"We left [Fort] Fetterman at 7 A.M. but are detained at the ferry [crossing the North Platte River] until 9. The road is over the same sands and desolate country as on the other side of [Fort] Fetterman. We camp on Sage Creek, 16 miles, and find some water. The road gets away from the Platte some 10 miles or more, and perhaps 35 from the mts [mountains]. We saw one antelope today, the only wild game. There has been but little rain or snow this spring and the whole country is torrid. There is nothing for game to subsist on. Passed today through a heavy patch of sand about 2 miles long."