In that,
however, there has been no danger.
I never could have believed we could have traveled so far with so little
difficulty. The prairie between the Blue and the Platte rivers is
beautiful beyond description. Never have I seen so varied a country, so
suitable for cultivation. Everything was new and pleasing; the Indians
frequently come to see us, and the chiefs of a tribe breakfasted at our
tent this morning. All are so friendly that I can not help feeling
sympathy and friendship for them. But on one sheet what can I say?
Since we have been on the Platte, we have had the river on one side and
the ever varying mounds on the other, and have traveled through the
bottom lands from one to two miles wide, with little or no timber. The
soil is sandy, and last year, on account of the dry season, the
emigrants found grass here scarce. Our cattle are in good order, and
when proper care has been taken, none have been lost. Our milch cows
have been of great service, indeed. They have been of more advantage
than our meat. We have plenty of butter and milk.
We are commanded by Captain Russell, an amiable man. George Donner is
himself yet. He crows in the morning and shouts out, "Chain up, boys -
chain up," with as much authority as though he was "something in
particular." John Denton is still with us.
Pages:
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36