Days on the Road: Crossing the Plains in 1865Herndon, Sarah Raymond
History
Days on the Road: Crossing the Plains in 1865
Herndon, Sarah Raymond
Overland journeys to the Pacific; West (U.S.) -- Description and travel
We were up bright and early this morning. By the time other camps were
at breakfast we were ready to start, one other family with us, Mr.
Curry, his wife and four boys. When Hillhouse spoke to the captain
about our going on, he said he thought it advisable, as our teams are
in good condition, the cattle not at all lame. We can make much better
time than the train can, as so many of the cattle are lame, they will
be obliged to travel slowly. There is no danger from Indians, and after
we reach Green River pasture will be plentiful, without going away from
camp to find it.
I climbed into Mrs. Hardinbrooke’s wagon to tell her good-bye, kissed
little Annie as she was sweetly sleeping. Mrs. H. seemed sorry to have
us go. I met Dr. Fletcher as I was leaving Mrs. Hardinbrooke and asked
about Neelie.
“She is very low, indeed. Of course, while there is life we may hope;
but if she lives they will have to stay here a week or ten days.”
I did not tell him we were leaving, but said good morning, and went to
find Lyde. She was worried and anxious about Milt. He has been staying
behind the train to drive lame oxen almost every day since he has been
well enough. He is usually in camp by 10 P. M. Last night he did not
come. She said, “Brother Joe is quite sick, too. I wonder what will
happen next?”
“Oh, Lyde, no very serious calamity has happened to you or yours, nor
me or mine. Let us not borrow trouble, but hope for the best. Milt will
be here in a little while. I know he is able to take care of himself,
and he is going to do it.”
WE LEAVE THE TRAIN.
The wagons had started, so I mounted Dick and was off. As I came into
the road I looked back, and saw Milt coming in sight, driving his lame
oxen. I left the road once more and went to Frasier’s grave. His son
has set it with prickly pears, so closely that it will make a pretty
mound if it grows, and will be a protection from wolves, unless their
hides are thick and tough. Poor boy, he must have been seriously
scratched while transplanting the prickly things, but perhaps it was a
relief to his mental suffering, to bear physical pain while trying to
do a last something for his poor father.
I spent a dreary morning. I feel the parting with our friends so
distressingly. It is not likely we will meet again in this life. I
think Sim is feeling blue over it, too.
We met a squad of soldiers from Green River going to arrest
Hosstetter, and take him to Fort Bridger for trial. They say his trial
was not legal. He and all the witnesses will have to go by the way of
Fort Bridger, and will perhaps be detained for some time. I do hope for
his own and his family’s sake he will be cleared. The upper road from
Rock Springs goes by the way of Fort Bridger, I think, for the soldiers
spoke as if it was not on this road.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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