April 30, 1849
Here begins the journal of Peter Brenn, formerly a doctor. Tomorrow we leave Independence behind to begin our journey west to Sacramento. We must still purchase the supplies that our large farmwagon will hold to sustain us during our long trek.
I hope that the following skills will prove of some use along the trail: medical, carpentry, farming/animals, botany, cooking.
Last week was my first anniversary to my new wife. I wonder if our children have heard about it yet? We sent a message off to them the day after the wedding, but it might not have reached them yet. I hope it has. It will be wonderful to see our children again. We have missed spending Christmas and other celebrations with them. I expect that we'll arrive there in November, maybe earlier. In time for Christmas! The hardships will be great, but we will hopefully all endure.
May 1, 1849 Took advantage of the package deal offered to me. What a relief not to have to shop for all that individually! Purchased 10 boxes of 20 bullets, 4 25-lb. kegs of gunpowder. Purchased 8 oxen, 11 chickens, 3 milk cows. Purchased 775 pounds of bacon, 22 blankets, 5 canteens, 90 pounds of celery, 1 checkers board and set, 2 decks of playing cards, 90 5-lb. sacks of dried fruit, 100 5-lb. sacks of dried vegetables, 4 fishing nets, 2 fishing poles, 2 fishing spears, 225 pounds of ham, 6 lanterns, 10 16-oz. tins of lantern oil, 15 10-lb. sacks of onions, 20 20-lb. sacks of potatoes, 5 10-lb. sacks of salt, 425 pounds of salt pork, 1 tent, 5 30-lb. kegs of vinegar, 14 water kegs. Purchased 1 small farmwagon. Purchased 4 oxen. Nooned near Blue River. From now on, no stopping until we are ready to drop in our tracks. We stopped along the trail to fish. We obtained 20 pounds of fish. Decided to ford the river. The good people of the wagon train hired me as their trail guide.
May 2, 1849 We swamped the wagon in the river and lost 35 pounds of bacon; 5 pounds of cheese; 5 pounds of coffee beans; 2 10-lb. sacks of cornmeal; and various other items. Reached Westport.
May 3, 1849 As expected, we made it to New Santa Fe today.
May 6, 1849 The trail's flooded. We had to try to ford through the water. Our wagon tipped over. We lost 24 pounds of bacon; 1 box of 20 bullets; 2 pounds of cheese; 1 10-lb. sack of cornmeal; 2 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items.
Both Lisa and Sarah were in the wagon, so we are quite afraid, because the water is quite deep and the current is flowing fairly quickly. We're going off to find them now.
May 13, 1849 Lisa Seviens gave us a good scare by coming close to drowning. I decided to rest here awhile. Sarah Ryers has a concussion. We're going to administer laudanum. Passed Lone Elm. Road fair to middling.
Well, that's two of our women getting injured in one day! Lisa is relieved to be alive, and I can understand why! Sarah Ryers claims to be suffering from dizziness, but other than that, she feels OK.
May 15, 1849 Saw a mountain lion not far from Blue Mound.
May 18, 1849 Went gathering. We found edible Evening Primrose leaves and roots and edible Yellow Pond Lily tubers.
May 19, 1849 We lost a chicken today.
May 20, 1849 Stopped near Kansas River for a while. Went gathering. We found edible Black Raspberries, edible Blackberries and edible Wild Onion bulbs. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
May 21, 1849 Today we have traveled 100 miles.
May 22, 1849 Mr. Lumare figured we would reach Saint MaryÕs Mission today, and he was right. Purchased 3 blankets, 12 boxes of 20 bullets, 3 boxes of matches. We stopped along the trail to fish. We obtained 18 pounds of fish.
May 23, 1849 We laid by today near Red Vermillion River.
May 24, 1849 Passed Scott Spring.
May 28, 1849 Felt somewhat weary today. Passed Alcove Spring. Heard some gunfire in the distance near Big Blue River. Much concern all around. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
May 29, 1849 Found ourselves at St. Joseph Road Junction this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
June 1, 1849 The animals are exhausted and can't continue. I've decided to stop and rest awhile.
June 3, 1849 A prairie fire spread across the trail today. It seemed best to continue as usual. Came to The Narrows. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train.
June 5, 1849 Played cards with Mr. Tillman today while nooning near ÒThe Coast of NebraskaÓ. I suspect he cheats.
June 6, 1849 Camped today near Fort Kearny.
June 8, 1849 Saw a mountain lion not far from Plum Creek.
June 23, 1849 Nancy Brenn has cholera. I decided to rest here awhile.
She is quite ill. I just hope she makes it through this danger.
June 24, 1849 Spotted a group of strangers. We decided to approach them. We talked to them.
June 25, 1849 Near OÕFallonÕs Bluffs, had a wagon train meeting to discuss our current circumstances.
June 28, 1849 Saw South Platte River today. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go.
June 29, 1849 The wagon got stuck in the mud. Had to double-team the animals.
June 30, 1849 Today we have traveled 500 miles. Played cards with Mr. Tillman today while nooning near Ash Hollow. I suspect he cheats.
July 3, 1849 Arrived at Courthouse and Jail Rocks today.
July 4, 1849 It is Independence Day and we're going to continue. Arrived at Chimney Rock.
July 5, 1849 Made it to Scotts Bluff. Passed Robidoux Pass Trading Post today.
July 7, 1849 A chicken died today. We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Laramie River. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
I am beginning to despair of reaching Sacramento before the snows, as it is already July and we have only travelled 661 miles. I suppose that we should have left in April, like our children.
July 22, 1849 A chicken died today. Mandy S. came down with cholera. We've got to rest here awhile. Near Fort Laramie, had a wagon train meeting to discuss our current circumstances. Saw some Indians in the distance not far from Register Cliff. No incident, but some concern.
July 23, 1849 This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual.
July 25, 1849 We spotted a group of strangers and decided it would be best to approach them. They moved on. We were distressed to learn that a thief stole 1 8-oz. bottle of alum; 61 pounds of bacon; 5 boxes of 20 bullets; 2 pounds of coffee beans; and various other items. We're going to search for the thief. We did not find the thief or our supplies. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
July 26, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. In good spirits today; got as far as Ayers Natural Bridge.
July 27, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
July 28, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
July 29, 1849 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Nooned near North Platte River. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Saw a mountain lion not far from Mormon Ferry Trading Post. Got as far as Emigrant Gap today.
July 30, 1849 Enjoyed some good fiddle music today during our nooning near Willow Springs. Today I saw Independence Rock.
July 31, 1849 Made an early start this morning; passed DevilÕs Gate. Made it to Split Rock.
August 1, 1849 Discovered that Will Seviens has alkali sickness. Seems best if we administer a dose of vinegar. Encamped a while near Three Crossings. Came to Sweetwater River. Decided to ford the river. Reached Ice Spring Slough about noon--about time!
August 2, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
August 3, 1849 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual.
August 4, 1849 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. Nooned near Final Sweetwater River Crossing. Decided to ford the river.
August 5, 1849 Nooned near South Pass. There was a wedding in camp today not far from Pacific Springs. A joyous occasion in the wilderness! Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near Dry Sandy. If it could talk, what stories it might tell! Felt somewhat weary today. Passed ÒParting of the WaysÓ.
August 6, 1849 As expected, we made it to Haystack Butte today.
August 7, 1849 Camped today near Green River. Decided to ford the river.
August 8, 1849 The wagon train got caught in a sudden hailstorm. We decided it is best to continue as usual.
August 9, 1849 Today we have traveled 1,000 miles! We have been traveling for 100 days, today. Nancy Brenn has a bad cold. We're going to administer vinegar. Got as far as Branley Pass today. Heard some gunfire in the distance near Emigrant Spring. Much concern all around.
August 24, 1849 Will Seviens came down with cholera. We've got to rest here awhile. Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near West End of the Sublette Cutoff. If it could talk, what stories it might tell! Reached Thomas Fork. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go.
August 25, 1849 We tipped the wagon and lost 42 pounds of bacon; 1 box of 20 bullets; 5 pounds of coffee beans; 2 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items.
August 26, 1849 We tipped the wagon and lost 1 8-oz. jar of aloe vera; 53 pounds of bacon; 3 boxes of 20 bullets; 1 pound of coffee beans; and various other items. Stopped at noon near SmithÕs Trading Post and rested from our morningÕs labors. Purchased 9 30-foot lengths of rope.
August 28, 1849 From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Soda Springs today, and sure enough, there it was! Camped today near Hudspeth Cutoff at Sheep Rock. Came to Buckskin Mountain.
August 29, 1849 Lisa Seviens was bitten by a snake, and we're trying our best to use tourniquet/suction method. Another step on the trail; today we reached Marsh Creek. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go.
August 31, 1849 A chicken died today. Sarah Ryers has dysentery. We're going to increase fluid and salt intake. Reached Little Malad Spring about noon--about time!
September 4, 1849 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to wait for conditions to improve. Near Raft River, had a wagon train meeting to discuss our current circumstances.
September 18, 1849 Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from West End of the Hudspeth Cutoff; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it.
September 20, 1849 Arrived at City of Rocks, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman. Sore feet today, but I'll manage. Saw Salt Lake Cutoff Junction.
September 23, 1849 We lost a chicken today.
September 25, 1849 Made it to Hot Spring Valley.
September 26, 1849 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual.
September 30, 1849 Got a late start; passed North Fork of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.
October 1, 1849 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual.
October 2, 1849 We lost a chicken today. Today we saw Emigrant Pass. What a sight!
October 5, 1849 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River today, and sure enough, there it was! Decided to ford the river.
October 10, 1849 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual.
October 11, 1849 We spotted a group of strangers and decided it would be best to wait to see what they do. They approached us and we talked.
October 12, 1849 Reached LassenÕs Meadows.
October 14, 1849 Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Big Meadows. Saw a grave dug up by wolves near Humboldt Sink--bones scattered about. A most distressing sight!
October 15, 1849 Found some quicksand ahead. I decided to put weakest animal up front. The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. We had a oxen get caught in quicksand. Looks like we'll try to rescue the animal. We were successful.
October 16, 1849 Just heard that there's quicksand ahead. Looks like we'll put weakest animal up front. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. We endured a most unpleasant sandstorm today. We decided to continue as usual.
October 17, 1849 We're going to double-team the animals to try to get our wagon out of the sand.
October 18, 1849 Found some quicksand ahead. I decided to put weakest animal up front. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
October 20, 1849 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. We endured a most unpleasant sandstorm today. We decided to continue as usual.
October 21, 1849 The animals are so exhausted they can't continue. We plan to stop and rest awhile.
October 22, 1849 Today we reached Ragtown.
There was some lovely music being played by a couple of guitarists. My wagon stopped to listen to it. Sarah recognized it. She says that it is an Irish folk song that she's heard all her life. Its about someone who wishes to find something better in his life with 4 herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, & thyme. Instead of finding something better, he finds that the 4 spices mixed create a deadly poison. He drinks it and dies. Quite the sad song. Sarah says that the person wrote this right before he died. Well, the snows hit as soon as we got here. I now despair of making it over the mountains without freezing to death.
October 26, 1849 We spotted a group of strangers and decided it would be best to wait to see what they do. They moved on. We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Mormon Station. Made an early start this morning; passed Sierra Nevadas.
October 27, 1849 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual.
October 29, 1849 A chicken died today.
October 30, 1849 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to continue over the obstruction.
November 1, 1849 Saw eagles today near Carson Pass. What majestic creatures!
November 3, 1849 The animals are so exhausted they can't continue. We plan to stop and rest awhile.
November 6, 1849 We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Dry DigginÕs.
November 8, 1849 We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of SutterÕs Fort. Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination! Truly this is the land of opportunity!
What a treat! When we got to Sutter's Fort, our children were there to greet us! They look so changed. I saw that Ryan and Liz had a baby daughter, Ashley. Tess and Nick were expecting a baby, as was my own daughter, Evelyn, and a boy who she introduced as Samuel. I am very proud of their accomplishments, especially my daughter, Evelyn, and my stepdaughter, Tess, both getting married recently. I am going to be a grandfather. My dear first wife, God rest her soul, would have been proud, too.
December 17, 1849 Got claim certificate #244 from assay office today, for 66 ounces of gold worth $1,320.00! I'm rich! Final Score: 8575
Tess's children, a boy and a girl, were born on December 4 in the evening. Their names are Jacilia Arrietty Elizabeth and Mitchell Simon. I am now a grandfather and my wife a grandmother. We are both so happy. Evelyn's child is due next week sometime, around Christmas. Andy and Sarah got married November 30th. Their house is down the road from Tess and Nick's. My daughter is next door to them, and Ryan and Liz are across the street, next door to Liz's family. Nancy and I? We are living next door to Andy and Sarah and are very happy. We hope to see more family and friends in the future.
December 18, 1849 In 1849, Peter Brenn settled on 548 acres of land along the banks of CaliforniaÕs American River. After several years of mining, Peter Brenn decided to move to the burgeoning city of San Francisco, establishing a business that proved both successful and satisfying. A number of prominent names in California history, politics, and society have been numbered among Peter BrennÕs descendants, including a state senator, the president of a major university, and the multi-millionaire founder of a company that become one of the nationÕs largest manufacturers of electronic calculators.
My daughter's baby came early. It's a boy who they have named James. He was born yesterday evening, just after I put down my journal. He and Evelyn are quite healthy, and for that, I am glad. Forgot to mention yesterday, Samuel's friend, Angelo, is coming in '51. I imagine that we should all write to him and give him advice. Maybe his journey will be easier than ours and our children's journeys because of it. Tess says that he's coming with her half-sister and her half-sister's husband, two girls named Kyleigh and Sarah, and a boy named Anthony Federico. Well, I'm glad that the journey has reached it's end, although it was a grand adventure, just like our children said it was.
Last week was my first anniversary to my new wife. I wonder if our children have heard about it yet? We sent a message off to them the day after the wedding, but it might not have reached them yet. I hope it has. It will be wonderful to see our children again. We have missed spending Christmas and other celebrations with them. I expect that we'll arrive there in November, maybe earlier. In time for Christmas! The hardships will be great, but we will hopefully all endure.
May 1, 1849 Took advantage of the package deal offered to me. What a relief not to have to shop for all that individually! Purchased 10 boxes of 20 bullets, 4 25-lb. kegs of gunpowder. Purchased 8 oxen, 11 chickens, 3 milk cows. Purchased 775 pounds of bacon, 22 blankets, 5 canteens, 90 pounds of celery, 1 checkers board and set, 2 decks of playing cards, 90 5-lb. sacks of dried fruit, 100 5-lb. sacks of dried vegetables, 4 fishing nets, 2 fishing poles, 2 fishing spears, 225 pounds of ham, 6 lanterns, 10 16-oz. tins of lantern oil, 15 10-lb. sacks of onions, 20 20-lb. sacks of potatoes, 5 10-lb. sacks of salt, 425 pounds of salt pork, 1 tent, 5 30-lb. kegs of vinegar, 14 water kegs. Purchased 1 small farmwagon. Purchased 4 oxen. Nooned near Blue River. From now on, no stopping until we are ready to drop in our tracks. We stopped along the trail to fish. We obtained 20 pounds of fish. Decided to ford the river. The good people of the wagon train hired me as their trail guide.
May 2, 1849 We swamped the wagon in the river and lost 35 pounds of bacon; 5 pounds of cheese; 5 pounds of coffee beans; 2 10-lb. sacks of cornmeal; and various other items. Reached Westport.
May 3, 1849 As expected, we made it to New Santa Fe today.
May 6, 1849 The trail's flooded. We had to try to ford through the water. Our wagon tipped over. We lost 24 pounds of bacon; 1 box of 20 bullets; 2 pounds of cheese; 1 10-lb. sack of cornmeal; 2 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items.
Both Lisa and Sarah were in the wagon, so we are quite afraid, because the water is quite deep and the current is flowing fairly quickly. We're going off to find them now.
May 13, 1849 Lisa Seviens gave us a good scare by coming close to drowning. I decided to rest here awhile. Sarah Ryers has a concussion. We're going to administer laudanum. Passed Lone Elm. Road fair to middling.
Well, that's two of our women getting injured in one day! Lisa is relieved to be alive, and I can understand why! Sarah Ryers claims to be suffering from dizziness, but other than that, she feels OK.
May 15, 1849 Saw a mountain lion not far from Blue Mound.
May 18, 1849 Went gathering. We found edible Evening Primrose leaves and roots and edible Yellow Pond Lily tubers.
May 19, 1849 We lost a chicken today.
May 20, 1849 Stopped near Kansas River for a while. Went gathering. We found edible Black Raspberries, edible Blackberries and edible Wild Onion bulbs. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
May 21, 1849 Today we have traveled 100 miles.
May 22, 1849 Mr. Lumare figured we would reach Saint MaryÕs Mission today, and he was right. Purchased 3 blankets, 12 boxes of 20 bullets, 3 boxes of matches. We stopped along the trail to fish. We obtained 18 pounds of fish.
May 23, 1849 We laid by today near Red Vermillion River.
May 24, 1849 Passed Scott Spring.
May 28, 1849 Felt somewhat weary today. Passed Alcove Spring. Heard some gunfire in the distance near Big Blue River. Much concern all around. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
May 29, 1849 Found ourselves at St. Joseph Road Junction this day. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too much difficulty.
June 1, 1849 The animals are exhausted and can't continue. I've decided to stop and rest awhile.
June 3, 1849 A prairie fire spread across the trail today. It seemed best to continue as usual. Came to The Narrows. Had a talk with some of the other folks in the wagon train.
June 5, 1849 Played cards with Mr. Tillman today while nooning near ÒThe Coast of NebraskaÓ. I suspect he cheats.
June 6, 1849 Camped today near Fort Kearny.
June 8, 1849 Saw a mountain lion not far from Plum Creek.
June 23, 1849 Nancy Brenn has cholera. I decided to rest here awhile.
She is quite ill. I just hope she makes it through this danger.
June 24, 1849 Spotted a group of strangers. We decided to approach them. We talked to them.
June 25, 1849 Near OÕFallonÕs Bluffs, had a wagon train meeting to discuss our current circumstances.
June 28, 1849 Saw South Platte River today. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go.
June 29, 1849 The wagon got stuck in the mud. Had to double-team the animals.
June 30, 1849 Today we have traveled 500 miles. Played cards with Mr. Tillman today while nooning near Ash Hollow. I suspect he cheats.
July 3, 1849 Arrived at Courthouse and Jail Rocks today.
July 4, 1849 It is Independence Day and we're going to continue. Arrived at Chimney Rock.
July 5, 1849 Made it to Scotts Bluff. Passed Robidoux Pass Trading Post today.
July 7, 1849 A chicken died today. We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Laramie River. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across.
I am beginning to despair of reaching Sacramento before the snows, as it is already July and we have only travelled 661 miles. I suppose that we should have left in April, like our children.
July 22, 1849 A chicken died today. Mandy S. came down with cholera. We've got to rest here awhile. Near Fort Laramie, had a wagon train meeting to discuss our current circumstances. Saw some Indians in the distance not far from Register Cliff. No incident, but some concern.
July 23, 1849 This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual.
July 25, 1849 We spotted a group of strangers and decided it would be best to approach them. They moved on. We were distressed to learn that a thief stole 1 8-oz. bottle of alum; 61 pounds of bacon; 5 boxes of 20 bullets; 2 pounds of coffee beans; and various other items. We're going to search for the thief. We did not find the thief or our supplies. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual.
July 26, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual. In good spirits today; got as far as Ayers Natural Bridge.
July 27, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
July 28, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
July 29, 1849 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. Nooned near North Platte River. Fording the river looks to be our best option. Saw a mountain lion not far from Mormon Ferry Trading Post. Got as far as Emigrant Gap today.
July 30, 1849 Enjoyed some good fiddle music today during our nooning near Willow Springs. Today I saw Independence Rock.
July 31, 1849 Made an early start this morning; passed DevilÕs Gate. Made it to Split Rock.
August 1, 1849 Discovered that Will Seviens has alkali sickness. Seems best if we administer a dose of vinegar. Encamped a while near Three Crossings. Came to Sweetwater River. Decided to ford the river. Reached Ice Spring Slough about noon--about time!
August 2, 1849 We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
August 3, 1849 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual.
August 4, 1849 We're nearly choking on the dust of the trail. We've decided to continue as usual. Nooned near Final Sweetwater River Crossing. Decided to ford the river.
August 5, 1849 Nooned near South Pass. There was a wedding in camp today not far from Pacific Springs. A joyous occasion in the wilderness! Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near Dry Sandy. If it could talk, what stories it might tell! Felt somewhat weary today. Passed ÒParting of the WaysÓ.
August 6, 1849 As expected, we made it to Haystack Butte today.
August 7, 1849 Camped today near Green River. Decided to ford the river.
August 8, 1849 The wagon train got caught in a sudden hailstorm. We decided it is best to continue as usual.
August 9, 1849 Today we have traveled 1,000 miles! We have been traveling for 100 days, today. Nancy Brenn has a bad cold. We're going to administer vinegar. Got as far as Branley Pass today. Heard some gunfire in the distance near Emigrant Spring. Much concern all around.
August 24, 1849 Will Seviens came down with cholera. We've got to rest here awhile. Saw an empty wagon abandoned on the trail today near West End of the Sublette Cutoff. If it could talk, what stories it might tell! Reached Thomas Fork. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go.
August 25, 1849 We tipped the wagon and lost 42 pounds of bacon; 1 box of 20 bullets; 5 pounds of coffee beans; 2 10-lb. sacks of dried beans; and various other items.
August 26, 1849 We tipped the wagon and lost 1 8-oz. jar of aloe vera; 53 pounds of bacon; 3 boxes of 20 bullets; 1 pound of coffee beans; and various other items. Stopped at noon near SmithÕs Trading Post and rested from our morningÕs labors. Purchased 9 30-foot lengths of rope.
August 28, 1849 From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Soda Springs today, and sure enough, there it was! Camped today near Hudspeth Cutoff at Sheep Rock. Came to Buckskin Mountain.
August 29, 1849 Lisa Seviens was bitten by a snake, and we're trying our best to use tourniquet/suction method. Another step on the trail; today we reached Marsh Creek. Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go.
August 31, 1849 A chicken died today. Sarah Ryers has dysentery. We're going to increase fluid and salt intake. Reached Little Malad Spring about noon--about time!
September 4, 1849 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to wait for conditions to improve. Near Raft River, had a wagon train meeting to discuss our current circumstances.
September 18, 1849 Caulk the wagon and float it across, that is the way to go. Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from West End of the Hudspeth Cutoff; tempted to take it with me, but decided against it.
September 20, 1849 Arrived at City of Rocks, despite some ÒhelpÓ from Nicholas J. Tillman. Sore feet today, but I'll manage. Saw Salt Lake Cutoff Junction.
September 23, 1849 We lost a chicken today.
September 25, 1849 Made it to Hot Spring Valley.
September 26, 1849 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual.
September 30, 1849 Got a late start; passed North Fork of the Humboldt River. Decided to ford the river.
October 1, 1849 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual.
October 2, 1849 We lost a chicken today. Today we saw Emigrant Pass. What a sight!
October 5, 1849 The fog was awful this morning. We decided to continue as usual. From our guidebook, estimated we would reach Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River today, and sure enough, there it was! Decided to ford the river.
October 10, 1849 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual.
October 11, 1849 We spotted a group of strangers and decided it would be best to wait to see what they do. They approached us and we talked.
October 12, 1849 Reached LassenÕs Meadows.
October 14, 1849 Mr. Tillman claims it's the Oregon Territory up ahead, but the guidebook says it's Big Meadows. Saw a grave dug up by wolves near Humboldt Sink--bones scattered about. A most distressing sight!
October 15, 1849 Found some quicksand ahead. I decided to put weakest animal up front. The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. We had a oxen get caught in quicksand. Looks like we'll try to rescue the animal. We were successful.
October 16, 1849 Just heard that there's quicksand ahead. Looks like we'll put weakest animal up front. The other wagons are churning up thick dust. We're going to continue as usual. We endured a most unpleasant sandstorm today. We decided to continue as usual.
October 17, 1849 We're going to double-team the animals to try to get our wagon out of the sand.
October 18, 1849 Found some quicksand ahead. I decided to put weakest animal up front. We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll continue as usual.
October 20, 1849 The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to continue as usual. This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. We endured a most unpleasant sandstorm today. We decided to continue as usual.
October 21, 1849 The animals are so exhausted they can't continue. We plan to stop and rest awhile.
October 22, 1849 Today we reached Ragtown.
There was some lovely music being played by a couple of guitarists. My wagon stopped to listen to it. Sarah recognized it. She says that it is an Irish folk song that she's heard all her life. Its about someone who wishes to find something better in his life with 4 herbs: parsley, sage, rosemary, & thyme. Instead of finding something better, he finds that the 4 spices mixed create a deadly poison. He drinks it and dies. Quite the sad song. Sarah says that the person wrote this right before he died. Well, the snows hit as soon as we got here. I now despair of making it over the mountains without freezing to death.
October 26, 1849 We spotted a group of strangers and decided it would be best to wait to see what they do. They moved on. We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Mormon Station. Made an early start this morning; passed Sierra Nevadas.
October 27, 1849 Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to continue as usual.
October 29, 1849 A chicken died today.
October 30, 1849 Our path was blocked by fallen rocks on the trail. We decided to continue over the obstruction.
November 1, 1849 Saw eagles today near Carson Pass. What majestic creatures!
November 3, 1849 The animals are so exhausted they can't continue. We plan to stop and rest awhile.
November 6, 1849 We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunset near Dry DigginÕs.
November 8, 1849 We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of SutterÕs Fort. Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination! Truly this is the land of opportunity!
What a treat! When we got to Sutter's Fort, our children were there to greet us! They look so changed. I saw that Ryan and Liz had a baby daughter, Ashley. Tess and Nick were expecting a baby, as was my own daughter, Evelyn, and a boy who she introduced as Samuel. I am very proud of their accomplishments, especially my daughter, Evelyn, and my stepdaughter, Tess, both getting married recently. I am going to be a grandfather. My dear first wife, God rest her soul, would have been proud, too.
December 17, 1849 Got claim certificate #244 from assay office today, for 66 ounces of gold worth $1,320.00! I'm rich! Final Score: 8575
Tess's children, a boy and a girl, were born on December 4 in the evening. Their names are Jacilia Arrietty Elizabeth and Mitchell Simon. I am now a grandfather and my wife a grandmother. We are both so happy. Evelyn's child is due next week sometime, around Christmas. Andy and Sarah got married November 30th. Their house is down the road from Tess and Nick's. My daughter is next door to them, and Ryan and Liz are across the street, next door to Liz's family. Nancy and I? We are living next door to Andy and Sarah and are very happy. We hope to see more family and friends in the future.
December 18, 1849 In 1849, Peter Brenn settled on 548 acres of land along the banks of CaliforniaÕs American River. After several years of mining, Peter Brenn decided to move to the burgeoning city of San Francisco, establishing a business that proved both successful and satisfying. A number of prominent names in California history, politics, and society have been numbered among Peter BrennÕs descendants, including a state senator, the president of a major university, and the multi-millionaire founder of a company that become one of the nationÕs largest manufacturers of electronic calculators.
My daughter's baby came early. It's a boy who they have named James. He was born yesterday evening, just after I put down my journal. He and Evelyn are quite healthy, and for that, I am glad. Forgot to mention yesterday, Samuel's friend, Angelo, is coming in '51. I imagine that we should all write to him and give him advice. Maybe his journey will be easier than ours and our children's journeys because of it. Tess says that he's coming with her half-sister and her half-sister's husband, two girls named Kyleigh and Sarah, and a boy named Anthony Federico. Well, I'm glad that the journey has reached it's end, although it was a grand adventure, just like our children said it was.
