The march westward began June 10, 1842.
The course lay along the banks of the Kansas.

All the party were well armed and well mounted, excepting eight men, each of whom drove a cart, drawn by two mules.

These carts contained the stores, baggage and instruments of the expedition.

A number of spare horses were taken along, so as to provide against loss in that respect.

In addition, they had four oxen intended to serve as a reserve in the event of provisions running short.
It was the custom to arouse the camp at daybreak and turn out the animals to graze; breakfast followed and the march was begun.