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Journal of Western Travel
by John McTurk Gibson
edited by Weldon Hoppe
August 11th, 1859 -- Laid over this morning on account of the beef, found that the drove contrary to promise had gone down on the other side of the river, carrying away both money and the ox. Started out and overhauled them a few miles below, got hold of the ox again and tryed to bring him but he got stubborn on our hands, sent to the wagons for two yoke of oxen and hauled him by the head to the other side of the river, hitched him behind the wagon and drove on, making 12 miles, camped and killed the ox. A great many Indians gathered around and had a glorious feast on the head and entrails. They cut the tripes up into pieces about twelve inches long, strip them with their fingers, roast and eat them, while the filth runs in streams down their chins and breasts, Ugh! By giving them the hide we got to witness a regular Indian dance. They don't appear to have any idea whatever of music.Powell
Travelled 12 miles. We stopped in camp half the day. Gibson and Mike bought a beef to day. I shot him this evening. So far plenty of meat. There are quite a number of Indians at our camp to knight. There are 35 of us travelling together. This is a very barren country, save on the bottom. We feel the affects of the mosquetoes bills to some extent.