Author Archives: nancyleek

“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 →

I’m still playing catch-up with John Bidwell.  When last we saw our intrepid band of 32 men, 1 woman, and a baby, the Kelseys had abandoned their wagons and packed everything on horses. On the 15th, after “two or three … Continue reading →

“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 Bidwell-Bartleson Company party was finding out just how arduous travel … Continue reading →

I have fallen behind on the trail!  John Bidwell & Company are getting ahead of me. Let’s go back a week and see where our intrepid pioneers were on Sept. 9th. “Thursday, 9th.  The part of the Company that remained … Continue reading →

“Friday, 3rd. Four or 5 Indians came to camp–bought three horses of them. Saturday, 4th.  Bought a few serviceberries of the Indians.” Bidwell & Co. were still encamped by a spring in the foothills, while Capt. Bartleson and one other … Continue reading →

“Sunday, 29th. Capt. Bartleson with C. Hopper started to explore the route to the head of Mary’s river, expecting to be absent about 8 or 9 days–the Company to await here his return. Monday, 30th. Nothing of importance occurred. Tuesday, … Continue reading →

“Thursday, 26th. Traveled all day over dry barren plains, producing nothing but sage, or rather, as it ought to be called, wormwood, and which I believe will grow without water or soil. Two men were sent ahead to search for … Continue reading →

“Tuesday, 24th.  Cattle strayed this morning to seek water–late start–day was warm–traveled about 10 miles in a W. direction, encamped where we found numerous springs, deep, clear, and somewhat impregnated with salt. The plains were snowy white with salt. Here … Continue reading →

“Sunday, 22nd.  This morning a man (Mr. Brolaski) returned from the Fort, and said the reason why he came alone was the other men had left him, because he was unable to keep up with them; he having a pack … Continue reading →