My name is Anne Margaret Hankins. Yesterday was my 12th birthday and Aunt Sarah gave me this writing paper. She said that I should keep up my thoughts each day. Even though I have been traveling on the Oregon Trail for a long time, I will keep up this diary.
Today we stopped at the Platte River in Nebraska. It sure is a long river! Pa told me it was 310 miles long. I told him it couldn't be that long but he insisted on it. I played dolls with Louise, my best friend. After that, swam in the river. It felt good since we were all dusty.
I feel sorry for Ma, because her best friend 's family was crossing the river and suddenly their wagon fell in the water. They drowned, just like that. Ma is still crying.
Oh, the candle just went out, I better get to sleep.