Successful negotiations were conducted and carried out to everyone's relief and to the benefit of all! This was a hard decision and yer discussion shows that you gave it much thought. I cast my vote fer negotiations, too (and confess to a bit of "convincing," as well). Congratulations on a wise and well considered choice.

Yore Faithful Wagonmistress,
Leni

The Wagontrain's discussion is below. If yer family had a different notion about how to handle this situation, remember..."Never grumble. It makes you about as welcome as a sidewinder in a cow camp."

11:30 A.M. ET Meeting

Room: WWHO_Grp
LeniD joined the room.
MaryJoS: howdy Leni
LeniD: I see folks are gathering fer today's chat.
MsO: Welcome, LeniD
TracyFo: Howdy, y'all
LeniD: We'll give stragglers a few minutes to join us.
SassI: Howdy
CindyJR: HOwdy
JamieEH: howdy
TanyaKi: howdy leniD
LeniD: Howdy MsO and MaryJo. Good to see ya!
MaryJoS: thanks you too
MsO: We are looking forward to this week's adventrures!
LeniD: Good to hear, MsO :-)
LeniD: I think the time is nigh... do ya hev the half hour, Scouts?
MelissaBon: yes
JulieMart: Yes, Ma'am
MaryJoS: yes maam
TanyaKi: yep
NancyHo: yes ma'am
KarenMS: Aye, we do think it's the sun's at that time of day.
MsO: Yes Ma'am!!
LisaSch: yes maam
CandiS: yes ma'am
MarySa: yes
JamieEH: yes
ColleenLH: Yes ma'am
LeniD: Thank ye, kindly.
KayeM: yep
DbMa: yes ma'am
DawnRG: yes Ma'am.
LauraElm: yes

LeniD: Howdy Scouts and Pioneers. It’s been a while since we talked...
Let’s settle in and git comfortable. We’ll take some time to git caught up before we deal with the situation at hand. OK, Pardners?

LeniD: So who is here today? Jest tell us the names of the families from yer group who hev joined today’s meetin’, please. Type yer family names now.

NancyHo: Bell
CindyJR: TOdd
MargaretCo: Codder
MarySa: Nutting
KayeM: Singletons, Clarks, and Smiths
JulieMart: Williams
SassI: Powers
JamieEH: Ackley
LisaSch: Jones, Wilson, Granger, Martin families
NikiJ: Todd
DawnRG: Oliver.
KarenMS: The Knight family
CandiS: smith, wamer, foster, and stone
MsO: Behrins, Colling, Cecelia, Woods, Welch
MaryJoS: Bennett, Wiliams, Bell , Wamer families
TanyaKi: smith family
LeniD: Are there any other families that jest joined us?
TracyFo: Beck, Pikkett, Kimbil, Bryant, Andrews, DukeLyman,
KellyGi: Smith, Thomas, Johnson families are present
LauraElm: White
ColleenLH: Sanford, Goltra, Geer, Collins, JOnes, Fish, Wilson, Belshaw, Agatz, Millington, Waters,Sanford, Frink and Dunlap
MsO: oops, Collins instead of Colling
KimSo: We have along with us the Collins, Goltras, Hunt, and Powers families.

LeniD: It's so good to hev you all here. Thanks fer coming to our meeting.
It’s been a busy time since we last set fer a spell. I’m hoping you are all well, and hev adjusted to the hardships of the trail. It’s hard to believe we hev travled 615 miles and are in Nebraska, already! Seems like we jest left Independence... :::::::sigh::::::

LeniD: Let’s find out what’s bin happening to ya in this jerney. When I ask a question, feel free ta type yer answer.
LeniD: How many of ya bought extra oxen at Courthouse Square, Pardners?

KayeM: we did
JulieMart: we did
SassI: We did
DebMa: Most of our families did
JanetMH: We already had 12 oxen
MelissaBon: not us
MaryJoS: None of us bought oxen at the square
MsO: Behrins, 1 yoke.
KarenMS: We had enough oxen, we just bought a mule.
JamieEH: we did
CandiS: wamer family did
CindyJR: We already had 8.
LisaSch: Granger bought 2 oxen
MarySa: we didn't
NikiJ: We had 14 already
DawnRG: We didn't but wish we had.
ColleenLH: A majority of our wagons did!
KellyGi: Smiths bought extra oxen and an extra cow
TracyFo: We bought 6. Most of us bought some.
LaurelF: we didin't
NancyHo: we had 12, did buy more
LeniD: If ya bought oxen, that was good thinkin’... I suspect you will be glad to hev them as we keep travelin.

LeniD: I saw postings along the trail... looks like many of ya lost yer water when you topped yer kegs off at Independence Spring. Did ya hev a thirsty day, Pardners?

KimSo: Some did. Big mistake.
JulieMart: yes, ma'am!
MaryJoS: some did.
DawnRG: We sure 'nuff did.
MichelleNe joined the room.
MsO: all of our trains did!
KarenMS: We shared our clean water with those poor folks.
ColleenLH: Some sure did!
DebMa: We sure did, but some had milk cows
JanetMH: Another family shared with us.
TracyFo: Very thirsty, but the DukeLymans shared with us.
JamieEH: yes 'm
LaurelF: yep
KellyGi: We didn't lose any of our water--
LauraElm: we did
SassI: Lucky, others shared with us.
NancyHo: very thirsty, nice folks shared
MsO: We were mighty grateful for those that shared with us...
LisaSch: Yes! ma'am. We are not use to walking that much. Water sure would have been nice.
CindyJR: We did, but the water was mighty clear running over rocks at Blue Rapids, so we fille dup there.
MelissaBon: yes but i traded scarves for water
LeniD: I hope ya were considerate of those in need of water, Pardners. Ya hev to be thoughtful when ya travel on the trail.
CandiS: two of our families lost their water
TanyaKi: we waited
LeniD: Sounds as though you found some good solutions :-)

LeniD: What a time we had a the Blue River! That storm made the crossing extra miserable :-( Did ya all make it across, safely?

CindyJR: yes
JulieMart: yep
MelissaBon: yes'm
MaryJoS: yes
NikiJ: yep
MarySa: yes
LisaSch: yes
MsO: yes, but wet!
NancyHo: soaked but well
ColleenLH: Yep
JanetMH: yes
LaurelF: yes but we were wet!
KayeM: finally
CandiS: yes ma'am
TracyFo: Yes, ma'am
SassI: Yes, with the help of others, once again.
JamieEH: yes'm
DebMa: Yes we did, but mighty wet
KimSo: So far, so good
LauraElm: yes
KellyGi: Yes but Hezekiah can't swim so we had to pull him along!
DawnRG: yes
TanyaKi: we made it
KarenMS: I sure wish that toll bridge was there when we crossed.
LeniD: I saw ya helpin' each other here. Thanks fer lookin' out fer others.

LeniD: I agree, Miz Karen :-)LeniD: Did ya take time to climb Observation Bluff? I always make time fer this... puts it all in perspective for me. If ya climbed the bluff, what did you think of that view?

JanetMH: It was great!
NancyHo: loved the view!!
KayeM: it was amazing
DebMa: No, had to make up for lost time!
CindyJR: too plum wore out to climb up it
LisaSch: The view was great!
SassI: Must of missed it, shucks!
JulieMart: It was awe inspiring and invogorating!
KimSo: Kept on rollin'. Missed the great view!
DawnRG: Worth every minute lost!!
MsO: only one of our goups climbed...they were amazed at what they saw
LauraElm: No, trying to keep on schedule
MaryJoS: what a beautiful view. Well worth the late night getting into camp
NikiJ: We wanted to be surprised!
LeniD: Souns as though most of those that saw it liked it as much as I do!
TanyaKi: no
KarenMS: All seven of us took the time to climb up as a family. We figured we needed to take a delay for a nice view, not just difficulties.
LisaSch: some of us wish we would have took a look
MargaretCo: We didn't climb because we were so tired. We enjoyed the extra rst though.
KellyGi: It was pretty, but Hezekiah almost got pushed off the cliff by his wife. They've been bickering a little too much!
CandiS: it was beautiful
MsO: some wished they would have later
LeniD: Oh my! Is Hezekiah all right???
CindyBro: we didn't climb, but wished we had more time
KellyGi: He made it through!
LeniD: Good to hear, Kelly!

LeniD: As we moved along...
I’m so glad we got past that mean Wakarusa River! How many of ya had to pay Fish to help ya cross?

JamieEH: we did
CindyJR: we did
JuneP: We did.
ScottAG joined the room.
KayeM: we paid
MarySa: We had to pay.
JulieMart: We did! Glad he was there fer us!
MelissaBon: we did
TanyaKi: we did
TracyFo: We all did!
MsO: everyone of us!! We sure learned alot!
KellyGi: we paid.
MargaretCo: We did. $5 seemed pretty steep.
SassI: Musta snoozed through that one, too
KarenMS: We were short one oxen so we had to pay. Thankful for the help.
DebMa: Some did and some didn't'
CindyBro: fortunately we had enough oxen to cross ourselves but it took a lot of time with three wagons
CandiS: all of our families had to pay
JanetMH: We had enough oxen to pull our own wagons, so we didn't have to pay ol Fish.
ColleenLH: All of our wagons had to pay Mr. Fish
LeniD: He's an ornery ol' soul, but thank goodness he is there!
LauraElm: we did
KimSo: Every wagon had to pay Fish. WE're all a little more broke. Not good,
LeniD: Sorry ya had to pay so dearly.
NikiJ: We had enough to get us all across with some cooperation.
LeniD: Good to hear, NikiJ.

LeniD: Those rattlers were fierce in The Narrows. Did anyone in yer wagon git bit by those varmits? Hear tell there were some heroic efforts to save lives. Let’s hear about it!

ScottAG: one of are prartys got a snake bite
TanyaKi: I got bit
LauraElm: nope
CindyJR: WE had one snake bite. Sucked the poison out and saved the leg!
TracyFo: Some legs were cut with a handsaw.
MelissaBon: Yes, our 4 yr old son, Jack.
JamieEH: our brother got bitten by a rattlesnake. We used wiskey and horse poop to cure him!
MsO: all our wagons got bit by a snake, but two lost their limbs due to not knowin' how to cure it.
DebMa: Many were bitten, some did better than others
SassI: One of the party did git bit,, but husband is a Dr, so he assisted with salt packs & antibiotics,,
NikiJ: One of the sisters got bit. The other took quick action and sucked out that venom!
CindyBro: Lucy says she's glad her pa is a doctor and knew what to do
JanetMH: I got bit, but my son James Bowie took care of it with his knife.
JulieMart: John (11) got bit. He chewed on a bit of cedron and put a little on the wound and he was good as new in no time
LaurelF: yes, we're still trying to find how to treat it.
ColleenLH: Four of our wagons weren't able to find remedies. But ten wagons came up witha solution
TracyFo: We sucked out the venom.
DawnRG: My eldest Christian remembered to cut the wound and suck out the poison so his brother will be just fine.
LeniD: Interesting cure, Jamie!
JuneP: Got bit by one of those thar rattlesnakes. Had to have the Lord help heal it.
LisaSch: We sucked out the poison, but one group lost 4 legs.
KellyGi: Hezekiah got bit unfortunately. Nathaniel also was bit trying to kill the snake. Both of them are ill, but recovering thanks to our doctor's wife!
MaryJoS: we had four pioneers bite. Thank goodness we have Doc. Isiac with us he knew to fill the wound with powder and light
KarenMS: One of my chitlins did get bit. No time to research, had to be on our way. So we just kept her as still as possible in the rolling wagon and she's slowly recovering.
KristaM joined the room.
LeniD: Good medicine, Julie.
KayeM: The Clarks and Singletons and Smiths put salt in it,
ColleenLH: One wagon put gun powder and whiskey on the bite
JamieEH: we know
KimSo: WE happin' to have Dr. Jared along to help us save those injured.
TanyaKi: re search and thell be ok
LeniD: Reading through all these responses. Sounds as though most made it through...
LeniD: but I bet we hev a lot of folks hobbling still.
LisaSch: We had Dr. Amos but he seemed to loose his leg!
ScottAG: u bet ya
LeniD: Sorry to hear that Miz Lisa.
MsO: yeah, junior made some krutches for Cathrine to hobble on.
LeniD: Glad to hear that, too, MsO.

LeniD: Hope ya bought yer supplies if ya needed them and wrote a letter home at Fort Kearny. Did ya?

ColleenLH: Yes ma'am
JanetMH: yes, we did
KellyGi: Some of us did, others did not.
MaryJoS: we bought some supplies.
JulieMart: We couldn't wait to write to grandma and grandpa
KimSo: Wrote to granny
MsO: yeah, we bought supplies and wrote letters to loved ones.
JuneP: No, we didn't have anybody to write to.
CindyJR: Bought some supplies we needed.
KarenMS: Yes ma'am. My son John wrote to his grandparents.
KayeM: we bought supplies, no letters
TanyaKi: yup*
MelissaBon: yes, got supplies and sent 5 letters back home
TracyFo: We all wrote to those back home. We miss 'em
SassI: Shor nuff, kids wrote to Grandma back in Iowa, & stocked up on more grits.
NikiJ: Got some more flour and beans. Bacon was expensive! Letter were written
MaryJoS: wrote to granny and pappy
ScottAG: yeah we wrote letters at home
LauraElm: Yes Ma'am
LisaSch: yes, we had enough supplies but sent letters back home
CandiS: we sent letters home
LaurelF: We'll write it Monday
MarySa: We bought some supplies and wrote a few letters to cousins.
DawnRG: Sure did. Knew the grandfolks back home would be worried and glad to hear how we were doing.
JamieEH: we did
LeniD: It's good to keep in touch with the folks back home. Glad so many of ya made time fer this.
CindyBro: We thought we had enoughg supplies so we didn't buy any. We're writing the letter on Monday.

LeniD: I shure enjoyed bathin’ in the Platte River at Midway Station. Did ya make time fer this? Didn’t it feel wonderful?

CindyJR: Yes, we were glad to get rid of some dirt!
ScottAG: did u all have to trade two animals for one?
MelissaBon: Feel nice and clean now
JamieEH: no'm
MarySa: yes, it felt good to get clean.
LeniD: Good plan, Miz Cindy.
NikiJ: Feels good to get the dirt off!
MsO: only one of our groups bathed, the rest of us took care of chores.
JanetMH: My how good it felt to clean up!
TracyFo: We still stink.
CandiS: the wamer family is the only one that cleaned up
LauraElm: yes, it was Wonderful
KarenMS: We girls washed clothes and enjoyed swimmin and bathin upstream from the men. Topped off our water supply too.
KellyGi: Yes it felt wonderful! We had some homemade soaps so it was very refreshing.
JulieMart: It was refreshing and fun. Nice break! Then back to work caring for the critters
DebMa: Most of us did not....a little smelly around here
LeniD: Sorry to hear that Miz Tracy. Stay downwind, please :-)
SassI: Naw, we replenished, bartered with other families,, figure we all stink some anyway,, wait till later,,
LaurelF: no didn't have time
JuneP: No ma'am, we didn't stop. Harley is hot on the Oregon Trail.
NikiJ: We were attached to our oxen so we just shod them.
JamieEH: we stink, too
KimSo: Bathe?? Who has time?
DawnRG: I surely wanted to take a dip in that river but my eldest insisted we take care of our animals first! He's wise but would have loved a bath.
TanyaKi: my mom bthed not me tend to the animals
LeniD: Sometimes one jest has to make time fer the pleasures of life, even on the trail, Pardners

LeniD: I hope that scoundrel, Jud Gilman didn’t cheat ya at Gilman’s Station. Did any of ya git taken advantage of by this black-hearted trader??

LaurelF: nope we're too smart :)
MsO: everyone of us lost animals to him!
SassI: Shor ashamed about that one,, got only 3 oxen now,,,
LisaSch: Yes! He swindled us out of 6 oxen!
.LauraElm: Nope, we didn't
KarenMS: Thankfully we chose to just shod our animals. We were mighty grateful once we heard what happened to some other folk.
MsO: One of our trains is down to only two oxen
JanetMH: We shor nuff did! We lost 4 oxen!
LeniD: So... back to Jud Gilman.
CindyJR: No, we got shoes instead of new animals
JuneP: No, decided to keep our tired ole oxen.
LauraElm: We just got new shoes
TanyaKi: he got more than 5!
MaryJoS: lost four oxen to Jud
MarySa: We just shod our animals.
ScottAG: yeah took advantage of our party
SassI: Had the rest left shod ,though.
JulieMart: He got our oxen so we had to pay for extra
NancyHo: kept our oxen, they were doin well
KimSo: Next stop- need new critters
KellyGi: We thought about it but did not do any business with him.
DawnRG: Awful grateful we chose to shoe them instead of trade!
TracyFo: We lost some oxen. But our blacksmith John swindled us out of $40.

LeniD: What did ya learn when ya crossed the South Platte, Pardners? it’s a hard lesson, isn’t it?

MelissaBon: didn't get that far
MaryJoS: we learned a vaulable lesson f
MsO: yeah! we learned to cross goin' down, then halfway through we had to go upstream
TracyFo: We all lost some flour and sugar.
JulieMart: It was a hard one. Thankfully we'd done that kind of thing before
KarenMS: Didn't get thar yet. But we're hearing stories from a train up ahead of us. We'll be sure to watch out when we cross in the next day or so.
LisaSch: Yes! we learned a new way to cross the river
ColleenLH: we learned how to traverse the river
MarySa: We did the same on the crossing
CindyJR: Luckily we made it through
JanetMH: We learned a lesson.
DawnRG: Learned not to cross straight!
KellyGi: We learned always to travel with the river and cross gradually
LeniD: It's a tough crossing. Glad ya made it safely, Pardners.

LeniD: I was shure sorry ta hear of the lost dogs at Windlass Hill. I was even more concerned ta see all those mishaps and belongings flying everywhere? Did ya make it down the hill, safely?

NikiJ: Yes. good thing we had our ropes
TracyFo: We used our ropes.
MarySa: We did. We had ropes. It took a long time.
DebMa: We are all safe and sound
MsO: Behrins lost control, and we all stopped to help them clean up
LauraElm: yes, we did. We brought some ropes
TanyaKi: yup
JanetMH: My fine boys did a great job getting us down safely!
JulieMart: We had lots of chains and ropes and enough to share! We miss our lil doggies, though :(
CindyJR: We had lots of chains so we made it after some hard work
MaryJoS: we got one mighty smart party. We all used ropes and chains
LeniD: Agreed, if ya had ropes, you were in good shape!
LisaSch: some of our wagons made it safely, but one wagon sure had a mess to clean up!
DawnRG: Yep. SUre glad we thought to use those ropes and chains.
LeniD: Glad to hear ya helped those less fortunate, too.
SassI: Used ropes & chains. Tied chains to axle to guide wagon down slowly. Tied stuff together with ropes. Took 2 hours.
KimSo: Goltras lost lots- had to take some time to gather belongings
KellyGi: Yes. Sarah broke her finger. We lost some of our belongings. WHat a shame.
ScottAG: we got two ropes are we gonna make it?
JanetMH: Wer hoppin to find our german shepherd, Kenny!
LeniD: Hope Kenny turns up, Janet.
KellyGi: Haven't seen any strays this way. We'll keep a look out!
LisaSch: We haven't seen kenny
LeniD: I saw some notices along the way... hope all those dogs are found :-(
MaryJoS: will be on the lookout for kenny
ColleenLH: No strays our way
CindyJR: We've got ours!
KimSo: We just saw Kenny walk by
MsO: We saw some pretty dogs missing

LeniD: Wasn’t Chimney Rock a splendid sight? Did ya leave yer John Henry there?

JamieEH: nope
JulieMart: we didn't see it
NikiJ: we are now a part of history!
LauraElm: We lost Watch
JanetMH: Heym, hold em fer us please Kim!
SassI: Yep & a drawing, too.
LisaSch: Yes! We carved our names in Chimney Rock!
MaryJoS: no messages but a message for our family that is following up behind
TracyFo: No, we kept right on movin'
MarySa: yes and left a note for our lost dog, Watch
MsO: yep! we all signed, and we found a note saying calvary found our dogS!
CindyJR: Nope, just enjoyed the site
CindyBro: Our dog went missing, but Joel went back and found him with "some rascals who were planning to keep him." We got him back.
LauraElm: Yes, we left a note as well
JuneP: No, we were running late.
JanetMH: We carved our names also!
MaryJoS: we saw our dog may be found and waitin at the fort for us
TanyaKi: carved
LisaSch: we found a letter about our missing dog Watch
LeniD: I love reading the notes on Chimney Rock. Some mighty famous people hev passed on by there!
KarenMS: Man, our wagon must be trailin behind in the dust. We are slow.
SassI: We'll see watch in Ft. Laramie,, army cooks takin care of him

LeniD: Did yer Scout tell ya the story of Hiram Walker, Pioneers??? I git chills every time I hear it. If ya don’t know it, tell yer Scout ya want to hear this tale. Ask nicely, of course, Pardners :-)

LauraElm: We told em the tale!
ColleenLH: Will do
SassI: Kids were wide eyed & awed with that story
JulieMart: We'll have to ask
JanetMH: My boys claimed they weren't scared, but they looked otherwise!
LauraElm: yes
CindyJR: Spooky tale
TracyFo: Enjoyed it around the campfire
MsO: I got the little ones a bit rattled by that story!
KimSo: We agree
KellyGi: Haven't yet but the pioneers are excited to hear about it!
NikiJ: They were thinkin the tale was kinda sad.
LeniD: It's a frightening tale, indeed. It is sad, Niki.
KarenMS: Miss Niki, you'll have to share it with us when our wagons meet later today.

LeniD: Well, it was good ta catch up. Now... let’s take care of the very serious situation of today.
Settle in... listen carefully. We will make this decision together, but you must use both yer hearts and yer minds here. Are you ready?

MsO: We're payin' attention now
TanyaKi: we lost our dog
CindyJR: yep
CandiS: yes ma'am
ColleenLH: yes
JuneP: yes
JanetMH: yep
CindyBro: yes'm
KayeM: yes
KellyGi: were listining
MarySa: We're ready.
KarenMS: yes'm
JulieMart: yes ma'am
LaurelF: yep
DawnRG: yes.
DebMa: We're listening
NikiJ: yeo
KimSo: Yep
JamieEH: yes'm
LisaSch: Yes we are ready to make our life and death decision
MelissaBon: yes ma'am
ScottAG: yep

LeniD: Good. I need yer full attention, Pardners.
We seem to hev stumbled into an Indian camp, folks. The Indians look like they’re ready to fight, to me. They’ve asked fer an oxen from each wagon. They want precious sugar and bacon from our supplies, too. It’s a heavy price.

LeniD: We will decide as a group what to do! Here are the choices. Please wait to tell me your decisions until I ask fer them.
Do you think we should:
rade and hope for peaceful travel?
Attack immediately?
Take a stand and defend?
Risk meeting with their leader and negotiate?

LeniD: Use yer hearts, as well as yer minds. We still hev a LONG way to travel. I would like us all to reach Oregon Territory, safely. Let’s be wise here. Talk to yer wagon family. Type yer decision when you are ready.

TanyaKi: risk
MaryJoS: meeting with the leader
TracyFo: We think we should negotiate with the leader
CandiS: negotiate
NikiJ: negotiate
JamieEH: meet with leader and negotiote
JulieMart: negotiate
LauraElm: risk meeting with their leader and negotiate
JanetMH: We think we should try to talk with the injuns and negotiate.
MsO: We need to talk this over
CindyBro: negotiate
CindyJR: negotiate with the leader
LaurelF: we want to negotiate with the leader
MarySa: We want to meet with the chief and negotiate.
NancyHo: we would like to meet and talk to them ,but are open to giving up some goods
DawnRG: Meet with leader and try negotiating.
MelissaBon: Let's meet with the leader; no sense in startin a fight ifn we don't hav to
LisaSch: We all agree we shoud negotiote with the leader.
JulieMart: we could make some new friends
KimSo: We say- attack!
KristaM: We need to take a risk
JuneP: We need to attack and keep what is rightfully ours.
SassI: Take astand & defend what you have & remind them of the treaty of 51,,, if they attack, we atatck, if they back down, we'll still barter,,
KellyGi: Lola in our group is an Ogalala Lakota Souix indian. She would like to talk to these indains.
ColleenLH: we would like to negoiate
ScottAG: we will trade and hope for peaceful travel
GinaH: Our families voted to take a stand and defend-#3
LeniD: Kim and June (and Gina). I highly advise ya to reconsider yer thinkin...
MargaretCo: We're feeling like we should stand and defend. We don't want trouble, but don't want to give away our hard earned provisions either.
MsO: Behrins: Attack, Collins: Attack, Cecelia Attack, Woods Attack, Welch attack. Looks like 5 wagons would like to attack.
DebMa: 6 wagons want to negotiate, one wagon says,"attack", 2 want to defend, we are still deciding
MelissaBon: Let's have the Indian lady talk with their leader
KarenMS: We think we should gather our weakest oxen as they will likely be used for food anyway and give them.
JuneP: Well then maybe we better negotiate with the leader.
LeniD: Hmmm... I see we hev some hot blooded pioneers here, as well as many thoughtful ones.
JulieMart: Lola can help us all!
KarenMS: Also, we've heard alot about scalpins and we don't want to jeopardize anyone.
JanetMH: I still think negotiatin is best!
LeniD: Kin we all go along with the majority thinkin?
CindyBro: We have seven children and a pregnant mom. We don't want to fight. We're not soldiers.
LeniD: Risk and negotiate?
MaryJoS: yeas ma'am
JulieMart: we could bring a peace offering along with our negotiator
CindyJR: yes
MelissaBon: yes ma'am
JuneP: Sounds good.
NancyHo: sounds good
MarySa: yes
CindyBro: yes
LauraElm: yes
ColleenLH: yes
JanetMH: yes
DawnRG: Yep.
KellyGi: Yes.
LisaSch: Yea
SassI: Brin that Indian lady along,,
JamieEH: yes
JulieMart: yes
NikiJ: yes
KarenMS: We're still think non.
KristaM: Yes ma'am
NancyHo: peace offerins are good too
GinaH: We can give it a try.
LaurelF: yes
DebMa: yes
MargaretCo: I still say it won't work very well.
MsO: This group wants to attack, but there are some unsure...
ScottAG: yes
MsO: This group wants to negotiate.

LeniD: I’m proud of ya, Pardners. You are showin’ that you are made of the right stuff. I hev high hopes fer the remainder of our jerney. As yer leader, I hev decided we will negotiate.

NancyHo: attackin right off can lead to further trouble, if they think that is how we do things
KarenMS: If the majority votes to negotiate then let it be known if it goes sour we were for givin in our oxen.
TanyaKi: negotiate
NancyHo: noted, karenms

LeniD: Give me a few minutes, please...

This is what happened...
Our decision to risk a meeting was successful. We learned from the negotiations that the Indians are making these demands because many are in need of food. We gave them several head of cattle, and a large quantity of flour and beans. We were given safe passage within the boundaries through these Indian lands.

NancyHo: yippee!
JulieMart: Hoorah!
LeniD: I'm breathin a BIG sigh of relief!
CindyJR: yea!!!
TracyFo: yeh
MelissaBon: yee haw!
SassI: Yeeehhaaaww
ColleenLH: yeah!!!
MarySa: yeah.
JamieEH: yahoo!
KellyGi: yeeeeehaw!
LauraElm: yay
MaryJoS: yeeehaaa!
LisaSch: Thank goodness
JuneP: Thanks for changing our minds!
JanetMH: YeeeeHawwww!!!!
DawnRG: Yippee!!!
KarenMS: Praise be.
MsO: We are glad we changed our minds!
KimSo: Thank the Lord above!
DebMa: yeeehhaaaawwwww!!!!!
CindyBro: yay!
JanetMH: Thanks fer yer leadership, Leni!
LaurelF: thank the Lord!
KristaM: YeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeHawwww
NikiJ: yay!
CindyJR: you're a good scout mistress!
JulieMart: Way to go, wagon train and Mistress!

LeniD: Thanks fer going along with the decision, Pardners. Ya did a great job, here.

KarenMS: We had our doubts but are thankful for that injun woman and the others that negotiated.
KristaM: Yes,praise the Lord
SassI: Amen

LeniD: Here’s hopin’ the Fates continue to smile upon us. Be good to yer families and respect yer Scouts, Pioneers. Till we meet agin...
TracyFo: see ya on the trail
LeniD: Yeeeeehaaaaaaaaa!
MelissaBon: bye for now
CindyJR: happy trails!
ColleenLH: So long, until next week
MsO: thanks for the guidance!!! ON TO OREGON!
JuneP: Happy Trails!
JanetMH: Byeeeeee!!!!
DebMa: so long
CindyBro: bye all
KarenMS: See you soon Todd family (NikiJ)
JulieMart: God Speed!
SassI: Orgegon or bust
KellyGi: see ya all next week!
JamieEH: Westward HO!
LaurelF: bye y'all
LisaSch: so long see next week
MaryJoS: safe travelin
KarenMS: See the rest on the trail.
LeniD: Time to git back to work. Bye fer now.
KimSo: Happy trails for now!
TanyaKi: yeeeeeeeeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwww
KristaM: ON TO OREGON
LauraElm: bye
DawnRG: God speed.

Respectfully submitted by Wagonmistress Leni

1:00 P.M. Meeting

JeannieG: We almost got caught in a twister.
NancySW: Hi - The wagonmisttress just arrived.
SheriBl: howdy, wagonmistress
JeannieG: Howdy Ma'am.
MichelleNe: howdy
TamaraV: how do
ElizabetCh: Howdy
RobinLK: Howdy
JudyPel: Howdy ya'all
NancySW: What a purty sight y'ar, ma'am
MichelleNe: it is nice traveling with all of you

LeniD: Howdy, all. We'll give stragglers a few more minutes to join us.

JudithEH: Howdy
BarbaraHi joined the room.
LynnAW joined the room.
KathyR joined the room.
JeannieG: Can anyone send me a copy of the transcript from last night. I missed the chat and I'd really like to know what happened.
LynnAW: Hello from Maine
MichelleNe: are you all ready
SheriBl: yes!
TamaraV: oh yeah
ElizabetCh: you bet
JosephBS: YES!
SheriBl: yall, know it
MichelleNe: doesn't the warmth of the campfire feel good
SheriBl: ya
StephanieE: yep
JosephBS: yes!
RobinLK: It's good to rest a spell and visit others on the trail.
MichelleNe: i hope you all have some good stories to share tonight
JudithEH: Amen its good to be warm and jist visit

LeniD: Howdy Scouts and Pioneers. It’s been a while since we talked...
Let’s settle in and git comfortable. We’ll take some time to git caught up before we deal with the situation at hand. OK, Pardners?

A Chorus of Affirmative Answers....

LeniD: So who is here today? Jest tell us the names of the families from yer group who hev joined today’s meetin’, please. Type yer family names now. JeannieG: Cooley Pickett family
EmilyPK: Walkers
TeriR: Frost and Snow.
TamaraV: smiths, jones, bennets, and knights
LeeannS: Welch
LynnAW: Brownville5
BarbaraHi: fish
CindyW: Duncan
SheriBl: the deady
ElizabetCh: Bailou
JudithEH: Bethell and grandsons
MichelleNe: baker,
DanaWa: Joy, Madd, Caam, Superior, Spears, and Sideout Families
KathyR: the Rodgers family
RobinLK: The group from ole St. Joe
LisaMcc: Minto and Smith Families
NanyaG: Kitt, Oakley, Ford, Sutter, Langtry, and Grace families are present
StephanieE: sharpfamily
MichelleNe: lemon
MaryJS: scott, ingalls
LeslieK: Hembrees
JudyPel: Boone, Powell, Millington, Ray, Baker, Walker, Mark
LisaHS: You can say FISH
LeniD: Good to see you all! Anyone else?
TimberT: The Wilder Family. Pa, Thomas, Ma Sally, Mark, Coreena, And baby Logan.
MichelleNe: waller, vanghan

LeniD: Thank ye kindly. Let's git started...
It’s been a busy time since we last set fer a spell. I’m hoping you are all well, and hev adjusted to the hardships of the trail. It’s hard to believe we hev travled 615 miles and are in Nebraska, already! Seems like we jest left Independence... :::::::sigh::::::

LeniD: Let’s find out what’s bin happening to ya in this jerney. When I ask a question, feel free ta type yer answer. Ready?

A Chorus of yeps, yes’s, and yes Ma’ams ....

LeniD: Thanks fer the polite comments, Pardners. :-) Manners mean a lot :-)
How many of ya bought extra oxen at Courthouse Square, Pardners?

TeriR: We did. Two yokes.
LeeannS: we did
KathyR: not us
LeslieK: WE did not
ElizabetCh: we did
JeannieG: We bought extra oxen and horses and mules
EmilyPK: we decided we needed the oxen, and thank goodness we did!
RobinLK: We did
LynnAW: Several of us did.
TimberT: not us
LisaMcc: No
TamaraV: us neither
NanyaG: Two of our families did. The other four families had six or eight to start with.
LynnAW: It was robbery
BarbaraHi: Yes
JudyPel: 6 of our 7 families decided to git more!!
LoriE: !
LeniD: If ya bought oxen, that was good thinkin’... you will be glad to hev them as we keep travelin.
JudithEH: bought four
CindyW: We didn't -- already had ten and felt that was enough for one wagon.
StephanieE: not us, we did get 2 extra horses
LeniD: Yes, Miz Lori?
MichelleNe: one group did, i thought it was unfair
MaryJS: scott's got 2, ingalls had plenty got a fast horse just in case
LoriE: So sorry folks, but we just got back from eatin vittles. We are doing well on the trail.
LeniD: Lorie, welcome! We are just remembering events from our jerney thus far.
LeniD: Jest follow my lead, Pardner.

LeniD: I saw postings along the trail... looks like many of ya lost yer water when you topped yer kegs off at Independence Spring. Did ya hev a thirsty day, Pardners?

LynnAW: We sure did
TamaraV: OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TimberT: yes
KathyR: very thirsty
TeriR: We were able to trade work for water.
DanaWa: absolutely
SheriBl: yes ma'am
RobinLK: Nah, we didn't top off
LeeannS: We didn't top off, but it helped us trade water for labor
EmilyPK: we were thirsty, all but one lucky group
JeannieG: We didn't top off and in fact were able to sell water to two families.
ChristineV: no, we didn't top off.
JudyPel: WE did, but learned a lot bout cholera!
KathyR: good neighbors helped tho
LoriE: The Campbell family did just fine. The rest were thirsty.
JudithEH: We didn't top off jist shared some
StephanieE: we didint top off
LisaHS: Yip, but it shore does beat cholera, yuck!
NanyaG: We couldn't believe that the sign was covered up. We were thirsty but glad we didn't take a drink before we left. Cholera would have been bad to have startin' off.
LeslieK: Yes indeed but our friends the welches shared with us and we fixed them a mighty fine dinner
MichelleNe: yes, other people on the train were willing to share with us, It takes working together for all of us to survive this trip.
MaryJS: we'all luckily were too excited to get on the trail
LeniD: Remember, watch to see how ya kin help others, folks. Our comfort and safety all depend on cooperation.
NancySW: We didn't top of our water too
LisaMcc: Yes mam

LeniD: What a time we had a the Blue River! That storm made the crossing extra miserable :-( Did ya all make it across, safely?

TeriR: Sure did!
EmilyPK: what in tarnation did they have that covered up fer
SheriBl: yes
ChristineV: yep
RobinLK: Sure nuf
TimberT: yes ma'am
LeeannS: yes ma'ma
BarbaraHi: yes!
LynnAW: We were really drenched but we made it
LoriE: We all made it safely
NanyaG: Yep. We all made it. Thank goodness.
TamaraV: we made it, but it was rough
JudithEH: yep
JudyPel: Wet and weary but thankful!
JeannieG: We made it but it was close
StephanieE: wemade it
EmilyPK: barely made it across
MichelleNe: we all made it across, we were covered in flour from head to toe
LeniD: It was a miserable day. Glad ya made it without major problems.
LeslieK: Yes we did
SheriBl: thankfully

LeniD: Did ya take time to climb Observation Bluff? I always make time fer this... puts it all in perspective for me. If ya climbed the bluff, what did you think of that view?

LisaMcc: Wow!
LeeannS: yes and it was beautiful
ChristineV: no we decided not to.
NancySW: Yes we did
SheriBl: great
KathyR: incredible view, mam
TamaraV: we didn't have time to stop for the bluff
JudyPel: Awesum!!
TeriR: We'all thought it was amazing. 'Cept Henry.
LynnAW: It was so pretty and so many wagaons.
TimberT: we decided to save time and keep going on the trail
NanyaG: it was gorgeous. Got to see what lied ahead. boy were we tired and hungry when we go to camp though.
LoriE: Rugers thought it was fun and it was a great view. Everyone else missed out.
LeslieK: Yes and it was beautiful we sure were tired at the end of the day though
CindyW: We decided to leave the future a surprise... no climb.
RobinLK: WE all didn't have time to stop
JeannieG: Those of us that climbed thought it was beautiful. Those of us that stayed behind got lots of rest while they waited.
JudithEH: The boys were jist speechless and I was jist amazed!!
StephanieE: yes I like it too
LeniD: It's hard to find energy fer the climb...but worth it.
MichelleNe: we thought the view was amazing, it made me feel kind of scared about what lied ahead for us
LeniD: Good point, Miz Michelle.

LeniD: I’m so glad we got past that mean Wakarusa River! How many of ya had to pay Fish to help ya cross?

LisaMcc: Me
ChristineV: We did
DanaWa: all but one of us
SheriBl: I did ma'am
TimberT: we did
TamaraV: not us
LoriE: us'n did
TeriR: Luckily we had enough oxen.
JeannieG: We paid and thank goodness he was there to help.
RobinLK: We did't
KathyR: sigh, we paid
JudyPel: Us'n too!
LynnAW: Some of us paid. It was worth it.
LeeannS: we paid
BarbaraHi: no
EmilyPK: we took it up with the leader
JudithEH: We did for one wagon
NanyaG: Four of the six families had to pay. the others had enough oxen. Can't believe how much money Fish was makin'.
LeniD: Fish is a character... he is gettin rich off folks like us!
MichelleNe: we had to pay but paying better than losing our lives
MaryJS: our men took ingall's FAST horse to save time and good thing too
CindyW: Our own oxen were jist enuf... got 't save our money.
MaryJS: scott's had to pay but ingalls had PLENTY of xtra oxen
LeniD: But... he makes our life a lot easier.

LeniD: Those rattlers were fierce in The Narrows. Did anyone in yer wagon git bit by those varmits? Hear tell there were some heroic efforts to save lives. Let’s hear about it!

LeeannS: yes, and we used mud to save the leg
SheriBl: we sucked out the venem
LeslieK: We escaped that fate
DanaWa: we sucked the venom out as well
LynnAW: Some of used gunpowder and some sucked it out.
StephanieE: We was lucky, sucked the venom out.
KathyR: sucked the pizen out meself
TeriR: My husband Thomas was bit but we used whiskey, amonia, a little water and a tobacco poltice. He recovered well.
LeniD: Sounds like you used wise remedies, Pardners.
MichelleNe: we tired a rope between the bite and the heart to stop the venim from reaching it
NanyaG: I guess it was out of our hands. We managed to avoid the rattlers (skipped that fate card).
JeannieG: We got bit but we were lucky. We even brought along some black cohosh to help with the pain
TamaraV: we had a few folks lose a limb, but one of our families was able to suck out the venom and save the leg. WHEWWWW. It came in handy havin a doc with us all
ChristineV: we used whiskey and tobacco
RobinLK: We got bit, but used cow manure or other remedies
LeniD: Kathy.. wow!
MichelleNe: the others wanted to lose the leg
LoriE: A brother, sister, and mom got bit. We had to saw off a leg, used chicken meat and poured whiskey on the bites.
LynnAW: We had some parents who lost their leg
LeniD: Good thinkin, Jeannie.
CindyW: One of our boys got bit but we packed the leg wth salt and clean water a couple a tmes.
MichelleNe: but i was afraid of infection would kill me
JudithEH: Isaac found one and it was a good thing that there were some baby chicks on hand would have used deer heart ifin I would have found one
TimberT: Mark got bit and we used salt water and flannel and fixed it right up
LeniD: I've heard that kin be quite effective, Robin.
LeniD: I'll bet we still hev a few folks hobblin around :-(

LeniD: Hope ya bought yer supplies if ya needed them and wrote a letter home at Fort Kearny. Did ya?

ChristineV: Yep
LisaMcc: We did
SheriBl: yes ma'am
LeeannS: we sent several
TeriR: Yes we did, ma'am.
KathyR: wrote to my best bud
JudyPel: yep!
RobinLK: yep
DanaWa: two families did and had lots to say!
LoriE: Yep, we are ready to go on.
TamaraV: some did, but some shur were runnin low on stuff. prices was up too
TimberT: not yet
StephanieE: yes
JeannieG: We all posted letters. I'm sure the family back home will be happy to know we are safe and sound
TimberT: we're gonig to
LeniD: It's so good to stay in touch with the folks back home. I'm sure you had LOTS to tell them!
StephanieE: Lots indeed
LeniD :-)
LeslieK: We loaded up on everthing at fort kearney
RobinLK: It's been exciten
MichelleNe: we did not take the time to write, because we were too busy preparing for the rest of our journey , we needed more supplies
NanyaG: Bought some bacon and flour. took a good rest. Wrote back home about all the adventures. Can't say I miss the homestead yet. Lookin' forward to Oregon.
JudithEH: Left some notes for those coming up no kin to send to

LeniD: I shure enjoyed bathin’ in the Platte River at Midway Station. Did ya make time fer this? Didn’t it feel wonderful?

LisaMcc: Soer did
RobinLK: Didn't have time
TeriR: Sure did.
ChristineV: sure did
LeeannS: the women folk bathed, the men chose not to, boy do they stink!
SheriBl: sure did ma'am
JudyPel: I's sur we will!
EmilyPK: it was nice to rest a while, sure is a long but satisfying journey
JudithEH: Oh it was down right wonderful
LeniD: Sometimes ya jest hev to make time fer pleshures and comforts.
LoriE: We kept moving.
MichelleNe: we did not stop but we wished we would have,
JeannieG: Some of our group bathed and others chose to hunt and tend the cattle. Boy do they smell.
LeslieK: We took a good soak and refreshed the oxen too
SheriBl: same here
LeniD: Those of ya who didn't bathe... hope you're all sittin' downwind! :-)
JudithEH: smelling was why the boys got in
LeniD: Sooo...
I hope that scoundrel, Jud Gilman didn’t cheat ya at Gilman’s Station. Did any of ya git taken advantage of by this black-hearted trader??
EmilyPK: nope
LisaMcc: I dd
TeriR: No we didn't, ma'am!
StephanieE: we did. :(
ChristineV: we did.
NanyaG: No. Avoided him too
LeeannS: yes ma'am
LoriE: Lots of us got caught by him.
JudyPel: We haven't met up with him jest yet.
JeannieG: We got our animals shod, but I didn't like the look of him so we didn't trade.
DanaWa: ahhhhhh....he took us all!
SheriBl: we did and i despise him!!!!!!
JudithEH: cut throat thats what he is
LeniD: I'm so sorry fer yer troubles, folks. Gilman takes advantage of folks in every wagon train I bring through here.
LeslieK: Nope we shod all 24 oxen and two horse
MaryJS: then why didn't ya warn us?
LeniD: I cain't make all yer decisions fer ya, Miz Mary. Ya hev to be wise about sech things.
LeniD: As we continued on the trail....
What did ya learn when ya crossed the South Platte, Pardners? it’s a hard lesson, isn’t it?
TeriR: Yes it is, ma'am
ChristineV: yep
DanaWa: we learned we better not go straight across a river!
JeannieG: Yes, it was a tough crossing for us.
NanyaG: Valuable lesson learned.
RobinLK: Sure nuf, but we learned a good lesson
LeeannS: it was rough
SheriBl: yall know it
JudithEH: glad to have others leading the way
MichelleNe: it was rough we had to make sure we did not go straight across

LeniD: I was shure sorry ta hear of the lost dogs at Windlass Hill. I was even more concerned ta see all those mishaps and belongings flying everywhere? Did ya make it down the hill, safely?

MichelleNe: we read the Emmigrant's Guide to help us
SheriBl: we did
JudyPel: We'll heed yer advice as we git there, thanks!
StephanieE: hard lesson
LisaMcc: We did
TeriR: Yes ma'am! We used our ropes and chains.
MichelleNe: if you don't ahve a copy you should get one
RobinLK: yep
MaryJS: i guess that the trouble being a greenhorn
ChristineV: we did too
LeniD: Good, Miz Michelle. That should be in every wagon :-)
JudithEH: With good prayer and sense we did
NanyaG: Made it. We've got some really resourceful trail leaders.
EmilyPK: we made it, but it sure was a long, grueling process. one group plum scattered everything and nearly ruined their wagon
LeniD: Yep, yer right, Miz Mary. But the only way to larn is by the experience of doing.
JeannieG: We used the advise in the Emmigrant Guide.
MichelleNe: and not be the first one across the river:)
JeannieG: We also followed some advice we read at the last stop about using trees for drag.
JudithEH: That was a fine guide book
LeniD: I'm hopin' ya helped any families that had mishaps, Pardners.
NanyaG: We try to help anyone who needs it. Its the kindly thing to do
SheriBl: yes ma'am
EmilyPK: sure, all were helpful and mighty concerned, tis a reminder of the dangers we need to be cautious of
JudithEH: had those boys movin to help where they could
SheriBl: that's what it's all about - helping each other
DanaWa: we had two families that were mighty kind
MaryJS: when we help things usually take a turn for the worse
MichelleNe: we want everyone in our train to make it alive
JudyPel: We's learnin how important stickin together iz!
LeniD: Good! That's so important!

LeniD: So... as we continued on the trail...
Wasn’t Chimney Rock a splendid sight? Did ya leave yer John Henry there?

KathyR: we surely did
LisaMcc: I did
MichelleNe: no
SheriBl: yes sirry!
RobinLK: We'all sure did
LoriE: Not quite there yet.
TeriR: Yes ma'am! Sure did,
ChristineV: Yes it were and we all left ourn names
JudyPel: Wez plannin on it-- cain't wait to git there!
JeannieG: We did and found the names of some people we knew that were there before us.
NnyaG: Tried to carve it in. Many were too busy takin in the sites
LeslieK: No Mam
JudithEH: In big old letters for to be remembered
LeniD: Some mighty famous people hev passed that rock. Did you see their names?
EmilyPK: we didn't leave our JH but we were taken back by the fact that Kit Carson was really there.
TeriR: We saw Kit Carson and John C. Fremont!
RobinLK: Yep we saw Kit and John too
SheriBl: me too
KathyR: can't wait to larn about some of those fellas
JeannieG: So did we.
LeniD :-)
JeannieG: and the Whitman's.
JudithEH: The boys loved those writings from Kit Carson and John Fremont
NanyaG: We saw Kit Carson and John c. Freemont

LeniD: I wonder, Pioneers... Did yer Scout tell ya the story of Hiram Walker, Pioneers??? I git chills every time I hear it. If ya don’t know it, tell yer Scout ya want to hear this tale. Ask nicely, of course, Pardners :-)

JudyPel: So Long folks, we's goin to get vittles-- wish we could stick around a bit longer! Good luck next week!
ChristineV: Our scout told us the stor y.
LeniD: Judy, sorry ya must leave us.
TeriR: Yes we heard it! Scared us all to death. S'pecially little Ellie.
SheriBl: i didn't like it
LeniD: It is pretty scary... and a mite bit sad.
JeannieG: Must have been a tough decision to make.
LeniD: Sorry ya didn't like it Miz Sheri.
MichelleNe: we heard it around the campfire and it sent chills down our spine
RobinLK: St Joe group gotta go have vittles. Happy trails and see ya soon.
JudithEH: A good tale for sure
LeniD: Bye, Robin.
NanyaG: Plannin' on tellin' it around our next campfire. Haven't had time yet
TimberT: we haven't heard it yet
EmilyPK: haven't yet

LeniD: Well, it was good ta catch up. Now... let’s take care of the very serious situation of today.
Settle in... listen carefully. We will make this decision together, but you must use both yer hearts and yer minds here. Are you ready?

A Chorus of yes’s...

LeniD: We seem to hev stumbled into an Indian camp, folks. The Indians look like they’re ready to fight, to me. They’ve asked fer an oxen from each wagon. They want precious sugar and bacon from our supplies, too. It’s a heavy price.

LeniD: We will decide as a group what to do! Here are the choices. Please wait to tell me your decisions until I ask fer them.
Do you think we should:
Trade and hope for peaceful travel?
Attack immediately?
Take a stand and defend?
Risk meeting with their leader and negotiate?

LeniD: Use yer hearts, as well as yer minds. We still hev a LONG way to travel. I would like us all to reach Oregon Territory, safely. Let’s be wise here. Talk to yer wagon family. Type yer decision when you are ready.

EmilyPK: I say we meet with their leader, maybe there is a bit of a misunderstandin'
SheriBl: the last one
ChristineV: Negotiate with leader.
NanyaG: We think we should see the chief and negotiate. If we pay the price we'll run out of supplies. We can't fight em either.
NancySW: We agree. Talk about it with their leader
KathyR: We're for talkin with the Chief
DanaWa: negotiate, but if that doesn't work, take a stand
LisaMcc: Take a stand and defend
JudithEH: Please let us negotiate and talk
TeriR: Negotiate.
JeannieG: I say we negotiate with the leader and see if we can't find out why they want so much from us.
LeslieK: Let's try meet'n with their leader
BarbaraHi: trade
LeeannS: I think we should negotiate with their leader. Our son Jimmy does not agree and will stay in the wagon.
StephanieE: I think we should negotiate.
TeriR: Our son Henry doesn't agree either. He's gonna sit in the wagon.
CindyW: Risk negotiation please.

LeniD: Pardners, we hev a long jerney ahead of us... and many miles of it will be through Indian territory. There are a lot more of them than there are of us. Think carefully about our decision.

MichelleNe: we are going to negotiate, because we don't want to risk the lives of people in our wagon train,if we trade all our oxen we would not be able to make it to oregon
JeannieG: Does anyone speak their language?
MaryJS: we're divided some want to trade OTHER members oxen and some talk
JosephBS: TALK AND TRADE
LeniD: Miz Jeannie, it looks as though most of us are willing to negotiate... and I can speak with them.

LeniD: Those of you opting fer different actions...

EmilyPK: who knows maybe they wll have an interpreter and all will end well
NanyaG: No way we can defend. too many women and kids and not enough ammo. Please consider negotiation
TimberT: we should negotiate with the leader

LeniD: will you trust me on this?

LeeannS: yes
EmilyPK: yes
TeriR: Yes ma'am!
LisaMcc: I will
SheriBl: yes ma'am
NancySW: y'm, you're our leader
TimberT: yes
ChristineV: yes
MichelleNe: you are our leader and we will follow you
JeannieG: Yes, I trust you judgement
JudithEH: Yes
NanyaG: We always trust you, Leni
CindyW: Def'n'tly!
LeslieK: sure enough
KathyR: do you speak ther lingo?
LisaHS: yes'm
LeniD: I’m proud of ya, Pardners. I hev high hopes fer the remainder of our jerney.
BarbaraHi: Yes
LeniD: I do, Miz Kathy... at least enough to communicate.
MaryJS: our fate is in your wise hands
StephanieE: ya

LeniD: Thank ye kindly fer yer trust. I'm off to negotiate.

KathyR: go for it then, ma'am
MichelleNe: please make peace with them but not at the cost of all our supplies and oxen
EmilyPK: good luck, maybe take some gifts
SheriBl: good luck ma'am
MichelleNe: we have some gift we are willing to share
TeriR: Good luck, ma'am! Our prayers are with ye!
TimberT: g'luck ma'am
JudithEH: Our prayers are with ya ma'ma
NanyaG: Thanks we appreciate it. Let us know the results. Got to go to chow.
NancySW: How soon will we hear their answers?

LeniD: Our decision to risk a meeting was successful. We learned from the negotiations that the Indians are making these demands because many are in need of food. We gave them several head of cattle, and a large quantity of flour and beans. We were given safe passage within the boundaries through these Indian lands.
LeniD: Thank you for all yer kind wishes.

EmilyPK: hallelujah
MaryJS: goodluck
KathyR: praise God
LeeannS: Yeah!!!
NancySW: Wonderful. Peace.
StephanieE: thank you
LeniD: We kin all breathe a lot easier!
MichelleNe: yesssssssssssssssss
JeannieG: Thank goodness.
NanyaG: Praise the Lord. Were safe for know.
TimberT: wonderful
BarbaraHi: Yeah!!!
CindyW: Hurrah!
TeriR: Yeeeee hawww!
LeslieK: Thank you wagon mistress
SheriBl: Who has given the cattle and food, or do we all contribute?
LeniD: Thank you all fer trusting me.

LeniD: Here’s hopin’ the Fates continue to smile upon us. Be good to yer families and respect yer Scouts, Pioneers. Till we meet agin...
JudithEH: Samuel and Isaac and meself bless ya for work
LeniD: Yeeeeehaaaaaaaaa!
MichelleNe: having a good leader is important for everyone's survival
LeniD: Bye fer now.
TimberT: bye
StephanieE: bye
TeriR: Bye!
EmilyPK: c'ya
KathyR: see ya
JeannieG: See you on the trail.
LeslieK: Later
LeeannS: See ya'll
MichelleNe: see you on the trail
NancySW: Bye - back to the wagons
LeniD: Thank you, Miz Michelle.
JudithEH: Bye from us all
BarbaraHi: see ya
LeniD: Bye!
SheriBl: Pardon me, ma'am, but do we need to deduct anything from our supplies?
MaryJS: load'em up, move'em out!
LeniD left the room (signed off).

Respectfully submitted by Wagonmistress Leni