Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 25.djvu/166

 cattle; but unfortunately got me as I was driving onto the boat my oxen took a gee-turn and broke a fore axle of my wagon, which delayed me the balance of the day, but I succeeded in finding an axle and getting ready to cross early next morning. Two of my family were sick here with mountain fever, a very common occurrence in this region

June 30.—This morning we crossed, and pursued the company, who had camped one and one-half miles down the river, but had moved seven miles farther down to where the road leaves the river. Here they nooned and I caught up with them. After noon we took over the hills towards Black's Fork, another branch of Green river that comes by Ft. Bridger. The hills here are barren and sandy. We united today with another train. We reached Black's Fork at sunset. Here found a beautiful stream skirted with willows and the best grass in the world, as far as I know.

July 1.—We traveled up the stream four miles to where we found a trading post. Here we stopped to reset wagon tires and do washing, which kept all busy the balance of the day.

July 2.—This day we traveled 18 miles up the stream, passing many curiosities. We passed several buttes. The country here is barren and sandy. We camped on a small creek, found poor grass but plenty of fish.

July 3.—This day we traveled 15 miles, which brought us on to Black's Fork, within three miles of Ft. Bridger. Here found good grass. Here we fished for speckled trout but caught but very few of them. We are near the snow here, where the stream is fed and the water is very cold.

July 4.—This day we traveled 20 miles. Ten miles brought us to a stream that empties into Black's Fork and ten miles farther brought us to another that empties into Hamm's Fork. Our course this day has been northward over a rolling country, studded with red cedar. Weather very pleasant, health good.