Written by Louisa Barnes Pratt, wife of Addison Pratt; The Iowa Trail,
page 223.

I found great pleasure in riding horseback. By that means I could render
some assistance in driving the stock. There was in the company a comical
fellow by the name of Ephraim Hanks. He had charge of the loose cattle,
was a dashing rider, gave me some lessons in that art till I became very
expert. He assumed the name or title of Captain, gave to me that of
Commodore. I was quite proud of my title; arose early in the morning,
mounted my horse to help gather up the stock. It was air and exercise
besides amusement which kept my spirits brisk.

Page 226

Yesterday for the first time my wagon had to be dug out of the mud. One
wheel ran off a bridge. It made racking work, broke my table, which was
tied behind. This morning our company broke up; three started back to
Bonaparte after flour, left their families encamped to wait for their
return. The rest pursued their journey as usual, are now 55 from the
main camp. Last evening there was a great sport in our camp. The young
man we Capt., dressed in woman's attire, danced to amuse us. Several in
the crowd did not know who it was; thought it was some strange lady from
another company.