1. Typescript copy of diary of Colonel James Tate describing his overland journey from the vicinity of Columbia, Missouri, to California. Includes frequent descriptions of the landscape, and mentions the availability and quality of grass, timber, and water along the route. Also frequently records the number of miles traveled in the day. Entry dated May 9 (pages 5-6) notes that James Tate, Alfred George, and Stephen Letcher were chosen as leaders of the wagon train. Entry dated May 21 (page 8) mentions that George Shoap shot himself through the shoulder. Entry dated June 9 (page 11) mentions death of Mr. Thurman from cholera. (Diary was copied from typescript manuscript in possession of Dr. Kate L. Gregg, Lindenwood College. Original diary was owned by Dr. Alfred R. Reed, 720 East Holt Avenue, Pomona, California, when the typescript was donated to the Missouri Historical Society. Date of donation is not known.) (32 pages), 1849 Apr 5-Oct 7
Scope and Contents
The Oregon-California Collection is an artificial, or subject-based, collection comprising of a variety of documents that have been placed in this collection over the years due to their common subject matter. The collection consists primarily of letters, diaries, and articles from Missouri newspapers relating to overland travel to Oregon and California in the 1840s and 1850s. Most of these items are transcriptions or reproductions, rather than original documents. The collection also includes correspondence of the Missouri Historical Society with various individuals, 1924-1940, mostly relating to papers and publications about 19th-century overland travel to California and Oregon.
Dates
- 1849 Apr 5-Oct 7
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research use.
Extent
From the Collection: 0.5 Cubic Feet ( (1 box))
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository