I have known for some time about the horrors that can happen to people traveling west by wagon. I have read all the guides Papa purchased or borrowed, as well as the newspaper accounts he has managed to accumulate. He is a great one for newspapers, is Papa. There are all manner of atrocities hinted at in those words. Mostly, it seems, they are committed against women and girls, in particular. And mostly by “red savages.” By which I am quite sure the writer means Indians.
I do not doubt there is some kernel of truth buried in those lines of type, but I wonder why those journalists need to make out like people should not be told the details. They say such things as “took the utmost liberties” and “committed unspeakable acts” and “bothered in the night.” This is not helpful. I for one would appreciate knowing exactly what I am in for should the “red savages” upset our little rolling home. I do not like feather-headed behavior and despise it in the written word. So I will endeavor to fill these pages with the bald truth. Knowing me, that should not be much of a labor.