House, Henry Clay (Feb 1, 1842 – Dec 20, 1922) by Thomas Pomeroy

DIARY WHEN HENRY HOUSE WAS WAGON MASTER
Dairy of a trip from Levenworth, Kansas to Denver, Colo. in the year
1864 by one of the men Thomas Pomeroy engaged in a train belonging to
B.F. Akers

(Editors note: Henry Clay House was the boss of this train with an
assistant Issac Haight, after completing the trip they both returned to
Weston Missouri where Henry met Martha Adelia Haight)

July 8th
Engaged with a man, Hermann, as night herder.

July 9th
Mr Patterson and three others hired, Herman was asked by one of the men
to get us dinner. He promised to do so but, put us off until we got on
the road to the "Big Stranger" and about 11 o'clock at night he
procured what he called supper at a Dutchman's home on the road, but
such a mess to be called a meal I never saw before. Arrived at camp a
little before day light.

July 10th
After the journey from Levenworth we layed down on the grass and took a
comfortable sleep of about three hours. Wakened by the boss to go to
work fixing bows to the yokes and making bow keys. Patterson and I were
told to take one of the wagon sheets and lie in the wagon.

July 11th
The corral not being ready and the boss away, the lads had it all their
own way, and not having anything better to do, they got drunk. The
herd, which had been kept in all day, was sent out about three o'clock
in the afternoon under Mr. Patterson along, without any assistance. I
had done al the boss left me to do and thinking it too bad for
Patterson to be alone, I went out to assist him.

July 12th
The day was ushered in by occasional sunshine and heavy showers, A man
by the name of John Kelly skedaddled during the night, taking a horse,
saddle, bridle, blankets and clothing belonging to the men. We
commenced yoking today. Today there has been nine men employed and all
the cattle yoked is 26 yokes.

July 13th
During the night there came on a tremendous thunder storm. I was
sleeping in the wagon, the sheet of which leaked like sieve. I
continued lying until the water run in streams under me. I then sat up
close to the wagon bed, put my overcoat over my head and stood it until
morning.

 
July 14th
Started for town in a hurry. Hermann being dismissed by Mr. Akers.
HENRY HOUSE was appointed in his place. Hermann told us that having
hired under him when he was discharged, we were discharged too, and
that if we went to town with him, he would get us our pay. We did so
and he sent us to the Pittsburg house. Just before dark Hermann came to
tell us that we should see Mr. Akers in the morning. A few minutes
after one of the men came and told us that we must come along as we
were to be settled with. We went up the street from the Pittsburg and
in front of a saloon found Hermann who told us to wait there and Mr
Akers would be down directly. He did come and a policeman with him.
Hermann, Akers and the policeman went in and found Kelley, who stole
the horse and other things at the "Stranger", fast asleep. the
policeman walked him off without ceremony although he was a man
continually boasting of what he would do under such circumstances. Like
many another braggart when put to the test, he acted like common
mortals.

July 15th
Went in the morning to see Mr Akers, who very plainly told us if we
wanted to quit we might but that we forfeited our pay. I saw where we
were at once and making a virtue of necessity went to work with as good
a grace as possible. Hermann proved himself to be a real sneak,
borrowing money from the hands whil'st he had plenty in his own pockets
belonging to the employer not intending to settle fair with either one
or the other. During the day all who left the stranger with him
returned to their work except one, who enlisted in to the hundred day
regiment. The horse thief was tried at the Recorder's court, fined
$2.00 for being drunk and remained until Monday to stand his trial for
his theft.

July 16th
Fixing wagons under the direction of T. Dolittle.

July 17 & 18th
Nothing of consequence occurred.

July 19th
Back again to the "Stranger". A good many men here, but most of them
strangers. There was a fight among the men this morning. Some of them
were struck by another with a burning iron and was cut about the head.

 
July 20th
Went down to the river today and saw some men who were looking through
the woods to find a man who was reported as being seen hanging. I
believe they were unsuccessful in their search. Three young gents came
here this evening form Lawrence. When they came here they found they
had lost their halters and a hat taken from them in a tavern in
Lawrence. They thought the occurrence was so cool there must be some
ice in it.

July 21
A good many of the cattle which had been yoked had turned their yokes.
The boys were engaged this morning turning them back again, a very
exciting and rather amusing game. Went today about one mile and a half
to see a coal mine. The parties in charge had made a cellar of the
mouth of the mine and we could not get our curiosity gratified. The
mouth of the pit is small, too small I should think for the purpose.

July 22nd
The boys had been declaiming about yoking cattle for DoLittle, some of
them declaring that they would not yoke his cattle. H. HOUSE OUR BOSS,
has returned from town where he went this morning to learn at what time
the train was to start and says he is to have charge of all the cattle
and both trains and that DoLittle was not to got at all. The boys would
have to yoke up the balance of the cattle (most of the cows) and then
we should start with the whole herd in one train for Denver. As I
expected, those who were the most loud in declaring they would yoke no
more cattle were the first to shout Hur-rah boys. I expect the promise
of the whole herd going in one train is nearly a ruse to get the cattle
yoked.

July 23rd
Began to yoke the cattle but ran short of yokes. The boss went to town
to get more yokes. Witnessed quite a fuss this morning between a
traveler and a tavern keeper. The traveler had broken his axil-tree and
got a rail off the tavern people's fence, who got very angry and used
very insulting language. wanted to charge the traveler 25 cents for the
rail. The traveler was willing to pay but on account of the abuse he
had received would not, but went and bought a rail from another person,
put it on the fence and revolver in hand went to the tavern keeper, who
was eating his breakfast, compelled him to arise from his breakfast and
see that the fence was all right. The tavern keeper pretended to be
satisfied. It was now the travelers turn. Bad as the tavern keeper was
with his tongue the travelers could out do him either as a gentlemen or
a black guard.

 
July 24th
The boss returned from town last night with the yokes and we got the
cattle yoked up today. Bird Ray who is always grumbling says that 19 of
the Missourians are about to leave tomorrow if they do not have their
own way in the train. We shall see whither they do or not tomorrow when
we start for town.

July 25th
Great grumbling continues among the men which was enhanced this morning
by the want of coffee for breakfast. During the night someone stole all
of the coffee, a bag full, worth about $10.00. We started about 10
o'clock and arrived at the camping ground about three o'clock in the
afternoon.

July 26th
We got our out-fit today, some of the boys had the goods they brought in the morning stolen before night.

July 27th
We got hitched to the wagons this morning. One poor fellow, who was
very awkward had a very wild team. Then they started they made a run
for it, he
ran, the boss and assistance ran and after running about awhile the
team was brought up in a ravine, about a quarter of a mile from where
they started, all tangles up. After awhile he was again started all
right but when we got to the outskirts of the town his team ran afoul
of a house, tearing away the corner. the woman of the house ran out,
caught the driver around the neck, begging his to spare her house. She
then followed the boss to get compensation. The
tire ran off the grub wagon. The grub was put into another, the tire of which
ran off. The wagons was then taken to a blacksmith shop to get the tires set so we are tied up again for 3 or 4 days.

July 28, 29, 30th
Lying in camp with nothing to do. The tires are getting set and I suppose we will start tomorrow.

July 31st
The tires are set and we are once more on the go. We corralled about
six miles from Leavenworth. The woman who owned the house which was run
in to last Wednesday followed the train today to see Mr. Akers but
failed in seeing him. after following the train for over a mile she
finally left, giving Mr. Akers and his train a splendid cursing.

Aug 1st
After traveling about sixteen miles we corralled for the night. The herd was in good grass. The night dark and rainy.

 
Aug 2nd
Yoked up the loose cattle today and mad up the full team. Some of the steers are
very wild and one of them came very near hurting two men, making a race at them mouth open and tongue out rearing like a lion.

Aug 3rd
Drove till about 10 o'clock at night. Came on a thunder storm the lighting was very vivid with heavy thunder.

Aug 4th
Was surprised in the morning to have a fresh piece of mutton for
breakfast. Was detained in the morning by the lost of some cattle in
the bush. While waiting for the cattle some of the boys made a raid on
an old man's watermelon patch. the old man made after and they all ran
but one, but they had taken some
melons before the old man had saw them. Saw Topeka the capitol of Kansas from the top of one of the bluffs.

Aug 5th
Started early this morning. Stopped at Indianola where a part of the wagons
were left, the balance of the wagons to be loaded at Topeka. Loaded the
wagon and got through before night. Had great work crossing the Kansas
River and expect it will be worse tomorrow.

Aug 6th
Got all the loading we could get hers and returned to Indianola.
The crossing of the Kansas River was accomplished easier than I
expected. nearly one-third of the train is yet to load, expect to
finish the loading at Gras Hopper. The banks of the Kansas River is
settled by Indians, who, although placed in the midst of a civilized
population does not make that
advance in civilization that one would expect, some of them still adheres to their dress of blankets and breech cloths.

Aug 7th
Some of the men are shelling corn and I believe it is finally determined to finish loading here.

Aug 8th
Shelling corn and finishing loading.

 
Aug 9th
The cattle were driven in early, and just before we started a widow
woman came to camp to ask compensation for the robbery of her hen roost
and garden and with tears, stated that her only substance was by her
own industry. The boss insisted on men paying her $4.00 the amount she
asked. They did so, and one of the men (Big Jim) with an audacity
peculiarly his own, said as he reached her the money "here is a dollar
I just happened to have about me or by G- -.I don't know whether you'd
get it or not".

Aug 10th
We passed the mission house of the Pottowattomes Indians. It is under the
control of the Roman Catholic. The grounds are very prettily laid out.
The garden seems very fruitful. The buildings are a church;, nunnery,
Priests Residence, school house and necessary accompaniments. Arrived
at night at a small village inhabited by indians. Met some Malitia
coming in from the Denver road who say the Indians are committing great
depredations on the Little Blue and the Bis Sandy, that they have
captured several trains and killed and scalped the teamsters.

Aug 11th
We have traveled but 12 miles today on account of delays occasioned by
the going up of a large hill and the crossing of two bridges. The last
bridge we crossed was a very bad one.

Aug 12th
Nothing particular occurred today.

Aug 13th
Arrived at the Vermilion.

Aug 14th
Corralled, after traveling about 8 miles, for breakfast. The weather
very hot, the cattle very tired, very soon after stopping one of the
best oxen lay down and died, melted by the heat. About 100'clock at
night we arrived at Marysville and heard many fearful rumors of the
depredation of the indians. The night herders were ordered not to bring
in the cattle in the morning as we might be obliged to remain here
several days until the boss ascertain what extent the indians
difficulties were and what he was to do with the train.

Aug 15th
The reports current here about the indians are sufficiently alarming,
some say there are fully 6000 of them and well armed. The train will be
detained here for a few days until it can be ascertained whether there
is danger or not. H there is likely that we shall return to Levenworth.

 
Aug 16th
Last night we had continual rain, the reports about the indians are not
going to be relied upon, some stating they are on the road in great
number, others having equal chances of knowing, say there is none on
the road.

Aug 17th
The boss has decided to go on, the consequence is that three men who
have been quarreling with each other a good part of the road, have
agreed at last in leaving the train together losing their wages,
amounting about $40.00 each. the boss has gone to town, when he returns
we expect to go on. He has returned. the accounts are so discouraging,
he has decided to remain two or three days more. Three malitia men, who
had been dispatched after the men who had left the train this morning,
has returned without finding them. Some of the men in camp are very
dissatisfied on account of the boss sending after them. There is about
300 malitia men sent on the road to hunt the indians.

Aug 18th
The report this morning is the men sent to hunt the indians are on
their retreat. some of the men who were out state they were engaged
with fully 500 of them, that they had to retreat. They say that the
indians are well armed with sharp rifles and have a regular train with
them and a howester, and are led by white men, that every ranch between
Big Sandy and Fort Kearney are destroyed, a distance of over 150 miles.
The men are either killed or have run away and that 2 ladies have been
carried away by them. Several trains have been taken and 2 men
belonging to the trains killed. The other train which have gone are
returning and it is supposed that all the ranches and stations from
Kearney to Denver are in the hands of the indians and that it will take
3000 soldier to clear the road this fall.

Aug 19th
The herd today broke into an old Dutchman's corn field and some of the
boys went at night into his mild house, stole the butter, drank the
milk and left their nuisance in the butter jar.

Aug 20th
The report today is that the soldiers are clearing the road and that in
5 days the indians will be entirely off the road and has determined we
hired a Mexican as driver. The boss has to watch him every night to
keep him from leaving.

 
Aug 21st
We are again on the road. Bow long we shall continue going is hard to
determine. crossed the Blue a short distance from Marysville. The
Dutchman into whose field the herd broke on Friday, followed th boss
and compelled settlement which was finally effected for $30.00, the man
having ask for $50.00. Corralled about 2 miles from Marysville. The
malitia are returning from hunting indians in great numbers having
effected nothing. They had seen but one indian, but the report is that
they were within 10 miles of a large encampment which they were afraid
to attack.

Aug 22nd
Nothing of any consequence occurred until near night when a letter was
received from Akers and which was sent to Doolittle and Doolittle
forwarded it on to our boss telling him to be careful and not run onto
unnecessary danger. Arrived late at 17 mile point. There were 2 other
trains laid up here.

Aug 23rd
The men of the other trains heard our night herders last night and
supposing the indians had come ran for their lives and his among the
weeds. Five indians would have taken both trains last night. When we
arrived here we supposed the house was inhabited. This morning found it
had been deserted by the owner in a hurry, and taken possession of but
the teamsters of the other trains. There was some good hogs running
around here when we came but there will be some less when we leave. One
of our men who was rather green was enticed out sniping, another was
frightened by a mask and holes burnt in his blanket.

Aug 24th & 25th
Still lying up and no news.

Aug 26th
Boss went to Rock Creek and found that some trains which had been there had gone on by the Nebraska road.

Aug 27th
We started early for Rock Creek. The boss had gone across the prairie
to find a road leading into the Nebraska road. Shortly after he had
left we met 2 men who informed us the road was open. The assistant went
after the boss and we resumed our journey. When we stopped we got
pretty excited expecting the indians were about to attack us but it was
soon known that the men brought favorable news. Arrived at Rock Creek,
three trains are lying here.

Aug 28th & 29th
Nothing occurred of any consequence.

 
Aug 30th
There is a Dutchman here with a herd which he is taking to Denver in
the Butchering business. The man thought he would try his hand before
he got there. The consequence is that we have fresh beef in our train
today. A mule train started today.

Aug 31st
The Mexican, who had been absent from camp all yesterday, created quite
an Excitement this morning. During his absence from camp he lost 2
shirts, 1 pair of drawers and 7 plugs of tobacco. A search was made.
The shirts and drawers were found, but not the tobacco. Started after
the search across from Rock Creek To the Nebraska road.

Sept 1st
Lost a yoke of cows from herd last night. Crossed a bad bridge this
morning and afterwards the Blue. Arrived at Beatrice this morning at 9
o'clock. There is a water mill here containing a saw and other
machinery for the manufacture of wood. A large Mormon train started
from this mill shortly after our arrival, belonging to Brigham Young.

Sept 2nd
The Mormon train which we were ahead of last night passed us today.

Sept 3rd
Arrived at Salt Creek just as the Mormons were driving out, This is a
very pretty creek. There seems to be a very thriving settlement all
along the bottom of this creek. Got on the Nebraska and Denver road
about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Young Brigham Young in charge of the
Mormon train.

Sept 4th
Detained this morning by the straying from the herd of 10 or 12 head of cattle. it rained heavy during the night.

Sept 5th
Arrived at Cheese Creek last night and found good water and good feed
for herd. Crossed a branch of the Blue on a very bad bridge. The
weather very cold, cloudy and windy. Corralled after traveling some 25
miles.

Sept 6th
The rain which was threatened yesterday came on about 9 o'clock and
rained without intermission for 4 or 5 hours. We corralled the herd
about midnight stopped at noon at Beaver Creek, got some ripe grapes
and met some trains returning from Denver who say the indians are
troublesome the other side of Fort Kearnery, but we can go through
without difficult if we are careful.

 
Sept 7th
Nothing particular except the scarity of water, some of the mese not having any to use.

Sept 8th
Started early. The Mormon train ahead saw hundreds of prarie dogs in their town.

Sept 9th
We struck the Platte river 2 hours before night. The water appears wholesome and clear, the bed of the river sandy.

Sept 10th
The ranches we passed today are mostly deserted for fear of indians.
Some of the boys got some tomatoes at one of these deserted ranches
which they were in the sum of $3.00. Pretty good for half a dozen
tomatoes.

Sept 11th
Arrived at noon at a little village called Dauby town about 15 miles
from Ft. Kearney. It was reported that this village had been taken by
the indians. camped at night about 5 miles from Ft. Kearney.

Sept 12th
The Mormon train still accompanies us. We arrived at Ft. Kearney this
morning. Found it situated on a pleasant level piece of ground a short
distance from the Platte and north of a range of hills. There are 25 or
30 houses in the town. This place unpretending, as it is, must have
cost United States quite a sum of money. On our arrival at Ft. Kearney
we found that the officials were holding trains to get 400 wagons in
number to travel together for mutual protection against the indians and
our boss Mr. Henry House was asked to go up to the Commanding Office
with the balance of the wagon bosses and they informed the colonel that
with our train, they now had enough wagons to make up the desired
number. The commanding office at the post at Ft. Kearney notified us
that we would have to select one of the wagon bosses to be appointee as
captain to conduct the outfit. The men all sang out HENRY HOUSE. Henry
House but he excused himself stating that there was a great many older
men in the party, but they insisted that he should be the one and so
the appointed our boss and the colonel regularly appointed him captain
and he took charge of the outfit. We had to travel in abreast of four
wagons so that the indians could not have a chance to run in on us to
capture the outfit. After we passed Ft. Kearney and arrived at Cotton
Wood, the smoke of 7 wagons was still showing and 7 men laying dead
that had just been scalped by the indians. we dug a grave and rolled
the men in some blankets and buried them. As the indians were on horses
and headed the other way we were unable to follow them.

 
Sept 13th
We had a vary uncomfortable night last night, it rained heavy wetting
through the wagon sheet and the blankets on the bed. This morning we
got the first scare from the indians. Some five or six men on horseback
road over the bluffs toward the rain. We thought they were indians but
they proved to be white men. This afternoon we saw a scene of indians
depredation and murder a ranch burnt and in it a woman and two
children. Their graves are close to the ranch. In the evening we passed
Plumb Creek saw the graves in which were buried the men who had been
killed there 12 in number, and the pieces of burnt wagons. The men were
found by a train returning from Denver and buried as decently as the
circumstances would admit. we camped about three quarters from their
graves.

Sept 14th
This morning we passed a place where the indians had recently encamped.
From all appearances they must have numbered several hundreds. The road
as we passed showed every indication of the terror of the inhabitants,
they have left there all and gone to some place for safety. We stopped
at noon at a ranch of rather a better description than common. The boys
made quite free of what was left in the house, but a Sergeant of the
Army new stationed at Plumb Creek came up and on the information of a
woman belonging to the Mormon train, were compelled to carry back all
they had taken. It is reported that 5 tribes of hostile indians are
concentrating at Ash Hollow, some twenty five miles from the road we
travel and not more than eighty miles from where we are now.

Sept 15th
Met two large trains on their return from Denver who say there are no
indians on the road, but do not consider the road safe this evening.
The boss went ahead of the train on horseback with the boss of the
Mormon train. They saw four men coming near the Bluffs about one half
mile south of them, seemingly with the intention of cutting them off
from the train.

Sept 16th
As we passed a deserted ranch this morning we saw four other men who
had stopped there during the night, no doubt these are the men seen by
the bosses last night. We passed the indians grave this morning and we
hitched up after noon, and just as we were ready to start there came on
a very heavy rain storm and wind. The cattle wanted to go before the
wind and the teams got tangled up and we had great difficulty to keep
them in their places.

 
Sept 17th
Corralled about 10 o'clock, having driven about miles. We passed
another scene of indian depredation and cruelty. The ranch burnt and
the owner killed. Passed Cotton Wood springs this afternoon. Here is
the first sign of life we have seen since we left Kearney. This is a
nice little village containing 2 or 3 stores and about 40 houses. there
is here a fort of rude construction or rather a breast work which has
been raised here since the indians difficulties. Part of the fort is a
stockade. Tonight we have heard of fresh indian difficulties and of one
ranch being burnt about 40 miles from Cotton Wood. We drove quite late
tonight. Big Jim left with soldiers to go to Denver. The soldiers,
however were sent to fight the indians who burnt the ranch on Friday.
The indians were supposed to be on the north side of the river. When he
found out they were going across the river, he left them and took a
backward drive. We met him on the road. Oh, yes he was back, but about
the time dinner was ready he came into camp. The boss looked at him and
said Jim you did not fight the indians worth a damn. Corralled at noon
on Fremont Slough and at night near a ranch on a bluff where we were
joined by three other teams.

Sept 19th
We are constantly meeting trains on their return. They all say they
have found no difficulty from the indians. We are corralled today again
on Freemont Slough. It is reported that an indian has been killed at
the bar above O'Fallens bluff. Some men were camped there and the
indian was discovered lurking among the bushes. Two or three men went
to bring him in. They heard him and fired their pistols at him. he ran
back to the bushes. After creeping through them for a while. He started
from the bushes towards the bluff. By this time the men had got out
their rifles, fired at him and killed him. O'Fallens's Bluff is the
place where the train was attacked by 48 indians, two days before. We
camped before sundown about two miles from the bluffs.
Sept 20th
This morning showed signs of being close to indians. Within a hundred
yards of our camp were seen fresh indian tracks made during the night
and about one mile from camp we crossed an indian trail, from the
appearance of which it is supposed they had between 200 or 300 ponies.
We passed this morning a ranch which had been burnt down within these
two days. The ranch burnt was Bakers Ranch. There is another ranch
burnt a short distance which is known as the Buckskin Ranch. The
indians seen to be crossing to the north side of the Platte. This
afternoon a stage passed us going west. The first we have seen since we
left Fort Kearney.

Sept 21st
At a ranch about three miles from where we stopped last night 2 stages
stopped for the night. One from the East and the other from the West.
One of our herdsman while on hard today found a musket and a pair of
spurs.

 
Sept 21st (cont)
There was also a loose pony grasing close by, it is reported today that
the soldiers and Pawnee Indians has surprised the hostile indians at
Ash Hollow. The Sioux stated they had done nothing and did not intend
to. After considerable talking they concluded to go to Kearney. The
same report says that the indians are anxious to come to terms and live
peaceable for the future.

Sept 22nd
This morning we passed another scene of indian outrage. A ranch burnt
and a man killed. We passed an indian camp. They were on the north side
of the river. the fact of their being so close to the river in such an
exposed place would show that they do not intend to continue their
depredations. There were 34 tents in the encampment and was made up
mostly of women and children. They belonged to the Sioux tribe and were
in charge of some white men who were taking them to Cottonwood. At the
first ranch we passed since dinner, we saw some squaws and papooses.
The store of the ranch was open. This was the first ranch we had seen
doing business since we have been on the Platte. A detachment of
soldiers was here on their return from Ialesburgh. We passed a ranch
later in the evening at which there were three indian lodges and quite
a number of bucks, squaws, papooses.

Sept 23rd
Three oxen died last night from the effect of alkali and more are sick.
The herd was very much scattered this morning. We have been at least
two hours yoking and all the cattle are not in yet.

Sept 24th
Several more cattle have died during the day and night, causing great
inconvenience beside delaying the train. If the cattle continue to die
at this rate we shall scarcely be able to get the train to Denver.
Arrived at Jalesburgh and corralled.

Sept 25th
The Mormons leave us here. They have lost several cattle, but not as
many as we have. The reason assigned is that their cattle are old and
accustomed to the plains while ours are mostly young cattle. We left
one load of corn here and two wagons. the teams will be divided up
among the other teams.

Sept 26th
Our cattle still continue to die. Two stages have passed us today. One
going East and the other West, bearing the initials V.S.M.

Sept 27th
We lost no cattle last night. The weather is generally warm during the day and cold at night almost a frost.

 
Sept 28th
I forgot to mention that before the Mormons left us that our night
herders had been in the habit of going to the Mormon train and getting
some of the luxuries from the owner of the train. One night they went
there determined to get a keg of whiskey but failed. They then tried to
get the bosses pistol and knife, but it was fastened to him with a belt
so they failed in getting anything but a large jack knife. This morning
we had a very cold wind. After starting it rained heavily, very cold
disagreeable weather while it lasted but cleared up about 11 o'clock,
and the sun came out very hot and scorching. Toward night it again
became very cold and chilly

Sept 29th
Passed an encampment of soldiers, one of whom came into our camp at
noon and asked if we had any guns. As there was a deer on the island
which we could shoot on being told we had none he said we were very
brave or not afraid of dying when we dared travel this road without
arms to defend ourselves. My impression is that neither assertion is
correct. We depended on chance which proved favorable, but deserved
punishment.

Sept 30th
Our cattle continue to die at a fearful rate. I fear we shall not have
enough to take us through. The stages are running regularly from Denver
to Kearney. Passed Beaver Creek in the evening which has a soft sandy
bottom, heavy drawing for the cattle, after which we had to pay toll.
Just after the sun went down we saw two peaks of mountains which we
were informed was Long's peak. The boys in our camp were quite
rejoiced, expecting soon to come to the end of the journey.

Oct 1st
This morning we can see the Rocky Mountains looking to the distance
like fleecy clouds. Today we are out of meat and the cook of our mess
has got the chills and fever, a deplorable place to be sick in, no
medical aid whatever, not even rest unless the jolting of the wagon can
be called rest. Saw a young Antelope today, they are very pretty.

Oct 2nd
It rained heavily last night. The weather is quite cold today. We
passed a small creek today called the Beaseau. On this creek the
indians have killed an old man, his son and hired man. The indian who
took their scalps, was caught and sent to Kearney. after coming down a
very steep sandy hill, we corralled in a very pretty bottom at one end
of Freemont's orchard.

 
Oct 3rd
This morning we went over Freemont's hill close to the orchard. We
doubled our teams to draw up the hill which on account of the sand. Was
found to be insufficient. We were obliged to put on more teams so that
we could get up the hill. the teams were increased to 18 yoke of oxen.
After getting up the hill we corralled for breakfast.

Oct 4th
The herd is being scatted this morning and it was late before we got
started. We came but ten miles today and the cattle are almost tired
out.

Oct 5th
Beside a passing some heavy sand bottoms nothing particular occurred today.

Oct 6th
Being short of provisions, the boss traded off some corn for pork.

Oct 7th
Nothing particular occurred today.

Oct 8th
The boss started this morning for Denver. We passed some wheat stacks
today. The first we have seen since we left the indian reservation in
Kansas.

Oct 9th
Corralled this morning for breakfast within six miles of Denver. The
boss returned and said we should remain in camp until we herd from
Akers.

Oct 10th and 11th
Still lying in camp. No word from Mr. Akers.

Oct 12th
The boss went to town this morning and found that Mr Akers had arrived
and that the freight would have to be taken Beazou Basin, some 60 or 70
miles from Denver. he returned to camp about one hour and a half after
dark and found the night herders had not yet gone to the herd and spoke
to them about it. One of them reported angrily and the boss got angry
and the herder swallowed his own words. the consequence of the
altercation was that one went on herd and the other hired a man for
$2.00 to herd for him on the principal of the negro hiring the white
man to cut wood. Worth something to the boss.

Oct 13
Some of the boys took their discharge this morning and went to Denver.
We got on the road later then usual, passing Denver leaving it on our
right hand and corralled at noon on Cherry Creek, about four miles from
Denver. Lay in camp repairing wagons in the afternoon.

Oct 14th
Traveled all day along the bottom of Cherry Creek. This bottom and also
the bottom of the Platte around Denver shows unmistakable evidence of
the freshot last spring. hundreds of acres of find land has been either
washed away or covered with sand and debris but where the land remains
it is very fruitful but needs irrigation for vegetables. I have seen
here some of the finest onions and potatoes I have ever seen.

Oct 15th
We left Cherry Creek before noon and after passing a very sandy bottom
in which we had to double our teams, we corralled on Sulphir Springs.
This is a sand gulch. the water rises, after running about 100 yards,
sinks again into the sand. Corralled at night on Running Creek about 8
o' clock P.M.

Oct 16th
Crossed the creek this morning and was delayed by the team having
difficulty in pulling through. There is an encampment of soldiers close
to the place where we corralled at. Went over several bad hills and
corralled about four miles from where we started. The weather very
disagreeable and the snow falling fast. On one of the hills are the
graves of four men who had been killed by the indians in 1860. We
crossed Running Creek three times during the day. The last place we
crossed was close to a steam saw mill in full blast with planing
machine attached. The men at the mill had fastened slabs to their
houses and cut loop holes so that they could defend themselves from the
indians. We had to repair the bridge here before we could cross.

Oct 17th
We turned off Running Creek early this morning. This country is very
romantic. in one of the ravines, saw 6 antelope. The boss fired at
them, but did not get one. we corralled for breakfast on the Riowha,
the bottom of which seems to be good land and well cultivated. After
crossing the Riowha we turned up a very romantic ravine of pine land
and timbered on each side. On the south side the mountains were steep,
the tremendous rocks seemed as if torn to pieces by some convulsion.
red pine grows up the sides of these mountains to the summit, yet the
plains above seem destitute of timber. At length we arrived at the
summit of the bluffs and began to descend into the valley of the basin.
A more beautiful place it is difficult to imagine.

 
Oct 17 (cont)
The valley is some 5 to 6 miles in extent and is cut in two by a belt
of timber. The east and north sides are pent in by almost perpendicular
mountains of considerable height while on the west and south rises in
gradual bluffs to about the same height as the mountains. Red pine
grows up the side of the mountains, while on the bluffs they appear
like lawns planted by the hand of man. To add to it natural beauty
there are some good farms in the valley and potatoes, wheat and
vegetables grows in great abundance. It is well watered by numerous
streams and springs.

Oct 18th
We expected to unload immediately on our arrival, but the soldiers for
whom our freight is for have not yet arrived, the reason assigned is
their saddles and arms have not yet arrived at Denver. Some of our men
went out today to hunt antelope and returned after night without game,
footsore and weary.

Oct 19th
About noon today 6 companies of Cavalry arrived in martial array with a
train of 60 mule wagons and camped about three quarters of a mile from
us.

Oct 20th
Started this morning before sunrise for the soldiers camp to unload,
which was accomplished about 2 o'clock P.M. We then drove to Riowha and
corralled for the night on the same ground we corralled on Monday noon.
After the soldiers came to the basin. Last night some of the soldiers
went to a house convenient and found a man filling up a hole. They ask
him what he was doing, he said his wife died yesterday and he was
burying her. Being in dought about the soldiers raising the body, he
kept watch over the pit. Sure enough during the night some soldiers
came there found him, gagged and tied him and then dug for the body,
but found potatoes, some of which they appropriated to their own use
and left the man lying. The night was freezing. Some hours after more
soldiers paid the grave a visit and liberated him.

Oct 21st
Started early and corralled for breakfast close to the saw mill that we
passed on the 16th. Close to where we corralled the soldiers had killed
a two year old steer belonging to one of the settlers. We arrived at
Suplher Springs late, having driven a good while after dark.

Oct 22nd
Got a good start this morning and corralled for breakfast on Cherry
Creek with 14 miles of Denver and stopped at night about four miles
from Denver. The boss went to Denver this morning and returned late at
night. Mr Akers has gone to Leavenworth and the cattle have to be taken
to Clear Creek.

 
Oct 23rd
We started after breakfast for Clear Creek, past through Denver,
crossed the Platte, corralled on the west side of Clear Creek about 1
o'clock P.M.

I now bid the bull whacking farewell. I have been with the train
through a long tedious and perilous journey. I have received nothing
but kindness at the hands of all the men belonging to the train from
whom I part with regret. These few remarks on every days journey I
present with pleasure to my friend Mr. House and hope that if I ever go
bull whacking again, he will be my boss.
With sincere regards I now bid him and his assistant Issac Haight farewell.

Signed Thomas Pomeroy