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News From The Camp
Buckshot ran across this and thought you might be interested in what settler’s used to bring with them on the wagon trains.
Before heading to California a committee was formed and recommends the following.
A good wagon that can haul 2500 pounds with 4 oxen no older then 8 years old.
Each individuals should have a good large bore rifle and the following items.
An axe.
A hatchet.
A hunting knife.
5 pounds of powder.
10 pounds of lead.
1500 percussion caps.
A pair of good belt pistols will be found convenient.
As well as a good supply of fishing tackle.
Each person should have:
A spade.
A pick.
A mining shovel.
Clothing.
Bedding.
Cooking pots.
Tent.
50 feet of grass rope 3/4 inch thick.
Simple medicines.
A keg holding 6-10 gallons for water.
A tin lantern.
Food Supplies Per Person
Bacon Sides
200 Pounds
Flour
300 Pounds
Hard Bread
50 Pounds
Coffee
30 Pounds
Sugar
50 Pounds
Beans (Half A Bushel)
30 Pounds
Rice
10 Pounds
Dried Fruit
15 Pounds
Salt
10 Pounds
Pepper And Spice
2 Pounds
Soap
5 Pounds
Candles
5 Pounds
Saleratus (Baking Soda)
1 Pound
This will give each person enough for 10 months except for meat that will come from hunting.
Another historical reference - what the wagon trains recommended pioneers take with them.