Author Archives: nancyleek

Unknown's avatar

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.

August 24, 1841

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 →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party | Leave a comment

August 23, 1841 — The Great Salt Lake

Monday, 23rd. Started, bearing our course west, in order to pass the Salt Lake, passed many salt plains and springs in the forenoon. The day was hot. The hills and land bordering on the plains were covered with wild sage. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party | Leave a comment

August 22, 1841

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 →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party | Leave a comment

August 21, 1841 — Wandering

Saturday, 21st. Marched off in a NW direction, and intersected our trail of Thursday last, having made a complete triangle in the plain. At this intersection of the trails we left a paper elevated by a pole, that the men … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party | Leave a comment

August 20, 1841

Friday, 20th. Company remained here while two men went to explore the country. They returned bringing the intelligence that we were within ten miles of where the river disembogued itself into the Great Salt Lake. This was the fruit of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

August 19, 1841 — Heat and Salt

Thursday, 19th. Started early, hoping soon to find fresh water, when we could refresh ourselves and animals, but alas! The sun beamed heavy on our heads as the day advanced, and we could see nothing before us but extensive arid … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

August 18, 1841

Wednesday, 18th. Traveled but a short distance when we discovered that a deep salt creek prevented our continuing near the river. In ascending this stream in search of a place to cross it, we found on its margin a hot … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

August 17, 1841 — Shoshone

Tuesday, 17th. Traveled about 16 miles; saw a large smoke rising out of the mountains before us. It had probably been raised by the Indians, as a telegraph, to warn the tribe that their land was visited by strangers. We … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party | Leave a comment

August 16, 1841

Monday, 16th. This morning there was an abundance of water in the little stream and it was running briskly when we left it. If the water was not supplied by the melting of the snow in the mountains, it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

August 15, 1841

Sunday, 15th. Continued our journey over hills and ravines, going to almost every point of the compass in order to pass them. The day was very warm — the grass had been very good, but it was now very much … Continue reading →

Posted in Bidwell-Bartleson Party, Uncategorized | Leave a comment