We stuck the South Platte River near Fort Kearney, had the worst wind and rain storm I think I ever experienced. From there we stuck out for Fort Laramie, crossed the South Platte on the way its a "pill" when we look at to think of crossing. But it was like many other places, either turn back or go ahead, and we preferred to go ahead.We were fortunate as there were some emigrant teams crossing when we got there, so we followed close behind. One great trouble, if you stopped a moment the cattle, wagon and all would sink down. The sand would wash out from under, so you had to keep going. Most of the emigrants doubled up, put on eight yoke then go back. That was to much for us, one trip we thought was enough. We stripped all but our shirt and some waded along side of the cattle and kept them moving. The water was about waist most of the time. It was said the river was a mile wide and it looked it. The wagon ahead of us had on eight yoke, and pulling it out on on the opposite side their cattle swung and upset the wagon in the water. There were two women and some children in it and you better believe there was some screaming and crying for they were in the water. S om of the camping outfit had fallen on them. One woman's face was badly bruised. So, as near nude as we were, the only thing to do was to pitch in and tear the cover off and help them out.
The North Platte was the next bugaboo. It was the worst of all streams. There was a ferry to take wagons and emigrants over only. The cattle and the horses had to swim. and I presume it is about as hazardous a stream t o swim as there is in America. It runs so swift and is so cold that the best swimmers failed and were drowned in the attempt. We were fairly fortunate in getting the cattle over.
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