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[Mr.] Taylor

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[Woodward, William], Reminiscences, 8-10, box 2, fd. 4, in William Woodward, Collection 1851-1919

[Woodward, William], Reminiscences, 8-10, box 2, fd. 4, in William Woodward, Collection 1851-1919.

[
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] to Carterville as we determined to go the south side of the [
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] The season had been very rainy and the bridge across the Mosquota [
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] away. We got our provisions across in two pig troughs [
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] together to make a boat: our wagons we drawed through the [
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] to the bank of the stream (for the water covered the bottom). And we stayed on the south side of the creek all night[.] we had a very uncom[f]ortable supper.
In the morning we drew our wagons across the stream with ropes. We then hitched up the cattle and drove on to Bullocks Grove. Our meals were quite comfortable to night.
The next day we drove through some unsettled country. &amp; some that was settled. Sloughs and swamps were common things as we drew nigh <s>Hanesvill</s> Bethlehem. we arrived there on the banks of the Missouri river about 4 o.'clock. Here was about 31 wagons loaded with merchandise for the Valley. The teamsters were composed of Dutch American &amp; English[.] about half were Mormons the balance were non-professers of religion.
We stayed at Bethlehem and the opposite side of the river for a few days. The Ottoes (Indians) were near us on the west side of the river[.] We then rolled out to gooseberry creek and staid a few days. A mule &amp; two horses were stolen by from company while we remained here
On the 1st of July we rolled out and travelled about 4 ½ miles[.] broke several wagons in our train to day. camp at Hickory Grove—We fetched the wagons that were broken on the 2nd of July to our camp as our carpenter repaired them. A few emigrants that were Mormons passed us today: Mr. Kelly was one man.
On the Third of July we travelled a few miles and camped near Narrow creek. Grass &amp; water plentiful. 
On the fourth of July we travelled about 21 miles to Salt creek. The axeltree of my wagon broke to day. The night was cold. &amp; no supper.
On the fifth we forded salt creek. stream clear water rather salty bottom rocky. We travelled about 9 miles to day.
 On the sixth we drove to elm creek[.] several cattle died to day. We rested one day. Some gentlemen helped us here. Oscar [text missing] left us and went on faster to the Valley.
We travelled on now pretty well (7th of July) The captain of our Company is Mr. Horner[.] Mr James Monroe, is agent for the merchandise. The names of the persons composing our company are W. A. Park, W.A.A. Roscrants, A[ndrew]. Burt, R. Nilson, W.D. __ . Allen Peter Oldroid [Oldroyd]. George Higley, R. Hitchcock, William May, ─ Taylor, I. Sackett, George Gallery, ─ Rogers &amp; wife, ─ Ninser, myself &amp; several others.
We passed "Fort Kearney" an American military post. After we were past this "Fort" a day or twoo's Drive Buffalo were numerous. I should think that I could see ten thousand in a day. in one herd. While we were in the Game country we had plenty of fresh meat, We stopped about 3 days at "ash springs" <s>a name given it</s> by Jan to repair our wagon wheels.
A day or two after we left this place about half our cattle went back which hindered us a day or two
We passed many emigrants on the opposite side of the river.
When we arrived at "Fort Laramie" our stock of provisions was getting short and some more were procured.
After leaving this place we were in a mountanious country called the "Black Hills". We followed up the North Fork of ["]Platte River" crossing it several times.
After we left the "Platte" we came to the 'Sweetwater' a branch of the former Stream. We crossed the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains
We continued our journey Crossing several streams arrived at "Fort Bridger" an Indian Trading post: we stayed here one day
About the 24th of September, as we were "rolling out" of camp A person rode in and conversed with Mr. Monroe. the man was a stranger to me: This was in the vicinity of Yellow Creek, &amp; about 70 miles from the Valley. The next I saw of him, he came riding by saying "gentlemen I have killed the seducer of my wife" he put his hand to his breast and said "vengeance is sweet to me".
Our captain rode past and gave orders to stop. I went back to see what was the matter &amp; James Monroe lie dead, he was shot by Howard Egan, for seducing his wife.
About the 26th of September when we were at the foot of the "big mountain" Several Elders passed us from the Valley to the states on missions. Elders Ezra T. Benson, one of the twelve &amp; L.W. Richards &amp; Willard Snow were of the company
We had several of our wagons broken before we got into the city
September 28th. enter the Valley of the Great Salt Lake it was late at night
September 29 enter the city
September 30 received 15 dollars cash[,] $ order making me 26 dollars and a half for driving a team to the Valley.
The distance from the Missouri River is about 1030 miles
Left Kanesville on the 17th of June and arrived in the <s>Valley</s>&lt;City&gt; of the Great Salt Lake on the 29th of September. The place that I left England for. The city of the saints

[Mr.] Taylor

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