JOURNAL OF A FORMER EXPLORATION BY LIEUT. WILLIAMSON. 129 



This camp of Lieutenant Williamson was in nearly the same spot as our Camp 20. On July 

 15, he followed almost the same trail that we subsequently did, through Stoneman s rid^e, and 

 encamped on Canoe creek, between our Camps 18 and 19. The following extracts from his 

 journal describe his route from this camp. 



July 16. We started early, and followed a westerly course. The road was good, although 

 occasionally rocky. After travelling about ten miles, and ascending two high ledges, we found 

 ourselves in a little prairie, in which there were two Indian rancherias. A small creek, rising 

 among the hills, flowed through the prairie, and after spreading out into several branches 

 probably sank. Turning our course towards the south, we travelled about five miles to the 

 foot of a steep ascent. We gained the summit in about three hours, and encamped near the 

 sources of Battle creek, with an abundant supply of excellent grass and water. Lassen s Butte 

 was in plain sight towards the southeast. 



July 1*7. We started early this morning to follow a westerly course, and for several hours 

 were winding about among hills, rocks, and thick bushes. The road, however, was occasionally 

 good. At the expiration of this time we had reached the foot hills, which extend for a con 

 siderable distance into the Sacramento valley. Soon afterwards we struck the main branch of 

 Cow creek, which we crossed without difficulty. We encamped upon its banks, about a mile 

 from the crossing, after a hard day s march. The grass was excellent in the vicinity. We 

 felt very sensibly a great change in temperature, due to the difference in elevation between the 

 morning and evening camps. 



July 18. We travelled about sixteen miles down the creek to its junction with another 

 branch, and then turned towards the south. In a short distance we struck Lyon s trail, which 

 we followed to the Sacramento river. We crossed the stream, and encamped on Cotton-wood 

 creek, about two miles from Major Eeading s house. 



IT X 



