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Moving to Oregon
Joshua McCullough and his family are moving from St.Joseph, MO to Oregon. Joshua's cousins, aunt, uncles and some friends are going, too. Joshua's Grandpa gives his a journal write things about his life. -
Death on the trail
The wagons go over a rocky bluff and Mr. Allison and his daughter flew off of their wagon. Mr Allison got his leg cut off and died. His daughter got smashed by a wagon and died. -
Fort Kearney
The group had to go to Fort Kearney for supplies and medicine. There were lots of soldiers, a blacksmith and a store. While they were there, Mrs. Hull had a baby. The named the baby Kearney. Joshua said, "He is the ugliest baby I have ever seen." -
Fort Laramie
The group arrives at Fort Laramie. It is very different from Fort Kearney. It has tall walls and big courtyard. There are Indians everywhere. The men and women went into the fort and the children were told to stay outside. Joshua and two other children sneak in. They see buffalo skin rugs and scalp with three foot long hair. -
Joshua killed a buffalo
Joshua's Grandpa brought him on a buffalo hunt. It was very early, and the sun wasn't even up yet. Many men went on the hunt. They spotted hundreds of buffalo. Joshua's Grandpa took out a rifle and handed it to Joshua. He said, "Your shot, son. Line it up in your sites, right through the lungs.". Joshua shot and killed a buffalo. -
Ice Slough
The group found ice. The river backs up and fills the land. It freezes deep down. Joshua cut deep down and got a chunk of ice. He gave it to another kid. Then he threw an ice chunk at another kid, but it missed and almost hit a woman. Joshua said, "I'm sorry, Mrs. Meaney". But he wasn't sorry. -
Berry picking
Joshua and three other kids were sent out to pick berries. They were careful to pick only the blackberries. One kid stuffed his mouth with berries. He ate more than he picked. Later he was very sick at night. They thought he ate the black nightshade berries. Joshua's Mom though the boy might die, but he didn't. -
Fort Hall
The group arrives at Fort Hall. They are happy to be at the Fort, where they are safe. They have been very afraid knowing that some men have been killed. There are Indians everywhere and they are friendly. One gave Joshua's Dad a buffalo skin. Joshua's Dad gave the Indian some tobacco. -
Saving the sister
Joshua's family's wagon tipped over . His Mom shouted, "Lean this way!". Becky, Joshua's sister, fell off her Mom's lap and into the river. Joshua dove in after her. He saw her go under and he went under to find her. Under the water, he saw her dress and grabbed it. He pulled her to shore. Joshua said, "My baby sister is alive tonight". -
A Happy Ending
Joshua's Dad says only a couple more days. Everyone is weary, even the ox. Everyone is walking, except a mean old woman, who knits and complains. Joshua's dog, Buster, has cuts on his paws that will not heal, so he carries him. The next day, they had arrived. Joshua's Dad said, "We made it, Josh". Joshua nodded and said, "We did.".
