Page 15 - Keays Diary with forward 1866 and Cover

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We still do nicely in the eating line, and for one thing I

wish to give my best approbation, that is maple sugar, to make molasses,

it is the most delicious accessory to a meal out of doors that could be,

and I advise all my friends to get it in their outfit.

Saturday May 12 -- At Fort Kearney. We struck the Platte River

about 20 miles from Fort Kearney, but there was no timber on it so far,

we came on to the Frost, and found we must go from there in a wagon train;

here out first bad luck appeared, which to me, as far as I am concerned

is terrible serious; Mr. Peterson’s and my trunks were stolen last

night, and we are detained here searching for them, but I fear it is a

waste of time.

9 A.M. They have found the trunks, but both opened and rifled

of their contents. They are searching everywhere for the goods, but have

no trace of them.

This Dobe Town, as they call it, bears a terrible reputation
for stealing, it is so near the Fort that they have the soldiers for a

cloak and raseality.

We had a Military and Civil Posse out searching and each laid

it on the other kind of people.

Sunday Eve. 13. -- We stayed at Adobe Town till near noon, when

a Train starting (a Train of 50 wagons,: emigrants, the Post Commander

detained all emigrants until sufficient had congregated to form a train

of that size of travel together for mutual protection; the members then

elected one of the Party for Wagon Boss or Captain, whose duty it was to

select camping places, detail tight guards to protect the stock, etc.

We thought it a waste of time to stop longer to search for our things.

The Masons seemed to be Interested in it and if they should ever hear