Letter: 'Draw those wagons up in a circle, men'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: May I recommend Women's Diaries of the Westward Journey, by Lillian Schlissel, to Bill Bryson 'How the West wasn't won', 2 July). He will find there real stories as to how the West was won, including this extract from the diary of Catherine Haun, who left Iowa on 24 April 1849 to trek to California:
Each week seven Captains were appointed to serve on 'Grand Duty'. They were to protect the camps and animals at night. One served each night and in case of danger gave the alarm. When going into camp the 'leader wagon' was turned from the road to the right, the next wagon turned to the left, the others following close after and always alternating to right and left. In this way a large circle or corral, was formed within which the tents were pitched and the oxen herded . . . the camp fires (were) started by the side of the wagons outside the corral.
Mr Bryson is right, of course, to say that it wouldn't be possible to do this after hearing that Indians might be going to attack, but not right to say that they didn't form defensive circles.
Yours sincerely,
BETTY PERRY
Chelmsford,
Essex
6 July
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments