Copyright © 2010 by Baron Rod   (baronrod.macf@gmail.com)

Four to California

(nosex historical)

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyrighted with all
rights reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated. Reproduction
for profit is forbidden. Any distribution must include this note and the
author's email address. Don't be caught attempting to make a buck off
me! 

Warnings and disclaimers: 

This is adult entertainment! Be warned! I don't write stroke stories and
this story has less sex, mostly implied, than my usual. If you want
graphic depictions of sex, this is the wrong story for you!

If you're too young to be legally reading this, move along! 

This is a work of fiction. It is not intended to reflect any particular
person or persons, and the incidents portrayed exist in their current
form solely in the writer's imagination. You get the idea. 

*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*

*=*=* February 9, 1848 - Thursday

Here begins my journal. I arise today a new man. My past is that of a
cad, my future, if I have one, will be that of an emigrant farmer. I am
Christopher Hanlon, 23, born October 12, 1824. I am 5' 6", 150 pounds,
moderately good looking with brown hair and a beard which I keep well
trimmed. I grew up on a farm in up state New York and left home as soon
as I could. I had found employment at a stock brokerage firm in New York
City. In the last eight years I have come to know the ways of the City
and of the markets. I had a portfolio that was worth several thousand
dollars. But I can not continue. I was a cad, a scoundrel, a bounder, a
roue, a hound... I could go on but I think my point gets across. In the
last three months I had degraded not one but three wonderful and
beautiful ladies. 

Marion Crawford is a tiny girl of twenty. She is 5' tall and weighs
maybe a hundred pounds after a big meal. She has hair the color of
clover honey, hazel eyes, and her breasts are tiny cones, a perfect
mouthful. She works at a firm that is located on the same floor as my
own. We had been flirting on and off for months. Then I began seeing her
after work and one evening we found ourselves in bed together. 

Katrina Mueller is also twenty, and is my height and weighs about
fifteen pounds less. Her hair is spun gold, her eyes sky blue, and her
breasts are large and heavy. She works at the central library. I often
go there for research. She is a highly intelligent person and easy to
talk to. She had been widowed a year and a half earlier. We began taking
lunch together and then progressed to noontime dalliances. 

Grace O'Riley is nineteen. Rich auburn hair, green eyes, and breasts
that just fit my hand, she stands 5' 3" and weighs about what Katrina
does. A sturdy girl. She was waiting for an omnibus trolley when she was
accosted by a trio of street ruffians. I laid them out with fists and
cane, but not before she had her dress torn. My apartment was near to
hand. She had to remove her dress to repair it and one thing lead to
another. Was I any better than the street trash? That evening led to
others. 

I have continued seeing these three ladies and having passionate sex
with them for months, being careful that they never found out about each
other. 

I cannot continue. 

I have made my plans. My portfolio has been converted to cash. The lease
on my apartment will be up the end of the month. I have sent my parents
and siblings various things that I loved, but would not be able to take
with me. I arranged with a friend the removal and sale of anything I
left in my apartment once I am gone. I have invited all three ladies to
my apartment for an early Sunday dinner. 

If I survive the encounter I will leave for California the next day. 

*=*=* February 13, 1848 - Sunday 

I am in shock. One shock is that I am both alive and also not broken or
bleeding. The other shock... 

The ladies arrived within minutes of each other. The atmosphere in the
room was much colder than the mid February chill outside. Dinner was
deliberately in an hour. I sat with them in my parlor and introduced
them to one another. Then I professed my sorrow that I had dishonored
them all, taking the virginity of two of them and all of them for my
lovers. I affirmed strongly my love for them all. Since there was no way
for me to choose any one or them over the others I saw no other way than
to leave them entirely. I would not demean them farther by offering
money as a sop to my conscience. A clean break in which their righteous
rage would heal their hearts faster and allow them to get on with their
lives. I would leave the City never to return. 

Yes, they screamed at me. Yes, they called me all the names I had called
myself and more. Yes, they called on the heavens to destroy me and
threatened to see what secular law could do. 

It was during this last that Grace fell quiet and then declared that
even with the proof of my unfaithfulness she still loved me and she
would cleave unto me even as Ruth said 'for whither thou goest, I will
go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge'. I was dumbfounded! So were
Marion and Katrina. 

They looked at Grace, then at each other, then at me. This cycle went on
for minutes. Katrina broke the cycle saying that she could not believe
that Grace would so demean herself. Marion blinked and sadly said that
she was sorry that Grace laid her claim first. She too felt strongly
about me and averred that she too would have gone with me. She then
reached out and hugged Grace to her. Katrina broke down crying. Grace
and Marion went to her and enfolded her. I felt I had no right so I
stayed quietly in my chair. 

Grace asked my plans. I had not made any reservations, but had thought
out my trek into obscurity. I told the ladies that I planned to travel
by railroad to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which should take four to six
days. From there the plan was to go by riverboat to St. Louis, Missouri,
which should take eighteen to twenty days, then take another riverboat
to Independence, Missouri, another six to seven days. If I left here
tomorrow I would be in Independence by mid March. This would give me
time to purchase a wagon and supplies so as to leave the beginning of
April. I had planned to join a wagon train to Sacramento, California.
That should take six to seven months, arriving in September or October. 

Katrina spoke and ordered me to go to a local store and procure a bottle
of white wine. I almost pointed out that I already had white wine in the
apartment, but realized that the ladies wanted to talk without my input.
I left to get the wine. 

When I returned it was to find three naked ladies. 

Katrina declared that the three of them would accompany me. They had
little in the way of possessions and could be ready to travel by mid
week. I was informed that if this caused problems with my planning I
could change my plans. 

Then it was declared that I join them in their nudity and give pleasure
to all three of them. I did what they asked. If they had not actively
helped I would not have succeeded. 

*=*=* February 15, 1848 - Wednesday 

We boarded a train today that will take us to Baltimore where we will
transfer to a train bound for Pittsburgh. The news of the day is that
the war with the Mexico is over with the peace treaty being signed on
February 2. It seems that we will not be leaving our home county, as
California is now the property of our fair country. 

We cannot indulge our passions on the trains, but we discussed our
arrangements for when we could be alone. It was decided that the ladies
would alternate each night with a night's break between starting the
cycle over again. The schedule will be adjusted for the times of their
monthlies. We look forward to Pittsburgh. 

*=*=* February 20, 1848 - Sunday 

We arrived in Pittsburgh in the early evening, found a hotel. We are
starting to be able to ignore the looks of disapproval that our little
group generates. I am not sure how the ladies arranged their rotation,
but Katrina came to me this night. 

*=*=* February 21, 1848 - Monday 

After looking at the newspaper shipping schedules I went down to the
docks to look at the several riverboats that were leaving in the next
few days. Finally decided on one, the Tioga, that was leaving on the
morrow. She was a 170 ton sidewheel packet and had a cabin that could
fit the four of us in two decent sized bunks. Its only drawback was that
it was only going as far as Louisville, Kentucky. However, that would
split the trip up into two more or less equal sized pieces. I secured
the cabin. Marion had my attentions this night. 

*=*=* February 22, 1848 - Tuesday 

Sailed from Pittsburgh today. Traveling down the Ohio River is pleasant.
Grace can be loud and we were embarrassed by having had to assure all
that everything was more than fine with us. 

*=*=* March 2, 1848 - Thursday 

Arrived in Louisville this morning. Found lodging and began looking for
our next riverboat. It was tiring walking along the riverfront and I am
glad it is my day of rest. 

*=*=* March 3, 1848 - Friday 

I was beginning to give up hope of finding transportation I would feel
both safe and comfortable on. Then the Globe pulled into the dock. She
was a sidewheel packet of some 240 tons. I waited until the first flurry
of activity was over, then asked if I could come aboard. Captain Maxwell
impressed me and when I asked his schedule I was informed that he would
be leaving sharply at eight in the morning on Monday bound for St.
Louis, Missouri. I asked to see his best cabin and when I saw it I
booked it immediately before anyone else could grab it. Informed the
ladies and spent the night with Katrina. 

\March 6, 1848 - Monday 

We boarded at seven and the Globe pulled away from the dock on the tick
of eight. 

*=*=* March 12, 1848 - Sunday 

Today we came to the Mississippi River and turned north toward St.
Louis. 

*=*=* March 15, 1948 - Wednesday 

Arrived in St. Louis early in the morning and by evening I had our
penultimate transportation arranged. We leave tomorrow morning on the
Eliza Stewart, a 169 ton sidewheel packet. We can stay aboard her
tonight, saving us the trouble of finding lodging. 

*=*=* March 16, 1848 - Thursday 

We left St. Louis and traveled up the Mississippi a short distance to
the mouth of the Missouri River and turned up it toward Independence. 

*=*=* March 22, 1848 - Wednesday 

We arrived in Independence and immediately obtained lodging for at least
a week with a delightful old lady, Susan Jenkins. She wanted to know our
religion. I am an Episcopalian, Marion is a Methodist, Katrina is
Lutheran, and Grace is Roman Catholic. It appears that she has no use
for Mormons and was pleased at our answers, even though somewhat askance
at our grouping. She has a big old house on a nice bit of land. She says
that we can bring our wagon and oxen here once we have them. 

*=*=* March 23, 1848 - Thursday 

Today was spent scouting the various merchants. We quickly found that a
consortium of merchants had put together a standard inventory package
that actually cost less than buying the items individually. Just before
supper I found a large farm wagon that looked sound and I bought it.
While I was inspecting it I left a mark on the underside so that when I
brought a team to take it to a loading area I would get the same wagon. 

*=*=* March 24, 1848 - Friday 

Found a stockyard by following our nose and picked out six good oxen. At
least I hoped that I remember from my farming days what I should be
looking for. Took two of them and got the wagon. No problem there.
Hitched up the other four and went to the merchant's warehouse where we
loaded our pre-selected inventory. 

*=*=* March 25, 1848 - Saturday 

After looking at the inventory we spent the day purchasing additional
items the ladies and I felt were necessary. Several medicines weren't
included as well as cooking implements. A wagon cover, tent and blankets
would be useful. Various tools and some more food items, along with a
pair of chickens for an occasional egg. When we finished loading our
wagon was at about 85% of its rated capacity. That's if we all walked.
With one of us handling the team we were right close to the limits of
the frame. Once we are under weigh and eating the food there will be
less weight and then two can ride while two walk. We made certain to buy
extra boots and socks. 

*=*=* March 26, 1848 - Sunday 

We had noted that during the original package load and then our shopping
spree yesterday that the items we were carrying were not packed in any
particular order. We plan on spending the next couple of days off
loading and then loading in a more orderly manner. 

*=*=* March 29, 1848 - Wednesday 

The reload took longer than expected, due to a brief snowfall, but today
we began looking for a wagon train that was planning on going to
California, although Oregon seems to be a popular destination. We did
find three groups heading for California. It is our opinion that the
group with 52 wagons will take a long time getting going each day and
the group with twelve wagons is just too small. We joined a wagon train
of 24 wagons carrying 74 souls west to Sacramento guided by Mr. George
Crandall. 

He was unsure of taking us in his train because of our unusual
relationship, but said he'd give us a try. If things weren't working out
by Saint Mary's Mission, ten or so days away he would let us know. That
would be the last bit of civilization for quite a piece. There was a
contract that the others would be signing before we left Independence.
If we worked out we would sign at the Mission. 

With us included that would be 25 wagons and 79 people, 52 adults and 27
children ranging in age from two to sixteen. 

*=*=* March 31, 1848 - Friday 

Today dawned both good and bad. The good was that the snow of a couple
days ago was melted and gone. The bad news is that Marion was ill this
morning, throwing up. I hope it is nothing too serious. 

Mr Crandall held a meeting of those that he will guide. He had us
introduce ourselves and those traveling with us. The names of the 74
other people went by in a blur, but no doubt we would know each of these
people very well after the first month. We were given odd looks and some
undisguised glares when we made our introductions. 

Mr. Crandall then set out his philosophy for a good and safe journey. We
would be up at dawn and out of camp an hour later. On Sundays it would
be two hours later to allow for a prayer service. We had Reverend
Nehemiah Scudder and his family with us and he would lead the service.
As we must be over the Sierra Nevadas before the snow flies Sunday will
not be a day off from traveling. The Reverend supported this decision.
We will be taking a repair day every ten to twelve days, depending on
the availability of grass and water for the animals, or when we reach a
major supply point. On the travel days we would stop after four hours
for an hour break. Then another four hours and we camp for the night. If
we are within an hour of good water we might continue, but that would be
his decision. 

Tomorrow we leave Independence behind to begin our journey west to
Sacramento. 

*=*=* April 1, 1848 - Saturday 

Today we left Independence and made it to Blue River. Mr. Samuel J.
Vaughn is already making a nuisance of himself by his universal
knowledge of everything. I fear he is going to be a pain in the neck (or
somewhere lower) on this journey. 

Fording the river looks to be our best option even though Mr. Vaughn
thinks we should wait for the river to go down a bit more. Actually if
it gets any lower we might get across without getting our boots too wet.
After a bit, we came to Westport and lay over for the night. We have
placed our wagon at the edge of the group in consideration of our travel
companions. It's Grace's turn tonight and she can be loud. 

*=*=* April 2, 1848 - Sunday 

Katrina has a sprained ankle. I decided it is best to soak in warm epsom
saltwater. It looks as if she will be our drover for the next few days.
Passed some time near New Santa Fe. 

*=*=* April 3, 1848 - Monday 

Made our way past Lone Elm late today. Trail could be better, but
Katrina is learning her new role as a drover. 

*=*=* April 5, 1848 - Wednesday 

Made an early start this morning; passed Blue Mound. Katrina now has a
bad cold. We're going to increase her fluid intake and I'm having her
wear her long underwear to keep her warm. 

Mr. Oliver Selkerkson brought out his fiddle at camp this evening. It
was a jolly time and he has been begged to hold regular concerts. 

*=*=* April 9, 1848 - Sunday 

Now Grace has came down with a cold, and I decided to increase her fluid
intake and dress her warm also. After much travail, we came to Kansas
River, 600' wide, and decided to take advantage of the ferry. 

Mr. and Mrs. Thurgood came by for a visit when we camped; had a very
nice chat. They are a couple in their late thirties and have two early
teenage daughters. Mrs. Thurgood gave us a recipe for a cold medicine
and when she heard of Marion's morning problems she opined that Marion
might be pregnant. She asked a lot of rather personal questions and went
from 'might be' to 'probably is'. Figuring on what Mrs. Thurgood says,
the baby was probably conceived on the Tioga and may arrive in late
November. 

*=*=* April 10, 1848 - Monday 

Passed the hundred mile mark today. 

Had a lengthy chat with Mr. Crandall today near Saint Mary's Mission. He
said that he liked how we were fitting in with the train. While several
people had initially been against our inclusion because of our living
arrangements, and some still were, several other people, notably the
Thurgoods, supported us. A surprising note was that Rev. Scudder had not
denounced us and in fact had told Mr. Crandall that while misguided we
were good people. We were causing less trouble than Mr. Vaughn, who
leads the people who look down on us. He opined that anyone Mr. Vaughn
disliked was probably an all right person. He would have us continue
with his wagon train. We signed the trek contract. 

We purchased some food to replace what we've eaten and got another
blanket. 

*=*=* April 12, 1848 - Wednesday 

Found ourselves at Red Vermillion River this day and used the $1 toll
bridge. Got a nasty splinter in my thumb, but extracted it without too
much difficulty. We continued on to Scott Spring. Both Grace and Katrina
are over their colds and Katrina is walking normally again. We will go
back to rotating who gets the wagon seat. 

*=*=* April 14, 1848 - Friday 

Today we reached Alcove Spring and then we saw Big Blue River, 180'
wide. What a sight! 

*=*=* April 15, 1848 - Saturday 

We were delayed at Big Blue River. There were a lot of travelers and we
decided to wait our turn to cross. Not using the ford is dangerous. 

*=*=* April 20, 1848 - Thursday 

Didn't know that the waiting time would be five days. Decided to caulk
the wagon and float it across. 

We lost a wagon and an entire family, the Carters and two of their three
children, when their wagon tipped over in mid-stream. The Murchasens, a
childless couple, took the newly orphaned six year old boy in with them.
We laid by today near St. Joseph Road Junction. Rev. Scudder held a
service for the lost family. 

*=*=* April 22, 1848 - Saturday 

We lost a chicken today. Must have cooked it wrong because we were all
queasy and Marion was throwing up even more than usual. We all had a
dose of peppermint, with Marion getting a bigger dose. 

*=*=* April 23, 1848 - Sunday 

Feeling better after a night's sleep. We must watch what we're doing
because life is too fragile. 

*=*=* April 25, 1848 - Tuesday 

Reached The Narrows. Strangely beautiful country with the Little Blue
River on the left and a steep bluff on the right and an aptly named very
narrow trail between. 

*=*=* April 28, 1848 - Friday 

Reached 'The Coast of Nebraska', which gives a overview down to the
Platt River, which we will follow. 

*=*=* April 29, 1848 - Saturday 

Traveled to Fort Kearny this afternoon and stopped for the day
re-supplying and also picked up a 30' length of chain which may come in
handy on the steep hills ahead. 

*=*=* April 30, 1848 - Sunday 

Terrible fog during the early part of the day. We chose to slow down
rather than lose the morning. 

*=*=* May 2, 1848 - Tuesday 

Stopped at noon near Plum Creek and rested from our morning's labors and
did some hunting. I shot a couple antelope and obtained 93 pounds of
meat for my effort. Shared it out with some other families as the only
way we have to preserve the meat would be to salt it. Smoking would take
too long. 

*=*=* May 3, 1848 - Wednesday 

We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll slow
down. 

*=*=* May 5, 1848 - Friday 

The eternal dust of the wagons ahead of us is most troublesome. It slows
our progress. 

*=*=* May 7, 1848 - Sunday 

We laid by today near O'Fallon's Bluffs. 

*=*=* May 11, 1848 - Thursday 

We were treated to a remarkably beautiful sunrise near South Platte
River. Decided to ford the river. Our wagon tipped over. Marion was
thrown into the river and almost drowned. While I rescued Marion from
the river Katrina and Grace saved our animals and helped others to right
our wagon. We lost a bunch of food supplies and not much else except the
coffee pot, which will be sorely missed. But the fact that we are all
alive makes up for any minor inconvience. 

We camped a mile from the river at the base of California Hill. As she
was recovering from nearly drowning Marion started to have terrible
abdominal cramps. Grace ran for Mrs. Thurgood. In the late evening
Marion miscarried. By God's Grace Marion herself was spared. 

The day that had started so beautiful had turned tragic. 

*=*=* May 12, 1848 - Friday 

The women of the wagon train laid down the law to Mr Crandall . There
would be no travel for a couple of days to allow Marion to recover as
much as possible. They knew that there might be other women who might
need the break at some time on the trail. 

Of course Mr. Vaughn loudly complained at the delay over a whore. I
'reasoned' with him. We were separated and his broken nose will heal,
although a bit crooked. 

*=*=* May 14, 1848 - Sunday 

Rev. Scudder made it a point to invite us to his prayer meeting today.
He used Mary Magdalene as the pivot of his sermon. Then there was an odd
and lengthy discussion that started out defining what was a whore. This
segued into the differences between 'slut' and 'whore'. A whore accepts
money or some other reward and provides sex in return. A slut is a woman
who enjoys sex. A whore can be a slut, but doesn't have to be. A slut
usually enjoys sex too much to charge for it. Grace stated that a woman
should be every inch the lady when in public and an absolute slut when
alone with their men. Most men are sluts. Give a man a chance at sex and
its unlikely that he will pass it up. 

After a lot of debate Katrina asked the ladies to raise their hands if
they enjoyed their times with their men. Of course my three ladies had
their hands up almost before Katrina stopped talking. The others were
slower, but after Mrs. Thurgood and Mrs. Scudder raised their hands it
sped up. Of the 24 women 19 raised their hands. I noticed that Sam
Vaughn's wife hadn't raised her hand. 

*=*=* May 15, 1848 - Monday 

While we want to let Marion recover more we must push on. Mr. Crandall
has agreed to slow down the pace for the next few days to make it easier
on Marion, who is very depressed. We climbed California Hill by double
teaming the wagons. 

*=*=* May 16, 1848 - Tuesday 

We used our chain to descend Windlass Hill. 

*=*=* May 20, 1848 - Saturday 

Today we have traveled 500 miles and came to Ash Hollow. 

*=*=* May 24, 1848 - Wednesday 

Heard news of a murder and hanging last night near Courthouse and Jail
Rocks. Enough to send shivers down one's spine. Although if Mr Vaughn
doesn't quit slighting us I might be moved to such a heinous act. 

*=*=* May 25, 1848 - Thursday 

Got a late start; passed Chimney Rock. 

*=*=* May 26, 1848 - Friday 

Arrived at Scotts Bluff. 

*=*=* May 27, 1848 - Saturday 

We stopped at Robidoux Pass Trading Post and purchased supplies to
replenish what we lost at the river, including a coffee pot. It is sad
that we cannot ease Marion's grief as easily. 

*=*=* May 31, 1848 - Wednesday 

Got to the Laramie River. Decided to take advantage of the $4 ferry.
Found a clean, well-formed ox skull a short ways from Fort John, which
is just the other side of the river, tempted to take it with me, but
decided against it. At Ft. John purchased more supplies. 

Much grumbling today about Sam Vaughn. The man is an ass. We had a wagon
train meeting to discuss our current circumstances. Most everyone has
enough supplies, except for Sam Vaughn. Mr. Crandall flat out told Sam
to buy supplies or be left behind. Marion is starting to smile a bit
more every day. 

*=*=* June 2, 1848 - Friday 

Camped near Register Cliff. For the first time in weeks Marion laughed
today. It does our hearts good to see her almost back to her old self. 

*=*=* June 4, 1848 - Sunday 

Nooned near Ayers Natural Bridge. Katrina has started throwing up in the
morning. We guess that means, the good Lord willing, there will be a
child in January. 

*=*=* June 7, 1848 - Wednesday 

From our guidebook, we estimated we would reach North Platte River early
today, and sure enough, there it was! Given the price, we will take the
ferry. In good spirits we got as far as Mormon Ferry Trading Post where
we bought more food. A case of resupply when you can. Sam Vaughn keeps
trying to 'help' by pointing out shortcuts and wrong trails. 

*=*=* June 8, 1848 - Thursday 

This morning it was very foggy. We decided to continue as usual. We laid
by today near Emigrant Gap that evening and we went hunting. I shot a
bear for 220 pounds of meat. Once again parceled out what we couldn't
eat or salt to our traveling companions. 

*=*=* June 9, 1848 - Friday 

The dust from other wagons has gotten bad. We decided to slow down. Saw
eagles today near Willow Springs. What majestic creatures! 

*=*=* June 11, 1848 - Sunday 

Passed Independence Rock. Saw Devil's Gate today where we stopped 

*=*=* June 12, 1848 - Monday 

Sang and told stories around the noon campfire near Split Rock. Laughed
with my ladies at the look of the rock, although didn't share the
observation with the rest of the train, that it had a startling
similarity to the ladies' genitals when they were doing a full split. 

*=*=* June 13, 1848 - Tuesday 

Got as far as Three Crossings today. Some people in our wagon train are
very tired of the journey. Mr. Crandall decided that since the weather
had been dry we would take the southern route, making for only 2
crossings of the Sweetwater River. 

*=*=* June 14, 1848 - Wednesday 

At Sweetwater River. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it across. We
got stuck and had to double-team the animals to try to get our wagon out
of the mud. Wasn't quite as deep as we thought it was. 

A pair of teenagers were finally caught by their parents sneaking out of
camp. The girl is pregnant and she should have her baby in January,
about the same time as Katrina, God willing. They have been getting
together whenever they could since about two weeks after we left
Independence. There was much shouting and, of course, Sam Vaughn had to
point to our bad example. Even the girl's parents told him to shut his
trap. Everyone is very tired of his constant carping. 

*=*=* June 16, 1848 - Friday 

A sudden dust storm came up today. It seemed best to slow down. This
showed that locally there was a dry spell. 

*=*=* June 17, 1848 - Saturday 

Reached another prominent landmark today: Ice Spring Slough and there
was a wedding in camp in the evening. A joyous occasion in the
wilderness, even though there was a shotgun visible! I really don't
think it was necessary as any fool can see that the youngsters are
deeply in love. 

*=*=* June 20, 1848 - Tuesday 

This morning it was very foggy. We decided to slow down, but got to the
Final Sweetwater River Crossing. Decided to ford the river. 

*=*=* June 21, 1848 - Wednesday 

Arrived at South Pass early in the day, despite some 'help' from Mr.
Vaughn, and camped at Pacific Springs. 

*=*=* June 23, 1848 - Friday 

Today we made it to Dry Sandy. We're going to be using the Sublette
Cutoff to save us some time and miles. 

*=*=* June 24, 1848 - Saturday 

Today we drove our wagons and teams past Haystack Butte. Happened upon a
fresh grave today. A reminder of the hazards we all face on the this
journey. 

*=*=* June 26, 1848 - Monday 

Saw Green River today. The river was high and we decided to wait a bit. 

*=*=* June 29, 1848 - Thursday 

After a three day wait we decided that the river isn't going down.
Caulked the wagon and floated it across, that is the way to go in these
high water conditions. After our last crossing in deep water I was extra
careful and had no problems. 

*=*=* July 1, 1848 - Saturday 

Much grumbling today about Sam Vaughn near Branley Pass. The man has
started to beg everyone for food. Some will give him supplies so that
his wife and young son do not starve. Passed the thousand mile mark
today and reached another prominent landmark: Emigrant Spring. How
sublime it appears by moonlight. 

*=*=* July 2, 1848 - Sunday 

Today saw us at the West End of the Sublette Cutoff. 

*=*=* July 3, 1848 - Monday 

Came to Thomas Fork in the distance. The river is six foot deep and
rising. We'll wait. 

*=*=* July 4, 1948 - Tuesday 

Celebrated Independence Day while waiting. River crested at nine feet.
Much too dangerous to cross. 

*=*=* July 10, 1848 - Monday 

We have been traveling for 100 days, today. 

River is down to five foot. Decided we couldn't wait any longer and to
caulk the wagon and float it across. We've waited long enough having
lost a week of traveling. Everyone made it across safely. 

*=*=* July 11, 1848 - Tuesday 

After crossing a small ridge we came to Big Hill and used our chain to
go down it. Later we came to Smith's Trading Post and purchased some
food stuff. Mr. Vaughn was again forced to spend some of his money on
supplies and even made to recompense those he borrowed from. 

*=*=* July 12, 1848 - Wednesday 

A thick fog rolled in today. Looks like we'll continue as usual. 

*=*=* July 13, 1848 - Thursday 

Found ourselves at Soda Springs this day. Natural bubbling pools of
carbonated water, caused by ancient volcanic activity, have long made
Soda Springs an attraction. My ladies and I got up well after dark and
by the light of the moon bathed naked in the carbonated waters and made
love. We had a scare when we were joined by the newlyweds. They joined
us. While my ladies have of course seen each other joining with me I had
never before watched another man and woman. It certainly looks different
than it feels. 

*=*=* July 14, 1848 - Friday 

Today our labors were rewarded with the sight of Sheep Rock. We stopped
along the trail to hunt. We obtained 181 pounds of meat from three
antelope. Cut my palm while dressing the game. Washed it out with
hydrogen peroxide and then iodine and bandaged it. I again parceled out
the meat, even giving Sam Vaughn some. 

*=*=* July 17, 1848 - Monday 

We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll slow
down. 

*=*=* July 18, 1848 - Tuesday 

The weather turned mighty hot, so we're planning to slow down. My cut
has scabbed over and now all I have to do is keep flexing the hand so
that it doesn't stiffen up. 

*=*=* July 20, 1848 - Thursday 

After much travail, we came to Fort Hall and bought more food. Don't
really need most of it, but better safe than sorry and we still have a
lot of cash. Sam Vaughn flat out refused to buy supplies. Mr. Crandall
is madder than a wet hen. He wants to leave Vaughn at Fort Hall, but
unfortunately Sam has the contract we all signed at the beginning. He
can't be dropped unless he does a criminal act. 

*=*=* July 22, 1848 - Saturday 

Our expectations of reaching American Falls were fulfilled this day. How
sublime it appears by moonlight as I celebrated with my ladies. 

*=*=* July 23, 1848 - Sunday 

We saw a small party of coyotes today, just a mile or so west of Raft
River. Caulked the wagon and floated it across. That is the way to go.
The wagon got stuck in the mud. Had to double-team the animals. 

*=*=* July 24, 1848 - Monday 

We saw California Trail Junction in the distance. 

*=*=* July 27, 1848 - Thursday 

Today we passed City of Rocks, the sight is most reassuring and reached
Salt Lake Cutoff Junction. Even though we've told the people of the
wagon train that we aren't Mormons many were surprised when we didn't
split off to go to Salt Lake. 

*=*=* July 28, 1848 - Friday 

This was a difficult day. First up Granite Mountain and then down
Granite Mountain Pass. Our chain got a workout. 

*=*=* August 2, 1848 - Wednesday 

Saw another group of eagles today near Hot Spring Valley. Marion and
Grace got up this morning and ran to the bushes to throw up. Late March
should be interesting. Marion has a mile wide grin. 

*=*=* August 4, 1848 - Friday 

We hope for some rain to settle the dust. For the time being, we'll slow
down. 

*=*=* August 9, 1848 - Wednesday 

We rested a while not far from North Fork of the Humboldt River. Fording
the river looks to be our best option. 

*=*=* August 11, 1848 - Friday 

Reached Emigrant Pass today. 

*=*=* August 14, 1848 - Monday 

Reached Gravelly Ford of the Humboldt River. Strangely beautiful
country. Fording the river looks to be our best option. We came across
an abandoned wagon and decided to search it for something useful. I
found a pocket watch. It was inscribed with 'From your true love, M'. A
sad thing, but Marion says that it was meant to be found by me. When we
next find a jeweler I will add the initials 'K' and 'G'. 

*=*=* August 18, 1848 - Friday 

Spotted a group of strangers. We decided to wait to see what they do.
They approached us and we talked. It was a government survey team with
an artist who was painting landscapes and indian pictures. 

*=*=* August 22, 1848 - Tuesday 

Broke a wagon axle today. We tried to repair it and failed, but we were
able to replace it from supplies.We saw Lassen's Meadows in the
distance. 

*=*=* August 24, 1848 - Thursday 

Arrived at Big Meadows and were warned to stock up on water and gather
hay for the animals for the next bit of trail. Sam Vaughn declared that
this really wasn't necessary. Mr. Crandall made sure that he stocked up.
He told him that if one or more of his animals died he would lose
everything. 

*=*=* August 25, 1848 - Friday 

Passed Humboldt Sink today, it's pretty loaded with alkali and not
really drinkable. We stopped along the trail to hunt. We obtained forty
pounds of meat from a small mountain goat. Even though there is a long
dry stretch it has been decided to continue with the main California
Trail. 

*=*=* August 26, 1848 - Saturday 

Started across the Forty Mile Desert today. Really glad for the two
canteens, water keg and the empty pickle barrel. We had rinsed the empty
barrel repeatedly, but the water still tasted of pickling juice. We'll
use it last, when we are in sore need of any water. 

*=*=* September 2, 1848 - Saturday 

We laid by today near Truckee River. Saw a grave dug up by wolves bones
scattered about. A most distressing sight! We reburied the bones and
added rocks to the grave. Decided to caulk the wagon and float it
across. The wagon again got stuck in the mud. Getting to be a habit. Had
to double-team the animals again. 

*=*=* September 3, 1848 - Sunday 

We found another abandoned wagon. We decided to search it for something
useful and did scavenge a wagon axle to give us a spare. We laid by
today near Truckee Canyons. 

*=*=* September 4, 1848 - Monday 

The weather turned mighty hot, so we're planning to slow down. We came
upon some fallen rocks on the trail and decided to try to clear the
path. Fortunately it wasn't too badly blocked. An ox yoke broke, and we
were unable to make the repair. We replaced it from supplies. 

*=*=* September 7, 1848 - Thursday 

Mr. Selkirkson usually doesn't play at our noonings, but today he was
inspired to enliven our nooning near Truckee Meadows. We all enjoyed his
effort. 

*=*=* September 9, 1848 - Saturday 

Commenced early today; saw Donner Lake. The happenings there last year
carry a heavy warning to all travelers. It does look as if we will beat
the snows. 

*=*=* September 10, 1848 - Sunday 

Made our way past Cold Stream Pass late today. Trail could be better. 

*=*=* September 12, 1848 - Tuesday 

Made an early start this morning; passed Summit Valley. 

*=*=* September 14, 1848 - Thursday 

Rested the animals near Johnson's Ranch where we purchased food and
another ox yoke for the last part of out journey. Heard the news that
gold had been discovered at Sutter's Mill last January. That news hadn't
gotten back to the east coast as yet. 

*=*=* September 15, 1848 - Friday 

The weather turned mighty hot, so we're planning to slow down. 

*=*=* September 17, 1848 - Sunday 

Another step on the trail; today we reached American River Bridge just
before noon and then Sutter's Fort. Purchased some luxuries as we should
be in Sacramento tomorrow. Rev. Scudder held forth, thanking God for an
easy passage to the new land and enjoined us to continue to pray for the
souls of the family we had lost.. 

*=*=* September 18, 1848 - Monday 

Arrived today at Sacramento!! At last we have reached our destination!
Truly this is the land of opportunity! 

*=*=* September 25, 1848 - Monday 

Gold fever has struck us. We have decided to give prospecting 2 months
effort. If we are sucessful... Hurrah! If not we will buy some land with
the monies I still have left and settle down. 

*=*=* October 27, 1848 - Friday 

Got claim certificate #476 from the assay office today, for 244 ounces
of gold worth $4,880.00! I'm rich! Again. I'll sell the claim and look
around for some land. The ladies are very happy as their conditions were
making the effort difficult for them. 

*=*=* November 7, 1848 - Wednesday 

Obtained a land deed today from the county for 550 acres in the American
River Valley. Now we can begin to build our new life! 

*=*=* January 16, 1849 - Tuesday Katrina gave birth to our son, Conrad. 

*=*=* March 19, 1849 - Monday 

Marion gave birth to our daughter, Felicity. 

*=*=* March 25, 1849 - Sunday 

Grace gave birth to our daughter, Allison. 

*=*=* 

...and they live more or less happily ever after. 

Christopher settled in the American River Valley of California in 1848,
building a home on 550 acres of land. After several years of mining and
ranching, Christopher decided to move to the burgeoning city of San
Francisco, establishing a business that proved both successful and
satisfying. 

During the late 1800s, Christopher wrote a best-selling book about
experiences on the Oregon and California Trails and, widely recognized
as a prominent pioneer, became a popular guest speaker at civic
ceremonies and luncheons. 

Each of his three ladies had three children, 4 boys and 5 girls. These
children grew up in a open and loving family and had their own slew of
children. 

*=*=* The End 

...and if you recognize the wagon train section as coming from "Oregon
Trail" game you're as big a geek as I am. 

*=*=* 
