The original diary is divided into two parts but only part II is labeled as such. The word "volume" is not used. Part one is 37 pages long of which 29 pages are trail diary entries. All entries and notations are written in pen and ink cursive. Handwritten on the inside front cover page of part one are the calendar months of November and December and also written below is a stylized letter of the initial "H". This initial is also shown at the top of this web page. After some collaborative  research into the diary, it seems clear that the "H" represents the author's last name of Humphrey. Also written on the second page of part one are names of individuals the diary author had corresponded with such as "L. P. Jones" and a "John M. Roads of Sacramento City" [Possibly John M. Rhoads & Co. which was a bank], or other individuals of importance to the author. Written on this same page is a notation about leaving a letter at Fort Boise for his father on July 21, 1852. Also written at the top of the page are the fares the author paid for his trip for Wellington to Columbus, Ohio [$295] and Columbus to Cincinnati [$350]. Two other names are not legible.

The last eight pages of part one change from diary entries to descriptions of plant, insect and animal life encountered on the journey. There is also some destination mileage information. Written on the second to the last page are the names of the captains and pilots of the steamships taken during the trip on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. At the top of the page is a handwritten calendar for the month of March [1852]. The inside of the back cover has the calendar months of April through October written on it. There are some diary entry pages that are quite faded and very difficult to decipher. Without the help of  Professor Rieck's transcript this diary project would have taken much longer to complete.

Part II  [labeled on microfilm copy] does not have a front or back cover which makes one consider the possibility that this information may actually belong with part one of the trail diary or written on some other type of document. It is comprised of 25 pages, some blank, of predominately mileage and destination information and some descriptions of flora and fauna. The name of a W. F. Smith is written in very faded ink on page 10 [not numbered]. However, the sentence in which the name is being used is undecipherable. The pages of part two are deteriorated but legible in most cases and appear to have been cut out and pasted onto newer paper backings for microfilming.   

The manner in which the last diary entry on July 28th abruptly ends and the next page goes into a description of plant life and is inverted from the previous page leads one to believe that there may have been some problems in the microfilming process. Jim Riehl provided an alternative possibility that the author intentionally started the mileage data and other observations inverted and that this was not an uncommon practice to see in other diaries. The older transcription may be the only document in existence with the missing diary entries. Part two also includes destination information on the "Olneys ranch", "Dalles of the Columbia" and "Oregon City". One of the pages lists; Washington, Clackamas, Linn, and Lane Counties as well as Hillsboro and Albany Counties which no longer exist. Email discussions with Princeton University revealed that the master microfilm copy of the trail diary was made in the 1980's.

Both the original diary and transcription entries begin on March 10, 1852 from Wellington to Cincinnati, Ohio. The last entry on the Princeton University diary ends on July 28, 1852 in the Powder River Valley. The transcription version continues on through August 13, 1852 to the ferry across the Deschutes river and into The Dalles, Oregon. The diary author writes that he and other wagon train members visited with Judge Cyrus Olney at the Olney ranch near the Deschutes river.

Jim Riehl contributed significantly to the research of Luzerne Humphrey and the Humphrey brothers that accompanied  Luzerne on the wagon train to Oregon. The brothers are Eli, Horatio N. and Alfred. Though they share the same last name with the diary author, Luzerne is only related to the Humphrey brothers through marriage to their sister Harriet Jane Humphrey. The 1850 census provided by Jim Riehl below shows Luzerne (sixth name down) in Wellington, Ohio as head of household with his wife Harriet J. and four children. The last name listed is Hannah Humphrey who is the mother of Harriet Jane and her brothers. The actual  1850 census search engine at Ancestry.com will not find Luzerne Humphrey in Lorain County, Wellington Township because the name was misread and labeled as "Snzeene Humphrey".   

Luzerne Humphrey returned from Oregon with Eli and Horatio Humphrey in 1855 and died on November 14, 1857. He was buried at White Oak Cemetery in Washington County, Iowa. Harriet Jane remarried a man named James Sherman on December 22, 1857 [listed on her grave marker] and lived with him in Iowa. She later moved with her family to Minnesota possibly to be closer to her sister Parmelia. It was through Harriet Jane's son, Wilmot Osceola Humphrey, that we were able to make accurate matches and track the family. Wilmot O., brother Alfred W. and sister Florence E. Humphrey later moved to Washington State along with their mother Harriet Jane. Harriet Jane Humphrey died on September 9, 1900. She is buried at Addy Cemetery in Stevens County, Washington. This is the state where the older diary transcription was purchased in 1974 . Wilmot Humphrey died on August 5, 1931 in Kendrick, Idaho and was buried at Kendrick Cemetery.

Below is an 1860 census provided by Jim Riehl showing Harriet Jane as a Sherman, James Sherman and Wilmot O. Humphrey living in Iowa.

Luzerne Humphrey does not show up in the Donation Land Grant data for Oregon pioneers. Reason B. Willoughby , also Mr. Willoughby and R. B. W. in the transcript, and a member of the wagon train does show up in the 1852 Donation Land Grant data of 15-19 August. He is one of the Linn County, Oregon pioneers. The last diary entry on August 13th states, " Last night and this morning I have been quite sick. My nose is badly swollen and painful. A severe pain in back, legs and head. Yoked up and drove 3 miles".  Alfred Humphrey and his wife Olive [maiden name Snow] did not return with  Eli, Horatio and Luzerne in 1855 and remained in Linn County, Oregon. The handwritten calendar months on the original diary start in March and end in December 1852.

My reading of the diary transcript indicates that the author's wife and children were not part of the company  though he mentions writing to his wife [Sunday May 9th entry] and a promise he made about sticking with her brothers [Friday July 9th]. He uses the initials H. J. for the sister of the Humphrey brothers which is his wife Harriet Jane. It seems clear in the diary reading that Luzerne and Eli became hostile towards each other as Eli appears to have taken charge of the company in July. By the end of the month no subsequent negative entries concerning Eli were made.

One piece of information that surfaces in the diary reading is that Luzerne Humphrey loved to fish. 

Mar. 10, 1852  Started from Wellington. Arrived at Cincinnati  10 P.M. same day. Went on board the Lady Pike [Side Wheel Steam Boat]10 pm on Thursday 11th. to sail tomorrow. [Note- In the original diary the Captain of the Lady Pike was W. F. Fuller and the Pilots  were a Mr. Goodman and a Mr. Jacobs.] [Google Maps: Cincinnati to St. Louis]

Mar. 11th  Started at 4 oclock. This day saw a strange fish called the Spoon bill (Cat Fish).  Arrived at Louisville at 10 oclock P. M.

Friday 12th  Went saw the Falls at 1 P.M. [Possibly 6 P.M.] wind very high. laid up. Water high.

Sunday 14th  High wind. river very rough.

Monday 15th  4 oclock A.M. entered the Mississippi. Water very high. This day Eli quite unwell. [Note- editor of typed transcription; "Eli Humphrey, brother of author's wife"]

Tuesday 16th  This day at 3 P. M. arrived at St. Louis; went onboard the Highland Mary. [ Either Highland Mary No. 1 or No. 2- Side Wheel Steam Boat- In the original diary the Captain of the Highland Mary was S. Hewett.]

Wed. 17th  5 P. M. Started for Keokuck arrived Friday at 10 A. M. Hired team and started for Fairfield. Arrived 2 oclock Sunday 21st. (Google Maps: Keokuck to Fairfield)

Monday 22nd  Went and examined the (Steam) Saw mill where Alfred works. (Note- editor of typed transcription; "Alfred Humphrey, Eli's brother")

Tues. 23.  In forenoon went around town with the boy. After noon went Hunting. The company killed 3 prairie chickens.

Wed. 24.   Horatio [Horatio N. Humphrey] & Corral gone to buy oxen. [Note- editor of typed transcription; "Eli's brother"]

Apr. 2. Frid.  Bishop and Jerome arrived and brought letters. [Jerome is also referred to as "Slinky" because he often slinked from guard duty]

Fitted and started.

Mon 19th  This day, 3 miles from Fairfield, broke through a slew Bridge & broke a yoke. Got stalled on new road. At night Camped on open prairie. Hoisted tent & lay on the ground. Cut grass with Jack Knife. [Google Maps: Fairfield and Fremont]

Tues. 20th  Started this forenoon. This day saw wolf. Wet prairie. After noon traveling some better. Camped about 18 miles from Fairfield (F) in old log house. Not yet got any hay for oxen.

Wed. 21st.  No bad luck today. Part of roads good. Camped 24 miles from Fairfield. Got hay at night.

Thurs. 22nd  Traveled about 13 miles. Camped at Morgan 6 miles from Fremont. A good deal of deep mud. Got good hay & oats. [Google Maps: Fremont to Oskaloosa, Pella and Fort Des Moines]

Frid. 23rd.  Passed Oscaloosa [Oskaloosa] 12 oclock Camped 11 miles west. Weather cold and cloudy no feed yet and no grass. This days travel was over high and rolling prairie.

Sat. 24th.   Alfred (A) overtook us about 10 A.M. Some bad (slews). Passed Pella at noon. 65 miles from (F) Fairfield. Pella is settled by Hollanders here many of the Houses are fine, painted white. Some brick, but are small & poor. This day we passed housed and barns covered with Straw. The houses having Brick chimneys & glass windows. Arrived at Fort about dusk and put up tent. After part of day and all night rainy. Some thunder. Tent leaks some. Horatio left this day to collect a debt. Sunday 25th remained in camp. Still rainy weather moderating some.

Mond. 26th   Arrived without accident at Mitchel. This day had to feed wheat in the sheaf. Camped in a grove. Here was about 20 tents & 56 wagons. Most bound for Oregon.

Tuesday 27th  Arrived at Ft. De Moin  [Fort Des Moines] & crossed both the ferries & camped on west side of [Raccoon] Fork. [Google Maps: Ft. Des Moines to Council Bluffs]

Wed. 28th. Went back over to the Fort and bought a load of corn. Took down tent 9 A.M. & started. Camped 10 miles west of Ft. De Moin on the bank of a small river.

Thursday 29th  Camped 3 miles east of Winterset. Country broken & timber [timbered].

Friday 30th  Drove 17 miles. Camped on open prairie.

May 1, 1852 Sat.  This afternoon (fore noon) passed over a large prairie. Part of the time no timber in sight. High and rolling. Saw some deer. This day a woman got run over by wagon near us. Just as we started saw several [men] looking for horses or cattle. Passed the middle branch of 3 rivers about 1 P.M. [possibly 6 p.m.] Camped on ridge west of river. Very warm.

Sun. 2nd.  Wind called us up by blowing the tent to pieces this morning at 4 A.M.  H. N. [Horatio N. Humphrey] and myself killed a rattlesnake. Hail & thunder. P.M. quite warm. Camped about 2 oclock  wind at sundown blowing a gale & now very cold.

Mon. 3rd.  Quite warm. About 4 miles from camp came to deep prairie stream. Here was about 40 teams. Here the banks were very steep and muddy. about 30 teams went down stream 2 miles & built a bridge. In crossing over this H. N.'s near ox fell off the bridge. 12 miles west of this we crossed another stream. This was bridged before we arrived. Camped in slough 2 miles west of the last stream.

Tuesd. 4th  Passed Indian town. This place has 4 log houses. 2 bridges built by emigrants. Camped about 10 miles west of Indian town. This night I went on to find camp, found a good place & went back to teams & found them camped two miles back.

Wed. 5th  15 miles west of camp we arrived at west branch of Wishbone bottom. Here we have to ferry- place called Macedonia. Camped 1 mile west of Ferry. Went fishing & caught 15 fish. Rainy all night [ I ] & Eli slept in wagon.

Thurs. 6th  Hard rain. Camped 18 miles west on a small stream. Here is a grocery kept in a hay stack built with rails and hay. Here are 10 wagons & 4 tents & about 30 persons.

Frid. 7th  This day we remained in camp & Eli & Mr. Willoughby [Reason B. Willoughby] rode on to the bluffs. The stream on which we are camped is called 5 Barrel Stream. Here is a emigrant bridge & water very high. Teams continued to cross until 4 P.M. when the bridge broke up. 2 Indians came begging. 

May 8th Sat.  Passed Kanesville. Arrived at the Ferry across the Missouri 2 (oc) P.M. & camped. Here is about 400 wagons and carts waiting for passage. Here is a cart drawn by a Jack and one by 2 men all bound for California. Today I have seen about 20 Indians & Squaws. [Google Maps: Council Bluffs to Elkhorn]

Sund. 9th.  Still in camp. Wrote letters to wife and L. P. Jones. About 7 oclock commenced ferrying over. Got the six wagons over about 12 oclock. Self, Eli, Horatio and Bishop watched the cattle whilst Slink [Jerome] rolled up in a buffalo robe and slept. Got the cattle over about 6 oc A.M. Monday.

Mond. 10th.   6 oclock arrived in Nebraska territory. Started on our Journey. We now have left behind us the land of Civilization and Delusion. Smith [possibly Adusion]  was preaching to the emigrants. We now are traveling upon a deep sand without vegetation. This lasts about 6 miles. About 7 miles we now 11 A. M. have stopped to [wait]. Here we find good feed but rather short. A small lake to the right. We still are on the Missouri bottoms. A few Indians are in sight on the bluffs but have no come near. The report is that they killed an ox belonging to a company camped near where we now stop. Drove 4 miles & camped.

Tues. 11th.  Drove 6 miles cross a small stream. Drove about 6 miles cross Elkhorn Ferry. Trains (get) on other side. Indians plenty & a battle was fought yesterday two miles from this place. I go on guard this night. Indians came round in the night and make all kinds of noises such as wolves, foxes, owls etc. Here we saw a number of Indians naked. [Google Maps: Elkhorn to Elm Creek]

Wed. 12th  Got oxen over last night during the forepart of night. The Indians sang & danced on the opposite side of the Elkhorn. Stuck tent and started at 6 oclock. Drove 1 1/2 miles before breakfast. Started & drove about 6 miles & found about 70 teams camped from fear of Indians. It is said that the Indians attacked a train yesterday and killed 4 men a few miles west of this camp. We expect to see about (100) teams roll out tomorrow morning if we should live to see the morrow. Drove 4 miles  & camped.

Thurs. 13th  Commensed the march half (1/2) past 6 A. M. & very soon the road was full of teams as far as I could see. Here the valley is clear of timber except on the river banks. It extends about 20 miles wide a rich sand loam. The prairies are now covered with the most beautiful flowers. Saw this day a train that was robbed by the Indians. Last night Corral  stood guard and got scared & let the cattle run off (of) & separate. Alarms of Indians still continue. Tonight I am to stand guard. We now have 5 Indians in the tent. They all beg for food & have moccasins to sell, but will not sell them for money, but will sell for corn & provisions. They now are camped in our tent.

May Frid. 14th  Last night I stood guard. On the relief guard Eli stood till 12 oclock. I then went on guard & saw no Indians except those in our tent. Traveled this day about 27 miles. Passed at noon very bad slough. After crossing slough a wagon run against Mr. Prosser's wagon  & broke a wheel. Mr. Prosser then left our company & joined the one that broke our mans wheel. Camped at Ferry of Loop Forks. 

Sat. 15th  Company camped on east side of Loop Fork river. Some talk of going up river to old Mormon Ford & now 6 A.M. are leaving a thunder shower. Cattle off on the plains. Started up Loop Fork. Camped on west side of Beaver Creek. Heavy thunder shower. An ox killed by lightning a few rods east of our camp. High wind. Tent blown down in the night. 

Sun. 16th.  Very cold & windy. Crossed 2 (to) small streams this day. After noon passed an old Indian Town & Mission station destroyed by the Sioux 1847. Also and Old Indian Fort. About 15 acres covered by embankments & about 200 holes dug in the ground. Camped at this old fort. This was destroyed at the same time the town was. Corral went down into 5 or 6 of the holes & got out 2 old mortars.

Mond. 17th  This day passed 2 streams, saw two (2) wolves & 3 antelopes. Arrived at the South Fork ford about  (5) P.M. & camped.

Tuesd. 18th  Passed over had to wade & carry ropes to lead cattle. All got over safe & camped about (3) miles from river ford. My turn to watch.

Wed. 19th  This day we passed over some very bad sloughs (slews) on wet prairie. Camped on the banks of Prairie Creek. This day saw an alkali swamp. Near the camp is 2 graves of person who died in '49. Tonight went afishing & caught about 40 fish.

Thursday 20th  This day traveled over deep slough (slew) & wet prairie. Camped about  10 miles west of Wood creek.

Frid. 21st.  Raining all night. Still raining this morning and rainy through the day & night. This days travel was through deep wet sloughs most of the way. The ridges covered with prickly pears. Feed poor & ground sandy.

Sat 22nd.  Sun shines once more occasionaly. Started at half (1/2) past 5 (oc) A.M. Camped on the banks of Elm creek. This had some wet sand prairie & 3 bad, deep ravines. This day we passed through a large "Prairie dog" town, about 2000 acres occupied by their houses. They are about the size of a red squirrel. [Google Maps: Elm Creek to North Platte]

Sun. 23rd.  This day passed several bad Ravines. Camped on the banks of the Platte 22 miles west of Elm creek. There is a great deal of alkali (alkalye) water between this & Buffalo Creek which we passed at noon.

Mond. 24th.  Very good roads. Camped west Petah Lake. I saw wild Buffalo etc. 2 Boys and Horses lost.

Tuesd. 25th.  About 5 miles west of camp came to the Platte, passed over high bluffs. Deep sand. Heard that the boys have not been found yet. The men, that went out with them to hunt Buffalo & left the boys to keep the horses, say they saw Indians. Yesterday we lost our dogs. Drove on after dark to came up with the (Train) camped at Cold Springs at the head of Four Swamps (Pawnee swamp). Here is 4 Springs that boil out of the sand.

Wed. 26th  Camped 21 miles west of Springs. Considerable deep sand this days Travel. After camping about 40 Sioux Indians came & camped a few rods from us.

Thurs. May 27th  This morning the alarm was given that 8 head of our oxen (Train) had run off over the bluffs. I started after them & found that cattle that was seen were Buffaloes. I saw 10. They were very wild & I saw some Antelopes  & Wolves, also several kinds of (to me new) animals. One that resembled a Sheep & a Hare or very large Rabbit, also 2 that looks like Bull dog pup half grown. Followed on after the train & had to wade North Bluff Fork River about 2 [possibly 6] rods wide. Overtook train at noon, tired nearly out. Roads in many places over high sand bluffs. Sand deep & heavy. Water very poor. Afternoon wading good Spring Brook. Camped 6 P.M. on Shepherds Creek.

Frid. 28th  Camped near us is a large drove of sheep & 40 wagons. Started at 5 A. M. Traveled over deep sand. Passed Wolf Spring creek. Then deep sand. Passed Rattlesnake creek. Cedar Bluffs opposite. Roads quite sandy. Camped at some small ponds 1 mile east of Horn Creek. 

Sat. 29th.  Passed Horn Creek & Camp Creek. Came to the (Lone) one  Tree. This is a white cedar. I climbed the tree & cut my name on a limb, also cut off some twigs. Along here the bluffs appear to be Rock. At noon crossed Castle River (8 rods wide) deep quick sand. Water about 8 inches deep. Feed good as yet. Turned out to wait on west side. (In) sight  teams are fording the Platte River to get on this side. Plenty of Alkalye. Camped about 6 miles west of Calm Creek. I stood guard tonight. Feed very poor & water bad. 

Sund. 30th  Started at 5 A. M. Traveled about 12 miles to a small Lake on south side of road. Turned out. Here is a good  cold spring. Traveled on about 1 mile west of Crab Creek. Staid rest of the day at a small Lake & Spring.

Mon. May 31st.  Drove about 8 miles & came to Ancient Bluff Ruins. This is really a great curiosity. The bluffs appear at a short distance to be Forts & other buildings in ruins, some having domes or towers. Others appear to be fenced around by Walls of carved works. Camped for noon 7 miles west. From here we can see Court House Rock on Southside (S. side) of Platte. This from here appears like a large building surmounted by a large dome & spine (note: written in left margin: "It is a rock on the open plains 12 mi. distant"). Camped 5 P. M. Directly opposite the Court House & about 5 miles distant by the East side is a round tower called the Keep. Roads very sandy, but feed good. No water but the Platte. C. H. slunk from guard this night.  

1852 June 1st  Tues.  Traveled about 12 miles & stopped for noon a little East of opposite Chimney Rock. From here it appears to be round at the base & covers about 1/2 an acre of ground. It rises about 50 ft. in the shape of a large mound. From this rises a stone column, appearing from here to be round & 3 ft. in diameter & rising about the same height of [off] the base which would make the whole about 100 ft. high. A large number of natural mounds, some looking like large buildings with roofs, some running up to a peak, most of these appear to be square or oblong square. Today the roads have been very sandy & large quantities of alkalye appear. Very warm & dry. Prickly Pears & Sage plenty. Camped opposite to 4 large mounds which resemble very large Brick Kilns. Some of them partly torn down. Scotts Bluffs appear a few miles to the west & other mound in sight now on South side of the river, now on this. [Google Maps: North Platte to Ft. Laramie]

Wed. 2nd. Started at 6 A.M. Traveled 9 miles to nearly opposite Scotts Bluffs, here the view is very splendid, it is composed of two very high Bluffs, rising out of the open plains, appearing like Forts, Houses, Towers etc. The one fronting the river I would call the "Fort", this appears like a very large building with Bastions, Wings etc. & very small cedars growing on its top look like men. Just at the rear of the Fort is a very high tower, having a rounded top or roof. This appears to be on a raised base then some 40 (ft.) perpendicular. Then the roof back of this is the "City". This appears like a city of many houses with now & then a spine [spire] or dome rising above the rest. To the East is a large Mound & from the top rises a round tower some 20 ft. high & the same across then another tower rises from the middle of this about the same height & about 8 ft. across. (All around) these Bluffs rise from out of a splendid meadow covered at this time with the most splendid flowers that I ever saw. Some 3 miles back of these Bluffs are the main bluffs  & on top of these are round towers & on the meadow each way except on the river side, there are smaller mounds appearing like small Forts. On the west of the main Bluff is a long chain of Bluffs, these are sand, and the wind has blown the sand away so as to leave resemblances of Battlements & towers etc. Camped on Spring cross (creek). This is (said to have) in it some fine Trout. I mean to try it [fishing] if the wind goes down. Rainy & thunder. Looks as if it would rain. Heavy wind & rained all night.

Thurs. 3rd. Roads very good, but some sandy. Prickly Pears. Saw wild Sage. Bunch grass quite plenty, this looks like wheat, & cattle appear to like it very well. Camped 10 miles west of "Bluff Blue Stone".

Friday 4th  Roads quite sandy but feed good. At noon passed Rawhide Creek, this is 13 miles East of Ft. Laramie. Camped 4 miles from the Fort & 2 East of Ferry. Roads sandy. Feed poor, no water but the Platte & that muddy.

Sat. 5th. Went to Fort, had no letters. This consist of 3 large buildings & some 18 small ones, mostly shops, some were of brick, some wood & some covered with cotton cloth. The garrison consists of 10 men & 2 or 3 officers. Here I left letters for home. Over took train 4 miles west of Ferry at noon. About 2 P.M. we got into the Black Hills, these hills are very high peaks covered with dwarf cedars etc. Camped on the top of one of the high ridges, about 18 miles from the fort. Now it is a "continent apart or distinct" (this passage should read: "continual ascent or descent"). About 3 miles back from camp we found a good spring. A heavy thunder shower in the evening. Roads very rough & hilly. [Google Maps: Laramie to Casper]

Sun 6th. Cloudy & appears to be storming on "Laramie Peak". Roads hilly but very good. Water scarse. Camped at spring at "Wall Peak", drove 20 miles. Rained very hard in the night, very cold.

Mond. 7th. Roads good, not very hilly. Struck Platte about noon (10 miles). Left river & traveled about 9 miles over bluffs. Camped on Platte bottom. Quite cold. Laramies (Snowy) Peak in sight & appears to be about south  & to be 30 miles distance. Feed plenty. H. N. & E. [Horatio and Eli]  this day saw mountain sheep. Teams in sight camped on opposite side of river. My feet blistered & got to stand guard.

Tues. 8th.  Roads very good except some sand  & beds of dry rivers. Drove 19 miles. We this day crossed 5 river beds from 4 to 40 rods wide & towards night we passed over very high hills, these on the top appear to have been burned. The stones many have been partly melted on top in spots. Mica is (very) plenty. I stood guard last night. (Feed poor).

Wed. 9th  Road sandy, feed poor. Drove 22 miles. Camped a little east of 2nd ferry of the Platte. Camps all around us & across the river. This day no very high hills to pass.

Thurs. 10th  Drove 12 miles. Roads quite sandy, had to wade in the water. Platte very high. Roads running on high sandy bluffs part of the time. Part on bottoms, thunder shower in P. M. Camped at old 2nd Ferry not used now. My turn to watch to night Jerome still slinking out from work on pretense of sickness, but I think him to be in better health than some others in the Company. A's [Alfred Humphrey] wife fainted at noon.

Frid. 11th  Arrived at Ferry (10 miles) at noon. Passed over deep sand bluffs most of the way to the ferry, from these on took a new road leading to the left & following up the river. Camped in a bend of the river, about 12 miles from the Ferry & 5 miles East of old "Alkalye Lake Road". Rainy.

Sat. 12th  Road good to Word (Wood) Creek, then sandy to our camp on Green (Wood) Creek.

Sund. 13th. Roads sandy, passed Saleratus Lake & arrived at Ford of Sweet Water at noon. Passed Independence Rock 1 mile East of Ford. Ford deep & bad. Examined "Devils Gate", this is a narrow pass in the rocks (where) the Sweet Water passes through. Camped 2 miles west, 2 heavy thunder showers in night. [ Independence Rock 35 miles west of Casper  and Devils Gate at Casper] [Google Maps: Casper to Green River]

Monday 14th.  Roads good but sandy. Feed very poor. Camped near Bitter Cottonwood Creek on the banks of the Sweetwater & drove the cattle over, They had to swim.

Tues. June 15th  Roads very heavy sand. Feed scarse. Still we keep on South side Sweet Water. Passed Fords 2,3, & 4. Country very barren. Mountains covered with snow in sight. Now & then a few Indians, some Antelopes & sheep. A few Flowers, one the Sand Rose of the Rocky Mts. (Mountains) & Tulips both white & yellow. We have now been in the Mts. for several days. Camped at Ford 4. Feed poor. Have to swim the cattle.

Wed. 16th  Very good Roads. No grass or not much, some Sage & Grease Wood, Some heavy sand last night & today. C.H. & wife & B.J. & J. H. have divided off & are a going by themselves. Camped at no. Ford 7. Roads some hilly. Snow Mountains in sight.

[Possibly B. P. & P. H.]

Thurs. 17th.  Roads hard & good, some hilly, tops of hills very rough & stony. Camped on the banks of the Sweet Water 2 miles below Ford no. 9.

Frid. 18th  Roads good. Ford very bad. Passed "Great South Pass" & stopped on "Pacific Springs Creek" (one) mile below springs high Mountains south side of road. Roads the very best  & nearly level. Camped at creek. I stood guard. Plenty of grass, but quite marshy. [Near Rock Springs]

Sat. 19th  Roads a coarse sand or gravel. Crossed "Dry Sandy" creek, this is very salt, & crossed this at noon. Passed junction of  "Salt Lake" Road. Crossed "Little Sandy". Turning off (of) to the left & struck for "Salt Lake" road, followed the river.

Sun. 20th. From our camp on "Little Sandy" we followed the river to "Big Sandy" ford. Here we saw some packers & got directions for a new road & good feed & water. By this new road we shun the Great Desert of (49) miles. [Near Rock Springs]

Mond. 21st.  Roads gently rolling & (gravelly) but little grass. Stopped for noon on the banks of "Big Sandy" 4 miles from junction of Salt Lake Road. A new cut off, but few travel this road. Feed is good on the bottoms of the "Sandy". Every day we see chairs & other property thrown away. If I had in Ohio all the property thrown away & destroyed I could by the best farm I know of at half the value of the property. Whilst I now am writing we are having a heavy thunder shower & some hail. Roads good through the day. Drove (till) P.M. 10 miles & camped on Green River bottoms. Prickly Pears in bloom & Flax.

Tues. 22nd.  Good roads to Ferry. Got wagons over  & are now trying to swim teams. Have all ready tried 3 teams & failed. Cost of Ferrying per wagon $7. & .50 per ox. $1 per horse. Ferried part of the cattle & part swam the river. Each time had 4 or 5 Indians in the water swiming to drive the cattle.  Here was 10 or 12 Lodges of the Snake Indians. the country except river in spots quite barren. Camped about 5 miles west of Ferry. One of the Ferrymen is a native of Hartford ,Conn. I stand guard tonight.

Wed. 23rd.  Last night I went fishing in the Green River & caught 2 Fish resembling a Pike in all but teeth (these have no teeth) & very small scales. Roads some sand & quite hilly. 2 bad hills. Camped for noon at the crossing of Slate Creek. Drove P. M. about 12 miles. Roads good. At night passed down a long & steep descent (but quite sandy). Camped at "Mountain Valley Springs". Here I cut my name in the rocks of the bluff to the North East. Thunder (shower) in the evening. [Google Maps: Green River to Soda Springs and American Falls]

Thurs. 24th  Had to rise a long hill & go down another. Then at the junction of the old C & O road we then went up a high ridge then down a steep & very long descent. Thunder shower in fore noon. Camped for noon at a spring branch, 4 miles from junction. Crossed Harris Fork of Bear River. Camped 1 miles west west in the Hollow .

Frid. 25th  Road hard but very hilly. From (run) we had to rise a hill for 2 miles to the summit. We this day passed through a Fir grove, had a long steep hill to rise  & another to pass down. A very steep hill to " Stony Creek". Last night I went a fishing and caught (one) trout. Stopped for noon on Stony Creek. From here we had to ascend a high hill & then go down a very steep, stony & windy road to "Bear Valley". We drove on to Smiths Fork & camped near the ford.

Sat. 26th  Crossed Smiths for at the ford, here we crossed 3 considerable branches. After crossing the roads were very rough for 1 mile, then the road very good to bad slew, this we passed around on good hard ground. From here the roads are good to Cold Springs & feed good. Here we stop for noon, here is 2 springs, one to the right & one to the left of the road. Here I picked a few Strawberries. Crossed Thomas Fork & camped 1 mile west at Pleasant Spring. I stand guard tonight. A thunder shower this evening, feed good. Crossing Bear River mountains, very high & bad (crossing some snow). (150) Indians with 250 horses Moving.

Tues.(Sunday) 27th   Passed over 2 mountains very steep. Last one very crooked, steep & stony. Stopped for noon about 1 mile East of Deep Creek. Roads very good to Swift Water. Camped 1 mile west on a small (Spring) branch.  

Mon. 28th  roads quite hilly & some place quite rough. Camped about 3 miles west of the Springs. At the Springs is a large Indian town. These springs are a strong acid. Near the road is a boiling spring, a little more than blood heat, this throws water 6 or 8 ft. high.

Tues. 29th  Roads quite rough to junction. Company concluded to take the Oregon Road. About 3 miles from junction we found a curious lake of Sour water. This has formed a bank some 2 feet high of stone. These springs are called Soda Springs & are about 20 ft. to the right of roads but there is no soda. Acid or soda either alone will not make this water foam. 1/2 mile farther is a small stream of good water. We this day passed several extinguished volcanoes, having piles of rock banked up around which appear to have been burned & partly melted. Here is a very extensive valley & the mountains have on them some stunted cedars. From last stream mentioned 9 miles we camped on a stream said to be poison dry seasons. The grass is fine & plenty. No fuel but a little Sage. We passed the Hollow Rock about 1 mile west of the Sour Lake on the south side of the road. This appears to have been (thrown up) when soft & wet. (Left) this rock is about 6 inches thick, it has a hole in it at the East (end) & one (broke) in on the top. It is about 6 ft. high & 10 wide. This stream is not poison, but there is some weed that makes cattle vomit.

Wed. 30th  2 miles from camp we passed a deep mud creek. This is very bad crossing. 4 miles farther on we crossed a deep creek over a pole bridge & had to pay 12 1/2 ct. per wagon. From her to the summit of mountains is about 7 miles & the ascent very (laborious). Several good springs on the hill on the ( descent) about 2 miles from top on the left hand 1 mile farther is another very  heavy spring. This is a basin about 10 ft. across & 6 ft. deep, this has in it very good Trout. 2 miles beyond this we camped on the banks of Point (Neaf) Creek. This is a branch of the Snake river.

1852 Thurs. July 1st  Thurs.  Roads very hilly for 2 miles from camp, then we had a level road to Ft. Hall Flatts. Seven miles from the Ft. we struck deep sand. The Fort is situated on an extensive plain in Snake river valley. The water has been to all appearances some 4 ft. high all over the plain. At this place we cross several streams. The Ft. is entirely deserted not a soldier here. No human beings but Emigrants to be found.

Frid. 2nd.  Passed bad (slew). From here on the roads are very bad 3 miles, 1 large stream deep mud holes & sloughs (slews). Passed the new Fort [Fort Hall] 4 miles from camp. Roads bad to a large stream 3 miles from slough. This we ferried over in wagon box. After crossing deep mud & sloughs for (48) rods the roads good to camp near a spring 5 miles from river.[Google Maps: Fort Hall to American Falls]

Sat. 3rd  Drove this day about (25) miles over a desert without feed or water except the river water. Here nothing grows but Wild Sage & Greese Wood. Passed American Falls & camped 1 mile west of Rock (pass). These are two high Rock Bluffs with a pass of about 2 rods wide and 10 rods long.  No feed, lost a cow at this place. [Google Maps: American Falls to Twin Falls]

Sun. 4th Roads quite rough but not very bad, no feed but plenty sage. Camped for noon near (Raft) creek. Camped for night on Raft Creek about 16 miles west of our last nights camp. No timber but a few small willows on Raft river.

Mon. 5th  Our camp last night was Raft river, here the California Road turns off (of). The Roads from her to Big Marsh are quite rough & some hilly with not water & (but) little feed. Stopped for noon at Big Marsh, here is large quantities of good wild Wheat, rushes & some oats & some grass. Expect to stay all night camped on west side of marsh.

Tues. 6th  Roads sandy but very good. Passed Goose Creek & good crossing 2 miles from where we first strike. Camped for night 7 miles farther on, on the bank of Lewis river. Rainy nearly all day & country producing hardly anything but Sage & greese wood. [Near Twin Falls] [Google Maps: Twin Falls to Fort Boise]

Wed. 7th  Roads very rough for 4 or 5 miles & no feed until we come to Dry creek. Here is plenty of wheat & some grass. Passed this forenoon several deep, sandy ravines. From here roads very good some rough to Rocky Creek. Here is plenty feed & good water, also wild sage & willows. Here is 4 graves of persons killed by Indians in 1849. Here the best ox died.

Thurs. 8th  Traveled about 20 miles & camped on the banks of a Canon (Kanyon), about 100 ft. deep through which Rock Creek runs to Lewis River. Drove the cattle down a steep place into the (Kanyon). Roads very rough & quite sandy.

Fri. 9th  road quite rough, some bad hills & quite sandy. E. [Eli Humphrey] said today that I didn't half earn my board & used other insulting terms. I say he is a lier & dam him & his. I mean to quit them the first opportunity. I would have done so before now if I had not promised H. J. [Harriet Jane Humphrey] to stick to them. If any other man but her brothers should talk to me as they do I would give them (Hell). Camped about 20 miles from our last nights camp in the Lewis river bottoms. Here is a small spring creek near which is a plenty of coarse grass. Country barren. To the right of the camp is the rapids of Lewis river above Salmon Falls.

Sat. 10th. Nooned on Salmon Creek Crossing, 5 miles from Hot Spring Run, 1 mile from last nights camp. Had to pass down a very steep hill then through a (Kanyon) to Salmon Creek. Remained here over night. 2 Indians came to us here to sell furs.

Sun. 11th  Crossed Salmon Creek & passed down under a high bluff which has the appearance of cinders. Here the whole country has a volcanic appearance. Stopped for noon 1/2 mile below Salmon Falls. We came down the river road & had good roads & saved at least a mile. Camped on the desert 1 mile east of a dry creek & 13 miles from what where we next strike the River. Here we passed down a sand gully then over the bluffs about 5 miles to get water, bad getting it. This day some bad hills & sandy.

Mon. 12th.  (12) miles from camp bad steep & winding hill into Canon. Rise long winding hill then about 6 miles level or rolling & Sandy roads, then pass down long steep & winding hill 1 mile long (sands), then level through canon to where the road ascends the Bluff 4 rods then 2 to water. Stopped for noon where road turns & drove cattle to water. No feed here now but has been some. Here we turn to the left up a gully & rise a long hill 1 mile but not steep or bad, then 2 miles level road (sandy) to a long windy & steep descent to river 1 mile. Here is some feed & the old ford of Lewis river. We camped for night (2) miles down river where the bluffs come down close to river. Here is plenty of wild wheat & other grass. Sage & Greese Wood for fuel. No timber as usual except a few scant willows on the islands of the river. This day I have killed (2) rattle snakes. One of them in camp. Here is a large train camped near us. The whole country except the camps is barren.

Tues. 13th  Roads rough or sandy. Roads from camp 6 [1 or 6] miles along bluffs. Very rough & dangerous. 2 miles bottom, 1 mile sand bluff. 3 miles bottom, 1 mile rock bluff, 4 miles bottom to where river leaves road. 3 miles to river & 2 miles to where road leaves river. No feed. 7 miles to good feed on river. Thunder shower in afternoon.

Wed. 14th  Remained in camp & spent time in washing my shirts & stockings & in fishing, and hunting of snipe & Hares. This day I killed a fine hare.

Thurs. 15th  Roads very good but some hilly. Drove to Katharine Creek (8 miles). This creek is 4 rods wide & 2 ft. deep & clear water. Plenty of good feed on it but (strong) (slews) of Alkalye. Drove 8 miles farther to the river & camped at Junction of Katharine Creek & river. Not much feed. No fuel but greese wood. Some wild wheat. Country on the upland to poor to produce any but greese wood. Saw two Indians today on the Creek. Weather very Hot & wind rising. I stood guard last night.

Frid. 16th.  This day road good except 3 or 4 first miles (these very stony). On this day passed over a desert of about 8 miles when we came to banks of river. Here some feed. Then took the desert for 6 miles to river again. Here not much feed & that only wheat. We then took to the desert 7 miles to good feed, where we camped for night. the camp is to the right of road & west of where the road joins the river. No fuel but greese wood. Plenty of wild wheat & blue grass & fish in the stream. On the desert is not much vegetation. 

Sat. 17th.  Road good & hard gravel. 2 miles to right of road some bunch grass.  3 miles to a small brook up this to the left of the road is a good place to camp & to the right are 4 Black Mounds or razed bluffs (to right) of White sand bluffs to top of hills is 6 miles, then down into deep sand hollow. 4 miles to small creek. Some willows & grass. Had to leave an ox at the creek (brook). After noon Soon after leaving camp (where we had nooned)  had to rise a long very steep hill of about 3 miles then 2 miles to bottom of long descent & 8 miles to a small dry creek. 1 mile to descent into sandy hollow 6 miles down this to river where we camp. Drove until 10 P.M. Roads some rough & no feed & all (desert). 

Sund. 18th Pangburn [Pangborn] sick with ursyphlus [eresypeles]. Drove 7 miles over sandy barren country to a small branch of good water with feed plenty, Willows, Sage & greese wood. We now (9 P.M.) have turned out here. We now have 5 worn out cattle. Yesterday I saw and counted 16 head of cattle & horses dead or left on the road. Stopped here until 5 P. M. then yoked up & moved down creek to good feed 1 mile. Here is plenty of wild Wheat & grass. Not much fuel but Greese Wood. A few Indians a short distance from us. The Hudson train has left us & the Post Byron Co. talks of join us. 1 team camped with us to night. this night R. B. W. lost 2 oxen. I stood guard.  

Mon. 19th  Roads good from camp 4 1/2 miles to little stream of "Hot Water", 1/2 mile further another hot stream, 8 miles farther we stopped for noon on river banks. Some wild Wheat & grass. There was some wild wheat near the the Hot springs. Plenty of feed on the Island but it is hard getting to it. In after noon we passed over bluffs (8) miles to river 2 miles to bluff to good feed on bank of river to where road leaves the river. Here we camped.

Tuesd.  20th. Road good  but for 7 miles there  is no water. Some Brunch grass, then Salt grass for 1 mile. Here (you cross a very sandy Kanyon). Then for 1 1/2 miles no feed. Then a small patch of Wild wheat & Salt grass. Camped for noon. Eli still crabbed & I swear to leave the first chance had as leave fall into the hands of Indians as to travel with men who feel as (these boys) appear to& if it was not for my wife & children I would sooner die than travel another hour with them. They do not think any person but their own dear selves can ever be tired or unwell. H. N. so far is the best one, believe he has some human feeling. I now hope soon to find a chance in some other train or team, if I do not I shall leave & run the risk. Just before we got to camp I hit a loose ox to make it get out of the road & Eli was mad  & gave me a "damming". He must not do this many times more, I have always liked him better than almost any other person but his character of man has changed to a Devil & he must beware how he treats me after this. Roads good over bluffs 7 miles to good Camp on. Litel fell back with (Pangborn), Harris & Sheldon.  

Wed. 21st  Roads good (Some bunch grass) to (Owyhee) River 12 miles. On bottoms of this stream are covered over with wild wheat. Camped 2 miles beyond ford. Some blue & red top grass here. Camped for night. 3 miles from noon camped near Ft. Boise on the (Boise) River Bottoms. 3 other camps close by here . The river is about 30 rods wide & very deep & swift. Today & yesterday we saw no snow on the mountains. 4 whites occupy the Ft. & several Indians. This morning we have learned that Pangburn [Pangborn] was dead. He died about 18 or 20 miles back. Litel was taking Harris, Shelden & (Pangborn) through to (grand Rhonde) since they sold team to Eli & Co. (Pangborn) died of [eresypeles], he was doctored by a  (Mr.) J. Hall & he gave Calomel. [Google Maps: Fort Boise to Baker City]

[The diary author leaves a note on the inner leaf of the dairy; "Left of [off] letter to Father at Fort Boisse July Wednesday 21. The name L.P. Jones is written on the left side and is the person the author wrote to in the May 9th trail diary entry. "John M. Rhoads of Sacramento City" is a mystery. Jim Riehl uncovered a link to John M. Rhodes & Co. that most likely is a bank that was in existence in Sacramento, California at the time.] 

Thurs. 22.  From the Ft. we struck directly for the Bluffs. Passed over a sandy ridge into a dry creek ravine, this we followed up to divided ridge 8 miles, then down another dry creek ravine to Malheur River 8 miles. Here we turn to the right & follow down river 1 mile to ford. Then we went 1 mile down after passing ford to get good feed. Here is plenty of Wheat & some grass. For fuel some greese wood & some Willows. Roads good this day except under the bluff at the for about 20 rds. [rods] very rough. River 4 rods wide 2 feet deep.

Frid. 23.  Roads good from camp. Follow up dry creek walls 5 miles to crossing. Then on side of bluffs 3 mi. to dry branch then up branch 8 mi. to here some water but no feed, nor was there any on the branch. From here up branch 2 miles over rough road to Summit, then follow down dry creek valley 5 mi. to dry creek. 5 mi. of hilly roads, then 4 mi. to Birch Creek. Roads good here under the bank. To the left hand is a good spring. Not much grass, some wheat, Plenty of bunch grass on the road & Willows & Sage on the streams. Camped 1 1/2 mi. down creek. Here we found an ox dead supposed to have been killed by Indians. Last night I stood guard.

Sat 24  Roads good to Burnt river. Here the river runs into a canon to the right & the road passes over a low ridge to a dry creek valley and follow it (2) miles , then down another dry creek valley to Burnt River (3) miles. This valley road is very rough the most of the way, 2 miles leave the river and go up the bluff over to river 2 miles. Very good feed. 3 miles to 3rd ford over steep hill and rough grade, rough roads, rough to where the road leave the river. Camp for night 3/4 mile East of where we leave the river 5 miles West of ford. High bluffs on each side of river. This river is about 20 ft wide and 10 in deep. Quite swift and clear water- fish plenty, Willows and sage brush and birds. Hudson train attached.

Sun. 25  Roads hilly for (7) miles to ford no. (4 & 5). Rough roads and winding to the (ford). (7 miles some bad Hills At the 9th crossing) we left the river and crossed over low bluff to small branch (1) mile- good water. This branch runs in a narrow winding (Kanyon). Today I have seen some timber. The road along Burnt river from ford 5 to 9 nearly all of the way is through thick growth of Birch, Willows, Balm of Gilead trees and Choke cherry and Elders- and Oregon Beech. The feed on Burnt River is mostly Bunch grass. This day there is some wild wheat and rushes on the bottoms. These bottoms are very small bound in by hills some 400 ft. high. Stopped for noon in this small branch. Followed up the branch about 6 miles. Roads very good. Cross seven times. At last crossing turn to the left and pass up long steep hill. One mile then down long steep descent to a spring run valley. Here is some grass and Wild Wheat. From foot of hill to top of long hill 1 1/2 miles, then down to spring 1 1/2 miles to where we camped for night. Good feed and water, some Willow, Roads good.

Mon. 26.  Followed down the Branch (crossing 2 small branches) 1 mile, then pass over bluffs to the right, (1/2) mile to small Run with Willows not much water. Down this valley to Burnt River 1/2 mile.  Then across bottoms 4 miles (good pasture) to branch. Cross this 2 times in 30 rods. Plenty willows, then one mile to bluffs over Long hill, not bad- to small run valley. 3 miles up valley to where cross dry branch 2 1/2 miles. This run is to the left and plenty water and dry Bunch grass on hills and some wheat in the valleys. Stop for noon after crossing dry branch. 1 1/2 miles cross main branch, then 40 rods and cross again, deep and steep banks. Here the road leads over the bluff (just after crossing branch is a spring) the hill is long and steep but not rough. 1 1/2 miles to Summit, 2 miles to crossing of small branch, some willows and feed, not much water, a good spring to right. Just before the crossing the crossing very steep. Then  1/2 mile through a (Kanyon) to where the road leave the river and turns to the left up a dry run gully 1 1/2 miles to summit of hill. Roads and grass generally good. To the left the hills are covered with Cedar. 3 miles to deep valley where the road rises. A steep winding, (sideling) Hill. From here to the right can be seen an old Crater. (1) mile farther on we (strike) a large valley. We camp for night. No water since we left the spring. Here I stand guard. R. B. W. [Reason B. Willoughby] and H. Co. [Hudson] each lost a cow at this camp. Mountains covered with snow. 

Tues. July 27.  Started at Sun rise from camp to Powder River valley, (8) miles. Roads good, all but last (1/2)  mile. This quite rough. Then (5) miles to slew. There not much water or feed. From our camp to this slew no feed but roads good. (4) miles to second slew. Some water and grass, but generally a desert without feed or water. (5) miles to dry run. Good grass no water. Three miles to where road leaves bottoms and passes over bluff. Plenty grass and river to left with willow. Road over these bluffs for 1 1/2 mile rough, but 2 miles on bottoms plenty salt grass, willows and water. [Near Baker City] [Google Maps: Baker City to La Grande]

Wed. July 28  Cross these bottoms to ford of Branch 2 miles. Branch 20 feet wide 1 ft. deep. 2 miles to (2nd) Branch, 30 ft. wide and 10 inches deep. 1 1/2 mile to small Branch and this one 20 or more Cayuse Indians with horses camped. R. B. W. lost an ox last night. His best. 1/2 mile to small branch 8 miles to foot of hill. Here is water, plenty of feed and some willows. Here the road crossed a small Branch and immediately ascended the bluffs thru a spring creek valley 1 3/4 mile to summit of hill. Hills both right and left covered with pine and cedar, then down to valley 1/4 mile. When nearly down there is a grove of small quaking aspen trees on the right hand and a little water. Then a few rods further on the left is a few willow where the roads cross to the valley. Feed good in this valley. A good spring on the right 3/4 mile, then 3/4 mile cross small run 1/2 mile cross dry run and immediately ascend the bluff 3 miles to summit.  This ascent is long, steep, rough and dangerous. Rough ledges of rock with edges stiking up to pass over. From here the valley the Grande Rhonde can be seen. The descent is steep, rocky and long. Very dangerous. (I saw (1) wagon broken today) 3 miles to small run at foot of hill. 3 miles from here to bunches of willows on right. Here turn to the left and near a bunch of small willow about 20 rds. from the road is a spring of good water. Here is plenty of cover, red top, and other kinds of grass. Here is spearmint. A short distance south and south-west the hills are covered with pine and cedar. At this spring we have camped for night. Sand Hill Cranes are screaming around in the valley. This Valley is said to be 15 miles long and 8 or 9 miles wide. Its length north-west and south-east. It is crossed in several places by small runs and covered with clover, red-top, and a species resembling timothy and appears from the mountains side an immense meadow dotted here and there by a small clump or willows. On the hills bunch-grass and wild rye. I have gathered some of the rye and found a white plump berry. The wheat grows only on bottoms and shrinks badly.

The Princeton University diary entries end here. The diary transcription entries continue on.

Thurs. 29  Roads good from this spring to crossing of small run at foot of mountains. This spring I shall call Willoughby's spring as R. B. W. found it. 6 miles from branch to summit of mountains then a grove of pine trees, by a steep, winding rocky and dangerous road. 3 miles from the top is a splendid view of the valley and other hills covered with pine and so forth. On this mountain I found [snow] drops and picked some. There also is some huckle-berry and strawberry vines. Bunch grass amongst the pines to the top of the mountains and some miscreant has set it on fire as it now is very dry. Some of these pines are 2 1/2 feet thru, and are of the yellow species. From here to the second summit down and up, not steep but rough. Roads 2 percent by gradual descent and ascent to brow of hill 3/4 mile. Then down and up rough, gradual descent and ascent to 3rd summit 1 mile. Just before we get to the summit there is a few trees to the left of the road and a point of the final grove comes comes close up to the road on the right. From here by very good roads to 4th summit 1 mile thru fir groves. Then half mile gradual descent to brow of hill. Here commenses the descent of the hill to the Grande Ronde River thru a forest of large pines. 1 mile to river. This descent is very steep, winding , rough and very dangerous. At foot of mountain cross river 30 ft. wide 6 inches deep. After crossing follow up river 1/2 mile. Here camped. A good spring on opposite side of river. This spring I shall call Murphey's Spring. It is where the pines and so forth come close to the water in a small run and was found this day by a Mr. Murphey.  Here we have camped and drive the cattle up the stream one mile to get feed. Just above the spring at the old Indian Trail crossing by following up this trail some distance good feed can be had is the opening of the pine woods. Here is plenty of bear and so forth. [La Grande] [Google Maps: La Grande to Umatilla]

[The link to John E. Murphy is tenuous though he did travel to Oregon over the Barlow Road in 1852 and arrived in Oregon in August 1852 with his wife Francis.]

Fri. Jul 30  Remained in camp. Here the tops of the mountains are about 800 feet above the level of the stream. This day 5 men passed our camp. They were on foot and a man from a neighboring train left and joined them..

Sat. Jul 31   Last night I stood guard and this morning found in the wood where the cattle were feeding Columbo Root, Wrasp berries. Started at six oclock from where the road leaves the river to top of hill by a very steep, winding and in some places sidling ascent. 1 1/2 miles to 2nd summit. 1 mile roads good to 3rd summit, thru forest and some openings 1 1/2 miles. Roads good to 4th summit 1 1/4 miles. Last half mile very steep. Some places rough in ascent to 5th summit in grove of Pines. 3/4 mile road rough to 6th summit, thru thick under growth of pines & so forth. 1 1/2 miles road very good. Here commenses the descent to dry creek 1/4 mile very steep and winding amongst fallen timber. Up this creek about 15 rods is a good spring and water found in holes down stream. Ascent from here to top of hill, roads rough, winding and very steep. Halfway to summit from here the roads are rolling & some rough. Passing thru openings in the forest. 4 miles to water to find this you first will come to an opening in which to the north-west corner is a high barren point of bluff. Pass this and at the next small opening you will find good water by going down the hill 1/4 mile. Not bad getting to it. Go a little to the left, good grass. Possibly from here to Cerr River 7 miles over a very broken country. Not much feed and no water. Having several dangerous and bad hills to go down, winding around fallen timber and standing trees and in many place quite sidling. But the road is generally better this side of dry creek than between that and the Grande Rhonde. The Cerr River is 8 ft. wide and 2 in. deep. A thick growth of fine spruce and hemlock covers its banks and the adjacent hills. The valley is very narrow. Feed very scarce. From here we follow down 1/2 mile then up a dry river two miles. Here we turn down hollow and stuck the creek. Plenty of water in holes and very good. Crossing the creek a little south-west about 1/2 mile there we found plenty of the best grass. Here is camped 2 horse- trains and 3 ox- trains. Some having laid over thru the day. This forest has a very short distances barren openings of 1 to 100 acres on which there is not timber or much grass. Then again others will be covered with bunch grass. The woods (when but a very little under growth) has the very best of feed. The trees are generally very tall and straight. the soil is of a reddish sand and loam. Here the rocks stand up edgewise and are very hard. Some appear to have been burned, cinder and so forth. Many new kinds of shrubbery and trees, also (to me new) kinds of fruit, herbs, and so forth. Here is lots of Pecunna an herb which the Indians use to smoke. 

1852 Sund. Aug 1  Roads hilly and in place very rough to Umatilla bottoms 16 miles. The last hill being about 3 miles long from summit down to little dry run at foot of hill. From run to the basin spring 1/2 mile. From here down the bottoms to bluff 5 miles over bluffs to foot of hill on bottoms 2 miles to creek. 3 miles to camp. On these bottoms there is no feed nor is there any on the highlands. Here is no timber except willows and Balm of Gilead. At this camp there is now about 30 Indians. They have at about 2 miles quite a village. The Indians have peas, potatoes and beef t sell. They ask 50 [cents] per dozen for potatoes (and very small) and all of the things in proportion.  Here I traded off H's [Horatio Humphrey] old mare for a pony. I gave a conerlid and wagon cover to boot.

Mon. Aug 2  Started at 6 oclock. Roads good from camp to where the road ascends the bluff 1 mile. Here is a long and quite steep ascent. From here to river three miles. Here is two channels each about 15 feet wide and 3 in. deep. Rough crossing. Several rough dry channels, bottoms covered thickly with Balm of Gilead and willow, and some Oregon Beech. From here follow down 2 1/2 miles. Then ascend the bluffs. No feed. The Indian have used it all up. Tis said they have 10,000 horses. It is along this road they make their summer pasture. Near foot of bluff  we camped and stayed until sun down. Here I caught a few fish. The Indians call them salmon. They are the same kind I caught on Green River. Here I washed two shirts and an pair of stockings. At sundown yoked up and drove six miles. Here we found good bunch grass but no water. We had to rise a long hill to get on to the bluffs. Otherwise the roads are of the best kind.

Tues. Aug 3.  Yoked up and start just before the show of day. Drove 9 miles over good roads to a small run on the Umatilla Bottoms. To get to this run we had to go down a hill about 2 miles long into a gully. From here to bluffs down on Bottoms 2 miles. Not much feed or chance to get water. Here is lots of Indians. Over bluffs 1 mile to fork of road. 1 mile to Ajency House over Umatilla River. This House is about 30 ft. long, 8 wide, 1 1/2  story, covered with siding and short shingles stoop the whole length and white-washed. Looks like a comfortable house but there is no land cultivated in the neighborhood. We were informed that we could get plenty of vegetables and beef at this place, but there is nothing of the kind here and not much feed. From here to bluffs 1/2 mile. From foot of bluffs quite  sandy but good road and desert to Alder creek 10 miles. Here we arrived just at dark and had to take the oxen 1 mile west to get feed, it is all eaten out by the Indians.  [Google Maps: Umatilla to The Dalles]

Wed. Aug 4  I stood guard first part of night. Yoked up and started at 2 A. M. drove 7 miles. Stopped and got breakfast (Alder Creek 8 ft. wide and 6 in. deep).  From Alder Creek to bluff 1 1/2 mile. Here we entered a dry run valley and followed it to top of Bluff 1 1/2 mile. From here to dry creek valley 6 miles. From here to head of Cedar River valley by a sand and quite hilly road, having to cross several deep sand Ravines, 6 miles. Here follow down this valley to a larger one, then here over bluffs by a long accent to Well Spring 3 1/2 miles. The first spring we came to boils up near the road and has formed a bank some 2 ft. higher than the water. It has a natural channel to the East and a place up thru the bank to the N. West side so as to let cattle have a chance of drinking. This water is slightly sulphorous and quite warm. Here we bear off to the left and about 1/2 mile we found another spring but bitter water (these springs are very mineraly) to right of road, but not much feed and no water from Alder creek to these springs. We yoked up at 4 P.M. and drove out on to the desert (having taken in water) to a place where we found good bunch grass about 8 miles. Then started a little after mid-night.

Thurs. Aug 5.  Started this morning at 2 A.M. and drove to Willow Creek. This creek is 15 miles from Well Springs. Roads some hilly but good. No water and but little feed. Willow creek has no water running in it now but there is a  plenty in holes. It is very bad getting to it, the banks are about 8 ft. high and in most place perpendicular. Grass rather scarce. Salt grass is the most plenty.  Plenty of Willow and Black Thom. The fruit of the Thom. is excelant. It would be a good article for hedges. Here are some Sweet Elder and Shumach and Choke Cherries, some Alder. About 40 or 50 rods to the left of the upper crossing at where the creek makes a bend is a large spring (near a grove of large Willows) which rises and sinks in 4 rods distance. This valley is about 1/2 mile wide and 3 miles long. The grass is salt grass. No wheat, and a little red top. Here is nearly used up. There are some 20 trains camped here and 200 head of loose cattle and 30 horses. We shall leave here at about 4 oclock. We have a heavy hill to rise to the bluff. Started at 4 P.M. camped 6 miles from creek. 

Frid. Aug. 6  About 1 mile we had to cross a deep ravine, about 1 mile farther we went down a ravine and across a narrow valley, then up a ravine to top of hill. 1/2 mile farther we went down ravine about 2 miles across a narrow valley, then up a ravine about 3 miles to top of hill, then 1/2 mile to valley or Kanyon. Stopped for breakfast. Passed 4 miles down this Kanyon. We having traveled since 2 A.M.  Some of the ravines cross large Kanyons. We entered one. Went in and out by a ravine. Here we turned to the left at or near the place where the roads leave the Kanyon. At the right is a small spring of good water. Roads good to this Place. From here to John Day River is 6 miles. Very bad hill to descend to river. Feed very scarce cross diagonally down stream. This river is 4 rods wide and 1 foot deep. No feed. Narrow valley. Started 6 P.M. followed down river 1 mile then turn to left up Kanyon. This is very rocky and winding, the worst hill I have yet seen. The road is full of large and small rocks for 2/3 of the way up, then deep heavy sand. The length of the hill is about 1  1/2 miles long, but not very steep. We camped for night about 40 rods before we got to top of hill. Here is plenty of dry bunch grass. At the top of the hill is the forks of road. The left hand leads to the upper Ferry. There had been but 5 or 6 wagons traveled the road to appearances.

Sat. Aug. 7  Started at  1 A.M. we now have a desert of 20 miles to travel over today. Drove about 8 miles. At sunrise stopped and got breakfast. Roads good from top of hill and plenty of dry bunch grass. Country pretty rolling. Soil a dark, sandy loam. No sage or other brush except a little greece wood and that scattering. 8 miles to ravine down this and valley and then leave valley and turn up ravine to left 2 miles. Here follow down valley a short distance and find water. No feed but bunch grass on side hills. The day before yesterday it was misty. This or something else has caused the bunch grass to turn green. From this Small spring to River Columbia 4 miles. Camped at 2 P.M. 1 1/2 mile down river. Here is very good feed and good place to water. The bottoms are very narrow. River is about 60 rods wide and swift, bluffs very high, and near camp are of rock. Many sharp peaks sticking up. Its bluffs appear to be sand. Several Indians came to camp with Salmon to trade for clothes. Ours were bought for a pistol. To get to the bottoms of the Columbia we had to go down a very long hill and somewhat winding, but not rough. In places steep.

Sund. Aug 8  Started at 5 o'clock. Traveled down river 2 1/2 miles to ferry of De Shutes River. This river is about 20 rods wide, 7 ft. deep and very swift. The ferry is owned by Cyrus Olney and Brother [Nathan].  Their price for ferrying is $5.00 per wagon and $1.00 per horse. We had to swim the cattle. The train hired Indians of the Nez Perce to take them over. Paid each 50 (cents). The roads on the Columbia are in places quite heavy sand, and between the river and bluffs are banks of heavy white sand. From the ferry we had to go up a steep hill of about 1/2 mile, but not rough, then pass thru a Kanyon 2 1/2 miles. Then turned to the right up the mountain 1/2 mile to the summit. This is very steep and winding but not rough. Then 1/2 mile level, then down a long hill but good road and not steep. 1 1/2 miles to Olney's ranch and a little stream of good water. The Olneys have a small frame house on the east bank of the De Shutes River and a log house on the west side.  The houses are covered with shingles. They also have at their ranch a log house. The logs hewed and covered with shingles. Here I saw the first lumber sawed by a mill. Here we cross the small creek and follow up a spring valley to spring. Here we camped at 2 oclock. [Deschutes River about 29 miles upriver from The Dalles]

Mond. Aug. 9  This day we remained in camp and visited C. Olney [Cyrus] at his ranch a saw his stock of horses, mules and cattle. He has some 400 head of horses & mules and 150 oxen and cows. All in the best of order. He treated us to watermelons. These he bot [bought] at the Dalles (Dalles City) for 75 [cents] each. He came to camp in afternoon to return our visit and brought us a pan full of fresh potatoes. These he bot at $5 a bushel. Toward evening I visited the top of a hill near us and had a fine view of Mount Hood. This is a round peak of 4 miles high, last mile covered with snow. The clouds were resting  on it about 3/4 the way up to its top. [In microfilm diary the Olney ranch is listed in Part II as being on 5 mile creek.]

Tues. Aug 10  This day remained in camp until noon. E. and A. (Eli and Alfred Humphrey) swapped oxen with Olney and got for 3 oxen of theirs a yoke of the best I ever saw. Started  and traveled down bluffs to second ford of 5 mile creek. This ford is five miles from forks of road. 3rd & 4th fords 2 miles, 5th ford 1 mile. Here we camped for night, had the best of feed, water and wood. Here a little below camp and on the opposite side of creek is a grove of Oak trees. Tonight we had green corn and new potatoes for supper. A present from Judge Olney [Cyrus]. Here is some pine trees growing on the stream. Also the birch, black thomas, Oregon beech, choke cherries and willows.

Wed. Aug 11  Crossed creek 3/4 mile came to 6th ford. In 3/8 mile more crossed 5 mile creek for the 7th time, then followed up the stream 3 1/2 mi. to where the road leaves the valley of the creek. Roads generally good and plenty of feed where we leave the river we have stopped to feed and we about 6 mile from the foot of the Cascade Mts. But we shall not get into them by the road short to some 35 miles. Here we found a man who is hunting a place to locate a farm for a person who likes a rolling country this would suit , as it is a rich soil and hills not as high as they are nearer the water. The man above named is cousin of J .P. N. May, his name is C. J. Palmeen, a son of N.D. Palmeen. this man has located 18 miles from the Dalles. N. D. Palmeen lives in Cascade City. From point where road leaves creek to timber down bad hill over dry run and up hill thru pine & oaks , timber. 8 miles road good. No water.

Thurs. Aug. 12  Indian village on Tyhi creek. 12 miles to Tyhi or Indian creek, last 3 miles rough. 1 and 2 of last 3 miles a very steep and winding hill and full of small stones. This creek is about 15 ft. wide and 8 in. deep. From here to small creek 3 miles. We had to pull up a long and very steep hill, but not very rough, then to get down to Small creek a long, steep and very rough road. Feed good on the hills but eaten out by the Indian horses on the bottoms. On the Tyhi creek the Indians have a log house and several tents. Here they have corn, beans, turnips, potatoes and peas growing. They are of the lehonic bands. From this little creek up not bad hill to 7 mile creek. Here is the most rough hill to go down and then up that we yet have seen. Large rocks in the road that the Axletrees have to drop down. This creek has no bottoms. We crossed and camped in amongst the pines near the top of the hill. Feed rotten & scarse this day. 3 high peaks covered with snow. Mount St. Hellens to the right. Mount Hood in front of us and Mount Washington off to the left. (Barlow Road)

Frid. Aug. 13  Last night and this morning I have been quite sick. My nose is badly swollen and painful. A severe pain in back , legs and head. Yoked up an drove 3 miles. 

References:

Humphrey Overland Journal diary transcription, date unknown, in the possession of Thomas Lee Jacobs

Humphrey Overland Journal at Princeton, C0199, no. 534.

Humphrey Diary Transcription by Professor Richard L. Rieck, of March, 2002

Oregon-California Trails Association COED Humphrey Survey 52HUM02 of 7-25-2005