Brigham YoungMormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868
Brigham Young Company (1848)
Departure: 5 June 1848
Brigham Young Company (1848)
Departure: 5 June 1848
Arrival: 20-24 September 1848
Company Information: 1220 individuals were in the company when it began its journey from the outfitting post at Winter Quarters, Nebraska.
Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868
Source of Trail Excerpt:
Ashby, Benjamin, Autobiography, [ca. 1897-1904], [25-30].
Read Trail Excerpt:
We had now one wagon 3 oxon and two cows[.] one wagon had been sold in the winter and one Bro Noble had taken to the valley[.] the rest of the cattle had never returned from the winter herd ground
We exerted ourselves to get ready to start and I laid in a stock of provisions[.] I bought of Bro [Willard G.] McMullin some 12 busher [bushels] of corn and I came across a man who had twelve Bushels to sell for which I made him a pair of mens shoes giving him twelve and half cts per Bushel[.] we also bought seventy pounds of flour[,] a pound or two of sugar[,] some cloth for one new shirt which with two old ones comprised my wardrobe[.] my sister Martha had accompyed Bro. Nobles family to the valley the year previous[.] my sister Harriett engaged to go with some of President Youngs family[.] My Bro Nathaniel drove the team for old father [Deacon John] Haven so there was seven of us at home very destitute of sutable clothing[.] I had an old pair of Boots and I bought some mogensons [moccasins] from a squaw[.] also had a pair of rubber shoes—which when obliged to wear in the hot sands sweating just so as to be unbearable
I was in possession of an odd ox which I intended to work single but Bro Brigham Young sent us an ox so we had 2 yoke of Oxon and a yoke of cows[.] we went out to the camp as early as we could in order to let the cattle recrute before commencing our Journey[.] In a short time the company was organized and we moved on to the Elkhorn River[.] here I was taken with pain in my stomach which lingered upon me for days[.] at last I endeavored to find some wiskey and I could not find any in camp until I came to Bro McMullen[.] he gave me half of what he had about one third of a gill into which I put a teaspoon full of cyanne [cayenne] pepper and drank it and went to sleep and slept nearly 24 hours and got up [.] well there was very little that occured of intrest except what is recorded in history[.] We were organized in Joseph Busbys [Busby’s] ten but traveled in Erastus Snows as my Sister Elizabeth and had married Bro. Snow in Winter Qua[r]ters
During our stay the first winter in Winter Qua[r]ters a band of Omaha Indians camped a short distance from us, one afternoon a messenger arived in their camp with the news that the Souix [Sioux] Warrers [Warriors] had slain some of their people and for two nights and days the Mourning and lamentation of those people was most pitifull and heart rending to listen to
Before we started on our journey we were organsed and kept guard over the cattle which were staked on the outside of the correll [corral] during the night. At five in the morning the bugle sounded and cattle was loosed and herded[,] breakfast got and everything got ready when the cattle were driven in and yoked[.] the last to leave the camp ground was Prest Brigham Young who[se] fatherly care was always manifest
On[e] morning on the Loup Fork where we had campt Our team was the last to leave the ground and I had just started when the staple droped from the yoke[.] I was obliged to take of[f] the yoke to fix-it[.] Bro Young was just going out of sight over the hill upon his coach[.] in a few miniutes he was by my side and assisted me to replace the staple and yoke the oxon and get under weigh [way] again[.] In a few days he sent me to get the staple which was Brooken [broken] mended by the Blacksmith
One evening as we drove into camp Sister Harriett met us and told us that she had fallen under the wheels of the wagon as she was getting out of it and received but slight injery though the wagon was loaded with about forty hundred pounds[.] a most miraculous escape
When we arived at the alkali country we found [illegible] the thickness of two [illegible] which we found quite handy the next winter for hulling corn which we used for food as it was some time before there was any mills to grind it
When we got to the last crossing of the Sweetwater we stoped some 8 or 10 days waiting for teams from the valley which were to meet us there[.] the oxon commenced to die and it was said it was the alkali[.] the people some of them fed a considerable tobacco to their oxon and according to my observation it poisoned the cattle worse than the alkali and caused more death[.] we had one ox taken sick and I gave him about two pound of fat pork and he recovered
At last the teams arived and was distributed among the companies[.] I lightened up my wagon about from 8.50 to 400 pounds of corn and we started up the hill leading over the South Pass[.] while camped at the Sweetwater we had a heavy storm of snow and rain but we had drawn up our wagons behind a clump of willows which sheltered us much from the storm. We also had some pleasant wheather and I did several jobs of shoe mending for which received some money[.] But it had no purchasing power as their was nothing to sell
The first night we camped at Pacific Springs[.] here we broak [broke] up into small companies in order to better journey through the rugged mountains and be better accommodated with campgrounds and avail ourselves of the smaller pastures for feeding the cattle[.] The roads were of the most primitive kind[.] When we got to Fort Bridger I traded some powder for some Antilope skins from which I made me some mogensens [moccasins] and with which mother faced my pants after we arrived in the valley.
The last day of our Journey was the most arduous and trying of the whole Journey[.] the road crossed the creek about twenty times and in the morning I had broken one of the houses of the wagon and the iron braces was all that held it and they were bent causing the wagon to run out of the road and I was obliged to keep the oxon out of the road so the wagon could be kept in it[.] this was a difficult task and I wished to stop and have assistance come from Salt Lake and help us in[.] but mother objected to stoping unless we were forced to so I kept on successfully passing and overcoming every obstacle until we reached the mouth of the canyon[.] so we got into the fort all right[.] I beleave that nothing but mothers prayers and faith enabled me to accomplish a seeming imposibility[.] We were met by Bro Noble and taken to his house in the north fort and kindly received by his wife Mary and family[.] we occupied one of his rooms during the winter
Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847–1868
Source of Trail Excerpt:
Ballantyne, Richard, Journal, 1848 May-Aug.
Read Trail Excerpt:
Saturday 29th <1848 May> We have laid by and made some improvements on our Waggons as we Could not get across the River. Bro. Brigham Young has come on from Winterquarters [Winter Quarters]. In crossing the River this morning a waggon got into the River and injured a considerable portion
Sabbath 28th Laid by on this East side of the Horn. No crossing today. During the night a heavy rain fell by which the Bed[d]ing in one of our Waggons got wet and my mothers health was affected thereby. During the day she got some better.
Monday 29th My wife was very much distressed with sick headache. Tried several remedies without effect. I then laid my hands upon her, and called upon the Lord to heal her, and she was immediately relieved and fell into a sleep.
Tuesday 30th Crossed the Horn and Camped beside Father [Isaac] Morley and Bro. [William W.] Major.
Wednesday 31st Father Morley and his counselors with Bro. [Thomas] Bullock as Clerk, Commenced organizing Prest.Youngs Divisions of the Camp.
Thur 1st, 1848.—My wife was taken sick about 3 Oclock in the morning, and after much suffering, through the mercy of Jehovah brought forth a son weighing 8¼ lbs at 11 Oclock the same forenoon. The child and my wife are both doing well for which I feel to thank Thee O God of our strength. May thy favor O Lord still further be extended unto them that their lives may be preserved and they both be strengthened and relieved from suffering to endure all the fatigues of this journey. When the child was born we were and are now encamped in our Waggons on the West side of the Horn immediately adjoining the place where the camp have crossed. The Lord has heard our prayers for as “our day is”, so is our strength.
June 2d My wife and childs health continued favorable. Yesterday Lorenzo Snows company of 100 waggons started from this place. Bro. [Zera] Pulzifer’s [Pulsipher’s] Company of 100 Waggons have started this morning. The ballance of the companies are being organised.
3d Thundered and rained so as to prevent our starting. My wife was much distressed in this Evening. We prayed to the Lord to remove her pain and strengthen her for the journey.
4th My wife is much better. May the Lord accept our thanks for His mercy–but child has been very sick. I called on father Morley and we blessed it and called his name Richard Alando. My wife and I were much distressed for our child and wept and presented our supplications before the Lord that his life might be spared. I retired to a grove and again called upon the name of the Lord to heal the child and preserve his life.
5th We left the Elk Horn and camped at the La Platte River [Platte River] beside the Liberty Pole. Passed large herds of Bisons on the way. Today our child has been very sick. I have much distress and anxiety of mind in his account. The evening I anointed Him with oil in the name of the Lord, then prayed to the Lord, and covenanted inasmuch as the Lord would preserve his life and return him to health that we would teach him the fear of the Lord to obey all His commandments, and fulfil the purposes of the
6th This morning our child appears some better. The disease seems to be checked, and we feel truly thankful to our Father for this token of his mercy. Continue thy favor O Father we humbly pray thee and grant health and strength to the Child, and also to my Companion, teach us a more entire dependance upon thee, and a living faith through the medium of which we may attain to all blessings necessary for us.
Yesterday Sister [Lucy Simmons] Groves was run over by a waggon. Her leg was broken and her body much bruised.
Today one of Bro. Cahoons cows took sick and was left behind. Went to Bro. Bullock and had him record the Blessing of our Child Rich[ar]d Alando. Camped on the Platte River.
7th Left the above Camping ground and travelled to Shell Creek. Distance 9¾ miles. Road very smooth and good.
8th The day being wet, laid by at the last mentioned place. The Brethren killed several Antelope yesterday and today. The health of my wife is pretty well recovered and she has sat up in the Waggon all this afternoon.
1848 June 9th Travelled 18 miles and camped on a slough 2 miles from the Loup Fork. Bro Lamb died on the way. A boy belonging to Prest. Youngs family had his leg broken and Prest. Young set the bone. Watered our cattle in the Platte River 12 miles from Shell Creek.
10th Travelled 8 miles, and camped at a Slough, into Which the Looking Glass Creek emptys in. and 2 yoke of Bro. Bullocks cattle gave out today, on account of the great heat. Bro. [Jacob] Peart had an ox foundered by letting him get into the water while warm, and remain sometime—
This morning we commenced worshiping the Lord in our family, morning and evening. This duty we had partially neglected since we left home.
There is a kind of porcupine grass grows in the Bottoms through which we have been passing for the last two days, which is very annoying to our sheep inasmuch as it sticks to their wool and works into their flesh. Thus far we have had wood and water every night since we left home, although the water generally is not of a very good quality.
<1848 June 11th> Sabbath Morning. I went out with my cattle as usual at half past ten oclock, and my reflections though painful were edifying to my mind. The Lord God grant me the comfort and aid of the Holy Spirit that under all the afflictions I may have to pass through my mind and heart may never deviate from the principles of life, but that my course may be onward to glory and eternal lives. May my afflictions O Father serve to purify my heart that in due season I may become sanctified and save myself and others. And may the imperfections which we witness in thy servants, lead us to rest our hopes of salvation upon the arm of the Lord God.
A meeting was called in the afternoon. Not many present. Father [Isaac] Morley spoke of the propriety of adhering strictly to the pattern that has been given to regulate the camp in this journey.
Prest. Young spoke at some length, and reprobated the course of some in shooting guns, fishing &c on the Sabbath.—And said, when we got to the valley the Sabbath would be observed, and if a gun be fired he would know the cause of it, and bring offenders to justice.—Admonished the Brethren to re
Spoke of the light mindedness of many of the Brethren and their disregard of the Sabbath &tc Said every man in going West openly avowed that he was going to Keep the law of God and do His will. but how little a great many blessed to [..lese] their calling. Who is it that is to father Israel—That is to administer Salvation to the seed of Abraham? It is the men that are in this camp and in the other Camps of Israel.
Monday 12th Travelled to Plumb [Plum] Creek where there has been a Missionary station among the Pawnee Indians. Remarkably pleasant place though the water is very poor. Grass exceedingly good. Forded Beaver Creek about noon distant from Plumb Creek 2 miles. In fording some of the Teams had to double. Water about 2 feet deep and 30 feet wide—good place to Camp.
13th Passed an Indian village once occupied by the Pawnee Indians but in 1846 destroyed by the Sou[i]x Indians, and since that time has been vacated. There are several breastworks for defence in the vicinity and around the village which is also a Sod Breastwork. These buildings are larger, and better executed than I expected to see them–[Oi..] I [.e.usu..] was 45 feet in diameter.
Forded Cedar Creek. [blank space] miles from Plumb [Plum] Creek. Quick sand Channel and rather difficult crossing. The camp past over in safety. It is about 100 ft. wide and 2½ ft. deep.
Travelled about eight miles further and Camped on the Prairie about a Quarter of a mile from the Loup Fork. No wood. Road has been very bad today, having had to cross Ravines and Creeks incessantly.
14th Travelled 6 miles and Camped on the Bank of the Upper ford of the Loup fork. The day was very warm, accompanied with a strong wind and clouds of sand, rendering it extremely disagreable to travel or be out of our Waggons. The Lord grant that we many have but little of such weather, as it is wearing and fatiguing to the people. Could not Kindle our fires for fear the Waggons would get burned up. The land here is very barren and sandy and no Timber but a few scanty Cottonwoods and Willow. A Truly miserabl looking Country.
15th We forded the River, being helped over by the Teams belonging to the Companies of Bros. [Zera] Pulciver [Pulsipher], [Lorenzo] Snow, and Perkins, who started from the Horn before us. The Channel of the River is a quick sand, and in some places–made the Waggon tremble considerable. As the water did not exceed 2 feet in depth, all our stuff, in the Waggon, got over dry. No accidents have happened Crossing that I have heard. It is about half a mile so we had to go angling shallow water.
Messengers were Sent ba[ck] [yes]terday to Heber C. Kimballs and bring the inteligence on Tuesday the 6th Current[.] the day after Prest. Youngs Co. left the Horn, a Company of Indians made an attack upon their Cattle. Killed one and Carried it off. Some of the brethren went out to protect their Cattle when one Indian raisd his gun to shoot Wm. Kimball. Howard Egan Se[e]ing this fired his pistol at the Indian. his gun fell. the Indian staggered and made off. Howard Egan was shot through the arm. Wm Kimballs horse was shot in the hip, and bro. Ricks through the Back. Hands were laid on the brethren and they seemed to revive—they are both doing well. two Waggons belonging to this Company were upset yesterday and an axletree broke—
This afternoon we have had a loud thunder storm and heavy rains. We are however Comfortable in our Waggons as they are mostly well covered with willow cloth. It is a matter of much thankfulness to our God that we have not been obliged to come into the Wilderness destitute. The health of my wife has been pretty good for a week back and the babe is recovering, we attribute their recovery to the power of the Lord.
16th Rained pretty much all night[.] Laid by on the West side of the Loup Fork, awaiting the arrival of Bro. H.C. Kimball.
17th so The Brethren went over the River with their Teams to help Bro. Kimballs Company across. All got over safe—
18th Sunday—Yesterday Alvira Stevens, whom we had engaged to go with us to the valley to do our work, left us, without notice, and without any just cause, while neither my wife nor mother was able to do any work. A meeting was Called in the forenoon at 10 oclock to determine upon the order in which the camps should move. Bro. Lorenzo Snow Co. to travel first in advance. Bro. Pulsivers [Pulsipher’s] next. Bro. Brigham Youngs next, and Heber C. Kimballs in the Rear—Brigham Young to travel in the rear of his Company and Heber C. Kimball in advance of His, so as they may be near together for Counsel—
19th Monday—Started from the Loup Fork and travelled over the Bluffs on a very heavy, sandy, and in many places, soft Road—A good many of the Teams gave out today and had to rest. One ox died instantaneously with the heat and heavy hauling—Some of the Waggons travelled 23 miles to Prairie Creek and Camped. The ballance of the Teams were left behind, Camped in a multitude of places—they were not able to get along. Some of the Companies of tens travelled most of the night to get to Prairie Creek, as there was neither wood nor water between the Loup Fork and Prairie Creek.
1848 Monday June 18th One of my Cattle pretty nigh gave out—
Tuesday Morning. The Waggons that did not get forward last night are driving in.
Today travelled 12 miles to Wood creek—
Wednesday 20th Travelled 14 miles and camped on the Prairie Prairie 1¼ miles from the Platte River, opposite Grand Island—good feed for Cattle on the Bottoms.
Thursday—Travelled 16 miles and Camped on the Prairie 1¼ miles from the River.
Friday Camped near by a Willow slough about 2 miles from the River—Poor water—
Saturday Travelled about [blank space] miles and Camped in the evening Close to a number of ponds of water of pretty good quality
Sabbath morning. Travelled about 8 miles to the Platte River and Camped wherein there is some scattering timber on a small island—passed the Companies of Lorenzo Snow and Bro. Perkins and Pulciver [Pulsipher]in their encampments.
Note—There is a fearful criminality attached to the course of any individual who exercises an influence on Public feeling and sentiment if his doctrine is not correct and if his conduct be not governed by virtuous and moral principles.
It is the duty of the people there to uphold such men by the prayer of faith, and if need be to entreat them to regulate their course Correctly; and if they are obstinate, it is the priviledge of the people to remove them, and appoint others in their stead. How shall we know when a man’s life and doctrine is Correct? Where he violates no right naturally and legally belonging to another, and when his doctrine and life come not in Contact with the revelations of God. It was the doctrine on which the United States Constitution was founded, and sanctioned by Joseph Smith as a principle inspired of God, that all men are born free and equal, and though one man may merit more than another, it does not entitle him to encroach upon his neighbours rights or in any way to defraud his neighbor.
The Lord gives no such prerogative to man neither Can any individual excercise it without being amenable to the laws and justice of God.
No man has a right to eulier [sic] his neighbors wife without violating a law of God. neither can the Covenant of marriage or any other Covenant be disannulled without just cause or mutual Consent— — —
During the last two days we passed a number of very large Prairie Dog Towns—. They seem to locate their Towns on gentle elevations of land and live of
Monday Morning—We are encamped on the Platte River and Calculate to remain here till Bro. Kimballs Company arrive—
Yesterday evening at 6 Oclock the brethren and Sisters convened in meeting. Several of the Brethren spoke their feelings in regard to our journey. Bro. Brigham Young then arose and Said that he had proposed to the brethren to give them some written Rules and regulations but said he now saw no need for it, however, the law is given for the lawless and disobedient, but here the brethren are all willing to do that which is right—Speaking of dishonesty he said that any man who would steal, having the Priesthood, forfeited his head, and the time had now pretty nigh come when the judgements of God would instantly be executed upon the transgressor. He said that that from this time henceforth he calculated that neither Judges, Councillors, or Marshalls should recall any pay for their services while acting as ministers of justice, nor any other officers. He Knew what was for the good of this people. Said there would be Judges and High Councils, and that he was a Judge and calculated to sit on cases, and act in any office that might be necessary—
Said in regard to law that a righteous people needed no law because they lived so much above all Common law that it Could not reach them, but if any man infringe upon his neighbors rights, the Law would be upon him so quick that he would not know where it came from.
Said in regard to travelling behind the Company that he was the Horns of Joseph and was pushing the people together, thereby fulfilling the Scripture.
Said in regard to Karelling [corralling] that he Knew how nigh a man was to Mormonism by the way he Karelled in the evening. When he Karelled he wanted to lock wheels with his brother so if the Indians should come upon us or a storm arise the Horses might not be stolen nor the waggons upset. Some men wanted to travel with him in the morning, but when evening Came they wanted to Karell [corral] about four feet apart so if any danger should arise they might have an opportunity to dodge behind their wagons— He wanted to lock wheels, just as he would lock arms with his brother, so as they might be mutually strengthened—
We are now 244 miles from Winter quarters. Have seen no Buffalo yet.
Tuesday Evening. The camp has remained at the above place since Sabbath noon, burning charcoal, and getting Blacksmithing done. Bro. Kimball’s Camp came on this forenoon—
Wednesday. Removed this morning from the foregoing place and travelled to the River close to the Plata Lakes[.] Here my Brother lost himself and Searched through the various Camps but could not find him, it was now dark and I went home under great anxiety of mind lest he should have gone out on the Prairie, but found that he had been taken home by one of the Nei[gh]bours who observed his bewildered Condition—
Thursday Travelled 16½ mi and Camped at the low Sandy Bluffs on the River Bank—Here Prest. Brigham Young Proposed to drive the sheep belonging to the Camp for one third of what he shou[l]d take into the valley. I told him he might have ours numbering 5 Ewes and 4 Lambs to drive on those Conditions—
Friday Travelled 16¼ miles and and Camped at at [sic] very large Cold spring at the foot of the Bluffs, at the head of the Pawnee Swamps—
Saturday July 1st—Travelled 4¾ miles beyond Carrion Creek and Camped on the North fork of the Platte River about 8 miles above its junction with the South Fork—Five or Six Buffallo Killed today. Only three Brought in to Camp. The Brethren are doing very wrong in wasting flesh and spilling blood unnecessarily—We had a gentle shower of rain today—
July 2nd Rested our Cattle on the Sabbath. In the afternoon a meeting was held. Several of the Brethren spoke in a very edifying and instructive manner— Prest. B. Young bore testimony to the gospel and said that by keeping all the Commandments of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ which we have received we would be saved in the Celestial Kingdom of God and that their was laws and ordinances by which all could be saved except those who had shed innocent blood or sinned against the Holy Ghost—And in relation to the Conception and birth of Jesus Christ Said that he was the son according to the flesh of the Eternal Father. And the natural heir to this world, and that to him all things should bow and acknowledge that he is God to the glory of God the Father. That the Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was the Father of our Spirits but that according to the flesh we were begotten some other way.
This evening my Mother took violently sick with palpitation of the heart occasioned by an accumulation of blood to the heart. I gave her some No. Six [blank space] some peppermint, put cloths steeped in warm whisky to her stomach and heart, bathed her feet in pepper sauce and water, put hot Irons to them and put some hops steeped in hot water to her side, by which the violent spasms and suffaction [suffication] which she endured was checked. Bro. Brigham Young administered to her by which she seemed to be relieved and pronounced and sealed upon her the blessings of health in the name of Jesus.
3d My Mother has rested some during the night and is some better. Travelled 14 miles—and camped on the River—
4th Tuesday. Crossed a range of Sandy Bluffs. Very hard on Teams[.] at noon today Sister [Sarah] Morse Came to us to see if we wished to have a woman go with us to help our work—Said we did—but made no agreement what length of time she should stay—Camped on the River a little from another range of Sandy Bluffs—This evening some of the young Folks got together and had a dance.
5th In crossing over these Bluffs Hiram [Hyrum] Gates’s Waggon was upset. All the loading was upset and the Bows Broken. Came to the Bottom of the River at noon and after crossing some low soft places stopped our Teams as usual to feed. Camped in the evening at the foot of the Bluffs, a little distance from a place where three large springs of water boil up. Water cool and pleasant though a little tainted with sulphur as most of the springs of water are in this part of the Country. This day we travelled 14 miles mostly on sandy Bluffs which was very fatiguing on the Cattle—My Bull was very sick and much blotted [bloated] at noon. I gave him 1½ [illegible] fat Pork and he got some better.
6th Had very heavy hauling both over the Bluffs and valleys.
7th We crossed a Considerably high point of the Bluffs and a bad crick at the foot of the ascent. There was some quarrelling amongst the Brethren today about passing and crowding each other out of the Road. Also a good deal of yelling to the Cattle—A meeting was called in the evening to enquire into the Causes of their conduct. Prest. Young Cautioned the brethren against it and said especially if any man hereafter would profane the name of God he would have to leave the Company, neither would he be allowed to settle with the Saints—All fires to be put out before starting in the morning—W[illiam]. W[ines]. Phelp’s wife crowded Brigham Youngs Carriage or rather drove her Team in ahead of his Carriage while he was going to cross a creek. Prest. Young said in the meeting if Judge Phelps would not teach his wife better manners he would kick his arse out of the Company.
8th Travelled about 8 miles and fed our Cattle at the lone tree at noon. It is a low thick Cedar that has stood the blast of many waters—An infant, Indian was wrapped in a Buffallo hide and placed in the Ciffs [cleft] of the Tree, according to their usual Custom of disposing of the dead bodies of their infant children—Travelled 2 miles further and camped opposite Ash hollow—Here we observed 6 waggons on the south side of the River with which are some families returning from the Salt Lake Valley, because as they say, their provisions gave out and they were not able to stay.—An Indian Trader is in Company with them—
9th —Meeting was held at 5 oclock in the afternoon.
10th 9th Travelled about 12 miles and camped ½ mile from the River. Fed at noon at Sand Bluff Creek. Today we observed a number of Indian traders on the South side of the River, with about [.5] Pack Animals—
11th Camped on the West side of the Ancient Bluff Ruins . These Ruins resemble the Ruins of Ancient Castles fortifications &c, and have a remarkably interesting appearance. Here we met a number of the brethren who have come from the valley with teams to help the Brethren—Some have gone back to Winterquarters. I wrote a letter to Thos Murray and sent
We laid by here one day awaiting the arrival of Bro. Kimballs Co. and getting the waggons repaired and loaded—
14 13th Travelled about 12 miles and camped nearly opposite a large rock or mound of clay on the South side of the Ruin resembling an ancient Castle—We travelled on about ten miles of sandy road today which could have been very heavy hauling but last night we had considerable rain accompanied with a heavy gust of wind, which settled the roads considerably—
15th Camped opposite Chimney Rock about 60 miles West of Laramie. Here the Scenery is remarkably interesting and romantic. It produces an impression as if we were bordering on a large and antiquated city. The Rocks, hills, appearances of old Castles, and monuments remind me of the Calton hill and the Scenery around the Metropolis although it by no means equal it it grandeur and beauty—
16th Sabbath—We are laid by resting ourselves and Cattle—This evening a meeting was held on the Prairie. It was motioned and carried that Prest. Youngs Co. and Bro. Kimballs be each divided into four parts. Prest. Young spoke in relation to preaching to the Brethren, and said, he did not feel like preaching much. As every man knew what was right. And that they had done first
17th Still continued to travel in Prest. Youngs Division, and Camped a few miles from Scotts Bluffs [Bluff]. This is the only evening we have been short of fuel—No wood and but few Buffallo chips.
My Brother strayed from our Waggons and lost us, and I travelled all night in search of him, and crossed the Platte River about 2 Oclock in the morning to Bro. Kimballs Company but did
Tuesday 18th—Traveled about 15 miles. Passed Scotts Bluffs [Bluff], and had a very interesting view of them during the day—camped at Spring Creek.—
19th Travelled about 15 miles and camped on the River a small creek a short distance from the River. Camped beside Father Morley’s Co.
20th With the head of Father Morley Co—and travelled 12 miles on an exceedingly sandy Road. Camped on the River where Bro. Perkins Company had just crossed. No feed today at noon and very poor feed this evening—Met four of the Brethren from the valley who bring the news that the Crops look well but the Cricketts have injured them a good deal—It is however supposed that they will be sufficient to sustain the people—It is said that for two hundred miles we will have little feed for our Cattle. The Lord our God graciously sustain them and preserve their lives, and give us wisdom and a merciful disposition to use them aright—
21st Crossed the North Fork of the Platte about 12 miles from Fort Laramie. Got over safe without any accident or having any of our goods wet. One of our Waggons we raised on blocks or the stuffs would have been injured. Bottom of the River gravelly and heavy hauling—Good roads on this side but feed very poor—Travelled about 2 miles on this side the River and camped—Bro. Kimballs Company crossed about 20 miles below this, and other small parties crossed between the place we crossed and where we have crossed. My Mothers health is greatly improving, and my wife and child now enjoy good health—I now realise a great deliverance from the almost insupportable fatigues and afflictions which I had to sustain for 2 or 3 weeks after we left the Horn— And I would appreciate in this. the goodness and mercy of our Heavenly Father in Removing afflictions and sickness from our family and for granting unto us a portion of His Spirit whereby we feel thankful to His great hand—O that we might always preserve a humility of mind and a peaceful and serene countenance; whereby we may know the Priesthood and secure the favor of God.
There is plenty of good firewood both on this and the other side of the River at this place—We have not had any wood for about two hundred miles excepting a very little drift wood on the bank of the River—Most of the way however we have had plenty of Buffalo Chips which serves a good purpose for fuel—
22d Had very little feed in the morning and none till night. Travelled about 14 miles and Camped on the River about 3 miles this side of Fort Laramie—One of our Oxen got bit by a snake this morning and his leg and shoulder swelled considerably. Crossed a fork of the Platte at Laramie and found it a good ford—
23d Rested today and fed our Cattle on the North side of the River—Slept on the Prairie all night to have our Cattle on hand in the morning
24th Traveled over a very bad road and camped over by warm springs—we left the River this afternoon and will have to travel about 80 miles on the higher lands before we reach it again. Crossed as Dry No grass—
25th Tuesday—left the above Camping ground and travelled to Dry Timber Creek where we had pretty good feed for our Cattle. Here one ox belonging to Bro. Taff died—
26th Today travelled to Horse Creek and Heber’s Spring 15 miles. Crossed the channell of a dry creek. a great many times where we had heavy hauling for our teams and a ridge of Bluffs where we had a magnificent view of the surrounding Country.
27 Laid by on account of the rain. plenty of Currants at this place—
28 Although this morning was damp and it had rained a good deal during the night, we got up our Cattle and started out after waiting awhile till the weather cleared off—Left the Karell [corral] this morning by permission of Capt. [Joseph] Busbie [Busby]and traveled in company with Wm. Young and a few more waggons, as we were necessitated to do so to get our baby nursed as my wife has not milk enough for him. Travelled about six miles and camped on a small creek where we have pretty good feed for our Cattle—
29th Traveled about 15 miles and reached the “La Bonte” River. very poor feed but plenty of timber and water—we again began to reach the Buffalo Country. Bro. H[yrum]. Gates killed one this evening—
30 Traveled 5 miles to the a Branch of the “La Bonte” River and from thence to A. La. Prele [A La Prele] river in all 19½ miles over a very desolate country. had no feed for our Cattle during this day.
31st Monday Laid by. Got some Buffalo meat this morning
Tues Aug[us]t 1th Travelled to the Fourche Boise River 30 ft wide 2 ft deep[.] distance 10 miles—
Aug[u]st 4th Arrived within a mile of the Raphur Ferry of the North Fork of the Platte River—Laid by here 3 days and had Blacksmithing done. pretty good feed for our Cattle. There is a range of mountains on the North South Side of the road about eight miles from the River on which this [there] is a plenty of wild sheep and Bear, also antilope and Deer a plenty—
Tuesday Morning—8th Aug[u]st Intend starting this morning but a good many of the Cattle Cannot be found. My wife was very unwell last night but this morning is a good deal better. The Lord accept our thanks for his faithfulness in hear[ing] our prayers. Had a dream last night in which the Temptations snares and allurements were made manifest of the ways of darkness, and the awful misery and Oppression of those who walk therein as also the great Care watchfulness and steady perseverance necessary to be delivered therefrom and walk in this way of life.
On Saturday I wanted some blacksmithing done but as I had no means to pay for
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