Item Detail
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Vault MSS 49
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Kate Dunlap Diary
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Overland Trails - Diaries
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Dunlap, Kate
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1864-1865
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Handwritten diary of Dunlap's overland journey from Lee, Iowa, to Montana by horse team in 1864. Dunlap wrote an introduction to the item, dated 30 January 1865, describing Montana and dedicated it to "My friends." Diary entries are very detailed and describe the geography of the overland route, food and camping conditions, encounters with Indian tribes, and trouble with thieves. Dunlap also mentions meeting several disillusioned Mormons. Dunlap's husband served as captain of the company and hired several men to assist them with their teams. Dunlap writes about her duties as cook and laundress for the company. The item ends with a description of conditions in Montana.