Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 8.djvu/397

 DIARY OF ASAHEL MUNGER AND WIFE. 389 resting awhile she could eat. We now can see the need of a Sabbath a day of rest for ourselves and our animals. Oh that we may again enjoy the Sabbath, I feel that Jesus is precious to my soul. I love Him and wish to do his will, even if I suffer wrongfully. . He knows our hearts, and I rejoice that he does. Camped on Blue river. 20 Mon. to Thurs. met 5 Delaware Indians Tuesday who had been out trapping. They were very friendly one of them was acquainted with Mr. Harris who is the principal man of the American Fur Com- pany with whom we are traveling. This Indian had shot an Elk just before we came in sight, and only taken his tongue, he went with us to show us where it was our Co took the whole which supplied us well with fresh meat. Mr. Harris gave him some bacon. Thurs Evening the Storm came up from two directions clouds above ap- peared to move in the opposite direction from those below, after sunset it commenced raining and blowing, most of the tents were blown down. I stood outside of our tent and held it by the help of E. & Mrs. G. who were inside holding with all their might. Storm con- tinued about an hour. May 24th Friday. We did not sleep much last night. E none at all set 25 [sic] up all night. Sat. appearance of rain this morning traveled two hours and camped. We are now past timber have to depend upon 26 flood wood and little willows for our fuel. Sab. No Sabbath 27 started early this morning, cold riding Monday started early traveled about 10 hours in hopes of reaching a cluster of timber, but 28 stopped 3 miles short Tues. Started about 7 this morning, came within a mile of Bradies grave (a man that was murdered some years since) and camped. We have been short for game a few days, though 29 plenty to be seen. Wed. Today we came in sight of Buffalo in large bands. Our Co. killed 15 or 16 to day, though perhaps not the weight of two of them was brought into the camp traveled all the afternoon in sight of them we came near to some the largest appear terrific noble animals not easily frightened. Wolves can pass through their bands and hardly be noticed or molested. We have been finding less and less grass and vegetation of all kinds, have frequently found prickly pears yesterday found one of another kind which is frequently eaten camped 7 or 8 miles below the place where we expect to cross the Platt[e] river. This has been a day of slaughter among buffalo, and most of the meat left to waste, one 30 man killed a veal we rec'd a part of it. Thurs. had veal for break- fast grass short, eaten down by Buffalo. Had a good nights rest. Buffalo determined to come down to the water drove them back for 31 fear they would frighten our horses. Frid. Moved on to the Forks of the Platt, to the usual crossing place found the water too deep to ford pitched our tents and commenced making preparations for