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Rh their children dead by the way—dead of the sufferings of the march—are yet docile, obedient, and “work splendidly!”

“June 13th. After considerable time we succeeded in building a bridge over Wolf Creek out of drift-timber, and succeeded in crossing the balance of the train. Broke camp and marched three miles, and went into camp again near Otoe Agency.

“June 14th. Water-bound, and had to remain in camp all day waiting for creek to ran down. The Otoe Indians came out to see the Poncas, and gave them ten ponies.

“June 15th. Still water-bound, Remained in camp all day.

“June 16th. Broke camp at seven o’clock and reached Marysville, Kansas, where we went into camp. During the march a wagon tipped over, injuring a woman quite severely. Indians out of rations, and feeling hostile.”

What wonder that the Indians felt hostile? Hunger added to all the rest of their direful misery!

“June 18th. Broke camp at seven o'clock. Marched nine miles and went into camp at Elm Creek. Little Cottonwood died, Four families determined to return to Dakota. I was obliged to ride nine miles on horseback to overtake them, to restore harmony, and settle difficulty in camp. Had coffin made for dead Indian, which was brought to camp at twelve o'clock at night from Blue Rapids. A fearful thunder-storm during the night, flooding the camp-equipage.”

This is a “highly-colored” story, indeed! The darkness; the camp flooded by the driving rain; thunder and lightning; a messenger arriving at midnight with a coffin; the four families of desperate fugitives setting out to flee back to their homes! What “sensational fabrication” could compete with this?

“June 19th. The storm of last night left the roads in an impassable condition, and, in consequence, was obliged to remain in camp all day. Buried Little Cottonwood in a cemetery about five miles from camp. * * *