Author Archives: nancyleek

About nancyleek

Nancy is a retired librarian who lives in Chico, California. She is the author of John Bidwell: The Adventurous Life of a California Pioneer.

June 21, 1841

Posted on June 21, 2020

Monday, 21st: We had an uncommonly good road today — an abundance of cottonwood timber — traveled late, having taken a stride of 27 miles. Twenty-seven miles is a lot for one day. But the “road” (more like a trail) … Continue reading →

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Black Bart in Butte County — 1879

Posted on June 20, 2020

On this date — June 21 — in 1879 the notorious stage robber Black Bart held up a stage coach near Forbestown in Butte County. It was his first robbery in the year 1879 and would be followed by two … Continue reading →

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June 20, 1841 — The Gap and Horse Creek

Posted on June 20, 2020

Sunday, 20th. Passed through the Gap — came into an extensive plain, the beautiful scenery gradually receded from view — came to a creek called Horse — passed it, reached the river again — cool and windy — having come … Continue reading →

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June 19,1841 — Scott’s Bluff

Posted on June 19, 2020

We gradually receded from the river in order to pass through a gap in a range of high hills called Scott’s Bluffs. As we advanced towards these hills, the scenery of the surrounding country became beautifully grand and picturesque–-they were … Continue reading →

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June 18, 1841 — Chimney Rock

Posted on June 18, 2020

Friday 18th: At about 12 o’clock today we passed another object, still more singular and interesting. It is called by the mountaineers the Chimney, from its resemblance to that object, and is composed of clay and sand so compact as … Continue reading →

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June 17, 1841 — Courthouse Rock

Posted on June 17, 2020

Thursday 17th. Continued to coast along up the river — encamped on its banks nearly opposite to a huge isolated bluff bearing some resemblance to an immense castle in  ruins. Its distance from us no one supposed more than 1 … Continue reading →

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June 16, 1841

Posted on June 16, 2020

Wednesday, 16th. Several wild horses were seen on the opposite side of the river. Advanced about 20 miles; encamped on the river, opposite to high and uneven bluffs, bearing considerable forests of pine. Here are the bluffs as I saw … Continue reading →

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June 15, 1841

Posted on June 15, 2020

Tuesday, 15th. There was so sudden a change from cool to cold that we were not comfortable in our best apparel. I do not remember that I ever have experienced weather so cold at this season of the year — … Continue reading →

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June 14, 1841

Posted on June 14, 2020

Monday, 14th. The day was so cool and rainy we did not travel. Briefest entry in the journal.

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June 13, 1841 — Death on the Prairie

Posted on June 13, 2020

Sunday, 13th. A mournful accident occurred in the camp this morning–a young man by the name of Shotwell while in the act of taking a gun out of the wagon, drew it with the muzzle towards him in such a … Continue reading →

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