Author Archives: nancyleek

Once Bidwell had rejoined his companions, they rested up for a day. Then on the 20th they traveled through some rough terrain — the Ruby Mountains — still looking for Mary’s River, as the Humboldt was then known. Two of … Continue reading →

The night of September 17th, Bidwell’s two oxen, carrying packs, got lost. 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 … Continue reading →

Thursday, 16th. All hands were busy making pack saddles and getting ready to pack. While thus engaged an Indian, well advanced in years, came out of the mountains to our camp. He told us by signs that the Great Spirit … Continue reading →

Wednesday, 15th. Started very early, day was exceedingly warm, passed through a gap in a ridge of mountains, came to a high dry plain, traveled some distance into it, saw the form of a high mountain through the smoky atmosphere … Continue reading →

This advertisement appeared in the Californian on September 23, 1848: IMMIGRANTS. Immigrants wishing winter quarters for their families, can be accommodated with several small houses at HALO CHAMUCK, situated on the N. W. bank of the Sacramento river, near its … Continue reading →

Thursday, 9th. The part of the Company that remained yesterday went on and overtook the 2 wagons. Capt. Bartleson & Hopper returned, bring intelligence that they had found the head of Mary’s river — distance about 5 days’ travel. Distance … Continue reading →

My first book, John Bidwell: The Adventurous Life of a California Pioneer, has been reprinted. The initial print run was 1000 copies. All are gone, except for those that wait to be sold on store shelves. The book is published … Continue reading →

The Company was a little north and west of the Great Salt Lake, and near to Pilot Peak, as they made their way slowly across a region inhabited by only a few Shoshone Indians. View of Pilot Peak from Leppy … Continue reading →

From John Bidwell’s journal: 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. … 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 … Continue reading →