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know whether they go as often through to California, probably only once or twice in 6 months___ You can write to me & direct to Chas. Reed St. Francisco California, Washington City and California mining co. or W.C.& C.M.A. After we get to California we shall send someone to get letters at San Francisco. I may not get it, but you can write it at any rate, it will do not harm. - we are in the Indian Teritory, among the Pawnees 12/49 I did not send my letter by the express. I did not get it done in time. We have Just encamped near the banks of the Platte River and not far from a Pawnee village. Today & yesterday we saw many Indians. They came to us & asked for something to eat. They sat down in a row. The Chief came again to our camp with others. We did not let them into our camp but watched them out side.They shook hands & were friendly. I made an indian pudding, which they are very fond of and carried it on fine order to them. I then gave them some cold water. I also gave the Chief a little Sugar & some salt to carry home to his Squaw & Pappose. They then shook hands & left. There are many tribes yet to pass. I hope we shall not have occasion to fight any. There are 2 other companies with us and we are pretty strong. I think we shall go along finely. The country is so beautiful I cannot begin to describe it. I shall give this letter to a man who will have it mailed. [left-hand side] at St. Joseph. I will write again when I get to Fort Kearny. We shall get there in 9 days probably. I and Everyone are all well.____ From morning till night we have traveled on the level pararie or plain. I can think of nothing but a dry ocean or sea. Only think of the contrast between New England hills and one Immense Inward Plain all green & rich like a garden. I am in good spirits and quite well. Give my love to all. Good Bye. Hope you are all having a good time I am enjoying myself quite well but I don't like to be obliged to travel all the time. There are abundance of grass and wild roses. Pinks & beautiful flowers as fair as any of the gentians? of the east-here they are wild and no eye enjoys the beauty but I must close for the present. Good bye again

                                                                                                                                                               Charles Reed