Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1850-03-28
Correspondence Of the Burlington Hawk. Eye.

Mr. EpiroR:-For the benefit Of such a. contemplate
visiting California by the overland route the writer Of this
communication, desons that Others should escape, as
far possible, the and privatons which fell
to his lot in akins this journey in the much Wanted "S
Louis Pioneer Line, induced to give few hints which
he thinks will be found useful such
in this kind Of journsying.
Start early for although the is long enough
get through with ease provided you lose on your
journey, many things may happen to delay you.
Oxen preferable muies they less TEN pting
prey msfauding lndans-are less likely to escapeare
less etful. and will pass mud hole, and slourhs and
small streams. (Which will encounter hro
journey steadily, without pause hesitation which
will often mules TO become alarmed impatient and
FESTIVE. Oxen will worry themselve. so much over
heavy, bad roads mules, being naturally steady
and patient their gearing being simple compared that
Of muesless apt to break out-takes much less
time TO put them to and take them from the wagons-can
double teams in going difficult pieces Of road
ascending steep hills, readily than with mules
and to much better advantage; long team Of mules
Of little use, make them pull together near
well oxen; Of this long road The advan.
Of mules clearly proved than the
last hard pull over the Sierra Ncrada nourtsins.
The only advantage that mses possess oxen, is
that they capable of travelling faster where the roads
BY any means follow as matter Of course.
sized two horse fasn is preferable 10
larger sze let it be made of well seasoned timber and
well oned the covering should be either painted dou
be you may be exposed TO rains the early Of your
Journey wegon o,his size is much less likely
than larger sire the wheel cattle can much bet.
ter manaEe a light wagon than heavy IN going
through mud holes creeks place where
banks abrupt, heavy wagon will such occasions,
down with such force, from the inability ofthe
cattle to hold back as to break some part of the wagon
when lighter wagon viii pass without risk, and should
you have pu. your shoulder 20 the wheel as You
certainly viii have to ally, in crossing the serre
Nevada mountains, If where else you will then know
how appreciate the advantage Of light wagons. With
such wagon you with 5000 22o0 lbs, (Which
being chiefly provisions, will be continually growing ess
and four yoke Of medium sized cattle, three yoke will haul
such load tole.sby we'll but would be prudent to
start with less than four may be reduced three be-
fore get to journeys ends aud will here remark
that by having strong team will get along faster feel
less anxious about the Of journey and
cattle arriving here uninjured and in good condition, will
sell eady arrival and probably for much or more
than they cost yop, good and mules in great
demand here for teamng. wagon designed for fami.
y should have the sides made TO project few inch.
es, some l6 Is inches from the bottom, and the bows
for the cover lutte straer and higher than usual,
to allow more freedom Of movement, and should have
piece Of the hind board cut away and pair Of
steps hung Just clear the ground we with an
OF wagon fixed in this way, and children can get
in ard out at pleasure while the wagon is moving and in
the afternoon this will be the shady end of the wagon and
by having close curtain asten down front they i'll
be protected from the during the hottest pa of the day
as well from the dust in considerable degree; it is
irnro h1a -.
annoyance for which, during the latter part Of journey
there is remedy, and n.ust Se endured
| what patience you may.
To every company OF there should be at least
one good saddle mnle which will be found convenient on
many occa>ions and it is often quite necessary some
should so ahead t. look suitable spot to camp
fer the night Do take horses on any account, no,
one in FIVE live to get through with all tie pamperng and
| favorfug you can shew them.
Two persons can sleep in each wagon You will want
tent room enough to shelter the the company at
night and part of the journey you from the
MONDAY sun You will either buffalo robe 10 lay
next the ground and for bed India rubber cloth
and some kind OF matrass. In either you will need
three blankets 20 Some no: cons ent with
OUT the luxury Of bed under tent the use of
this article will require little room aud add n
few pounds to your load but not TO such exten: as to
amount to prohibition. The style for
tents is four square aad walled. Small stools will be
found very convenient to when cncamted thsr are
light and occupy but little in storage Donr think
OF carrying chairs. II do, you will throw them away
before Get thr oueh.
For every mess, whether Numbering 1--WE or tlseen you
will need one sheet iron camp kettle, one tin water
one short handle fry-pan bake pan, one coffee not
coffee mill. two large pans to raise bre ad wash
dishes, &c., with knives and forks spoons tin Guns and
plates according to your numbers better not carry any
then ware is heavy, Troublesome take care Of and
will all get broke be fore get through Add to the
hose one small sheet iron stove, with places for small
vessels on top and in the place and form OF
drum with three feet Of pipe be taken apart and fas
tened behind one Of the when moving; when you
have plenty Of fuel have an additional fire on the
ground for cooking, this you will have need to do If
yonr mess large There should be light cupboar ard with
TWO or shelves attached the hind end Of one wa
gon IN each mess let the door open from the op do wu So
20 oim wide shelf when For every three wa.
gus gu should nave iron bound 10 GAL water key and
grease got hnng on the pole the wagon which or
senehce should extend the length the wagon bebind
spare axeitIee hung under one of the WAGON. and
~ ~ o'ws. livery company train will need one
Ae saw few chisels and ausers and one ,ra,x
scythe the latter will be ON two or three
SONS III crossing The deserts part Of the ;op,n.
also OK SHOES and nails for OK in or TO- as now "a
u az w WIN get 1907 sore, especially after you get be.
yohu the pass OF he Rocky mountains. And now last
though not least will say word abou. proyi,onx 20,
tins long Journey Do not ,h than six month,
supply, and criterion for quantity will give You WIT
the army ratonS would amount months from the
assurance OF several persons who have in the
vain my experience ~ ouf Joansy here when we had
less than the army allowance satisfied il is annie
1t would be for months ls0 his OF dour aud hard hsaJ