cams_bawatson_b3153_f004_001_03

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Kiss my boy

have some ladies on board among whom is a Mrs Whiteside from Galena [Galena, Mo.]
who is going with her husband to California she is a young good
looking woman, but she has no children and never did have so an old
acquaintance (Geo Sounders) [George Sounders] told me and I think she is unhappy
on that account, at least she looks so to me, but says you what right
sir have you to be looking at women? Well never mind deary I
promise you I shall never do anything Else till I see your own sweet
face, but I am digressing and my page is becoming full. We passed
several considerable towns, among which I would note as of most
importance, Lexington, Brunswick, Jefferson City, Winston &
last though not least Kanzas [Kansas] the last town on the west side
of the Mo [Missouri] river & this brings me to the Indian Territory. The
first object of attraction was "Fort Leavenworth, a U. S. [paper torn]"
Consisting of some very fine buildings upon a most magnificent
Instustion [Institution] which must some day [someday] become a place of importance.
The cold wind move me to the fire (we having had some snow the
day before) from which I was aroused by the cry of "Indians." I sprang
to the deck and beheld for the first time the lords of the soil
in their native wilds, but as near as I could judge they were very dirty
filthy looking lords, which I afterward found to be true as several of
them came to the boat while we were mooring a short distance above.
I confess my love the sight of these people brought very forcibly to my
mind the fact that I was leaving all that is dear to me far behind, but no
more reprising. I arrived here last night at 10 P. M. in good health.
Company not yet arrived, Town Crowded with Emigrants, supposed to be from
2000 to 5000 in the vicinity. There are some backing out, it is now
raining. I should not wonder if some more of hand should crawfish tomorrow.
I was disappointed in not finding letters here but suppose it has not been time for them
to get here yet. Cant [Can't] tell when we shall get off, the season is backward and
now my soul is left [?] once more farewell your own True Husband

Benj A Watson [Benjamin A. Watson]

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Kiss My Son Kiss my baby