THE OREGON TRAIL (CHAP 5) THE BIG BLUE

In Chapter 5 of Francis Parkman’s The Oregon Trail, titled "The Big Blue," the narrator and his party advance deeper into the wilderness and encounter the heightening tensions of the westward migration. 
Key Events and Themes
The Mormon Panic: The chapter opens with a "great alarm" among the emigrants at Independence. Rumors circulated that a massive party of 2,300 Mormons was moving nearby. Given the violent history between Missouri/Illinois settlers and the "Latter Day Saints," emigrants feared bloody confrontations on the lawless prairie.
Failed Request for Military Escort: Terrified women and children, along with alarmed men, requested a dragoon escort from Colonel Kearney. This request was refused, though the feared Mormon conflict never materialized.
River Crossing Struggles: The party reaches the Big Blue River, which is swollen and difficult to cross.
Delorier's Cart: Their guide, Delorier, attempts to cross first but his cart gets stuck midway in the mud and water.
The Captain's Indecision: A recurring character, "The Captain," offers unsolicited advice to unload the wagons, fearing they will all "stick fast". His cautious, often ineffective suggestions are ignored as the group pushes forward with "Drive on!".
Atmosphere of the Camp: Parkman describes the "characteristic" scenes of the wild region, including groups of Spanish traders, Native Americans from remote tribes, and French hunters in buckskin.
Encounters with Outcasts: Parkman observes the diverse crowd of emigrants, noting that they ranged from "sober-looking countrymen" to the "vilest outcasts," reflecting the wide spectrum of people seeking a new life in the West. 
For further reading or the full historical text, you can access The Oregon Trail through the Project Gutenberg archive