Transcript

In the Spring of 1864 I was Called to go to the Mousoura [Missouri] River for Emegrants, we went to a Small place Called Wyoming[.] There a good place to Camp, plenty of grass for our Cattle but when we got there everything was dried up with the drout[.] The Farmers were very discouraged, a number of them came to our Camp the night we got there and told us they were afraid their crops were a failure for the want of rain. one of our Boys told them not to worry for there would soon be rain in plenty. the Farmers wanted to know what made him think so: He told them it had rained on us on an average every other day since we left Salt Lake City. As we traveled down the Platt[e] River, a number of nights we Camped in a Tent, we had to throw up mounds of Earth to make a fire on so we could cook our meals, Our Boys told the Farmers it would rain inside of a week, they said if we brought Rain, they would say God bless the Mormons[.] it rained for about 2 hours, if the Farmers hadn't enough I'm sure we had.

next day we see them going around with a big smile and whistleng. We stayed there for about 6 weeks waiting for the saints to come up the River, the next morning after they came I saw one that I thought I knew, and ask her if her name was not Eaton? she [Zillah Wain Eaton] said it was, and when I told her I was the son of Thomas Humpherys from Mansfield, and I had been to her home many times, I thought she would hug me to deth (if it had been her youngest Daughter I would of liked it much better).

We soon left Wyoming for home, I injoyed the trip first rate, Bro. Joseph Rollins [Rawlins] of Draper was our Captin, and I would not care to work under a better man. he was loved by all both teamsters & Emegrants, We had a lovely time coming home, maby it was on account of knowing Sister Eaton's youngest Daughter that I had so good a time.

We arrived in Salt Lake 20 September and left for Springville the same day, we arrived there on the 23rd. Before leaving for Wyoming I wanted to go to Bear Lake Valley, for I had heard that was a fine place, but when I got home I'd forgotten all about Bear Lake but the Folks were all ready to go, so My Brother John, Wife & two Children, My Brother Samuel, My Wife, and I, in Company with John Bird left for Bear Lake (I forgot to say I was married to Sarah Ann Eaton 9 October 1864) When I saw the Valley I wanted to go back, but John didn't, Sam was willing to do ether go, or stay, so we finaly concluded to stay.

The following Spring I left for Springville with a Brother from Benington, on Snow shoes, we arrived at Logan, the 2nd day, Ogden, the 4th and at my Sister Sarah Burbage in Salt Lake the next day, tired out. I remained there 4 or 5 days then went to Springville. this was in 1865 the far part of March. Mother was pleased to see me.