THE DAVID SAGA WEST
(A FICTIONAL NARRATIVE)
By Eddy L. David
PLACE: Bartholomew county, Indiana sometime after 1830. A strange fever is taking the lives of neighbors and friends. It seems the place is cursed as the Indians tried to tell us.
We thought they were only trying to scare us off the land, but something truly evil is happening, a slow feverish, sweating death is passing over this land. Some David families have gathered at Edward David's cabin to decide what to do. It is winter, the only time the fever seems to sleep.
Jeremiah: I think we should move out West. Lewis claims that Missouri has lots of land and is free from this cursed fever.
Edward: Jeremiah, you are still a young man, only 24 years of age. I can understand how you feel, but you should also consider that Missouri is still a land of outlaws and hostile Indians. We do not have all the benefits of civilized government and law and order, but in Missouri there is even less. I am 46 years old and have a large family to support, a move like that is just too much for us. I do agree that we must leave this place, but I have heard that just west of here in the hilly country, they do not have the fever.
Jeremiah: I do not argue your advice, but that land is already pretty much settled, land prices are rising. I have little money to spend on land, the land in Missouri is open to homestead, all I have to do is improve it with my sweat and my blood. When this winter is over and spring leads to summer, the fever will come back, we know this has happened year after year.
Edward: If you do make the decision to move, you must plan carefully. If you miss the spring planting, how will you have enough food to carry you through the next winter? We only have enough provisions to get us through this winter, there will be precious little to share with you by spring. Depending on wild game and forage is mighty risky. What about drinking water, do you know if you can find it when you get there? Here we have many fine springs; good water is worth that of gold if you do not have it. Another thing, Missouri is well over 200 miles west, this will be a hard journey, we have no friends or family between there, you will be on your own.
Jeremiah: Thomas wants to go with me, as well as several other families, including the Prather's. We have to decide if we go down to Louisville and go down the Ohio River on a boat to the Mississippi River and then up to St. Louis, where we unload our oxcarts to travel overland to Gasconade Co., Missouri. Perhaps the boats go up the Missouri River past St.Louis, where we can unload closer to Gasconade County. We will find out when we reach Louisville. We have heard that the boats are going farther up the Missouri these days. The other choice into follow the Butterfield Stage Road, which will take much more time, but is less expensive.
Edward: If you can afford it, take the boat route, it is much safer and faster. I am worried about your getting a spring crop. Remember there are other families who will depend on your decision. I will try to support your decision, in every way I can, but I can only do so much.
Jeremiah: Lewis has also promised to help, Think we can make it. Our oxen are strong and well fed; we will take only the necessities with us.
Edward: Whatever you choose to leave behind, I will pay you for with whatever I can spare. If you decide to go, you have my blessings and prayers. Lewis has good judgement and has been successful in Missouri, this I cannot argue. If this is your decision to go, we must start preparations now, there is no time to lose. Continue