rse some three miles by
having to go round a slough. We met some packers from California, who
informed us that we were 140 miles from the sink. We discredited their
statement, but soon after came to some emigrants who were old neighbors
of these Californians and was told by them that confidence might be
placed in the report. This disappointment came extremely hard to those
who were nearly out of provisions. Some are already destitute of food
and have to depend on the liberality of others. Some are killing their
work cattle for beef. One man in our own company offered $10 for five
pounds of flour and could not get it. The grass and water in this region
are poor. Weather warm. Distance, eighteen miles.

JULY 18.

There being but little grass where we stopped last night, we went on
this morning before breakfast about five miles. Being weary of the
journey and wishing to proceed as fast as possible, I here sold out my
share in the team, and in company with another of our party who sold out
his team also, proceeded ahead of the wagons, carrying our provisions
upon a pony, going in company with six others from the same company, who
set out in consequence of being short of eatables. Most of the day we
kept by the river, but just at night happened to get upon a sand plain
of fifteen miles, without grass or water. We came upon this distance
unawares and suffered much for water. About 9 o'clock we reached the
river again, greatly fatigued. Distance, thirty-five miles.

JULY 19.

Proceeded down the river and went round a great bend to the north. Grass
very scarce. Hot weather. A breeze every noon; soil very light.
Distance, twenty-two miles.

JULY 20.

Light sand plain. River bottom narrow. No grass. Dead animals.
Destruction of property. Distance, twenty-two miles.

JULY 21.

Fourteen miles to good spring--two to river--three to grass for the
desert. Grass plenty. Beef twenty-five cents per pound. One hundred
wagons preparing. Weather hot. Destitution of food among the emigrants.
Distance, twenty-three miles.

JULY 22.

Started early for the sink. Country barren. Bad water. Distance, twelve
miles.

JULY 23 AND 24.

Crossed the desert forty miles. Eight miles to the sink. Went upon the
desert at 4 o'clock P. M. Saw many dead animals. First part
road level and good. Moonlight night. Wagons strewn along the road.
Latter part of the road deep sand. Reached Carson River at 11 o'clock
A. M. Saw timber for