ACROSS T H E PLAINS IN 1858 By Richard Thomas
Ackley1
of Camden, New Jersey Born 1832 — Died 1881 Sidney, Fremont County, Iowa. June 21, 1858. After becoming tired of this place Jim Packard, Tom Akins, Oil Scoggins and myself prepared for a trip across the plains to some point we did not know exactly where. W e all put in our little mites, and as Tom and Oil were both judges of stock, it was entrusted with them to procure a team. A very good covered wagon was procured and four good mules bought. W e concluded by taking plenty of sugar, coffee, crackers, tobacco and whisky, we could trade or dispose of the articles to a good advantage, so to Jim and me was entrusted the care of making up the merchandise. Every penny we four could raise was expended in merchandise and in a general outfit for the plains. So in the afternoon of this day, after having everything all ready, we bid goodby to our friends and rolled out; stopped at Abe Acord's about three miles out of town all night. W e were well entertained. June 22, 1858. W e were up bright and early; after breakfasting we again started. Abe Acord accompanied us to Nebraska City. T h e road after we got down in the bottom was very heavy. W e had great difficulty in making the river. Crossed in a steam ferry boat and camped just out of town. Drove about 12 miles. June 23, 1858. Rained quite hard all night and day, Towards evening we bid adieu to Abe and made a short drive. After being out a few days things began to come around all right. In crossing the Saline River we had some trouble. The stream was very high. Met a great many Kaw and Pawnee Indians whom we shunned as much as possible. The latter tribe is a thieving set, and are constantly prowling about the country for what they can steal and beg. About the fourth day out we lost a very valuable dog that Abe Acord had given to us. I think he must have lagged behind and given out, as on that day water was very 1
The original manuscript journal was obtained in January, 1930, from Frank L. Acklev. 107 No. Mole Street, Philadelphia, Pa., a son of the journalist. The son writes in part: "My father was a sutler at Camp Floyd and other places. He was employed at Salt Lake City in the store of Mfiler. Russell & Co., a branch of Russell Malors & Waddell. The wagon masters of the above company all came to his store to be pSd off There is much said in the journal of the desperadoes and tough characters of Salt Lake City in 1858-1859. Many characters are mentioned who were nrominent In Utah or western history, such as General Harney, General A S. Johnson, Co" Alexander, Porter RockweH Bill Hickman Ephraim Hanks, Pegleg Smith, Mr. Russell, Captain Grant, James Bridger and Capt. Owen >.i„<..„sfino. rfoo^rinHnno are elven of the Mormon State Fair, the Mormon