"...Even if we got to crawl for the right."

I’m not up to much these days- just headed north, away from where most people could recognize me- maybe I’ll find some work, and once work is less scarce maybe settle down- maybe even go back to see the family one day, if I’m lucky enough.

I will probably have to leave the family very soon. RIP John Casey, you will be remembered by our fambly, may your sperit live on. I am lucky to have gotten away and to have made it back to this cabin, even if I did take a huge blow to the head. On the bright side, I am allowed to lie around and will not have to work for a little while. We will have to get a’movin along pretty soon. It is late and time for sleep. Tomorrow I will tell the fambly about the wage scam I heard about.

Goodnight for now followers.

RIP Casey

My Head Hurts

Today while we was working', Mr. Thomas said somethin' real interesting to the three of us. He says that them people who regulate what farm owners can pay their workers, the Farm Association I think he said is what they call themselves, they don't like the government camp where we're staying' at. I think it's just a rumor, but Mr. Thomas says that the association is planning on sending people into the camp to start a riot during the dance on Saturday night. I don't know what can be thought of it- 'cause like I said, it just seems to be a rumor. but if they do that, then the police can come in and get rid of lots of us - I would probably get sent back to jail for breaking' parole! Well, better just sit back and hope that nothing comes of Mr Thomas' words. 

While I was walkin' around camp this morning' I met these two nice fellas: Timothy and Wilkie Wallace. Them was real kind and served me up a nice breakfast and even took me to the ranch where they work. Their boss, Mr. Thomas offered me a job- it don't pay much, only 25 cents an hour which isn't ideal but hey- it's better than nothing. 

Finally, a decent place to rest our heads where we can

shower up

use the toilets

not have to worry about cops

After arrivin' home, Ma was a bit worried to see me. She thought maybe I broke out a jail or somethin'. Thought maybe I busted loose and was a wanted man but nope- I been let out on parole. We're workin' on sellin' our stuff now- the family's lookin' to head West, 12 of us in total to California to hopefully find jobs and maybe settle down in a nice place somewhere. Though I'm mighty ready for the opportunity there is said to be for all of us out there, we will eventually cross state lines which means I will be breakin' parole and in that moment, will be putting' everyone into danger.

I wasn't when I was at home, but in an instant of crossin' from one state to the next, I will become a fugitive, a wanted man. 

Ways to protect myself and my family on the journey

Do nothin' wrong

Keep my head low

Stay out of mischief

near Salisaw, Oklahoma

I'm on my way to Uncle Al's house now, with that preacher, Casy. I ain't never imagined anythin' like I what saw back where the homestead used t'sit. Leavin' the prison, I was dreamin' bout all them sauseges, an' cakes, an' eggs, an' ham Ma was gonna have a waitin' for me, bout maybe helpin' Pa out 'round the farm for a while, an' lookin' for work.

Imagine my suprise when Jim Casy an' I find nothin' but a couple a' old cats an' Muley Graves hidin' out roun' that house.

I believed there'd be some changes outside whiles I was rottin' in that penitentiary, sure, but couldn't a thought of a thing like that. 

things ain't like they was before

i'm gonna have to keep changin' with 'em, I guess

don't know if 's'ever gonna be like it was 

McAlester, Oklahoma

I been in this jailhouse round abouts four years now. It ain't been so hard, jes keep my head down, but there ain't too much for a body to do in here. Wanted t'pay what society tells I owe 'er for drivin' that shovel down on crazy drunk Herb Turnbull, git on with ma' life. But that's awright--I'm headin' out a this place real soon. 'Soon's that warden signs for my release, I'm goin' home to Ma an' Pa an' the kiddies, gonna fill my belly up an' lay low for a while.