NEGenWeb Project
Resource Center
On-Line Library

34

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

 April, continued

household furnature and are going to select a gift Lot in Saratoga pitch their tent and go to work. Imediately after dinner I shall go up with them to select their lot

     They brought a present for me from Harriet it was a small paper box about eight or ten inches square in which was a fruit cake a piece of sponge cake a lemon and some nuts, with a line requesting me to dived with Cook  You see I am remembered by some one

     Today's mail brings me a letter from Mr. Adams, from which I learn all are well at home I would like the information to come from home itself. The letter was dated April 10th  It contained intelligence of the final result of Thomas & Lathrops failure. Notwithstanding all they done towards, I feel sorry for them  Misery you know loves company. I am glad to learn that Irwin and Frank are in Auburn

     The weather has become pleasant and business is on the move and our town filled with Strangers. Cooperstown is well represented one store here has four clerks from C. two of the number is J. Collins and Parley Johnson during the arrivals of the last week Joseph McNeal and Wm. Pitcher came to town to work at gardening, Mr Tuttle sent them on

     Evening  Went up immediately after dinner with My Centralia friends and staked out a lot in Saratoga. They at once despatched a team for their effect they had two waggon loads, they were to arrange their boxes in the form of a hollow square put up their stove cook their first meal in the territory, and sleep the first night under their tent tomorrow they will have up a temporary cabin covered with cloth. This is the correct way to do instead of paying six dollars per week for board and they will fare about as well as to board their Company consists of four one person is only fourteen years of age and he is to be their Cook. The weather is fine and they will have great times. They have a violin and base viol with them to make evening music I have an invitation to dine with them on wild duck as soon as they shoot one. Their location is lot ten in block 266 near the Trinity house which I find is beginning to look up some I noticed seven commencements of new buildings since I was last up to Saratoga  What a change there will be in the next two months

     Returning to Mr. Estabrooks at 5 o'clock I found the horses ready for my second horseback ride with Augusta and we had a pleasant ride for an hour before tea

     While I am writing in my room Mr. Estabrook and his family are in the sitting room making fine music Mr. E. is playing the violin and singing base  Mrs E. and the little girl are singing other parts and they fill the house with music

     This day I go into the streets where I am at home and acquainted and I feel like a stranger there are so many strange faces here, and this evening the streets are filled with the elite of Omaha. I could not believe there was so many moving bundles of dry goods in town. The silks and satins are fluttering on Farnnham Street equal to our No!  Your Main st. Buffalo ain't no where when Compared to Omaha or Saratoga. We are a fast people here, last fall when I was here there was not a piano in town, now there is over a dozen.


April, continued.  

TO NEBRASKA IN '57

35

     There has been a few Omaha Indians in town today they are splendid looking fellows, finely and gaudily dressed in all the trappings of the proudest red men. I would attempt a description but have not time to night as it is bed time will do so hereafter. The Omahas are a great contrast to the filthy Pawnees who go half naked. I could look a half day on the noble Omahas

     Friday noon 24th -- Took a horse back ride up to Saratoga to give directions about buildings, found my friends had got a load of lumber and commenced their house had a fine time the past night, had a carpet spread on the prarie and every thing comfortable the cabin formed by boxes was not high enough to stand up in the stove was outside. Continued my ride up to Florence

     SATURDAY 25 -- Another Sad Chapter in My diary.  Among the passengers that came up the river when I did was a Mr Baker his wife son and daughter from Western New York. Mr Bakar came here in the winter and made arrangements to establish a nursery got 300,000 trees and grafts at Rochester and started early with his famly for Omaha. His son was eleven years of age and his daughter seven. The little girl on the boat was taken down with the Whooping Cough and the first day was quite sick with a high fever.  after that was well except her Cough which was severe. At St. Joseph Mr Bakers family was among the number that were obliged to wait for another boat to go up to Omaha  They came up on the steamer "Silver heels" on Sunday the 12 the same time Mr and Mrs Smith, which I have written about, came up. The little girl was around the cabin but one Eye was red as blood from Coughing which had strained her Eyes very much. The boy had been taken with the hay fever and was confined to his bed. They were acquaintance of Mr Goodwill of this place, who took them in charge. From time to time I learned both the children were quite sick. Yesterday I had started to go up to Saratoga in the afternoon was met by Mr Goodwill who told me both the children were dead and it was then time for the funeral. The girl had died at noon and the boy at evening of the day previous. I attended the funeral, and you may readily imagine it was a heartrending scene. The only children of the family a boy and girl lay side by side in their. . . seperate coffins The little girl had on, in her coffin, a string of coral beads to which was attached a little lockett. You cannot conceive the feelings the sight gave me. The balance of the afternoon was a gloomy one to me. Oh how homesick I was

     There was a large funeral and all seemed to sympathise with the afflicted parents. Such is the incidents of life and we must submit, heartrending as they are to us

     Having written this much since breakfast and mended Miss Augusta's doll for her company today I will leave my writing and walk up to Saratoga on business

     At Saratoga we found our Carpenters had got their frame up and a canvass over it and were writing for their families. Mr. Warner and myself selected our gift lots and intend commencing our improvements soon and when we are obliged to leave our present boarding house we shall keep house by ourselves. We may have to leave when Mrs E commences house cleaning as


36

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

 April, continued

she thinks of visiting her friends in Wisconsin this summer. As long as they keep any one Mr Warner and myself can stay

     The traveling has so much improved across the State of Iowa Mr. Cook got his letter today which he usually gets on Mondays. I have been seven weeks away and got one letter. I was to have one every week when I left  Think not because I write every day and you know every act of mine of interest, and know that I am well, that I have no interest in hearing occasionally from home. I will however stop my complainings and say no more about your not writing, act your own pleasure. And at the same time remember I am not where I can pass my time as pleasantly as among relatives and friends. But on the borders of Civilization with but little to relieve the monotony of pionier life

     Sunday 26 --We have a cold raw wind from the north making it unpleasant out of doors and I have been content to remain within today, reading "the hills of the Shatemuc."

     The first bell in nebraska was hung yesterday on the Methodist church and to day we have "The sound of a churchgoing bell" It is a small affair and sounds like the Market bell of Buffalo, but will answer for Omaha  We shall have one worth hearing on the Presbyterian church we are to build in Saratoga this Summer. Br. Cook called down this evening and spent an hour or two.

     Monday 27 -- Nothing of importance today other than the acceptance of my proposition by the Saratoga Company. Went up and staked out my lot. A delightful day

     Tuesday 28 -- Spent the day in the Saratoga Enterprise  Have partially agreed to put up a warehouse in Saratoga. The Steamer St Mary's is up today Received a letter from Cousin Benjamin of Memphis. The family were greatly disappointed at not seeing me there as I wrote them. Some of the family waited home two weeks for me. We have had a summer day this. We have no springs here it steps at once from winter to summer

     Wednesday, 29 -- Took Mr. Estabrook's horse and buggy and rode down some six or eight miles to a sawmill where there was oak timber and ordered some fence posts saw'd for my Saratoga lots where I am to put up a cabin. The buggy ride was over a most delightful country having a variety of prarie and timber land. I went alone and had all pleasure to myself. Some of the farmers on the route are living in a hole in the ground for want of time to build better dwellings. The farmers are destined to become wealthy if they half work as their land will yield the greatest abundance and they have a market almost at their own door. What a wonderful change has taken place on this side of the river in three years.

     Got home from the Mill to a late dinner, spent the afternoon in figuring

     Thursday, 30 -- Have passed a very unpleasant night Soon after going to bed last evening, I went to sleep and awoke again in an hour after. I had dreamed I was, as I am, far away from home. Intelligence reached me of the death and burial of Sophia. My mind was so troubled it was a long while before I could get to sleep again, and when I did sleep my dreams were the same. My Brother Frank came to tell me what I had before heard of, Sophias death.


April, continued.  

TO NEBRASKA IN '57

37

     Then one after another came my relatives to sympathize with me at last came Mate who like the others told me the circumstances and expressed much sympathy. All however looked upon as the only mourner.

     I awoke as many as a dozen times during the night but as soon as I got to sleep again the dreams haunted me and so great was my grief I would awake again but could not keep awake. There is a great deal of scarlet fever here and there has a number of children died with it. We were talking of it yesterday afternoon. I suppose that is one cause of dreaming as I did. My mind is this morning in Buffalo

     The Steamer "E. H. Gordon" is up from St. Louis. I am now going down to see what is on board

     Found the "Gordon" well loaded with grain and lumber also brought up some one hundred Danes bound for Salt Lake to join the Mormons

     Between eight and nine o'clock a slow drizzelling rain from the north east set in, and we have had a north easter all day the rain is just what is wanted here. I only went out when the Great Eastern mail came in. And I got at the Post office --What do you think? A letter! No! fifty cents worth of postage stamps and the Herald of Freedom from Mr Brown. A gloomy lonesom day

     Friday May 1, 1857 -- The storm which was raging last night at bed time, spent its fury before morning and the sun rose clear with a fair prospect of one of the finest days of the season. After breakfast went up to the office to Mail some papers and found four numbers of The Home for Mr. Hall who works for Cook. I never saw The Home look so well. Its familiar face wore a happy smile. It seems better printered and on better paper than it used to be. I presume that is occasioned by the distance it is from the office where it eminates, as printing offices are never the neatest places in the world. I feel a stronger attachment for "The Home" than I ever did before the articles seem improved and the magazine generally wears an air of prosperity. I hope it will be sufficiently remunerative to warrant its continuance by its present publishers it is one of the best publications, if not the very best in the country, and it must and will continue to be appreciated and its circulation extended. It is an honor to the publishers and I wish my name might remain as one of the publishers if only in name alone

     Saturday 2d -- Went over to Council Bluffs with Mr Estabrook, his family and Judge Wakely  Went in the family Carriage. I found no taxes had been as yet assessed on our Iowa lands. Went alone upon the highest bluff by the burying ground where is a most splendid prospect, comprising in one view St Marys twelve miles below, Omaha Saratoga and Florance opposite. From this point I intend taking a birdseye view of the Trio City the Great City of the "Great West"

     At Bluff City I met Hubbel Kelley who used to be one of my school and play mates when I was the age little Irwin is now and went to school on "Whipple Hill." We have met but once or twice since that time. I recognized him by the paculiarity of his voice  He has been here but a few days has come out West to seek a position. We had a long talk of old times


38

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

  May, continued.

     I also met at the Bluffs S. M. Hall of Van Watters poetical Geographia fame. He had hunted for me all the morning at Omaha decided to return to Omaha where we met at five o'clock. Mr Hall got a buggy and we had the finest ride imaginable over the Saratoga platt. Mr. Hall thinks of purchasing a share if he can get one he was delighted with the location just as we crossed the ferry between four and five o'clock on our return from the Bluffs, the Steamer "Silver heels" came up with colors flying and a band of music which was animating in the extreme. She gives a dance to the Omaha people this evening taking them on board and going up to Florance by moonlight there finishing the dance and returning tomorrow morning

     The Steamer "Hannidal" came up during the night and was laying at our levee this morning. She had on board 200 Danes going to join the Mormons. Her cargo was mostly lumber we can now get pine siding for $50. per thousand planed and matched pine flooring $65. per thousand and pine shingles for $7.50 per thousand. This is cheaper than we ever expected to get pine lumber here, it will probably be the standard price and is cheap enough

     Among the wonders of Bluff City I saw an old Mormon 80 years of age who is sensible on all subjects but one, and that one is that he will live two or three hundred years yet and raise a large family of children. He is a widower now. He once married the widow of Morgan who was said to be murdered by the Masons during the great Anti-Masonic times which I can but just remember.

     It is evening, a delightful one, and the closing in of a delightful day. The Silver heels has started up the river with her load of merry dancers. I had no desire to be one of the company still it is almost too pleasant to stay in the house. But I will go to bed, and see what a Morrow will bring forth.

     Sunday Morning May 3d -- The Steamer "Emma" came up during the night. I got up early and went down on board, found a friend of Mr Leidy whose acquaintance I made while here last fall he tells me Mr. Leidy and family are at Davenport going to come around by St. Louis and bring up a ready made house. I shall be pleased to see him and his family he seems an old acquaintance.

     The Silverheels returned this morning and our levee looks quite business like with three steamers in port besides the Ferry Boat

     Just ready for church waiting for the second bell. Another steamer has just reached our levee making four here this morning The "Silver heels" and "Hannibal" are starting down. From the window where I board we can see all the movements of the boats, Every arrival and departure. Mr. Estabrook coming in reports the last boat to be "the Asa Wilgus" and is going up as far as Sioux City

     Have been to church for the first time in Nebraska listened to a discourse by Mr. Gaylord old school Presbyterian. like him very well.

     But for the breeze which is blowing freshly from the South we should have a very hot day, as it is, it is the hottest of the Season. Immediately after dinner I took off my Coat and boots, put on slippers and wrapper, and straightened out on the lounge to take my ease. The door stood wide open and I had


May, continued. 

TO NEBRASKA IN '57

39

a fine view of the boats at the levee and up the River for miles. The view also comprised a greater part of Saratoga the most prominent feature of which was the spot I have selected near the spring. My imagination reared a little cottage there and peopled it with my family the children chasing gophers in the wild prarie grass. My wife reading a letter from the east and myself in the doorway in my easy chair watching the steamers coming up the river or with my spy glass peeping into Mr Estabrooks where I now am. This pleasant revery was broken up by Mr Hall's hurrying in for a share of Saratoga  The boat was to leave in twenty five minutes. he had the promise of one tomorrow but could not wait, I gave him mine and he counted me out the gold it made a rich handfull for both of my hands. I shall get another tomorrow and hope to make a few dollars on it. Mr Hall left in a hurry to return with a house.

     Monday, 4th  Waited around town for the arrival of the Mail which was a heavy one. It brought nothing for me. Tried to find a share of Saratoga at my own price think I shall get one for a little less than the one I sold.

     This evening had a fine April shower accompanied with thunder and lightning. Spent the evening in drawing plans for my business house or place. At bed time the Steamer Emigrant came in from St Louis.

     Tuesday 5th  Finished drawing my plans and went up to Saratoga to meet the Surveyors, but did not find them. Selected two lots for men to build on, who had just come in on the boat  Returned to Omaha just before noon and as usual repaired 'at once to the Post office got two papers an Express and Republic from Robert. Met Mr Cook who told me he had taken out letters for me and given them to Mr. Estabrook. When Mr E. came down to dinner he was disposed to have a little sport with me as I had been complaining so long about not getting letters, but the fact of my having heard he had the letters prevented the anticipated sport at My expence  One letter was from Brother Frank another enclosed one from my wife son and daughter each all of which was read with the deepest interest and proved very exilerating, Inspiring me with renewed energy. Answered letters in the afternoon

     Wednesday 6th  According to previous arangernents hired a team to go down after my fence posts found them not touched. The proprietor of the mill sent me word once they would not be done as first promised, but would be done this day sure. I had hired a team been to all the expence and without gaining anything this is characteristic of business in Nebraska. We want more prompt enerjetic working business men here than we have it is just the place for such men to make money.

     I do not expect now to get my posts as I will not go after them again or pay more for them delivered than I was to get them for at the Mail it is getting late for a garden and I can do without a fence at present.

     My trip to the mill was not wholly without interist as we saw some sights new to me. A prarie squirrel, a snake five feet long and a wild turkey. When we saw the turkey we were, on the bottoms near the mill in the timber. it was a large gobbler and ran across the road ahead of us and up the bank. If I had had a shotgun I could have killed it. fired four charges from my revolver at him the distance was to far to have the balls take effect even if they had hit


40

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

 May, continued.

him. At the mill they informed us the wild turkeys were pleanty in the vicinity. Could hear them every morning about daylight. What a chance for Sporting Wild ducks are as pleanty as sparrows in the east

     About dark this evening the steamer "Washington City" came in three weeks from St Louis is a lower Mississippi boat and too large for the upper trade there is some talk here this evening about purchasing it and keeping it as a hotel at our levee. The boat had on 50,000 feet lumber and some shingles, also a good supply of passengers 75 of which are bound to St Johns a Catholic colony near Sioux City to which place their fare is paid. The captain refuses to go farther and the passengers insist he must or refund their mony what the result will be we cannot tell.

     Thursday 7  This days mail brought me a letter and two papers from Mr. Adams. The Republic and the Advocate. I think Mr Robe's hits Mr Lathrop rather hard. Answered Roberts letter and attended a meeting of the Sulphur Spring Land Co. The Company refused to ratify the proposition accepted from me by the donating Committy, on the ground that they had refused heretofore by a vote to donate any lots in the block from which I made my selections. They were pleased with my project and proposition and appointed Mr. Wm. G. Brown to negotiate with me on even more liberal terms in some other quarter. I refuse however to negotiate on any terms as I have now abandoned the project entirely and am glad the matter has taken the turn it has

     Purchased a share of Saratoga to replace the one I let Mr Hall have made something (#oll.) by the operation. Agreed to go over the river in the morning and set some men to work on, and superinted the building of a large flat-boat for ferrying over teams and wood for the brick makers. The flatboat is for the Company who furnish one thousand cord of wood for the brick men. The Company have contracted 2,000,000 brick to be made this season.

     Owing to the absence of Mr. Tuttle the drawing is again posponed and will not come off until next Thursday the 14th  No further postponement will be made even if Mr Tuttle should not arrive. The steamer Washington was bought today for $15,000 for a hotel.

     Friday, 8.  During last night we had a fine Thunder shower. This morning it is clear and warm the wind blowing a gale from the South. The wind has blowed harder today than any day since I have been here. Still it has been oppressively hot all day and by noon the dust began to fly which together with the glaring sun and hot air from the oven down south has made it very unpleasant out of doors The ferry boat has not ventured out until since sundown so that it was not possible to go over to see about the flatboat. The ferry boat being delayed has prevented our receiving a mail today

     Saturday, 9. -- The south wind which went down with the sun last evening changed about and this morning was in the north. by nine o'clock it was in the north west and blew nearly as hard as yesterday. The ferry boat only made one trip for the mail and that with difficulty went up to Saratoga found men at work grading Pacific avenue down the beach on to the bottom. After


May, continued.  

TO NEBRASKA IN '57

41

dinner signed papers for one of the gift Lots on Saratoga Avenue and assisted Mr Brown in preparing for the drawing. I think I never witnessed such a change in the weather under a bright sun. Yesterday the thermometer went up to 80 today it is almost freezing cold making a fire necessary for comfort, still the sun is shining as bright as it did yesterday, the change is owing to the wind being in a different quarter

     Saturday night has come again it is to me the most lonesome Evening of the week and one which I long to be at home to spend. I must not dwell to much upon home for there will doubtless be many long weeks before I can again be with my Family

     Mr Warner sold two lots which he paid $110. for not quite a year ago for $600. such business will pay.

     Sunday, 10. -- The wind has blown but little today still it is cold and a fire very comfortable. Wrote during. the forenoon to Irwin and Sophia. After lunch rode up to Saratoga with Mr. Estabrook and family after which I wrote Sister Sarah. just as I finished the letter some Indians came to the house with two ponies. The Indians were acquainted with Mr Estabrook. The party consisted of a chief his squaw and two of his children the oldest a squaw as large as her mother the other a boy about 14 years old. The chiefs name is Corax belongs to the Pawne tribe and is their War chief. He is the best looking Pawnie I have seen is six feet tall and well proportioned speaks very little english he says "Mr Estabrook good Semokaman" meaning white man. The chief had on mocasins leggins breech-cloth and a large Buffalo skin held on by a band across his sholders. This completed his clothing. He carried a large bow and quiver of arrows, ornaments in his ears and on his head. He let his Robe fall down to his waist leaving his back breast and arms perfectly naked giving him a noble look as he stood up erect, his hands crossed in front of him. What he could not speak in english he made known by signs which were made the most gracefull and almost seemed to speak, they were so plain any one could understand them. He was given some supper on a separate table after which he called in his squaws and boy to eat, then went away. After tea we were in the parlor the family were singing and Mr E. playing on his violin when Mr Chief walked in and took his seat on the lounge with the rest. What a contrast and the same time how noble he looked.

     Monday, 11. -- This day was advertised for the sale of Park lots to complete the Capitol. the sale did Not Commence until 4 o'clock P. M. Six lots were sold for some over $6000, which was not what was expected they would bring.  accordingly the sale was adjourned to some future day when the balance will be sold. Mr Warner wishing to attend the sale nothing else was done. Steamer Admiral up from St Louis.

     Our Chief and his family were admited into the kitchen last night where they slept on the floor.

     Tuesday, 12. -- Devoted the forenoon to going over into Iowa oil business connected with the flat boat. Afternoon rainy. In accordance with a previous arangement went up at 10 P. M. to sit up with Mr Goodwill who is


42

THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY

 May, continued.

very low with typhoid fever. other persons were there and my services were not required. returned as I went, in the midst of a drenching rain, which wet my clothing through to my skin in many place

     Wednesday, 13. -- Not well this morning have symptoms of my old complaint. It has rained all night and is dark and lowry but warm. vegitation looks fine.

     The Chief and his family are still in the vicinity. Corax has swapped his Buffalo Robe for a blanket got on a shirt, old vest and a hat with a red band around it he is neither white man or indian in dress now, His mongrel suit takes away much of his noble looks.

     The steamer Edinburgh came in this noon with a large lot of lumber, and as the boats all are full of passengers, at bed time felt well as usual except somewhat homesick. Weather more cool tonight.

     Thursday, 14. -- Disagreeably wet and cold. did not leave the house until ten o'clock when Mr. Campbell, late book keeper for Cutter & Deforest, of Buffalo called on me. he came in yesterday on the Edenburgh. Is boarding at the steamboat lately purchased for a Hotel. I went down to the boat with him and found Mr De Puy wife and infant daughter. My presence cheered up Mr De Puy although Mr Campbell said he dreaded to meet me  Mr De Puy looks old and broken spirited. has placed every thing in Campbells hands who manages for him and is his financier and director  It was quite a pleasant interview with DePuy and Campbell, seemed like home again

     Afternoon spent with Saratoga Co arranging the drawing. A strong west wind has prevented the Ferry from crossing until near night. A mail then came over and I received the May noumbers of the "Home" and "Casket" still I do not receive letters from home as I should. I ought to have one every week as regular as the weeks come I have thus far only received one a month

     Friday, 15. -- Spent an hour or two posting up Mr Campbell and DePuy, the balance of the day until ten at night assisted in arranging the ballots for the Saratoga drawing.

     Saturday, 16. -- The Steamer "Omaha" came in this morning discharged her freight for this place and passed up on her way to Sioux City. Completed the ballots for the drawing about nine o'clock this evening. Having been kept busy for the past few days I have felt the most contented since I came here.

     A large wolf had the impudence to come over the bluff into town this morning about nine o'clock and probably would have killed a young colt a few hours old had he not been discovered. He left followed closely by a couple of dogs who chased him out on the prarie

     About noon our Chief Corax left for the Pawnee Camp some Sixty Miles west. The last day of his stop in town he pitched his tent within four rods of Mr Estabrooks When I came to dinner I watched them pack their ponies The chief and his son held the ponies while the squaws done the work of packing and taking down the tent. As I stood looking at them I thought squaws were just the persons to have when one wants to move, as they will make such small parsels of their effects which at first sight would seem sufficient for a waggon


May, continued. 

TO NEBRASKA IN '57

43

load. We were at dinner when they left. Corax came to the door to bid us good-by. He had taken of his dress in which he tried to appear like a white man, and looked better than ever his only change in dress which differed from what he wore on his arrival was a banditti hat and a fire red blanket bordered with a strip of white about six inches wide. His quiver was hung across his shoulders and his bow was in his hand. His broad chest and brawny arms were naked except two or three bands of some bright metal which ornamented the latter. At the door he said "Corax, Estabrook, Pawnee house," then put his hands together and shook them, pointed to the west. To me he said "Semokeman Pawnee house" and made the motions and signs as before His signs ment that if we would come to his house at the Pawnee village he would treat us kindly give us corn and meat and a nice tent to sleep under when the sun went down. When I went out from dinner I could see the party going up the bluff out of town Corax ahead the squaws leading the ponies and the boy behind

     Corax is about forty years old. It is said of him that he has probably scalped more white people crossing the plains than any Pawnee of the tribe. He is however a most noble specimen of the Indian, and is at peace and friendly with the whites. The Pawnees south of the Platt River claim the lands in a certain vicinity and do not allow the whites to settle there unless they are paid for the lands they are about making a treaty. The Indians have been greatly wronged, and as a general thing when there is Indian depredations the Whites are the first aggressors

     The Pawnees were once numerous and very powerfull, and most to be dreaded of all the western indians. In their wars with the Sioux and their intercourse with the Whites they have become as week as they were once powerfull, and are the most low filthy and degraded race in the west They use no fire-arms there only weopens are the hatchet and bow and arrows their arrows are steel pointed, and the same arrow that is used to kill a squirrel will kill a Buffalo. I have perhaps said enough about the Pawnees. Their relics are on every hand and it will be long years before they are entirely efaced by civilization. Among the curiosities of this place is the remains of old fort Crogan

     Sunday, 17 -- A delightfull day. Immediately after breakfast I started off alone to indulge in one of my most favorite enjoyments that is a Sabbath day walk entirely by myself. I had a very pleasant time indeed, the grass is up sufficient to give the prarie such a color as I never saw it dressed in before, which color is pea green. The sun shone bright but there was sufficient breeze to prevent its being too warm. I went up to Saratoga where I had not been for a week. great changes had taken place in the way of buildings comenced and the grading of Pacific Avenue. Went up to the lot I have selected and plucked some flowers two of which I will send to Sophia, in my first letter to her. Crossed the platt or table land from my lot by going west on Saratoga Avenue over the bluff to Mr. Tuttles farm. here I found garden vegetables far advanced and two men Joseph McNeal and Wm. Pitcher from Coopers-

Horz. bar

Prior page
Names index
Next page

© 2001 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller