Author Archives: nancyleek

Friday, 3rd. Four or 5 Indians came to camp — bought three horses of them. The previous Saturday they had gone looking for Indians who would sell them horses, but with no success. Now the Indians have the horses and … Continue reading →

Thursday, 2nd. Idle in camp. What does “idle in camp” mean? Maybe a few of the thirty men are out hunting, but they haven’t been having any success with that. The rest are perhaps discussing their situation, repairing harness or … Continue reading →

September, Wednesday, 1st. An ox killed for beef. This is the first time that John Bidwell records killing one of the oxen for meat. It’s another ominous sign — it means that hunting is poor and their other food has … Continue reading →

Tuesday, 31st. No success hunting. “No success hunting” is not good. They have probably used up most of the supplies that they brought with them — flour, beans, bacon. They have to live off the land, dependent on the food … Continue reading →

Monday, 30th. Nothing of importance occurred. Since the company is staying put at the spring, while Bartleson and Hopper scout ahead for Mary’s River, there is not much to report. However, there are some things we can say about our … 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 8 or 9 days — the Company to await here his return. All that the Bidwell-Bartleson Party knew … Continue reading →

Saturday, 28th. Company remained here. A Shoshonee Indian came to our camp; from him we learned that there were more Indians not far off who had horses. Several men and myself went in search of them. Having gone about 5 … Continue reading →

Friday, 27th. Daylight discovered to us a spot of green grass on the declivity of the mountain towards which we were advancing. 5 miles took us to this place, where we found, to our great joy, an excellent spring of … 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 →

Wednesday, 25th. Remained here all day. They are camped at Salt Springs, on the northern side of the Great Salt Lake. The water is brackish and barely drinkable, but they stay so that their animals can rest and recuperate. Jimmy … Continue reading →