Transcript

Title: Abraham O. Smoot Company journal, 1856 April-June

Call Number: MS 1510

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Page 1st 

The company of missionaries who were appointed to Europe and
the United States, at the Aprile Conference 1856; Assembled at
the mouth of Emigration Kanyon [Canyon] on Tuesday 22nd of April at
11 oclock A.M. and was organized in the following maner,
by President B. [Brigham] Young.  Abraham O[wen]. Smoot was chosen
Cap. [Captain] of Company, William Miller Cap. of Guard, Ezra
T[aft]. Benson, Chaplain, James Ure Clerk. [two words crossed out]

President Young Blessed us, and we started as 12 oclock.
and traveled up the Kanyon a short distance and turned out
our Animals to feed, about 1 hour and 30 minutes on very good
grass. In the afternoon (crossed the (little) mountain and) traveled to what is called a Branch [regarding the phrase in parentheses, a word was struck and the word “little” was inserted]

of Kanyon creek camped for the night and Guard placed
in the camp and around our horses and mules, Prayer in 

the evening by the Chaplain. Judge Kenney was campe about
1/4 of a mile west of us, with 3 wagons of his own.

Wednesday 23rd Crossed the Big mountain coming down the
east side we broke an axeltree, made one of pine being the only
kind of timber we could find, in the meantime Judge Kenney
passed and camped with our wagons for the night at East
Kanyon Creek. After fixing our axeltree we started to reach
the Camp, but it became so dark it was impossible for us to
See the road. Stoped until the moon rose, then resumed our
journey and arrived in camp a little before daylight.

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Thursday 24th Very cold morning. Prayers. Made an early
Start. Snow falling, and continued until nearly noon.
Crossed the "Weber" then traveled a little distance and nooned.
Camped in the evening in Echo Kanyon.

Friday 25th Cold clowdy morning frost during the night.
Prayers Started at 7 oclock A.M. Brethren wraped in
their Blankets and Buffalo Skins; Nooned at "Cache Cave"
This afternoon we faced a violent cold wind and snow.
Impossible to keep warm, and with much difficulty, we
reached the west side of "Bear River"and camped for the night.
Staked our animals among some willows to shelter them
from the storm. Guard placed over them. Prayers before
retiring to rest.

Saturday 26th The weather moderate. Prayers after breakfast,
by J[oseph]. L[eland]. Haywood. He changed his wagon for one
much lighter. Crossed "Bear River" traveled and camped
in the evening about 10 miles, west of "Fort Bridger" Camp
called together for prayers.

Sunday 27th Clear frosty morning. After breakfast, called together
for Prayer. Started for "Fort Bridger" arrived there a little

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before noon. Some of the brethren’s feet began to be very sore having
walked all the way here to save the teams.

In the afternoon Elder Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith, Ezra T[aft]. Benson,
Erastus Snow, and Isaac Bullock rod out to Fort Supply,
and returned the next morning. This evening the brethren assembled
and were addressed by (Elder) Orson Pratt, and J[oseph]. L[eland] Haywood.

Monday 28th Two of our horses having strayed away in the night,
Jacob Hoffines, and myself started at daybreak in Search.
of them (and searched) all day with one or two others, but could not find them.

In the afternoon the rest of the teams started, and five
Men were left to hunt for the horses. Bro. Erastus Snow
gave Jacob Gibson 50 dollars, so that if the horses were not
found we could purchase another, to put in the team with one
that (I had) [two words struck out] In the evening not having found our horses
we harnessed my nag and a horse of Bro. Wadsworths and 

reached the camp at “Blacks Fork" about 9 oclock P.M.

Tuesday 29th Early this morning [Orrin] Porter Rockwell arrived at camp
bringing the lost horses with him; and was saluted with cheers
from the brethern. Prayers. Started about 7 oclock A.M.
After traveling a few miles, the weather became very cold
and stormy with snow falling. Traveled to "Hams Fork"
without stoping, and camped for the night; here we had a
meeting, and as we were approaching the Indian Country it was
Suggested by Colonel Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith that our fire arms be inspected

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so that if atacked by the Indians, we could be in readiness at
any moment to defend ourselves. A[braham]. O[wen]. Smoot, Judge Kenney,
and others made some remarks upon the same subject. Dismissed
by prayer.

Wedensday 30th This morning at 6 oclock we were ordered to
appear in Rank and prepare for inspection of arms which
was gone through by Colonel G[eorge].A[lbert]. Smith, Cap. Ira Eldridge [Eldredge].

List of Names in the camp, with the Amount of Ammunition

James [Weaver] Palmer

 

12 Rounds

Samuel H[arrison Bailey]. Smith

50       "

John A[lexander]. Ray

 

½  lbs Powder and Lead

James Ure

1 ½  "           "              "

A.O. Smoot

 

50           Rounds

Isaac Higbee

15                "

Orson Pratt

2 Colts Rev.

15                "

James Beck

48            "

Truman O[sborn]. Angel[l]

 

30            "

William Miller

20            "

William [Franklin] Pace

 

15            "

Miles Romney

34            "

Thomas R[ice]. King

 

30           "

J[oseph]. L[eland]. Haywood

2 lbs Powder 10 of Lead

 

Elijah E[dward]. Holden

 

40            "

 

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Benjaman McGenis [McGinnis]

50 Rounds

John M. [William] Coward

40 "

James Atkin

30 "

Jacob Gibson

40 "

Peter Robison

John R[ogers]. Robins

40 "

William Kirby

50 "

William Benbow

50 "

John Todd

20 "

Thomas [Erasterus] Bladen

50 "

William Wadsworth

50 "

Almerin [M.] Grow

30 "

P.O. [Orrin Porter] Rockwell

20 "

E. J. Kenney

150  "

Hall Kenney

Laurence Williams

Thomas [Henry] Sutherland

18 "

Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith

12 "

Henry [Hendrick] Doremus

40 "

J[ohn]. M[onroe]. Moody

60 "

Lorenzo Hatch

40 "

Ezra T[aft]. Benson

40 "

Erastus Snow

25 "

 

After the inspection of Arms we Started on our Journey
about 7 oclock A.M. Geo. A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson
Erastus Snow, A.O. Smoot, and J.L. Haywood went

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in advance of the train and arrived at "Green River"
before the teams. We reached the River early in the afternoon
feed Scarce Camped for the night. Before arriving at this
place we learned that William Kirby, who had three horses
2 in the team one going behind the wagon, at the rafting of
"Hams Fork" put the harness on the horse which ran
behind the wagon, when it began to rear up on its hind
feet, after labouring a little with it, he took his ax and
stuck it a blow which killed it almost instantly.
On arriving at Green River, he was told by Cap. [Abraham Owen] Smoot that
he could not travel anymore with our camp.

J[oseph]. L[eland]. Haywood exchanged an old mule for a good horse about
4 years old by paying 25$ Difference. This was for Geo[rge]. A[lbert].
Smith to ride.

Thursday May 1st Started from Green River about 1/2 past
5 oclock A.M; before leaving the camp ground a
Female by the name of Polydore; who wished to leave
the company she had traveled with from Salt Lake to this
place and were camped a short distance from us, came 

and insisted to be taken along in our company, after we
had all left the camp ground with the exception of Bro.
Blader and she beged so earnestly that he took her with
his wagon. The brethren concluded to take her along

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notwithstanding many of us had to walk a great part
of the way in order to Save our animals. Some of the
brethren agreed to pay a man by the name of Guard
who had his wife and family with him, to take her in
his wagon, to Missouri River,
Traveled today 28 miles camped in the evening
at the second crossing of "Big Sandy" feed scarce.

Friday 2nd  This morning started early. Crossed little Sandy
where we passed two wagons loaded with Tin [?] for G.
S.L. City. Camped at noon on the Banks of Little
Sandy some distance from the road. here the mail passed
on its way to G. Salt Lake City, when through the kindness
of Judge Kenney who took a letter from Geo[rge] A[lbert]. Smith,
addressed to the Editor of Deseret News, and gave it
to the Mail Carrier. In the afternoon traveled until
early dusk. Camped a few miles west of Pacific
Springs. Feed Scarce.

Saturday 3rd Started at Sunrise. Started before
breakfast and camped in a place about 5 miles above
the crossing of "Sweet Water" we did not ford the River
but took another which joins the old one a little way
from "Warm Spring" Traveled today about 23 miles

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and camped for the night near an "Alkali Pond."
Between 10 & 11 oclock P.M. a storm of wind and rain
commenced, and towards morning it began to Snow, and
at daybreak the whole camp was aroused by the guard,
Shouting, Arise take care of your Animals, for they are
freezing to death, we all arose Seized our Blankets and Buff-
alo Skins, and covered them, for it was indeed a merciless
Storm.

Sunday 4th Continued to Snow and we being without fire
wood or any Shelter, Bro Thomas, R[ice]. King and William
Wadsworth, went in Search of another camp Ground, on their
return, we harnessed our horses, many puting the harness on
above the Blankets and Buffalo Skins, we moved from our
encampment although it Seemed impossible for either man
or Animal to face the Storm, yet we succeeded in traveling
about 2 miles leading the horses by the head; Ezra T[aft]. Benson
Orson Pratt, Erastus Snow, A[braham]. O[wen]. Smoot, were seen breasting
the Storm, Shouting and encouraging the brethren, all they possibly
could. Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith, was unable to be out of the wagons
and felt Sorry he could not have the privilege of being with
them. We camped in a hollow among some willows, close
to "Sweetwater" not far from "Rocky Ridge."

In the evening many of us were destitute of bed cloths
as we had taken all of our Buffalo Skins, Quilts, and
Blankets to cover our Animals, So that we were obliged
to set all night exposed to a pityless Northeast
Storm of wind and Snow, without any covers.

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Monday 5th This morning the storm abated having Snowed.
with a Strong wind more than thirty hours one of
Judge Kenney's horses died today, our animals appeared to
be very feeble; and we had to feed them with our breadstuff.

In the afternoon we atempted to Start, but the Storm
recomenced, and it was thought impossible for us to find
the road, our teams were turned out, and we remained here
another night.

Tuesday 6th This morning a horse belonging to Bro. James Taylor
died, my horse was put in the team, in its place.
Very cold morning. Started at 8 oclock A.M. We had
not traveled far when the horses began to Sink to their
girths and fall in the Snow, they had to be unharnessed, and
the Wagons, hauled by men through large Snow drifts, by means
of rops, we were then called to walk on foot, with all the
loose animal, in front of the train in order to make a
track, and in many places we had to walk over the Snow
two or three times before the strongest of our teams could
pass; the Snow on the level being from 12 to 18 inches, and
other places from 3 to 5 feet deep. We traveled over some old
Snow. Depth unknown. We continued our labour, making
about 1 mile and half per hour, until 4 oclock P.M. when we
camped on a little gravel hill or ridge nearly clear of Snow
not far from "Sweet Water." Neither wood near water, a little
bunch grass. Our eyes and faces were very sore being
Scorched by the Sun and our eyes much injured with its
reflection upon the snow.

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Wednesday 7th Mild morning, Orson Pratt nearly blind.

Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith, Ezra T[aft]. Benson, Erastus Snow,
laid hands on him that his eyes might be healed. Many
others in the camp much afflicted in their eyes and face.
About 8 oclock our camp was on the move, and we comenced
our labour of treading the Snow to break a road for the teams
with our faces covered with thin hankerchiefs to protect our
eyes from the brightness of the snow; many of us nearly blind.

We traveled about 2 miles and came to a small creek
and found some water and grass clear of snow, turned
out our animals to feed, they look very feeble.

Camped in the evening at the Sande creek about 7 miles
from where the road joins the old one having traveled
about 12 miles in 8 hours, assembled round the campfire
Porter Rockwell, talking about the treasures, in the
Hill Cumoro, until a late hour.

Thursday 8th Fine morning; clear sky. Brigham H[amilton]. Young
Sick; administered to by Geo. A. Smith, Erastus
Snow, Orson Pratt. Orson Pratt's eyes much better.
Passed the warm spring near the junction of the road,
traveled 2 miles father; turned out our animals to feed;
good grass, the best we have seen since we left Emigration
Kanyon. Camped in the evening at Sweet Water Ford No. 4
Some of us very sore feet (with) walking. Assembled round the

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Campfire had some good singing; attended to prayers also
we have had prayer regularly night and morning since we left
Salt Lake City. This afternoon, saw antelopes cross the road
in front of the train.

Friday 9th  Fine clear morning. Started about 7 oclock. The
faces and eyes of the brethren much better. Crossed Sweet
water four times this forenoon. Held our animals at noon, at
"Gravely Bluffs" Camped in the evening at the River near
Alkali Lake. Traveled about 27 miles. Bro Miles Romney
sick feet sore fatigued with much walking.

Saturday 10th Fine clear morning. all well in camp; prayer by
Orson Pratt. Started at 7 oclock A.M. nooned 2 miles
east of "Devils Gate. Camped in the evening at "Greenwood
Creek; good grass, Stormy wet night. Commenced as soon
as we had finished eating our supper.

Sunday 11th Cold morning; the ground white with snow. Left
our encampment at 1 oclock P.M. while traveling had to
cover ourselves with our Blankets and Buffalo skins, and
could not keep warm and the previous day it was impossible
for us to keep cool, were obliged to creep under our wagons to
be sheltered from the scorching rays of the Sun. it was as if
we were transported from the torid to the frigid Zone.
The snow from six to 18 inches deep traveled 12 miles camped
in the evening at "Willow Spring"

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Monday 12th Called up this morning by the Guard before daylight
shouting, "the horses have ran off." I was called on guard at the
same time in company with Miles Romney, and James Taylor, we found
12 of our horses and brought them into camp, P[orter]. Rockwell and
William Wadsworth started at break of day in Search of the remainder
and returned with them all except six, the sun about 30 minutes high
they were brought in by Thomas R[ice]. King. Left our encampment
at 8 oclock. Roads soft and muddy, very much broken
with the snow water from the mountains and hills. Many
Antelopes crossed the road in front of the wagons, one Shot
by J[ohn]. M[onroe]. Moody and distributed throughout the camp.
Came to the River Platte between the hours of 3 & 4 oclock
P.M. traveled a few miles and camped at the Riverside
about 3 miles above the Ford.

Tuesday 13th Clear frosty morning. Prayer by Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith.
Started at 30 minutes past 7 oclock A.M. on arriving at
the Ford of the river, we found the water too high for the teams
to cross. We then traveled 7 miles down the river, and paid a
dollar per wagon for crossing the Bridge. At this point there
is a military post established by Government consisting of Some
Log-cabins, Tents, Lodges & occupied by soldiers, officers,
and few traders. Among the Military officers were Cap.
Heath, and Leutenant Dudly. We were informed that
the Bridge here was errected (in 1855) by Mr Crochard (a trader) at
the expence of $22000 Twenty to thousand Dollars. And
also that they had the most severe storms the previous winter

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that had been for a great number of years and that a few days
before we reached there; the Snow was from 4 to 5 feet deep!
Mr. A[lmon].W[hiting]. Babbitt and comp. were about 5 days in advance
of us. Traveled down the river about 1 mile and camped for
the night.

Wednesday 14th Fine Mild morning. All well in camp.
Started at 8 oclock A.M.. After traveling a few miles
we met a number of Indians, Squas, and papooses.
on their way to the Fort. Some said they were "Chyenne."
and others, that they were Gohaloes band of Soux. The
formost of them Saluted us with a friendly signal by
lifting his hand to the heavens.

Traveled about 15 miles and Camped at noon.
In the (evening) camped at Deer Creek.  Judge Kenney & Leutenant

Dudly were camped a short distance from us.  

Just at dark two Indians traveling on foot were seen

approaching our camp, when they arrived at the opposite side
of the Creek. Leutenant Dudly ordered them to come across.
or he would Shoot them, after Swearing and threatening
what he would do, if they were chyanes, he sent a man
on horseback who brought them across the creek; they were
Soux, and had traveled along way and were very
hungery. The Leutenant gave them their supper.

Thursday 15th Fine morning. The water in the creek
very high. Raised our wagon beds, and under the cautious
and judicious management of Cap. Smoot, we crossed all
the teams with ease and safety. Traveled about 14 miles.

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and nooned at a Smal creek. In the afternoon crossed
"La Prile" the water very high; it was thought impossible
to Ford it. Lewtenant Dudly made choice of one place
for crossing, and after flourishing round, and making a great
nois. Succeeded in crossing one Government team, that had
accompanied him from the Fort. But our Cap made a better
Selection of a place to Ford, and the teams all crossed easily
and without any noise whatever. In the evening rain began
to fall. Very heavy. Camped about 5 miles west of the "branch
of La Bonte."

Friday 16th Clear Cool morning. Started about 7 oclcok A.M.
arrived at "The Branch of La Bonte" about 9 oclock found
the water so high it was impossible to ford it; turned out our
animals to feed; plenty of good grass. After Labouring some
time to put a foot bridge across. A fording place was found,
about ½ mile above the old crossing; we raised our wagon
beds, and in a few minutes all were safe on the opposite side
Reached "La Bonte" about ½ past one oclock P.M. water
Very high. raised our wagon beds, crossed easily and with
out accident. After this the road for Several hours was
Very hilly; traveled through several Snow drifts, in fact
we could put our hands in Snow almost every day Since
we left "Fort Bridger" Camped in the evening at a creek
about 4 miles west of "Hebers Spring" Plenty of good grass
& timber. Porter Rockwell shot and Antelope, it was distri
buted throughout the Camp.

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Saturday 17th Fine clear warm morning. Started at 30
minutes past 6 A.M. At 12 oclock turned out the animals
to feed. In the afternoon past Porter Rock, also a large herd
of Cattle, and camp of Soldiers, and Government officers, about 22 miles
west of Laramie. In the evening camped a short distance
from the "Warm Spring."

Sunday 18th Fine warm morning. Started about 7 oclock
Camped at noon about one mile west of "Fort
Laramie" Geo A. Smith and myself, with one or two others
bathed in the River. We wished to purchase some provisions
here, and were told that the commissary would attend to us
at 4 oclock P.M. We moved to the Fort at the Specified
time and bought Flour at $15 per hundred Bacon the same
Cracker 15  ¾ per lb they had no Sugar to sell at present
Coffee 3 pounds for a dollar. We crossed the Platte at the
Fort a little before Sun Set. Traveled about 5 miles and
camped for the night.

Monday 19th Fine warm morning. Started a little before
8 oclock A.M. Met the eastern mail about 9 oclock A.M. on
its way to G.S.L. City and with it Bro. Smith on his
return from a mission to the "Cape of Good Hope" in South
Africa; he felt well and was very happy to see us. we
camped a short distance from the mail. He was enabled
to spend 2 hours with us and the brethren an opportunity
of writing to their families and many did. We waited
here all day for Judge Romney as he tarried all night
at the Fort.

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Tuesday 20th Fine warm morning. The weather is now very
hot. Judge Kenney came up in the night. We Started
at 6 oclock A.M. Traveled about 12 miles and nooned.
In the afternoon traveled 16 more making today 28
miles and camped for the night.

Wednesday 21st Fine clear morning. Strong wind from the
west. Started at 30 minutes past 6 oclock A.M. moved
15 miles west of "Chimney Rock." Camped in the
evening a little north of the Rock and close to the river.
Plenty of good grass; but no wood. We assembled as usual
for prayers, after which we were addressed by the chaplain
who expressed his feelings in relation to the Journey; and extoled
the brethren for their good conduct up to the present. he was
followed by Geo. A. Smith who made some remarks upon
our obedience to the "powers that be" and Spoke in Strong
terms against National feelings. Said he considered us
Citizens of the World, and nothing was more mean and
contemptable in his eyes, that for one man to slight another
on account of the place of his birth.

Thursday 22nd Fine clear morning. wind from the east.
Started at 6 oclock A.M. nooned at "Praire
Creek." Traveled today about 35 miles. Just as we
were driving into camp, the Shaft of the wagon in which
Geo A. Smith rode broke, caused by the front horses rearing
and backing until one of them fell up on the Shaft. It was
soon repaired.

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Friday 23rd Clear morning strong wind from the
south. Early Start. Traveled about 12 miles mostly
through sand and nooned. In the afternoon traveled 13
more through a heavy Sandy road. Camped in the
evening about 10 miles west of Ash Hollow, assembled
round the camp fire, addressed by Geo. A. Smith, Orsen [Orson]
Pratt, in regard to decorum, cleanliness, the use of Tobacco
etc. This same day a few wagons, and 2 large herds of
cattle passed on the other Side of the Platte going west.

Saturday 24th  Fine cool morning. Wind from the
South. Started at 6 oclock, A.M. Camped at
noon about 3 miles east of "Ash Hollow." In the
afternoon arrived at the South Platte about 5 oclock,
and after a number of the brethren divested themselves
of their clothing, and forded the river to try its depth,
We crossed our teams without any difficulty; and
camped for the night on the North side.

Sunday 25th Fine clear morning, all healthy and
in excellent Spirits. Started at 30 minutes past
7 oclock A.M. Passed several very large herds
of cattle, and some wagons, with men, women,
and children bound for California. We traveled
about 16 miles. Camped at 2 P.M., and rested the
remainder of the day. In the evening held a meeting
addressed by Erastus Snow and J.L. Haywood

Misquitoes very plentifull.

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Monday 26th Fine clear morning. Wind from the North.
Started at 6 oclock A.M. Traveled about 15 miles and
nooned. In the afternoon, passed 2 large herd of cattle
and Some wagons bound for California. Camped in the
evening about 20 miles west of "Cottonwood Spring" Traveled
today 30 miles. After prayer held a meeting were addressed
by W. [John William] Coward.

Tuesday 27th Clear warm morning. Started at 30 minutes
past 5 oclock A.M. Nooned at "Cottowood Springs"
Long drive today traveled over 10 hours. making about
38 miles. Camped in the evening about 75 from "Fort Kearney"
Almost devoured by gnats and missquitoes.

Wednesday 28th Fine morning. Started a little after 6 oclock
A.M. weather very pleasant not so many gnats and misqu
itoes. Passed and Emigrants train with a herd of loose
Cattle and Mules for California, and a Government train
of 13 wagons with supplies for the soldiers at "Fort Laramie"
Camped in the evening about 32 miles west of "Fort Kearney
Misquitoes very anoying almost impossible to sleep.

Thursday 29th Cool pleasant morning. Started a little
after 6 oclock A.M. Traveled about 14 miles and camped.

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19th 
at noon. As usual. Several of us Started on foot as
soon as dinner was over, among whom were Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith
and William Miller, [word struck] we had walked Several miles
when a messenger was dispached from the Camp to
inform us they had concluded to stop there until
the following day to try and kill some Buffalo,
So we had to retrace our steps to the camp, a few

of the brethren went out, in Search of Buffalo, but
did not succeed in killing any.

Friday 30th Started 30 minutes past 5 oclock A.M.
and reached "Fort Kearney" about 11 A.M.
Purched Some provisions Flour $10 per Cwt Bacon 16 ¢
per lbs Butter Crackers 25 ¢ per lb Coffee 30 ¢

We left about half past 1 Oclock P.M. Camped in the
evening near the forks of the road - the one leading to Kansvile
the other to Mormon Grove. We held a meeting to take into
cosideration the propriaty or impropiaty of, deviding the
company as Som of the Brethren wished to go by way of
Kanesvill. After Some conversation on the subject we

concluded all to go to Mormon Grove except Benbow
_ and another man by the name of Guard who went
by way of Kanesville.

Saturday 31st Started about 30 minutes past five
Oclock A.M.  Passed a number of Governments
Teams on their way to fort Laramie with Supplies for
Soldiers and Corn for their horses. Yesterday & to day
we passed upwards of two hundred waggons with from

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five to Six yoke of cattle to one waggon Each waggon
carrying from fifty to sixty [word struck] (cwt) weight. During
the whole week the road has been literally covered with
waggons cattle horses & mules with men & their
Families on their way to California. From the time
we crossed the South platt we have met trains almo
st hourly & seemed as if Missouria would be totaly
Drained of Cattle. Traveled about forty miles & camped
in the evening on the Little Blue good feed & water
a little wood

June Sunday first Started about Seven Oclock
A.M. Traveled twelve miles & camped on Little Blue
at 30 minutes past Eleven A.M. Many of us went
into the river & washed not only our Persons but also
our Garments & Shirts & then put them on our bodys
to dry. Left the camp ground at thirty minutes
past four P.M. Traveled ten miles camped in evening
about half past Seven Oclock Close to Little Blue.
After having laid ourselves on the ground to rest for
The night we were alarmed by the Guard Shouting Every
man get up The horses are off in a Stampede. In a
moment Every Man was on his feet Some went in Search
of the animals others were left in Camp with their
fire-locks ready for an atack if assaulted by the
Indians. But it was all over in a few minutes the
horses were found & Drove Back to The Camp.
It was Said by the guard that the cattle belonging to
a man who was camped with us ran of first & the horses.

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followed them. Very high winds during night

Monday 2nd Started Six Oclock A.M. Traveled thirteen miles
and nooned on the little Blue. Afternoon met from fifty
to sixty Indians of the Chyanne Tribe on horseback well
armed with riffels bows & arrows and long lances on Spears 
They were Evidently in Search of Plunder they had taken provisions
from Some of the Emigrant Trains before meeting us we were
immediatly called to arms & each man Shouldered his riffle or
musket. and seing so many guns they opened from right to
left and passed without attempting to disturb us J. M.
Moody & Judge Kenney being behind at the time we stopt
our Teams till they came up. Traveled about thirty six miles
to day camped in the evening at Thee Sandy

Thursday third Started at Six Oclock A.M. after traveling
a Short distance met a man traveling on foot asked him from
whence he came this morning Answered from the big Blue asked
where we came from we replied from Salt Lake Then Said
he, are you Mormons we answered in the affirmative He then
Said yaw will be going to whip. me for I am your enemy

tho Mormons.  at length he Said stretching out his hand [word struck out]
[words struck out] with a forced smile
on his face I am going to Salt Lake. Traveled to Turkey Creek
& nooned

 

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22

Camped in the Evening at seven Oclock 12 miles west of the
Big Blue a little Stagnant water on bottom Land

Wednesday 4th Started a little past Six Oclock after leaving
the camp ground the clouds began to gather Blackness then
Lightening Thunder & heavey rain followed Camped at Big Blue
30 minutes past ten Oclock P.M. Here there is quite a
large Farm wheat & vegetables look well their is also
a Store of Mercandise flour at 7 ¢ per lb Sugar 20 ""
Butter Crackers 25 "" Bacon 16 "" whisky two Dollars
& vinegar per gallon. This is County Called Marysville
Marshall Co Kansas Teritory In the Evening the Rev-Nathan
Scarett Presiding Elder of the Methodist Society in this
teritory addressed the camp in quite a pleasing manner
After which Elder O[rson]. Pratt made a few [word struck] pertinent
Remarks. After the close of the meeting I wrote a letter
dictated by Geo A Smith Ezra T. Benson & Erastus
Snow to Thomas Bullock & the boys in the Historian
office

Thursday 5th Started 30 minutes past 5 Oclock A.M.
Travelled thirteen miles and noon’d Afterwards traveled
nine miles more and being a very hot day we let our
animals feed to Six Oclock P.M.

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23

when we Started and travelled till it became so dark
that is was with difficulty we could see each other
Except at intervals of a few seconds we could perceive
the whole of the waggons at one glance by means of vivid
flashes of Lightening which were acompanied by distant
peals of Thunder after traveling about seven mile we
camped without wood or watter

In the forenoon we met a man with his family &
an ox-team (not Mormons) on their way to Salt Lake
He inquired what kind of a plac it was Geo A. Smith
informed him that it was a barren waste & the most-God-
forsaken place he ever Saw but he did not appear to
be the least intimidated

Friday 6th Started 30 past 3 Oclock A.M. passed a
train of thirty six waggons belonging to Livingston
with merchandise for Salt Lake. Travelled to Nemeha [Nemaha] a distance
of fifteen miles before breakfast here there is a small Settle-
ment of two or three dwelling houses & a small store
called Nemeha Store Left this about one Oclock P.M.
Camped in the Evening at Muddy Creek Settlement is
also com(m)enced here. Travelled to day about thirty miles

Saturday 7th Early this morning I babtized a young
man named Charles Rudolph Engelhardt born 15th
Sept 1829 at Questrow [Gustrow] Grand-Duchy of Meklembourg-[Mecklenburg]
Schwerin a German He followed us from Nemeha

[Page 27 of 28]

24
to Muddy Creek where he was baptised. Elder Jacob
Hoffines [Hofheins] conversed with him at Nemeha [Nemaha] (he being also a
German and could Speak the German Language) on the prince-
ples of Mormonism and Chals [Charles Rudolf Engelhardt] haveing read the Deseret News
and because of the truth contained therein was on his way
(to the [illegible]) unbaptized; but after the converstion with Elder Hoffines
he could wait no longer he was confirmed in the camp after
morning Prayers by Elder O.[rson] Pratt Geo[rge] A.[lbert] Smith Ezra T.[aft]Benson
Orson Pratt mouth. Started on our journey 6 Oclock
A.M. Camped at ten oclock at Oack point about 40
miles from Atchison. This morning passed Several Small
patches of Land in a State of cultivation in a few
dwelling houses One being Shingled where we are now camped
In the afternoon travelled Sixteen Miles camped in the
evening 26 miles from Atchison.

Sunday 8th Started ½ past 5 oclock A.M. nooned about 3
miles from "Mormon Grove" arrived there 15 minutes past
3 oclock P.M. Held meeting was addressed by Orson Pratt,
Geo. A. Smith, Ezra T. Benson, Erastus Snow, A.[braham]O.[wen] Smoot,
Ezra T. Benson said he crossed the plains seven times
but never enjoyed himself as well as he had with this com-
pany of missionaries, and felt pleased with the good feelings
which existed among them.

Abraham O. Smoot Said we had been greatly blessed
on our Journey and had arrived at this place ten days
sooner than he anticipated when in the Snow Storm.

Porter Rockwell observed that Judge Kenney said

[Page 28 of 28]

 

25 

that none but Mormon horses could travel as ours
had done, for he had fed his all the way with corn
and other grain, and yet could not keep up.

Those of the Twelve present them, blessed us
and said if we lived our religion, we would return
safe agreeably to the promise of President B. Young
and would go again.

Monday 9th  Sailed from Atchinson on board the "Polar
Star" for St. Louis; Some few of the brethren remained
behind until they could dispose of their animals.

Some took a cabin and some a Steerage passage
to St. Louis. those in the cabin were Geo A. Smith
Ezra T Benson, Erastus Snow, Orson Pratt, William
Miller, James Beck, Truman. O Angel, William
Coward, and a few others. We passed the Steamer
"Arabia" about 3 oclock with a company of Saints
from St. Louis, Some of the recognized the Brethren
of the Twelve on board the "Polar Star and Saluted
them with Several hearty cheers. We arrived in
St. Louis on Thursday 12th at 3 oclock P.M.
in good health and Spirits and thank our Father
in Heaven for the many expressions of his favour
towards us during our Journey.
James Ure clerk of Company.