The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-06-11
Four MILES WEST OF KANSAS RIVER.
100 miles west of Independence,

ISth May, 1916.
" Col. A. B. CHAMBERS: We crossed the
Kansas yesterday, and the two or three last pre-
ceding days being excessively warm, and our ami
mails good deal jaded. considered it proper to
halt 10 day, which affords me another opportuni-
ty, and perhaps the last one for some time, of
giving you an imperfect account of our travels.
You have been informed, l suppose that the
company, by large majority, were indiscreet
enough to select me as their commander to Justify
which flattering distinction as far as could. I
have imposed myself incessant Iabors BY day and
by night, and, if blessed with health, shall not
iniermt my watchfulness until we reach the
point of our destination.
Nothing at all Of interest has transpired since
my last letter. Our journeyings are regular. but
very slow, not averaging more than fifteen miles
day. | considered il proper, on Yesterday, TO
divide The company in consequence Of the great
number of wagons and the amount of stock.
retain with me ninety eight efficient men, forty
women, fifty seven children, three hundred and
twenty oxen, fifty horses, and forty-six wagons,
company quite large enough of ITSELF but have
my other divisions always within convenient reach.
so as to enable me to concentrate, in few hours.
at any time, though have no fears that such an
emergency will ever happen.
Our pereerination, though provokingly mono
tonous, so far driving oxen and forming carols are
concerned, is yet occasionally mingled with a
good deal of excitement, and racy wit We are
attracted almost every hour by numbers of the
prairie denlzens, most gaudily dressed, mounted
on the wild, outlandlsh ponies, pa ssng and repas-
sing our column, bantering our boys for swaps
T" IL is great mistake in surprising that the
Indian IS devoid of curiosity. I think we are
chiefly indebted to that quality Of mother Eve tor
their frequent visits. AS yet, do not think they
have stolen anything from US; bu, perhaps we
have been saved by tho vigilance of the guard.
" Our party, without single exception, lade
and gentlemen, continue to enjoy most robust
health, as is proved by appetiies that would do
justice to subject Of a menagerie. If we come
across buflaloes. the poor slaughtered animals
Will have just cause to regret our invasion of their
far-disant pasture ground.
I'VE have learned the probability Of our diff
cuiiies with Mexico, but it has created no alarm
among our ladies'; and shall go on, and fattack-
ed, the Anglo Saxon blood may be spilled, but
they will not be captured, that you may rely on
positively.
:" am SO badly situated for writing tina, I must
of necessity come to close, but must first tell
you how we increase our numbers, which process.
We hope, will continue in our projected new home.
A worthy lady was brought to bed yesterday ON
our march. by cause not complained ofby those
who love their lords;' and in a short time nv
adjutant reported twin boys added to our numbers.
one Of whom was named after the attending pby
stefan, and the other after your humble servan,
If we continue this way how long will il take to.
people California;
am, in haste, with high respect,
" Your obedient servant,
VIM. II. RUSSELL"