Transcript

We had to pull a cart across the plains.  We had a hard time not having enough to eat. Our clothes wore out and we were badly frozen. Two thirds of the company died on the plains frozen to death. Mostly men and boys who died. We lost our way, 100 miles out of the way we should have gone. We stayed in a ravine two weeks. We had just 6 oz. of flour a day, each, to live on and nothing else. No water, no wood, no tents, nor beds, all having been burned. We lay on the ground (which was) covered with snow. A bare desert place. Nothing but snow and sky. We ate the flour from our hands.

 Brigham Young sent three companies to find and help us for we were lost. Two of the co. failed to find us and went back. (Grandpa Jones was in one of the two companies who returned being almost frozen) the third co. found and helped us. The leader of that co. was young Brigham, the Pres.' son, and William Kimball, both single men. They brought us to Salt Lake City, 30 Nov. at 12 o'clock noon, Sunday, 1856, being 7 mo. on the way. We were all badly frozen. I could not walk for three months my legs, fingers, and breast frozen stiff. My mother [Elizabeth Adamson Wright] was so badly frozen that she could not walk for 6 mo. My brother-in-law William Roberts Jones cared for us carrying us whenever we were moved. Mother was frozen black up to her knees. We were taken to my sister's home in the 15th Ward. She with her husband did all they could for us and helped us in every way possible. My mother was healed by the power of God. She had faith in the ordinance of prayers and annointing by the Elders. My mother lived 23 years after coming to Utah and died a faithful Latter-Day Saint. died 19 Mar 1880 (82 yrs 1 week). I am here to praise His Holy Name.

The Captains of the company we came in were Edward Martin and Daniel Tyler. The train was called the belated hand cart co. as we were the last of 7 trains. I could say much of our suffering of those who are dead as well as the living, all martyrs to the truth, of which I am one. I have suffered much and could tell a sad tale but do not wish to complain. The Lord is with me and will help me through. I live to praise His Holy Name and thank Him for His blessings to me. I pray I may be faithful to the end of my days.