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lengthened into as many months before we meet again this is truly an unnatural way for a man of a family to live, but deeming it for the best we must try and be content  Letter writing is the only means by which we can communicate with each other. As yet I have not heard a word direct from home and expect it will be another week still before I get a letter. After that I hope to receive one every week. Cook gets one regular as the weeks come and I think where there is two or three to write you can write as often as Elizabeth does. You must bear in mind that a letter from ones home when far away, is much more welcome than a letter can be from the absent one, when you are surrounded by warm friends and relatives and all the comforts of life

     I left orders at the Barnum House St. Louis to have any letters that should come for me to be forwarded to this place

     You have, enclosed, the balance of my diary up to the date of this. I shall continue it for the present at least and mail once a week. Until the roads get more settled I shall send my letters by the boats to St Louis as it now takes ten days for the mails to cross the state by Coach.

     It is impossible for me to form any correct estimate of what My prospects will be here this Summer. I shall know better when Mr. Tuttle returns from the east. I think however that I shall do well judging from present prospects  Mr. Brown was over anxious for me to go to Lawrence with him offered me one thousand per year and if that was not enough he would give me twelve hundred. I could not accept even if I desired it.

     Rents here are enormously high, houses of one room fifteen feet square rent at $25. per month  provisions are in the same proportion. Wood $6 per cord. Dry goods and apples are quite reasonable the latter are as cheap as in the city of New York $6. per barrell. Unless more farmers Come in provisions will keep up for a number of years yet. I do not deem it advisable to think of moving my family to this place until buildings are more pleanty  Many famlies live in houses no larger or better than our wood house Such a house as we lived in at Cold Springs before we built would rent for $30. per month. This would seem discouraging to emigration but wages are in proportion. I believe if there was five hundred dwellings now ready for tenants they would be filled by the first of June. When I left St. Josephs there were some fifty families awaiting a boat for this place  When they come I know not what they will do as there is not a vacant house in town and the hotels are full. Boats are daily expected with lumber which will be speedily put into dwellings.

     I hope and trust you are comfortable so far as the necessities of life go necessities in Buffalo are luxuries in Omaha I wish Some one would buy the house in Buffalo as I cannot say how I shall be prepared to meet the payments As it respects your going East this summer you must do as you think best. But try and keep the children to school for should they come to this place they will not have the advantages they do at Buffalo.

     Irwin  How do you get along with your school and doing the work of splitting wood, and going of errends now father is away. I presume your are the best boy now you ever was. I have been looking at a Mustang Pony which I think some of buying for you if you Come out here this fall. Then you can

take Sophia out a riding on the prarie in a little buggy or go a horse back ride with her. You be a good boy and get your lessons well and when you come to Omaha you shall have a horse.

     Sophia  I have not received one of those letters you were going to write me., I presume however you have written but the letters have not arrived. I shall look for a letter every week after they commence coming  I wish you could step in and see what a bed and room pa has to sleep in. I am to have a new boarding place tomorrow where I shall lodge and perhaps faar better. You must be good and kind to your mother brothers and aunt Sarah and learn fast at school and how to do housework at home, for when you come to Omaha you and Mother will have to do all the work  Give my Love to Aunt Sarah and Charlott.

     Mate Cook says he shall not move his family here unless I do, as there is no womans help to be had and should Lib be sick she must suffer. When help can be got it is one dollar per day. Washing is ten cents a piece When one comes both must You can then help each other. One of the boys in the family where I board does the washing. There is Eight boys and one girl in the family

     My health is usually good. The first night on the steamboat on the Mo. I took cold since which time I have been troubled with a cough. Nothing alarming however although unpleasant. I think it is getting better

     I think I have written enough for this time  Kiss the children for me and remember me to My friends and relatives

Affectionately     

E. F. Beadle.

     Monday 6. -- The wind went down with the sun last Night but it had blowed from the north long enough to bring down the arctic region weather and water in our basin two inches deep froze solid. This is Omaha the 6th of April

     The River continueing to rise prevents communication from the Iowa side and we have no mails from the East today. My cold has settled on my lungs. My chest is very sore and I have a severe pain in my back between my shoulders. If I was home I should be down sick.

     In looking up a new boarding place I have been very fortunate, through the intersessions of Mr. Warner, in getting in at Mr Estabrook's the Attorney General of the territory. I could not have got a better place in the territory. They have no boarders except Mr Warner and myself. The Family consists of Mrs Estabrook's Father and three other Male relatives of the family two children a girl Eleven and a boy two years of age. Mr Estabrook is in Wisconsin on business  The three male relatives are going out on their claim in a few days when I shall have a chance to sleep at the house where I can doctor up. Mr. E has horses Cows and poltry and we live first rate "real human." Augusta Estabrook is a very good substitut for Sophia as she is a Singer and plays on the guitar

     The wind has changed to the south and the weather is fast moderating and tonight Spring again

     Tuesday 7. -- The Big Muddy is Mad and gone out of its banks, has not been so high in twenty years. It is said that teams cannot cross on account of the bottoms being overflowed between Sioux City Iowa and St Joseph Mo a distance by the river of 500 miles. We can get no mails from the east. This morning was very mild. At breakfast Augusta was trying to get some of the men to go for a horseback ride with her, but they were going away on business and I offered to go  the Pony was got out and one of the horses but the rain setting in prevented. Went to the shop and up to Florence, Six miles, in a covered buggy with Mr. Cook to contract for coal. I thought I would try going out. But it rained all the way and the wind blew strong from the north west, so that when I got back my cold was not much better. Took some medicine at noon. Spent the afternoon with Saratoga Co. After tea the baby danced while the little girl played on the guitar and the grandfather on the violin. The apples were then passed around after which I came up to the shop and wrote the above. The boarding place I now have makes me forget I am on the borders of sivilization. My back pains me dreadfully tonight.

     Wednesday 8. -- It is evening, the weather has moderated, and it is delightful out of doors after such a cold wind as we have had. The Moon is in its full and the river bottoms which are not overflowed are dotted with prarie fires. Many people are out enjoying the evening. Notwithstanding the winds here, we have weather that cannot be approached by New York where I have lived. I am becoming More and More attached to the place and trust it will be my future home, and If I had a house I should wish my family was here today

     Feel the most like myself today of any day since I have been here  My lameness has mostly left me the cough however still hangs on. We have had three mails from the east since last night, they were brought over in a skiff. I got no letters. Cook did. I have been working with Mr Warner a little to day helping him build a fence around one of his lots. he is to help me in return. The River is Still rising

     Mrs. Estabrook gave me some interesting details of her pioneer life when they first came to the Territory. They lived in what they now use as a barn, (it is not fit for horses) it is very low, and at the time the family occupied it, its only roof was made by puting a few small polls lengthwise and covering them with prarie grass, had no boards on the floor but covered the ground with hay and spread down a rag carpet and put in such furniture as they could procure, the house being on descending ground when it rained the water would run through the hay under the carpet and pass out on the other side. One night during a thunder storm a hole broke through the hay rooffing, the rain poard in faster than it would run out and they were forsed to use a wash tub most of the night, carrying it out as often as it filled which was every few minutes. This was the way our Attourny general lived when he first came here. How would Mrs. Beadle like this mode of living

     Thursday 9. -- A pleasant morning. took a horseback ride immediately after breakfast. Little Augusta Manages her pony like a skillful rider as she

is. She is the smallest girl I ever saw ride a horseback she will dash up bluffs and down ravines and over prarie as fast as I have wished to ride, and I am not sure but she would be a better guardian for me than I for her. When she was but three years old her father would ride out with her tying her to her horse so she would not fall and then gallop off at full speed. She will lend her pony to my pet as she calls Sophia

     Worked on the fence with Mr Warner part of the day and devoted some time to the Saratoga enterprise. The river continues to rise. No boat up. I got a paper this afternoon from some one in Buffalo. The paper was the daily Republic of March 16th on the wrapper was (Kirby) I can not think who sent it as I can call to mind no one of my acquaintance by that name. Whoever he may be I hold myself under obligations to him. The paper looked like an old friend, and I read it adv. and all. I miss a daily after tea very much. We shall soon have one here a Mr Wyman our present P. M. has gone east for the type and press.

     My lameness and cold has settled in the glands of my throat since morning and I can hardly swallow. I shall doctor up tonight, as I commence to lodge at my boarding house. Mr. Warner was just as I am soon after he came here

     There is a meeting of land agents called this evening to fix a tarrif of prices If my throat is not too bad I shall surely attend

     Friday, 10.  Attended the meeting last evening. We organized a Stock board.  became acquainted with many new business men, and have spent the most of this day talking up the business of last evening and arranging for a permanent organization for our individual benifit and the benifit of eastern Capitalist who are becoming imposed upon by false representations

     The Pawnee Indians are camped near here. The old men women and children. The strong and healthy are out on a Buffalo hunt. Those remaining here hang about the houses begging their living, stealing cats, dogs, and the refuse of the slaughter houses. Some one trying what he could do with his revolver shot a fine dog about a week ago. today the indians found it, and although it had commenced putrifying, they squat down skined it and carried it off to cook. Such is about the best food the filthy Pawnees get while the hunters are away

     River still rising. Weather mild and pleasant this evening. My throat is well, and the only lameness I have is probably occasioned by my not being used to horse back riding, and the horse I had was a hard rider.  owing to the rise in the river and prevailing north Winds no boats have got up yet. The river rising makes the current more rapid

     Saturday 11.  A cold north wind blowing again. A Man from Fremont a town west of the Elkhorn came here for provisions and in crossing the Elkhorn on his return which was on a rise, was drowned. The Elkhorn and Platt are both impossible at this time, with wagons.

     Great Excitement on the frontier!  Attack upon the settlers by the Pawnees!! A Pawnee shot!!! -- Mr. John Davis, justice of the peace at Salt creek Lancaster Co. N. T. arrived here this Morning about 10 o'clock calling upon The Governor for Melitia to assist in exterminating the Pawnees. Mr.

Davis reports that depridations have been frequent during this fall, winter and present Spring, untill they have lost their oxen horses cattle and in fact every thing the Indians could drive or run off. On Tuesday a number of Pawnees came to Salt creek, painted and in war costume, demanding the lands and pay for the deer and woolves the whites had killed or they would kill and scalp them, that they had taken the fort and scalped the people, that there was a party of one hundred and fifty Pawnees in the rear which would soon be up. The present party continued in the vicinity all night hooting and yelping. About daylight they approached the house of Mr. Davis with threatening signs, one of the Pawnees raised his gun apparently in the act of shooting but was not quick enough as a ball from Mr. Davis gun killed him on the spot. The balance fled. Mr Davis fearing a further attack burried the dead Indian and started with his family towards Plattsmouth which is on the same side of the Platt River at Salt Creek. Before reaching Plattsmouth, he was met by a party of six men and their families going to Salt Creek. Mr. Davis give up his gun to them and left his wife in their charge, himself continuing on to Plattsmout where he was taken across the Platt in a skiff. At Bellview he got a man to bring him here. He had in his company another aggrevved individual who had been a great looser by the Pawnees

     The Governor did not feel like calling on the Malitia and rushing upon the Pawnees until he knew more of the affair. He however despatched General Thayer to the vicinity of Salt creek, with orders if necessary to call on the Militia of that Lancaster County. This was not wholly satisfactory to Mr Davis who wanted to raise a company of volinteers and exterminate the whole race of Pawnees. In this he had the sympathy of a cerntain officer of this Territory who has just resigned at Washington with a view of being elected to Congress. His object is probably to get the Squatters vote. The said official resides at Bellview and took Mr Davis and friend in his Carriage to Bellview ready to head a party of volunteers.

     The Governor said he did not believe an indian could be found in fifty miles of Salt Creek when they got there, but they probably would be revenged some day on Mr Davis. The Gov. further said the Indian agent was expected every hour and would go out at once and if he found it necessary he was the proper person to call on him, the Governor, and then the U. S. Government would pay the expences. I had an invetation to go with General Thayer, but the ex Indian agent wished to go and I was obliged to give way. 1 had got all ready as Gen Thayer was very anxious to have me go along. The Gen is I understand, another candidate for the same office as the other gentleman.

     This afternoon I received a letter from Mr. McKim under date of March 26^th  Seventeen days after I left Buffalo, still I get none from my own family. Did they wait seventeen days and not write tome? I am becoming very anxious about a letter from home. Could I get one tonight it would have been a great consolation as it is Saturday night when I think most of being home

     Sunday 12 -- The Steamer Silver heels came in during last night, bringing about 250 passenges  What is to be done with them I cannot tell the boat

brought no lumber or houses could be built in quick time. Mrs. Smith, the lady whose husband was left at Jef. City and who we left at Leavenworth over two weeks ago came up on the Silver heels, Mrs. Estabrook took them in giving them breakfast and dinner by that time they found two rooms for rent for $25. per Month  they have gone into them to make the best of it possible  Every family here has to be as accommodating as possible or the people would suffer.  I cannot conceive where they all find shelter in Kansas. Troubles are anticepated in Kansas.

     Through the Kindness of Mr. Smith who saw my trunk at the storehouse in St. Josephs. I received it by this boat I have been aranging the contents. One of the new shirts I brought with me has been returned from the washer womans with a spot of iron rust on the bosom as large as the bowl of a tablespoon, quite an ornament

     This afternoon the wind is blowing again the way you never saw it blow down Niagara St.

     I have an opportunity to send this by a Daughter of Mr Goodwills who is going to Batavia to Spend the Summer at school, or By a Col. Parker of the city of N. york. Shall go up and if not to late it will go by St Louis on the boat otherwise I will mail it

     The water in the river is between 16 and 17 feet above low water mark, between the Steamboat landing and the town there is a space 500 feet wide where in this strip of water the passengers must be taken across in a skiff at Saratoga the landing is dry. The Steamer is to return tonight if the wind is not to high. Am about well again

Again Good by           
E. F. Beadle     

     Monday, 13  Watter going down in the river faster than it came up. Cold north winds continue but not blowing a gale. After dinner went up to Saratoga to show the gift lots to some strangers who wish to build. While on the platteau and revolving in my mind what would be the best part of the town I conceived a project, I believe will put money in my purse.

     Returning to Omaha I learned a large eastern mail had been received, and went direct to the Post office found nothing in my box. Went to Cook's and there I found

     A Letter from Home -- Yes a letter from my own fireside  No one can fully estimate the value of such a letter unless they have been in a like situation. Five weeks and a day had passed during which time we have travailed by all possible modes of conveyance night and day, been in eight different states and two territories mingled with all sorts of people from the frozen North to the Sunny South, until the distance that seperated me from my family seemed almost like that around the globe. At last however, after a tedious Journy over land, across river, lakes, streams, prarie and mountains my revered Uncle "Sam" opened his mail bags and dealt out to me a little parcel, which though very small bore an impress of home and produced a powerful effect

like the doses dealt out by the hoemaopothists  A mingled sensation of joy and fear possessed me, were they all well  if not well were they all living, had disease or death been there? There had been time for sad changes.

     I took the letter unopened. and went down to my boarding house Mrs. Estabrook knew I had a letter as soon as she saw me. threw down the letter on the table went down in the basement washed my face and hands and brushed my clothes, then went up into the sitting room and carefully opened the letter. there was a letter enclosed from each one. Those little fingers of my children had been busy in adding to the joy of there father who was far away. Now which one shall I read first. Cant read them all at a time, so I decided to take them in the order of the ages of the writers. I read each one a number of times which answered for my supper that night. My mind was so full of the thoughts brought up by the receipt of the letter I slept but little althoug all were well at home.

     Tuesday, 14. --A steamer came in last evening. she is from Pittsburgh Pa. loaded with merchandize and furnature mostly the latter among which is some very nice better than has been in market heretofore. The boat is the Spread Eagle twenty-five days from Pittsburgh. She had on 40,000 feet dressed lumber for this place. Was told at some port below they could do better to sell it there which they did very much to their loss and our regret

     Figuring some on my new project it will work well  A Company of forty came in this morning from across Iowa going to locate in Saratoga and work at gardening this summer that will pay

     They have commenced to break ground today for a new hotel here to be called the Park house. The citizens have voted to sell their park to complete the Capitol building which was not appropriated for by the last Congress. Saratoga agrees to pay one fourth necessary to complete it. The building will be completed this summer at all events by the City itself.

     Wednesday 15 -- Staked out a building lot in Saratoga, and selected a lot of shade trees and wild goosbury bushes on the bluff of the table land to set out in my lot as soon as it is fenced

     The Steamer "White Cloud" arrived here about seven o'clock this evening with 150 passengers and a good supply of provisions. Shingles, doors, and window sash, but no lumber as yet. Among the passengers I found two old acquaintances, one I traveled with last fall the other was the gentleman of whom I bought the large map we have of "our Country" His brother is the baptist minester of this place

     When the boat arrived it seemed onehalf of the inhabitants were at the landing. When the plank was put out they rushed on in such a body it was some minutes before the passengers could get off. Then such a peeping into each others faces to recognise some expected friend. The vicinity of the ladies cabin was one perfect jam of men eagerly peeping over the heads of more forward ones or crowding through to get a sight at some dozen ladies who were as eager to single out, their husband, brother, or friend. I mixed in but no one I knew was there. I was not however as disappointed as some hundred others must have been

     Not as windy today or as cold but it froze hard last night it has been cold over a week we hope for a change

     Thursday 16  A delightful day and no wind have spent the day in showing up strangers been up to Saratoga every on goes off in ecstases about the location can sell lots as soon as they are divided. The Steamer Emigrant came in about five this afternoon about seventy-five passengers and a supply of lumber.

     Clouded up at dark to rain as it was warm but the rain came down in Snow. Went up to the Post office at eight o'clock the ground was white with snow but warm air. Got a letter from Brother Frank  Went to bed as tired as I want to be had the nightmare and was nearvous all night  this was an awful one to Me.

     Friday 17 -- Two inches of snow this morning, with a prospect of clearing off. Prospects however have deceived us and it has snowed steadily all day, driving from the Northeast there is probably a foot of snow on a level, and still it is coming down as fast as ever. I never recollect but one such time that was at Cooperstown many years ago. The snow then fell three feet. The storm does not discourage me with making Nebraska my home. "Where there is a will there is a way." I also understand this cold weather we have had has prevailed south and east

     The Steamer "Minnehaha" came in this afternoon with another hundred passengers and more lumber. We are now having a boat daily. Where the passengers all get a chance to stand up, even, under cover, I cannot conceive, I ventured up town this afternoon and could see two or three to each door asking for board. I cannot too much appritiate my boarding place. -- Good Night

     Saturday, 18 of April 1857 -- This is a most delightful January morning. The Sun shines clear and bright and the snow sparcles and crisps under foot like mid winter  Last evening about dark Cook came down and told me General Thayer wished to see me about going to Plattsmouth with him. The General had been notified of further outrages by the Pawnees. Some whites were out looking for the stock they had left previous when they were attacked by the Pawnees, with whom they had a brush.  one white man and two indians were killed and three indians taken prisoners.  the whites then retreated to Weaping Water where there is a few squatters cabins. Here at last accounts they were surrounded by the Pawnees

     Not finding the General at his house or office I went down to the Minnehaha where he had engaged passage and awaited his arrival. We then put on board five boxes of U. S. Muskets one Sixpounder and a supply of ammunition. The General was to take no one with him but wished me to go along (by the way Mr Brown introduced me here as Doctor Beadle I am accordingly called Dr by most of the people)  The Dr. agreed to go the boat was to leave this morning at daylight. Gen. Thayer was to be on board the boat at daylight. I thought of going on the same evening, but getting somewhat wet being out so long in the snow and my throat sore I took some ginger tea and doctored up to take an early start this morning got up at daylight but could not see the boat so I went back to bed disappointed. When I got up an hour after the boat

was just leaving I felt crest-fallen My ambition for glory fell below Zero. I anticepated great sport in organizing a company at plattsmouth and going out to Weaping Water. Not that I expected we should be called upon to fire again, for in this case I should prefer to be away, particular when there was no one to engage with but the poor miserable Pawnees  There would have been however a novelty in the enterprize and perhaps I might have been promoted

     Claim jumpers are being brought up daily  Most of them forego their claimed right on the decision of the Club who give them a fair and impartial trial. occasionally however one is found who is stuborn and will not at once yeald.  one of this class was tried last evening and this morning but would not abide by the decision of the club which was for him to yield his claim and withdraw his filling. The captain of "the regulators" is our Mayor a man six and a half feet high and well proportioned he took the claim jumper by the collar escorted him down into the street, and with a dozen or fifteen men with loaded muskets they started for the "big Muddy." In general the prisoner comes to terms. What was the result in this case I cannot say. The party returned without the prisoner and no questions asked. There is no law here except club laws and vigilance committee to enforce them. A man gets a fair hearing and justice done him but it is quick done and no heavy expence saddled on the County. I am not sure but in most cases this is the best plan all are agreed and a man knows what to depend upon. I think I will be quiet and peacible.

     No mail east of Iowa today. Mr Warner Mrs. Estabrook and myself were expecting letters. We were however all alike disappointed and could sympathise with each other. Mrs. Estabrooks disappointment resulted in the return of her husband which she was not expecting for one or two weeks. Mr E reported the roads in a fine state across Iowa. Which makes Mr Warner and Myself wonder the more that we do not get more letters

     This day has been as warm a one as any we have had since I have been here this Spring and has melted the snow rapidly. The Steamer "Florence" came in this evening discharged her freight for this place and passed up to Florence.

     Sunday 19 -- Soon after breakfast the Steamer "Omaha" came in bound for 'Sioux City. Mr. Estabrook and Myself went down to the boat which was loaded as full as she could hold. Among the freight which has been discharged within the past few days we found large quantities of provisions, Lumber and fruit trees.  business will now fairly commence and in one year the yards will be ornamented with shrubbery and fruit trees giving every thing an Eastern air

     This has been a delightful day and one half of the ground is bare again I begin to be uneasy for some regular business The drawing of the lots in Saratoga which was to have taken place the 17th has been adjourned two weeks awaiting the return of Mr Tuttle. A meeting of the board is to be held Wednesday the 22d when I am to submit a written proposition to them for their action. I do so at their request I cannot say whether it will be accepted or

not. If it is it will be money in the pockets of Saratoga owners, and I believe a small pile in my own.

     The claim jumper that was taken off yesterday held out until they threw him into the river three times. They attached a rope to him threw him into the "big Muddy" then pulled him out if he was not then ready to forego his claim they would Souse him in again, repeating the dose until he came to terms, which was not until he had been in the third time.

     The Steamer Florence stoped at Saratoga, discharged some freight and one passenger. This is the first boat that ever stoped at Saratoga and Dr. J. Seymor the first passenger ever landed. The freight was some brick machines and six carriages for Wm. Young Brown. This is the commencement of commercial business in Saratoga

E. F. Beadle

     Monday 20, April 1856 -- A raw disagreeable day remained in doors speculating on the contents of a letter which I expected at twelve noon. did not get the letter felt a little out of sorts. Mr Estabrook suggested that I hint to my wife that divorces are very easily obtained in this country and perhaps' she would be more prompt. Fearing she would not write at all if I should, I refrain from mentioning the matter at all

     Tuesday, 21 -- Assisted Mr Estabrook this forenoon in copying some legal papers. The snow has disappeared. The Steamer "Col. Crossman" arrived and departed today

     Wednesday, 22 -- Presented my proposition, in writing, to the Sulphur Spring Land Co. Took a stroll down at the South part of Omaha among the hazle brush and prarie cane passed thru occupied Pawnee tents two Pawnee boys came out half naked and wanted I should give them five cents to shoot at a mark. On the side of a bank I found where a mud hut of the Pawnees had been during the winter. The ground in the vicinity was strewed with bones of animals of various size including skulls of cats, dogs, deers, horses and cattle. The vicinity resembled the entrance to a wolfs den more than that of a human habitation.

     I sat down by the side of a lake formed by the high water of the Missouri, and remained motionless for a half hour. The wild ducks came up within ten feet of me and fed along the bank. there were some beautiful ones if I had had a good shot gun I could have killed a fine lot of them. or even with my revolver had it been with me I could have killed some they came so close to me.

     Thursday, 23 -- Two Steamers came in this morning at daylight, "The Edinburg" and "Admiral." I went down before breakfast. both boats were well loaded with passengers and lumber. The latter is very much wanted here as the little that has come has been mostly used even at $100. per thousand which is the price asked for lumber at this time the same lumber can be bought in Buffalo at $16 per thousand

     Having written this much immediately after breakfast I was called upon by a carpenter from Centralia Ill. whom I induced while there to come here. He has two other carpenters and his brother with him they have brought their

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