Transcript

Sunday 6^th [July] We started early but before we got out of town we met with brother Silas again[.] The road to the ferry near Winter Quarters across the Missouri for the first 6 miles was very hilly and the last six was low and muddy and in some places the water was two feet deep. We arrived at the ferry, just at dark and met a company of Oregon emigrants recrossing the river having lost so many of their cattle in a stampede that they had not enough to proceed with so they returned after getting out one hundred miles or more.

Monday 7^th We crossed the river and came ten miles over a hilly road. At the ferry I made a bargain with Mr William Janes to drive one of my wagon teams to the valley on condition of taking line & [.cey] with us He was one of the returning emigrants who had lost his cattle in the stampede on Beaver river. Showery in the morning and was all day

Tuesday July 8^th 1851 We started early this morning as we were anxious to overtake a company of emigrants under Captain Brown which we ascertained from the returning emigrants would be at Elk Horn on monday (yesterday) evening. having concluded to go that way instead of taking the new route round Elk Horn which most of the emigrants have taken this year owing to the high waters. We arrived at the ferry at three o clock and found the company crossing over. We had come near overtaking the rear of the train at the Pappea eight miles from where we camped and nine from Elk Horn[.] The roads were good and the weather being cool we travelled fast. We stopped an hour at Pappea as we saw the train and knew that we could over take them before they would get to the ferry[.] We camped on the Bank of the river as we could not get over that night.

Wednesday 9^th A shower in the morning after which we went to the ferry crossed our wagons and swam the cattle. and came two miles and ferried a creek and then camped. Before we left the river Robert McCay [McKay], a man who was driving a team for a Mr. Judkins. an Oregon emigrant whom I had seen near Kanesville came up and wanted some to wait at the ferry till Mr. Judkins came up, so we concluded to wait at the creek and help them to get over when they came up, which we did and got them over the river and creek and camped them together[.] The balance of the train having gone ahead to a better camping ground

Thursday July 10^th 1846 [1851] About three o clock we came up with the main camp at the Platte river thirty nine miles from Winter Quarters consisting of fifty four wagons and a buggy or two and some sixty men.

Friday 11^th Travelled thirteen miles over rather heavy roads and camped on the bank of the Platte

Saturday 12^th The roads better to day travelled sixteen miles

The weather fine the last three days and every thing about looks prosperous[.] Camped on the Prairie

Sunday 13 I sent a few lines by some men who were looking after cattle, to brother Silas, to let him know how we were getting along. We travelled some six or seven miles to get to a camping place. crossing two or three bad sloughs[.] The weather warm

Monday 14 The roads good to day[.] Came twenty miles and camped on the banks of a small lake near the Loup fork having travelled up that stream all day

Tuesday 15^th Crossed Looking Glass creek, Beaver river and camped on Plumb creek near the old Pawnee Mission Station, having travelled some over sixteen miles. West of Beaver the Bluffs near the road were covered in places with scrubby looking oaks[.] The roads generally good. and the weather warm

Wednesday 16^th Started late, having to fix a bridge over the creek and get some wagon timber in the morning[.] We stopped at the Lower ford and examined it. thought it too deep and concluded to <go> the upper ford on Loup Fork to cross. In the after noon crossed Cedar River and camped on the high prairie. Distance to day 7 miles[.] A pleasant shower in the evening after we camped

Thursday 17^th The road to day not so good as it might be[.] Crossed several deep ravines. some of <them> muddy after the shower yesterday. We passed an old Pawnee Village amd <an>other to day[.] At one half mile from the old village we came to a muddy creek which was hard to cross and one company of the train did not get over and <but> remained on the east side of the creek. That company was ours[.] Distance about ten miles

Friday July 18^th 1851 Last night soon after we went to bed it commenced raining and we experienced one of the most tremendous showers ever seen accompanied with wind and hail. Fortunately it lasted but a short time. In the morning the creek was out of it[s] banks. and we had a bridge to make before we could get over which took till late in the day[.] The train moved on to the <upper> ford of the Loup Fork six miles where we encamped[.] The country beautiful on the banks of the river extending back two or three miles to the bluffs[.] The soil of the best quality

Saturday 19^th On examining the river this morning it was found unfordable. I. went with two or three others to examine an old mountaineer ford four or five miles higher up the river. but the water was too deep. Captain Brown concluded to wait till Monday. by which time he thought the river might be forded as the water was falling

Sunday 20^th Rested to day. Had public service in the afternoon. A woman, Anne [Esther] Kempton, late from London died and was buried late in the evening

Monday 21 Forded the river without difficulty in the forenoon[.] travelled four and ¾ miles & camped as we now have to go nineteen miles before finding water. A gentle shower about noon to day

Tuesday 22^d Travelled nineteen miles. most of the way over sandy Bluffs. Camped on the South side of Prairie Creek. Got wet in a shower before we travelled

Wednesday 23^d Came 11¾ miles to Wood River and at about one mile, <above> a wagon broke down after <one> upsetting and we stopped to have it mended. Very warm

Thursday July 24^th 1851 The weather very warm[.] We travelled about 15 miles. One ox in Capt. [Edwin] Rushtons company died and <one> in Capt. [Alexander] Robbins was left behind no better than dead[.] The road the very best. In the evening I wrote a letter to Lucy’s Friends in England[.] Camped on the Platte

Friday 25^th The road to day lay over rather flat land and in a wet time would be bad enough. We have even got along very well. Wrote a letter to Mr. [..n.an] and finished one to brother Silas. Capt Brown is going over to Fort Kearney to mail letters so I improve the opportunity. Camped on the Platte south of roads[.] Travelled about 13 miles only, being hindered some by Capt. [George D.] Watts company the fourth ten in the course of the day

Saturday 26^th Capt [Preston] Thomas’s The first ten went ahead to day it being their turn[.] Travelled twenty miles. The roads excellent. Camped on Dry Creek so called, tho there was plenty of water 217¾ miles from Winter Quarters[.] Came 84 miles this week. 65¾ last week and 80 (from Kanesville) the week before

Sunday 27^th Lay in camp and rested, tho some of the company had to fix their wagons as the dry warm weather during the last few days had loosened the tires on many of them

Monday 28^th There were some twelve or fourteen tires set this morning before the company started. Crossed Elm & Buffalo creeks and camped near a slough on the south of the road having travelled about 13 miles

About noon, and at Elm creek we first came in sight of Buffalo. The plains being covered with them for miles and miles as far as the eye could reach, and before night we passed thousands and tens of thousands of them on the hills and plains on both sides of the river. Several were killed by the hunters before night and we had any amount of fresh meat which was a great luxury to some

[T]uesday 29^th Had to wait this morning to have a wheel mended which was broken down carelessly yesterday evening by a raw teamster from the Old Bay State named [Ensign] Riggs

Started late. The weather warm the road dusty. Came 13 miles and camped near the Platte opposite an island[.] Saw thousands of Buffalo. In the afternoon met Samuel Newcomb, a brother Bateman <(an apostate. as afterwards ascertained)> & some others forty eight days from Salt Lake City[.] From them we learned that Elder Hyde[,] Judge Brochus and others with them, who left Kanesville one week before we did and went round the Elk Horn (The new rout) had been robbed by the Pawnees[.] They had came into our road some five or six miles back <but were found in [..r…t as] it was some twenty or twenty five miles ahead to where they struck the old road> and were ahead of us, but Elder Pratt and company, and several other companies were yet behind on that route which was represented as being very hilly and bad

Wednesday July 30^th 1851 Some time in the night after all were in bed, but the watchmen. There was a tremendous shower of rain & hail as <the> wind blew a hurricane[.] This morning the air is some cooler[.] Travelled eighteen miles[.] The road was excellent[.] Turned off the road and camped one and a fourt[h] miles west of Deep Dry creek

This evening from our encampment we saw a company ahead of us encamped on the prairie which proved to be Captain [Luman Andros] Shirtliff’s <company, the first> fifty of Capt. [Easton] Kelsey’s company which went the new route round the Elk Horn and before dark another <another> company Capt Morris Phelps’s came in just ahead of us and before morning the company from Garden Grove. Capt [Harry] Walton came in. Most of the companies having taken a route farther west than <the one> mentioned by the company we met from the Lake on tuesday last. We also learned that elder Hyde came in on the upper route. These companies or some of them had lost some of their cattle and one <company> Capt. Shirtliff’s, were in some confusion and had left one company of ten behind some thirty miles looking after their cattle[.] They report two other companies nearby and think Elder O.Pratt some days behind[.] He is up with the last <fifty of his> company[.] They confirm the report of Elder Hyde being robbed and the bad roads by the new route which is some 200 miles further In the course of the day we passed great herds of Buffalo and about ten thousand in one herd came running past our train and about fifty ran through between my wagons and Samuel’s which were a little distance apart but as fortune favored us our cattle were not frightened

Thursday July 31^st 1851 Travelled nineteen miles part of the way over a very sandy road. especially at the Sandy bluffs. Camped on Skunk Creek. A fine shower in the evening after we retired to our wagons to sleep[.] The companies which came in from the north went on ahead of us with the exception of the one from Garden Grove which stopped to look after there <some> cattle which they had lost in a stampede some days ago

Friday August 1^st 1851 The road to day has been very sandy & the weather warm. Passed a beautiful cold spring at the upper end of the Pawnee Swamp, travelled fifteen miles and camped on Carrion Creek

Saturday 2^d This morning our company passed Capt Phelps’s company in their camp and also Capt Shirtliff’s both of which came on and passed us at noon. the Last going <went> ahead and the first camping soon after they passed us at noon opposite some willow islands intending to stay there till monday as the two hundred mile stretch without timber is now before us. After gathering a little wood consisting of willows only. we came ahead again passing. Capt. Phelps and company, and encamped for the Sabbath on the banks of the Platte near a small creek 317¼ miles from Winter Quarters having travelled 99½ miles during the week

Sunday Aug 3^d Lay in our encampment & very cold in the morning. Had a meeting in the afternoon and had a goodly season together

Monday 4^th Came to North Bluff Fork three & a half miles from our encampment which we crossed without difficulty

At the east foot of the Sandy bluffs Brother Samuel and I came up the bed of the river with our teams to save coming over the bluffs[.] The balance of the train came over. We got into the road at the west foot of the bluffs about one hour before the others [illegible] up. Crossed the second sandy bluff and camped near Bluff creek having travelled fifteen miles. Road very sandy

Tuesday August 5^th 1851 Our road to day has generally been sandy and hard on teams. Crossed the third Sandy bluffs and severall small streams. Such as Petitite Piccanninni [Picanninni], Goose, & Duck Weed Creeks. After we crossed the latter the road was excellent. Camped on a beautiful prairie near the river two miles below Rattlesnake Creek. having travelled some eighteen miles. At noon Lisbon Lamb came up and reported Capt Smith’s ten of which were left behind by Capt Shirtliff were close upon us also Capt Phelps and company and several others were within ten miles. Before night we learned that the Garden Grove company had had another stampede, and lost some more of their cattle

Wednesday 6^th We travelled nineteen miles to day. mostly over a good road, crossed Rattlesnake Camp and several other small creeks[.] Met a company of men returning by way of Salt Lake from Oregon & California. twelve in number with pack animals. They left the Lake the 15^th July and report all well there at that time[.] Camped on Wolf creek at an early hour. After we camped two more men belonging to the same company we met in the forenoon. They had been left in consequence of Loosing their horses and having found them were pursuing to overtake the company

Thursday 7^th Came some over nineteen miles. Mostly a good road after crossing the bluff at Wolf creek which was very bad. Captain Phelps overtook us before we all got over. That company is only a few miles behind us to night. James Monroe was over to our camp this evening from the other side. His company left the frontier a week or ten days before ours, and are now only fifteen miles ahead.

Friday August 8^th 1851 To day we travelled twenty and a half miles. Road first rate. Camped on Crab creek Creek. Saw a train on the other side the river going down. Some one of our company was over. It proved to be a merchant train. Phelp’s 20 days from Salt Lake with mule teams and no load[.] In the forenoon I went out on a hunting excursion with bros Brown & Thomas. One antelope was the fruit of our labor which was rather dearly bought

Saturday 9^th Crossed Cobble Hills and passed the "Ancient Bluff Ruins" west of which about six <and a half> miles we encamped having travelled about sixteen miles and one hundred and one and eight and a half <quarter> miles during the week[.] In the forenoon saw another train going down on the South side (ten or eleven wagons) supposed to be a government train from Laramie. Went out a hunting in the afternoon with brother Thomas. We caught no game but saw a fine grove and good water in a valley in the bluffs (unobserved before by the emigrants as far we know) about five miles west of the Ancient Bluffs Ruins . There is an abundance of cherries and currants there to be found by going up the ravine a short distance

Sunday 10^th The Garden Grove company passed us to day and one ten of Capt Shirtliff’s company which had been left behind to look after their lost cattle. They travel on Sundays but we think it best to rest. We had a pretty shower in the evening

Monday 11^th The road in the forenoon some sandy[.] After crossing a sandy hill The land in wet weather I should think was rather wet tho the road is excellent now, Turned off the road some distance to camp as the road from the bluff below to Scott’s bluffs does not run very near the river[.] Came about nineteen miles

Tuesday 12^th The road excellent but very dusty The air in the morning was very cool. Passed "Chimney Rock" and camped about eleven miles west having travelled about twenty miles[.] Capt Phelps's Company keep about two miles behind us and have, since overtaking us last week

August 13^th 1851 Wednesday. Passed Scotts Bluffs [Bluff] to day. Road first best, Very warm in the middle of the day. Morning and evening cool[.] Came 17 miles[.] Turned off the road a little and camped on a creek some earlier than common as one ten Capt [Joseph] Chatterly’s had to stop to set some tires in the morning and have been far behind all day

Thursday 14^th Travelled eighteen miles or thereabouts. One of my oxen has been lame two or three days[.] There was a fine shower last night and it has been good travelling[.] Saw an Indian for the first time on the road[.] Several were seen by others ahead of the train

Friday 15^th Came about fifteen miles[.] Road most of the way sandy[.] Passed Raw hide Creek (now dry) and camped about six miles below Laramie. Passed many Indian encampments along the river and saw many of <the> Lamanites of the S[i]oux tribe. They were thick about our train all day and after we camped. A span of horses to <took> fright at them and ran which started several of the ox teams and in the confusion one woman, sister [Helen Chatterley] Sandiford, was run over & hurt tho not very bad

Saturday 16^th This morning some of the cattle were missing and were not all found in time to start till noon. Six of them went on ahead to another camp in the night. We tied up all our cattle every night till within a few days but the grass is getting shorter and we have thought best to let them be loose that they might have a better chance to graze and we have never had any stray away till this morning. After starting we came past ed the camp of the lost ten (so called) belonging to Shirtliffs company[.] They are laying by to bring some cattle if possible. At Laramie Fort we passed Capt Phelps Company again as they had started before us in the morning before finding our cattle[.] Capt Brown did not <think best to> cross the river at Fort Laramie. So we kept up on the north side about four miles and encamped having travelled about one hundred and three fourths <a half> miles during the week[.] Capt Phelps Company went on a little further and camped on another a very poor place[.] Ours was bad enough as the grass was very short[.] There are so many indians all along the river that the bottoms are covered with their mules and ponies and in the neighborhood of Fort Laramie the animals belonging to the Government would keep down the grass if the indians were not about. I did not go over to the Fort but some did. I sent over two Letters to be mailed one to A.B. Fuller & the other to brother Silas. Distance

Sunday August 17^th 1851 The grass was so short that Capt Brown thought best to move on a piece in order to find better feed for our cattle so we started on at a late hour. Came about two miles and crossed the river to the south side. Soon after we got over we passed Capt Phelp’s company once more they having stopped in the place we expected to in order to spend the Sabbath. After passing them about four miles we passed the Garden Grove company <also> encamped for the Sabbath which they do not often do. We found little feed till we came to the point where the road leaves the river 12½ miles from Laramie <and then had to turn our cattle over the river>[.] Distance travelled to day eight & half miles

Monday 18^th The company did not get started till late and before all got on the road the Garden Grove company Capt Walton came up and kept close to our train all day[.] Capt. Phelps’s company was close in the rear of Capt Walton’s and as we wound over the hills alltogether we made quite a splendid show. Soon after leaving our encampment, Capt Brown took the river road so called, which was very good but some hilly[.] We travelled till late to get where there was feed and water <& Camped by two excellent springs of cold water>[.] The season has been very dry and feed is scarce. Tho there is water enough in places[.] Before we stopped we passed Capt Horners company which came up the South side the platte in their encampment some off the road. Came about twenty three miles. Two wagons <wheels> broke and a part of Capt Chatterly’s company did not reach camp to night

Tuesday August 19^th 1851 This morning whilst waiting for brother Chatterly. Capt Horner’s company passed us[.] In the company I found several of my old acquaintances among whom were brother Alfred Bell & family[,] D. Porters[,] Capt. Horner and others[.] The two companies that were behind us yesterday also went past us in the course of the forenoon[.] It was so late when brother Chatterly came up that it was thought advisable to remain where we were during the day and repair wagons, wash &c. At night the cattle were taken two or three miles ahead to some excellent feed on Horse creek and a few took their wagons to the creek among whom were Samuel. and myself. The place was beautiful and the evening delightful. Plenty of currants & cherries and we enjoyed ourselves first rate.

Wednesday 20^th It was late before the cattle could be taken back to the camp and the company get up to where we were so I. wrote or commenced writing a letter to Silas and Hiram. Lucy and others gathered cherries and currants till the company came up. Mr Judkins stopped to wait for his son who had gone back in search of a cow[.] There was a child born in the camp to day Sister Sharkey. wife of Robert Sharkey. had a fine little girl born in the forenoon. We came about nine miles to the p Platte river where we stopped at noon. Then the road took into the bluffs again as the river just above where we came to it runs thro a deep cut in the rocky bluffs over which the road had to wind into the bottom above. We came to the river again at night. Travelled in all some 18 miles

Thursday August 21^st1851 Crossed the river to the north side and came about twenty miles and recrossed it and camped on the south side again[.] The road to day some sandy in places. Passed several dry creeks and several f bad places being rough and crooked[.] The ford where we crossed in the morning very good much better than where we forded at night[.] Overtook Capt Phelps’s company and camped with them on the same ground. One wagon broken only which was good luck <luck> considering the road and the teamsters

Friday 22^d The road to day some crooked and rough[.] Came about thirteen miles. Mr [Thomas] Lytle [Litell] an Oregon emigrant had his oxen run away and his wife [Mary R. Litell] got hurt badly[.] Camped on the banks of the Platte, as usual for there is no feed only on the river or near it and <on> the small streams. most of which are now dry

Saturday 23^d It was late when we got ready to start. The morning was cool but as soon as the sun began to shine it became very warm. At about 8 miles we came into the road that crosses the Black Hills. From thence we came to Deer Creek five miles where we expected to find plenty of feed. but the season has been very dry in this region and the grass was so short even there where it was supposed to be good that, Capt Brown thought best to go on further. We came about seven miles further and camped at a late hour. About ten o clock Mr. Judkins who had stopped behind on Wednesday to look after a cow, came up and joined us again. We have made about the same distance as last week one hundred and three fourths of a mile allowing the road we came to be the same in distance as the road over the Black Hills.

Sunday 24^th We lay in our encampment all day and Elder Thomas preached a sermon on the first principles of the gospel in the <evening> etc

Monday August 25^th 1851 We started early and came eight miles and encamped where there was good grass on the south side of the river for the purpose of setting some wagon tires and repairing wagons. soon after we stopped two men from the Lake brother <James> Furguson & Mr. Holman <son of the Indian agent> rode up[.] They were on their way to Fort Laramie after some soldiers to guard the Snake Indians who are between here and the South Pass on their way to Laramie to attend the great Council of the Tribes there the first of September next as they are afraid of the Shyennes [Cheyennes] with whom they have been at war

In the evening I went out to the mountains with a party from the camp on a hunting expedition and camped out there all night

Tuesday 26^th Got in from our hunting excursion in the afternoon <the company> having <killed> four or five buffaloes and some other game. very tired and weary indeed

Wednesday 27^th At a late hour this morning we got started and travelled about twelve miles and encamped a little below the Upper Platte Ford. There was a woman died about noon to day. She had been confined a day or two since and had not <been> well for many weeks <before>. her name, I believe was [Hannah Skelton] Henderson or perhaps Terry.

Thursday 28^th Crossed the Platte and there took the road up the river which was some hilly but not bad only in a few places. Came twelve or thirteen miles and camped on a small creek where there was plenty of grass a short way up from the river[.] There was a light shower about noon the first rain we have had for about three weeks. Met a company of Snake Indians going to the treaty at Laramie being part being the chiefs of the tribe and part of those mentioned above a being afraid of the Sheyenns [Cheyennes] Mr. Holman the Agent was with them, a sub agent or two together with a small company of returning Gold diggers[,] John Bose, subagent and Joshua Terry & D [W….] mountain<eers>

Friday 29^th August 1851 We travelled to day some twenty four miles[.] Road very good. Passed the Alkali swamps and Willow springs and camped at a late hour on a small creek south of the road some few hundred yards where there was grass and plenty of water[.] Four mountaineers from Green River camped with us at night on their way to the states[.] Frost and ice this morning

Saturday 30^th Crossed Grease wood [Greasewood] creek a fine stream and then left the old road and followed the creek down to the Sweet water river. This road is some further than the old one but the sand is not so bad and we could reach grass on the river nearer than the other way[.] Came about ten or twelve miles and camped on the river near the saleratus lakes

Sunday 31st We lay in camp to day and rested our cattle[.] Lucy went with me and some others, to the Saleratus Lakes and got some <Saleratus> to take to the Valley[.] travelled last week only sixty seven miles by according to the Guide but we came some further in consequence of taking other roads in order to find feed for our cattle

Monday Sept 1st 1851 Started at a late hour and came fourteen <fifteen> miles passing Independence Rock crossing the river and camped about seven miles above "Devils Gate" on the South side of the Sweet water [Sweetwater] where there was excellent grass

Tuesday 2d Camped at night near the Gravelly Bluff some seventeen miles. Road sandy enough tho we kept the river road. Several oxen sick this evening

Wednesday 3d Came seventeen miles[.] crossed the river three times and camped just below "ford no four"[.] A little shower in the evening. Some cool but fine[.] We overtook Capt Phelps’s Company and encamped near them to night.

Sept 4^th Thursday Before we got started this [morning] Capt [Harry] Walton’s Company hove in sight. They had turned off the road a short distance west of the "Devils Gate" to repair wagons, and recruit their teams a few days behind and we had passed them on Monday last. Capt Phelps went on ahead of our company, and Capt Walton was close in our rear all day till we turned off the road to camp. about three miles below ford "No five"[.] Came about fifteen miles besides going off the road to a good camping ground some two miles further[.] One wagon broke down & br Margetts and several oxen gave out. The road most of the way very sandy

Friday 5^th Capt Brown thought best to lay by to day and let our cattle rest as there was excellent feed for them and some of the wagons wanted fixing a little[.] I spent the forenoon in fixing mine. and bringing water to wash with. and in the afternoon went and caught some fish in company with Capt Brown, Thomas and others.

Saturday 6 This is the anniversary of my birth day and the semi an[n]ual conference of the church will commence at Salt Lake City. I should have been happy. to have been there but I am glad that I am as near as I am with the prospect of being in <the> Valley in a few weeks [.] We came twelve miles to day and camped before night as we could not reach grass if we went on till after dark[.] This week we have made seventy five and three fourths [miles]

Sunday 7^th We lay in camp in the forenoon and as Capt Brown thought best to move from where we now are in consequence of poor feed we started on & came to a branch of the Sweet water which took us till late in the evening. There we found water but little grass. Distance thirteen miles

Monday 8^th We could not find all the cattle till late and as I had mine I came over to the Sweet water with Samuel’s teams ahead of the train and others followed as fast as possible after finding their cattle[.] Some however did not get up till afternoon. A heavy frost this morning. Before starting this morning the mail from Salt Lake came past and Doct Bernhisel was along on his way to Washington having been elected Delegate for Utah Territory to Congress at the August election

Tuesday Sept 9^th 1851 This morning I set the tires on one of my wagons. having prepared for it yesterday afternoon whilst laying by as we could not find grass after leaving the Sweet water short of twelve or fifteen miles. We started early. crossed the Sweet Water for the last time. Came through the Pass and camped on Pacific creek about one mile below the crossing. Came nearly eighteen miles[.] Frost in <the morning>[.] Two wagons belonging to Capt Robbins were broke down and his ten did not get in till late at night

Wednesday 10^th Stopped all day to mend wagons[.] The day remarkably fine tho frosty in the morning

Thursday 11^th Some frost in the morning[.] The country we travelled to day was very barren[.] Came down the Pacific creek about sixteen miles and turned off the road to camp a mile or more

Friday 12^th Came to Big Sandy and crossed over and camped about five miles below the old ford. Distance about fifteen miles. Country level, barren and sandy

Saturday 13^th Started late. At about two miles from camp we came to the old road which we had left near Pacific creek[.] After we struck the old road we came to the point where it leaves Big Sandy for Green river and camped to spend the Sabbath a little off the road near the creek or river. Came seventeen miles & 87 during <week>[.] In the morning Capt Robbins and his drivers had a little difficulty and six of them left him which made him late in starting and he did not get in till late [.] The difficulty arose about their provisions[.] The men came on ahead but stopped and camped with us at night

Sunday Sept 14^th We rested to day, some teams from the Lake passed us with provisions for the companies behind us. The difficulty between Capt Robbins and his teamsters was settled. Elder Brown preach to us in the afternoon and we had an excellent meeting

Monday 15. Came to Green river a beautiful stream an[d] forded it and then went down it some three miles below where the Guide road leaves it, in order to find grass. Camped in a beautiful cottonwood grove on the banks of the river. and turned our cattle over it to graze

Tuesday 16^th A light shower last night and this morning every thing around looks smiling. Started early. That is a mistake. we meant to start early but did not. Came sixteen miles and camped on black’s fork. Road sandy, rough & in some places cracked. Land extremely barren

Wednesday 17^th We came fifteen miles or thereabouts[.] Crossed Hams fork about two miles from where we camped and blacks fork soon after and camped on it just below the ford and about seventeen miles from Fort Bridger[.] A little rain fell in showers and it thundered a little

Thursday 18^th Last night after supper I went back some distance to help Capt. [Alexander] Robbins’s men get a broken wagon[.] He is himself sick with mountain fever[.] Started late and only came about eleven miles[.] Turned off the road some distance and camped near Black's fork once more

Friday 19 Passed Fort Bridger at noon. The road some rough and stoney, especially toward night. Came down one very steep hill and camped on a creek ten miles from Bridger. Distance made during the day 16 miles

Saturday 20^th We came about eleven miles part of the way on the Guide road and part not, and camped on a high ridge and drove our cattle down into ravines on each side of the ridge. We are now about ninety miles from the city of the Great Salt Lake and have travelled [illegible] eighty five miles during the weeks [blank space] Mr Litell an Oregon emigrant. with two wagons left us this morning and went ahead[.] A man named Riggs also went with him

Sunday Sept 21st 1851 At about eleven o clock we started on our way as we were encamped in an uncomfortable place and Capt Brown thought we had better do so. It rained all night tho not so very hard and the road is some slippery. Two miles from where we camped, we reached the top of the east rim of the Great Basin and began to descend the ridge that divides the waters of the Colorado from those of the Salt Lake. The descent is lengthy and some steep[.] We crossed Sulpher creek and arrived on Bear river about four o clock. where we encamped on the west bank[.] One of my oxen died suddenly on the road about one mile before arriving on Bear river. Several have died in the same manner lately. Cause unknown

Monday 22^d We came about nine and a half miles to Yellow Creek[.] The road first rate. Some of the cattle could not be found and Capt [Joseph] Chatterly’s ten did not start till late and did not come up till nearly at night [blank space]

Two children have been born in the camp within two days. brother [Zacariah] Demick’s [Derrick] wife had a daughter [Ursula Derrick] born Sunday evening <morning> and Walter Baten's [Baker] a son last evening. Near where we camped there was a grave made a day or two before I think on the 20^th purporting to be that of James O….. Monroe[.] He was with Horner's and was taking thro a large quantity of goods to the Lake

Tuesday 23^d We came over a high hill and down a valley to Cache cache <cave> five and a half miles, and camped for Capt. Chatterly’s company to come up. This day beautiful and fine in the extreme for the season of the year

Wednesday 24^th Before we started this morning two men came by from the Valley after the body of James Monroe[.] He was shot by Howard Egan who came from the Valley and met him where we saw his grave and shot him with a pistol for <some> interference with his family during his absence in the gold mines of California. We came seventeen miles and camped on Echo creek <at a place> surrounded by high hills some where about five miles east of [illegible]

Thursday Sept 25^th 1851 We came to Weber river at which place we met Elder Hyde on his return to Kanesville and some others going to the States. From Weber river came about three miles and camped at an early hour [blank space] Came about twelve miles to day. Several men from the companies behind us passed us during the day

Friday 26^th Early this morning we met several more brethren on their way to different parts of the world. among whom were Elders <E.T.> Benson and <J M> Grant going to Kanesville and A.O. Smoot[,] Willard Snow and Samuel Richards on their way to England[.] Came to Kanyon [Canyon] Creek seven miles and at night camped about two miles below where the road leaves the creek to ascend the mountain having come about thirteen miles

Saturday 27^th After leaving leaving Kanyon creek we ascended a high mountain and thence descended to Brown’s creek on which we camped at night twelve miles from the city [blank space] Two or three wagons were broken and capt [Edwin] Rushton did not reach camp and Capt Robbins ten did not get far down the mountain before they stopped for the night. We had not gone far in the morning before we overtook five or six wagons belonging to Capt Phelp’s company which had been left behind and before we camped we passed Capt Horner’s company camped and waiting for some of his wagons to be mended which were broken coming down the mountains

Sunday 28^th We came over the Last mountain and down the Last creek to the mouth of the Kanyon where most of us camped, tho some went down to the city Those behind did not come up at night as we expected. Capt Brown left us after we stopped and went to the city and thence to his family from which he had been absent about one year. Several brethren from the city came out to our camp as soon as they heard of our arrival, and among them we had the satisfaction of seeing John L Smith[,] Joseph Caine and A. Lamoreaux and others of our friends and older neighbors from Iowa who had preceded us to this beautiful valley of the mountains

Monday 29^th I got up my cattle as soon as I could and came down to the City of the Great Salt Lake <in company with Samuel R> . . .