Indeed, if I do not experience something far worse than I have yet done, I shall say the trouble is all in getting started.  Our wagons have not needed much repair, and I can not yet tell in what respects they could be improved.  Certain it is, they can not be too strong.  Our preparations for the journey might have been in some respects bettered.

Bread has been the principal article of food in our camp.  We laid in 150 pounds of flour and 75 pounds of meat for each individual, and I fear bread will be scarce.  Meat is abundant.  Rice and beans are good articles on the road; cornmeal, too, is acceptable.  Linsey dresses are the most suitable for children.  Indeed, if I had one, it would be acceptable.  There is so cool a breeze at all times on the plains that the sun does not feel so hot as one would suppose.

We are now four hundred and fifty miles from Independence.  Our route at first was rough, and through a timbered country, which appeared to be fertile.  After striking the prairie, we found a first-rate road, and the only difficulty we have had, has been in crossing the creeks.  In that, however, there has been no danger.

I never could have believed we could have travelled so far with so little difficulty.  The prairie between the Blue and the Platte rivers is beautiful beyond description.  Never have I seen so varied a country, so suitable for cultivation.  Everything was new and pleasing; the Indians frequently come to see us, and the chiefs of a tribe breakfasted at our tent this morning.  All are so friendly that I can not help feeling sympathy and friendship for them.  But on one sheet what can I say?

Since we have been on the Platte, we have had the river on one side and the ever varying mounds on the other, and have travelled through the bottom lands from one to two miles wide, with little or no timber.  The soil is sandy, and last year, on account of the dry season, the emigrants found grass here scarce.  Our cattle are in good order, and when proper care has been taken, none have been lost.  Our milch cows have been of great service, indeed.  They have been of more advantage than our meat.  We have plenty of butter and milk.

We are commanded by Captain Russell, an amiable man.  George Donner is himself yet.  He crows in the morning and shouts out, “Chain up, boys! chain up!” with as much authority as though he was “something in particular.”  John Denton is still with us.  We find him useful in the camp.  Hiram Miller and Noah James are in good health and doing well.  We have of the best people in our company, and some, too, that are not so good.

    Buffaloes show themselves frequently.