The Davenport gazette., 1850-07-11

the fire runs. would not have believed, had
not seen such numbers burnt, that the swift-foot.
ed antelope could not outrun the fire, but such
seems to have been the fact. Camped at noon
on Elm Creek, a small stream, plenty Of timber
| bu' little water-dstancc II miles. Before leav-
ing this place we got fine Buffalo calf, about
ten weeks old, which ate fine. Fears begin to
be entertained that our grain will not hold ou,
until grass comes.
9th Left camp at 6, travelled over some low
ground, but the spring being SO dry, road was
distance 25 miles.
7th.-Started at 6, road fine, camped at hall
past 3 on the Platte, here the bluffs, which are
sand, come to the river for short distance for
the first time that | have seen. The Platte bot
tom is from to 6 miles wde-most of the land
sandy, SO much SO that it will be useless--ds-
| tance 20 miles.
8th.-Left camp at S, crossed over some sandy
bluffs, and some road that will be very bad in
wet weather, it being around the ''Pawnee''
swamp. Camped on the north fork Of the Platte
and for the first time commenced using ssbuffalo
chips" for fuel, which found much better than
expected, being superior to charcoal in dry
cooking and baking with them as quick and as
good as with the best Of wood. We passed, to-
day the grave Of G. w. Jordan, who was buried
by the Dubuque company May lot, 1850. He
lived near Dubuque and left wife and four chill
dren to mourn his loss. He died Of congestve
fever, and is believe the only emigran, on the
north side tina. has died, all enjoying excellen,
health-dis,ance to-day 35 miles.
9th.-S.arted at half past 5-traveed over sew
eral sandy bluffs, which was very hard on our
teams and camped at half past on Platte river,
soon after camping it commenced raining, which
made buffalo chips (Which will be our only fuel
for about 230 miles) rather damp to burn well.
We were all however glad to see it rain, hoping
that il may turn warmer, and cause grass to come
sooner than it would otherwise. Since passing
Loup Fork, the soil seems to be strongly impreg-
mated with saleratus, rising on the top of the
ground in all wet places and all the water in
sloughs being so strong with the taste Of i, that
our horses will not parake of it unless very
thrsty-distance to-day 40 miles.
l0th.-Started at half past 6-weather having
cleared off warm during the night S,me very
good road and some very sandy. Camped on
Camp Creek at o'clk.-a sire. m made from
springs about eight feet wide and one foot deep
| distance 26 miles.
iIth.-Woke up this morning and found our
water bucket froze over with ice an eighth of an
inch thick, which caused some gloomy faces a.
mong our boys Got out Of camp a, 5, had first
| rate road, passed several Sioux encampments on
| the opposite side Of the river. When we stopped
for noon several Sioux chiefs and warriors came
over to our camp-they are the finest looking
men have ever seen; and wondered not after
seeing them, that the Pawnees, Omahocs, and
| Ottoes stood in SO much fear Of them. They re-
mained with US until We left, the only danger to
be apprehended from them, is the stealing OF
your horses, at which they have the reputation
or being very expert. Camped upon slough in
the prairie, at o'ck.--dstance 33 miles.
I2.h.-Started out at 6, weather warm and
pleasant, road good. The bluffs on this side be-
| gin to present. ragged limestone front. Passed
"Blufruins" which presents a singular appear
ance, and is calculated 10 attract the attention
of travellers; resembling the ruins ofancient cas-
ties, Notifications, &c. The tops and sides are
covered with large specimens Of petrifactions,
such as buffalo bones, large pieces of cedar, &c.
| A great number of rattle snakes are around
which makes the spectator approach the ruins
with caution. Camped at o'clk. on the Platte
distance 80 miles.
I3th.--Started at half past 5-road good
weather warm, passed s'Chimney Rock" south
side Of the Platte, which has tho appearance o.
large circus tent, being that shape, the centre
pole running about fifty feet above the toP-'hIs
rock can be seen great distance. Camped on
Platte at o'clk-distance 40 miles.
l4th.-S,arted at 6-roads good, weather
warm, and camped at o'clk. at the foot of the
first rock bluff tha, we have seen. BY ascending
the bluff you have view Of "Chmney Rock
some As miles below and also of 'sLaramlt
Peak,n distance Of 100 miles. The atmos
phere appears to be purer here than at Dayen
port, pure as that is. Grass very short yet, bu
growing fast-distance to-day 80 miles
l5th.-Started out at 4 o'clk, and travelled ovel
ten miles Of good road, after which tho road is
very sandy until you reach Fort Laramie. We
arrived opposite Fort Laramie at 3 o'clk, ferried
the river and got into campat6. The ferry here
belongs to Government, and is managed by SOL
diers, their charge is one dollar per team In
low water i. is easy forded. Weather warm and
sultry. Twill say that the road where we trav-
cled over il, is the best road for the distance
have ever seen, there being no ascent, so bad as
Brady street hill. Our teams look remarkably
we'll, and If we could have plenty Of grass, we
would go through from here in about forty days
But % il is, know not when We will gel
through, for we may have to foot it the most o.
tho dis. nee, for il our team dies it viii do so be-
fore we get 300 miles further. ! have written
this in great haste, having considerable to dc
before we leave, which must excuse mo fol
brevity. R'sP'y yours, a. H. o"hNS'