Francis Parkman Quotes & Sayings

“Not a breath of air stirred over the free and open prairie; the clouds were like light piles of cotton; and where the blue sky was visible, it wore a hazy and languid aspect.”

“It was a rich and gorgeous sunset - an American sunset; and the ruddy glow of the sky was reflected from some extensive pools of water among the shadowy copses in the meadow below.”

“We were soon free of the woods and bushes, and fairly upon the broad prairie.”

“Four men are missing; R., Sorel and two emigrants. They set out this morning after buffalo, and have not yet made their appearance; whether killed or lost, we cannot tell.”

“Early on the next morning we reached Kansas, about five hundred miles from the mouth of the Missouri.”

“We were now arrived at the close of our solitary journeyings along the St. Joseph's trail.”

“The fortified towns of the Hurons were all on the side exposed to Iroquois incursions.”

“Here society is reduced to its original elements, the whole fabric of art and conventionality is struck rudely to pieces, and men find themselves suddenly brought back to the wants and resources of their original natures.”

“Riding in advance, we passed over one of these great plains; we looked back and saw the line of scattered horsemen stretching for a mile or more; and far in the rear against the horizon, the white wagons creeping slowly along.”

“The great medley of Oregon and California emigrants, at their camps around Independence, had heard reports that several additional parties were on the point of setting out from St. Joseph's farther to the northward.”