81st Day

 

Father Lempfrit- We had halted for about an hour in the small village after which we were again on our way. We had to climb up a very steep hill, and then for more than five minutes the trail led along the brink of a horrible preci­pice. We had no wood and there was no water. We went nearly thirty miles that day and by 8:30 in the evening, I was worn out. At last, at 10 o'clock that evening, we reached our camp site which was situated above a steep gorge, at the bottom of which flowed the river. We remained on top of the hill, and the oxen were led down to the river by a very sandy trail. This took three quarters of an hour. The way down was so steep that the men took the precaution of yoking the animals together. There were ten pairs of oxen and the animals pulled each other up the hill on their way back. We named this camp site "Desolation Camp." We did not have a drop of water and had to send a man down to the river with a small pail to get some. He returned with it half-full as everyone was helping themselves to his water. We could not make a fire to cook our supper—we had just a biscuit to eat and then we went to bed.

 

Medorem Crawford- Started at 7, cold morning followed down the river awhile left the river very barren country less sage than formerly. Crossed a large branch followed it through a tremendous gap in the mountain for at least two miles the rock standing up on each side probably 200 ft. Camped for dinner at the River many Lodges near several came into camp.  Followed down the river after dinner crossed On to an Island & camped near sunset. Traviled 20 M.

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled about twelve miles. Nine miles brought us to where we pass down to the river bottom; from this point the distance to the river was three miles. A warm spring branch empties itself into the river at this place. Emigrants would pursue a more proper course by encamping on the bottom, near the source of Rock creek, then drive down to where the road crosses in a kanyon, then following the road for eight or nine miles to where the road leaves the bluff of the creek and encamp, driving their cattle into the creek bottom. From this place they can drive to Salmon Fall Creek, just four miles below our present encamp­ment, follow down this creek to its mouth, where will be found an excellent camp.

 

Mary Black- The train is trying to get in motion. Her moving now resembles a stern wheel boat, at a low stage of the Mo. R. going up stream. Noon camp. The hill we had to come up, to get out of the river bottom, was about the worst we have had. The bottom was sandy. The middle portion side mountain, and the top pure rocks in steps about 2 foot high and on a turn. Watered at a spring and had a little grass too. The road is deep sand, heavy pulling. Travailed till about 10 Oclock before we came to water. They say there is grass near but it is too dark to hunt it so the horses are tied to the wagon. Morning light did not find much grass for the stock. The word is another long drive to supplies of grass & water.

 

Helen Stewart, 1853- It is lightning all around and the face of the moon is obscured under dark clouds and the wind is blowing and I am in the wagon trying to write, a little lantern is tied to the ridge pole.

 

82nd Day

 

Father Lempfrit- [To understand the following account, one needs to know that Father Lempfrit had changed to a different wagon train for this part of the trip.] This beautiful day of the Assumption had to go by without our being able to celebrate the Holy Mass. As our camping spot was completely des­titute of grass and water we had to leave very early in the morning, we got up at 3 o'clock in the morning and were on our way shortly afterwards. We had ten miles to go before finding any pasture for our animals. The most adventurous took the lead. Our waggon was far to the back. I wanted to be in the first group which con­sisted of twelve waggons. We made a halt at 10 o'clock in the morning. We were all exhausted, and unfortunately there was not a drop of water to be found. We left our waggons behind and pushed on for about six miles before we found the river [Snake River]. We had left without breakfast and at noon I was still waiting for our waggon-driver to arrive. Nobody came. I had been hoping that the lay Brother would send me something to eat. By 3 o'clock I was feeling quite weak. I found myself in the middle of strangers all of whom had found me very useful to them at one time or another. They saw me looking quite miserable but nobody fan­cied that I was, perhaps, lacking some necessity of life. Everyone had eaten both dinner and supper! Then a kind woman noticed me lying down on some dry brushwood and she inquired if anyone had given me anything to eat. She soon learned that I had eaten nothing since the previous evening for not one of them had offered me anything. Everyone had believed that I had been invited to eat with someone else which was why no one had given me a thought. This good woman was most apologetic and before long she brought me an excellent sup­per that I ate with great appetite. We had to carry on travelling, it already 7:30 in the evening and they were talking of going on another twelve miles. We left. At half past midnight we arrived at our camp site. I was without shelter. There was no waggon, I did not even have a simple blanket. I bided my time until everyone was asleep and then I took two saddles and made myself a kind of coffin with these, using my own horse's saddle as a pillow. I settled down to sleep rigged out in this way and slept perfectly. [They were close to Three Island Crossing.]

 

Medorem Crawford- Started at 7 kept down the River a short time took dinner on a small Branch very poor grass. Find the country growing more barren not even producing sage. Camped near sunset on a beautiful little Branch in a valley surrounded on three sides by high hills Followed down the Branch to the river about 1 mile in search of the horses, found the River as well as the Branch flowing among high cliffs of rock with scarcely room for a path on its Banks traviled 18 miles.

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled about nine miles, reaching the Salmon Falls. Here are eighteen or twenty Indian huts. Salmon come up to these falls: the Indians have an abundance of them, which they very readily dispose of for hooks, powder, balls, clothing, calico and knives, and in fact for almost anything we have at our disposal. The river at this place is a succession of cataracts for several miles, the highest of which does not exceed twelve feet. The grazing was very poor, and the country barren as usual.

 

Mary Black- We stoped at noon long enough to rest the stock & let them pick from the scanty fare afforded. We came to grass & water, nice place to camp. Dean is stopping a short distance above & Eaton went up there to rest his sick family. His oldest child is not expected to live. Himself and wife both sick.

 

Marie Norton, 1859- As I was writing on the ground, by the side of the wagon, a great number of Indians came around me and stood looking at my writing for a long time.

 

83rd Day

 

Father Lempfrit- It was broad daylight when I awoke— 7 o'clock in the morning. I found myself surrounded by our people who were greatly amused to see me under all this paraphernalia. Five or six Indians were laughing because they saw that everyone else was laughing. This didn't worry me at all, at least I had recov­ered from my fatigue. This time they did not forget to offer me breakfast! They knew that my wagon had not arrived. I ate with the Captain Delaney. We were in an area where there were large numbers of jackrabbits. The Captain had killed one the previous day and the entrails had been thrown out. Immediately a poor Indian commandeered them and went off to roast them just as they were over a small brazier. Then, as this fricandeau was completely covered with ashes he quite simply cleaned them off in the river and then ate it all! Only the gall was discarded. It looked just like a spinach sauce, or, if you prefer, small peas cooked in tripe.

 

Medorem Crawford- Started at 7 rose a long hill astonishingly barren country decended to the river stopped for dinner tolerable good grass, found Indians pleanty towards evening. Camped near their village poor grass. traviled 18. M.

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled about twelve miles; for two miles the road is up a sandy hill, it then strikes a sandy sage plain, over which it takes its course for ten miles. Here night overtook us, as we had commenced our march at a very late hour on account of having lost some horses. Our camp was on the top of the river bluff. It is one mile to water; but little grass was found. This day we found several head of cattle that had given out from fatigue of traveling. Some of the companies had been racing, endeavoring to pass each other, and now they have reached a region where but little grass is found — are beginning to reap the reward of their folly.

 

Mary Black- Considerable trouble with the stock, they scattered considerable. Old Sorel went to the other correll. Puss lost herself in the willows. McMurrain, MClure & us came on about 5 mile to the next station in the night.

 

Elizabeth Wood, 1851- August 19 (near Salmon Falls) This morning we expected a fuss with the Indians; one shot from across the river and killed a cow and then snapped his gun many times at the men, some one of whom had killed the Indians dog. It is not always that the Indians are the aggressors. 

​

84th Day

 

Father Lempfrit- Today I ran into trouble with my waggon conductor, O'Neil. This wretched man was absolutely determined to get rid of one of our waggons. He claimed that our agreement referred to only one waggon and that he had every right to dispose of the second waggon that carried some of our belongings as well as his own small chattels. We stacked up all our boxes into a single waggon. The waggon driver threw out all his things and then wanted me to get rid of all our things that were not really needed. Nothing from our big trunks could fit into the waggon that was already fully loaded. I offered up to eight piastres to any of our Americans who would be willing to transport our possessions to Walla Walla, however, I found no one willing to do this. Finally, and after much effort, we man­aged to find a place for the trunk in the waggon that was already as fully loaded as an egg. The waggon-train company was in dissent. Some wanted to cross the Snake River, the others wanted to push on further ahead. In the end, it was decided that the river, which had three arms [Three Island Crossing], should be crossed. The last arm of the river was widest and the most difficult to negotiate. Our waggon arrived very late. I had supper with Captain Stone.

 

Medorem Crawford- Many Indians come to camp traded pleanty of fish started 8, crossed 2 small streams which are said to be hot water. It was discovered by some of our party attempting to drink they said the water burned their hands took dinner on the on the river very warm day poor grass. Camped on the river poor grass traviled 15 miles.

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled about sixteen miles; one mile brought us to the Hot Springs, near which the road passes. These springs are in a constant state of ebulli­tion. They number from five to six, extending over a surface of two to three yards, all uniting and forming a stream of one yard in width and about three inches deep, running quite rapid. The water is sufficiently hot for culinary purposes. About fifteen rods off, approaching the mountain, which is half a mile distant, are similar springs, the waters of which flow into a reser­voir a short distance below. An ox, belonging to our party, appeared desirous to test the qualities of the water afforded by these springs. His owners, seeing his incli­nation, attempted to arrest his steps, but failed; when he arrived at the brink of one of them, and stuck his nose in, preparatory to indulging in a draught of the delicious nectar, he immediately wheeled, and made the welkin ring by his bellowing; kicking and running, he showed he was evidently displeased with himself. Our camp was on Barrel creek bottom, which is very narrow.

 

Mary Blsck- Came to water at about 5 mile. We watered the teams and drove till noon. Had some dry bunch grass. 10 miles to good grass & water. Twelve Oclock is eccessively hot. Evenings & mornings cool. We drove till after night last night. We came to good grass and water. Several acres slew grass. Looked nice but the stock would not eat it. There is plenty of rye. Old Sorrel is very poor in flesh and spirits.

 

William T. Hines & Hiram Dorris- Fulkerson family historians state that William Hines, husband of Elizabeth Fulkerson Hines (James Fulkerson and Mary Ramsey Miller’s daughter), died of Rocky Mountain spotted fever at the Three Island Crossing which is near present day Glenn’s Ferry, Idaho. His death left her with eight children - two of whom were less than ten years old. Their 20-year-old daughter Margaret took her father's place as teamster, driving the wagon across Idaho and on to their destination in Oregon. Some claim that “his family knocked together a rude coffin and took the body with them to Pike, Yamhill County, Oregon.” Also, about this time, another son-in-law to James Fulkerson, Hiram Dorris, married to James’ daughter, Elizabeth, “died while trying to get the wagons across the Snake River.” This made a total of four family members who died on the 1847 Oregon Trail.

 

85th Day

 

Father Lempfrit- Our waggon-driver was late in arriving, he had to chase after one of his cows. He arrived eventually at 5:30 in the evening. I had a great many sick peo­ple to look after and was caring for them from morning to night. A young man had been bitten on the arm by a snake and his whole arm became poisoned. The wound developed gangrene and I was obliged to cut away the infected flesh. The operation was extremely dangerous but was marvelously successful. We were in a very agreeable place and had plenty of pasture and very good water.

 

Medorem Crawford- Started at 8-1/2 no alteration in the general appearance of the country took dinner on the river very poor grass Camped in the evening on Warior River a Branch of the Snake traviled 14 miles.

 

Joel Palmer- This morning we turned up the ravine for one and a half miles, and then struck up the hill to the road. Three and a half miles brought us to where the road crosses the Snake river. In com­ing down to the river bottom, there is a very steep hill. Along the shore of this river was a little grass; there are two islands covered with grass, so that our cattle were soon repaid for their privations heretofore. The difficulties attending the crossing of this stream had been represented as being almost insurmountable; but upon examination we found it an exaggeration. From the main shore to first island there is no difficulty; from first to second island, turn well up, until nearly across, then bear down to where the road enters it. The water is not deep until nearly across, and not then if you keep well up stream. From second island to main shore is more difficult; it is about three hundred yards wide and the current very rapid. Strike in, heading well up for two rods, then quartering a little down until eight or ten rods from shore: then quarter­ing a little up for fifteen or twenty rods; then strike up for the coining out place; the bottom is gravelly. With the exception of a few holes, the water for the first fifteen rods is the deepest part of the ford. The bottom is very uneven; there are holes found of six or eight feet in width, many of them swimming. Those crossing this stream can escape the deepest of these holes by having horsemen in the van and at each side; it is necessary that there be attached to each wagon four or six yoke of oxen, the current being swift; and in the passage of these holes, previously alluded to, when one yoke is compelled to swim, the others may be in shallow water. Great care must be taken that these teams be not beat down too low and pass over the ripple; and to prevent such a casualty, two drivers must attend each wagon. Before attempting the passage of the river all articles liable to damage, from coining in contact with the water, should be piled on the top of the wagon bed. We commenced crossing at eleven o'clock, A. M., and at one o'clock, P. M., we effected the passage of the stream, and were so fortunate as to land our goods free from all damage. We traveled two miles to a spring branch and pitched our encampment. Good grass, wood and water, were procured in plenty.

 

Mary Black- We got up early this morn. Got to a ranch where there is indifferent water & some grass. We fed the last shelled oats to old Sorrel. A heavy rain fell last night and the weather was very hot. I did not rest well. We camped tonight rite close to a small stream comeing down from the mount north of us. Tol­erable grass, Lewis & Cravan camped near.

 

86th Day

 

Father Lempfrit- We were very sorry to have to leave this beautiful camp site. About sixteen miles further on we found a most vigorous mineral spring whose water was so hot that one could not bear one's hands in it for more than two or three seconds. I had no time to analyze it but believe it would prove really healthful for baths. That water must be most beneficial. The air in this place is very pure. I took advantage of these conditions to beg the Captain to allow us to remain here for a short time as my poor patients were sorely in need of rest.

 

Medorem Crawford- Started 7-1/2 crossed W. R. arrived at Fort Boyzea [Boise] at 9. Crossed over Snake River in a Canoe to the Fort which stands on the north side of the river procured some provisions. Crossed back traviled down the river a short distance & camped for dinner. Fort B. is a new Establishment. It has been a short time in operation but is not yet completed. We saw but one white man who was French. The company left the Fort on Thursday. (Old Fort Boise was close to present day Parma, Idaho)

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled but six miles. Soon after leaving camp we directed our course up a stony hill; thence over a sage plain to a spring branch." We pursued our way up this branch for one mile, where we obtained good grazing for our cattle; a high range of hills appearing on our right, at the distance of two miles, an occasional grove of pine timber upon them; but, in general, the mountains here are covered with grass; numerous streams issuing from their sides and pouring their waters in the plain below. There is no appearance of vegetation until you reach the low bottoms immediately along the water's edge. The road traveled today was quite stony. The Indians along this road are expert in theft and roguery. A young man having a horse which he had taken much pains to get along, when night approached, staked and hobbled him, that he might not stray off; but at night an Indian stole into the camp, unhobbled the horse, cut the rope, and took him off, leaving the young man undisturbed in his sleep. A few days thereafter, this Indian effected a sale of the horse to one of a party of emigrants traveling behind us.

 

Agnes Stewart- Left one of our oxen yesterday and two died last night. They are going fast, I think. I wish we were through. Camped today on the Boise River.

 

Mary Black- We watered the teams at a ranch said to be 10 miles from where we camped last night. Whites came on in the night, camped just behind us. I am trying to write home, but I have so little time. I make slow progress. I have bread cooked for dinner. I will employ all the leasure that gives me. We are encamped in a place that has been mowen long enough for the grass to start, which makes it good grazing.

 

Cecelia Adams, 1853- These Indians have a great many fine ponies, and most of them have guns and ammunition, and many of them have almost a complete suit of clothes, which they have got of the emigrants. They will trade a very good pony for a good rifle or a coat. Our company traded two guns for two ponies.

 

87th Day

 

Father Lempfrit- As we were supposed to arrive at Fort Boise today we left really early in the morning in order to reach it.... This fort, like all the others, is built with sun-baked bricks. It still belongs to the Hudson's Bay Company. I must not omit to tell you about the generous hospitality that I received at Fort Boise. The Scottish Chief Clerk Mr. Gims Crayer received me with the most dig­nified kindness and attention. This kind gentleman had only a small supply of sugar and coffee on hand, however he was kind and generous enough to make me a gift most lavish for this country. He sent me a supply of sugar, coffee and tobacco, also an enormous salmon. I met several Canadians and two Creoles in the fort. They informed us that the Indians in whose country we would shortly arrive were called the Cayuse, and that they liked the French very much. They called the French "Tabibo" and I was advised not to forget to tell them I was Tabibo should I be questioned about my nationality. Thereupon I started to sing "Oh, how proud one is to be French when, etc."

 

Medorem Crawford- At the Fort we tasted musk mellon but of a very indifferent quallity. They raise corn & a few other vegetables in small quantities. From the fort we saw a large smoke at a distance supposed to proceed from a volcanick mountain. Left camp at 11 o'clock & traveled briskly over a sandy country suffered considerable for water as the day was exceedingly hot came to a creek about 6 o'clock & never was water to me more exceptable though of a very indifferent quality, passed down the creek a short distance at the foot of a mountain & found boiling water running out of the ground. It made its appearance just above the age of the water in the river in a boiling state for over a hundred yards it runs more or less. One of our company cooked a fish which he caught from the creek in about two minutes perfectly through. The water was so salt that the fish was sufficiently seasoned. Crossed the creek & camped common grass traviled 15 m.

 

Joel Palmer- We reached Fort Bois [Boise]. This is a trad­ing post of the Hudson's Bay Company, established upon the northern side of Snake or Lewis river, and one mile below the mouth of Bois river. This fort was erected for the purpose of recruiting, or as an inter­mediate post, more than as a trading point. It is built of the same materials, and modeled after Fort Hall, but is of a smaller compass. Portions of the bottoms around it afford grazing; but, in a general view, the surrounding country is barren."

     North of this fort is an extensive plain, which has an extremely unfertile appearance; but, I am informed, that during the winter and spring months it affords good grazing. At this fort they have a quantity of flour in store, brought from Oregon City, for which they demanded twenty dollars per cwt., in cash; a few of our company being in extreme want, were obliged to purchase at this exorbitant price. At this place the road crosses the river; the ford is about four hundred yards below the fort, and strikes across to the head of an island, then bears to the left to the southern bank; the water is quite deep, but not rapid; it swam some of our smallest work cattle; the bottom is solid and smooth. We cut poles and laid them across the top of our wagon-beds, piling our loading on them; answer­ing a twofold purpose — preventing our loading from damage, as also by its weight keeping the wagons steady and guarding them against floating. In about three hours we effected our passage in safety, but few of the goods getting wet. We went up the bottom a half mile, and there encamped; driving our cattle on an is­land hard by, to graze.

 

Mary Black- Started early this morning after having good grass & spring water, but the long drives are bringing down our stock. Nooning after a five mile drive, at a place where they had raised some vegetables by irrigation. I bought 2 lbs of potatoes for 30 cts and cooked them for dinner. They were small & I think had been dug for some time. They looked wilted, some of them. Got good grazing by going 1 mile up the mountains.

 

Another young woman writer lost her father on the trail when he accidentally drowned in the Boise River. She described the drowning and the plight in which her family found itself. - "But in swimming the cattle we soon found our troubles had but now commenced. . .swim at all, but at length they were all safely over. Pa, who rode a horse, as he had not done before, and assisted in driving them. By some cause or other he went too far down the river, his horse reared with him, and saying 'I must take care of myself' got off. He endeavored to get hold of the horse, as he let go of the bridle, but being on the lower side the current took him down and the horse swam out of his reach. He _____ to an island, but finding _____ strong turned to the _____. He soon sank in heart. Most of the men were near, but none of them dared to go in, the danger was too great. ..I will not attempt to describe our distress and sorrow for our great bereavement. . .With hearts overflowing with sorrow we were under the necessity of pursuing our journey immediately, as there was not grass for our cattle where we were. Mreers. Marsh and Walter being with us, their services were engaged. Mr. Marsh drove our team."

 

88th Day- Oregon

 

Father Lempfrit- Several Indians paid us a visit. They brought us a quantity of salmon and other fish. As we were crossing over the river I made a note of the way they caught salmon.... They dam the river and set up at intervals a series of stakes or posts in the form of a triangle. A net is fastened to the bottom of this triangular formation of stakes, and then a pole is set firmly in the net. A bunch of straw is tied to the top of the pole. As the water stirs the bottom of the net it agitates the pole and this in turn caused the bunch of straw to wave about, indicating that the net is full of fish. The Indians then go up to it and close the opening to the net. They pull the net out of the water and take out the fish trapped in it. After we had crossed the river we met some Canadian traders who begged us to come and baptize a child. The trail then started to deteriorate badly. We traveled through clouds of dust. Finally, we came to a mountain gorge at the bottom of which flowed the Malheur River. This is where we set up camp.

 

Medorem Crawford- Concluded to stay here & let our cattle & horses rest today. Two of our company getting impatient left us this morning spent the day repairing, washing, &c.

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled fifteen miles, to Malheur, or Malore, as it is sometimes called: here is a good camp. This is a stream of about ten yards in width, having its source in a range of mountains to the south­west, and pursuing its meanderings through a succession of hills, sage and sand plains, and occasionally a fertile bottom, until it arrives at Snake river, into which it empties. A few miles below Fort Bois [Boise], its course from its source is north of east. Along its banks, near to where the road crosses it, are a number of hot springs; they are of the same temperature of those between the two crossings of Snake river." Here we met Dr. White, a sub-Indian agent, accompanied by three others, on their way from Oregon to the States. At this place are two trails; the fork is in the bottom above the cross­ing of the creek, and there is a possibility of emigrants pursuing the wrong route. I do not deem it amiss to give some particulars in relation to this road. Mr. Meek, who had been engaged as our pilot, but had previously went in advance of the companies who had employed him, and who had after reaching Fort Hall, fitted up a party to pilot through to Oregon, informed the emigrants that he could, by taking up this stream to near its source, and then striking across the plains, so as to intersect the old road near to the mouth of Deshutes or Falls river, save about one hundred and fifty miles travel; also that he was perfectly familiar with the country through which the proposed route lay, as he had traveled it; that no difficulty or danger attended its travel. He succeeded in inducing about two hundred families to pursue this route; they accord­ingly directed their course to the left, up this creek, about ten days previous to our arrival at the forks.

 

Mary Ann Boatman- We are crawling at a snail pace making our way to the Snake River Mountains, after a long and hard pull for both man and teames. We are now making the ascent, at times, it seems as if it will be an impos­sibility to make the summit of the mountains on the account of the jaded condition of the teames. But after a long and hard drive the summit is reached. Water is hauld for cookin and dish washing. The cattle had to be driven some distant for water and grass. Wood was plentiful as we had been deprived of proper fuel so long. We were not satisfied with a ordinary camp fire as wood was so easy obtained. In a very short time smoke was curling skyward and flames leaping high in the air. All glad that one more hard climb had been accom­plished in safety. The night was passed in quiet rest for those who had the opportunity of lying down to rest and sleep. As for the men on guard, it was about the same old story, tired and no chance to rest, only on the hard, cold earth.

 

Agnes Stewart- We parted our company yesterday, the Stevensons and Buckenhams taking the old road, and the Loves and Stewarts taking the new road going south from the old one. Some say it is much nearer, and some say not. We will soon find out.

 

Mary Black- We passed through Boise yesterday. Considerable place. Bought sack of oats there. Then met a man hauling in a load and traded the elk hide for another sack, $11. Came about 5 mile. Fed on oats. Camped at a ranch. We came on with some mule teams from Mo. going to Oregon. McClure wanted to fall in with White again. McMurrain is not going as far as we are. I am writing during a halt to fill water kegs.

 

Editor’s Note: Sadly, we are to lose Agnes Stewart’s account of the Oregon Trail, as her wagon train cut west to follow the first part of Meek’s Cutoff. They suffered many hardships on this part of the journey and had become lost in the Cascade Mountains, less than 50 miles from their goal in the Willamette River Valley. They were rescued by settlers from the other side of this mountain range who set out to find them when they heard about their plight from the few that got through. Agnes was one of the ones who were rescued. She later married one of the members of the wagon train. They had five children and lived the rest of their lives in the Willamette Valley.

     For those traveling on the traditional route to Oregon City, there are only 380 miles to go to Oregon City.

 

89th Day

 

Father Lempfrit- Throughout the night we had high winds and violent squally weather. It was extremely cold. There was nearly half an inch of ice on our pails. The trail got worse all the time. The mountains here are sheer cut peaks. We camped near the River Brulee [Burnt River].

 

Medorem Crawford- Started at 7-1/2 o’clock left the Creek our road led mostly through vallies we found more grass & and less sage than common came to a little water at 10 o'clock but concluded not to stop. Exceedingly warm came to a small stream at 2 o’clock & camped. Cattle far behind & much fatigued traveled 16 m.

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled about twenty miles; ten miles brought us to a sulphur spring, and ten miles more to Birch creek, where we encamped. The country is considerably rolling, and much of it barren: no timber found.

 

Mary Black- Came over some very rocky, dusty, hilly roads. Stopped and hired pasture at 25 cts pr. head. Sold the shot gun for 1 1/4 oz. of gold dust valued at $20. Sold Old Sorrel for $25.

 

Celinda Hines- Went about seven miles to Grand Ronde. Camped near a pretty mountain stream. Indian loeges near. Thronged with Indians during our stay. Some belong to the Kayuses, some to the Nez Perces. ..Before noon we met many, mostly women on ponies, who said they were traveling to the Shoshone country. They had peas with them for food which they would swap for flour or bread. One proposed to swap her baby for a skirt. I found the Indians ready to trade at Bannack Creek. Here we find Indians with some very nice salmon for sale and we all got a good supply. They will trade them for powder, lead, caps, bread, beads, brass nails, old shirts, or almost anything you have. ..where the Indians catch their salmon in traps.

 

Editor's Quote-

The end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time.

T.S Elliot, Little Gidding

 

90th Day

 

Father Lempfrit- The night has been very cold. We left at 8 o'clock. About 2 o'clock we witnessed a little comedy! Two of our men who had ridden on ahead of us were waiting for us on top of a small hill. When we saw them one of our Ameri­cans said, "Those are Indians, this time it really is the Walla Walla murderers wait­ing for us. Come on everyone, to arms!" And they at once readied themselves in a defensive position and walked with guns at their sides. A number of our Americans had forgotten the name the Indians call the French and trembling with anxiety they asked me what the name was. I told them they should reply "Tabibo" if questioned. Soon, however, I could laugh at their fear. We recognized our own people. Their gallantry was thus simply denied to them! [The wagon train was near present-day Durkee, OR.]

 

Medorem Crawford- Started at 7-1/2 followed down the stream found Snake River close by followed it down about one mile & struck across a mountain.  Came to a creek at 10 o’clock. Stopped for dinner 3 hours our path wound along the sides of mountains & frightful precipices & in many places if our animals make one miss-step it would be certain death. The path continued up & down rocky hills until we came to a good camping ground about 5 o’clock traviled 13 m.

 

Joel Palmer- We traveled about eight miles; three miles brought us to Snake river, and five more to Burnt river. The road is hilly but good; the country mountainous. Here is a good camp.

 

Mary Black- There is a large pack train encamped at this place. About 10 Oclock. We have crossed the Snake again & waiting for the balance of the wagons to come over. They make quick trips and drive two wagons with 4 horses on at a time. We brought all over at one load, except our led mare, Puss. Tilla is very sick with diahrea & the road today has been rough. We are now in Oregon. We encamped on Burnt river, [near Huntington on I-84] passed some packers that had lost some of their stock. Old Mr. Durham is very uneasy. John went out with the stock to stay all night.

 

Eliza McAuley, 1852. At dinner time a very intelligent Indian named Poro came to our camp. He says he has been to the Missouri River and seen steamboats and explained by signs what they were like. He seems to understand the customs of the whites very well. In the afternoon he came again, bringing his little boy, four or five years old He interpreted a number of Indian words for us... Poro visited us again and brought his friend Pavee to see us.. .Old Poro came along about ten o clock and stayed a long time, teaching us his language. It pleases him very much to see us try to learn it. Poro came twice today to bid us goodbye and feels very sad about our going.

​

​​

​

Go to next page

​

​