Author: dave

FRIDAY November 2

FRIDAY 2

We was under way Early this morning and after passing Several Vessels of different Sizes from a Bark of 300 Tons to a whale Boat, we canie in Sight of Stockton. Our Goods was landed and Freight Paid at the rate of $2 per 100 weight, and Pasage $12 Each. from this date up to the 10th we was detained by Stormy weather and bad Roads. We were fortunate enough to engage a team Just before the Storm, thereby getting our Goods conveyed to the Mines for 17¢ the pound instead of 50¢ which was asked after the rain. While in Stockton we enjoyed ourselves very Much Gunning and fishing. But we was very ancious to get to the Mines and we was not a little pleased to find the Roads on the 10th So that we could get along tolerably well.  we Set out at 9 A M and at Sundown we pitched our tent in a Small ravine Sixteen miles on our way       On our travels during the day we Managed. to get a few quails and other Birds, which Made a very good Meal for our Supper. When we left Stockton we knew very well that the Roads would be very bad, and to be Sure of less obstruction on the way, two parties of us from the Salem agreed to go in company So that if one Wagon Should get Studk in the Mud we could put on a double team and thus prevent as Much detention as possible.

NAMES OF THE TWO PARTIES IN COMPANY ON THEIR WAY TO THE MINES.

The New York & California Excelsior Mining Co.

Thomas Ailward          1

Malcolm Norton     2

Norman Wadhams    3

Philetus H. Halsey 4

George W. Halsey   5

Isaac S. Halsey   6

The H.E.Riel Co.

John Benwell      1

John H. Vanderbelt 2

James Ross        3

Henry Myres      4

Robert Gillis     5

Anthony Rempee     6

William Waggee          7

Three Persons that where Members of the Excelsior Company previous to our arival at San Francisco Concluded to remain at that Place reducing our Party from 9 Members to six.

Sunday November 11th

SUNDAY 11th

Owing to the Cattle Straying away we remained encamped all day. One of the Teamsters Supposing his Cattle had returned to Stockton Set out for that place Early in the Morning. During the Past night Kioths (or Prary Wolf) where barking all around us like So many dogs, none attempted to come within reach of Shot.

MONDAY 12th

A Splendid Morning   Several or the two Companies Set out to look for the Oxen and returned with them about ten A M. John the Teamster had not yet returned and we concluded to go on without him   at 12-1/2 the Cattle where yolked and under way. we traviled about 5 Miles and Encamped at the Oregon Tent Near a beautiful Stream of Water

Wednesday November 14th

WEDNESDAY 14th

At 12 0 Clock got underway, but the roads were So very bad that we moved very Slowly.        frequently the Oxon were up to their knees in Mud.       at 3 0 Clock P.M. reached the edge of the Planes.   knowing that we would have to Spend the night where there was no wood we cut Some and threw it on the wagon to cook our Evening Meal. At Sundown we pitched our tent on the Plains 5 Miles distant from the Oregon tent. Feed for the Cattle very Scars. Saw to day a large quantity of game, including a large drove of Antelope . Shot one large duck. Many Miners where re­turning to Stockton, they informed us that the roads were very bad further on almost impassable.         but we made up our Minds to keep going till we could go no further and then Stop.

Thursday November 15th

THURSDAY 15th

Cloudy, very much the appearance of rain. Teamster over­ took us with his Mule. Roads So very bad that we were obliged to hitch both teams to one Wagon.   in this way traviled about three Miles incamped for the night Antelope in great numbers but Could not get near enough to kill any of them.

Friday November 16th

FRIDAY 16th

Got under way about 10 A M traviled all day through very heavy roads obliging us to unload the wagons with eight yolk of Oxon attached.    at night encamped on the Plains, where there was no wood to cook with.      gathered some grass and weeds and made out to get our Suppers