Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1853-01-13


the highest peak of Sierra Nevada, being
about six miles to the top. We could see the
road in advance of US, almost above our heads
We camped part way up, and drove the cattle
down a ravine TWO miles for grass, which is
hard to find, and very scarce, Have walked
nearly all day, the road being SO bad 1 coala
not ride in wagon and dared not ride on
horseback.
August 8tL. We started very early this
morning, our road a good part of the way
lying in the rocky bed of stream, much
swollen by the melting of snow from a neigh
boring mountain; and in its rapid flow and
roaring sound, the strong beatings of our own
excited hearts could be felt, though not heard
1t was here where we began to realize, what
we had expected long ago to find on this trip
to California, viz: That 4 and 5 yoke of oxen
were needed to draw wagon up such steep
siding, and rocky roads. AS we neared the
summit, we passed over snow two feet deep!
which will seem strange to Others, but not
to us, accustomed as we are to almost every
thing The view from the summit of this
mountain, is truly magnificent. We could see
Greenwood Lake, before mentioned, and
Tragedy Lake, as large, in advance of us.
picked from these barren heights great va
rety of beautiful, small flowers, and different
kings of moss, which spring up between the
tho rocks wherever there is the least particle
of earth and as Igsthered handful after hand
ful, and saw them wither and die, could not
but wish l had the power to show them to
nv friends at home But this wish like so
many others, was a vain one.
We are camped tonight in Tragedy valley
so named from a battle which Kit Carson
had with the Indians, in which three of his
men were killed. Their graves are here be-
side the road. They drove our tired and hun
cry cattle, three miles for grass, to Tragedy
Lake which we saw this morning from the
mountain. Snow is all around US and it is so
cold that water freezes every night. Time
begins to move on leaden wings, over this tire
some part of our journey. This is Sabbath
day, but it brings no quiet rest to US. We
console ourselves, however, by thinking that
before another one, we shall be at the end of
our journey.
August 9th. Passed Leek Springs this
morning-grass is very scarce, and we have
several times, bought hay at Is cents per
pound. Nothing very new to-pay. Have been
continually climbing over steep sandy noun
tains.
August 10Th. Very tired tonight. Hard
roads to-day, and a,gtM dusty. Travelled 20
miles over beautiful country. 1t is just one
hundred days since we started-lO of which
we laid by to rest. This is making the trip
much sooner than you expected, and we think
very quick, for so large train.
We were much disappointed in not visiting
Salt Lake. We have since seen a number who
went that way, and were treated in most re-
spectacle manner. They bought everything
very cheap; and speak of the city as being
beautifully situated. NeIrly all the horse
teams we have seen, went that way to recruit
as they will hardly draw through wagon
without
August lIth We arrived here (at Hang
town. this afternoon, and took supper at the
Eldorado, where We shall stay tonight. This
town is built in a ravne, and consists of cloth
and log cabias-most OF them with awnings
in front, over plank sidewalk. The streets
are narrow, and very dirty-crowded all the
time with men and mules. A great deal of
business is done here, both honorably; and
dishonorably. There is as much noise and
excitement here, as in New York. The larg-
est gambling establishment in the place is next
door to US. The town contains 5000 inhabi-
tants. As we rode in we saw plenty ofminers
digging and washing gold; but the business
is rather dull at present, owing to scarcity of
water.
have no doubt but you have borrowed
great deal of troubles about US, as we hear
that the back emigration have suffered very
much by sickness, and many have returned
home discouraged, after travelling several hun
dred miles. If this be true, how much YOU
have thought of US, and how welcome will be
this letter. assuring you of our safe arrival at
the borders Of this golden land. l have not,
with the exception Of headache, been sick
single day since we left home. ....
From your affeotionate
r.t.- LUCIA.