May 15, 1834. My name is Richard
Gaulin, I come from Burlington, Vermont. I am 28
years old and on my way to the Great Rocky Mountains where I hope to make a
respectable living selling pelts to furriers. I make this first
entry on a train bound for Chicago. I boarded the train in Syracuse, New
York where I bought this journal on a lark. I grew up on a farm, but my
father insisted I attend school and I finished the sixth grade so I figure I
can write fair enough to keep a journal. From Chicago I shall travel by
river to the Mississippi and then up the Missouri past Omaha, Nebraska.
Eventually I will be forced to give up the boat for a coach on the last
leg of the trip to Butte, Montana. I hear there are entire mountains
teaming with beaver, mink and ermine waiting for someone like me
My baggage includes a Springfield rifle, traps, snares, knives, an axe and
other assorted tools. I have enough money saved to buy a horse when I get to
Butte.
Oct 18, 1834 - My cabin is near enough finished to protect me from the elements. It may only have one room and a dirt floor, but I have built a fireplace out of rock from a near-by creek to provide warmth this coming winter.
June 14, 1835 - Since my arrival on this mountain I have done well in my estimation, bringing many pelts into Butte. I was able to purchase a Hall Breech loading carbine and a mule. The winter was more severe than I had contemplated. I might have starved to death if I had not shot a bear, early out of hibernation, the first week of March.
Sept. 9, 1836 - A band of Blackfoot Indians camped nearby. We got to trading and I have come away with a wife. I traded her father my Remington, two knives and several pelts. Her name to my ears sounds like Con'ney-aghtal; I call her Connie. She does not understand English and I do not know her language. She is good with a knife and can skin any animal, but she hasn't really taken to becoming my wife. I hope she doesn't kill me in my sleep.
April 7, 1837 - Connie is Pregnant.
Sept. 4, 1837 - Connie gave birth in the cabin to a son. I named him Noble.
Feb. 20, 1839 - Connie is pregnant again.
Aug. 4, 1839 - Connie died in childbirth. The unborn child died with her. They are buried behind the cabin. I have sent Noble to stay with my sister in Vermont.
June 8, 1840 - I am told that the market for beaver pelts has collapsed. People prefer hats made of silk. It will be hard to buy enough provisions with the money I earned for the pelts.
Feb. 1841 - Leg broke. Firewood gone.
Oct 18, 1834 - My cabin is near enough finished to protect me from the elements. It may only have one room and a dirt floor, but I have built a fireplace out of rock from a near-by creek to provide warmth this coming winter.
June 14, 1835 - Since my arrival on this mountain I have done well in my estimation, bringing many pelts into Butte. I was able to purchase a Hall Breech loading carbine and a mule. The winter was more severe than I had contemplated. I might have starved to death if I had not shot a bear, early out of hibernation, the first week of March.
Sept. 9, 1836 - A band of Blackfoot Indians camped nearby. We got to trading and I have come away with a wife. I traded her father my Remington, two knives and several pelts. Her name to my ears sounds like Con'ney-aghtal; I call her Connie. She does not understand English and I do not know her language. She is good with a knife and can skin any animal, but she hasn't really taken to becoming my wife. I hope she doesn't kill me in my sleep.
April 7, 1837 - Connie is Pregnant.
Sept. 4, 1837 - Connie gave birth in the cabin to a son. I named him Noble.
Feb. 20, 1839 - Connie is pregnant again.
Aug. 4, 1839 - Connie died in childbirth. The unborn child died with her. They are buried behind the cabin. I have sent Noble to stay with my sister in Vermont.
June 8, 1840 - I am told that the market for beaver pelts has collapsed. People prefer hats made of silk. It will be hard to buy enough provisions with the money I earned for the pelts.
Feb. 1841 - Leg broke. Firewood gone.
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