The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-06-13
From the Sangamo Journal. June ..
BANK OF THE NEBRASKA,
May Is, l645.

To the editor Of the Sangamo Journal:
We have crossed the Nebraska and Kanzas rivers
II is now the 18th Of May, and we are encamped on
the north bank Of the Platte river, where we shall
organize preparatory to arduous journey to the
West.
My teams, wagons, cattle, and all concerned, have
stood the trip, 90 far Gall things considered better
than expected. My cuttle arc thriving. kill all
my calves.
The present emigrating party consists Of abou,
five hundred wagons--one hundred and seven are
IN our company--thirty.fve are few miles ahead,
and some seventy few days behind. But il is
impossible to speak definitely as regards the number
of teams. The number of souls is said to be be-
tween six and seven thousand. The number Of cat
tie is immense, exceeding, in all probability, ten
thousand head. Our teams, horses, mules, ponies,
cattle and wagons stretched out in procession some
three miles in length on the broad prairies present
grand spectacle. The Cav Indians flock around
us like crows. Their business is to "swap" osten-
sibly, but in reality it is begging and stealing.
More or less cattle are stolen every night. These
Indians are great towards, poor and aithless They
meet you with air of courtesy; extend the hand
Of friendship in graceful waving circles to all, and
shake hands most heartily with any Of the COM
pany who notices them most and the next business
is '.swap," "swap" In this traffic, the supplying
of their present wants is the standard value they at
tach to their money. To all appearances, these In
dams are in a wretched, starving condition.
The soil and face ofthe country, from Independence
to the Nebraska river, is equal in point of beauty
and fertility TO any have seen. Timber is very
scarce. Small groves, however, of an excellent
quality, are found along the streams. The praires
beautifully rolling-the soil rich and deep The
Nebraska river has shallow banks, and it's bottom
is quicksand. The creeks which we have crossed
however, that empty into the Nebraska, have deep
banks and muddy bottoms on some the soil is
more than fifteen feet in depth. These deep chan
nels and muddy bottoms have given MS much
trouble Quite number of cattle in crossing them
get mired, ard sometimes we have had to haul from
fifteen to twenty out by their horns.
Limestone is abundant on the praries. A stratum
of rock lies level showing itself above ground
in almost every declivity which passes ito level.
Our road so far has been very good, although APP
parently not very direct in its course. can say
but little of the prospects of the Oregon emigration
can now only give you a faint idea of its magni-
tude, and the character of the people who compose
it. From the best information l can obtain, the
number Of emgrants will be fye-fold to what it was
last year; but you must bear in mind that it was
then greatly exaggerated OF its character as
sure you, so far as can judge, can speak in the
most Aa;tering terms. Agreeable acquaintance are
every day formed. Gentlemen and ladies', too, of
liberal minds and means are in the midst of our
social circle. Finally, there is something ennobling
in the very idea Of an expedition so fraught with
consequences, selfdevoting in its effect. No
narrow-minded soul ia fit for Oregon. If such en-
bark, discord and confusion follow; they will
shrink from the undertaking, and escape to the
States. But those whose minds congenial to the
enterprise, present their shoulders to its hardshps,
their breasts to its dangers, and their means and
talents to the accomplishment Of its purposes, WILL
doubt not, be well rewarded.
have written this in a great hurry. The country,
as we advance, becomes more interesting and in my
next, hope to be able TO give information in
regard to Sitting out" fear we have more cattle
than we can protect. We are now obliged TO have
one hand to every twelve head.
The emigrants are all in good health and spirits.
W.. B. IDE.