The Wagon and Team
Wagons for trail travel were of the simplest construction, they cost $85.00 each. They were light, strong, and carried on sturdy wheels. It was recommended that wheels be made of bois-d'arc, osage orangewood or white oak. Bolt ends should be riveted on the running gear to prevent accidents. Concord, New Hampshire, Spring Wagons were preferred. The Wagon cost $85.00; the wagon cover cost $100.00.
Six mule team wagons were the preferred mode of travel, but oxen were often used as they were cheaper, less liable to stampede and covered long distances better. The cost of six mules was $600.00, while for eight oxen it was $200.00. The harness cost $24.00.
Total cost for oxen, harness, wagon and cover $409.00.
The Prairie Traveler — A Handbook for Overland Expedition, Randolph B. Marcy, Harper Brothers Pub., N.Y. 1859
The Supplies
Total suggested supplies for three person — one year with oxen team consisted of:
3 rifles at $20.00 60.00
3 pair of pistols at $15.00 45.00
5 barrels of flour, 1080 pds 20.00
Bacon, 600 pounds 30.00
Coffee, 100 pounds 8.00
Tea, 5 pounds 2.75
Sugar, 150 pounds 7.00
Rice, 75 pounds 3.75
Dried fruit, 50 pounds 3.00
Salt and pepper, 50 pds 3.00
Saleratus (soda), 30 pds 1.00
Lard, 50 pounds 2.50
Lead, 30 pounds 1.20
Tent, 30 pounds 5.00
Bedding, 45 pounds 22.50
Cooking utensils, 30 pds 4.00
Matches 1.00
Candles, soap, 50 pds 5.30
Private baggage, 150 pds
Total Cost For 3 $225.00
Supplies were stored compactly to insure room for all the necessary goods. Bacon was placed in sacks with one hundred pounds in each. In the case of high heat, it was urged that the sacks be placed in boxes surrounded by bran to prevent the fat from melting. Flour was placed in double canvas sacks, one hundred pounds per sack.
The Emigrant's Guide to California, Joseph E. Wase, J. Halsall Publications, St, Louis, Missouri 1849
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