Page:Final Report of the Northwest Territory Celebration Commission.pdf/26

 took it all in their stride and at no time did they cause any trouble or damage.

In logging the timber for the boats at West Newton they did marvelous work.

Being taken into the timber along the route they were to come out with the particular log, they handled the rest of the job themselves. If a sapling small enough to be broken over was in their way they went straight over it; but if too large, and they did the deciding as to its size—they detoured around it. In fact, they were much steadier, more dependable, and harder workers than were the horses.

Perhaps this deviation as to these truly wonderful animals may be out of place in this report, but it is to be remembered that they cannot speak for themselves, and yet were one of the very considerable factors in the caravan.

Five cavalry horses were secured from the U.S. Army. After arrival at Marietta, only four of these could be taken along through the territory because of limited facilities in the trucks necessary to the trip through the States.

These horses were old, and although purchased at about $160.00 each, they only brought about $25.00 each at public auction in November 1938.

Saddles, both riding and pack, were made after the pattern of those in colonial days.

A description of the livestock would not be complete without mention of the dogs which attached themselves to the caravan—especially of "Buck", who "joined up" at Allentown, Pennsylvania, and completed the trek.

Others were "Bonus" who disappeared in Pittsburgh, and "Stogy'" (Conestoga) who deserted in Indiana. None of these dogs had any special pride of ancestry, but they seemed to sense that this was a man's man group, and nothing could stop them from going along. "Buck" and "Bonus" were named for the dollar a day pay and the $100 bonus the men were to receive.

Buck learned a part in the pageant, followed his cues and added materially to the naturalness of it all.

At the end of the trip, lots were drawn among the caravan men as to who was to be trustee for him during his life. At his death, request is made that he be mounted and preserved in with other relics of the trek.

Among the most interesting, and difficult properties to be secured were the Conestoga wagons. Again, for purposes of reserve, it was necessary to have two, while only one was to accompany the caravan.

After extended effort to find originals, it was decided to buy parts of old wagons, using their unique wrought iron parts, but rebuilding the wood parts. There was not one authentic wagon of the period, in good repair, which could be had at any acceptable price. There were several wagons of heterogeneous sort, with parts of all different periods, but desirable articles are all either now in museums or held priceless by their owners.

Through the cooperation of Mr. David Sternbergh of Reading, Pennsylvania, a careful survey was made through the Conestoga