Diary of H. W. Rigler in 1847 and 1848, With Notes [pp. 233-245]

Diary of IL w. I?:~er in 1847 and I84~ [Sept.
and in better condition than at San Diego. aught save the wild goat, and hewed a pas Feb. 41k. - We have commenced clean- sage through a chain of living rocks more
ing up, and find the rooms here as at San narrow than our wagons, to bring these
Diego full of dirt and fleas. Attached to first wagons to the Pacific Coast. 1 We
the mission is a vineyard and an orchard have preserved the strength of our animals
containing olive, peach, and other fruit trees. by herding them over *large tracts, which
Feb. 101k. - Having cleaned up, we were you have laboriously guarded ~without loss.
called out under an order requiring two "The garrisons of four presidios of
hours of drill every day. Sonora, concentrated within the walls of
Sunday, Feb. 141k. - Lieutenant Oman Tucson, gave us no pause. We drove them
with ten men was sent today to meet some out with their artillery, but our intercourse
native Californians near Los Angeles and with the citizens was unmarked by a single
help bring some flour to our quarters. We act of injustice. Thus marching half naked
had preaching today by George P. Dykes, and half fed, and living upon wild animals,
who took his text from the second chapter we have discovered and made a road of
of Daniel. He was followed by Captain gre~t value to our country.
Jefferson Hunt, who exhorted us to be "Arrived at the first settlement, after a
obedient to our officers and to God, and single day's rest, you cheerfully turned off
told us that our Colonel permitted us to hold from the route to this point of promised reservices every Sunday and to invite strangers. pose, to enter upon a campaign and meet as
Feb. iS1k.-After tattoo this evening, we supposed the approach of the enemy,
we had a religious meeting in Brother and this too without salt to season your
Albert Smith's room, where the brethren sole subsistence of fresh meat. Lieutenants
took turns washing each other's feet. By A. J. Smith and George Stoneman of the
permission of the battalion adjutant, I copy 1st Dragoons, have shared and given valuthe following order: able aid in all these labors. Thus, volun "JIeadquarlers Mormon Ballaflon, teers, you have exhibited some high and es "Mission of San Diego, Jan. 301k, 1847. sential qualities of volunteers.
"ORDER No. 1. "But much remains undone. Soon you
"The Lieutenant-Colonel commanding will turn your attention to the drill, to
congratulates the battalion on its safe arrival system and to order, to forms also, which are
on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, and the necessary to the soldier.
conclusion of their march of two thousand "By order
miles. History may be searched in vain " lieu 1. Col. 1). 51. George Cooke.
for an equal march of infantry. Half of it "P. C. Aferrill, Adjulanl."
has been through a wilderness where noth- Feb. 191k. - Today Lieutenant Oman reing but savages and wild beasts are found, turned to camp with a ton of coarse, unor deserts where for want of water there is bolted California flour; and yesterday 30
no living creature. There, with almost hope- bushels of beans were obtained.
less labor, we have dug deep wells, which Feb. 22nd. - An Indian herding our
the future traveler will enjoy. Without a horses and mules was attacked by some
guide who had traveled them, we ventured native Califbmians today, and seriously
into trackless prairies where water was not wounded in the head.
found for several marches. With crowbar ~e'b. 2~rd. - A fine lot of horses was
and pickaxe in hand, we have worked our 1Tliis is a mistake, wagons had previously been taken
way over mountains which seem to defy tROl?aelr1sf,Oarnfl~ka by ~~~~Y~O~~~tgbj}~Pffi~jtt~~H~U~bOldt and Truekee