Author Archives: nancyleek

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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 7, 1841

Monday, 7th. Three Indians continued with us. The wind blew very hard towards evening. 3 buffaloes were killed and part of their meat brought to the camp. The company is starting to see the buffalo (American bison) that roamed the … Continue reading →

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June 6, 1841

Sunday, 6th. This morning was extremely cool for the season; 25 more of the same Indians came up with us. Only a few days before Bidwell wrote about the oppressive heat. Prairie weather was changeable. The same Cheyenne Indians who … Continue reading →

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June 5, 1841 — Stormy Weather

Saturday, 5th. Started early to get clear of our red visitors. Descried a large herd of buffalo on the opposite side of the river–saw several boats descending the river, laden with fur, robes, etc. They belonged to the American Fur … Continue reading →

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June 4, 1841 — “Cheyenne” Dawson

Friday, 4th. Half past six this morning saw us on the march. The valley of the [Platte] river was here about 4 miles wide. Antelope were seen in abundance. A young man (Dawson) was out hunting, when suddenly a band … Continue reading →

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June 3, 1841

Thursday, 3rd. Still continued up the river, travelled about 16 miles, rained in the afternoon. Nothing much happening today. But just wait until tomorrow . . . .

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June 2, 1841

This morning the company was convened for the purpose of taking a vote upon the question whether the companies should continue to travel together; that some were complaining that the missionaries went too fast; but the thought of leaving Mr. … Continue reading →

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June 1, 1841 — Hailstorm and Wedding

On the trail with John Bidwell: June. Tuesday, 1st. This morning we hastened to leave our miserable encampment and proceeded directly north, we reached Big Platte river about 12 o’clock. The heat was uncommonly oppressive.  I here discovered the ground … Continue reading →

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May 31, 1841 — Meeting Mountain Men

Monday, 31st. This morning about 10 o’clock we met six wagons with 18 men, with fur and robes on their way from Ft. Larimie [sic] to St. Louis. Ft. Larimie is situated on Larimie’s fork near its junction with the … Continue reading →

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May 30, 1841

Sunday, 30th. Nothing of importance occurred — distance about 15 miles — grass mingled with rushes afforded our animals plenty of food of the best quality. Game appeared to increase, though but one deer and one antelope were brought in. … Continue reading →

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May 29, 1841

Saturday, 29th. We again started about sunrise and travelled not less than 2 miles. One antelope was killed — saw several elk. They haven’t yet come across herds of buffalo, but other game is plentiful and augments their diet of … Continue reading →

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