Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly volume 11.djvu/419

Peter Skene Ogden Journal. 1828-1829 389 Monday 22nd. Our horses appeared to relish the salt water for we had difficulty driving them from it. At 2 P. M. fell on a large Indian track of not long since Snakes wh. appear to be travel- ling in the same direction as we, no doubt in pursuit of the same object. Tuesday 23rd. It was fortunate we had a track. Otherwise from the fog we should have been obliged to remain in camp. Wednesday 24th. Our guide quarrelled over horses and deserted. Friday 26th. Had a distant view of great Salt Lake, heavy fogs around it. Country is covered with cedars. From the tracks, buf- falo must be abundant. At present none. On the eve of camp- ing we were surprised to see our guide come in with a cheer- ful countenance. He informed us he had seen an Indian wl;o reported buffalo, not far off. I trust this is true, as we are wretched reduced to skin and bone. Hunters killed 3 antelope. This will assist, tho' poor food at this season, but far prefera- ble to horse flesh that die of disease. Sunday 28th. With my consent 8 men started in advance in quest of food, the party having been three days without food. Here we are at the end of Great Salt Lake having this season explored one half of the north side of it and can safely assert as the Am- ericans have of the south side that it is a barren country desti- tute of everything. Continued over a barren plain. Seeing it was impossible to reach the mountains we encamped. Monday 29th. Late ere our horses were found. Had not advanced more than half a mile when we found 2 springs of fresh water for our poor horses. We continued till 3 P. M. When we reached the mountains and camped. Here again disappointed, no