committee of seven be appointed for the purpose of inspecting the outfits of the different individuals comprising the company.
Saturday, May 20.—After several days preparatory arrangements, we agreed to rendezvous at the spring near Fitzhugh's Grove.
Sunday, May 21.—Cooper's wagons, with some others, start out from the encampment in the morning. I go to Fitzhugh's Mill with Squire Burnett and others to see the committee and Captain Gantt, in order to ascertain what arrangements had been made to secure the captain's services as pilot. This day was fine and clear. Took a farewell look at the State of Missouri. We overtook the wagons at a grove of timber, south of the Santa Fe Trail, where we encamped for the night.
Monday, May 22.—Trailed to Elm Grove, distance about ten miles. Encamped at the grove, consisting of one old elm stump, which the Sante Fe traders had chipped and trimmed for the purpose of procuring wood to cook with.
Tuesday, May 23.—Traveled about ten miles on the trail, then turned to the right and encamped about one mile from the trail at some timber near a small creek, distance about twelve miles.
Wednesday, May 24.—Pursued our way towards Kansas River. Traveled about twelve miles. Let our wagons down the bank of the Rockariski [Wakarusa] River and encamped on the west side. On this evening, Captain Gantt, the pilot, came into camp. Weather fine.
Thursday, May 25.—Traveled about fifteen miles to a creek. Some of the wagons encamped on each side.
Friday, May 26,—Arrived at Kansas. Crossed the river on a platform made of two canoes. Encamped on the north-west side, at the landing. I swam the river several times with ease, and once assisted a young man named Wm. Vaughn to shore. Another man assisted me. His name was G. W. Stewart. Came near drowning myself in consequence of Vaughn's struggling with me in the water. Camped on
