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extended outline
Dear Mamma,
Already I feel as if Kentucky is a thousand miles away. Still, I know that we cannot go back, and there is still more than twice that many miles still to go. Independence was a nice rest from travel. Not that we weren’t busy. Still, it was a reprieve from the endless bouncing of the wagon. When traveling, William relieves me sometimes so I can walk and he stays with Heather. At Independence, all the wagons were completely restocked with necessities and there was little time to socialize during the two days we were there. We left Math 12th with much optimism and, on my part anyway, renewed excitement.
It is now the 26th; we have added to our companions as we have met up with another wagon train led by a Colonel William H. Russell. It has rained quite a bit which dampens the high spirits leaving Independence. I have noticed many people writing back to their homes. But I also noticed that many also write to record the progress of their lives. I do not think I have the discipline every day as the latter I mentioned do. If it were not for the lack of anything else to do, I don’t know if I would ever remember to write you! I do not enjoy how slow the whole train is, but surely it is a journey worth remembering as an American pioneer! Perhaps we will remember the accomplishment without the means by and by when we are settled in the West.
May 29th, Mrs. Keyes from the Reed party has died. We had been resting at The Big Blue River when she died. It occurred rather quickly for such a momentous event. Though it HAD been anticipated since her consumption was discovered. (Do not worry about me or my family, we are all healthy). William helped make her a cottonwood coffin, and John Denton found a large rock for a headstone. On it was carved her name, birthplace, and the years she lived (she was 70 at her death). Reverend Cornwall everyone with his words and Mrs. Keyes had a decent funeral. She was well loved and everyone has been mourning.
May 31st, we have all crossed the river and our journey continues. It was dark when we were all across though we began early. A man named Boggs is sending back word with a few Indians. I will ask him to send this letter when he reaches a town so you will know how we are keeping.
May this letter find you well,
Amanda McCutchen

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