Wood River, Nebraska May 21st, 1854 Dear Mother, I take the present opportunity to write. We are now about 250 miles west of Council Bluffs, in good health and spirits. We are camped a short distance from the Mail station. The mail runs from here to the Bluffs twice a month and leaves here in about a week. We shall probably be about 4 months on the road from the Missouri to California as we don't intend to hurry. We have got along very well thus far. There is 8 wagons in our company 14 men and some women and children. We shall probably write again before we get through. Your affectionate son J.T.Staples Dear Friends, We are getting along fine, the boys especially they are on hand like a thousand of Bricks. I was appointed Captain of our train. We send love and remembrances to all inquiring friends. Our stock stand is very well. I lost one horse worth $150. Yours Jas. T. Staples