298 "lowA JOURNAL OF HISTORY AND POLITICS"
etc. found. I should recommend those who wish to emigrate, to be ready at this place by the first to the tenth of May. This route will be found much shorter and easier than any other which has been travelled. There are on this side of the moun- tains to cross, first Skunk, Des Moines, and then the Missouri, after that you will cross the Loupe Forke of Big Platt, this last stream is quite shallow at a common stage of water, say about from 18 inches to 3 feet has a quick sand bottom, and ought to be crossed with double teams and they should be hurried on fast. 1
A party of the above description should take with them 2 good cross-cut saws and 2 whip saws, spikes and oakum that in case they could do no better, they could in two days build a ferry boat, say 30 feet long and 10 feet wide, but they will hardly be reduced to that necessity, because there is no stream on the whole route, except the Missouri river, but what you can ford in a common stage of water during the summer months and I believe there is a ferry kept at or near the Council Bluffs. Take all the cattle you can, they will travel as fast as your teams and keep fat. Also, have plenty of seines and fishing tackle, hooks, lines, etc.
I speak of Burlington as a very suitable point to start from, because we have an abundance of the necessary supplies, and an excellent and very commodious steam ferry boat for those who are east of us. Companies ought not to be less than fifty
i The undersigned was an eye-witness to the engulfing of an emigrant wagon and one yoke of oxen at a crossing of the Platte river in June, 1853. The emigrant had a wife and two children. His outfit consisted of a wagon and four yoke of oxen and a good supply of provisions. He was on the south side of the river, and decided to cross to the north side. The water at this crossing was referred to as being about two feet deep. He drove his team into the water, wading beside the same. About half way across, the two yoke in the lead turned completely around, facing the wagon. Before he could get them straightened into line the wagon sank in the sand, also the two rear yoke, beyond extrication. Other emigrants, seeing the impending peril, drove teams slowly by the sinking wagon, one after another, and rescued the family, saved the provisions and three yoke of oxen; but the wagon and wheel yoke of oxen sank under the turbid waters of the Platte. The customary way of crossing the Platte was for a horseman to attach a line to the lead yoke of oxen, and thus the team would be kept in a straight line and in constant motion, thus avoiding danger. The emigrant who suffered the loss was told that it was risky for him to attempt to cross the river without assistance; but, as it was reported at the time, he replied by saying "That I guess I know my own business, and if I want any help I will let you know." GEORGE H. HIMES, Assistant
