We were now arrived at the close of our solitary journeyings along the St. Joseph's trail.
Francis Parkman

America, when it became known to Europeans, was, as it had long been, a scene of wide-spread revolution.
Francis Parkman

We were now, as I before mentioned, upon this St. Joseph's trail. It was evident, by the traces, that large parties were a few days in advance of us; and as we too supposed them to be Mormons, we had some apprehension of interruption.
Francis Parkman

Riding in advance, we passed over one of these great plains; we looked back and saw the line of scattered horsemen stretching for a mile or more; and far in the rear against the horizon, the white wagons creeping slowly along.
Francis Parkman

Here society is reduced to its original elements, the whole fabric of art and conventionality is struck rudely to pieces, and men find themselves suddenly brought back to the wants and resources of their original natures.
Francis Parkman

The great medley of Oregon and California emigrants, at their camps around Independence, had heard reports that several additional parties were on the point of setting out from St. Joseph's farther to the northward.
Francis Parkman

Early on the next morning we reached Kansas, about five hundred miles from the mouth of the Missouri.
Francis Parkman

Not a breath of air stirred over the free and open prairie; the clouds were like light piles of cotton; and where the blue sky was visible, it wore a hazy and languid aspect.
Francis Parkman