Transcript

Saturday May 28^th 1853.
At 4 oclock afternoon we arrived at Keokuk and stop[p]ed in the Depot all night.

Sabbath May 29^th 1853.
Baptized by Elder Hugh Priestly at Keokuk[.] John Bullard Meredith Born at Dover Parish of St. Marys County of Kent England on the 25^th day of October 1831.

Also by Elder Hugh Priestly[,] Archibald Meigle [Meigh] John[,] Born at Glasgow Parish of Iron County of Lanark Scotland in the year 1815.

We got all our luggage taken up to the camp[.] got our tents pitched and our companies organized.

Monday May 30^th 1853.
We got a weeks provisions served out to us, of 7 lbs flour and 1½ lbs Bacon to each individual Wkly.

President [Cornelius] Bagnall gave in his report to Elder Height [Haight] and delivered over the ballance of the money he received from S.W. Richards to him.

Tuesday May 31^st 1853.
The clerk was instructed by President Bagnall to call a meeting of the Priesthood at 2 oclock[.] Counsel [council] met and was opened by Prayer from Elder [James] Cowdey, moved by President Bagnall seconded by Elder Cowdey that a president be appointed for each tent and that the persons whose names are first on the tickets they have received be appointed for the present, carried.

Moved by Elder [James] Bishop seconded by Elder [James] Ristie that there be 6 presidents appointed over the 23 tents, carried.

Moved by Elder Cowdey[,] seconded by Elder Walker that Elder Joseph Gray be appointed to take the Presidency of the first 4 Tents[,] carried.

Moved by President Bagnall seconded by Elder [William] Aird that Elder Walker be appointed to preside over the 3 Tents of the Ten pound company carried.

Moved by Elder Walker[,] seconded by Elder Bishop that Elder Aird be appointed to preside over the second 4 Tents[,] carried.

Moved by Elder [William] Ross seconded by Elder Cowdey that Elder [John] Mason be appointed to the Third 4 tents carried.

Moved by Elder Walker seconded by [William] Davis that Elder [James] Lethem be appointed to the fo[u]rth 4 tents, carried.

Moved by [John] Vest seconded by [William] Thornton that Elder [James] Muir be appointed to the Fifth 4 tents carried. Moved by Elder Muir seconded by Bishop that Elders Cowdey, [Thomas] Doxey and [Henry] Walsh be appointed to serve out the provisions to the saints carried. The meeting was then dismissed by prayer from Priest James Jack.

In the evening Archibald Meigle John was confermed by Elders Walker and Muir[.] afterwards John Bullard Meredith was confirmed by Walker and Muir.

Sabbath June 5^th 1853.
Meetings was held for Public Worship at ½ past 10 forenoon and at 4 oclock afternoon when the Saints was addressed by Elder Harmon.

Wednesday June 8^th 1853.
We got a weeks allowance of Bacon and Flour served out to us.

Sabbath June 12^th 1853.
Meeting was held for public worship in the forenoon at ½ past 10 when the Saints were adressed by Elder Height. In the afternoon at 3 oclock the Saints were adressed by Elders McNaughton [James McNaughtan] and Height.

In the evening at ½ past 6 oclock a Testimony meeting was held when the saints bore testimony to the work of God and rejoiced together.

(M. 13^th.[)] A months provisions were served out to the saints of Bacon and flour also some sugar soap and salerates[.] each wagon got a wash tub Bucket, Baking dish, oven, and whip[.] a Hatchet was allowed between every 2 wagons.Wednesday June 15^th 1853.
In the morning we got every thing packed up for starting[.] got our oxen yoked and put into the wagons and moved on at ½ past 9 oclock[.] we camped in the afternoon after travelling 9 miles.

Thursday 16^th A meeting of all the men in the camp was called and organized into Tens with a captain[.] the names of the captains chosen are as follows1^st Ten. James McNaughton, 2^nd Ten. William Davis, 3^rd Ten, William Stewart, 4^th Ten, Robert Orr, 5^th Ten, Cornelious [Cornelius] Bagnall, 6^th Ten, James Cowdey, 7^th Ten, William Gouff [Gough], 8^th Ten, Richard Attwood

Thursday June 16 1853. continued
By the time the companies were organized a constable from Keokuk had come to the camp and found a pair of Oxen with ours, not belonging to us which had been driven along by mistake and President Harmon was arrested under a charge of Larceny and taken before Squire Stobbs Keokuk, he called for an ajournment untill 2 P.M. the 17^th and he had to deposit 160 dol. as security for his appearance. Stopped all day.

Friday 17^th President Harmon employed Mr. Clogget attorney to attend to his case got witnesess and come to trial, was discharged and “not guilty” was the verdick. Stopped all day.

Saturday 18^th. We started and travelled to Sugar Creek camped there and proceeded to Brand our cows[.] distance 12 miles.

Sabbath 19. Moved on and travelled to within 3 miles of Farmington[.] broke a wagon tongue[.] at our noon halt got it repaired and moved on to Farmington[.] crossed the Bridge and camped[.] distance during the day 10 miles.

Monday 20. A constable came in the morning and took President Harmon’s horse with a writ of attatchment for the payment of 15 set of ox shoes made for Bro. Shurtleff, he settled it by paying 24 dol 95 cen and took the shoes[.] moved on and travelled 3 miles. Lost 2 cows[.] got one of Gates company.

Tuesday 21. Started and traveled on 2 miles west of Dog-town and camped[.] distance 12 miles[.] weather very warm[.] our oxen suffered much.

Wednesday 22. President Harmon got of Mr. Miller 2 cows belonging to one of the forward coy’s [companies.] paid 5 dol. and afterwards found we could not drive them (too wild) so he traded them for other 2 and brought them along. In the forenoon a meeting was called by President Harmon and he laid before the saints in a plain manner their posission and the lateness of the season also the weakness of the teams and asked them to throw away their old Boxes and make a sacrifise of all they could do without which was not worth much, saying to them it was better to do it now than carry them hundreds of miles and do it then[,] or be late in crossing the mountains and have to wallow in the snow[.] they cheerfully responded to the call and threw out about a tun and a half of Boxes &c

Thursday 23. Arose early and prepared for a Start[.] one ox died during the night, got in motion by 8 a.m. and travelled 16 miles to our noon halt, then moved on 5 miles and camped making 21 miles during the day. A man of the name of James Boyack was sent back after the 2 cows that was lost with instructions to go till he met Bro. Browns Co[mpan]y and leave them in his charge and either stop with his coy or make up to this one again. The day was cool[.] roads good.

Friday 24. Lost 3 cows by the negligence of one of the Captains of Tens. “Captain Gouff [William Gough].” sent 4 men with President Harmons horse to hunt them up. Elder Height arrived at the camp and a meeting of all the Bretheren was called and adressed by Elder Height upon their duties and responsibilities[,] when he moved and was carried unanimously that Elder Harmon should be president of this company, Moved and carried that Elder [James] McNaughton be appointed captain of fity[.] Moved and carried that Elder Aird be appointed captain of Ten in the place of Elder McNaughton. Moved and carried that the 2 last tens be put together and that Captain Attwood be apointed over them. Moved on our journey at noon. Travelled 8 miles and Camped.

Saturday 25. Started travelled 13 miles and camped 4 miles east of Centerville.

Sabbath 26. Moved on in the morning[.] nooned at Soap Creek and travelled on making a distance of 14 miles during the day.

Monday 27. June 1853. President Harmon bought a pair of oxen, drive 17 miles and camped. on yoked [unyoked] all our oxen.

Tuesday 28. Nooned at Shariton point[.] past [passed] Shariton town 3 miles and camped making 20 miles during the day at grave hollow.

Wednesday 29 A red cow broke from the herd[.] several men went in pursuit of her but could not stop her. Captain [Richard] Attwood with four men went after her and the camp moved on with the exception of 2 wagons[.] had a noon halt of one hour and camp in the afternoon. distance during the day 15 miles. James Boyack came back to the camp. found the cows and left them in charge of Bro. Brown.

Thursday 30. Captain Attwood arrived without getting the cow she having kept the road and traveled faster than they could[.] Henry Lake was sent back after her with instructions to go till he met Bro. [John] Brown’s Co[mpan]y and come with them, a light drisling rain continued to fall[.] Travelled during the day 14 miles

Friday July 1^st 1853.
Started in the morning at ½ past 7 oclock[.] travelled to a Branch of Grand river and watered our cattle[.] distance 12 miles. moved on again[.] traveled 7 miles and camped on a Branch of Grand river after crossing it 3 times[.] distance during the day 19 miles. forenoon showrey and roads bad –

Saturday July 2 1853. Hitched up and started at ½ past 7, nooned after travelling 9 miles, moved on again and camped at Notawa River making 15 miles during the day.

Sabbath 3^rd. A meeting of all the camp was called by President Harmon at 10 oclock when he adressed the Saints upon the great privileges and blessings that were to be received by the sons and daughters of God in the vallies of the mountains and cheered them on their journey. he also wished to hear the captains of Tens express their feelings which they did and we rejoiced much together. afterwards we moved on and travelled 10 miles and camped on a Branch of Notawa river.

Monday 4^th. We started and travelled 13 miles to our noon halt[.] Watered our cattle and moved on 6 miles and camped making 19 miles during the day. At 4 oclock p.m. Sister Thomas Smith [Margaret Gurney Smith] was delivered of a son [Orson Gurney Smith] under the care of Sister Robert Orr [Elizabeth Orr], wagon stopped 4 miles from camping ground.

Tuesday 5^th. The camp moved on with the exception of 2 wagons and President Harmon which stopped behind till Bro. Smith’s wagon should come up[.] we travelled 15 miles and watered our cattle[.] stopped till President Harmon came up, he arrived at 4 p.m. and told us to camp[.] the wagons left behind came to camp in the evening

Wednesday July 6^th 1853. We started in the morning at ½ past 7 oclock[.] watered our cattle in the forenoon[.] had a noon halt of 40 minutes, traveled on to Botanie river[.] let our oxen drink[.] drove through and camped 5 miles from it making 25 miles during the day.

Thursday 7^th Hitched up and got in motion by ¼ to 8 A.M. Stopped at noon and watered our cattle[.] moved on again till we came to the Nichanalotanie river[.] got ourselves and wagons ferried across and camped making 16 miles during the day

Friday 8^th. In the morning we got a cow and calf belonging to Gates coy, and brought them along, started[.] travelled on to Silver Creek and nooned[.] moved on again[.] crossed Keg Creek and camped[.] distance during the day 16 miles.

Saturday 9^th. We got in motion by 9 oclock when President Harmon left us and went on to Kanesville[.] we arrived at Joseph Youngs camping place about 1 oclock and stopped till President Harmon came, afterward we went to the river side and camped beside Gates Company[.] distance during the day 16 miles.

Sabbath 10^th. Thomas Doxey son of Tho’s and Hannah Doxey born 27^th March 1829. Derby England and Elisabeth Hunt daughter of John and Mary Hunt born 20 December 1830, Hull Yorkshire England was married at Council Bluff City 10 July 1853 by Elder Appleton M. Harmon at 5 p.m.[.] Witness James McNaughton, James Cowdey. (James Jack, clerk).

Monday July 11^th 1853. At 7 oclock a.m. sent 11 wagons to the store for our provisions and brought them to camp in the afternoon[.] devided them out amongst the company giving to each 100 lbs flour 10 lbs Bacon some Tea Sugar and soap we had left for grease to our wagons[,] 75 lbs Pork and 100 lbs flour.

Tuesday 12^th At 6 minutes past 7 Louiza Milleneua[,] Wife of John Milleneua was delivered of a Daughter[.] Camped all day

Wednesday 13^th In the evening President Harmon called a meeting and told us the reason he had called us together was to inform us that Bro [Cyrus H.] Wheelocks Co[mpan]y. was all across the river and he intended to start for that ferry tomorrow morning and to be in motion by ½ past 6 A.M.

Thursday 12^th. We got in motion by 7 a.m. Broke the Tongue of Capt. Attwood’s wagon in the forenoon[.] Capt. Cowdeys wagon stopped along with his to assist in getting it repaired and the rest moved on[.] had a noon halt of an hour and half and afterwards travelled to within 4 miles of the upper Ferry and camped making during the day 13 Miles.

Friday 15^th. We hitched up 12 Wagons with extra Teams and came along to the [Missouri] river. Sent back the oxen for the rest of the wagons left behind. got a number of the wagons across in the evening[.] distance 4 Miles

Saturday July 16^th 1853. Started early in the morning[.] got the rest of the wagons across with all the oxen[.] by that time Bro [Adam] Smiths Wagon had come up. also Bro Attwood’s and Bro Cowdeys which was taken across and we moved on 1 Mile and camped[.] Bro Attwood had lost a pair of oxen President Harmon bought at Kanesville. Bro Harmon went back after them

Sabbath 17^th[.] Camped all day as Bro Harmon had not come back. he came to camp in the evening, found the oxen entangled by a rope in the Brush Wood. left them in charge of Bro Browns [Jeremiah Brownell] boy

Monday 18^th[.] We moved on 6 Miles and camped

Tuesday 19^th[.] Camped all day[.] cut some wood and made Charcoal. mended some chains that had broke

Wednesday 20^th. In the morning Sent 4 Men back to the river to bring up the oxen and cows that Bro Brown had in charge belonging to us. Cut some wood for making Tongues and axle Trees for the wagons. Stopped all day[.] The men came up with the cows and oxen in the evening

Thursday 21^st[.] Got in motion by ½ pas 7 AM[.] Broke the axle tree of Capt [James] McNaughtans at ½ past 10[.] Stopped the 3 Wagons belonging to that Ten[.] also the wagon with the Blacksmiths tools. Put in a new axle tree which took us 7 Hours[.] afterwards we moved on and came to the camp at ½ past 9 PM[.] distance during the day 16 Miles.

Friday July 22 1853[.] We started in the morning and travelled to the Elk horn river a distance of 4 Miles[.] got all our wagons ferried across and camped

In the evening a meeting was called by President Harmon in order to repair the organization that had been broken up by those who had left us at Kanesville when Captain Attwood was appointed in the place of Capt Stewart who had left us and Bro [William] Hayward was appointed Captain of Attwoods Ten. the other wagons that were along with President Harmons were organized into a Ten with Bro [John] Carmachael as their Captain

There were an[o]ther 6 Wagons that wished to join our Company (from Kanesville)[.] President Harmon told them the rules of the camp and asked them if they were willing to comply with them[.] they said they were[.] when President Harmon organized them into a Ten and appointed Bro Barris [Emery Barrus] as their Captain

Saturday 23^rd[.] Started in the morning at ½ past 7[.] had a noon halt of an hour and a half[.] watered our cattle and moved on. Camped in the afternoon after travelling 14 Miles during the day.

Sabbath 24[.] We Started at 9 oclock AM[.] the morning was very wet but broke up[.] a good day[.] water was very scarce[.] got none for our oxen all day[.] camped in the evening after travelling 17 Miles[.] found Water but no timber[.] In the forenoon we got 2 Horses belonging to a company on their way to California who camped with us on Wednesday night[.] one of the men came to the camp after them and stopped all night with us

Monday 25^th Rose early and prepared for a start[.] got in motion by ½ past 5 oclock AM. drove to Shell Creek a distance of 4 Miles[.] stopped and took breakfast[,] milked our Cows and moved on at 11 oclock[.] camped in the evening at Plat[t]e River making during the day 18 miles

Tuesday 26^th. We got in motion by ½ past 7 AM[.] travelled to Loup Fork a distance of 10 Miles[.] made an agreement with the Ferry man to take accross our wagons for one dollar each[.] got 8 Wagons across in the afternoon

Wednesday 27[.] ARose early in the morning and got the rest of our Wagons across the river[.] by that time Bro [John] Browns Company had come up. we hitched up and started at ½ past 1 P.M[.] drove 15 Miles and camped[.] got Water but no timber

Thursday 28[.] We Started at 7 AM[.] had a noon halt of an hour and a half[.] watered our cattle and moved on[.] camped after travelling 18 Miles during the day

Friday 29 We Started and Traveled 4 miles to our noon halt then moved on and traveled 6 miles and camped making 15 miles during the day

Died at 1 oclock PM Henry Evans of Bowel complaint 3 days illness[.] he was born Bristol, Rodcliff Parish Sommersetshire England March 14^th 1836[.] he was buried in the evening at the camping ground at 7 oclock

Saturday July 30^th 1853. We Started at 8 AM[.] Met a company of Elders coming from the Valley to England at noon[.] Stopped 2 Hours[.] watered our cattle and drove to Prairie Creek and camped[.] distance 16 Miles

Sabbath 31^st[.] We got in motion by ½ past 7 AM[.] nooned at prairie Creek and moved on, camped in the evening af[t]er travelling 13 Miles during the day. Just before camping we met a company on their way home from California

Monday August 1^st 1853[.] We Started and travelled to a Branch of Wood creek[.] watered our cattle and moved on but had to camp as it came on a very heavy rain[.] distance 7 Miles

Tuesday 2^nd[.] We started and Travelled to Wood Creek[.] crossed it and camped[.] distance 9 Miles. Cut some Wood to make charcoal.

Wednesday 3^rd[.] Cut some wood for making new Tongues and axel-trees for the wagons. put in a new Tongue in Bro [William] Gouffs Wagon and a new axle-tree in Bro [Martin] Littlewoods[.] also repaired some Tongues that had got Sp[l]it[.] mended broken chains &c[.] Camped all day

Thursday 4^th[.] Cut a quantity of wood to make charcoal for Bro Browns Co[mpan]y[.] also 18 Trees to assist them in making a bridge as the river had swol[l]en so much that the old Bridge could not be seen. We hitched up and Started at 3 PM with the exception of one Wagon with the Blacksmith tools. drove 3 Miles and camped as it came on a very heavy rain. We had also a Tremendous shower of Large hailstones.

Friday 5^th[.] We got in motion by ½ past 7[.] Crossed a small creek at ¼ past 8[.] Water 2 feet deep good hard bottom[.] at our noon halt the Tribe of [Payn....] [illegible] Indians came to us about 200 of them[.] we gave them a quantity of Bread & Flower [flour], they did not give any trouble, only they followed the Wagons a good way begging from us. Crossed a deep dry creek and camped 2 Miles from it[.] got plenty of water[.] distance during the day 19 Miles

Saturday 6^th[.] We started at 8AM[.] nooned at Elm Creek[.] Watered our cattle and drove to a part of Buffalo Creek and camped[.] distance 15 Miles

Sabbath 7^th[.] We hitched up and moved on at 15 min. past 8 AM. had a noon halt of 2 Hours and drove to Buffalo Creek[.] crossed it and Camped. bad crossing but plenty of water and Timber. Saw a number of Buffalos during the day, roads very bad[.] distance 13 Miles

Monday Aug. 8^th[.] Camped all day—In the morning Sent 5 Men out to Hunt Buffalo[.] they Killed one fine cow. Sent a team and Wagon and brought it to camp. Put in a new Tongue in Bro [William] Perks Wagon which had got Broke

Tuesday 9^th[.] Divided the Buffalo amongst company in the morning. Hitched up and started at ½ past 8 AM[.] Nooned at a Small running creek. Killed a large Buffalo Bull in the afternoon, allowed every person to take what they pleased of it, and drove to Willow Creek and camped, distance during the day 16 Miles

Wednesday 10^th[.] We Started at 13 Min. past 8 AM[.] had a noon halt of one hour and a half[.] afterwards drove on. had to go 1 Miles off the road to the Plat[t]e river to get Water to ourselves and Cattle[.] dista[n]ce during the day 20 Miles

Thursday 11^th[.] We got in motion by ½ past 7 AM[.] drove to Skunk Creek and nooned[.] afterwards moved on 9 Miles to a lake South of the road and camped[.] distance during the day 17 Miles. got no timber

Friday Aug. 12^th 1853[.] We hitched up and got in motion by ½ past 7 AM[.] came to a Low spring of good cold Water a little South of the road 4¼ miles from where we were camped, Passed over sandy bluffs to Carrion creek[.] nooned and watered our cattle, drove to the plat[t]e river[.] expected to get timber but found none[.] camped near the plate river after travelling 19 Miles during the day.

Saturday 13^th[.] We Started in the morning crossed over 2 Creeks[.] roads bad crossings very difficult. Broke the Tongue of Bro Gouffs Wagon. nooned at Black Mud creek[.] afterwards drove to where the road joins the river. within ½ mile of a small running creek and 4 Miles from North Bluff Fork[.] distance 10 Miles

Died at 1 oclock P.M. while we were stopping to our noon halt Selina Rayson Bray, daughter of the Revd Benjamin Rayson of Wakefield. Born at Wakefield Yorkshire England May 11^th 1802. She was afflicted for 20 years with complicated diseases being perfectly unable to do any thing to help herself[.] they knew very little change on her up to her death

Sabbath 14^th[.] At 10 oclock Selina Bray was buried 66 yards north of the road in a grave 6 feet deep[.] afterwards a meeting was called by President Harmon when the saints were ad[d]ressed by Captain McNaughtan and President Harmon upon the different duties that devolved upon them and ex[h]orted to do them cheerfully and to be united and help one another, and they would get along first rate. but if they did not do them they could not say when they got to Zion they were not told of them[.] Capt McNaughtan reproved Some of the Saints for swearing[.] he had heard them frequently while passing along taking the name of God in Vain, that was a thing he did not like to hear and hoped for the future we should have no more of it. the meeting was dismissed by Prayer from President Harmon. Afterwards we moved on[.] crossed the North Bluff Fork and camped 1 Mile from it near the plat[t]e river[.] distance 5 Miles. Put a new Tongue in Bro Gouffs Wagon before we started

Monday 15[.] We got in motion by 7 AM[.] passed over Sandy bluffs[.] nooned at a small Lake about 1 Mile from the plate river, moved on again[.] passed over Bluff creek 4 feet wide 1 foot deep and camped near a small running creek between the bluffs[.] distance 17 Miles.

Tuesday 16^th[.] We started in the morning and drove over Sandy bluffs to a small creek[.] Watered our Cattle and moved to Goose creek and camped[.] roads very bad[.] our oxen suffered much[.] distance during the day 5 Miles

Wednesday Aug 17[.] Got in motion by 15 min. to 8 AM[.] passed over Sandy bluffs to small spring creek[.] Nooned at duck weed creek[.] afterwards drove to Rattlesnake Creek and camped[.] distance 10 Miles

Thursday 18^th[.] Hitched up and got in motion by ½ past 7 AM[.] drove 8 Miles to our noon halt[.] Watered our cattle and travelled on to a small running creek 3 feet wide[.] distance during the day 15 Miles[.] roads in general very sandy

Friday 19^th[.] In the morning put in new Spokes in one of the Wheels of Bro Browel’s [Jeremiah Brownell’s] wagon[.] got in motion by ½ past 8 AM. crossed Wolf Creek and ascended a high sandy bluff[.] had to double team all our wagons for 1½ Miles[.] got over all safe[.] Stopped and Watered our Cattle and let them rest till 1 PM when we moved on one mile and a half beyond Watched Creek and camped near the Plat[t]e river[.] distance during the day 7 Miles

Saturday 20[.] rose early and prepared for a Start[.] got in motion by 7 AM[.] drove 3 miles West of Castle Creek to our noon halt[.] afterwards moved on. had to go about 1 Mile off the road to the Plat[t]e river to find Water[.] distance during the day 19 Miles

Sabbath August 21^st 1853[.] Camped all day[.] Died at 15 Minutes to 2 oclock PM Mary Hunt Born Etton Yorkshire England, June 5^th 1802. She had been very bad with Dierrea [diarrhea] all the way from a fortnight after she left England. She was quite insensible for 2 or 3 days before her death. We buried her in the evening at the Camping Ground in a grave 6 feet deep.

Monday 22^nd[.] Prepared for an early start[.] got in motion by ½ past 6 oclock AM. Came up to Bro Brown’s Company shortly after we started. He passed us on Sabbath afternoon while we were camped[.] Stopped to noon near the Platte river[.] afterwards moved on[.] crossed Crab creek and camped 2 Miles east of the Cob[b]le Hills near the Platt[e] river[.] distance during the day 16 Miles

Tuesday 23[.] We started in the morning at 8 oclock AM[.] travelled over sandy bluffs and passed Ancient Bluff Ruins. nooned where the road joins the Plat[t]e river and moved on 10 Miles and camped making 18 Miles during the day.

Wednesday 24[.] We started at 8 oclock AM. Nooned at the platte river and moved on[.] Camped in evening after travelling 16 Miles during the day

Thursday Aug 25^th 1853[.] Prepared for an early Start[.] got in motion by 15 Min to 7 oclock AM. drove 12 Miles to our Noon halt[.] watered our cattle and moved on 8 Miles and camped at the platte making 20 Miles during the day. roads good.

Friday 26^th[.] Got in motion by ½ past 7 oclock AM. drove 8 Miles to our noon halt where 6 Souix [Sioux] Indians came to us with 4 Squa[w]s and 2 children[.] they got some bread amongst the wagons and left us. we moved on[.] passed Spring creek and camped 5 miles from it near the plate river making 17 Miles during the day[.] Had a cow bit with a snake at the camping ground belonging to Captain Barris [Barrus]. She died during the night.

Saturday 27. Started at 15 Min. to 8 oclock AM[.] travelled 9 Miles to our noon halt[.] watered our cattle and moved on 8 Miles and camped near the plat[t]e river making 17 Miles during the day.

Sabbath 28^th[.] Died at 15 Minutes past 2 oclock A.M. George Martin, Born Shrewsburgh Town Shropshire Country, England November 19^th 1833[.] he had been bad with fever, and Bowel complaint for 2 Weeks before his death. he was buried near the Camping ground a few yards north of the road. Afterwards we hitched up and travelled 8 Miles to our Noon halt[.] watered our cattle and moved on 1 Mile and camped at the plat[t]e river. At our noon halt a few Souix Indians came to us and traded with Some of the Brethren for shoes &c[.] distance during the day 9 Miles

Monday Aug. 29^th[.] In the forenoon we forded the Plat[t]e river[.] got all our wagons Safe across and moved on 3 Miles to our Noon halt. afterwards travelled 6 Miles and camped on the Plat[t]e river making 9 Miles during the day. In the afternoon we passed a small Village of Souix [Sioux] Indians, with a store.

Tuesday 30^th[.] In the morning repaired a wheel belonging to one of Bro Browns’ Company’s Wagons. Started and travelled to within 1 Mile of Fort Larimere [Laramie.] distance 7 Miles. President Harmon and another man had gone after some oxen that had st[r]ayed during the night[.] one wagon stopped behind[.] they found the oxen yoked them into the wagon and camp up to us at our noon halt[.] we moved on[.] Crossed Larimere [Laramie] river and camped 4 Miles from it on the Platte making 11 Miles during the day

At our Noon halt a few Indians came to us and traded shoes for Bread and flour

Wednesday 31^st[.] In the morning President Harmon called a meeting of all the Bretheren and instructed them concerning certain duties he wished them to perform. afterwards we moved on at 15 Min. to 9 oclock AM. drove over Sandy bluffs 6 Miles to our noon halt[.] watered our cattle and travelled 3 Miles and camped near the Platte river making 9 Miles during the day.

Thursday September 1^st 1853[.] Started in the morning at 15 Min. to 8 AM. drove to Bitter Creek distance 10 Miles[.] Stopped half an hour[.] watered our cattle and moved on 12 Miles and camped at a small creek of Spring Water, making 22 Miles during the day[.] The roads has been very hilly all day[.] our oxen Suffered much. Just before camping the wheel of Bro Browel’s Wagon Broke down.

Shortly after we Started from Bitter Creek one of Bro Barne’s oxen drop[p]ed down[.] he unyoked him and tried to drive him along but found he could not[.] So he left him. Bro Brown tried to bring him along but could not get him to stir.

Friday 2^nd[.] In the morning we found a number of the oxen had strayed from the herd during the night[.] Sent Men out in different directions to seek them and the rest of the wagons moved on to horse Creek and Camped[.] distance 2 Miles

Mary Gray wife of Joseph Gray from the Kennington branch of the London Conference was delivered of a Son [Joseph Edney Gray] Sept 1^st Yesterday –

Friday Sept 2. The men who were sent after the oxen found them all and came up to the Camping ground[.] Shortly after, while we were camped a few Chian [Cheyenne] Indians came to us and wanted some bread[.] we gave them some provisions and they went on their Journey. Put in new spokes in Bro [Jeremiah] Browels Wagon Wheel, took the tires off a number of the wheels and tightened them[.] put shoes upon Some of our oxen that was a little lame, put Tar on some of their feet and cut a quantity of Wood to make tar.

Saturday 3^rd[.] In the morning put shoes upon a few more of the oxen[.] afterwards hitched up and travelled to where the road joins the river[.] distance 7 Miles[.] Watered our cattle and moved on 9 Miles[.] had to go about a mile in between the Bluffs to get water for our cattle[.] Camped about 1½ Miles from the platte river[.] distance during the day 16 Miles. in the afternoon we passed about 60 Tents of Souix [Sioux] Indians

Sabbath 4^th[.] Hitched up and drove to the platte rive[r] where we forded it to the north Side[.] went 8 Miles to our Noon halt[.] afterwards Moved on 7 Miles and camped at the platte Making 15 Miles during the day

Monday Sep. 5^th 1853[.] Started in Morning at 10 oclock AM and travelled to where the road joins the river[.] distance 7 Miles where we forded it to the South Side and nooned, afterwards moved on 8 Miles and camped at the river making 15 Miles during the day

Tuesday 6^th[.] got in motion by 8 AM[.] drove to Fourche-boise Creek [Fourche Boise River] and nooned[.] distance 9 Miles[.] afterwards moved on[.] crossed a deep dry creek and camped at the platte river 2 Miles east of deer creek[.] distance during the day 17 Miles. In the afternoon one cow died on the road

Wednesday 7^th[.] Started in the morning[.] crossed deer creek and travelled 9 Miles to our noon halt[.] Waterd our cattle and moved on 2 Miles and camped at a grove of timber about 1 Mile from the platte river making 11 Miles during the day.

Thursday 8^th[.] Started at 10 oclock AM[.] Crossed Crooked Muddy Creek[.] nooned where the road joins the platte river and moved on to muddy Creek and Camped[.] distance 12 Miles. In the afternoon found an ox that had been left behind by some of the forward companies and brought him along.

Thursday Sep 8^th—53[.] During the night the wolves got in amongst the cattle and tore one cow severely[.] also had bitten another one.

Friday 9^th[.] Got in motion by 15 Min. to 10 oclock AM[.] drove 2 Miles east of where the road Crosses the Platte river and camped[.] distance 6 Miles[.] Sent 2 Men from every Ten to cut pine wood to make Tar for the oxen’s feet

Saturday 10^th[.] Camped all day[.] A company of Traders passed us belonging to Captain Barnes. Bro [Francis] Bray who was in our company left us and went along with him[.] he had one ox team and a 1 Horse team, also John Doltin with one horse Team

Sabbath 11^th[.] Started in the morning[.] drove to where the road crosses the river. forded it to the North side and nooned[.] afterwards moved on 9 Miles and camped at the river making 11 Miles during the day. afternoon very showery, the mail from Gt. Salt Lake camped beside us.

Monday 12^th[.] The cow that was tore with the wolves was left behind being unable to walk[.] Started at 15 Min past 8 AM[.] Met a few packers Shortly after we started[.] travelled to Willow Spring and camped. found no Water at noon. But gave the cattle a rest for 30 Minutes –

Tuesday Sept 13^th 1853[.] Put in a few new spokes in the wheel of Capt. [Robert] Orrs Wagon. got in motion by 8 oclock AM[.] travelled to a small running creek—watered our cattle, stopped 30 Minutes and moved on to Greace Wood Creek [Greasewood Creek] crossed it and camped[.] distance during the day 12 Miles

Wednesday 14^th. Started in the morning at 9 oclock AM. met a company of Packers[.] passed a Strore [store] with a few Indians Tents and camped at the Sweet Water River ¼ of a mile west of Independence rock[.] distance 9½ Miles. Roads very Sandy all day

Thursday 15^th. In the morning President Harmon called a meeting and made some new arrangements in regards to the day guard and exorted the men to be punctual to the call. when it was made for to do any duty. afterwards we moved on at 15 Minutes to 9 AM[.] drove to the devil’s gate a[nd] nooned on the sweet water river beside a trading Post. President Harmon desposed of one wagon as some of the oxen were like to give up. got the parties accomodated in some of the rest of the wagons and moved on, camped near the sweet Water river after travelling 10 Miles during the day. In the evening President Harmon came up having bought a pair of oxen

Friday Sept. 16^th 1853. Got in motion by 15 Minutes past 9 AM[.] drove to where the road joins the river and nooned[.] distance 6 Miles, watered our cattle and moved on 6 Miles and camped near sweet Water river making 12 Miles during the day.

At 7 oclock P.M. Emma Mason from the Barslen Branch of the Herefordshire conference was delivered of a daughter [Phoebe Louisa Mason].

Saturday 17^th[.] In the morning Mr Babbit passed us. Before we started Bro Littlewood and Bro [Richard] Birch who had one wagon with 3 yoke of oxen between them Sepererated [separated] and put their luggage in different wagons and gave them the assistance of their oxen[.] left their wagon which was taken down to the river and deposited there[.] got in motion by 15 Minutes past 9 AM[.] nooned at a bend of sweet water river and moved on to where the road crossed the river and camped on the other side in between the mountains[.] distance 12 Miles

Sabbath 18^th[.] Started at 9 oclock AM[.] crossed the sweet Water twice about 2 Miles from where we started[.] drove other 3 Miles and camped at the sweet water river making 5 Miles during the day. In the afternoon a meeting was called of all the camp in connection with Bro Browns company when the Saints were adressed for a short time by Bro Clayton also Bro Richards, Captain Brown and Capt Harmon. Meeting was dismissed by Capt James McNaughtan. After the meeting was dismissed John Mason’s child was blessed by Elders Harmon & Brown and received her name which is Pheba [Phoebe] Louisa Mason. also Joseph Grays Child was blessed by Elders Harmon & Brown and received his name which is Joseph [Edney] Gray.

Lenard Bessey Born State of New York U.S.A[.] 1^stMay 1820 was baptised by Captain Harmon.

Monday 19^th[.] In the morning left one cow behind that was unable to walk. Started at 15 Min. to 9 AM[.] passed 3 wagons with elder[s] from the Valley on Missions to the States and England in the fore noon[.] travelled 4 Miles and nooned at the Sweet Water River[.] afterwards drove 9 Miles and camped Making 13 Miles during the day. In the afternoon we met 4 Wagons with Elders from the Valley belong[ing] to the Same company we met in the forenoon. One ox that Capt [William] Davis had in his team dropped down and died in the course of an hower [hour]

Tuesday 20^th[.] Started in the morning at 8 oclock[.] drove to where the road crossed the river[.] forded it and nooned[.] afterwards moved on[.] crossed the river twice and Camped[.] distance 13 Miles.

Mason’s child [Phoebe Louisa Mason] Died at 30 Minutes past 3 oclock P.M. aged 3 days

Wednesday Sept. 21^st 1853. Camped all day. Put shoes upon a few oxen and cows. John Mason’s Child was buried 30 yds North of the road a little west of its 8 Crossing of Sweet Water River. A few men went out to hunt for Game to the camp but returned in the evening unsuccessfull

Thursday 22^nd[.] Got in motion by 30 Min. past 8 AM. drove to where the road leaves the river[.] distance 4 Miles[.] Watered our cattle and ascended high bluffs for about 3 Miles[.] gave our cattle a rest for 20 Minutes, then moved on to Strawberry Creek and camped[.] distance during the day 12½ Miles

Friday 23[.] Started at 8 AM. travelled to the crossing of Strawberry <Creek>[.] Watered our cattle and drove to Sweet Water River and camped[.] distance 10 Miles[.] In the afternoon the mail passed us for the Valley

Saturday 24^th[.] Got in motion by 30 Minutes past 8 A.M. Crossed the Sweet Water River in the forenoon, gave our cattle a rest for 30 Minutes at noon but found no Water afterwards[.] travelled to sweet Water River and Camped. had to go about 2 Miles off the road to get to the river[.] distance 13 Miles[.] One ox that Capt [Cornelius] Bagnall had in his team dropped down and died in about an hour and a half[.] left one old cow behind. Elias. B.—Stockton lost one Cow that went back after her calf that was left behind.

Sabbath Sep 25^th 1853[.] Started at ½ past 9 oclock AM[.] drove to Pacific Creek and nooned while Bro Mecun’s Wagon was crossing it got upset but no injury was done[.] distance to the Creek 7 Miles[.] afterwards we drove on to dry Sandy and camped[.] distance during the day 16 Miles

Monday 26[.] Started in the morning at 30 Min. past 8 AM. found no water at noon but gave our Cattle a rest for 15 Minutes[.] afterwards moved on to Little Sandy and camped[.] distance 13 Miles[.] In the afternoon we had a heavy show[e]r of rain[.] One ox was left behind that Captain Attwod had in his team

Tuesday 27[.] Started in the morning[.] forded Little Sandy and drove to Big Sandy[.] crossed it and camped[.] distance 9 Miles, afternoon very showrey

Wednesday 28[.] got in motion by 10 oclock AM[.] drove 8 Miles and gave our Cattle a rest for 20 Minutes but found no water[.] afterwards moved on to Big Sandy and camped[.] distance 15 Miles. One ox and one cow died during the day

Thursday 29[.] got in motion by 15 minute to 10 AM[.] drove 6 Miles and gave our cattle a rest for 10 Minutes[.] afterwards moved on to Green River[.] forded it and camped[.] distance during the day 12 Miles

In the evening President Harmon called a meeting of all the Bretheren in the camped and told us he wanted 8 volunteres to start on to the Valley to be there in time for the conference[.] 17 voluntered[.] the following President Harmon selected to go-—James Royack [Boyack], James Lethem, Thos. Doxey, Robert Till[,] John Reid, William Thompson[,] William Davis, Martin Littlewood.

Friday Sept 30^th 1853[.] At 9 oclock AM the volunteres Started for the Valley. Bro Davis was appointed Captain of the company. Bro [Henry] Hughes was appointed Captain of Ten instead of Davis. Got in motion by 10 oclock AM. Nooned where the road leaves the river[.] distance 5 Miles[.] afterwards drove 3½ Miles and camped on the prairie about 2 Miles from Green river Making 8½ Miles during the day

In the evening Lenard Bessey was confirmed by President Harmon and Capt McNaughtan

Saturday October 1^st 1853[.] Started at 15 Min past 11 AM[.] drove to Hams fork and camped[.] distance 12 Miles.

Met 3 men with 125 Pounds of flour from Fort Bridger to be sold at 12 cents a pound to the company-—which President Harmon divided out amongst those that had none.

Sabbath Oct 2^nd 1853[.] Started in the morning[.] crossed Hams fork, also Blacks fork the first time and camped[.] distance 5 Miles. met 2 Wagons from the Valley to meet their friends[.] they brought with them for the company Pounds of flour.—but brought no instructions about selling it. President Harmon divided it out amongst the company

Monday 3^rd[.] Started in the morning[.] drove to the 2^nd Crossing of Blacks fork[.] forded it and camped[.] distance 12 Miles.

Tuesday 4^th[.] Started in the morning[.] forded the 3^rd and 4^th Crossing of Blacks fork[.] drove to the 5^th Crossing and camped[.] distance 10 Miles.

Met 5 Wagons with flour to be sold to the company at 15 Cents per pound.

Wednesday 5^th[.] Started in the morning[.] drove to Fort Bridger and camped[.] distance 8 Miles

Thursday 6^th[.] Started from Fort Bridger in the forenoon[.] drove to a small running creek and camped[.] distance 11 Miles.

Friday 7[.] Got in motion by 30 Minutes past 8 AM[.] Crossed muddy creek 2 Miles from where we Started, gave our Cattle a rest for 30 Minutes at Noon[.] afterwards drove to springs of Water about a Mile south of the road and camped[.] distance during the day 13 Miles –

Saturday Oct 8^th 1853. While we were hitching up our cattle 3 Wagons with ox teams passed us for Fort Bridger. got in motion by 9 oclock AM[.] met other 5 Wagons in the forenoon[.] gave our cattle a rest for 10 Minutes at Noon[.] afterwards drove to Bear River and camped[.] distance 9 Miles[.] Met 1 horse team also 1 ox team shortly after noon –

Sabbath 9^th[.] Started at 10 oclock AM[.] travelled to a small creek and nooned[.] afterwards drove to the second crossing of Yellow creek and camped[.] distance 10 Miles. Met one ox team and Wagons at the camping ground to meet their friends –

Monday 10^th[.] Got in motion by 30 Minutes past 8 AM[.] drove to Cache Cave at the head of Echo Creek and nooned[.] afterwards moved on[.] crossed Echo Creek a number of times and camped at it[.] distance during the day 12 Miles. One ox that Captain Cowdey [James Cowdry] had in his team we found dead in the morning amongst the rest of the cattle. One cow was left behind in the afternoon being unable to come along. Met 2 Wagons from the Valley with ox teams also 7 yoke of Loose Cattle[.] Captain Davis came back with them

Tuesday Oct 11^th 1853[.] Got in motion by 9 AM[.] Crossed Echo Creek a number of times, stopped at noon for 20 Minutes, watered our cattle and moved on to a bend of Echo Creek and camped[.] distance 10 Miles, one of Capt. Barrises [Emery Barrus] cows was left behind

Wednesday 12[.] Got in motion by 15 Min. to 10 AM[.] drove to Red fork and nooned. after[war]d moved on 2 Miles west of the Crossing of Weber River and camped[.] distance during the day 12 Miles[.] Bro Masons Wagon was upset in the forenoon and Capt Cowdeys in the afternoon[.] one of Capt Harmons was left behind

Thursday 13[.] Started in the morning and drove to a small creek and nooned[.] afterwards moved on to the 5^th Crossing of Kanyan [Canyon] Creek and camped[.] distance 10 Miles. In the morning President Harmon sent back after his ox but did not find him

Friday 14[.] Started in the morning and drove to the foot of the Big Mountain and nooned[.] afterwards Crossed the Mou[n]tain and camped at Browns Creek[.] distance 10 Miles

One cow of Elias B. Stoc[k]ton was left behind[.] One of Barrises young cattle, one ox that Capt McNaughtan had in his team[,] one ox that McNaughtan & [Joseph] Hodgetts brought[,] one ox that Cowdey and [William] Barnes [page torn off] one ox that [William] Perks had in his team, one ox of [page torn off] one ox that McNaughtan[,] Hodgetts & Barnes wou [page torn off]

Saturday Oct 15^th 1853[.] Sent a number of men back after the cattle that was left behind[.] Started and travelled over the Little Mountain and camped at the last Creek[.] distance 9 Miles. The men sent back after the cattle came up in the evening but was not able to bring the cattle[.] They left a few of them in charge of 3 Wagons coming from Bridger who promised to try and Bring them along with their loose stock

Sabbath 16^th[.] Started in the morning[.] nooned at the mouth of the Kanyan[.] afterds drove to Great Salt Lake City—-and camped in the public square. drove Our Cattle to the Church Yard. distance 7 Miles