The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1865-09-13
WHOLE NO. 465,
Correspondence OF the N. I. Times...
Letter from the Plains..-The James
McGregor Expedition to Colorado.

McGregor Expedition to Colorado.
FoRr KEARNEy, Aug. 25.
Eds. Times:-I wrote you Aug. 10th, from
Nebraska City. That letter you have doubt.
less received. I now again take up the pen:
On arriving at the Military Post, Eve miles
west of Nebraska City, we found that mule
train, or company, owning mule and horse
wagons, had just been organized, which we
obtained permission to join, and proceeded on
our journey, feeling that we had been remark
ably lucky to meet with no further delay at
that point.
The first view that presents itself to the
traveller on leaving Nebraska City for the west,
is one of the most expansive and indescribably
beautiful that I ever beheld. To all human
appearance one vast, unbounded plain, without
made our way into the landscape before US, 1t
proved to be beautifully undulating, with here
and there an oasis with its rippling, gurgling
streams, to refresh and cheer the weary traveller
and fatigued and thirsty animals, which makes
it very desirable for farming purposes. But to
our great astonishment we found on our route
very few farms, corn selling at $3.50 cents,
and everything else in proportion, when it can
be produced upon the same ground, at living
profit, for the small sum of IS cents per bushel.
Our passage through this beautiful section of
the route, was somewhat rapid, considering the
condition Of the roads after so much rain as we
have had the pact season. Six days and
hours from Nebraska City to Ft. Kearney-to
although it is called but 900.
On Friday evening, the 18th inst, after
faithful days drive, we stopped upon one of
the most elevated points we could make near
the road and pitched our tent. After partaking
of sumptuous. well-prepared supper by our
now experienced cooks, J. w. Eddy and Lewis
T. Vanderwerker, and enjoying emusic by the
band" until late hour, the beds were prepared
and we all retired but one; he was assigned to
guard duty during the night. An awful storm
arose, one Of those storms that arc found no.
where else but on the plains. We we're soon
awakened by the terrific peals of thunder and
the vivid lightning, and when the storm fully
struck US, We found it very difficult to keep
right side up: we finally proved to be too heavy
for it, and came out all right; but we ascertain.
ed the next morning that poor lilgrim, just
ahead Of us, was instantly killed that awful
night by the lightning, and decently buried be.
side the road. Poor fellow! A sad circum.
stance, to be thus suddenly called to an
account, far away from home and friends.
The face of the entire country through
which our route leads us, is very much the
same for l25 miles; then We strike more aat.
level surface: some Of it quite sleughy, remind.
ing US of portions of Iowa through which we
plodded. Although Government requires
travellers and freightcrs to organize into com.
panies Of not less than 50 for selfprotection
| from the savages, it would seem to be unneces.
sary, for the entire road is lined from end to
end with travellers and freighters. From 100
to 200 men could be mustered at almost any
point on the road in very few moments, if an
alarm should be given. I should have said
that there are three great thoroughfares leading
west southwest from Nebraska City. The
route we took was the one laid out and improv.
ed by the celebrated Steam Wagon company,
a few years ago. We found it to be a very
superior route. If steam wagon can be made
to work successfully anywhere in the world, it
certainly can on this route. After travelling q
distance Of 60 miles, we came to the Junction
Of the Omaha, Plattsmouth and Nebraska City
t1,o 1,o0 GoA
ably. A little incident occurred here which /
must relate. At, and Immediately beyond the
Junction, are several dwelling houses with large
farms attached; just between two of these
houses, and close beside the road, were two
farmers loading grain on wagon. Three of
our number pride themselves on target shoot
lNg, shooting birds heads of, buffalo's and
antelOpe's hearts out and other innocent amuse.
ments, and up to that point We had not been
permitted to try our skill on any large game.
All at ouce we spied an antelope coming out of
the field, apparently from the men who were
loading grain, directly towards US; skip, skip, it
came, until it reached the road, just before US,
and stopping, looked at us as though it was
perfectly tame; we all came to the sage con
clusion that it was pet and belonged to one
of the said farmers. After standing and look.
ing at US for few moments, it showed US the
white OF its tail; giving few skips, away it
went out of sight over the plain before u.s.
On coming up to the house, not more than Is
rods beyond US, we inquired of the good lady
if any one in that vicinity owned a pet antelope;
she said No! If am not mistaken there were
several long faces about that time.
At this point we had the unspeakable pleasure
Of bidding adieu to all mud as no rain has fall
len above this point for some weeks past
Here we strike the Platte River for the first
time. On 80 miles further we came to the
Junction of the Leayenworth, Atchinson and
St. Joseph roads. Here we found it difficult
getting over the road, it was so thronged with
large freight teams. We thought for the next
nine miles, which would bring US to Kearney,
we would count the wagons: we drove on at
our usual rate, which is from 3 to 4 miles per
hour, passing and counting 205 wagons (before
reaching kearney) driving about 1900 oxen,
and now, as sit writing beside our ambulance,
in full view of this great thoroughfare, can
see the Prairie Schooners rolling in At fully
that rate. It is not only an occurrence Of one
day-every day is about the same. A large
amount Of this freight is for the Government;
the balance Of it for all parts of this great
Interior world. There is also large amour.
Of machinery On the road for the Colorado or
Pixies Peak gold mines. The hostile Indians
give the travelling public great deal Of annoy
ance. Since we started upon this trip, mum.
ber Of fellow travellers have lost their scalps,
opl i. Il