From Ashtabula to Petaluma in 1859

Harriet Booth Griswold

INTRODUCTION

Although Harriet (“Hattie”) Booth Griswold’s diary begins with its first entry on April 25, 1859, the journey had really started in Ashtabula, in the northeast corner of Ohio near the south shore of Lake Erie. In that same first entry she gives the names of three children: Carrie, age 9; Eddie, age 7; and Hattie, age 2½ months. The census taker in Petaluma, California, wrote down her husband’s name as Augustus Henry Griswold, age 32, in 1860, born in Ohio with personal property valued at $1200. Her age is also given as 32, born in New York. This family is very elusive as to critical dates and other information. We know by the 1850 census of Ohio that Augustus was the oldest of eight children of Roger and Juliette Griswold.

The original diary is in the Califoria Historical Society’s collection in San Francisco. They have graciously given us permission to publish it.

There is a note accompanying the diary saying that the Griswolds lived successively in Petaluma, Oakland, and San Francisco.¹ In the 1860 census referred to above the father was listed as a “laborer.” The Oakland city directories from 1876 to 1886 list him successively as a ticket collector for the Central Pacific Railroad, a miner, and an assayer. The last discovered reference, this time the Crocker-Langley San Francisco Directory, lists him as working in the “engineering department” of a telegraph and telephone company, in 1905. Curiously the same directory lists Harriet B. Griswold as a widow. Perhaps he died during the preparation of the directory.²

The same note referred to above says that Harriet Booth Griswold died “sometime after the earthquake.” This gives us the reason the final dates are difficult to come by: The earthquake of 1906 not only took 252 lives and destroyed 28,000 buildings, it laid to waste the records of San Francisco City and County, and with them went the vital statistics of thousands of people; so “sometime before” or “sometime after the earthquake” is what we have to say about the deaths of Harriet and Augustus Griswold. The note also says that Harriet was the mother of eight children, “most of whom predeceased her.”

But she left us a legacy, and that is the diary with a poem for a title: Ashtabula to Petaluma.

HARRIET GRISWOLD’S DIARY

April 25th 1859. We left Elgin Kane, Co, Ill, en route for California. Our family consists now of Carrie aged 9 years Eddie aged 7 years and Hattie aged 2½ months. Stopped over night in Burlington Iowa, Barrett House.

April 26th Started at 7 A.M. in the cars and arrived at Agency [City] about 2 P.M. took a coach and arrived at Ottumwa 3½ P.M. where the company forms for a start. We tried the Hotel a few days but were not pleased and now are boarding in a private family by the name of Milligan.

May 18th We left Ottumwa this morning about 10 A.M. in our waggons for our expected long journey. We have four large covered waggons one uncoverd and one two horse hack. The day has been pleasant. It is my first experience of riding after oxen and to night is our first camp after riding 14 miles over as bad a road as I ever saw.

I have neglected my Journal for some time and must commence date at Council Bluff

Saturday June 4th We got into Council Bluff before dinner where I was glad to stop and have a little rest as well as change of clothes. There are some splendid stores in this place the rest of the buildings are quite plain. Here we see the first Indians that we have met. I found a letter here from Brother John and one from Mrs. Dr Hubbard of Elgin.

Sunday June 5th This has been an unusual Sunday to me instead of attending Church I have spent the day in our waggon attending to the children and writing a letter to Brother Charles, we are camping about one mile from town. We have been climbing one of the high bluffs where we had a fine view of the valley of the Missouri.

Monday June 6th We crossed the Missouri on a steam Ferry Boat to Omaha City the capital of Nebraska Territory. We drove about two miles out of town to camp very near the bank of the river.

Tuesday June 7th It took us a long time to get started to day as this is the last place of any consequence until we reach Salt Lake This is considered the fitting out place and we have laid in our stores sufficient for five months if we should need them so long. They consist of Flour, Bacon & Hams, Dried Fruit Beans, Potatoes, Corn, Coffee, Tea, Pickles, a few eggs, and some other little things. We have just got regulated and are fairly started on the Plain Our Company consists of Mr John Gossage, Mr Jerome Gossage¹ and wife and servant girl nine hired men to attend to the stock which consists 16 Horses and 135 head of Cattle. We are divided into two messes as we have two tents and two tables which enables us all to eat at once. We have a boy cook for our mess. We drive out of town for about four miles and camped for the night.

Wednesday June 8th We started in good seven this morning and came about 18 miles over a high rolling country, roads very smooth and hard, and we camped on the bank of the Elk Horn River an abundance of Indians here begging for some thing to eat and ready to steal any thing within their reach.

Thursday June 9th This morning we crossed the Elk Horn River on good bridge and have come 22 miles over a level smooth road passed through a little town by the name of Fremont.² We are camping quite near the Platt River which is a very handsome stream. The Mosquitoes nearly devoured us outside of the waggons. We see no Indians to night.

Friday June 10th Started in good season this morning stopped an hour at noon as usual, drove until four this afternoon, and are camping by a little stream called Shell creek. This has been a pleasant day our road has been very level and smooth on the north side of the Platte River the river has been in sight most of the day every few miles we find a house with some improvements about it. There seems to be no Indians. We find pretty flowers beside the road.

Saturday, June 11th We have come about 16 miles to day, weather pleasant this morning we met a government train accompanied by a company of soldiers going after supplies for the army. The roads have been fine with the exception of a few sloughs. We are camping quite near the river.

Sunday June 12th This is the Lords day but no attention is paid to it by our company as regards rest or anything else which does not at all please me. I think we should rest a part of Sunday at least. We have crossed the Loup Fort or Bruly [Brule] River³ a ferry boat runs half way across ford the rest. The weather pleasant and warm. The road still level and smooth as a carpet. Have come about 16 miles, camping near the river.

Monday June 13th Drove about 17 miles a very warm day camped on the river bank.

Tuesday June 14th Had a severe thunderstorm last night. Drove 24 miles to day been very warm with good road, we have come to the first house that we have seen since we left Loupe Fork. The mosquitoes torment us almost to death.

Wednesday June 15 Drove about 17 miles saw no houses to day or indians.

Thursday June 16th We stopped at noon for our lunch as usual had for our company fourteen Indian warriors of the Sioux tribe they were fantastically dressed and are great beggars for eadibles seem very friendly they and the Pawnees are at war. This morning crossed the Wood river by fording camped on its banks.

Friday June 17th We are about ten miles east of Ft Kearny it is on the other side of the river there being no way of crossing but fording shall not see it. We overtook Mr Freman⁴ to day two families beside his own in this company we shall travel together.

Saturday June 18th We have seen Buffalo for the first time some of the company went out this morning but with no success, are camping on a small stream emptying into the Platt. Had Buffalo steak for supper, given us by some neighboring campers who killed it this morning.

Sunday June 19th We have been lying still all day by a small stream running into the Platte. It is quite hard to realize that it is Sunday as there is nothing to see or hear to remind us of the fact. We have necessarily been very busy airing our bed and provisions and I have done a little washing for the children Mr Matt [Dr Mott?]⁵ and some of the rest of the company went out hunting Buffalo and returned about ten oclock at night with there horses loaded with all they could carry fires were kindled and they soon had coffee and Buffalo steak cooking.

Monday June 20th Have come to day about 18 miles We are fifty miles above Ft Kearney Wood being scarce cooked supper with fire made of Buffalo Chips which make a very hot fire.

Tuesday June 21st Drove some over twenty miles to day camping on a small ravine good water and grass.

Wednesday June 22nd We got a late start this morning on account of some of the cattle straying off in the afternoon passed through or by an indian village a huge swarm of them lined the road to get a sight of the palefaces especially the squaws & papooses as they call all women & children We camped about four miles from the village and had no more than got our tents pitched when some of them made us a call including the Chief and his young son dressed in fancy style and riding ponies we gave them a few provisions and then they went peacably away

Thursday June 23rd We had a good start this morning but had not gone far when there was a general stampeed of all the cattle teams and all horses run off at full speed of course we (the women and children) could do nothing but sit in the waggon and wait the result which did not happen to be all disastrous as they run but half a mile and stopped. Camping by a creek have had two very heavy showers to day. Our road has been quite rolling passing by some high bluffs Passed two very large cold springs and also the fork of the Platte River

Friday June 24th A very cool day we lunched at noon near an indian village consequently saw plenty of them around. Provided ourselves with willow branches for fire wood as we do not expect to see any more timber on this [north] side of the river for about 200 miles. Camped upon the Platte river traveled about 18 miles.

Saturday June 25th An excessively warm day and we have had very hard roads for teams being rolling bluff with deep sand drove about 16 miles camped by a small stream.

Sunday June 26th Got an early start this morning Drove until eleven oclock and camped for the day and night upon a beautiful spring brook. An excessively hot day and refreshing to rest although we are obliged to be rather busy too much to be called a day of rest.

Monday June 27th Another warm day lunched at noon on the bank of rattlesnake creek drove 19 miles and are camping by what they call Rocky creek. A pleasant breeze this evening & slight shower just as we were ready to go to sleep last night we heard a mighty tramping coming upon us which proved to be the cattle and horses runing into camp at full speed apparently very much frightened probably by indians — or Buffalo or perhaps wolves. It stirred us up considerable

Tuesday June 28th An excessively warm day the road lay over sandy bluffs and also had one terrible slough to cross. Camped on a small stream with a nice cool spring flowing into it. We find a great many coming out of the bluff and running to river.

Wednesday June 29th We have had a delightful day and fine roads have driven over 20 miles forded Quick Sand Creek. The bluffs on south side of river are very rocky. A large wolf passed near the camp to night was persued a short distance but made its excape. Are camping on a slough near the river.

Thursday June 30th This has been an excessively hot day road very good Some of the company returned from a hunting expedition with three Antelope for booty. It is delicious meat. Camping by the Platte.

Friday July 1st Very warm day again found rocky bluffs resembling ancient ruins of crumbling walls we have plenty of company as there are long trains both before and behind us. Alkali water begins to make its appearance which is deadly poison to man & beast that drink it. Can plainly see Court House Rock in the distance. It is an immense rock covering several acres of ground so regular in its form as to resemble a Capitol building with cupola on the top. Our roads are poorly over sandy and gravely bluff.

Saturday July 2nd Weather extremely warm. — good road passed Court House rock camped on the Platte.

Sunday July 3rd Passed Chimney rock to day it resembles a large round tent with a stove pipe passing through the center of the top. from about 16 miles could find no chips to cook with Such a little little bread Camped on the Platte.

Monday 4th July An exceedingly hot day with good roads can not spend time to stop to celebrate the day Mr Gossage killed an Antelope on the camp ground ahead of the teams. It is delicious meat

Tuesday July 5th Are staying over to day on account of the indisposition of Mrs. Gossage have spent the day rather idly.

Wednesday July 6th Mrs Gossage is not able to go on yet we are about 40 miles east of Laramie. Weather still very warm. Had antelope for supper it is very nice.

Thursday July 7th Drove about 15 miles an exceedingly hot day camped near the river.

Friday July 8th Another hot tiresome day

Saturday July 9th We had a pretty long drive and camped in a beautiful cotton wood grove on the bank of the river about five miles east of Ft Laramie

Sunday July 10th Laid by all day sent letters home and received one from Mr Crosby and one from Mr. Waterburger

Monday July 11th Drove past Laramie which is situated on south side of river and in plain view of this side it seemed quite natural to push on once more. Had a drenching rain as we were camping by the river which was very much needed to lay the dust.

Tuesday July 12th We have just entered upon the Black Hills or base of the Rocky Mountains. This is a great change from the plains and had been quite an exciting day. We have had several very long and steep ascents and descents but I suppose it is only a prelude of what is to come. The air is very cool and pleasant the road in some places very stoney The rest of the way very hard and smooth, camped near a beautiful cool spring to the right of the road.

Wednesday July 13th A fine day and first rate roads with the exception of a little sand in the afternoon Drove off the main road to camp by a creek.

Thursday July 14th Drove about fifteen miles without stopping and fi’ly struck the river, a fine road

Friday Saturday Sunday Made short drives the river in sight most of the way at time roads mountainous

Monday July 18th Lunched at noon at the [?] of the Platte. The river is here quite noxious. Drove until nine in the evening the country is very dry and barren found a little feed by the river.

Tuesday July 19th Started this morning about 11 oclock found a very sandy and dusty road drove until it was so dark we could not see and had to stop when there was nothing for the cattle to eat took a cold bite and went to bed in a terrible thunder storm.

Wednesday July 20th Started about 5 oclock this morning and drove about six miles before finding grass for cattle. Had breakfast and dinner together — Then went on about six miles farther and found a nice camping place by a mail station and a few indian huts. Our road was over a mountain and some of them look very picturesque being dotted with fir or pine trees and also have strokes of red rock running through them. We are camping by the Platte for the last time we now leave it and cross over to the Deschutes We do not expect to be out of sight of mountains now at all from here to California. Met some of the US Army consisting of two companies of Dragoons and forty waggons returning from Salt Lake.

Thursday July 21st Drove about 18 miles to Willow Spring. There are a number of very cool springs and formerly a grove of willow trees but they have all been cut down. The grass has been pretty well eat off. The road to day has been fine rolling but hard and smooth. It is almost lined with dead cattle which now and then give the air a’splendid fragrance I have at hand my camphor bottle

Friday July 22nd Am camping by wood creek Have had a fine road to day can plainly see Rattlesnake Mountains ahead.

Saturday 23rd Started in good season this morning Our drive has been a very interesting one We took our lunch at noon by the Sweetwater at Independence Rock. The latter took its name from standing alone by itself and company celebrating the 4th July on it several years ago. We forded the river and reached the Devils Gate in time to go to it and see it This is a gorge or canion in the Rattlesnake Mountains through which the Sweet Water flows the latter is a swift and clear stream The rocks on each side of this gap rise perpendicular to the height of three or four hundred feet. Have passed two trading posts. Are camping in a beautiful spot in a small horse shoe formed by the bend of the Sweet water high rocky mountains are on each side and river on the other.

Sunday July 24th Travelled about twenty miles to day a part of the road very rocky and in sight of the river most of the way. Passed two trading posts where white men have a log cabin and a squaw for a wife and little half breeds running about. The scenery is quite romantic, in places the mountains are mostly solid rock with no vegetation excepting an occasional pine tree. Camped very late did not have supper until nine oclock.

Monday July 25th Travelled about 18 miles today the road has been fine. The weather has been very cool. Had a cold thunderstorm this afternoon. Camping by Sweet Water. Forded it three times.

Tuesday July 26th Drove twenty miles to day the road has been mountainous but hard and smooth — Forded the Sweet water three times. Snow capped mountains in sight & some warmer to day camping by a branch of the river.

Wednesday July 27th Drove over twenty miles camped by Willow Creek Lunched by a spring as cold as ice water and fine grass The weather most obligeful very cold nights — the air is very bracing Fremont Peak in sight covered with snow.

Thursday July 28th Drove five miles to the Sweetwater and then about three miles up the river to find good grass and have been staying over to wash clothes &c This is the last that we shall see of the Sweetwater it is rightly named for it is a lovely stream. Found willows on its banks to day but our principal fuel has been the wild sage.

Friday July 29th Had a pretty long descent three miles off the road to camp by the Sweetwater once more. Had a late drive and cold supper.

Saturday July 30th We found the summit of the South Pass of Rocky Mountains Lunched by the Pacific Spring and Creek. We are now on the Pacific Coast and nearly past the Rocky Mountains, roads continued fine. Have to camp without grass or water for stock shall probably start without breakfast in the morning

Sunday July 31st Started at day break and drove to little Sandy River a small stream of good water no grass. Got dinner & breakfast togetherand went on to Big Sandy, quite a fine stream, grass tolerable. Willows upon its banks a good road.

Monday Aug 1st Had a fine road to day. Passed one trading post. We were about two hours behind a very severe hail storm. We found the hail by the roadside in places two or three inches deep We are fast leaving the summit of Rocky moutains behind us Camping on big Sandy

Tuesday Aug 2nd Mr Freemans company left us this morning which detained us some time separating the cattle. We go by Salt Lake, They by the Sublette cut off. Drove twelve miles to Green River a handsome stream very rapid current. Ferried the waggons swam the cattle & horses, camped by the river a trading post [near] by. we find the latter every few miles they keep stores and whiskey.

Wednesday Aug 3d Drove sixteen miles camped by Blacks Fork, another trading post. Road more mountainous.

Thursday Aug 4th Made a very short drive and camped by a small muddy stream passed one trading post The road in many places very stony and rolling. Weather warmer. Carrie has been quite sick for a few days with a billious attack, better to day.

Friday Aug 5th Drove about eighteen miles crossed Blacks Fork twice road very rolling and dusty are nearing a snow capped mountain camping by a small stream clear good water willows on its banks.

Saturday Aug 6th Drove eight or ten miles and arrived at Ft Bridger This place is in a beautiful valley of the mountains. Seven clear cool streams flow down from the mountains four on one side of the Ft and three on the other side The houses are built of hewn logs Five good stores a Post Office Blacksmith shop &c which makes quite a town. The road this side of Bridger is splendid. We are camping about six miles west of it by a fine cold spring. The mountains here are covered with grass and trees.

Sunday Aug 7th Made a drive of over twenty miles. Had the most picturesque scenery to day of any that we have seen. One very long descent stony and steep passed several springs copperas ones.⁶ Weather cold a high wind and very dusty. Mountains here are quite fertile being covered with grass and cedar trees and [?] the quaking aspen trees clustered in nooks on the mountains sides Camped on Sulphur Creek a beautiful spring at the head of it very cold to night.

Monday Aug 8th Froze ice on the standing water last night. Found several of the horses missing this morning Drove on ten miles to Bear River and camped for the day Horses found in course of the day. plenty of grass and timber on the river bank. Found nice ripe gooseberries and currants

Tuesday Aug 9th Did not travel to day staid to shoe and recruit the stock been washing, picking over berries & steamed a nice dumpling for supper. This is a handsome grove of cotton wood trees.

Wednesday Aug 10th Last night was very cold again. Drove over twenty miles Passed a number of fine cold springs. Crossed Yellow Creek at the foot of a rocky bluff which looked rather dangerous to passers by as there was a large overhanging piece of rock which looked ready to drop down upon passers at any moment Also passed Cache Cave a cave in the bluff with a circular entrance large enough for a man to walk erect some of the boys entered it and reported it to be about fifty feet deep with two chambers leading out of it which they did not explore. We seem to be descending very rapidly so that we are in a warmer climate to night have had some very steep and crooked descents. Are now passing through what is called Echo Canyon a narrow pass with high mountains on each side fair grass and cold spring near the camp.

Thursday Aug 11th The Echo Kanyon which we have passed through to day is miles long and is the wildest and scaryest place which I ever imagined The Echo Creek winds through the whole length of the pass and has to be crossed a number of times its Banks are quite steep numbers of springs flow from the mountain making little pits in some places theres hardly room for the waggon to pass between the mountain on the one side and a ravine on the other, scattered pieces of rock are lying about which from time to time have rolled down from the mountain. some of these are overhanging We took our noon lunch at the foot of one of the highest points of the mountain where the Mormons had erected fortifications to command this pass. The western end of this Kanyon is the handsomest The mountain on the right going west rises in immense columns and towers up into a variety of shapes and sizes As we leave this pass we go down a long and winding descent into the valley of the Weber River. The view from the top of this descent is very beautiful. Camped by the Weber river it is said to abound in fire wood and an abundance of gooseberries currants and service berries which with [?] make a fine relish.

Friday Aug 12th Our road to day has been entirely in the mountains Forded the Weber River Canyon creek winds through and has to be crossed thirteen times within eight miles.

Saturday Aug 13 th Had the misfortune to get behind a long freight train that have six yoke of cattle to a team which has hindered us very much Have been ascending the highest mountain that we have to cross and have got part way down where night overtook us and are camping by the roadside. From the summit of this mountain we got a view of part of Salt Lake Valley It was certainly a good sight to be [?] and be able to look over a lower range of mountains into a valley beneath. We are now about eighteen miles from Salt Lake City.

Sunday Aug 14th Started at daylight and drove to the foot of the mountain stopped for breakfast and dinner and then drove over the little mountain which was equally as steep as the other and more rough Crossed a creek [?] within five miles camped next on it about four miles from the City.

Monday Aug 15th My Husband baby and myself rode to the City and all about it. It is situated at the foot of the mountain on an inclined plain of the valley which is twenty five miles wide and one hundred long The streets are good and cross at right angles each has one and sometimes 2 streams of clear spring water running through them. Brigham Youngs premises are enclosed with a handsome stone wall. The houses are built of Adobe and are neat and pretty plenty of nice fruit and shade trees Expected to have heard from home but did not which has disappointed us much Received a letter from Mrs Waterbury.

Tuesday Aug 16th Drove through town and out seven miles Hired a pasture as we found no grass by the way. Had a nice relish of Melons, corn, beans, potatoes, and onions. Passed a boiling spring.

Wednesday Aug 17th Drove about nine miles and camped a few miles from the lake. Henry and some of the boys took a boat in it and brought a specimen of the Salt from the shore. It is impossible to sink in it the waters so strong with salt there are no fish in it.

Thursday Aug 18th Drove nearly twenty five miles passed through Ogden City situated on Ogden river forded the Weber river and camped about five miles from the City.

Friday Aug 19th Started at noon having been delayed hunting cattle Drove nine miles and camped by a large spring at the foot of the mountains found good feed shall remain here until the arrival of a large company behind as we hear of Indian troubles ahead several companies intend joining to protect each other more about forty three miles from Salt Lake City the country so far is well settled with farmers who seem to be thriving they are certainly very tidy in their premises and green.

Saturday Aug 20th Have been washing and cleaning up some I feel quite anxious about the report that we hear of trouble ahead still making

Sunday Aug 21st Still camped waiting and expecting every minute the train The Lords day again but little opportunity of observing it as a Christian would wish to. I can imagine friends at home going to and from their place of worship and then sitting down in their peaceful quiet home to enjoy suitable reading and reflection and all the comforts of home included. If Providence sees fit to take note our journey and in safety shall be able to thank Him for His kindness and to appreciate a Sunday.

Monday Aug 22nd Started in a company with a number of other waggons in all forty on account of trouble with Indians we were joined together for safety to protect each other in case of attack.

Tuesday Aug 23rd Had a very dusty road and hot day on the whole a disagreeable time I never felt more discouraged Am perfectly sick and tired of this journey camped upon Bear River near the ford opposite an encampment of troops which have come here to quell the Indian disturbances Shall be very thankful if I ever have a quiet decent home again

Wed Aug 24th Drove about sixteen miles and camped by a large Spring in the mountain side.

Thursday Aug 25th Started at five oclock and made a drive of over twenty five miles the longest distance which we have travelled in a day since starting camp about ten oclock PM Passed a Salt Spring Had one very steep rocky descent extremely dusty I do not fancy riding and camping after dark in the Indian territory I consider it very dangerous and unsafe

Friday Aug 26th Got a late start this morning as usual after a late drive the night before. Drove six miles to find creek with clear cool water, travelled on its bank about six miles and camped in good season and a clear nice place

Saturday Aug 27th Drove about sixteen miles lunched by Hot Springs. The road for the last twenty miles has been through a valley are camping by a spring creek coming down from the mountain. Hare[s] are very abundant here and are fine eating.

Sunday Aug 28th Started about seven oclock crossed stony creek about noon Roads rolling camped early by a small stream of good water no feed. Drove about fifteen miles

Monday Aug 29th Started at daylight drove about four miles and found grass got breakfast and rest about three hours before starting again crossed [?] Creek two or three times. Camped early by a dry spring in the mountain side drove from twelve to fourteen miles [?] Elected John Gossage Captain of the train.

Tuesday Aug 30th Started at half past six and found water in about five miles Roads very steep and sideling The last descent five miles long and in places very stony and dangerous. Camped on a branch of Goose Creek The Mountains were on all sides of us and on the whole it was a very dangerous place to camp on the indians could shoot down upon us if they felt disposed and they have been killing a number of persons for the sake of plunder. A little after dark a meeting was called to pass resolutions in regard to the regulation of the company in order to [?] and a good understanding in case of an attack from indians or another danger Just as Dr Mott⁷ was reading off the resolutions all was silence — someone raised an alarm and confusion prevailed at once the Capt ordered every man to get the arms and arrange themselves as they best could as for myself I was frightened nearly to death and was curled up in the waggon with my children around me trembling with fright But thank fortune it proved to be a false alarm one of the men for amusement had been throwing slings stones which buzzed by the ears of those who supposed them to be arrows and gave the alarm After setting an extra Guard we went to bed although it took some time to quiet down to sleep. Drove about 17 miles.

Wednesday Aug 31st After travelling about three miles we reached Goose Creek traveld about fourteen miles and camped in good season good grass and water —

Thursday Sept 1st Started early drove about three miles farther up Goose Creek when we entered a Kanyon high mountains of rocks on a small branch of Goose Creek run through it. Passed over some high mountainous ascents and descents about seventeen miles and camped on a high hill without water excepting for cooking which we brought from a spring back

Friday Sept 2nd Drove on twenty miles and camped in Thousand Spring valley. Road most of the way fine. The man that goes ahead to hunt camping places met with two Indians They was out of sight before we come up

Saturday Sept 3rd Continued up the valley past a large boiling spring near the head of the valley. on leaving the latter passed up a ravine about two miles and camped fine cool water running through cold night.

Sunday Sept 4th road ascending for two miles descent not steep but long Humbolt springs [present Nevada] about seven miles from start must camp in a valley to the left full of springs abundance of grass

Monday Sept 5th Last night was very cold lunched at headwaters of Humbolt — Overtook a large train composed of several small trains. some if not all of them were attacked by Indians and while we were on the SLC Road. They lost their waggons and most everything they had A number of persons have been killed and several wounded. Camped by the Humbolt which is here a clear cool stream. Very cold night and morning and extremely dusty roads

Tuesday Sept 6th A very pleasant day made a very good drive. camped by the river

Wednesday Sept 7th An extremely cold morning a cold shower accompanied by some sleet snow probably fell on the mountains a cold wind all day more snow etc to night. Drove about eighteen miles camped by the river which is wider as we go down it. Trains in sight both before and behind ours.

Thursday Sept 8th Drove to day about twenty miles camped near sundown by the river. In the forenoon the road was in the valley we then entered a kanyon where the river runs between mountains forded it several times descended to the valley to camp. Only see indians occasionaly [?] to day that were fishing by the river speckled trout are abundant.

Friday Sept 9th Had a late start and slow drive during the forenoon We then left the valley and ascended into the mountains roads very dusty and hard for the teams ascended about eight miles to the summit of ridge and camped about two miles down by a spring weather cold but not as cold as last night. Have got out of coffee and use barley as substitute.

Saturday Sept 10th Had a very rough rocky road in the fore noon Crossed what is called Gravelly⁸ ford and passed the first mail station this side of Salt Lake camped by the river. Distance from Salt Lake City 430 miles

Sunday Sept 11th Drove about ten miles over a mountain road mostly and camped by the river for the day

Monday Sept 12th drove nearly twenty miles camped by the river by driving off the road a mile or two. Some of the boys found an indian arrow and gave it to Eddie

Tuesday Sept 13th Made a long drive over twenty road lay some distance from the river the cattle had no water from morning until night had a slight shower and heavy rain around us on the mountains weather to night cool. camped by the river met the mail coach to day for the first time since leaving Salt Lake passed second mail station

Wednesday Sept 14th Drove about fifteen miles and camped by the river as usual. Roads very dusty and strong with alkali

Thursday Sept 15 th Drove about fifteen miles and camped early passed over a range of mountains some places rather steep and rocky.

Friday Sept. 16th drove about eighteen miles road lay in valley passed mail station and trading post are camped by river. Near by stood a waggon with a woman and family of children Her husband had been gone with two men four days in the mountains to recover their cattle from the indians who have run them off She has just learned that they have succeeded in getting back the cattle and are now near here.

Saturday Sept 17th Drove about the same as usual and camped by the river in good season road lay mostly in the valley with the exception of a few sandy bluffs.

Sunday Sept 18th Drove until about one oclock and camped by the river road lay over sandy bluffs and very hard for the teams

Monday Sept 19th Road to day has been through a very barren country and dust was like ashes full half a foot deep. It is truly a desolate country no vegetation but chaperel. a thorny woody shrub sometimes called grease wood.

Tuesday Sept 20th Road about the same as yesterday a high wind which made the dust disagreeable

Wednesday Sept 21st Weather and road the same shall be thankful when we get out of this barren region drove down to river to camp as usual

Thursday Sept 22nd Found the indian pony dead this morning Reached what is called the big meadows in the afternoon drove down about four miles and camped on fine grass the best we have seen in long time The river has disappeared and nothing to be seen of it but a slough

Friday Sept 23rd Laid by to day to make hay for the desert which is about twenty miles ahead have also been doing extra cooking and killed a young beef

Saturday Sept 24th Drove about ten miles and camped without grass the water as [?] the Lake grows brackish and is quite strong with alkali left another horse beside the road to day that gave out The soil all along the Humbolt is strongly impregnated with alkali and the dust affects animals.

Sunday Sept 25th Drove about fourteen miles today part of the way on the bank of the Lake which is quite a handsome body of water where it is deep we are now camped in or near the Sink⁹ where the Lake spreads out into sloughs and sinks in the ground. The water is unpleasant to drink without the addition of acid it is salt beside being strong with alkali. The horses have all been taken ahead to night to a half way place on the Desert to wait until we come up tomorrow

Monday Sept 26th Started upon the Desert which is a barren stretch of country forty five miles thirty five of which is no water and what there is poison At night fall we reached the wells which are half way across where stock can be watered at one shilling a head, and people a quarter this is a great relief to crossing the desert as it was before the wells were dug. The last ten miles of the way is very sandy and trying to teams we stopped at the wells long enough to water and feed the working cattle and get our supper and then started on our night journey about eight P.M. and arrived Carson river about half after seven the next morning. Got our breakfast and drove up the River about four miles and camped for the day very little grass on this river plenty of willows and Cotton wood. It is a fine clear stream and fine water it is a relief to get away from the Humbolt which is horrid water to drink. The name of the place where we first struck the river was Ragtown.¹⁰

Wednesday 28th Drove up the river about ten miles and camped. road rolling sandy and rocky A very cold rain last night mountains ahead covered with snow which makes the wind very cold.

Thursday Sept 29th Drove eleven miles road lay over the bluffs in places sandy and in other rocky camping by the river where we find better grass than we have since left Humbolt Gave twenty five cents for a little brown sugar that I could bought at home for four cents Weather last night very cold indeed.

Friday Sept 30th Drove about four miles up the river off from the road to find good grass to rest the cattle on as they seem to be very weak and tired out. and several have died.

Saturday Oct 1st Drove eight miles over a very sandy road Camped early by the river.

Sunday Oct 2nd Made a long drive about eighteen miles road rather rough.

Monday Oct 3rd Started rather late drove about seven miles to China town¹¹ and after a short time put up and I believe they expect to have a great time soon on account of gold mines which have been discovered near here, and which they are working Got supper and then started on another night drive over mountains which were rocky and the low places sandy. Arrived at Carson City about two AM and camped until after dinner

Tuesday Oct 4th Started about two PM drove eight miles and camped by the river in fir grove. Weather delightful

Wednesday October 5th Drove about ten miles and reached Genoa¹² quite a busy little place at the foot of the mountain with a fine stream flowing through it went on about five miles and camped by the river. The cattle are so weak and dying off so fast that we have got to lay over a few days before crossing the mountains which we are very near.

Thursday Oct 6th Lay by all day to recruit the stock several more have died to day

Friday Oct 7th Staid in the same place all day.

Saturday Oct 8th This morning our team the horse and buggy and horses started ahead and left Mr John Gossage and four men behind with three waggons and loose stock until the latter are able to travel. Drove about eight miles road sandy.

Sunday Oct 9th Drove about eight miles arrived at the entrance of Carson Kanyon crossed the river and camped

Monday Oct 10th Drove through the kanyon and got along nicely although it is a horribly rough road The river comes tumbling down over the rocks with great force and noise immensely high mountains are towering on both sides, the road very winding turning very short in many places. to avoid rocks in some places it required the drivers and a man ahead at each wheel to get the waggon along we finally arrived at Hope valley about half past three PM drove up the valley about two miles and camped in a pleasant place found two trading posts here weather very cold surrounded by snowy mountains.

Tuesday Oct 11th Started this morning on our way over the Sierra Nevada Mountains We got over the first summit at noon stopped and lunched by a stream of water very cold found a small lake in a valley. The ascent of the second summit is a road cut in the mountain side one track The road on the whole is very good although there are some rocks and in a few places it is broken away on the outer side. We reached at the summit about half past three PM. The sides are thickly covered with the finest pine and fir trees that ever grew. Drove about two miles down the Mt and camped Weather extremely cold but sunny days.

Wednesday Oct 12th Another beautiful day ourroadin the forenoon down the Mt was very rocky in the afternoon we reached the good road which runs on the Mt side drove until nine in the evening to reach a trading post to get food for the cattle and horses.

Thursday 13th Our road has been all day on the grade down the Mt side Have found some of the tallest trees that I have ever seen from two to two hundred and fifty feet high

Thursday Oct 13th Had a long drive nearly twenty miles road very good part of the way we had continued upon gravel roads Mt still very high

Friday Oct 14th Road about the same crossed the American River on the new bridge which is a fine one Camped by a trading post.

Saturday Oct 15th Started early and made a good drive road rolling but Mts get lower passed through quite a town called Diamond Springs. Drove on about two miles and camped. Weather warm air good.

Sunday Oct 16th Drove about fourteen miles over a very rolling country and quite rocky and rough we are beginning to get among civilized people again

Monday Oct 17th Made a short drive road very dusty has been no rain here for seven months.

Tuesday Oct 18th Passed through Sacramento City a lively pleasant place drove another mile and camped

Wednesday Oct 19th Drove about thirteen miles a fine level road.

1 The note is signed by a John Catlin.

2 We acknowledged gratefully the work of Dr. Eugene Sill and his wife, Dorothy (your editor’s sister), for work they did in uncovering the almanac information in the Oakland Public Library. The Sills have been long-time Oakland residents, now live in Woodland, California.

1 John and I.orena Gossage are listed in the 1850 United States Census along with five children. He is listed as a farmer, 42 years old, living in Muskingum Co., near Zanesville, Ohio. Lorenagave her age to the census taker as 42. They were both horn in Vermont. Their five Ohio-born children were Mary Jane, 16; Sarah, 14; Samuel, 6; Warner, 4; and Cynthia, 2. Jerome’s name does not appear.

2 Fremont is one of the oldest towns in Nebraska. It had been platted in 1856 and incorporated on Nov. 2, 1858. G. Thomas Fairclough, Nebraska Place Names (Lincoln, 1967). p. 54.

3 Loup and Brule are both French names. The word, loup, means wolf, and the name had been used for a group of the Skidi tribe of the Pawnee Indians. Skidi is Pawnee for wolf. Ibid, p. 135. There is a town named Brule (pronounced today Brull) in Keith Co., Nebraska. It was named for the Brule Teton Sioux Indians. It means “ burnt.” Ibid., p. 85.

4 Freeman is unidentified.

5 She refers to “Mr Matt” here and on Aug. 30 to “ Dr Mott.” He is so far not identified.

6 One might think that copperas was a copper compound; however, it is ferrous iron sulfate.

7 See fn. 5. above.

8 Thomas H. Hunt says that travel was so hot and had in this part of Nevada that emigrants were prone to “let it all out with a very human snarl.” Harriett Griswold is far more understated. Ghost Trails to California (Palo Alto, 1974), p. 39.

9 The Humboldt Sink was the last dying gasp of the river as it flowed into a wide flat basin and extended itself in all directions to form a marsh containing a lake into which the river flowed. The waters are now impounded behind Rye Patch dam. Helen S. Carlson, Nevada Place Names (Reno, 1974), p. 139.

10“Trading posts sprang up at various places, particularly at Ragtown — so called, it would seem, because of its appearance— where the trail came to the Carson River after crossing the desert.” George R. Stewart, The California Trail (New York, 1962), p. 297; also Carlson, op. cit., p. 197. It was also called Ragwood Station, about 12 miles northwest of present Fallon. Evidently the emigrants threw off many of their soiled and damaged clothes here.

11 Anyone who studies the federal census records of 1860 and 1870 is impressed with the many, many Chinese who were scattered through the gold region. Chinese had come into the Carson valley as early as 1855 in large numbers. They did the menial labor and worked the placers only after the Americans had operated at a particular place. The best treatment of this subject is Gary P. BeDunnah, History of the Chinese in Nevada, 1855–1904, Master’s Thesis, University of Nevada, Reno, 1966. This particular Chinatown became the later town of Dayton, Lyon County. Carlson, op. cit., pp. 92–93.

12 Genoa was the first American settlement in present Nevada. Ibid. p. 118.