in company with a friend who he concluded to go through with so we gave him enough provisions to last him through and he left us.

Richeson or Richardson

June 7th; Thursday. Platte River Bottoms
There was a man who traveled with us two or three days by the name of Richeson or Richardson. He left us as he said he was afraid he would not get through if he laid by a single day. We unloaded our wagons and dried our provisions since it had been damp for several days.

Robidoux

June 23rd; Saturday. Scott's Bluff
We did not halt until noon when we came to Scott's Bluffs. Here we remained some two hours after which we resumed our march again and did not stop until we came to a fine spring some seven miles from the bluffs. Here lived a man by the name of Robidoux who was trading with the Indians. He had a blacksmith shop there and was doing a great deal of work for the emigration. We filled our kegs and laid in a little wood for the night after which we drove on some three miles and encamped on a small branch for the night. The country is generally fertile and of picturesque nature.

Roleson

July 26th; Thursday. Fontonelle Creek
After sunrise this morning I went to the wagons which were two miles away and after attending to some matters there I returned to the horses and informed the guard that we were going to a small creek some seven miles from the river where there was good grass and wood. So we gathered up our blankets and started for camp. We went by the lodges and bartered for a horse swap. We made one after which we went on to the wagons. Here Roleson, one of the traders, came with a wild Indian man. I made a swap with him after he had saddled and rode my horse a few rods for which I had to treat to a half pint of whiskey. We now commenced our march. I had not went more than two miles before my mare undertook to go back. She reared and kicked for some fifteen minutes when my blanket worked out from my saddle so I got off to replace it when the brute pulled loose and ran back to the wagons where J. Foster caught her. She fought like a tiger and we finally whipped her, but she was always wild and often fought me for an hour at a time.

Ross

Shields, Dr.

September 10th; Monday. Mud Meadow Springs
J. H. Bently died this morning and was buried today this being the fifth day since he was shot.

Smith, Governor

Summers, T.

October 12th; Friday. Feather River
After breakfast was over T. Summers and myself went up the river two miles where we found a canoe in the river fast on a bar. We stripped off our clothes and waded in and after drawing it to shore we threw all the water out with a paddle. This being done, we both got in and floated down to our wagon.

Swift, Captain

August 31st; Friday. Humboldt River, Lassen's Cutoff
The morning was cool and we made an early start but had not traveled more than two miles when we came to Captain Swift's company from Tennessee who were encamped. They informed us that we would have a barren country for some distance to travel over and that there was a cutoff some forty miles below where we could leave the river and reach the gold diggings in one hundred and eighty miles from this valley.

October 26th; Friday. Long's Bar
We now came to the river. Here we made inquiry for Captain Swift who had left his train at the Big Meadows and came on ahead. We were told that he was on the opposite side so we crossed over when we found him encamped and after he had prepared a first rate supper, as I thought, we satisfied our hunger and more after which we lay down on the sand and soon were in the arms of a profound sleep.

October 27th; Saturday. Bidle's Bar
This morning Captain Swift and my companions, the names of which I have not as yet learned, started for Bidle's Bar which was some eight miles up the river. I left my rifle here at a trading establishment as I was informed that I had no use for it, being heavy to carry. We traveled up the river and saw a great many men at work when we arrived at Bidle's.

Tarecaugh, A.

August 16th; Thursday. West of Goose Creek About to

Strike the Headwaters of the
Humboldt River
An A. Tarecaugh & Co. left us this morning on account of our not traveling fast enough for them, but they have not traveled any faster than we have today so we camp together again.

Tilly, H.

June 8th; Friday. Platte River Bottoms
I got a little water on a cracker which I ate after which Buckner, Tilly, and I went out to the hills in search of game. We had not gone far before Buckner complained of being very much fatigued and he returned to camp. Tilly and I continued our course some two or three miles when we discovered an antelope and after much pains I crawled up within a hundred yards of it. My gun failed to fire the first time and the antelope ran off unhurt.

July 12th; Thursday. Sweetwater River
H. Tilly and myself went to a large cliff of rocks where we had a fine view of the country which was quite picturesque but very barren. We saw seventy mountain sheep and one or two large rabbits. There is no timber except a few cedars and a pine or two. We found some as beautiful marble as I ever saw. We came down to the foot of the hill where we found a fine spring of cold limpid water.

Tucker, J.

May 2nd, 1849; Wednesday. Hodgenville, Kentucky
J. Tucker, who was to be my companion across the plains to California, had come to assist me in getting off.

June 13th; Wednesday. Crossing the South Platte River
On my return to the wagons I discovered another buffalo coming on the opposite side so J. Tucker took his rifle and ran down the river. He succeeded in getting off a shot which gave the animal a mortal wound but his gun choked and he ran back and got another and ran back down the river. He did not return until late but brought a lot of beef with him.

July 7th; Saturday. Crossing the North Platte River
We made an attempt to drive the cattle that belonged to them across but they being hard to drive three of their men swam in after them. Two swam across while one of them took the cramp and drowned. A. Graham and J. Tucker went in to try to rescue him but were too late.

July 13th; Friday. Devil's Gate Canyon Entrance
We were all employed this morning in lightning our load and I made a bargain with a gentleman from Wisconsin by the name of William Carter to take my wagon to Sutter's Fort after which J. Tucker and myself joined C. Churchill's wagons. During our stay at that place J. Tucker, A. Graham and myself went on to the rock where we got a fine view of the valley around which was narrow but fertile valleys with tall mountains on each side.

September 23rd; Sunday. Pitt River, California
The night was cool and at daylight all hands that were able, for two or three were complaining, were off in search of our animals as we had put out no guard on the previous night there being such a great number encamped here that we felt that all were safe. We found all but one horse and one mule that belong to us but those being the best animals we had. Mr. Kerr's ox team was all gone. We learned of a company that were encamped near us that they had lost several head and that two of their men were on there trail who soon returned with two or three arrows that they had drawn from an ox. There was a company made up now to follow the thieves, Tucker & Foster going from our company. We have not heard of Foster and Tucker since they left this morning.

September 29th; Saturday. Pitt River, California
Here a sad disaster happened to J. Tucker. As the wagons were crossing he got on the end of a coupling tongue to cross the river. He had his gun which he put in the wagon foremost. Thus he crossed the stream. When he left his seat and was drawing his gun from the wagon, the muzzle towards him, the hammer caught in some of the rigging of the wagon cover and on pulling loose it fired. The ball passed through his groin and came out near the middle of this thigh but fortunately did not break the bone. Dr. Bradford was called immediately. He dressed the wounds after examining them. He said that he was a doubtful case as he thought the artery was injured and would soon begin to bleed and could not be stopped. We moved a few hundred yards below the ford where we have encamped finding grass a little ways off. We are almost out of flour at this time but we understand that the Wyandot company is a day only behind and that we might be able to get flour of them as they have more than they will use before they get through.

September 30th; Sunday. Pitt River, California
The Dr. advises us to make a litter and put Tucker in it and hang it in the wagon as it will be certain death to be caught here in the snow without provisions.

October 4th; Thursday. Round Valley on the Pitt River
After consulting the company a little relative to Tucker and the condition of our stock we concluded to lay by today. Tucker was very sore but seemed to be on the mend and this day's rest will strengthen him very much.

October 12th; Friday. Feather River
Today, J. Tucker is on the mend.

October 14th; Sunday. Butte Creek
Tucker is on the mend.

October 15th; Monday. Deer Creek
Tucker is on the mend and all seem to be revived either by the prospect of getting plenty of game or on account of there being such a bustle among the emigrants.

Turner, Captain

November 11th; Sunday Sacramento
After I had looked about a few hours this morning I chanced to meet Captain Turner of St. Louis who had brought the Pioneer company through. He said he was a going to open a bakery in a few days and wanted to hire hands and offered me $175.00 per month. Since as I would have had much inconvenience by being here without a house in the rainy season, I thought I had better take it and then I would have a comfortable place to stop until Spring if I chose to stay that long.

Waldo Train

July 17th; Tuesday. Sweetwater River
We passed several large trains among them were the Pioneer company and the Waldo train from whom some of the company bought a canteen full of brandy.

Warner, Captain

September 24th; Monday. Goose Lake (California)
There is a company encamped a few hundred yards above us on the stream. They say that they are on an exploring expedition from California under Captain Warner who is looking out a pass through the Sierra Nevada for a railroad and that he has been out ten days now with ten or twelve and his guide.

Watkins

White, Dr.

August 23rd; Thursday. Humboldt River
The three then gave up this project which would have cost them some trouble if they had undertaken to take it through. C. Churchill told them that they should show their authority before we would give up the horse which they said they could do when they came to Dr. White who was ahead a short distance with the Pioneer company.

August 24th; Friday. Humboldt River
We went and saw Dr. White. He showed us his order from Colonel McIntosh to take up government stock and deliver them to Governor Smith of California. We then gave up the horse to White who said he had not sent those men after the horse the day before.

Wyandot Company

September 29th; Saturday. Pitt River
We are almost out of flour at this time but we understand that the Wyandot company is a day only behind and that we might be able to get flour of them as they have more than they will use before they get through.

September 30th; Sunday. Pitt River
This morning has been cool and I have seen frost very distinctly on the grass. This reminds one of the approaching winter and almost makes me shudder when I see the situation we are at present placed in. There have been several trains passing today but the Wyandots have not come up yet. The Dr. advises us to make a litter and put Tucker in it and hang it in the wagon as it will be certain death to be caught here in the snow without provisions. Samuel McCoy has flour which he say we can have until the Wyandots overtake us so we will be off as soon as practical in the morning.

October 4th; Thursday. Pitt River
At sundown the Wyandot train came within a half mile of us and encamped. It was not long until Long, one of their Chief Council, came in our camp here. Alexander McCoy told him our condition so far as our provisions were concerned. He said they had plenty of flour and that we might have what we wanted if we would pay back the same amount in the mines. We readily agreed to this. The Wyandots have driven their cattle here to water and then back some distance to good grass where they are herded. The Wyandots kept up a shooting and singing all the night long. This is their way of keeping guard and is a very good one while among the Digger Indians.

October 6th; Saturday. Spring Valley
There are several trains encamped here. They informed us that there was good grass to be had some three miles east of this place so we sent out our animals there in company with the Wyandot's as they were this time traveling with us.

October 7th; Sunday. Spring Valley
We left camp this morning after 9 o'clock and after driving some eleven or twelve miles we came to a beautiful little prairie. Here we found first rate water. The Wyandots and several other trains encamped with us.

October 15th; Monday. Deer Creek
The Wyandots camped near this evening and as is their custom they fired off all their guns once or twice after dark I suppose to frighten their enemies. After they had fired a dozen or more shots it seemed that all the encampments near had to go through the same exercise and as some of them numbered pretty strong they fired a good many shots. The Wyandots supposed the others were only trying to excel them in shooting which they did not like so they reloaded and began to fire one piece at a time keeping it up for more than a half hour. After which they made the hills echo with the Indian yell or whoop. The other encampments started shooting again after which the Wyandot's went through the same maneuvers three or four times keeping it up until midnight. If there is an Indian in heaven who is unacquainted with firearms he will think the Great Spirit has sent the palefaces to kill him and his people and lay waste even these mountains that he lives in and which abound in game of various kinds.

October 16th; Tuesday. Deer Creek
The night was cool and we have a heavy frost. All seemed to be abustle this morning as all were trying to excel the others in starting. Some of our animals were missing this morning with two of the Wyandot's horses. We searched until 9 o'clock and finding all but one we started. There were some two men belonging to the Wyandots who were still on search for their stock so we told them to bring our mule with the horses if they could find him, but they never found it. And so we traveled on over a very rough road for some two miles when we came to a long, steep hill which we had to ascend.

October 17th; Wednesday. Antelope Creek
We had our animals driven up this morning at 8 o'clock and then was informed by Long that the Wyandots wouldn't travel today as they were going to lay by for their men to come up that were behind after their horse but we thought it best for us to travel a little piece at least as we were not able to go far on the best road in the mountains.

October 18th; Thursday. Antelope Creek
We had been here but a short time when Long and Carter of the Wyandot train came along. They said that their cattle were poisoned and that the company could not move for several days. We now began to think that our mules were poisoned as they had failed so sudden.

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