Page 20 - Keays Diary with forward 1866 and Cover

17
It is well named, the ground all around is covered with a white incrusta-

tion looking like ice, and on the wheels, like flour.

We had a stampede of mules Sunday morning; they ran back over

20 miles. One very valuable one came near dieing from getting too tired

and drinking too soon.

We are right in the worst place for Indians but have seen none

yet though have heard there were some near; some in camp are very nervous

about them. This noon we came to Star Ranch, the old California crossing

of the Platte, but it is so high now that it cannot be forded so they have

to keep on this side, they don't know how much further up; the River is

not so muddy here as below, tastes better.

Tuesday noon 22 – We are almost to Julesburg, for some miles

the road has been over the bluffs. Very sandy and hard on the horses.

We found some of the most beautiful flowers today, if I only

had them at home, would be so glad, I don't think there are any handsomer
in the gardens at home, or more fragrant.

Some of us don’t feel very well; Mr. Peterson is about sick and

I have a very sore throat.

This is the edge of Colorado, 180 miles from our destination,

if not detained, we feel as if we should soon be at our journeys end;

here our Oregon friends expect to cross the river and go on the other

side; they think the feed is better.

There is no timber along here at all, there was a Government

wood train ahead of us, which dropped enough to supply us; wood sells

for $100.00 per cord.

Wednesday noon 23 – We are fairly out of Julesburg and glad

enough we are of it; as our Train split up, we were detained here. We

were so fortunate as to get out quota (30 men filled last night and