I went across about three miles to an Indian village. They have very comfortable log cabins, and were at work turning up the prairie with the plow; and apparently some of them have very good farms, and appear to be partially civilized, and seem to be in a fair way to give up their former nomadic way of life in exchange for civilization, and gain their livelihood by tilling the soil, instead of pursuing the chase. This, probably, is one of the most civilized tribes, and the great majority of our wild Indians must be expected to cling to their ancient manners and customs for many years in the future.
Thursday, May 31.
The weather is fair and pleasant.
Edward Moon, Esq., secretary of our company, being very much out of health, turned back and left the company for Boston.
This is the second one of our company who has given up going to California and returned to his home.
Many are turning back with their teams, having become discouraged in anticipation of the long and tedious journey before them; large numbers are dying daily of cholera and other fatal diseases.
Leave camp at one o’clock and travel about four miles, where we cross a small river running south; and later, we cross a low, wet, swampy prairie about one and one-half miles in width, after which we travel six miles and camp.
Land today principally prairie, with some cottonwood timber along the streams. Soil excellent. (Distance traveled, 12 miles.)
Friday, June 1.
A beautiful morning. We leave camp at 9 o’clock this morning and travel about twenty miles, over a rolling prairie, without wood or water. Camp in the afternoon about one-half miles west of the road.