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from Illinois: a barrel of flour was from $10.00 to $11.00, pork
was $22.00 per barrel, etc., but we used mostly corn flour and
beans as they were the cheapest; the cost for the former was
$3.50 per 100 pounds.
We also had our misfortunes: A prairie fire was started
through our own carelessness after we had put up all our hay,
and this so speedily consumed everything that we barely saved
our tents and belongings, which was done only by bringing them
right through the fire and out on the burnt prairie, which still
flared and sparkled.
Our companion Kempe, who had formed no idea of the
hardships of pioneer life and had many times regretted his trip over
the Atlantic, was very much discouraged over this, which under
the circumstances, and as one considered the high and roaring
blood-red fire pillars on all sides, was not to be wondered at.
The birds flew terrified and screaming in the air; everything
showed in miniature what once shall happen when the gods’
herald Heimdal ascends Bifrost to blow his horn as a signal at
Ragnarrok to Sutur to kindle the entire Universe. During the
night the spectacle was one of awe-inspiring beauty. We could
see how the fire traced different figures under the bluffs, as
every now and then in the woods and dales it shot high pillars
into the air with a noise that sounded like a regiment of
musketeers firing by platoons. Even herds of deer ran bleating
and with aerial leaps over Belle Creek away from the
all-destroying enemy.
We were by no means safe from the fire during the night,
as it worked havoc in the neighboring woods and at times threw
firebrands in proximity to our lodging, even burning a few
holes in the cotton cloth of our tent.
We were on the whole a poorly selected company, as none of
us was skilled in any trade, and besides we had only a few
poor tools. None of us could cut hay to feed our oxen. I had
some idea about it, but through lack of acquaintance with the
new tools I came likewise into an embarassing situation; but as
my companions were still more awkward, I had to take hold and
become the company’s haymaker, which was no thankful job, as
the grass was dry, and beaten down by water, with old grass on
the ground, which made the work very difficult; besides this we
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