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Journal of Western Travel

by John McTurk Gibson
edited by Weldon Hoppe
Gibson
August 3rd, 1859 -- Nearly 100 teams camped where we did last night, quite a village in appearance, we had a hard toilsome drive of something like 16 miles, when we took dinner at some springs near the western end of Thousand Springs Valley. When driving this forenoon, I had occasion to get into the wagon for something or other and while endeavoring to do so, one of the oxen kicked, I overbalanced, fell backward and had the wagon to run over me which skinned and bruised me up considerably. 8 miles further we camped at the head of a canon which is said to be the headwaters of the Humboldt. All creation was covered with teams and tents. There was also an encampment of U.S. soldiers on their return to Camp Floyd. They have been out on the Humboldt for the protection of the earlier emigration.

Powell
Travelled 24 miles. We travelled up 4 miles and found water. 3 farther we found good water, no feed. 6 miles farther we come to the head of the valley. We found water in the canon. We travelled up the canon about 3 miles and cross over on the head water of the Humboldt or St. Mary River. From Thousand Spring Valley to here, 8 miles. Good camping here. Thousand Spring Valley is said to have 1000 springs in one mile. Some impudent Indians around to knight. While I was out gathering wild curns, a saucy Indian came up to me with arrow to his bow and demanded tobacco. I refused and stuck to it. I got close to him with a large knife and watched his motions, having layed off my belt and revolver at camp. If not, I should have used it. There are 175 soldiers camped here. 25 soldiers has been dispatched to see about the (text appears to be missing in the typescript). The soldiers found two men who had been murdered.

Copyright © 1997 Weldon Hoppe
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