April 7, 1862 Monday

It is raining very hard this morning. I went through the rain to see John Brown but he had just started for the city. I have been up to Mr. Beckman's after my school money. Only got a part. Came to the Doctor's. Been out in the kitchen with Kate all evening.

April 8 Tuesday

Got an order from the Director's and drew my money. Settled with John Harrison and also my board bill with the Doctor. Came home by the mill. Have been to see John Brown but he cannot take me out West.

April 9 Wednesday

Have been lying about the house all day. Very rainy today.

April 10 Thursday

Rainy today and I am loafing.

April 11 Friday

Have been working a little in the garden today.

April 12 Saturday

Have been working in the garden today.

April 13 Sunday

I have been to church today. Mr. Watson preached a very good sermon.

April 14 Monday

I have been talking some with Tom Short about going out West with him. Shall know tomorrow.

April 15 Tuesday

I have been to Springfield today. Mr. Watson and his wife went with us. Have given up going to Washington. Ty Cousins horse was sick on the road home and acted very curious. I gave him some salt when I got home and he is all right again. Been over to Mr. Watson's a few minutes this eave.

April 16 Wednesday

I have been working in the garden today-dug a ditch on the West side. Mother came home from Springfield with Mr. Hopper today.

Sally was over here this evening and I went home with her.

April 17 Thursday

I have been setting out hedge around the church today. We have had several small showers today-it is raining very hard this evening. I think this is the heaviest shower we have had this year.

April 18 Friday

I finished setting out hedge around the church this forenoon and have been trimming appletrees and working in the Doctors garden this afternoon. I went after some raspberries for the Doctor and had a pleasant chat with S_ (Sally) She seems so changed .. so cold!

April 19 Saturday

I rode Cousins's horse down to Mr. Whitney's and to Springfield today and bought a coat and pants for $12. Truman bought his western suit today for $25. Mr. Whitney made me an offer of $18 per month today. It has been a very pleasant day.

April 20 Sunday

I attended Church this morning. Mr. Watson's text was: They that are whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. It was an excellent sermon .. He used a good many illustrations. It is cold and rainy this afternoon.

April 21 Monday

When I got up this morning it was snowing and continued for two hours. I have been sewing on the machine

this forenoon.

Went down town this afternoon after the papers. Doctor gave me .25 for it. Got a mite wet. It stopped

raining just as I got home.

April 22 Tuesday

I went to see about the new school but did not find any of the Directors at home. Truman starts for Soles tomorrow and if he comes back I will go to the mines with him. He says he will see me through.

April 23 Wednesday

Went into Springfield this morning-made arrangements to exchange my things should I want to go. Truman starts at 8. I went up to see Sant tonight. He is quite well-was ploughing when I arrived.

April 24 Thursday

Hawley came home today from the plains. Rained some last night. Got home before ten. I have been shopping and fixing up to start--Got a letter from Tru so think I shall not go. Been down to the Whitney's­made arrangements to work with him.

April 25 Friday

I have been working in the garden this forenoon. Planted potatoes, corn, peas, beans. Some of our peas and radishes, (planted earlier) are up and looking fine. Have been out hunting this afternoon .. Killed twelve rabbits and two quail. Pleasant day.

April 26 Saturday

I have been fixing a frame for grapes and went over to the P.O. this forenoon. Went out hunting and fishing this afternoon. Caught one fish and shot eleven rabbits. It has been a very pleasant day. Took some apples over to Lib. There is a choir meeting at H. Plyman;s tonight.

April 27 Sunday

I have been to Church this forenoon and was much surprised to see Truman there., I have been up to his house this afternoon and concluded to go out West. Have been packing and trying to get someone to take me to the cars. Bid Lib and Kate goodbye.

April 28 Monday

Slept well for the first night on board. Grey started out after breakfast to purchase provisions. We all got our tickets this morning. They were $100 each. We have been buying all sorts of little things today. We were all taken to the police station on account of Tru Shore looking like someone else. Went to Catlin;s today--also to see Jenny Clark and to the theatre tonight.

April 30 Wednesday

We started our trip at half-past three this afternoon. Weather was very pleasant. I was on the tramp all day until we started and feel very tired this evening. We are all in fine spirits. There are four ladies on board. We got into the Missouri just after sundown. One man badly hurt firing salute when we started. Have been on upper deck this evening. We tied up at about nine and went to bed.

May 1, 1862 Thursday

Very pleasant but rather chilly this morning. We were under way before I was up. Clerk's hat blew off this morning. A boy fell overboard and got wet last night. Ducks flew along ahead of us and lit this morning. Stopped at St. Charles. Took on pilot and corn .. Stopped at five o'clock to wood. Grey had a tumble today. Went to bed about nine. Passed some very fine scenery today ... one cave.

May 2 Friday

Very pleasant today. They stopped to wood before I got up. Passed Harmon at 8 this morning. Stopped to wood at ten. Wrote a letter to Mother also one to Father this morning. Someone's hat blew off making four so far. Passed Portland at half past one today. We passed six new bridges. Old ones were burned by rebels last fall. Did not stop at Jefferson City.

May 3 Saturday

Very pleasant today with very little wind. Passed some beautiful scenery. Stopped at Booneville and once to wood. Mailed two letters at Booneville. Shot my revolver off when we stopped to wood. We passed several little towns. The boys have been shooting at the ducks .. some shooting with revolvers.

May 4 Sunday

A fellow came round before I was up and said breakfast was ready. I have been reading a book named "Strange Story". Had my boots blacked at the steward. Passed Glasgow and several other little towns. Ate half a lemon this afternoon-do not feel very well. Arrived at Lexington at half past eleven. Grey and Tru and I ran up on a hill. We took on a lot of coal at Lexington. Then I came down and went to bed.

May 5 Monday

Arose this morning just in time for breakfast. Have been reading that Strange Story. Like it very well. We arrived at Kansas City about six this evening. When we laid up for the night the boys set the timber on fire and had a big time. I have been playing checkers.

May 6 Tuesday

Fine morning. I feel rather dull. Saw some buildings at Kansas City that were burned by the Jay Hawkers. The Captain has forbid us to shoot any more and posted notices to that effect. We passed Leavenworth City and Fort Leavenworth this afternoon. Have read The Monarch's Last Bride today. Had a run when we stopped to wood.

May 7 Wednesday

Pleasant day. We laid by until nine o'clock to fix a flue which was out of order. Have been shooting and jumping. Am just even with Charlie. We arrived at St. Joe about eleven. I changed my pants and bought a few other things that I needed. We only stayed one and a half hours. We have been up on deck all evening.

Went to bed about ten.

May 8 Thursday

Clear and pleasant. The boat tied up about 12 last night and started about three this morning. S-- shot a water snake when we stopped to wood. Took on 2 new passengers at St. Joe yesterday. We have been aground twice this afternoon but only for a few minutes. Read a tale of life on the Yellowstone today. Saw a half-breed Injin today. Been on deck most of the evening.

May 9 Friday

Read a book this forenoon entitled Stella--Iiked it very well. Sowle took a shave this morning. West Wind, A steamer, passed us today. We passed the mouth of the Platte at three this afternoon. We stopped at Omaha at half past six this evening. Did not stay long. Passed Council Bluffs this afternoon. Charlie got St. Louis papers.

May 10 Saturday

We passed a long ridge of sandy bluffs yesterday. I feel dull this morning. Boy in bad fix on board. Pretty day. I played checkers half of yesterday afternoon. Read book called Cabin Boy. Pretty good. Two men bound for Fort Berthold came on board at Omaha last night. Played checkers two hours this afternoon. Have been reading. We stopped and the passengers got off and helped them spar just before supper.

May 11 Sunday

Went to bed about sundown last night. Feel pretty well this morning. Pleasant day. Have been writing a letter home this morning. Saw my first Indian at Decatur this morning. Saw another company at the Omaha Mission this afternoon. Charlie hit one of the squaws with an apple when we stopped to wood. Cast our anchor on an island tonight.

May 12 Monday

One or two small showers today. We reached Sioux City a little before 12 today. Got a heel put on my boot, drank a glass of Lager and tore around town until half past one when boat started. Saw more Indians at Sioux City. Set up five cents for them to shoot at. Saw a handsome half-breed. Looked intelligent too. Took quite a fancy to her.

May 13 Tuesday

We had a shower this morning and the air is cool and refreshing. We are in a very shallow place this morning. They bought and killed an ox yesterday. Slept all forenoon except for a little while that I was reading Pickwick Papers. Pretty warm about 12. Been reading and sleeping this afternoon. Tied up at the foot of a bluff. Several of us went to the top and back.

May 14 Wednesday

We have been making very good time this morning. Quite warm today. Passed Jaques River this morning. Reached Yankton a little before noon. Yane, Gov. of Dakota and his house came on board. Captain gave them a big treat and when they went ashore we gave them some cheers and fired as parting salute. We ran onto a sand bar about two and are not off yet. Been reading Pickwick today. Sowle is sick. Did not get off sand bar until sundown. Captain tied right up for night. Took tramp and then came back and talked with Charlie until bed time.

May 15 Thursday

Rainy this morning. Cleared up about noon and is quite pleasant. Clambered to top of bluffs when we stopped to wood. Have written a letter home today and read Pickwick. The country is not so broken today as usual and there are more folks and cabins. Tied up about three miles from the Yankton Mission tonight., Passed river named Running Water.

May 16 Friday

Took a good wash all over last night and slept like a Turk. Did not get up until we landed at Yankton Mission where we stayed until noon. Saw two buffalo calves and bought some Indian pipes. Stopped at Fort Randall about two hours. Real pretty place. 300 soldiers. Commander and Lieutenant came from Yankton Mission with us and two ladies also. Tied up about nine.

May 17 Saturday

Saw a large party of Indians just at sundown last night. Quite cold yesterday and colder today. Shall have to keep close to the fire today. Have been reading Pickwick. Played checkers with steward this afternoon. Stopped to wood near a pretty creek. Country very broken a good deal of rock. Sowle is a little better today. Truman is not very well. He took a big glass of brandy tonight.

May 18 Sunday

We are aground this morning. The wind blows cold. It is cloudy. I went ashore with several others. The little Shreveport, our boat, is lying along side sand bar with her rudder broken. We started again about noon. We had a great time getting the little Shreveport back. Been running well this afternoon.

May 19 Monday

Cloudy but warmer. Sowle is better and Truman too. Read story entitled Taking Of The Bastile this afternoon. Twenty of us started across the Karmichigan Bend this afternoon. Had a big time. Killed a young buffalo. Saw some antelopes. Went to one Indian camping ground and then to another. Very tired. We built a big fire and roasted some of the buffalo. It was the finest meat that I ever ate. Set bluffs on fire and went to sleep. Boat came at nine o'clock. Got in mud some in getting on boat.

May 20 Tuesday

Got up early this morning. Comfortably warm today. Feel a little stiff after my tramp yesterday. Took a long tramp over the bluffs when we stopped to wood this morning. Saw a large drove of antelopes and also some buffalo about noon today. Captain stopped for Sub to shoot at antelope but he did not hit it. We all got off a few minutes but did not find anything.

May 21 Wednesday

Pleasant day. Little shower this afternoon. About sixteen of the passengers started out to hunt when the boat stopped to wood, I among them. I shot at an antelope at about 200 yards but did not get it. Charlie, Indian Bopee and Henry killed a buffalo calf. Bopee and three others started out on a hunt after the boat stopped tonight.

May 22 Thursday

Very pleasant today. See some game along the banks. Stopped at the mouth of the Sheyenne to wood. Tru and I found an Indian Medicine. The boys came in about ten. They killed a buffalo, three antelope and one buck rabbit. Captain gave the four hunter a good treat. Saw several flocks of antelope and some buffalo this afternoon. Played checkers and lounged. Barren bluffs along the river. Sowle better. Tru got the bowel complaint again.

May 23 Friday

Very pleasant day. Can sit on deck all of the time comfortable. Wind blowing from behind so that the game smell us. Sub wounded a deer from the boat. Met a mackinaw boat loaded with furs this forenoon. Sent a letter to Mother by it. Met 25 Rees on the warpath. They came on board and got their supper. Gave us their war dance. Liked their looks. Read Brigand today. Chopped wood some. Saw three droves of buffalos and a good many antelope.

May 24 Saturday

Mosquitoes troubled us a good deal last night. I saw a brother-in-law of Bopee among Indians last night. I saw a small mountain covered with snow. It was one of three and the first I have seen. Passed the mouth of a river. Saw very little game today. A good many mosquitoes tonight. Hunters went out today. Did not get any game. Wind wrong.

May 25 Sunday

Cool and pleasant this morning but hot in the middle of the day. Read The Red Rover's Daughter, or Elfreda, yesterday. Good story. Some bears came down to the boat last night. Our passengers are all making kinnikinnic and smoking it, now. Sowle fixed his fishing tackle today. I have been reading the Peon Prince today and several short stories. Plenty of snow along the bluffs today. Party of hunters got off a little while but did not get anything. Big prairie fire on our right tonight. Ran until after 11.

May 26 Monday

Pleasant morning. Scenery not so many bluffs as of late. Clerk acted like a fool this morning. Bopee shot an otter, a beaver, and a wolf today. Have been reading Ivan, The Serf today. Good story. Truman is getting better. Has been writing letters home today. Laid up early. Bopee skinned the otter and beaver.

Captain Joseph LaBarge (1815-1899)

May 27 Tuesday

I have been reading some today. It is a pleasant day. We reached Fort Clark this afternoon. I tramped through the old fort and also through the village which was occupied until winter. The Sioux burnt part of it when the Rees were at Fort Berthold. They have commenced building there again. We have been out to their graveyard ... Smallpox killed a great many here six years ago.

May 28 Wednesday

Pleasant day. I have been reading one of the Weekly novels. Today we met a war party of the Gros Ventres. Tied up about 2 this afternoon. Some of the passengers got horses of the Indians and went on to Fort Berthold, six miles from here. Sowle and I have been up on the bluffs. Some pretty scenery here. Some Indians came down in their bull boats. Ate supper and am going to stay on board all night.

May 29 Thursday

Cloudy this morning. Rained some during the day. We arrived at the fort about nine. There were 4 or 5 hundred Indians on the bluff waiting for us and no end to the dogs. Went to Bopee's house and saw his squaw. Went into the fort and all through the village. Stopped at the Rees village until 11 o'clock. It is two mile above the fort. Saw some nice robes-one of otter. Five Indians going to Fort Union with us. Scenery wild and beautiful. Read Uniezekiel.

May 30 Friday

Pleasant morning. River rising fast. Rose 3 inches last night in 6 hours. One of the passengers shot a wolf from the boat this morning and wounded another. We had a great time chasing a buffalo just after dinner and killed one just after supper. It was a big bull. We all shot him. The Indians have been dressing him. Played checkers a good deal today. Scenery abrupt bluffs or mountains rising several hundred feet-chalk color-a good many veins of coal to be seen in them. Some very curious shaped ones.

May 31 Saturday

One of the pleasantest of pleasant days. Weber shot a young buck antelope this morning when we stopped to wood. We met three buffalo swimming the river about a quarter to ten. Almost everyone shot. I killed one. Shot him back of the ear. Drew shot a deer this morning, and one of the deck passengers shot one of the largest deer I have ever seen this afternoon. Tru and some others cut down a tree and got a nest of ravens.

June 1, 1862 Sunday

We stopped early last night. Drew caught two fish. River rising fast today. Rose 4 inches last night. There were six fish caught when we stopped to wood this morning. I broke a line and lost a good hook. Took a good rest and a wash this afternoon. Read a book entitled Emerald Necklace. Pretty good. Stopped to wood at a very pretty place this afternoon. Saw deserted Indian village. Took a short walk. Mosquitoes very thick. Twelve fish caught today. Fished some but did not get a bite.

June 2 Monday

Pleasant day. Cool and comfortable. Captain and Dedric shot a young buffalo along the shore this morning. Saw a herd swimming the river about ten and among us all, killed 4 more. Passed some big mountains this afternoon. Read Florida today. Saw buffalo swimming the river several times this afternoon. Saw antelope and elk at the mouth of the Yellowstone. We reached it just before sundown. Muddy river. Been fishing this evening-did not get any fish. Four white men came down the river just before we stopped. Passed an old fort just before we reached the mouth of the Yellowstone.

June 3 Tuesday

Cool, comfortable pleasant day. We reached Fort Union this morning before I was up. Took a tramp through it. Saw a man with feet frozen and another that was shot by the Sioux last July ... part of an arrow in him. Better buildings here than at any fort we have passed. Captain hired man and family here. Left about 2. Little news from mines. The new man went out hunting this evening. Passed the Big Muddy river a little before sundown. Read Nathan Todd today.

June 4 Wednesday

Today is pleasant again. Hunter killed a buffalo last night. I have been reading a book called Frontier Angle.

Pretty good. We met a mackinaw boat going down this morning. Finished a letter to Mother and sent it down by them. High barren rocks .. a great many buffalo. We passed the spot where the steamer Chippewa burned and blew up last year. Some of the iron in sight. Hunters went out to stay all night when we tied up. One of the deck

hands went with them. Sowle not quite so well. Took a good wash all over this evening  and Sowle did also.

June 5 Thursday

Pleasant day. River rising. Pretty wide bluffs and mountains to be seen this forenoon. Also high table lands and a good deal of timber. Hunter shot a deer just before he got on the boat this morning. Company held a council on deck this morning. Decided who should be our leaders before reaching Fort Benton. Grey, Perkins, and Watts elected as our committee when we get to Fort Benton to arrange for transporting our goods. Been lounging this forenoon. Great many geese on the river. Saw a good many buffalo on the prairie. Been on a sand bar about an hour this afternoon. We killed two buck antelope. Stopped at Fort Charles a little while this evening. Fort Charles was built last fall. it is in a bend of the river. We tied up early in the point of the bend. Truman caught four fish. Mosquitoes thick. Sowle not quite so well.

June 6 Friday

Pleasant day although cloudy this morning. Been sleeping, reading and playing checkers. Feel rather dull. Took on another man and woman this morning. The new man and our hunter have gone hunting tonight. Passed two little log huts. Cap bought wood from people who lived there ... two Frenchmen and their Assiniboin wives .. pretty good looking. One came on board and rode about a mile. Took down list of the names of the cabin passengers this evening. Sowle is a little better today. We tied up an hour before sundown. Boys all out hunting and fishing. We are within two miles of the Milk River tonight.

June 7 Saturday

We ran about a mile and a half above the mouth of the Milk River and lay there all day on account of the wind. Hunter came about noon. Had killed four deer about four miles above here. Captain sent yawl after them. Have not been well today. Went down to the mouth of the Milk River this afternoon. Did not get any fish. About 20 caught in all today. Men been cutting wood all day. Found elk horns. Put them up on a tree with a board with Elkhorn Landing on it.

June 8 Sunday

Feel pretty well only very weak. Killed a buffalo today. Saw a large bear and other game. Chopped wood and got sore hands. Ice gave out today. Sowle and I went for a walk this evening. Found some curious rock petrified grapes and other things. Splendid scenery .. big, broken bluffs, abrupt turns, cedars on sides of bluffs. We have been running well today. We were about an hour getting over a rapid this morning. Saw some game. Bluffs very barren in places ... coarse black dirt too rich for anything to grow on.

June 9 Monday

Been playing checkers with Truman. Quit even. Been out on deck late tonight. Tied up about 11. Some of the prettiest places I have seen on the river passed today. Saw many roses. Passed chalk bluffs just before sundown. River rising.

June 10 Tuesday

Pleasant day. Started early. I have been reading a book called Maniac's Secret this forenoon and one called Lynch Law this afternoon. Two deer killed today. Helped split wood this morning. Grey fixed my boot this afternoon. Sowle better. Hunter shot elk this afternoon. Shot at buffalo but did not get any. Saw big smoke where Indians had just been this afternoon. River rising. The river is in fairyland today. I have never seen such pretty places before. Passed heavy timber with wide, open meadows covered with turf and plenty of flowers. Mountains not so barren today. More grass on them. Had to tie up before sundown because of wind that came up suddenly. Saw a wild cat.

June 11 Wednesday

Started early. Very pleasant day. I have been reading some today. We killed three buffalos, one elk,three wolves. Been packing my things this afternoon. Passed the Judith Mountains, came in sight of the Little Rocky Mts. this afternoon. Bluffs lighter color and covered with pines near the river. Sowle improving. Saw a large drove of buffalos swimming the river this afternoon. Pleasant day. The boys have brought in another elk this evening. We tied up about seven miles below the mouth of the Judith River tonight.

June 12 Thursday

It has been raining all day. Rather cool this morning. Have seen several buffalo swimming the river today. Chas tried to fix my pistol this forenoon but gave it up. The spring in the trigger is broken. Have seen the highest mountains yet. Laid up early on account of rapids. Been fishing. Borrowed knife of Stewart. Going to sharpen it up and carry it a while. Charlie and I have been to the tops of two mountains today. Had two bites when I was fishing tonight. Sowle still improving. Saw some mountain sheep this afternoon.

June 13 Friday

We tried the rapids this morning. Captain said they would have to cordell over them so at it they went. Fastened the anchor a quarter above, attached a line to it and to capstan and then walked right up. It hasbeen raining all day. Greased boots this morning. Read some, played checkers. Had fire all day. Had a good tramp on the mountain last evening. Got into some pretty tight places and also dangerous ones. Saw a piece of nature's carving that beat anything I ever saw done by the hand of man. It was circular pile adorned with the most fantastic fresco work I ever saw. Saw some big holes. Laid up today as soon as we got over the rapids. Passengers all out of sorts because captain doesn't get along as fast as he can.

June 14 Saturday

We met a mackinaw boat this morning at 8 o'clock. One of the men came on board and is going to the mines. He had a boy with him. We had to cordell over another rapid this morning and one this afternoon. Stopped to wood this afternoon and I went up on the bluffs and helped chop down some pines. We had a great time rolling them down. Been raining some today. We laid up at the foot of a small island tonight about 6 o'clock. Boys had a great time drilling this evening. Found a prickly pear flower. Some splendid flowers up here and in great variety. Took a tramp over the bluff when they were cordelling over the rapids this afternoon. Saw some buffalo.

June 15 Sunday

We arrived at the Deadman's Rapids at half past 8 this morning, wooded and carried the line ahead and were ready to cordell when the Emilie came in sight. There was a great running upon the deck and a great cheering. They fired a salute. Our captain was up the river so we did not return it. Hunters killed a buffalo today. Been raining a great deal today. We walked across a bend and pulled the Emilie up the rapids. She pulled the Shreveport up. Met Charles Gourley on board. Took dinner there. Had a good one. Been on board the Emilie all afternoon. We went back to meeting there this evening. It was a good sermon of its kind. They had music.

Wood cut of "Emilie"

June 16 Monday

We started early this morning and have been running well all day. The clouds have passed away and we have clear weather again. Spent most of the forenoon getting my things together and packing. We had a fair glimpse of the Judith Mountains this afternoon and also a glimpse of the Rocky Mountains. We are wooding near the mouth of the Marias River tonight. I expect we shall tie up near here. We saw the peaks of the Rocky Mountains some 80 miles distant. We have all been writing letters today. We have seen some very curious rock monuments and other things. We are getting out of the steep bluffs.

June 17 Tuesday

We arrived at Fort Benton about noon today. It is a pretty place. I have been writing to Emma this forenoon and tramping all about this afternoon. Plenty of ponies, oxen, cows and wagons here. We have talked to the agent here. He says he will take us through as cheap as anyone. We made a man an offer of $125 to take us and baggage to Fort Owens ... that is for 2500 pounds. Pleasant as one could wish. Some of the squaws are drunk this evening. We had a meeting to vote our thanks to Captain LaBarge They have been christening the new company Fort LaBarge tonight. Had some speeches. The squaws look more like civilized folks up here. Some very good-looking half-breeds. We had a big dinner today.

 The layout would be very similar in 1862. This would be Henry Pond's destination by steamboat

 Fort Benton 1860

June 18 Wednesday

We have been taking care of our freight and baggage today. We pitched our tents as soon as we could get our breakfast and spent the forenoon in dividing our provisions and things this afternoon. We had our baggage weighted and settled our freight bill. It was $11. We were all invited on board the Emilie today to dinner. Had a feast. Been tramping this afternoon. Indians drunk and making music. Clark came in from the other boat today. One of our three missing men came in. One of them is sick. They have gone after the other two. Haven't got any teams yet. Weber and Co. bought wagon and teams for $280.

June 19 Thursday

We all took breakfast on the Shreveport this,morning. Commenced camp life this noon. Had tongue and crackers for dinner and tongue, crackers and milk for supper. Boat got loose about noon. We all caught her. Went into the river and took a wash today. The current is very swift. Have been trying to get a conveyance all day. Nothing certain has turned up as yet. An old miner from Deer Lodge came in today .. says the mines will pay $5 per day and reports sundries very high. Casteel got two ponies, Vreeland three. 50 ponies came in today. They ask $80 per head for them.

June 20 Friday

We made an arrangement this morning with a man by the name of Morgan (some relation to the Morgans of Richland) to take 112 pounds apiece for us to Deer Lodge for $20 apiece. It has been hot. Mosquitoes troublesome in the middle of the day. We have been storing the things we want to leave and weighing such as we want to take. The Key West left here about 12 today. I sent a letter home by her. Our man is tight so we shall not get off today. Had a good walk on the bluffs tonight. Could see two ranges of mountains. Shot at a jackrabbit. Mining company sent some of their things out tonight. Cooked some peaches this evening. Cool tonight.

             

June 22 Sunday

It has been quite pleasant today. We had a little shower this afternoon. Morgan came down and packed our things ready for a start in the morning. Spread Eagle started about 3 this afternoon. She came in above us and then got a good start to show off. Some firing done when she started. She did not run as fast as the Emilie did. I have been reading some. Sowle and Catlin each sent letters by the Spread Eagle. Some have started out for the mines today. We expect to start tomorrow morning. Skeeters just as thick as ever. Henry disposed of his certificate today.

June 23 Monday

We had a little thundershower this afternoon and a good deal of wind. We arose early this morning and got our breakfast which consisted of ham, crackers, and milk. Morgan came early and finished putting our things into packs. We put the packs on the horses backs and started on foot for the mines between 2 and 3 this afternoon. Camped on the river in a very pleasant spot. Surrounded by big hills. First we went to the boat and got us some breakfast and then went to the fort and got some milk out of which we all made a food dinner. The country over which we traveled this afternoon mostly level and near the river. We all washed out feet in the river this evening.

June 24 Tuesday

Pleasant and rather warm. We arose early and were getting our breakfast when a very sad accident occurred. One man shot his son while getting his gun out of the tent. The ball entered his abdomen and passed upward. It was a sad sight and reminds one of the shortness of life. He lived nearly an hour. Seemed to endure a great deal of pain. Died twenty minutes after five. We buried him and then started. We stopped at a spring at noon.

Thunder shower came up- wind blew. We could hardly hold our tent, let alone pitch it. We passed 3 large prairie dog villages. They are curious creatures. We started at 4 for the lake and got there at 8. Some of us started out before Morgan and got there an hour ahead of him. Met 3 parties of Indians. Got ready for a fight but did not have to. Mosquitoes are thick. My feet were sore this morning but tonight they are almost blistered.

June 25 Wednesday

Can hear falls very plain this morning. we are twelve miles from them. They sound like a train of cars at a distance. We got into a very miry place this afternoon. Some of the horses laid down and we took off their packs. We made 24 miles today. We tramped 16 miles this forenoon. We camped on Muddy Creek. Took off my boots and waded. I rode about half an hour this morning. We saw the mountains covered with snow.

It was a splendid sight when the sun rose this morning. We arrived at Sun River Crossing a little before sundown. Found Weber and Co. at the farm. Boys all feel stiff. There is a big camp of Indians near. Weber and party had a hard time getting here. Some of the boys have been up to the farm this evening. I have been smoking to keep the mosquitoes off while I cook some beans.

June 26 Thursday

Pleasant when we got up. We had a heavy thunder shower this afternoon. I got wet through. Was helping to make a raft to take a few men over to get the boat into the river. We finished it and launched it before the shower. The men went across and have been working all afternoon. Had a muddy time of it. Been fixing boughs in our tent. Crippen and some of his company came down this morning. Mosquitoes very troublesome today. Some of the deck hands came in today. Some of the government stuck in the mud at the spring. Cooked beans and peaches today. The boys have got the boat into the river. It is cool this evening.

June 27 Friday

After supper last night we went down and put the line around a tree and put props under and tightened it. We have been wet all day. It has been quite pleasant today. Morgan could not find his horses this evening. He shot a rabbit while hunting for them. Five lodges of Indians camped just above us. Lost a shovel today. Cool tonight. Truman and some of the other boys had to stay over the river last night supperless when the boat got stuck. Billy took them over some eatables early this morning. We all worked on a raft which we completed about 11. Made two trips. I went over the second time. Working until after 3 in mud and water, we got line across and boat out about 4.

June 28 Saturday

  Warm and pleasant this morning. Our rabbit was excellent. We helped about 50 men and their baggage across the river this morning. Henry traded his watch for a pony with some men from Hellgate. They had 40. We lost a shovel here. Mosquitoes are very thick this evening. Morgan hired two Indians to hunt his horses.

 They started after them early and got back with them a little after noon. They found them about 8 miles from camp. We packed up and crossed the river this afternoon. Several others came across at the same time. We camped on the high ground near the river.

June 29 Sunday

We packed up, ate our breakfast, and started at about 7 this morning. Arrived at a nice spring 12 miles from the river at noon. Morgan stopped at ferry to help some more across. Met Worden and 8 ox teams of 5 yokes each this forenoon. Passed crown Butte some 8 miles from river. Some rough ground today. We started after dinner. Did not cook dinner. Henry shot a prairie hen this morning. Ate all our crackers today. We went 5 miles to Bird Tail Rock where we waited until Morgan came. We went on 3 miles to spring and camped. Some other company went on further. I went up on a mountain after wood and found some strawberries. They were real good and reminded me of ours at home.

June 30 Monday

Bryant caught 5 fish at noon today. One trout. We crossed Beaver Creek about 7 this evening and reached our camping ground on Prickly Pear Creek after dark. Had to wade. We passed one of the pettiest little creeks this forenoon that I have ever seen. Gave my feet a bath in it. Great variety of flowers. Today 2 pack horses ran off, scattering things around. Pleasant day today. Fine walking. This morning 4 of us went on ahead of the train and it did not catch up until near noon. Killed a large rattlesnake today. Met 7 teams and a large drove of cattle today ... Grant among them and we sent our receipts back by him for our goods .. Stopped for dinner on the banks of Dearborn River. Had a swim. Water was very cold and also ran very swift.

July 1 1862 Tuesday

Started about 8 this morning and camped for noon 10 miles up Prickly Pear. Have crossed it 5 times. have been passing through the mountains and some of the finest scenery I ever saw. Mountains covered with pines, spruce. Passed Medicine Rock about a mile from where we are camped. We went about 25 miles yesterday and today. We borrowed 3 pails of flour tonight and 6 Ibs. of bacon fromn Grey this morning. Crossed Prickly Pear again this evening and camped about 3 miles from it. We were on the summits of the mountains yesterday and today. I have broken their wagon. Boys caught 19 trout. Road is over the mountains and very rough. It has been very warm. One of our horses got stuck and another's back is hurt.

July 2 Wednesday

Today we had to pack one of our riding horses. We are camped on Big Prickly Pear tonight in a canyon. It is a wild romantic place. We have come about 26 miles today. Drew says that the Indians are after us. They want two of our horses. We have had mountains all around us today. Passed over 2. It is quite chilly this evening and I am very tired. Tried prospecting tonight but did not even find a color. Saw elk and 2 antelope but did not shoot any. We left some men about 4 miles behind but they overtook us before noon. Morgan had some trouble with his packs. Some of us went ahead and had to wait at Meadow Creek about an hour for him. We camped there and ate our dinner. Henry went on with Casteel. Drew and Dr. Young overtook us at Willow Creek. They went on to prospect.

July 3 Thursday

It was rather cold sleeping last night. Sowle and I got breakfast. When all the horses were about packed, Perkins and I started out and our train has not caught up yet, (1 o'clock).

We crossed the summit of the Rocky Mountains about 7 this morning. Got some snow. Have been coming up Prickly Pear bottom this morning. Crossed 5 or 6 times. Boys caught some trout today. Morgan came up at 2 o'clock and we camped on Blackfoot near Battle Rock. We started at 3 o'clock and camped on Dead Dog Creek on the trail. Other companies have gone on the wagon road. We passed round a mud hole. They went through it. I caught one trout and Truman caught 8 more so we have enough for supper and breakfast tomorrow morning. They are excellent.

July 4 th Friday 1862

We followed Blackfoot today until we came to Hellgate River. I had about a pint of strawberries today. High mountains on each side of us. Saw several eagles. Have come about 5 miles today .. mighty long ones. I was the first one up this glorious 4th of July morning. Big frost. Had a great time starting fire. Saw the sun rise.

Cold last night. Feet very sore. One of my heels has a large blister on it and I am wearing Tru's moccasins. Morgan found a good ford and we led the horses across. Once Frenchman had a big time trying to cross. Lost his hat. We went five miles up Gold Creek to where they are mining. Got to the mines about 1 o'clock. Unpacked and pitched our tents in a fine grove of spruce on Mountainside. Paid Morgan and he has started back. Saw the men wash out some gold. Party went out prospecting but did not meet with success. Sowle and I have been fixing things in our tent and cooking beans and peaches. Henry and Casteel came tonight. We had some milk this afternoon.

July 6 Sunday

Have been mending my pants and fixing my things generally this morning. Had a pheasant for breakfast. Henry and Tom and Casteel have gone to the river this morning. Came back about 2 o'clock and went out on the mountains this afternoon. Some of the boys have been prospecting. bought 4 and 1/4 pounds of beef of Stewart this morning. I put a lot of spruce boughs in our bed last night. They made a fine bed and I slept warm. Did not get up very early. Had some fresh meat for dinner. Henry killed another pheasant today and found a moose horn. Have been reading and writing this afternoon. Some mosquitos tonight.

July 7 Monday

We had our bird for breakfast. Finished our beef today. We all worked on Perkins' claim prospecting this forenoon and I located our claims and have been ditching on one of them this afternoon. Had to work in water halfway up to our knees all the time. Hard work. I have damp feet and sore hands and feel tired tonight. One of the Mining Companies came in this evening. An express on his way to Walla stopped at Stewart's tonight. Boys all gone down to the valley mines this evening. Came home late.

July 8 Tuesday

Pleasant day. Sowle has gone out prospecting with Bryant, Thompson and Co. Henry and Becroft have been out part of the forenoon. Truman and I have been digging on our claim. We got 3 colors in one pan this evening. Jim Walton came in this evening-is in good spirits. We bought about 15 Ibs. of beef this evening­had a good supper. Tru baked some bread tonight.

July 9 Wednesday

Pleasant today. Did not go to work very early. Wrote some. Becroft talked of going home. He started this morning. Been at work all day in water halfway up to my knees. 3 colors tonight. Sowle came back this afternoon after provisions. They killed a bear and Henry has gone back after it. Sowle got his pistol as Jake and his party came in tonight.

July 10 Thursday

Henry went out and brought in the bear that the boys killed and we have lived on bear meat today. I like it as well as beef. It was a young bear. We worked on our claim this forenoon and done just nothing at all this afternoon. 2 or 3 little showers today. We have been cooking up our bear meat to keep it from spoiling. Sowle and Co. came in late this evening. They were very tired. Found as high as 40 colors to a pan. Vreeland and Weber came in today. Truman has fixed the sight on his gun. Got a little more flour of Thorp today.

July 11 Friday

We have all been digging on our claims today. We are digging it still deeper. Casteel and Co. built a shanty and moved in today. Weber, Crippen and Co. made us a visit this evening. Condie, Peters and Co. came in today. Are discouraged. Rather dull this evening. I have been getting supper. Cooked beans and peaches. Verten came in this afternoon. Our goods are on the road. Henry has been down to Blakes this evening.

July 12 Saturday

Pleasant. Henry has been making sluice boxes today. We have been digging deeper still. Found a nice little piece of gold worth about one cent in the pan this morning with about ten colors. Truman and I have been down to Gold Creek fishing this afternoon. I got very tired. Henry just about finished the sluice boxes. Truman and I had a good dish of bread and milk this afternoon.

July 13 Sunday

We did not get up early this morning. After breakfast we all got ready and went to hear Mr. Francis preach. We heard a very good sermon and had very good singing. I have been writing a letter home. Pleasant today. Casteel, Perkins, Higgins and some others have gone out prospecting today. Bryan went down and caught a lot of fish this morning. Boys got a coffee pot full of milk. We had a good dinner today and some milk left for supper.

July 14 Monday

Very pleasant day. Henry and Tru finished the sluices in the forenoon and I stayed up with Gourley. He made 10 dollars fixing watches today. We don't have water to run on our sluices profitably. Sowle came home late. Nothing encouraging. Bought 10 1/2 Ibs. of meat. Been fooling with our sluices all afternoon. Some of the mineral companies came in tonight. Our goods will be here in 4 days.

July 15 Tuesday

Truman has been washing some of his things this afternoon. Mineral Co. concluded to go to Salmon. Election here yesterday. Bought Sibs. of flour from Grey-20 cents a pound. Sowle stayed and cooked this morning. Tru and I have been running sluices. Made just nothing at all. Casteel moved them (sluices) up on his claim this afternoon. Drew took two dollars in lump today.

July 16 Wednesday

Grey and Charlie and Perkins went to Deer Lodge today to trade provisions for ponies. Boys made about .15 out of their claim today. Bought 8 Ibs. of beef--borrowed 10 Ibs. of flour from Wilson this evening. Read some today. It has been pleas;ant most of the day. Chilly this evening--Iittle shower in the morning. We have all been lounging today. I did some washing (gold) this morning. Found it pretty hard. Been up to Casteel's claim and reading this afternoon.

July 17 Thursday

I read John, the Darling of The Ladies, today. It was not very interesting-rather flat. I hear Grey has bought a horse for his watch and $40. Pleasant day. Truman and Henry have gone over to Deer Lodge. Tru had Becroft's horse. They started out about ten. Tried to hire out but could not. Sowle and I have been cooking and eating and reading all day.

July 18 Friday

Gourley bought a horse and saddle for $35 and Sowle bought a horse for $45 today. Casteel traded one of his horses for another. Sowle and I have spent the day cooking and eating as usual and mixing a little sleeping and reading with it. Truman and Henry came back this afternoon, Perkins with them. He got a horse for which he paid $85. Charlie has one for $75.

July 19 Saturday

Higgins offered his two horses for $135 cash and the other in trade. I think we can sell our things. I think we can sell some of our things to the Widow when they come and trade the rest to Higgins. He has laid off two of his hands. Boys been running around this forenoon. Truman has been down to Stuart's on Sowle's new horse. Gourley bought a watch case today. I have been reading the Earl's Daughter all day. Boys have been trying to trade for horses.

July 20 Sunday

Stuart tried to trade me his horse today. Gourley made $15 fixing watches. Blacksmith's son-in-law and daughter came in this morning. Had a talk witha man from Salmon today. I have been reading most all day.

Higgins came up and tried to sell us two of his horses this morning and has been looking at our goods. We did not trade. Henry and Perkins have gone to Deer Lodge and I went up to Stuart's tent this afternoon.

July 21 Monday

Truman has been washing some this afternoon. Grant came to get his horses shod today. Tru traded his rifle and a bottle of liquor for saddle. Weber left for Salmon today. Had hominy and milk for dinner, Gourley stayed with us last night. Truman and I went over to the lake today. Had a long walk over the mountains. Sawe some pretty pine poles and found some new berries-also some strawberries. Higgins took out $21.30 today. Reading and lounging the rest of the day.

July 22 Tuesday

Truman jumped into the creek after a fish that dropped off his hook. Got his feet wet. Hot today. We have been lounging all day. Truman went fishing again this afternoon. He caught three trout and we had them for supper. Boys have not come home yet. Stuart is working for Higgins today.

July 23 Wednesday

Henry traded his overcoat for an old saddle today. We had a great time shooting this morning. We killed two sage hens and 5 squirrels. Had some duplings (?) for supper. Perkins, Henry and Grey came in tonight. Our goods are almost here. Flour burst open. 24 Ibs. of flour wasted. One gold pan spoiled.

July 24 Thursday

Boys traded for 2 horses of Higgins this morning and sold off everything and have been settling up all around.

Henry and Truman have gone down to Dempsey's after saddles. They came back late. I have the prospect of getting a job from Worden.

July 25 Friday

I went down to see Mr. Worden after breakfast this morning and made a bargain to go and stay with him this fall and winter at $25 per month. Truman and the boys started for Salmon and Walla Walla this afternoon.

July 26 Saturday

Rather warm today. I helped get breakfast and then went down and helped Mr. Higgins dig on a prospect hole until a little after ten then came up and got dinner. Worked until about 4 on hole. Found 40 to the pan.

Fine day.

July 27 Sunday

I arose early this morning and got breakfast and Mr. Higgins and the rest of the boys went down to the river. Wrote a letter home--also one to Libby and Kate. Have been baking and getting supper. Gourley and Becroft ate dinner here.

July 28 Monday

Got breakfast and then parched coffee, cooked some meat and laid around until time to get dinner. It has been cloudy all day. We have had a nice shower.

July 30 Wednesday

Got breakfast, dinner, and supper today and baked some bread. Have been reading some. Thorp went down to the river today. Gourley says he has made $10 again today. Been pleasant.

July 31 Thursday

I have been shoveling into the sluice all day--hard. Took out $19.50. Higgins and Thorp have been over on Gold Creek and took up some claims today. They think they will pay. Millard and Moorehouse came tonight.

August 1 Friday 1862

I have been shoveling into the sluice today It is very hard work. Higgins and Thorp are over prospecting their claims today. They are not as good as they expected. Millard got up a stew pie for us today.

August 2 Saturday

I have been working on claim for Mr. Higgins today. We took out $23. Feel very tired tonight. Fingers very sore. Have had a little shower. Some more men cam in today. Played Malta, lost .25. Think I'll quit.

August 3 Sunday

Rainy. I have been cleaning up and writing some this forenoon and lounging this afternoon. Made an arrangement with Mr. Worden to stay here this winter in the store. Peter has been up.

August 4 Monday

I have been working on gold claim for Mr. Higgins today. We cleaned out the tail race and fixed riffles this afternoon. Took out a little over an ounce. Thorp and Millard have been down town. Thorp got a little tight and fell in the creek. Millard went fishing and caught some trout.

August 5 Tuesday

We had trout for breakfast. I have been mining today. We took out over $21. Had a little shower this afternoon. Thorp and Stewart talk of starting home tomorrow. Washed and cleaned up. Been down to the Widow's after some things this evening.

August 6 Wednesday

Packed up my things and hunted around until 9 to get someone to help me carry my things down to the store. Tom and Jake helped me and I commenced working for Worden and Higgins today. Laid sleepers and straightened some board for floor. Saw young Sayre and Morgan this morning.

August 7 Thursday

Dr. Ralston is here and some more of the Sangamon Co. boys. I have been laying floor and dressing lumber for shelves today. It is green lumber and very hard to dress and my planes are not in good order. Thorp and Stewart started home today. Worden's teams left for Fort Benton this morning.

August 8 Friday

Had to sleep in the store all alone last night. I have been putting up shelves and dressing more lumber for them today. Showers today. Ed is going to stay with me tonight. Good news from Beaverhead. They get from 2 to 20 cents a pan.

August 9 Saturday

I have been putting shelves and divisions between shelves and helping to open some goods. We opened some queensware and also some tinware. John is here tonight and will sleep with me.

August 10 Sunday

Did not get up very early this morning. Sold Peter a bill of $18.25 and Stuart a bill of $21.00 and some other little bill today. Helped Higgins about raising Madame's house this afternoon. Have been opening some goods today. Brought down sacks.

August 11 Monday

I got out one shelf and hung grind stone this morning. A great many have gone to Beaverhead today. Went to straightening lumber for floor. Straightened 18 boards and laid some of them. Have sold a very fair quantity of goods today. Ed has gone up to Dempsey's tonight. Had a big smoke with Dempsey this evening.

He is about half tight.

August 12 Tuesday

Some left for Beaverhead today. I have been laying the boards I got out yesterday and have been dressing some lumber for the counter. Smith hauled a load for us this morning. We had very little trade today. Worden gave me a bottle of ale at dinner. Weather fine.

August 13 Wednesday

I have been straightening lumber for laying floor today. Also dressing counter top. Counter legs came today.

Some men came from Elk City. Sayre came down today. Gourley is going over to Deer Lodge tomorrow.

August 14 Thursday

Pete killed beef today. I finished dressing lumber for the counter and then put it up. I have been bringing down goods opening and marking them. Gourley and company have gone over to Grant's. Pleasant weather.

August 15 Friday

I have been dressing lumber for door and casing today. We opened goods all the forenoon. Higgins has been down nearly all day and Worden and he are talking of going to Beaverhead tomorrow.

August 16 Saturday

I have been putting up door casing and making door today. A large train came in from the States today. Bad news from Beaverhead and Wand H are not going over now. Gourley is going to start for W-W tomorrow. I have been writing a letter to send by him.

August 17 Sunday

Pleasant but quite warm. Charlie started this morning. Sent a letter home by him. I cleaned up this morning before breakfast. Have taken some dust today. Worden was up all night and made some money at poker. Was playing some today.

August 18 Monday

I hung the front door this forenoon and have been in store all the rest of the day. A good many went on west today and others are going tomorrow. Trade dull. Bought 5 Ibs. of tobacco at .75. Weather is fine.

August 19 Tuesday

Worden started down to Hellgate this morning and I have been dressing lumber for back door. McCullac came about noon. Some more emigrants came in today. Wrote a letter home today. Going to send down river.

August 20 Wednesday

I have been making back door. Made and hung it. Bought a pair of drawers for $2.50 and a book of Frank Louten for .75. Some girls came to trade today. Had a pair of hinges made and staples for door fasteners.

August 21 Thursday

Weather is pretty warm in the middle of the day now. Some men on their way to Benton came and waked me up this morning. I put the facings on the outside of both doors today and have been lounging. Manning is playing Malta and has made about $75 today.

August 22 Friday

I have been getting out some lumber for facing the windows today and lounging the rest of the day, trade rather dull. Some Salmon fellows came in today. I have been playing Monte this evening. Made a big thing of it.

August 23 Saturday

Pleasant day. Rather warm. I laid all the lumber in the floor that I had on hand today. Salmon chaps still winning. I lent Stuart $200 and he has lost it all. Salmon chaps rather tight tonight. Been selling very little today.

August 24 Sunday

Have not sold much today. I had a little fuss with Charlie. Did not amount to much. He is very tight tonight.

Sold some whisky for Frank Louten today.

August 25 Monday

Got 300 feet of lumber hauled today. It has been a day of excitement. Salmon chaps are horse thieves. Bill was shot by one of the men from whom he had stolen a horse. Charlie and Ben were taken and prisoned and they are guarding them. This all happened just at dusk. Bull snapped his gun at Ben but the gun did not go off. Trade is dull today. Manning is with us tonight. I felt relieved when those men were taken.

August 26 Tuesday

Excitement has ruled the day today. This morning we had a meeting and voted by ballot to hang Ben and Charlie. But afterwards Ben's sentence was commuted and he was set free at 3 o'clock this afternoon. Charlie was hung at 2 o'clock today. It was a horrid sight. The last few days have been filled with sad sights­such sights as I hope never to witness again. Charlie was very cool. He did not even tremble when the rope was put around his neck. Manning is with me tonight. I have been getting out some more flooring today. Trade pretty good. Pleasant day.

August 27 Wednesday

I have been straightening some lumber and laying floor today. Major Graham and others came in from Hellgate today. I sent a letter to Worden by Bull today. I expect him here on the 5th. Minnesota train came in today. Very little trade today. Manning is going to stay with Peter this winter.

August 28 Thursday

Pleasant today. Sent for the rest of our lumber. Came about noon but was not sawed as I wanted it. Peter will commence on the windows tomorrow morning. Morgan came in this evening. I was called up twice this evening after I had gone to bed ... once to get Pete some oysters and once by Morgan.

August 29 Friday

Finished my floor today. Pleasant but rather warm. Peter has been at work for me making sash today. I made a reel for rope and spent about two hours untangling the rope and putting it on the reel and have been working on my bunk. Sent for 4 Ibs. of nails. Trade has been rather dull.

August 30 Saturday

Had to get up last night and get Peter some oysters. Opened a new case this morning. Did not get up until late this morning. Sun very hot today. Peter is at work for me today, worked some on my bunk today and finished it. A Pack train from below came in today. Good news from Pikes Peak Gulch. They are taking out an ounce to the man by the day. Fred Burr came in.

August 31 Sunday

Fred Burr did not bring very encouraging news from the Big Hole. Only 4 or 5 diggings. We had a great scare last night. A dog got into the store and we shot eight times at him thinking it was a man. It was 12 o'clock at night. Nothing new under the sun .. Peter has been making a door for Madame Peltier (Pelletier?) today.

Sept 1 1862 Monday

Peter has been at work on sash today. I have been making shutters. Not much trade. Feel rather under the

weather today.

Sept 2 Tuesday

Wall was down today. Windy and cloudy. Joe sent in word today that he was afraid of being attacked by a war party of Blackfeet and wants an escort. I have been talking with Stuart and Adams and have concluded not to send one.

Sept 3 Wednesday

Worden arrived from Hellgate last night about 12 o'clock. I was very glad to see him. Fine day. John is gone to Blackfoot. I am in good spirits. Worden is playing poker this evening. Trade is rather dull.

Sept 4 Thursday

We have had word from Joe. He has upset three wagons and broken one. Worden sent Harry with another wagon to straighten him out. Worden bought Parker out today. He is playing poker again tonight.

Sept 5 Friday

Manning is rather under the weather today. Peter finished the sash and I paid him. Had bars made and finished the shutters and put them up. Been marking goods and reading. Worden has been playing poker all day. Weather quite pleasant.

Sept 6 Saturday

Manning is not well today. Worden bought 175 skins of Major Graham today. Have been marking them and putting them up. McKeliop and Co. are fixing for a start today. Tom Campbell is here today. Been posting books today and reading.

Sept 7 Sunday

This morning Mr. Worden was so kind as to offer me a mule to ride and I, in company with Manning, rode to the Blackfoot and back and had a good time. Very little trade today. Ate a good many chokecherries.

Sept 8 Monday

Been reading Neenton Foster by Marryat. Mr. Worden and I have been packing some crockery and glassware to send below. Some came in from below today and report a packtrain of alcohol coming. Bob Pelky and John Jacobs have been amusing us with some music on violery this eve.

Sept 9 Tuesday

Quite cloudy this morning. Got up pretty early and spent all the forenoon in filling 3 small kegs with molasses. It was a sweet job ... decidedly sweet. We have sold the largest bill of goods today that we have sold in anyone day before. We sent Dawson's to him today. Read all the afternoon-bought a can of strawberries this eve.

Sept 10 Wednesday

Yesterday was a busy day with us. I am reading this that and the other. Worden's teams came in a little after noon today and Mr. Worden and I have been opening clothing and dry goods this evening. We find a good many things broken as the wagons all upset coming over and one of them is badly broken.

Sept 11 Thursday

We have been marking clothing and repacking all day today. Joe and all the rest of the drivers are tight today. Butler stripped and went into the creek and we had a good deal of fun about it. Pleasant day but turning cold this evening.

Sept 12 Friday

We have been opening and repacking goods all day. Men all drunk yet. Opened hardware and drugs this morning and have been marking some this evening. Worden is playing poker this evening. He made near $850 this afternoon and evening.

Sept 13 Saturday

Have been opening some more goods today and getting things ready to go below. Men are getting sober today. Charlie and Murrell are going to build down here. We have sold large bills today and have been quite busy. We finished packing to send below this evening.

Sept 14 Sunday

I got up early this morning and attended to loading the wagons and they started about noon and have been cleaning up since they left and have succeeded in making things look better and am quite tired this evening. Worden is playing poker this evening. Three men came in from below this evening.

Sept 15 Monday

I have been posting our books all the forenoon. Worden has been playing poker all day and I have been putting the backs on our doors this afternoon and hung one shutter. There has been quite a dispute about some claims here this evening.

Sept 16 Tuesday

We put up our new stove this forenoon. It was quite a job. It draws well and is a fine arrangement for this forsaken country. I have been opening some goods today and reading this that and the other this evening. Worden is copying bills this evening.

Sept 18 Thursday

Been fixing boxes and putting sugar and other things into them. Have had some trade today. Beaverhead folks, one Butcher. They report the mines rich. I am reading this that and the other and it makes me think of home and the kind friends I left there. I would like to see them all again.

Sept 19 Friday

Mr. Worden started for Hellgate this morning. I posted up the books. Been reading this that and the other and dreaming. I read awhile and then sit and think of the dear ones at home (one especially) and of the pleasant times which are passed. Very little trade today and it has seemed very lonesome.

Sept 20 Saturday

Thompson and Filley (?) teams start for Walla Walla this morning. Got some singing books of them and have been reading a good deal today. John did not get down from the mountain with his load of logs until bed time. The squaws had a great time this afternoon.

Sept 21 Sunday

Woody started for Beaverhead this morning and I have been posting the books. Pleasant day. I finished reading my book and have started the Vicar of Wakefield. Trade has been pretty lively today. Higgins has been down this afternoon and says he has got almost ready to commence sluicing.

Sept 22 Monday

Be-crest (?)(Burchett) and family were here today on their way to Beaverhead and traded some. Have had a good deal of trade today. Bill Hamilton is fixing for ranching at Cottonwood. I have been reading the Vicar of Wakefield today and I like it very well. Stuart fixed my revolver today.

Sept 23 Tuesday

I finished Vicar of Wakefield today and commenced reading Rassells. Have had a very good amount of trade today. Gave Jim some skins to make me some moccasins this evening. Morgan and John are at work on their house. Jim brought down a load of logs for Stuarts.

Sept 24 Wednesday

Some who came in yesterday from Beaverhead do not bring very good news. Bought a bottle of wine of Morgan yesterday. Burr has come in from Beaverhead. Did not do much for express. Finished Rassells and commenced reading Life on the Plains this evening. Very little trade today. Morgan and John been up after a load of logs today. Condin came in from Hellgate today.

Sept 25 Thursday

Dismal gloomy rainy disagreeable day. Grant started for Hellgate. Sent stove pipe down by him. Have been lounging and reading all day. Sold very little today. Minnesota train came in. Had an escort and cannon along. Have had a fire all day as it has been quite cold.

Sept 27 Saturday

Mountains are covered with snow this morning. I have sold a very good bill today. Bought some Maple sugar. Have had a fire all day. George and I have been talking of going into partnership when we go home.

It is warm and pleasant in the store this eav.

Sept 28 Sunday

Pleasant morning. Have had a great time trying to balance cash book. I could not do it. I have taken in a good deal of dust today. Minnesota train selling at auction this morning and bid off everything themselves. Higgins down this afternoon.

Sept 29 Monday

Very little trade. Took in about 40 dollars today. Been lounging all day. Minnesota train left this morning and I sent two letters that I wrote by them yesterday. Capt. was pretty drunk this morning.

Sept 30 Tuesday

Trade very dull. Some snow last night on mountains. Looks a good deal like winter. Been banking up the store this morning. Wood borrowed tent and has pitched it near the store. Been reading some. Burr killed some deer today.

Oct 1 1862 Wednesday

Cold today. Stormy this evening. Snowing some. Ned came down today and talks of going to work. Sold a big bill of goods to some men from Beaverhead. Been very busy this afternoon and eav. Peter came home today and our fare is better again.

Oct 2 Thursday

Woody came in this evening. Finished selling to my Beaverhead customers this morning. Their bill was over 500 dollars. Took some U.S. money. Made a table for Ned. Moonlight night. Everything looks fine. Snowing some this eav. Had a load of wood hauled.

Oct 3 Friday

Powell down today. Ned commenced work this morning. Big news from Beaverhead. Good days trade. Some men came in from Beaverhead and are trading this eav. They grumble a good deal because we only give them $16 for their dust.

Oct 4 Saturday

Cloudy cool and rather unpleasant. Beaverhead boys started this morning and three men came in from Walla Walla. More men in from Beaverhead this evening. Busy packing up to start for BH Monday.

Oct 5 Sunday

Got a letter from Worden today. Been trading with Wild and Fall all day. Have not had time to put on a clean shirt. Took $300 of Pikes Peak Retort this morning and some BH and some Treasure notes. Good days trade.

Oct 6 Monday

Got a letter ready and sent it home by Tom Pitt by way of Salt Lake. he and Murrell started this morning. This town is being deserted for BH .. allleaving today. Peter started to Benton after ropes. Good days trade. Rather cool. Been very busy. Saw a paper just brought through from W-W.

Oct 7 Tuesday

Stormy last night and has hardly been through all day. Snowing in spells yet. Cool. Fair trade considering the desertion of the place. McAdow came in today and brought some letters, Manning one among the rest but none for unlucky me. Played checkers with Wood and got beat.

Oct 8 Wednesday

Woody came back today. There is a lot of Indians over at Beaverhead and Woody thinks it is not healthy over there now. Very little trade today. Prairie came down this eav and I think that it is doubtful if he goes.

Oct 9 Thursday

Sent a letter to Worden by Prairie's man today., He will get down Saturday. Joe has come back and is not going to BH this fall. Pikes Peak boys started over this eav. They made todays trade very good.

Oct 10 Friday

I have been foxing my pants today. Ned finished my buckskin pants yesterday and I shall have a coat done next week. Jim is at work on Stuart's house now.

Oct 11 Saturday

Been working on pants today. Blake came in and Jeff also this eav. Madam Peltier moved up to Cottonwood today. Trade dull. J,Jacobs and Paris came in from Benton today. Been out setting traps this eav. and got wet.

Oct 12 Sunday

Ned is on a tight today. Dempsey is down. Rainy almost all day. Some trade this afternoon. Been playing checkers this eav. Higgins down. Been doing well this last week. Madame came down to get the rest of her things. Had a high old time with the squaws.

Oct 13 Monday

Very pleasant day. Peter down from mines today. Washed the windows this morning and they look 100% better. Several have gone back to BH this morning. Trade very good today. One of Major Owen's party came in this eav. Gus is down tonight. Been playing 12 Man Morris.

Oct 14 Tuesday

Higgins has been down this morning. I got up before Manning. Very pleasant today. Gus moved everything out of the house today. Jacobs came back from Blackfoot drunk this eav. Major Owen and Party came in this afternoon.

Oct 15 Wednesday

We have had a pleasant day. Major Owen brought up some potatoes and we have been having a roast this evening. Been reading a book called The Bandits of the Osage. It was a very interesting book.

Oct 16 Thursday

Major Owen and co. started for Benton this morning. Trade is dull this week. I am looking for Worden any day now. Ned has gone up to Higgins today. I have been reading F. Lesties' Journal today.

Oct 17 Friday

Some Flathead Indians came in this eav and are camped about one and a half miles up the river. They will come down and trade some tomorrow. Worden does not come tonight.

Oct 18 Saturday

Ned came down today ... he has not worked much today. Indians have been trading a little today. I have been reading some. Times very dull. Weather is as fine as I ever saw at this time of the year in the States.

Oct 19 Sunday

Some trade with the mines and a little with the Indians. Bill Hamilton is drunk and acting the fool. Jake stays with me tonight and we have a can of peaches which are nice. Higgins has been down today. Adams came in from his hunt this eav.

Oct 20 Monday

Ned has done just nothing at all today. Some Beaverhead fello'{Vs came in this eav. I swallowed a fish bone at dinner today .. Jeel rather under the weather tonight~Ned came about 2 o'clock and wanted to come in and play freezeout for a horse. I did not let him in.

Oct 21 Tuesday

Have had a fair days trade. Took $61 at 18 oz. today. Got a letter from Worden and also one from Truman as the Express came in this morning. He has gone on to Benton. Stuart started teams to Beaverhead today.

Oct 22 Wednesday

Some little trade with the Indians today and it is rather dull. Ned is making a pair pants for Jake. I am reading a novel entitled The Ancestral Curse.

Oct 23 Thursday

Been reading some and trading a little with the Indians and writing some on a letter home today. Cloudy this eav and snowing some. Fish bone is out of my throat but it is sore yet.

Oct 24 Friday

There fell about 4 inches of snow today. N. Wall was down yesterday. Been cold today. have had to have a fire all day. Very little trade. Am looking for worden but he does not come. Played Matching the morning.

Oct 25 Saturday

Lost $1.50 at Matching with J.Galloway today. Ned won it all back again this afternoon and I won my money all back at Malty of Morgan this eav. Big dance at Peter's tonight. They have been having a big time. I shut up and went over.

Oct 26 Sunday

It is thawing some today and I have had a fair days trade with the Indians. Finished my book .. found it interesting. Higgins and Blake started for BH today. Jake came down for good last night.

Oct 27 Monday

Indians moved camp yesterday and are camped on Am. Fk. Good days trade. J.G. had a s __ last night. It rained last night and is muddy today. have been up to the camp this eav. Came down with Milley and others. George came home late.

Oct 28 Tuesday

Worden has not come yet. Indians are starting off today. They had a big war dance last night. Traded a good deal with them today. Jake and Ned have gone up to their camp tonight. Some fine horses among their band. Jake bought 2. M. gone to Cottonwood. One eye down last night

Oct 29 Wednesday

Jake traded for a horse last night and Ned stayed up to camp all night. Adams brought his boy home today and he cryes all the time. Knuckles came in with Bill from BH this eav. Weather fine.

Oct 30 T Thursday

Worden has not come yet. Traded a good deal today. Stuart payed in something like 300 in BH and Salmon dust this eav. Boys playing chess this eav. I have been reading most of the eav but feel quite unwell now. About bed time. Raining and snowing tonight.

Oct 31 Friday

Pleasant day only a little cloudy this morning. Adams fixed his boy out this morning. Worden did not come last night. Ned a little tight today. Very fair days trade. Worden came today and I was glad to see him.

Nov 1 1862 Saturday

Pleasant day. Worden is fixing up to go to Beaverhead Monday with Peter. Fixed my books this eav and weighed our dust. Came out 17 dollars ahead. it kept us up late. Powell sick and Ned came after ginger and brandy for him in the night.

Nov 2 Sunday

Powell won one hundred dollars from Purple last night. Worden let me take a ride today and George and I went up to Pikes Peak Gulch and also over to Pioneer and to Peter's cabin. We had a fine old ride. Some trade. Knuckle started for BH this morning with ox team.

Nov 3 Monday

White left for BH uyesterday and Brooks came in today. Worden and Pete started for BH this morning. They went in wagon. It has veen very dull day. Very Iitle trade and nothing going on. Ned working on Worden's vest and Purple's overcoat. Lost $1.00 matching today. I have been reading all day.

Nov 4 Tuesday

Took nearly a $1.00 today. Very dull. Some snow fell last night. Ned made vest for Sargent todlay. Fixed up grindstone this norning. Jake fixed us a gallon of Iiqors to trade this morning. Adams slept at Peter's last night. Cocato was drunk.

Nov 5 Wednesday

Cold this morning ... very. Commenced making out list. Fair days trade. Minnesota boys been down part of the day and Pete down this morning. Commenced taking Pioneer gold at 18 today. Been reading Byron most all day. Ned is sick this afternoon. Purple has left some dust on deposit.

Nov 6 Thursday

Very pleasant day. An Indian stole an ox here last night and the men followed him and brought him back. They say they will hang him in the morning. Trade has been just tolerable today. I have been reading all day. N. Wall was down and I gave him a letter to take to St. Louis.

Nov 7 Friday

Splendid day. The Indian got away last night. I am glad of it as we are not strong enough here yet to commence hanging Indians. John called me to breakfast before I was up. Trade dull. 2 Coeur De Lane Indians came here this morning. Cocato left this morning.

Nov 8 Saturday

There is a big ball at Cottonwood tonight. Milley and some others have gone and Adams is on their trail as usual. I commenced playing cards today. Ned and Doc started for the Ball after supper this eav and Jake, John, George and I have been playing Muggins all the eav.

Nov 9 Sunday

Pleasant day. Morgan's Indian has been hauling wood for me for a pair of shoes. Marlett-wife of Cottonwood have been down and traded some today. Trade has been good. I have been playing draw poker this eav.

Nov 10 Monday

Been reading Scott's Lay Of The Last Minstrel. Cloudy and disagreeable today. Morgan, Jake and some others are fixing to start on a big hunt. Ned is at work on leggins for Wall today. Stormy this eav. Been playing poker some.

Nov 11 Tuesday

Mr. Worden came back from BH today. Trade dull. Snowing some tonight. Played poker some today. Was playing when Mr. Worden came. Morgan & Co. did not get off this morning.

Nov 12 Wednesday

Jake, Morgan and the rest of the Co. started on their big hunt today. I had a letter from Truman yesterday. He wants some money. Mr. worden says that I can have it and I intend to send it by express.

Nov 13 Thursday

Wall has been down today. Tried to sell out to Mr. Worden. I finished a letter to Kate and Libby and gave it

to him to take to St. Louis. Worden is playing poker this eav.

Nov 14 Friday

Mr. Worden lost $75 at his poker game last night. I sent Truman $73 by Haygard's Express today. Been to a dance at Jim Minesinger's tonight. Worden danced and they had a fine time. Little trade.

Nov 15 Saturday

A little snow last night. Very pleasant this morning. Mighty hot over to Pete's this morning at breakfast. Mr. Worden has gone up to Blackfoot to try to buy Wall out. He got thrown from his horse just as he was about to start this morning but was not hurt. Burr rode his horse. Been playing poker this eav. Think I will quit.

Nov 16 Sunday

I have been up to Blackfoot today. Worden has concluded not to buy Wall's goods .. had a fine ride. Major Owens came in last night and is here tonight. O'Keef came in this eav. Very pleasant day. Some trade.

Nov 17 Monday

Adams has just come home out of sorts because he did not get his woman. Owens is ready to start in the morning .. he sent his teams today. Some trade. Pleasant weather.

Nov 18 Tuesday

Wrote letter to Father today. Mrs. Grant and family came up today so I had a chance to see the girls. They are very good looking for this country.

Nov 19 Wednesday

I have been reading some today. Mr. Lemon from F Benton came in tonight and we have been joking and spending the eav pleasantly. George and I have had a game of Backgammon.

Nov 20 Thursday

Mr. Worden is up to Cottonwood to see Pussy and Julia. Big dance there tonight. Some trade today. Been reading this eav. Pleasant day.

Nov 21 Friday

Mr. Worden started below with Higgins today. Sold a very fair bill of goods today. Had a can of strawberries for supper last night. Been making candy this eav and it grained.

Nov 22 Saturday

Dull day. Read some and made some candy and played poker for a while. Lost half a can of pears at seven­up. Posted my books up today. Feel unwell this eav.

Nov 23 Sunday

Clear pleasant day. Not much doing today. Have made about .30 in cash sales today. Been reading some. Our raisins give out. Sold some Powder and Lead to Thos. Levata on order from Wall last night.

Nov 24 Monday

Peter was down yesterday and brought me a blower and magnet. I have not made any big sales today. I can not make our cash book balance. Been playing backgammon and Poker this eav. Been pleasant day.

Nov 25 Tuesday

Been reading some and playing poker and backgammon to pass off time today. It is very dull here now.

  Guin and Blinky came down this eav and I sold them some goods.

Nov 26 Wednesday

Peter was down again today and I played backgammon with him nearly all day. Burr cam home today. He and Purple and others are playing cards tonight. I had a great time with M_and L_tonight. Been playing Seven-up this eav.

Nov 27 Thursday

One of the pleasantest of pleasant days. Been reading some today. Ned and the boys have been telling some big River yarns this norn in here. Trade has been rather dull today.

Nov 28 Friday

Peter came down today and we have been playing backgammon and poker. Played seven-up this eav. Very little trade today.

Nov 29 Saturday

Three teams came in from Bitterroot. No news. A man came in from BH last night and has gone on to B­Root. He reports the miners not doing much. George is playing cards this eav and is staying out rather late.

Nov 30 Sunday

Two teams from B Root today. Peter moved down this morning and is going to stay with Purple. He got a letter from Higgins this morning and I got one from Worden. Fixed up some things to send below today. Not much trade.

December 1 1862 Monday

Some of the miners from Pike's Peak Gulch started for Beaverhead today. Wrote to Worden. Sent to Little Blackfoot for some things for him this morning. Pleasant weather. No trade today.

Dec 2 Tuesday

Peter and I have played backgammon and checkers a good deal today--had a very good days trade. Clark has gone down to Bitterroot with McAdow. Burr" Peter, Purple, Rees (Anderson) are playing poker.

Dec 3 Wednesday

The poker game still goes on. They played all night and until 8 o'clock this eav and we have been playing this eav. Had a can of pineapples and sold some oysters to the poker player tonight.

Dec 4 Thursday

The boys have been playing poker this eav & the old poker game commenced this morn & is going on yet. Got some things from the store above today. Battise was down & stayed all night.

Dec 5 Friday

I went out to see my wood which I had been having cut. There was not quite enough. Boys been playing this eav & gave Ned a strike, he won 7.00 on halves. Fine day no trade.

Dec 6 Saturday

Some Indians came up from Hell Gate today. They are on a war partie.

Dec 7 Sunday

Been lounging today. Very little trade going on at present. Worden came up tonight.

Dec 8 Monday

Butts came down & bought all our coats and pants & a large bill of other goods. 15? day. He is going to move his stock to B.Head.

Dec 9 Tuesday

Lounging, no trade agoing on all day. Pleasant weather & James brought me two letters from Mother. They

have been a long time on the road.

Dec 10 Wed

No trade of any account today .. pleasant weather still.

Dec 11 Thurs

Some Indians came in this eav. Very little trade today. a little snow came.

Dec 12 Fri

Rather cool today, some trade today .. clear but cold. Been playing poker this eav. Worden helped Bob some

but he broke him before he quit.

Dec 13 Saturday

Another poker game this eav. Some little trade. Warden is scrubbin up for a visit tomorrow.

Dec 14 Sunday

Worden has gone to cottenwood to see Pussy. Today a good deal of trade with the Indians. Going down

tonite. Stormy today.

Dec 15 Mon

Somewhat stormy today. Some trade. Rather dull. Indians have been around some. Been playing poker this

eav.

Dec 16 Tues

Warden came back today played poker a while this morn. Butts started for B-Head today. Pleasent day,

about 1/2 inch of snow on the ground now.

Dec 17 Wed

Some teams came in from Hellgate today. Erwin & Cor

went down yesterday pleasent day, some more Indians came in this eav.

Dec 18 Thurs

Purple came in today. Jim Conlin came with him & also Long John Purple is going to move over to B-head. Indians have been trading a good deal today. They are some on molasses!

Dec 19 Fri

The Indians are still hear & continue to trade some today. Very pleasant weather still. The boys are packing up Purples things. Had a little poker game tonight.

Dec 20 Sat

Worden played poker all night last night and all day today & is at it yet. I have been playing all day & until bed time this eav. Not much trade today. Indians left this morn.

Dec 21 Sun

One of the pleasentist of pleasant days. Purple left today. George went with him. John & Jim have gone back with him. They expect to go to Rock Creek tonight. Started about 1 o'clock.

Dec 22 Mon

Purple upset near Rock Creek today. I have been grinding up our axes today. I helped Peter grinding his. Peter & Joe commenced chopping wood for Peter today. sales have not been very good today.

Dec 23 Tues

Been reading & playing poker today & this eav. Chopped some wood this morn. Adams came down from cottonwood & brought me a note from Powell today. Purple broke his wagon & only got to Cottenwood.

Dec 24 Wed

Dull day. Higgins came about 2 o'clock & I have made arrangements to go out to B-Head with him. I have been packing up & helping Higgins this eav. Worden settled with me and gave me $50 more than he agreed to.

Dec 25 Thurs

Worden started for cottenwood this morn. We started for B-Head at 8 o'clock & got along very well untill we arrived at Rock Creek. had to unload there & are stuck in a gulch tonight. This has not been a very merry Christmas to me.

Dec 26 Fri

I slept very comfortable last night considering how cold it was. Our cattle strayed off last night & Peter had to go above Deer Lodge after them & we only made the river crossing at Hellgate. Team over took & camped with us tonight.

Dec 27 Sat

Cap buked today. We only went up to Deer Lodge today & are laying over. We had a severe snow & wind storm this morn. Worden started back to the store this morn but the storm drove him back.

Dec 28 Sun

We got up early this morn & I cooked breakfast. We started a little before 8 & went beyond the Springs. Nelson & I went to see them & the consequence was that we had to wade the creek which was a cool job.

Dec 29 Mon

We have had an awfull day. The storm blew a perfect hurrycame and the dust was almost sufficating and the wind was cold. We got within about 10 miles of Big Hole. Had a good camping ground.

Dec 30 Tues

We crossed the Big Hole today. Had very little trouble. Saw Fred Burr & Erwin. Had a nice camping ground about 3 miles from B-Hole. Slept warm. A little snow this morn. Katy is in good spirits.

Dec 31 Wed

We only went about 6 miles today & camped. Higgins & some of the rest went out prospecting but did not make out much. Cold again today. Windy and a little snow this eav.