Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1849-01-06
EMIGRANTs TO CALIFORNIA.

Already the signs are gathering of an un-
precedented emigration to the Pacific shore
to Calitornia-especialy in the spring.
Inquiries as 10 the Government steam route
and the transient vessels from eastern ports,
are made of US constantly. With regard to
the sea, the expense is beyond the means of
most adventures, and spring will be around
so soon that the land travel will maintain its
full ascendcncy in the minds of all. We
are advertising a steamer to leave New Or
leans for San Francisco, direct, in short
time, however. la reply to inquiries smil-
ar to those mentioned, the Louisville Court
en- has procured from Mr.. Edwin Bryant,
author OF "Irhat | sa,c in California; a
useful sketch of route and outfit, and this is
the time to circulate it for the benefit of the
crowds who are now turning the subject
over in their minds.
The route via Independence or St. Joseph,
Mo-, to Fort Laramie, South Pass, Fort
Hall, the Sink of Mary's River, &c., &c.,
the old route--is the best. Let no emigrant
carrying his family with him, devate from
il, or imagine that he can find a better road
This road is the best that has yet been dis
covered, and TO the Bay of San Francisco
and the gold region, IL is much the shortest.
The lighest wagon that can be construct
cd of sufficient strength 10 carry twenty-five
hundred pounds weight, is the vehicle most
desirable. Nowagon shond be loaded over
this weight, or il il is, IL will he certain to
stall in the muddy sloughs and crossings on
the prairie, in the first part of the journey.
This wagon can be hauled by three or four
yokes of oxen, or six mules. Oxen nre
usually employed by the emigrnnis for haul
ing their wagons. They travel about fifteen
miles per day, and, all things considered, are
equal 10 mules for this service, although
they cannot travel so fast. They are, how
ever, less expensive, and there il not so
much danger of their straying and of being
stolen by the Indians.
Pack-mules can only be employed by par
/ ties of men. M y
For parties Of men going out, il would be
well to haul their wagons, provisions, &C.,
as far us Fort Larimie, or tort Hall, by
mules, carrying " ith them pack-saddles and
alfoyjases, or large saddle-bags, adapted to
the pack-saddle, with ropes for packing,&c.,
when, if they saw proper, they could dis
pose Of their wagons for Indian ponies, and
pack into California, gaining perhaps two or
three weeks time.
The provisions actually necessary per
man, are rs follows:
One hundred and fifty pounds Of flour,
one hundred aud fifty pounds of bacon,
twenty-five pounds coffee, Thirty pounds Of
sugar.
Added to these, the main items, there
should be a small quantity of rice, fifty or
seventy-6ve pounds of crackers, dried
peaches, &c, and kcg Of lard. with salt,
pepper, &c., and such other luxuries Of light
weight as the person Quitting chooses to
purchase.
Every man should be provided with a
good rifle, and if convenient, with pair Of
pistols, five pounds of powder AMI ten
pounds oi lead.
With the wagon there should he carried
such carpenters tools ~ n handsaw, anger,
gimblet, chisel, shaving knife, axe, hammer
and Ratchet. This last weapon every man
should have in his belt, with hunters or
bowie knife.
When man arrives there, he must turn
his attention TO whatever seems to promise
the largest recompense for his labor. 1t is
impossible in the new state of things pro-
duced by the late discoveries, and the influx
of population, to forsee what this might be.
The country is rich in agricultural resources,
as well as in the precious metals, and with
proper enterprise and industry, he could
scacely fail TO do well.
Families, rs well rs parties going out,
should carry with them good tents, to be
used after their arrival as houses. The in
Hux Of population will probably be so great,
tnU il will be difficult, IL not impossible, TO
obtain other shelter for some time after their
arrival. The climate Of the country how
ever, even in the winter, is so milo that,
with good tents, comfort is attainable.
Emigrants should lie at Independence, 81.
Joseph, Mo-, or the point of starting by the
Goth Of April, and start as soon thereafter
as the grass on the prairies will admit
This is sometimes by the first of May, and
sometimes ten days later, according to the
seasons.-N. o. Paper.
SENATOR LEwIs.-The corpse of Mr..