Transcript

[A typescript portion of this journal is available at the CHL with the call number of MS 6217.]

On the 16th [July 1847] -- The Battalion was discharged from the servace, by Lieut Smith The majority of the Battalion were then anxious to make thare way to the Church. but wore allmost hourly solisitated to enter the servace again. at this time nearly all the Officers of the Battalion were encouraging it all they possibly Could. some went so far as to sine the names and at the last drew out of it and leave the innocent in the trap. they at length formed a Company and marched to San Diego under Capt. Davis with a Promice to be Discharged at the end of six months. At length the remainder of the Battalion started for Salt Lake, with the exception of a few who followed Capt. Hunt, Adjutant Merril and Lieut. Dyke.

This company was led by Bro. Levi Hanc, Lieuts. Pace and Little. we started with the intention of going the Calhoun Pass we crossed the last mountains which lay 40 miles back of Pueblo. these mountains are very ruged and tedious to cross, especially with wild animals which was the case with many of ours. we was two Days in the Mountains then had tolerable good roads.

We had no pilots, except an Indian by some means we passed the rout before we knew it and found ourselves on the route to Sutters Fort on The Sacramento river. we then made our way to this place which is 500 miles from Pueblo.

When near this place we heard from the Church, that a Company of them had reached Salt Lake on hearing this news we were incouraged to spead our way.

We crossed the California Mountains by the American Pass while camped on the east side of the mountains on the Truckee river, we were met by Br. S. Brannan Who left San Francisco to visit the Church. at this place, I ascertained by letter that my family that they were not Coming with the Church this year. Accordingly In company with some few of the company, returned to Sacramento valley It which place I spent most of the winter. ^1847-1848 At the approach of spring there was a gold mine discovered which proved a great benefit to many in making their outfit to go to the Church in July of 1848 I in company with 15 started for Salt Lake at which place we arrived Sept. th 8th, but at my great disappointment, I did not find my family here. After remaining here until the 18th, in company with 7 of our number set out for Council Bluffs, where we arrived the 3 of Nov. were warmly received by our friends, by our wives and children. I spent this winter, ^1848-1849 at home. A very cold and disagreeable one it is.

It was my intention to go to The Vally this spring but my circumstances are such that I was obliged to remain here another year spent the summer at work on A farm. The 22nd of july ¹⁸⁴⁹ we had A pair of Twin Children born unto us A Son & Daughter. I spent the winter ^1849-1850 at Home making wat preparations I could for removing to the vally in the spring

At the Approach of spring I was enabled to start for the vally I started with A Company of Emegrants for California left the Mo. Riv. May 18 1850 landed in the vally july the 11, 1851⁰ and was thankful indeed that I had been blessed of the Lord to in getting my Family safely in this Place. My Family were four in no. My Wife Harriet A. Children Thomas J Harvey Alvar Harriet Alvaretta. Spent a few days in the city when we moved 40 miles north where my sister Vamelia lived.