Trail of Tears, November 2, 1838

Potawatomi Trail of Death - Diary of William Polke, 2 Nov. 1838:

"Left Independence  a little after 9 oclk—one hour or so having been allowed the Indians for their religious exercises. This morning broke upon us rainy and disagreeable. Anxious to complete the journey now so near at an end."

"The rain increasing as we advanced. We crossed the (Kansas) boundary line, and found ourselves in the heart of a prairie, with scarcely any traces to mark our route. The journey was continued and at 12 rock  a large portion of the emigrants on horseback became detached from the wagons, and wandered over the prairie four hours in search of the trace of the wagons. It was found at length, and we reached the camp ground set-out for at 3 o'clk."

"We are now but twelve miles from the encampment of yesterday. Our encampment is known as the North Fork of Blue River. Subsistence beef and corn."
 
Drawing by Candi Wesaw.


 

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