Daily Journal
George N. Buhrer
Company
E, Cal Battalion - 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry
Daily
Journal since my enlistment in the service
of the U. St. Cavalry Volunteers at San
Francisco, California.
[Post-War
Journal Entries]
Sunday [August] 6.
Passed
the day of in reading & writing. The day seemed very long to me. I visited
Bunker Hill Monument, the old Elm Tree on Boston Comon. Boston Comon is a very
fine place.
Monday 7
About
Boston, had an interview with a Lawyer about my Transportation, he thinks he
will get it for me.
Tuesday 8.
About
the City, went to see my cousin, he is away. A good many of the Californians are
leaving the City. Some are going to California, some to their homes in the
different states. We are in hopes to get our transportation, we left the
business in Lawyers hands.
Wednesday 9.
My
cousin arrived in the afternoon. I went home with him he lives at Malden about 5
miles from Boston. I had a very pleasant evening. My cousins wife is a very
interesting and amiable Lady.
Thursday 10.
Passed
the bigest part of the day with my cousin in Boston. In the evening I went home
with him, I had a very pleasant evening.
Friday 11.
Left
for N.Y. City, arrived there late at night.
Saturday 12.
Left
N.Y. City at 10 A.M. for Philadelphia arrived at 3 P.M. I intended to visit my
Cousin Charles Lips, he is not here, he is at Cape May, I remained about an hour
in Philadelphia, returned to N.Y. City, arrived there in the evening, met my
friend Charles Jenkins.
Sunday 13.
Charles
Jenkins and myself visited the Central Park, it is a very fine Park, the finest
of the U. St. about noon we returned to the Hotel; passed of the afternoon
writing.
Monday 14.
About
the City, got my ticket for a Passage to Bremen on the St. Circassian to sail
the 19th. 8 P.M. I took the Cars for Boston.
Tuesday 15.
Arrived
in Boston about 6 A.M. went to Readville to see about my letters. P.M. I went
home with my cousin, was very kindly received by his Lady. No news from
Washington about our transportation.
Wednesday 16.
In
the City, no news from Washington. I had a very pleasant evening, took a horse
back ride with my Cousins wife, we enjoyed the ride very much.
Thursday 17.
About
the City, spend the evening with my Cousin, made the acquaintance of Miss Julia
Carey a very interesting Lady. Sister of my Cousins wife. No news from
Washington about our Transportation, I intend to leave Boston to morrow.
Friday 18.
Left
Boston 2 P.M. arrived in N.Y. City 11 P.M.
Saturday 19.
Went
on board the Steamer Circassian about 11 A.M. We left the Wharf at 2 P.M. The
Circassian seems to be a pretty good ship, it is not badly crowded with
Passengers. Weather fine.
Sunday 20.
The
Steamer rolls considerable; I felt somewhat sick. A number of Passengers
seasick. Several ships passed us bound for New York City. Weather very pleasant.
Monday 21.
Quite
foggy during the day, not much wind, we are not making much headway, two ships
bound for N.Y. passed us; evening very lovely. I felt very well all day.
Tuesday 22.
A
splendid day, wind very favorable, we are making about 12 miles an hour. The
Steamer “Pensilvania from Liverpool passed us, her decks were crowded with
Passengers. Two more ships passed us in the evening, P.M. rainy.
Wednesday 23.
A
good day, wind favorable, weather cool, passed two sails in the afternoon; sea
quite rough, I felt almost seasick.
Thursday 24.
A
good day, weather cool, wind light, but favorable, we passed two sails. Sunset
beautiful, evening lovely.
Friday 25.
A
long day, raining, no wind. Sunset beautiful. Passed of the day reading.
Saturday 26.
A
pleasant day, very little wind. A sail in sight in the evening. Sunset
beautiful, evening lovely. The northern lights appeared, it was a grand &
beautiful sight.
Sunday 27.
A
good day, wind quite favorable, weather somewhat cool. How lonely I dit feel to
day.
Monday 28.
A
good day, wind favorable, weather pleasant. A sail in sight.
Tuesday 29.
A
good day for sailing, weather not very pleasant, foggy. P.M. Fire broke out in
the kitchen, thank God it was stopped in time.
Wednesday 30.
An
other good day for sailing, weather not very pleasant, foggy. P.M. A ship passed
us; we expect to be in South Hampton by Friday.
Thursday 31.
A
pleasant day, not much wind, a sail in sight in the afternoon.
Friday 1. [September
1866]
A
pleasant day, foggy in the evening, no wind, we are not making much headway.
Saturday 2.
Had
a breakdown last night, were detained about 2 hours, got in sight of Land about
noon, weather quite foggy.
Sunday 3.
Arrived
at Cowes opposite South Hampton at 10 A.M. Some of the Passengers left for
Havre. We remained nearly two hours. We passed Portsmouth, Plymouth, all very
fine places, also a number of very fine & elegant country Seats. Queen
Victorias Country Seat. We passed a number of Forts apparently very strong. One
Monitor, and several Iron Clads & Men of wars. Weather pleasant.
Monday 4.
A
pleasant day, we are in the North Sea, a number of Sails in sight, also two
Lighthouses. Sunset beautiful.
Tuesday 5.
Arrived
in Bremerhaven 4 P.M. Went per R.R. to Bremen, where we safely arrived at 9 P.M.
We put up in the Hotel du Nord, kept by “Wezstein”. Accomodations good. I
cant hardly realize, that I am so near home.
Wednesday 6.
Left
Bremen at 4 A.M. for Frankfurt, arrived at Hanover about 9 A.M.; took the cars
again at noon; arrived in Frankfurt 10 P.M. We passed through a fine looking
country. At Frankfurt we took the cars for Stuttgart, we travelled all night.
Thursday 7.
Arrived
in Stuttgart at 4 A.M. About 5 I was in my dear fathers house, the joy of my
father, my sisters & my brother was great indeed, and of all my relations. I
can never forget this morning, thank God at last my dear fathers, my sisters
& my brothers and my wish is fulfilled. It is now more then thirteen years
since I left home.
Wednesday
28. ???
Day
of my departure from my dear home. Oh how sad and how hard it was for my dear
noble father, my dear sisters and my brother and myself when the moment for
parting arrived. What a happy and joyful time I had during my visit. How much
pleasure and joy it gave to my dear noble father, my dears sisters and brother;
how much kindness & love they bestowed on me. I can look back at the time as
one of the happies of my life so far.
My
traveling companions to the U. St. of America were Mr. Frank Thong, Alvis Trock
& Ludwig Atmann. The first named are friends of my d brother Charles. We
left Stuttgart at 11.45 A.M. 1.45 P.M. we arrived at Brucksal, changed cars
arrived at Frankfurt 5.P.M. again changed cars, arrived at Cassel 11 at night,
changed cars, arrived at Hannover 2.50 next morning.
Thursday
29.
Left
Hannover at 6 A.M., arrived at Hamburg at 1. P.M. We put up at the Hotel Royal.
Friday
30.
We
visited the Zoologishen Garten & Aquarium, it was very interesting. A.M.
pleasant. P.M. rainy.
Saturday
31.
We
took passage on the Steamer Saxonia for N.Y. City, left Hamburg at 11 A.M.
passed Gluchstadt at 3. P.M.
Sunday
1. [April 1866]
My
companiens, a Capt. of the U.S. Army, a preacher from Swissland myself room
together, we have a good state room. We passed some fishing boats. The weather
was somewhat rough, a number of passengers are already seasick, P.M. I felt the
symtoms of it.
Monday
2.
A.M.
we could see land, passed several ships A.M. windy and cold. P.M. pleasant,
towards evening rainy, after midnight we arrived at Southhampton.
Tuesday
3.
We
visited the City, the seaport is crowded with vessels from all parts of the
world. Weather fine.
Wednesday
4.
2.
P.M. we left Southhampton; after midnight we were on the high sea.
Thursday
5.
Sea
rough, I am seasick, what a disaggreable sickness it is. We made 247 miles since
we left Southhampton.
Friday
6.
I
dont feel much better, Ludwig Atmann our young companion is seasick, he thinks
he will be better in about two weeks. A.M. rainy. P.M. cold & windy, we made
337 miles since yesterday noon.
Saturday
7.
Feel
some better, morning beautyful. P.M. windy & cold, made 302 miles in the
last 24 hours.
Sunday
8.
We
had divine service, a short but good sermon by a Mr. Kruse from Switzerland,
every one seemed to be satisfied with the discourse. Weather bad, our noble ship
made 311 miles in the last 24 hours.
Monday
9.
Morning
somewhat cold had a view of a fine rainbow, I was on deck most all of the
forenoon, P.M. cold & rainy, strong headwind, we made 272 miles since
yesterday noon.
Tuesday
10.
All
day very cold, was not much on deck, still a heavy wind against us, we only mad
260 miles.
Wednesday
11.
Weather
still cold, scarcely any one on deck, early in the morning I had a view of an
iceberg, we made 329 miles.
Thursday
12.
Weather
more mild, early in the morning sea very calm, during the day wind strong &
unfavorable, we made 292 miles.
Friday
13.
Sunrise
beautyful sea very smoth, a sail in sight. P.M. very windy, we made 320 miles.
Saturday
14.
9
A.M. a Pilot came on board, we expect to be in New York to night; weather
cloudy, we made 326 miles.
Sunday
15.
Landed
at Hoboken 10 A.M. it was to foggy to run in during the night. P.M. I left the
Steamer & went to Newwark.
Monday
16.
About
Newwark, wrote some letters home, one to Montana Ty. Weather bad, rainy.
Tuesday
17.
A.M.
I left Newwark, went to New York City, left there at 3 P.M. for Boston, where I
arrived after midnight.
Wednesday
18.
About
Boston visited my cousin, had a very pleasant time.
Thursday
19.
Still
in Boston, spend the afternoon with my cousin.
Friday
20.
Left
Boston for Brattleboro Vt. Arrived there 9 P.M. remained till morning, had a
very pleasant time with my cousin Paul Nefflen.
Saturday
21.
Left
Brattleboro at 9 A.M. for St. Joseph Mo.
Sunday
22.
Arrived
at Rochester 3.50 A.M., remained till next morning.
Monday
23.
Left
Rochester at 5. A.M. arrived at the Susp. Bridge 10 A.M., went up to the Niagara
Falls, saw all what was to be seen, weather very bad, got very wet, but I dit
not like to loose the opportunity I had to see the Falls for all it rained so
hard; 12.50 P.M. I left Susp.
Bridge arrived at Detroit about midnight.
Tuesday
24.
2
A.M. I arrived at Ann Arbor during the day I made some visits had a very
pleasant time.
Wednesday
25.
Left
Ann Arbor at 12.15 P.M. arrived at Kalamazoo at 5 P.M., remained till 11 at
night spend the few hours very pleasantly with a friend.
Thursday
26.
Arrived
at Chicago 8 A.M. left 8.20. A.M. arrived at
Quinzy 10. P.M. stopped all night.
Friday
27.
Left
Quinzy 7. A.M. arrived at St. Joseph 10. P.M. R.R. very bad on this line, very
rough.
Saturday
28.
About
town, partly bought two mules. St. Joseph is quiet a place. The river is very
high it is almost impossible for boats to go, the current being so strong.
Sunday
29.
In
Town, the Steamer Luela arrived on her trip to Fort Benton; had some notion to
take passage on her.
Monday
30.
Still
in St. Joseph.
Tuesday
May 1.
Bought
two mules, wagon & harness.
Wednesday
May 2.
Messrs
Thorny & Koch arrived last night, around looking at mules, and general
outfit for the Plains.
Thursday
May 3.
Bought
a mower, sulky rake and cultivator to take to Montana.
Friday
May 4.
Bought
my groceries etc.
Saturday
5.
Loaded
up, intended to start, but it got to late.
Sunday
6.
Left
St. Joseph, got across the river at 9 A.M. passed through Elliotville & Troy
at night we went into Camp on Wolf river 20 miles from St. Joseph.
Monday
7.
Left
camp at 8 A.M. passed through Highland for noon we halted on Cedar Creek,
crossed the Omaha river, road over the botom very bad got stuck had a bad time
of it night rainy.
Tuesday
8.
Got
started at 8 A.M.; had a bad road for 4 miles got to a little town called Rolo
about noon, remained till next morning.
Wednesday
9.
Left
Rolo at 7 A.M. at noon we halted near little lake, we made 20 miles; for night
we had a good camping place.
Thursday
10.
Left
camp about seven A.M. had some trouble crossing a creek passed through Aspinwal,
crossed the little Pemahace, passed through Pemahace City, halted near there for
noon; at night we went into camp on Honey creek.
Friday
11.
Left
camp 5 A.M. arrived at Nebraska City 5 P.M. rainy evening.
Saturday
12.
Bought
an other pair of mules my load is to heavy for a long trip; raining during the
day.
Sunday
13.
Left
Nebraska City at 6 A.M., went about 9 miles halted for dinner then went 12 miles
further camped at night on Wolf creek.
Monday
14.
Left
camp at 6 A.M. at noon we halted on Stevens creek at night we camped on Salt
creek, we made 30 miles. Weather cool & windy.
Tuesday
15.
Left
camp at 6 A.M. at noon we halted on Middle creek, crossed Blue river at night,
we camped on Walnut creek, we made 28 miles.
Wednesday
16.
Left
camp at 6.50 A.M. crossed Beavercreek 7 miles from Walnut creek, at Beavercreek
there is two stores for noon we halted at some springs 7 miles further, we went
into camp near a small creek for the night, made 20 miles.
Thursday
17.
Left
camp at 6 A.M., travelled 28 miles, had a good road.
Friday
18.
Left
camp at 6 A.M., got to the Platte river at 9 A.M., there is Settlements along
the Platte we made 28 miles.
Saturday
19.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. got to Fort Kearny 3 P.M. went into camp about 2 miles from the
Fort near Kearny City, a small place, a few stores and several saloons.
Sunday
20.
Laid
by all day, organized a train of 15 wagons and 35 men; till now Messrs Thong
& Koch and myself travelled alone, there was no danger of the Indians.
Monday
21.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. made 25 miles, at night we camped near some waterholes, water not
very good; after sundown we had a thunder shower.
Tuesday
22.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. travelled only a short distance when an axl of a wagon broke,
were detained a few hours, passed Plum creek; there is the graves of 11 men
killed by the Indians in 64. We made 25 miles, found good grass for the night,
but poor water.
Wednesday
24.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. made 30 miles, at night we camped near the river, had plenty of
grass & wood, to day we passed a grave of two men killed by the Indians.
Thursday
24.
Made
30 miles, passed Cottonwood springs, there is some troops, passed a camp of the
18 Regulars 1500 strong, they are on their way to Montana Ty. Weather bad,
rainy.
Friday
25.
Left
camp at 5 A.M., made 30 miles, passed Fort Keath where there is a few soldiers,
road over the Bluffs, part of the way very sandy, at night we stopped near a
stage station.
Saturday
26.
Left
camp at usual time, made 28 miles, A.M. we had bad road very soft at places,
P.M. road better, met several trains going back, saw some antilopes; they are
very shy.
Sunday
27.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. went into camp again at 10 A.M. intending to lay by but went on
again at 2 P.M. travelled till 6 P.M. made 30 miles; are now 10 miles from
Julesburg. Weather bad rainy & cold; passed a camp of Sioux indians.
Monday
28.
We
made 25 miles, passed Julesburg City, a small place, two miles from it Fort
Julesb. In February 63 it had been destroyed by the Indians, it is now build up
again, at noon we halted where the Indians burned 100 hundred wagons a year ago,
road bad from Julesburg out 10 miles.
Tuesday
29.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. made 10 miles, halted near a station, P.M. we made 14 miles,
halted at night near a Ranch destroyed by the Indians a year ago, at the Ranch
are the graves of four men killed by the Indians. Road bad all day, very sandy.
Wednesday
30.
Left
camp before 5. A.M. made 16 miles, halted near a stage station. P.M. we only
made 5 miles one of the teams got stuck, wich detained us over an hour. Road
bad, sandy & soft, the worst, a few miles from the station P.M. had a heavy
rain; on guard for the night.
Thursday
31.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. made 28 miles at noon we halted near a place called Fort Wicked
camped at night 18 miles from the Junction. Had bad road part of the way; sandy
& soft.
Friday
1. June.
Made
36 miles at noon we halted at the Junction a military Post, camped at night on
Bishoo Creek not much grass.
Saturday
2.
Made
26 miles, A.M., saw a number of antilopes, at night we camped by the Living
Springs, a fine place, good water and plenty of grass, but wood several miles
of, there is two Ranches.
Sunday
3.
Laying
by, the other wagons went on, several teams coming from Denver City. Weather
cool had some rain P.M.
Monday
4.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. made 33 miles, crossed Kaowa Creek, and Coal Creek passed
Boxelder Ranch, at night I went into camp at the Tolls Gate 9 miles from Denver
City.
Tuesday
5.
Arrived
at Denver City 10 A.M. put up my mules at the Elephant Corral. Denver is quite a
place, buildings are large & fine, mostly stone and brick, situation fine,
near the South Platte, the mountains near by, present a fine view, the highest
Peaks are covered with snow Messrs Thong & Koch intend to remain in Denver,
to do business.
Wednesday
6.
Left
Denver City 8.A.M. my travelling companion a Tyrolien a very good man; crossed
Clear Creek 4 miles from Denver at noon I halted at a mail station, at night I
went into camp on Coal Creek 18 miles from Denver. There is Settlers along the
road. Late in the evening two wagons came up, 5 five men with them, they are
bound for Montana Ty; we intend to travell together.
Thursday
7.
Left
camp at 5 A.M., crossed Boulder a large creek St. Viains an other large creek,
at the crossing of St. Viains is a settlement, two Hotels, wagon maker,
blacksmith shop, two stores. At night I went into camp on little Thompson a good
seized creek, one more wagon came up with two men bound for Montana, they intend
to travell with us.
Friday
8.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. crossed little Thompson big Thompson on a bridge, Spring creek,
Cash La Pudre a swift mountain Stream on a bridge, at the crossing there is two
stores, wagon maker, blacksmith shop, hotel & livery, two miles below the
crossing is a military post. We went into camp three miles from the little Town,
near a Sawmill on the Cash La Pudre. Appearance of the country fine, land good
for farming & grassing. About dark it commenced to rain.
Saturday
9.
Left
camp at 5 A.M. made 25 miles at noon we halted on Stonewall creek, went into
camp at night on Dead man’s creek; had bad road nearly all day, up hill and
down hill, two very hard 7 rocky hills to go up, appearance of the country wild
& rough, snow on the mountains, no settlers along here; commenced to rain
about dark, raining hard during the night. Parties going with cattle, have to
look out for poison weed about Virginia Dale & Willoecreek.
Sunday
10.
Remained
in camp till 11 A.M.; made 22 miles, passed Virginia Dale Station, a romantic
looking place, camped at night on Willoecreek, at a mail station, road to day up
hill & down hill, not quite as rough as yesterday.
Monday
11.
We
are now on the Laramie Plains at noon we halted on Big Laramie River, crossed it
on a bridge at night we camped on Little Laramie, 15 miles from Big Laramie, we
had good grass. On both Rivers there is a mail station and Ranchers, keeping
stores, we made 30 miles, overtook four wagons going to Montana; a German with
his family with two wagons 5 Amerikans with two wagons, we are quite a party
now. Weather cool.
Tuesday
12.
Left
camp at 5. Made 28 miles at noon we camped on Cooper creek, saw Jim Bakworth, a
known traper & hunter, he was on his way to Denver, with two more trapers,
they had a fine lot of Beaverskins. At night we camped near Rock creek, road
part of the way bad very rocky, had several small creeks to cross. Weather bad
cold & rainy.
Wednesday
13.
Made
27 miles, at noon we camped on Medecin Bow a mountain stream, at night we camped
on Rattlesnake creek, P.M. we passed Fort Halleck, bad road part of the way, one
steep & very rocky hill, about Fort Halleck it is very Springy & soft,
road from there for three miles very bad miry, it must be almost impassable in
wet weather; we passed an ox train loaded with machinery for Montana, near
Halleck, in four days it dit not make over four miles on account of the bad
road.
Thursday
14.
Made
27 miles, crossed Pass river, at night we went into camp on the North Platte, no
grass near the river; we expect to cross the river to morrow, on a ferry.
Friday
15.
In
camp till 5. P.M; a large ox train and two mule trains were ahead of us to use
the Ferry boat, after crossing we made 10 miles, we crossed Four mile creek,
crossing not very good, for night we had a bad camp no water & not much
grass.
Saturday
16.
Made
18 miles, went into camp near a place called Pine Grove. We are now in the Pass
of the Sonora Range of mountains.
Sunday
17.
We
intended to lay by, but there wasn’t much grass, we made 28 miles, camped one
mile from Sulphur Springs, there is a mail station and blacksmith shop. We are
out of the Pass, went over the Sumit, and trough Bridgers Pass, at noon we
camped on Muddy, a large creek.
Monday
18.
Laying
by all day, our mules needed rest, we have excellent feed, wood & water. A
train of 9. nine wagons bound for Montana camped with us last night.
Tuesday
19.
Left
camp at 5. Made 33 miles, camped at night near Barrel Springs, water not the
best to much alkalie, the country we passed over deslolate & barren, not
much grass, no water for 33 miles.
Wednesday
20.
Made
32 miles, waterd at a spring 8 miles from Barrel Springs, water good, about noon
we struck Bitter creek, two miles below the crossing is a good spring, we waterd
our animals & filled up our kegs, at night we camped near Bitter creek had
very good grass.
Thursday
21.
Made
27 miles A.M. we had good road, passed Point of Rocks, there is a good spring,
sulphur water, P.M. road sandy, crossed Bitter creek 5. Miles from Point of
Rocks, crossing good, went into camp near the crossing, feed good. Water of
Bitter creek not as bad as it is some seasons.
Friday
22.
We
made 32 miles, crossed North Bitter creek 18 miles from Greenriver, at night we
camped 5 miles from Greenriver, had plenty of grass & water; heavy rain
during the night.
Saturday
23.
We
made 18 miles, crossed Greenriver on a Ferry boat, 12 miles from it Hams Fork on
a Ferry, camped at night near the latter river, A.M. road slippery on account of
the heavy rain, P.M. road good.
Sunday
24.
Made
33 miles, halted at noon, near the Junction of the old California & Denver
road at night we camped on Black Fork, musquetos almost eat us up during the
night.
Monday
25.
Made
18 miles, arrived at Fort Bridger 1. P.M. went into camp near the Fort; from
here is a road direct to Montana, an other by the way of Salt Lake City nearly
200 miles further, my travelling companions took the latter. I had been to Salt
Lake City in 1858; I regretted to leave my companions, I could not find or wish
for any better, P.M. they went on to Salt Lake City I remained in camp till next
day noon. The man that started with me from Denver remained with me.
Tuesday
26.
Left
Fort Bridger 1. P.M. made 12 miles, camped at night on Muddy a large creek, road
good, had one steep hill to go up an other very steep to go down. The Party of
nine wagons, that camped with us one night the 18th June, overtook me
in the afternoon.
Wednesday
27.
Made
30 miles, crossed little Muddy, crossing bad, had a good camping place at night
near a creek; was in camp two hours before my travelling companions, they are
rather slow, about starting mornings.
Thursday
28.
Left
camp at 4.30 A.M. made 30 miles, crossed a Mountain divide, a very long but not
very steep mountain to go up, but steep to go down, camped at night near a
creek, in Bear river valley. Had a heavy thunder shower about sundown.
Friday
29.
Made
25 miles, crossed two creeks, had some trouble about crossing one, was detained
about an hour; passed Sucker Spring, a very large spring, crossed Smiths Fork a
rapid stream, main branch bridged, went into camp two miles from the river;
musquetos thick.
Saturday
30.
Made
12 miles, crossed Thompsons Fork, very difficult to cross at the time, water
being very high, had to unload and take my load across in a boat, about sundown
I got started again, only went two miles, when a forward wheel of my wagon broke
down. I was in a bad fix, all alone, my travelling companions had left me,
fortunately there was a Settlement about16 miles of.
Sunday
1. [July]
Went
10 miles, hired a team, got my wagon and load to the Settlement about sundown,
we had a big long hill to go up, and a very steep and rocky one to go down, are
now in the Bear river valley again.
Monday
2.
Had
my load hauled 6 miles furthur, to a small Town, called Mountpelier, Settlers
are Mormons. Got my wagon fixed, after some trouble about getting timber, at
last I got some old spokes of a Mormon, paid $1 one dollar a piece for them, was
glad to get them at that price.
Tuesday
3.
Got
started about noon, made 15 miles, had some trouble about getting over a miry
place, was detained about two hours, it was after dark, when I went into camp.
Wednesday
4.
Went
15 miles, camped at a place called Soda Springs, formerly a military post, but
now almost deserted, there is two stores, a blacksmith’s shop and a few
Ranchers.
Thursday
5.
Got
the tires of my wagon reset, they need it very bad. Left Soda Springs 3 P.M.
went 15 miles, made a dry camp for the night, had plenty of grass, road good.
But rocky at places. Soda Springs appears to be a healthy place and pleasant
during the summer, there is no flies or musguetos, Bear river affords plenty and
the finest and largest Trout I ever saw. There is a number of Soda springs, the
water tastes very much like Soda water.
Friday
6.
Made
30 miles, halted at noon on Porteneuf creek, A.M. road good, P.M. we had a
number of short but steep hills to go up & down, and a few miry places to go
over, was detained on one about an hour, had a good camp at night, plenty of
grass, wood & water, it is somewhat lonesome we are all alone.
Saturday
7.
Made
32 miles at noon we camped on Blackfoot river, crossed it on a good bridge, at
night we camped on Snake river, near Taylors Bridge.
Sunday
8.
Made
25 miles, intended to lay by, but there wasn’t hardly any grass. We had bad
road, the river was very high, road miry at places, got stuck in one was
detained about two hours, at night we camped near a lake, not much grass, plenty
musquetos.
Monday
9.
We
made 32 miles, part of the road good for about 15 miles, more or less sand,
crossed Camas Creek, halted at the crossing at noon, passed Camas Creek Ranch,
road from there fore about two miles very heavy & deep sand, camped at night
on Dry Creek. There is a number of teams and trains on the road, it isn’t
guite as lonesome.
Tuesday
10.
Made
33 miles had a good road, at noon we halted in Beaver Canyon about 90 miles from
Nevada City; at night we went into camp near a mail station.
Wednesday
11.
Made
35 miles at noon we halted on Red Rock Creek, camped at night at the head of
Blacktaildeer Canyon. Road good a good deal of uphill.
Thursday
12,
Made
35 miles, halted at noon in Cedar Canyon, camped at night on Stinking Water, or
Pasamare river, 6 miles from Nevada City. We had up hill road for about 9 miles,
not very steep, but very steep to go down to Cedar Creek.
Friday
13.
Arrived
at Nevada City 8 A.M; how glad I was, but I was disappointed not to meet my d.
brother Charles at my arrival, he was in a new mining camp 175 miles off; he was
expected back after a week. His Friend and Partner Conrad Wagner received me
very kindly.
Sunday
22.
P.M.
My brother arrived at last how long the time dit seem to me; our joy was great,
we had’n seen one an other for over 8 years. We remained together for nearly
two weeks, made a trip to Helena City, a lively new mining Town, about 125 miles
from Nevada City. The 6th of August we left Nevada City, my brother
went to Elk Creek, the mining Camp, where he had been at my arrival, Conrad
Wagner and I went to our Ranch on
Bighole river 40 miles from Nevada City.
Our
Ranch is in a somewhat secluded & lonesome place, our nearest neighbor is
about four miles from us; nearest public road about 5 miles, but it is one of
the best stockranches of Montana Ty; we have a good large bottom, where we can
cut over a hundred ton of hay every year; the hills afford a good pasture during
the summer, bunch grass grows plenty fully; and there is a number of good
springs in the hills. Big Hole river is one of the Headwaters of the Missouri
river, a swift mountain stream.
The
9th of August we commenced haying, it was bad mowing, the old grass
had’n been burned up, our machine troubled us considerable, we had several
breackdowns. About the 20th of Septenber we got done haying, had
about 70, seventy tons put up in good stacks.
About
the last of September my brother returned from Elk Creek.
September
and forepart of October we moved two houses from Nevada City to our Ranch, the
house we lived in was small and in a bad place, during the highwater time. We
selected a good place for building on high ground, some little distance from the
bottom.
Sunday.
November 4.
We
moved in our new houses the 2th, they are comfortable, we have plenty of room,
how much better they are, then the old house we lived in, situation is much
pleasanter too, we can overlook nearly the whole bottom, near the house we have
a good spring with plenty of water.
Sunday
Dec. 30.
The
passed two months, we have been busy building, a stable, chickenhouse & tool
house, our place begins to look like home.
The
26 of December I was in Nevada City, had some letters from home, “sad news”
my dear noble father is no more he died Nov. 6. 1866. I was somewhat prepaired
for such news; but alas they came to soon; I always had some hopes my dear
father would live to see my brother Charles, how hard the news was for my
brother; how grateful & and thankful I am I was at home.
Sunday
May 26. 1867.
Fife
months are gone since I wrote the last time in my journal, how fast time passes
by; the winter was gone for I thought of it, it was not as hard as I expected,
we had some cold & stormy weather, but in March, we had colder & and
more stormy weather then during the winter. I was nearly all the time at home,
we have been busy building, a smoke house, wagon shed, and a good yard, and
prepared a piece of ground for a garden close by the house.
I
am now alone on our Ranch, April 16, my brother went to Elk Creek, he intends to
remain there till August. Conrad Wagner our partner is in Argenta, a young town
about 18 miles from here; my brother & Conrad Wagner started a brewery
there. It is somewhat lonesome, very seldom I see any one, but I am busy every
day, and the days yes weeks pass away for I think of it, my garden keeps me
busy, but after all I do not expect to realize much out of it, there is
thousands of young grasshopers they do great mischief.
We
had very dry weather till a few days back we had som rain it is a great
blessing; Every thing begins to look green, the woods along the river and the
bottom, and hills present a fine view. The river is very high, not fordable, how
glad I am, we dont have to live in the old house, water is all around it.
George
William Buhrer was born 24 April 1834 in Stuttgart, Germany.
George
Buhrer married Anna Louise Schmid, Dec. 18, 1890 in Reichle, Montana. They had
three daughters:
Mathilda
Julia, March 31, 1892; died April 3, 1892
Julia
Cristine, March 6, 1893.
Kate
Mathilda, Feb. 12, 1895.
Anna
Louise died Feb. 7, 1909 , Reichle, Montana.
George
Buhrer died Aug. 10, 1918. He is buried in Butte, Montana. He had been living
with his sister-in-law, Mrs. Frank Buhrer, Reichle, Montana, at the time of his
death.
Charles
(Karl) Buhrer, brother
Ernest
Schmid, brother-in-law, held title to the “Tivoli Brewery” 2 miles S/W of
Butte.
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