Category Archives: Bidwell-Bartleson Party

October 7, 1841 — The Departure of Capt. Bartleson

Posted on October 7, 2020 by nancyleek

Thursday, 7th. Capt. Bartleson, having got enough meat yesterday to last him a day or two, and supposing he would be able to reach the mountains of California in 2 or 3 days, rushed forward with his own mess, consisting … Continue reading →

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October 6, 1841 — “I Was Not in the Best Humor”

Posted on October 6, 2020 by nancyleek

Wednesday, 6th. Company was out of meat and remained till the oxen came up; several Indians came to camp, one of whom we hired to pilot us on. The company did not travel on the 6th. They had to wait … Continue reading →

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October 5, 1841 — Tired Men and Slow Oxen

Posted on October 5, 2020 by nancyleek

Tuesday, 5th. Today was very warm, and the oxen were not able to keep up with the horses. Traveled about 30 miles and stopped on the river about dark — grass plenty, willows — this going so fast was the … Continue reading →

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October 4, 1841 — Dry, Barren, Sandy

Posted on October 4, 2020 by nancyleek

Monday, 4th. Distance 25 miles S.W. Country dry, barren, sandy except on the river. If you have ever driven across Nevada, then you know you would not want to walk it. You can follow the California Trail in photos and … Continue reading →

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October 3, 1841 — Hard Traveling

Posted on October 3, 2020 by nancyleek

Sunday, 3rd. Traveled about 12 miles today, west. And Jimmy John says: 3rd. We traveled about 12 miles today, a southwest course over sandhills and plains of loose sand which made hard traveling. We camped on the bank of the … Continue reading →

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October 2, 1841 — Turning Westward

Posted on October 2, 2020 by nancyleek

Saturday, 2nd.  Having traveled about 5 miles, we all beheld with delight the course of the river change to S. W.  Here was excellent grass–it was 3 or 4 feet high, and stood thick like a meadow, it was a … Continue reading →

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September 30, 1841 — What’s in Your Pack?

Posted on September 30, 2020 by nancyleek

Thursday, 30th. Our course today was about due north, 18 miles. It was more like northwest, but Bidwell’s entry betrays his anxiety. They want to go west, they were told the river ran west, why are they headed north? They … Continue reading →

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September 29, 1841 — Turning North Again

Posted on September 29, 2020 by nancyleek

Wednesday, 29th. Traveled about 20 miles, course of the stream was W.N.W. According to the map Mary’s river ran W.S.W. Strong doubts were entertained about this being Mary’s river. The men who got directions at Fort Hall were cautioned that … Continue reading →

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September 28, 1841 — On the Humboldt

Posted on September 28, 2020 by nancyleek

Tuesday, 28th. Traveled about 20 miles. Several Indians came to our camp this evening–-no timber excepting willows, grass plenty. They have a river to follow, but it is not the kind of river they wish they had. The Humboldt slowly … Continue reading →

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September 27, 1841 — Palisade Canyon

Posted on September 27, 2020 by nancyleek

Monday, 27th. Road was very difficult all day; course of the stream W. Traveled about 20 miles. They are not hauling wagons anymore, so even if the “road” is rough, they can still make 20 miles a day, which is … Continue reading →

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