Monthly Archives: June 2020

June 11, 1841 — The Fear of Indians

Posted on June 11, 2020 by nancyleek

Friday 11th. The oxen had wandered about 1/2 mile from the camp this morning, when a man was sent to bring them in; he soon came running back in great haste, crying “the Indians are driving the oxen off!!” In … Continue reading →

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June 10, 1841 — Oxen and Buffalo

Posted on June 10, 2020 by nancyleek

Thursday, 10th. This morning the most of the oxen were again at large, owing to the neglect of the owners to the great danger of losing them by the Indians and by them mingling with buffalo, or by their straying … Continue reading →

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June 9, 1841 — Fording the Platte

Posted on June 9, 2020 by nancyleek

Wednesday, 9th. Spent the day in crossing the S. fork of Platte — a buffalo was killed from a herd that came within 300 yards of the camp. We crossed the river by fording, the water being sufficiently shallow — … Continue reading →

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June 8, 1841 — Lament for the Buffalo

Posted on June 8, 2020 by nancyleek

Tuesday, 8th. There were 8 or 10 buffalo killed today; but not one-tenth of the meat was used; the rest was left to waste upon the prairie. In the afternoon we passed the confluence of the N. & S. forks … Continue reading →

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June 7, 1841

Posted on June 7, 2020 by nancyleek

Monday, 7th. Three Indians continued with us. The wind blew very hard towards evening. 3 buffaloes were killed and part of their meat brought to the camp. The company is starting to see the buffalo (American bison) that roamed the … Continue reading →

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June 6, 1841

Posted on June 6, 2020 by nancyleek

Sunday, 6th. This morning was extremely cool for the season; 25 more of the same Indians came up with us. Only a few days before Bidwell wrote about the oppressive heat. Prairie weather was changeable. The same Cheyenne Indians who … Continue reading →

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June 5, 1841 — Stormy Weather

Posted on June 5, 2020 by nancyleek

Saturday, 5th. Started early to get clear of our red visitors. Descried a large herd of buffalo on the opposite side of the river–saw several boats descending the river, laden with fur, robes, etc. They belonged to the American Fur … Continue reading →

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June 4, 1841 — “Cheyenne” Dawson

Posted on June 4, 2020 by nancyleek

Friday, 4th. Half past six this morning saw us on the march. The valley of the [Platte] river was here about 4 miles wide. Antelope were seen in abundance. A young man (Dawson) was out hunting, when suddenly a band … Continue reading →

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June 3, 1841

Posted on June 3, 2020 by nancyleek

Thursday, 3rd. Still continued up the river, travelled about 16 miles, rained in the afternoon. Nothing much happening today. But just wait until tomorrow . . . .

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June 2, 1841

Posted on June 2, 2020 by nancyleek

This morning the company was convened for the purpose of taking a vote upon the question whether the companies should continue to travel together; that some were complaining that the missionaries went too fast; but the thought of leaving Mr. … Continue reading →

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