Transcript

Mr. Curtis was the captain. We started out with one team, four yoke of oxen, and two wagons which was considered a very good outfit in those days. The first day we made only a short drive and stopped to organize our company for the best advantage of the journey. We divided the company into two divisions, with an equal number of wagons in each division and a head teamster for each outfit who would take the lead. One division leading one day and the other leading the next day. At camping time, the division in lead would turn from the road to the right, making a circle and pulling back to the road and reaching the road just the time the last wagon of that division was about to leave the road. Then the leader of the second division would turn out to the left and make a similar circle. This would make a complete enclosure in which the animals could be corralled in the morning or could be corralled any time for protection from the Indians. There was about 25 or 30 wagons in the train and we had exceptional good luck. We were instructed to keep peace with the Indians at any cost. Our captain said, “It is cheaper to feed the Indians than to fight them.” We followed his advice and made friends with the Indians along the way. The trip was a long, hard one. The children had shoes to wear on the trail, but whenever they camped, they would take their shoes off for any unnecessary running around.

One of the chief entertainments was dances and I played my violin, which was the only one in the outfit. We were on the road about two months and we arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in fine shape. We took up a subscription in the camp and gave to our captain to show our appreciation for his services.