15th Nov (1858). Snowing and stormy, leave camp, pass through Old Jackson, a very important village being a meeting point for all western emigrants, crossing the Mississippi river at various upper ferries used in those days. We here take the turnpike leading slightly south of west in the direction of Greenwood. After driving eight miles we come to the terminous of the turnpike at White Water river, where we tackle the mud again, meeting with hilly and rough country, we go into camp after a move of only 16 miles. 16th Nov (1858). Morning clear and cold, left our camp four miles east of Dallas, seat of justice for Bollinger county; it had the appearance of being a lively place, which we passed through. Our way led us over rocky, barren hills, though small valleys were very productive. Hills generally heavy timbered with pine and other growths. Took up camp 18 miles from Dallas, at Mrs. McMeinus, a sister of my father, a very old woman, living near the Castor river where she owned a large farm. This being the first time I ever saw her. My father had another sister who married a man by the name of Arney who moved to Missouri at the same time the McMeinus did and never were heard of afterwards. We reduced our journey today 22 miles, clear and cold. 17th Nov (1858). Cloudy and cold, leave our encampment, cross Castor river, a small and very clear stream here. Pass over a well watered county, but poor and hilly, timber principally pine. We pass through Hog Eyes, a small place, with one mill, two stores, and one saloon. Pitch camp after a days move of 19 miles. 18th Nov (1858). Clear, windy and cold. We break up camp with all our company, having caught up with the Sabbath breakers, they having had bad luck by breaking down a wagon. The piously inclined said that it was a judgment meted out to them for traveling on Sunday. We presume that they judged aright; we now pass over some of the poorest and hilliest country I ever saw. Cross Black river, a most beautiful stream of water. Take up camp, having drovr 20 miles, evening clear and cold. 19th Nov (1858). Morning clear and cold. We left camp, winding our way over Poor Pine Ridge, finding here and there small settlements in the coves and valleys which grow such as corn, wheat and the laziest people on earth; as if we wanted to buy corn or potatoes we had to gather and dig them. As to flour and meal we could scarcely buy either, as mills were scarce, sorry affairs and usually unhandy, they did not appear to have the energy to go to mill, or had no use for money. Meat we could always get plenty and cheap, as they got it out of the woods. We next crossed Current river, a good szed stream, rapid and the clearest I ever saw. On its banks stood the village of Van Buren, consisting of half dozen dilapidated old shanties, plenty whiskey, powder and shot. We camp on the banks of the river having drove about 19 miles. 20th Nov (1858). Left camp, traveled over a rocky, hilly but well watered country, through snow which was very disagreeable to the females. We cut our day's journey very short today, reducing our journey, only 14 miles. Everything indicates more snow three inches on the ground now.