Collection contains a daily logbook written by a man (from Linneus, Mo.?) traveling in a party by wagon train from St. Joseph, Mo. to Denver, Colo.via the South Platte route in 1863; typed transcript (partly in summary form).

Diary and account of an overland journey from Chicago to the Colorado gold mines, and return, Apr. 16 - Dec. 1, 1860. Brief overland entries note daily destinations, mileage, hay and corn prices, and landmarks passed. There are also several sporadic entries regarding travel in the gold region, payment for a mining claim, cash on hand, and quantity of gold mined. Accounts detail expenditures for food, lodging, and supplies.

Basically, the present work is a source book for overland emigration in 1846. Many diaries too short to merit book publication together provide the substance for Volume I. This first volume, made up primarily of diaries, but including a few letters written by the diarists, members of their families, and others, is rather particularistic; it invites us to share the experiences of specific overland travelers who may or may not be making the journey together.