Das Grab ist tief und stille
Und schauderhaft sein Rand:
Es deckt mit tiefer Hulle
Ein unbekanntes Land.

Deep is the grave, and silent;
Terrifying is its brink.
It covers, like a dark veil,
An unknown realm.
Only through this dark doorway
Can we regain our home.
The poor heart here on earth
Is tossed by many a storm.
True peace it finds only
When it beats no more.

(From Fort Laramie, Dr. Keil was able to send back to Bethel a reassuring letter which contained the observations that many of the rumors had been a great exaggeration)

I find all things different on the plains than had been reported to me. (he had been told they would not find wood for campfires. ) In general, there is more wood on the plains than the people in Europe have. The passage through the Platte and Laramie rivers is nothing. It is astonishing that men at times make a fuss about something which finally turns out to be nothing; Any dog can run through these rivers.From Kearney to Laramie we had currant and gooseberry pies that were better than we had in Missouri. I have lived in the same manner as I used to at home. As far along as this side of the Platte River, we had our spinach every day.
At the so-called Courthouse Rock and Chimney Rock, the mountains reminded me of the shape of the fortress at Erfurt. Tomorrow we will start and proceed toward hell. Do not dispose of your homes until you receive further information from me.

(Bands of reportedly belligerent Indians had gathered around Fort Laramie and to the west, Dr. Keil decided to push on.)

(Dr. Keil’s next letter, from Oregon, reported the successful conclusion of the journey.)

In my last report, from Laramie, I stated that from there we would move toward hell. My prophecy came true. The uprising among the Sioux Indians around Laramie was enormous so that no one dared to leave the fort. But we were made without fear. We met hundreds of Indians who were glad when they saw my face. I have had all power over the Indians and could do with them as I desired. ( This is a reference to the often-mentioned magnetic power of his countenance.) Many a time I have been surrounded by fifty to sixty Indians. I gave them tobacco which pleased them greatly. Our little children would run ahead of the wagon train into the midst of the Indians. They gave the Indian children bread and all sorts of other things, which pleased the older Indians very much. We came to places where there were so many Indians we could not count them. In short, my happinesses on the plains were the meetings with the Indians. With great difficulty (because of the trails) we reached the Umatilla Valley, lost some cattle, and camped among the Indians, who brought us potatoes, peas, and onions, and who again were very friendly toward us.

(There is an oral tradition that one of the reasons the Indians treated Dr. Keil’s caravan with friendly respect was Willie’s casket at the head of the train.)