Continuing with the diary of James Field:
Fri., 15. - We remained in camp to-day, our oxen being somewhat worn down from the scantiness of the grass along the road, which has also been somewhat heavy.
Sat., 16. - This morning we moved off in one company, 40 wagons strong, McNeary's, Parker's and Rigg's companies joining together as one, but unless I am much mistaken they will not be apt to continue as one very long, for once people find out how much easier it is traveling in small companies, it is not easy work to keep them in a large one. We went about 17 miles, camping on an outlet of a spring near the foot of a range of mountains on our right. About five miles from this camp we passed a hot spring near the foot of the same range, the water of which was nearly at a boiling temperature, so that one could not hold his finger in it, and a dog carelessly stepping across put one foot in and ran off yelping and whining noisily.
This short video by Visit Idaho gives a glimpse of the landscape James Field is describing.
https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways-backcountry-drives/main-oregon-trail-backcountry-byway/
Sun., 17. - Went about eight miles, camping on Barrel creek. [Actually Canyon Creek, but immigrants called it Barrel creek because of the barrel shape of the valley in which it was found.] A small company of six or seven men and two women passed us to-day, having left their wagons at Fort Hall and taken pack horses. The road this day was one of the most stony we have yet passed over, being the same iron-like stone spoken of before crossing Snake river.
Mond., 18. - Went about 16 miles, camping on Charlotte's fork. The first four miles of road were very stony, keeping the wagons on a continual bounce, the remainder a succession of grassy hills, and although it was ascending or descending there all the time, yet it seemed pleasant to be out of the wormwood once more, even for half a day.
Tues., 19. - Went about 17 miles, camping upon Boise river, a stream of considerable size, with its banks more heavily timbered than any stream we have found this side of the branches of Kansas river.
Wed., 20. - Last night another member was added to our company by the birth of a child. Mother and child are doing well, we were ready to go on at the usual starting time. Nothing like enterprise to get along here. Went about 14 miles to-day, keeping down Boise river, and camping upon it again. The waters of this stream are very clear, abounding with fine fish, which the Indians take in large numbers. A party of Snakes and Shoshones visited camp this evening with a number of fine salmon to sell, which were much fatter and better than those taken at Salmon falls.
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| Snake Indians Image from https://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-oregontrailaccount/6/ |
Thurs., 21. - Went about 14 miles to-day, still keeping down the river and passing a number of Indian camps, the Indians of all sizes, sexes, and conditions coming out to the roadside and standing in motley groups to see us pass, some of them holding up fish and crying out "swap!" "swap!" There were squaws with pappooses slung to their backs, young chaps 14 or 15 years old standing in the primitive simplicity of Father Adam, and some full-grown men making a very near approach to it. Some few old men whose hair was nearly white with age holding up their hands and saying "How do?"
From “The Diary of James Field” Willamette Farmer (Portland, OR, Fridays: April 18 – August 1, 1879).
11 Jul 1879 (August 11-22)
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