April 29, 1853

Kansas Missouri April 29th, 1853. To-day we started across the dreary plains. Sad are the thoughts that steal over the reflecting mind. I am leaving my home, my early friends and associates, perhaps never to see them again, exchanging the disinterested solicitude of fond friends for the cold and unsympathizing friendship of strangers. Shall we reach the “Eldorado” of our hopes, or shall one of our number be left, and our graves be in the dreary wilderness, our bodies uncoffined, and unknown remain there in solitude? Hard indeed must that heart be that does not drop a tear as these thoughts roll across the mind. Started about noon, traveled about 8 miles and camped. Rather a new business, however, all went well.