The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-06-21


FoRr KEAxEY, Nebraska Territory.
May 8, 1854.
Having started across the plains Tor Oregon Ter.
ritory, and II being rather tedious and di insult
all the incidents, as well as q description OF the
country through which we pass, to the extent Of
my abilities; and thinking it might be interesting
TO many OF your readers, send you a copy,
reached the Smoky City, where took boat for
ST. Joseph and arrived there safe started tho same
day for Whitesyile, Andrew county Missouri, where
our company were fitting out, which they could do
on more reasonable termsthan at st. Joseph, owing
to the enormous prizes charged for boarding. as
well as for everything necessary for the outfit. To
give you an idea Of what the expenses are, I men-
ton few of the articles with their prices annexed
AT St. Joseph board is from 81 to So per
week; -four from 50 to $40 per barrel; corn,
SO cents to 81 per bashei; while at Whites
vile flour Is IS; corn 20 cents boarding from 81 so
to 81 per week. You gee by this great difference
in the two places, and my advice to emigrants is
not to stop at st. Joseph, but 60 into one of the
able to make the trip. will here name some Of
the priI cipal articles we provided ourselves with
for the journey, as 1t may be Of some interest to
your readers. We first procured strong but light
wagons. aud for each wagon four yoke OF oxen. or
cows. For every adult we took LOO pounds OF hour,
as of pork 10 of dried beef 10 OF beans rs OF dried
fruit, and one-balf bushel of corn. Along With
these each company provided itself with some
ticles, which are of much benefit. Having oOm-
pleted our outfit, started on the morning of the
Goth of April for the Missouri river, intending to
cross at Iowa point, it not being 30 much used as
the more noted points, so that we could cross
without being detained. We arrived at this point
in the evening, and found the ferry ciear, 30 that
We made arrangements for crossing in the morning..
APRIL 30.-We crossed the river this IN ,rn,ng
without any accident. Here we found the bluffs
high and rocky, on the top Of which / discovered
the burying ground of portion OF the Iowa tribe Of
Indians, q portion of whom were assembled on the
shore, watching the crossing Of the boat. After we
had crossed, we started and passed through strip
of woods about two miles; struck the open prairie,
travelled some eight miles more, and encamped in
sight of eight or ten droves Of CATTLE, all bound
for California.
upon which is a toll bridge, kept by the Indians,
for which they charged the of eighty cents for
each wagon. After crossing this stream we travel
led about twenty miles and encamped Wolf
creek, in company with three other teams. Scarce
ly had we raised our tents before the rain came
down very hard, which was not very agreeable, es-
peciay to those Of us who had left all the comforts
OF our homes. Here the first guard was stationed.
the most beautiful prairie land ever saw here
lays part of the great Nebraska country which has
caused so much agitation throughout the land.
viii just say to my Oho friends mat don't think
settled, on account Of the scarcity Of timber, as
there is not enough to supply the emgrants with
wood. We arrived this evening on the head waters
Of the Nmehaw. having travelled some twenty
miles. The weather is clear and sultry.
MAY 3-This day we travelled over more broken
territory, and soon crossed the Nimehaw. Here is
settlement Of some fosteen families from Missouri;
they having obtainei th~Yriyilege Of the Indians
and they say they bny at the hands of the govern
ment. whether they remain or not They have bull,
a bridge across this stream which will be Of great
use at times of hig water. think the lands here
are as good as any that lay in Stark county, and
could be settled were it not for the scarcity Of tim
Der. Along the river there is some elm aud cotton
wood. They have also found some coal, which will
be OF great advantage to the few settlers. We
travelled some eighteen miles. On our camp ground
lay the remains Of an emgrant, whose initials
are II. S., who died May, ls4s.
MAY 4.--Ths day we travelled through more
timber, and passed the graves of more victims OF
the California fever. / noticed the names of O.
McCloud, died May 8, 1852; Wm Stone, May 8,
1862 also J. Harper. We sncamped thus evening
on the head waters of the vermillion, having ira.
yelled sixteen miles. This night am on guard, and
as ] walk my round the silver moon shines so
bright 1t reminds me of the friends have left be-
hind in my native home.
which are not 30 dry as they were yesterday. We
crossed big Blue where there is ferry, and farm
in state of cultivation. This is beautiful stream,
and. reminds me Of the green banks OF the Ma
honiDg. Enca mped after travelling some sixteen
miles.
MAY 6.-This day travelled some eighteen miles:
passed several companies bound to California one OF
whom had shot an Indian on the night previous, on
his attempting to steal mule We have heard
most every company complain of cattle being stolen.
The Indians would ride through the camp, cause the
cattle and horses to break loose, and then drive
them off from the camp. Some ten or twelve came
in sight of our camp, but found our men on their
guard, and no doubt thought they ha best keep at
respectable distance. We escaped without the loss
of single animal.
These Indians are of the Pawnee tribe and are at
war with the Iowa tribe there are concentrated on
the Big Blue one thousand warriors.
MAY This day we crossed the Big Blue and
Little Sandy, and encamped in prairie hollow
having travelled twenty miles.
MAY S.-This day we arrived at the Little Blue,
and encamped in a beautiful hollow