Transcript

Elder Carl C. N. Dorius who crossed the plains in this company returning as a mission to Scandinavia writes:

We left Florence in the afternoon of July 25, 1863, climbed the hill back of Florence and camped that night together with Bro. Cederström. The following day we reached Elkhorn, where the company was encamped. I noticed a fault-finding spirit amongst some of the Norwegian saints, who disapproved of the action of those of us who had separated from the rest of the company and kept more to ourselves, but in our little circle we enjoyed ourselves and though the journey was somewhat fatiguing and tiresome, we felt satisfied My brother F. F. [John Frederick Ferdinand Dorius] was teamster most of the way. Much rain fell as we journeyed along, but the grass was good half the way. One of our oxen gave out after traveling the first 200 miles, and it was with much difficulty that I drove him into Laramie where I sold him for $5.00. On the 24th of September the company passed through Parley's Canyon and in the middle of the day we had our first view of Salt Lake City which was still 7 miles distant. About a mile from the city I was surprised to see my wife sitting in a wagon which had come out to meet us. We rolled into the camp ground where we received the company. My brother John F. F. was yet behind and did not arrive till the following day. During the journey across the plains two adults and seven children had died among the Norwegians. and throughout The journey was no pleasure trip for any of us, but I now feel very thankful to the Lord for our safe arrival We were made welcome in the house of Shure Olsen and attended the general conference of the Church on the 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th of October. I reached my home in Sanpete Valley on the 16^th and thus ended my mission of three and a half years duration."