And the wives! there is an expression of happy
content on the face of each one. We know, if the world does not, that
the part we are to take on this march is most important. We will see
that the tents are made comfortable and cheerful at every camp; that
the little dinner after the weary march, the early breakfast, and the
cold luncheon are each and all as dainty as camp cooking will permit.
Yes, we are sometimes called "camp followers," but we do not mind - it
probably originated with some envious old bachelor officer. We know
all about the comfort and cheer that goes with us, and then - we have
not been left behind!
RYAN'S JUNCTION, IDAHO TERRITORY,
October, 1877.
WE are snow-bound, and everyone seems to think we that we will be
compelled to remain here several days. It was bright and sunny when
the camp was made yesterday, but before dark a terrible blizzard came
up, and by midnight the snow was deep and the cold intense. As long as
we remain inside the tents we are quite comfortable with the little
conical sheet-iron stoves that can make a tent very warm. And the snow
that had banked around the canvas keeps out the freezing-wind. We
have everything for our comfort, but such weather does not make life
in camp at all attractive.
