Transcript

. . . the following spring [1847] a company was selected as pioneers to further prosecute the arduous journey and labors incident to finding a resting place in the West, to which the Saints could gather, build, inhabit and bow before and otherwise worship the God of Israel without molestation, according to the dictates of conscience and the laws of Heaven.

I, being one of that select number, left my wife, my home, and team, and journeyed like Abraham of old, not knowing whither our positive destination, only I knew the lamp of God was never known to lead in a wrong path.

Being privileged to travel with Elder Heber C. Kimball and outfit, boarding with them also, we started on the 7th day of April, 1847, with two wagons and five or six men. Strenuous exertions were constantly necessary to find forage for our teams, (the grass being burned off and the new not being of sufficient growth) being compelled to cut down trees as their buds were bursting forth, for browsing. This gave our animals scarcely adequate strength, but we were grateful therefore. Difficulties had to be surmounted—rivers to be crossed, (Little Horn first) boats, rafts, etc., to be constructed.

Pursuing our journey we struck across towards the Plat[te] River. Here and now the migrators were organized into tens, fifties, and hundreds. Over each division a captain was appointed, President Brigham Young being the leader of the whole, as a company.

Encountering Pawnee Indians, who were afraid we would scare or kill off their game, they demanded toll. Here was exhibited that law of kindness which has been manifested ever since in our intercourse with the Aborigines of our land,—that of feeding them. Thus each one gave from his scanty outfit, food, blankets, etc., piling them out in one heap. Failing, however, to satisfy the cravings of the Red Man, the captain ordered us to move on. It was considered essential for the camp en masse to stand guard that night, which we did. The artillery was also placed in readiness and fired twice. Regardless of these precautions, however, the Indians adroitly stole two of our horses.

Being appointed to drive the team attached to the cannon, I did so as long as I continued with the company. Opposite Fort Laramie, the Platt[e] hugging the mountain side, we were obliged to cross it. Passing through the Black hills the river again had to be crossed, which being so high, rendered it necessary for safety to build a boat. This was very providential, for a number of Oregonians coming up and desiring to cross over, furnished us with provisions, thus reimbursing us with much needed common essentials. Ten men were left here to establish a ferry.

Proceeding westward, towards the Rocky Mountains, we met Cap. James Bridger and party who were very solicitious to know our destination. Camping with us that night, hearing our statements, etc., Bridger thought it a rash venture to plant so large a colony of almost destitute people in the Salt Lake or Bear River Valley, places where corn could not be raised. President Brigham Young knowing that the prophetic voice had declared "Get thee up into the high mountains, it is my business to take care of my Saints," replied, "I will see what can be done," and pursued his way to Green River. Here meeting Samuel Brannan, who had come by way of California, the latter sought to induce the pioneers to not stop short of that part of the country. His effort, too, was futile. After crossing Green River and driving out about one mile, we camped. President Brigham Young here remarked that they had left their families back, with instructions to come on when they were able to fit out with sufficient provisions to last until more could be raised. Nothing having been heard from them his anxiety for their welfare was intense, resulting in the sending of four or five men back to see how they were getting along, I being one of them.

A Brother Stewart, having a small wagon, laid some plank on the bolsters and we were quickly off to fulfill the given mission. To see us safely across, Pres. Young went as far as the river. When we reached the ferry, at which point the ten men had been left to ferry emigrants going to Oregon, it was found that the water had fallen so low that fording was possible and there was no longer a necessity for them to stay. They not having heard of the company we were in search of, a few of them joined us. Reaching Fort Laramie, and our flour being out, we were fortunate in being able to borrow, so continued our journey towards Winter Quarters, 170 miles, before attaining the object of our mission. To my joy my wife was in the company, and equally so for same reason, others of my accompanying brethren were made glad. The company being very large and making slow progress we advised them to travel in small groups through the mountains, the better to find feed for animals, and warned them of the liability of being caught by perilous, drifting snowstorms through the mountain passes. Our counsel was heeded. The company traveled much faster, and arrived in the valley of the Great Salt Lake, some in the latter part of September, and at different dates until finally the last were landed in November.

It is but proper to state that the Committee of the pioneer company called to return in search of the company of Saints and to bring them in, were accorded equal honors with the pioneers who entered the valley on the 24th of July, 1847, and doubtless through the foresight of our leader—President Young, calling them, many lives were preserved that would have perished en route. . .