-------
Wednesday, November 5, 1835
Dear Diary,
Today we are packing our bags to go
to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Yesterday my family and I started to pack. “Come on!”
said Ma. So I hopped on a horse and got ready to ride! “Eh eh eh,” said Pa.
“What? But I never get to ride!” I said. “Sorry, but you are only 12 years
old,” said Pa. “But I’m almost 13!” I said. “Maria, listen to your father,”
said Ma. “Ok,” I said disappointedly. So I guess I haven’t told you why we are
going to Santa Fe. My father is a trader and needed to go trade more. Pa has
been there many times, but wanted us to see Santa Fe. I’m so excited!!!
“Maria, would you latch my shoes?”
said my little sister Gabby, short for Gabriella. “Sure,” I said.
The next thing I know, an arrow
whizzed past my head. “Ahhhh!” I said along with Gabby. The Indians then
marched to us. “Give us that little girl or her scalp or feathers,” said what
seemed like the head Indian. “Girls, do we have feathers?” said Pa. “No,” I
said. Gabby and I were both hanging on to each other for dear life and crying.
“Little girl now!” said the Indian. “We have gold,” said Ma with a terrified
look on her face. “No, and my name is Chawakee,” said the Indian. “We are
traders, so we might have better goodies,” said Pa. “Little…girl…now,” he said
with dramatic pauses. “Fine,” said Pa. “What? Noooo! Pa, don’t let the mean man
take me!!” screamed Gabby. “We will
find you, don’t worry,” said Ma and Pa reassuringly. “Ha! Ha!” You will never find her,” said the Indian. “Bye,
bye, “said Gabby. “Bye! Always remember we love you!” we all said reassuringly.
The next thing we knew, Ma and I
were repairing the wagon while Pa was out hunting deer. Then Ma and I were
fixing the fire and waiting for Pa to show. Then Pa was there and Ma started
cooking the deer while I sewed coats for us. Then when we had all finished
eating, we all said good night and went to sleep, mourning over Gabby, a six
year old.
