Leave camp at 10 o’clock for the Kansas River. We cross two or three small streams and pass some Indian settlements, and arrive at the Kaw River ferry in season to cross our horses and mules and a part of our baggage before night.
The ferry-boat is made from hewn planks framed together, bearing a very strong resemblance to a raft.
The river is about 650 feet in width, with a rapid and muddy current. This is one of the three or four streams that contribute to render the waters of the Missouri so very muddy.
On the right bank of the river is situated a small Indian village, known as Uniontown, which, together with the Indian population, contains a few white men who have taken Indian women for their wives.
Two or three of the Mount Washington company are seriously attacked with cholera, but they recovered during the night. (Distance, 15 miles.)
Tuesday, June 5.
It was quite late in the afternoon before we had succeeded in getting all of our mules, horses, cattle and baggage over the river, consequently we did not move our camp today.
The Pottawatomie tribe of Indians that inhabit this section of the country is quite numerous and is in a partial state of civilization. They are cultivating the soil to considerable extent and raise wheat, corn and potatoes in moderate quantities. We purchased of them some flour and two or three Indian ponies.
One or two of our company are talking some of leaving our company and joining some other party, but they concluded to continue with us.
Wednesday, June 6.