Literacy Through Texts Writing Competition

Sagers Wagon
Oregon Trail

Dear Cedric,

We have been thinking of you and your family and hope that you are all well because we are all missing you dearly. How is Joanna getting on at her new school?

I have thrilling news about our progress west, and especially about what happened yesterday. We were about to begin the next stage of our journey, when my wife Hannah went into labour. It was such an enormous child, which I named Indepentia. The birth has brought such joy into the family, the whole caravan even.

Life on this trek is never dull. It is always more exciting than back home. We are constantly moving and always in danger. During the birth yesterday, for example, we saw a large cloud of dust, which turned out to be native Americans trying to steal our cattle; perhaps half a dozen thieves, on prairie ponies. They could not take cover anywhere, for the dry land had no place to hide. The rest of the caravan had moved on, but we had to stop because of the imminent birth. We were isolated; on our own. The younger children had to hide beneath the wagon while Louise's job was to load the guns and John's was to help shoot the intruders, alongside me. The cattle thieves had chosen bows and arrows as their weapon. I was so afraid, but tried not to show it. I injured one of them; they fired, but only above our heads. They must have been disappointed, not getting any cattle and all. It is much more exciting, fun and dangerous out here than it is back home. You always have to be on the alert, no matter what time it is.

Each day we travel in formation, always heading west. We know that when we arrive, we will have our own land. Compared with what we had, I (and the rest of the family) prefer this much better.

The wagon trail is very organised; we leave at the same time every morning; we even have a doctor (he's a vet, but we treasure him all the same) just like we respect each other. It will be much better out west than we could ever have hoped for back in Europe. Don't you want the same opportunities?

The sky is blue, the air is clear, and it is always warm here, you would love it. You have not got that clogged up smell, or people telling you what to do; the freedom is perfect. You seemed so down and upset when I lived back home. (I hope you are feeling better now.) Please come out here with us; this would be much better for you, and your family.

If you do decide to come, the wagon trail is more than you could hope for. You will need to bring lots of food (preferably tinned) and fresh water - in fact, everything you would need to survive on such a long journey!

Wish to see you again soon,

Regards,

Henry Sager.

Rochelle, Goldings Middle School