June 6th

To day as usual church parade and after that I went for a short walk. After dinner Captain Winder, Brisebois, Jackson and myself had our horses saddled and went for a short ride. We went out on the prairie. Old Satan was looking well and feeling well – the evening was fine and we enjoyed our ride very much. I dare say when you have read my last letter that you will wonder what has become of the flower I said I had inclosed for you. I was having it pressed in a book in the Hospital – and kept your letter open over night in order to put in the flower in the morning – but I was called in such a hurry to send away my letters that I had to close it and send it away at once. I will send it to you in this whenever it goes.

May 18th

Brisebois came up from Fort Kipp today. He is to remain here until further orders. The cattle which came along with the train arrived here about 3 o’clock and the train itself about 4.30 P.M. It was quite an exciting scene to see the crossing of the coulee. The large heavy wagons are tied two together and 8 yoke of oxen generally draw them – but now they put on 16 yoke, 32 oxen all pulling and straining, all the drivers on horseback [s…?ing] along the sides of the long line of cattle – cracking their whips like pistols, swearing and shouting like demons. Then all is quiet as the wagons draw up on the opposite bank.