Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1846-08-20
NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE NORTH ANp)

dated
NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE NORTH ANp(
SOUTH PLATTE, June l6, 1916.
My Old Friend-We the Platte, 200
miles from Fort Laramie. Our journey so far has
been pleasant. The roads have been good, and food
plentiful The water for part of the way has been
Indifferent: but at time have cattle suffered
for It, Wood is now very scarce. but "buffalo chips
are excelent-they kindle quick and retain heat
prisingly. We have this evening buffalo steaks
broiled upon them that had the flavor they would
have had on hickory Goals.
We feel fear of Indians. Our cattle Craze quiet
ly around our encampment unmolested. Two or
three men will 60 hunting twenty miles from the camp
and last night two of laid out in the wilder
rather than ride their horses after hard chase
Indeed, if do not experience something far worse
than yet have done, shall say the trouble is all in
getting started.
Our wagons have not needed much repair; but
cannot yet tell in what respect they could be mprov-
ed. Certain 1t is they cannot be too strong. Our
preparation for the journey, in some respects, might
have been bettercd Bread has been the principal
tcle of food in our camp. We laid in 80 lbs. of
-four and Is lbs of meat for each individual, and |
fear bread will be scarce. Meat is abundant. Rice
and beans are good articles the road-corn meal,
too, is acceptable Lnsey dresses the most suit
able for children. Indeed if had one it would be
comfortable. There is cool breeze at all times in
the prairie that the does not feel hot one
would suppose.
We are now $50 miles from Independence. Our
route ut first was rough, and through timbered
country, which appeared to be fertile After striking
the prairie we found first rate road, and the only
difficulty had has been in crossing the creeks. In
that, however, there has been no danger. | never
could have believed we could have travelled so far
with so little difficulty. The prairie between the
Blue and Platte rivers is beautiful beyond description,
never have seen go varied a country-so suitable
for cultivation. Every thing was new and pleasing.
The Indians frequently TO us the chiefs OF
tribe breakfasted at our tent this morning. All are
so friendly, that cannot help feeling sympathy and
friendship for them. But sheet what can
say!
Since we have been on the Platte we have had the
river on one side and the ver-varying mounds or
the other-and have travelled through the bottom
lands, from one to two miles wide, with little
timber. The soil is sandy, and last year. account
of the dry season, the emigrants found grass here
scarce. -
Our cattle are in good order, and where proper
has been taken, none have been lost Our milcl
cows have been of great service-indeed. they have
been of more advantage than our meat. We have
plenty of butter anasmlk
We are commanded by Capt. Russell. an amiablt
man. George Bonner is himself yet He crows il
the morning. and shouts out 'chain up, boys-chair
! up" with as much authority though he some
thing in particular. John Denton is still with
we find him useful man in camp. Hiram Mile
and Noah James in good health and doing well
We have of the best of people in our company, am
some, too, that are not so good.
i Buffalo show themselves frequently. We hav'
found the wild tulip, the primrose, the lupinc, Tn
ear-drop the arkspur, and creeping hollyhock; an,
beautiful flower resembling the bloom of the beecl
tree, but in lunches as big small sugaroaf, AM
+ every variety of shade to red and green. botanic
i and read some, but cook heap more.
i There are 420 wagons as far we have heard, OF
the road between here and Oregon and California
i Give our love to all inquiring friends-God bles
them. Yours, truly,
/ MRS. GEORGE BONNER.