CookieAT4;+John+Smith

**John Smith's Wiki Page**

February 24, 1851

Hello. My name is John Smith. I am twenty nine years old. I work for the NewTimes as a news reporter. I currently live in Albany, New York with my wife, Elisabeth and my two sons, William and Joshua. At the moment, I am in good health. I am planning to move west with my coworker, Nathan Phillips because of my job. There are many interesting things happening in the western part of America, so my boss thinks that I should report on what is happening there. I will right down everything about my experience on this wiki. I will post what is happening before my trip, on the journey and after it. I am excited, scared and also sad to be leaving to move west.



February 28, 1851

I am going to Missouri tomorrow. I am going to ride my wagon there which will take about three months. Then on May 1 I will travel on a wagon train on the California Trail which will take five or six months. It starts in Missouri and ends in California. The main reason why I will settle in California is because of the gold rush- there will be many things to report on. Where I will settle in California depends on where the most people are and where the most is going on. Today I have to pack what I will need. Some of the food items that I will bring are flour, yeast, crackers, corn meal, bacon, dried meat, soup, dried fruit, potatoes, rice, beans, and a barrel of water. I will also bring cows, a gun, gun powder and bullets, clothes, saws, hammers, axes, nails, string, knives, candles. and pots and pans. I expect to have a hard time leaving my family, dealing with weather on the journey and finding the best place to settle. I will definitely miss my family and New York. I am excited becaus e I will have a new life and new opportunities. I am scared because I don't know what to expect. Also I am sad, because I am leaving my family. I am not happy in any way about leaving.



 Missouri

March 10, 1851

It is still pretty cold out here since it is March. I am beginning to mi ss my family. I woder if William and Joshua are getting into a lot of trouble these days. Nathan and I do not have much to do on the wagon. We can not change that because we can not even sit in the wagon. We have to walk along side of it. There is still some ice and it is hard to drive over. But at least we are avoiding the extremely cold months. Because of tthat I am guessing that this is the last time we will see ice on our journey. Iam writing an article for the paper about what it is like on a covered wagon. II hope that my boss likes it and that we get there soon.

 covered wagon

March 15, 1851

It is still cold but not as much. I am beginning to draw i n my notebook whenever we stop the wagon. I am also trying to write what I can for the paper even though there isn't much to write and not much time to write it. Besides those two things I have little to do to keep myself occupied. I am getting better in terms of my homesickness and I miss my family the same amount as the last time that I wrote- it has not gotten worse. I hope that that this long trip goes by much better and faster.



 journal

March 25,1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Today was a good day. We had great weather- there was no rain or snow and it was sunny but not too hot. We traveled fifteen miles today which is very good. I am starting to get much more positive about the trip. My homesickness is not getting worse but better. I trust that it will continue to improve. Nathan is also being much more positive also. We both miss our families and have been trying to talk to eachother more so we don't get lonely.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">April 10, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Sorry that I have not written in a while. I didn't have much time because we have not stopped the wagon for long enough. Or at least when we have I have spent all of the time sleeping. I have seen a lot of beautiful wildlife over the past few weeks. I have seen birds, squirrels, bugs, trees, rivers, streams and many other astonishing things. I hope that I continue to see these sights.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">April 27, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31px;">Today we saw no wild life. Well,barely any. We saw some trees but barely any animals. In the late afternoon it started raining. Since we have to walk alongside the wagon we got completely soaked. It rained all day and it will probably rain all night. I hope that this isthe last weather problem that we experience on the journey.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31px;">May 2, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31px;">As they say April showers bring May flowers. We have seen so many plants this month. We are in Missouri and started on the California Trail today. It is different from the journey to Missouri because we are on a wagon train and there are many other people and families with us. I am so excited to finally be on my way to California.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">May 30, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">It is the perfect temperature right now. Not too hot, not too cold. I am starting to get used to the wagon train. At night we form a big circle and we all go inside, have dinner, go to sleep and things like that. It has been a lot better to have the company of other people who are going west while on the difficult journey.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">June 5, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">It's getting boring. I have nothing to do but walk alongside my wagon. I do not even know why I am writing this. I don't even think it is interesting. Today was pretty hot and not fun at all. I got really homesick. I bet William and Joshua are growing every day. I can not believe that I am not there to see them grow. This is going to be a very long journey.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">June 28, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Here is a poem about the journey <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31px;">:

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">__//**The Long Journey West**//__ <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">The smell of the wood and canvas lingers in the air <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">The taste of the dusty air stings my throat <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">The feel of the rocky path under my worn shoes <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">The sight of the many wagons lined up looks like a slow train <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">The sound of the many wheels turning around and around <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Thoughts about what lays ahead repeat over and over in my head

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">July 10, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Today it was so hot that some of my food started getting bad. My water got warm and did not taste good. I am running low on food and had to go hunting. I only got a squirrel. I do not like squirrels. They taste bad. I also hit my foot on a tree and hurt my ankle. I had a hard time walking for the rest of the day. I hate walking.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">July 29, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Today we saw a beautiful bird. It was golden, black and white. Its feathers looked smooth and soft and its eyes were a marvelous orange. I am starting to notice the animals and nature more and I am really enjoying the summer sights. I am having a good time. Nathan is not as aware of what is around him as I am but when I point things out to him, he notices more things in nature. I am actually starting to enjoy the journey.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">August, 1 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Finally! August is here! I am exultant, because even though it is very humid we are almost there. Just three more months of traveling. I wonder what California will look like. How many people will be there? Where will we go after we get there? How will I know where to go? What if there is nothing to report on? I th <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31px;">ought I had everything planned perfectly but now as we get closer and closer to our destination I am not sure.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">August, 27 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Today my canvas ripped and my wagon wheel cracked. I had to stop and sew my canvas back together. That worked out well. What did not work was the wheel. I had no idea how to fix it. I tried to think of something to put in the crack that might hold the wheel together for the rest of the journey. I could not think of anything. Finally I thought of mud. I had to find a stream because it was so hot today and all the dirt was dry so a stream was the only wet place. I got some mud and put it in the crack. It worked! Well, it is working for now. I do not know how long it will hold the wheel together but I am still happy that it is helping at the moment.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">September 3, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Today is William’s birthday. He is turning twelve today. I wish I could be with him. I hope that he is having a good birthday and that he is not upset that I am not there with him. I bet he looks grown up and that he is handsome and tall. He should feel proud of himself. He is the man of the house now. <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Back to my own life: <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Today I hunted again and shot a deer. Nathan and I will enjoy our dinner tonight. I am sure of it.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">September 29, 1851 <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">Here are two poems: <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">**//__Almost There__//** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">We are almost there <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">I know its true <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">I can almost taste it  <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">I can almost smell the California air <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">I can barely wait <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">I have been counting the months <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">I can feel myself getting closer and closer every second <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">We are almost there <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">**//__September__//** <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">Refreshing, cool air <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">Calm, soothing winds <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">Colorful leaves everywhere <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">Beautiful sights every place you look <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">Marvelous blue skies <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">Calm and comfortable <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%; text-align: center;">September <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">October 4, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">We are here! Finally! Today Nathan and I will start looking for a place to settle. I am so excited to be here at last. I have been traveling for eight months. I am so excited. I still can not believe we are actually here. Everything is beautiful here. There are trees and mountains and animals and people everywhere. There is so much going on. There are farmers, families, miners and any kind of person you can imagine. I am so anxious to start looking for a place to settle.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">October 14, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">We found the place. I thought it would take us longer but just near where the trail ended is a place with a lot of people. There is a lot going on. It is the perfect place! Nathan and I have made up our minds.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">October 27, 1851

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">I sent my boss the article about the wagon trail and I wrote an article on the gold rush. There is so much to report on. Right now I am working on an article about what kinds of people are here and what kinds of people should come here. I am also writing to my family every day. I am so happy to be here and I know that it was a good idea to come here.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">October 10, 1854

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">I am sorry that I haven’t written for a long time. I was busy writing for the paper and had other things to do. My family came because my letters were so tempting and the <span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31px;">y could not resist. Elizabeth had said when my boss told me to go that she would figure it out. I guess she did because she is here now. Because of that, I am a lot less lonely. William and Joshua have grown so much over the last three years. Nathan has a family too. He got married last year. His wife’s name is Martha. They are a good match and a happy couple. Everything is going perfectly.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">March 1, 1862

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;">I was looking through some old stuff of mine and I found this journal. Looking back on the journey from New York, I am glad that I came. I had a lot of new opportunities and experiences. I needed a lot of courage to come here because I knew the journey would be hard, that I would miss my family and that I might not survive the trip. The natural landscape really affected my trip. It affected my route because weather determined if we went near water, near trees and near mountains. It affected my destination because I needed to be where there were a lot of people and people were near water, trees and fertile land.

<span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 160%;"> __**<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 170%;">Bibliography **__

<span style="color: #6e6e6e; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">© 2011 The New York Times Company

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">//© 1999-2010 by// [|**//CPRR.org//**]**//.//**

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 120%;">Levine, Ellen. If You Traveled West in a Covered Wagon. New York: Scholastic Inc