Page:Memoir of a tour to northern Mexico.djvu/5

Rh

, May 9, 1816.

Having left St. Louis on the 4th of May, I arrived to-day here in this well known frontier town of Missouri, the usual starting place of the companies going to Santa Fe, Oregon, or California, though some of the latter select Westport or Kansas. Seven years ago, when I returned from an excursion to Oregon, I had seen Independence as a small village. I now find it very much improved, and the great throng of emigrant to the “far west,” and of Santa Fe traders, at present there collected, gives it quite a lively appearance. This varied crowd of strangers was composed of the most different materials–all united in one object; that is, to launch themselves upon the waste ocean of the prairie, and to steer through it in some western direction. My own object was, to join the first large company destined for Santa Fe, and my enterprising countryman, Mr. A. Speyer, whose name is very well known in the Santa Fe trade for his energy, perseverance and fearlessness, afforded me all the facilities of doing so. Mr. Speyer’s preparations not being quite finished, and longing myself for the prairie, I left Independence on the 14th of May for Big Blue camp, the first camp in the prairie, about 20 miles west of Independence. My barometrical observations during my stay in Independence gave as its elevation above the sea 1,040 feet.

Big Blue Camp, May 15.—A charming spot is this first camp in the prairie. It lies just on the western boundary line of the State of Missouri, the military road from Fort Towson to Fort Leavenworth passing by it. This road forms the dividing line between the last settlements and the Indian country. Situated thus at the very junction of civilization and wilderness, we could overlook them both with a single glance. Towards the east we perceived the blessings of civilization–fine farms, with corn fields, orchards, dwelling-houses, and all the sweet comforts of home: towards the west, the lonesome, far stretching prairie, without house or cultivation–the abode of the restless Indian, the highway of the adventurous white man. The scenery was enlivened by thousands of stock grazing around us, and by the daily arrival of new wagons and prairie travellers, who take their final start from here to the prairie. Amongst this bustle and activity of the whole caravan, I had to remain about a week. I made some astronomical and barometrical observations of our camp. The first gave me 38° 59′ 27″ north latitude; the latter, an elevation of 1,020 feet.

May 22.–Our whole caravan started, consisting of 22 large wagons, (each drawn by 10 mules,) several smaller vehicles, and 35 men. I had provided myself with a small wagon on springs, to carry my baggage and instruments, and as a comfortable retreat in bad weather. The confusion and bustle of such a first start, the inexperience of some of the drivers, and the fractiousness of the mules, render it advisable to make the first day’s march merely a trial. If everything works well, one may go ahead afterwards. For