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Manuscripts
A. H. Cutting journal of a trip by overland route
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- Description
- A. H. Cutting describes an overland journey from Fidelity, Illinois, to Sacramento, California, by way of the Oregon Trail. There is much description of the landscape and campsites, hunting, and searching for goods in towns. The wagon train stayed a few days in Nebraska, which Cutting describes as "much better than Iowa." They meet many other trains, both coming back and traveling to various places in the West, and hear of much trouble caused by the Indians. They stay at various ranches, and at one point, find an Indian campsite. While passing through Colorado in May, they met with members of another wagon train who warned them of harsh times in New Mexico. They pass many "stage stations" along the route, as well as mail stations guarded by soldiers. While staying at Fort Bridges in Utah, Cutting and his group heard of a recent skirmish during which three hundred Indians were killed. As the party progresses, they hear of much conflict with the Indians. Upon reaching Salt Lake City, the party meets Brigham Young, and visits a site where a Mormon temple is being constructed. Outside Salt Lake City, on June 19, the party is approached by a woman with a young child who asks to stow away with them to escape her drunken husband. She told them she would do whatever work was needed, and even dress in men's clothes as a disguise. The party agreed to take her, but she did not meet them at their appointed time, and they left without her. The journal is dated April 13 through July 27, 1863.
