The Oregon Trail: from the diaries of a 13 year old

Day 45

May 17 1846

Today my father and Mr. Will took took David, Jude, and I hunting. Father wants Jude and I to learn how to hunt so if we marry a city boy we can teach him how to hunt. While hunting an Indian cam across our path on the way back to camp for lunch. I was scared that the Indian wanted to hurt us. David told me to be brave and that he'll protect me. Jude didn't know what to do, so she kept her gun loaded but aimed at the ground. The Indian happened to know English. He asked if we wanted some fur to trade. We didn't have anything, and father wanted some fur. We did have hardtack, so we let the Indian try some. He enjoyed it. We traded the hardtack recipe with his fur. The Indian also gave me and David a jacket the his wife had made. He said that David and I will be together for the rest of time. After that he went on his way. I thought he was very kind, but I could tell Jude didn't think so. I think the is jealous of the way David fancies me.