Scope and Contents In this autographed reminiscence, Colfax describes his stagecoach trip from Missouri to California in 1865. It is likely he made the trip in his capacity as chair of the Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads. Account includes his detailed observations regarding trail terrain, arable lands, mining, and the people he encountered. Colfax also indirectly considered the issue of the transcontinental railroad. He spent a few days in Salt Lake City and met Brigham Young, president of the Mormon...

Scope and Contents Handwritten diary of Cone's overland journey by ox team from Waukesha, Wisconsin to California in 1849. Cone is a descriptive writer and proud to record "only facts." Diary describes traveling conditions, encounters with Indians, cholera outbreaks, fellow travelers, and government assistance at the end of the trail. Cone also spent time in Salt Lake City and wrote about his unfavorable impressions. After arriving at California, Cone made several trips to Sacramento. Life in California was...

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Handwritten account of Day's overland journey from the Missouri River to Oregon in 1849. Diary primarily focuses on travelling conditions: grass, water, and condition of horse and ox teams. A number of companions died from cholera and mountain fever. Day intended to travel to California, but "as I think its impossible to go to California with a team," headed to Oregon instead.

Scope and Contents Three volume, leather-bound diary recording Poe's overland journey from Iowa to Oregon and return in 1847-48. Volume 1 is primarily concerned with camping locations and daily mileage. Poe is a terse diarist but does include some details. He writes about seeing 70 Mormon Battalion soldiers and is critical of the Indians, "the most miserable race in the world." Volume 2 mostly describes Oregon's weather. Poe writes "home ward journey" on the first page of volume 3, but according to the...