June 10, 1843.
The return of a company of mountain traders to the
settlements presents an opportunity for writing which I feel
much inclined to embrace. We are now between 2 and 300 miles
west of Independence, on the Blue river, a tributary of the
Kansas, in good health and spirits. I regret to say that a
division has taken place in the company, in consequence of
the number of cattle driven by some, those having no cattle
refusing to stand guard over stock belonging to others. The
result of all this was that Capt. Burnett resigned command
of the company, and the commander, in accordance with our
regulations, ordered a new election, and so altered the
by-laws that the commander should be called colonel, and
also authorized the election of 4 captains, and 4 orderly
sergeants. The cattle party selected myself as their
candidate, those opposed selected Mr. Wm. Martin, an
experienced mountaineer. There being a majority in
opposition to the cattle party, Mr. Martin was elected, and
a division of the company ensued. About 50 wagons, with
those who had large droves of loose cattle, now left, with a
general request that all in favor of traveling with them
should fall back. I was particularly solicited to leave
Martin's party, but as it would travel much the fastest, and
Col. Martin was a very clever fellow, I declined. The new
company, it is expected, will be commanded by Capt.
Applegate. Our roads, since leaving the settlements have
been very fine, except within the last few days, during
which period they have been almost impassable in consequence
of the tremendous rains, but they are again improving. We
have had no trouble with the Indians, with the exception of
horse and cattle stealing, and this business they have
carried on pretty lively. I had a very fine mule and an ox
stolen from me on the Kansas river, and we lost in all some
8 or 10 head of horses and mules. I believe there is not a
case of sickness in camp, though old Mr. Stout, from Iowa,
has a violent swelling in his eyes. Tell the boys from Iowa
to come on with all the cattle and sheep they can get, and a
company large enough to drive them.
Truly yours, etc.,