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Show 30 FROM FORT LEAVENWORTH TO FORT KEARNY. the first we had seen, were found. Cacti were met with during the day, also the purple mallow, as well as a small red species, the perfume of which is very sweet, resembling that of heliotrope. Dwarf Artemisia was also abundant. The measured distance from Fort Leavenworth to this point, by the usually travelled route, is two hundred and ninety- six miles. Tuesday y June 19.- Ther. at 5 o'clock, 70°. Men and animals much fatigued by the journey of yesterday. We travelled up the Platte fifteen miles, and encamped within two miles of Fort Kearny, on the bank of the river, for the sake of water and grass. Wood for cooking could be procured only by wading the river, and bringing it from the opposite side on the shoulders of the men. After encamping, rode up to the fort, and called upon the commanding officer, Colonel Bonneville, whose adventures among the Rocky Mountains are so well known to the world. He received us very courteously, offering us every facility in his power in furtherance of our progress. We remained at this post until the afternoon of the 21st, to recruit the mules, get many of them shod, and to procure such necessary supplies as could be obtained. The post at present consists of a number of long low buildings, constructed principally of adobe, or sun- dried bricks, with nearly flat roofs; a large hospital- tent; two or three workshops, enclosed by canvas walls; storehouses constructed in the same manner; one or two long adobe stables, with roofs of brush; and tents for the accommodation of the officers and men. There are stationed here two companies of infantry and one of dragoons. I was told that the hail* storms had been very frequent this season and quite destructive, cutting down the weeds and stripping the trees of their foliage. Lieutenant Gunnison being still quite feeble, and unable to ride on horseback, I purchased for his use a little spring- carriage, which had been left here by a party of emigrants. Such abandonments are very common; most of these sanguine and adventurous companies, by the time they get thus far, beginning to find out that they have started on their journey with more than they can contrive to carry. In order to lighten their load, most of them dispose of every thing they can possibly spare, and at almost any price. Flour and bacon, for example, had been sold as low as one cent per pound; and many, being unable to sell even at that price, had used their meat for fuel. The pack company from Boston, which had passed us on the route, and which we found encamped here on our arrival, left before our departure. As they had been entirely |
