Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1844-09-21
OREGON.

oh GNIClNs
The following extract Of letter from
the son of col. Ford, who left this place
last spring for the Oregon territory, TO his
friend in this county, will be interesting to
many Of our readers:
FoRr LARAMIE, Aug. 2, 1914.
DEAR SlR--It is row past mid summer,
and know that you will be surprized TO
hear tina, we are no further andvanced on
our pilgrimage TO Oregon. The floods and
rains OF last spring, were the cause Of our
slow progress. There has never before
been a season so extraordinarily rainy and
ldisagreeable within the memory Of the old
est prairie travellers. From the l2,h Of
| Nav, the day on which we left the Sapling
Grove rendezvous, until we reached the
Great Blue--a tributary OF the Kansas--on
the Gath OF June, we were not favored with
three successive days Of continuous sun
shine. But since we have been on the
Platte, we have been in no wise detained.
From the head OF Grand
| Island, to where we crossed the South
Fork, we found Buffalo in great abundance.
In many places the prairie was covered
with those animals as far as the view could
extend; and regret extremely that have
not time 10 tell you Of some Of the grand
and exciting chases that we have had.
We overlook capt. Gillam's company
below the South Fork.
We have been but little annoyed by In.
dams. While encamped on Battle creek,
two horses belonging to the company, and
two OF my fathers mules were stolen by
the Caws; Tut this was the result Of negli-
gence-the emigrants deeming, that on
nigh, so very stormy and disagreeable, that
the Caws, who are reported TO be extreme
" supers,,ious, would prefer remaining in
their lodges to going out on a thieving er.
rand. The next day small company pur-
sued the Indians, overlook them, and recov-
cred the stolen animals. After this, we
were not annoy ed by the Caws; and We
saw no Indians from that time until we
reached the fort, on yesterday, where there
are about 40 lodges Of the Sioux's.
AS we moved by the fort on yesterday
evening, they fired salute from their four
FOUNDER, which we returned with several
dealening rifle vollies. This morning, soon
after breakfast, the principle men OF the
Sioux tribe, marched into our camp, bearing
our own national "stars and stripes."-
Some of them were mounted on horses most
splendidly caparlsoned; all OF them were
very richly and Enthusiastically alfred. They
marched 10 the centre OF the encampment,
and seated themselves in half circle-the
circle being completed by our company
The calumet was then Ii, and passed round;
after which, the principal chief, through an
interpreter, expressed great warmth Of
: friendship for the whites and he hoped that
nothing would ever occur 10 disturb the
e good feeling now existing between the
/, whites and Indians. The old chief was
lengthy and sometimes eloquent; and at the
e end Of every sentence which he uttered,
. the other chiefs would igive hoven grun,
: or groan, similar to the deep amen" Of the
J churches. After which we made them some
I presents Of tobacco, powder, lead, &C.
/. but they appeared quite indignant at not
). having more given them.
I, Our teams are in good condition, and We
! are all in most excellent spirits. The wo.
!, men, | rejoice TO say, have borne the ia.
e ,igues Of the journey, thus far, with unbleu.
g ching fortitude.
d There are necessarily many hardships
d attending land journey OF so great length
e as that which we are now performing; but
e many hardshps will be avoided BY having
II strong teams and light wagons.
: A portion Of the country through which
y we have passed is styled the American De.
:. sert; name at once conveying the idea OF
l. region waste, wild, and cherries. Ths
n term is not at all applicable to the country;
y for with the exception OF few sand.hls,
IS it is covered with the richest verdure and
k embroidered with beautiful flowers.
d We are now encamped in a beautiful
;, place. Along the south line Of the corols
II the ripling and lmpid waters of Laramie q
n Fork flow in murmuring cadence; to the
: west, on the pine-covered heads of the Black
C hills, and in every other direction, are 10 be-
S. seen the "mis, encircled peaks" OF many
d and nameless hills.
o | am sorry have not time 10 write a,
n greater length.
e Faithfully, your friend,
o NJ. A. FORD.
&c DR. J. ]. LowRr.