Monthly Archives: September 2020

September 20, 1841

Monday, 20th. Passed along one of the highest mountains we had seen in our whole journey, seeking a place to scale it, as we wished to travel W. instead of S., being convinced that we were already far enough south. … Continue reading

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September 19, 1841 — Lost in the Desert

Sunday, 19th. This morning I met 3 men who were coming to bring me water, etc. Arrived at camp; they journeyed yesterday about 17 miles, did not travel today. This entry doesn’t tell much. The company is camped at a … Continue reading

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September 18, 1841 — Lost Oxen

Saturday, 18th. Morning found us on the east side of a mountain not far from its base but there were no signs of water; the lost oxen not having come up, I, in company with another young man, went in … Continue reading

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September 17, 1841 — Bidwell Pass

Friday, 17th. About 11 a.m. all were ready to start; horses, mules, and 4 oxen, packed. Proceeded south along the mts. seeking a place to pass through. At length an Indian trail took us across into a dry plain, perfectly … Continue reading

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September 16, 1841 — Wagons Abandoned

Thursday, 16th. All hands were busy making pack saddles and getting ready to pack. While thus engaged an Indian, well advanced in years, came down out of the mountains to our camp. He told us by signs that the Great … Continue reading

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September 15, 1841 — Pilot Peak

Wednesday, 15th. Started very early, day was exceedingly warm, passed through a gap in a ridge of mountains, came into a high dry plain, traveled some distance into it, saw the form of a high mountain through the smoky atmosphere … Continue reading

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September 14, 1841

Tuesday, 14th. Traveled about 25 miles and stopped about 9 o’clock at night, in the middle of a dry plain, destitute of water. They were able to get water during the day, but couldn’t find any at the end of … Continue reading

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September 13, 1841

Monday, 13th. Traveled about 15 miles south, between salt plains on the E. and high mts. on the W. It doesn’t look like much, but it’s water. According to the trail guide at scienceviews.com, the Bidwell-Bartleson Party was camped at … Continue reading

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September 12, 1841 — Mr. Kelsey’s Wagons

Sunday, 12th. Mr. Kelsey left his wagons and took his family and goods on pack horses, his oxen not being able to keep up. Distance today about 12 miles. The Kelseys have discovered what the rest of the company is … Continue reading

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September 11, 1841

Saturday 11th. Traveled about 15 miles and came to water, course W. They are close to the Utah-Nevada border, but at this time that isn’t even a line in the sand. The spring that they found is today called Owl … Continue reading

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