Transcript

Monday morning, June 14^th--We left Winter Quarters for the mountains. Before we started we went into Father Kimbels house and took breakfast with mother Kimbel[.] the[y] called upon me to offer up prayer and thanksgiving to the Lord. I did so and felt that it was good to call upon him. While we sat to the table mother Kimbel read to us a letter which she had received from Father and he exprest maney good feelings towards [h]is familey and it mad[e] my heart rejoice. we traveled about 4 Miles and then let our cattal feed about 2 hours and then took them up again and went 8 miles further[.] a littel before we campt we had a slew to cros and in going through we had to put on 12 yok[e] of cattal on our waggon and we brok 7 chains[.] we campt on the open praire 12 Miles for the day.

Tuesday Morning June 15^th --1/2 past 4 Oclock. I got up from my bed and called uppon the Boys for to hunt up the cattle[.] we found them all close by yoked them up and started on our jurney[.] it was a cold and cloudey day[.] a pleasant day for travling[.]we arived at the river Elk Horn about 2 Oclock in the afternoon let our cattel out and went down to the raft and the[y] was crossing verey fast[.] they crost over 100 and 5 waggons that day making 15 Miles for this days travel

Wednesday16^th: cloudy, this morning we crost the river without aney accidence. our tires set & chains & yoks fixed.

Thursday 17^th. cloudy & windy, towards evening there came up a storm and we had verey hevey thunder & hevey rain in the evening & all in camp

Friday 18^th heavy rain in the night & this morning. We have much trouble with our cattle because we are yet not organized. I was hardly able to anything on account of sore hands and feet being caused by poison vine. Several wagon loads of Boffalo-fishes was catched in the river. we had some for supper last night. Very pleasant during the day. Commenced to guard our cattal moved to a clear place the night. about 1 mile.

Saturday 19^th. Plasant. The calculation is for 2 fifties to form a ring when camping & keeping the cattle inside in the night time & keep a guard & to heard them well in the day time when we dont travel. Left the Elk horn traveled about 6 Miles & stopt to feed at noon & troubles again. started again and came to the Platt[e] river at about 5 Oclock[.] whole distance between Elkhorn & Platte river is a level Bottom. We are encampt in ring form which is the best way if every man will do his duty so the cattal cannot get out. Bro Wallace is a fine man and does [h]is duty. as we traveled along we came to a place a man had been killed[.] [h]is blood was upon the ground in several places and [h]is Bones was supposed to have been pick by the woolfs[.] some arrows & part of his pants with two letters in the pocket where found about him from the Agent at the point & from Sa[i]nt Louis to the Pawn[e]es not concerning us. 15 Miles for this day.

Sunday 20^th. Fine weather--Yesterday morning Jacob Weatherbee went back with a yoke of our cattel which we had no use for here, & was to take the waggon home which Wm. left at the Elkhorn & com out again with the grey mare; but this morning we learn from Bishop W[h]itney that he has been deadly wounded by a bullet being attacked by 3 Indians 3 mile from the Elkhorn river. Bro. Lambson was with him. the Indians attempted to shoot the cattal & Jacob jumpt off from the waggon & took the gun from one of them and as they attempted to take the gun back the two were cast down twice, then the 3d one shot Jacob from behind so the ball came out through [h]is belley and he run and another one regained the gun & they went off. The oxen turned round & was found by Father Lot & This fornoon Wm. left for good & Lafayet Granger & Marey F. a Doctor Richison & sum others went back to Jacob. This Again makes us all feel sad as much more as Jacob was a first rate Boy to work on such a jurney as this. The camp was called to gather this day and Bro. P. P. Pratt gave us sum instructions how to manage our cattal, and said that we was free from under the yoak [yoke] of the Gentile law. and we should now protect ourselfs and we would not be trampeled upon aney longer nether by Black nor Wight red nor yellow Ringstrecked nor speckled but we would protect ourselfs even to the sheding of Blood, He allso spoke unto us about judging one another & Not to judge unrightous judgment for with wat judgment ye judg ye shall allso be judged. He said that these words was not spoken to the apostals but to the people. and that they should let him judge whose right it was to judg him who had the keys the power and authority of the Preisthood to judg, Bro. Tailor [Taylor] came in and he spoke upon the same principals and it was a verey good time while I stayed but I & Brother Elias had to leave to go out with our cattal[.] while we was out harding [herding] I was imprest upon to offer up Prayer for our cattal our flocks and our herds and for myselfe and familey and for all the people[.] I did so and I was blest.

21^st Monday morning 4 Oclock[.] fine and pleasant. Jacob W. is dead[.] he died about 8 in the mourning June 20^th and was buried on this sid[e] the Elkhorn river without a coffin. he was [w]rap[p]ed up in clean linen and a Baffolow skin. The cannon came up this day

Tuesday Morning 22^th 1/2 past 4 Oclock[.] verey fine and plasent[.] our waggons tared and prepared to start on our jurney. started and traveled 3 Miles and stopted about 1 1/2 hour[.] started again[.] this is a fine level bottom and we traveled about 12 Miles close by the river to 1/2 past 8 Oclock. we traveled 5 in a brest.

Wednesday Morning. 23. r 4 Oclock[.] clear and plasent, it was verey hot and duste[.] our waggons whear covered black with dust[.] we traveled 2 deep this day and we traveled about 8 Miles and campt on the east side of shell creek on the Banks of Platte river.

Thursday Morning <June 24.> 5 Oclock[.] cleare and pleasent[.] wind blew from the South this morning[.] we left our camp at 1/2 past 8 Oclock and traveled 2 in a Brest[.] it was verey unplesant day for traveling[.] the dust blew so bad but we traveled about 12 or 13 Miles and campt on the low fork at about 4 Oclock in the afternoon and a councel was called to see how the camp had conducted themseless and there was a charge prefered against Brother Grant & Brother John Young By Bro. Tailor [Taylor] for going out of their Place and insulting the Priesthood but all were put right and a good spirit preavailed in our midst again & Brother P. P. Pratt gave us some verey good instructions and all is well.

1847

Thursday <Friday> morning June 25^th 5 Oclock[.] clear and pleasant[.] wind still blowing from the south[.] half past .10. Oclock we started to travel again[.] after we had gone about a quarter of a mile we discovered a flock of swan sailing down the luope [loup] fork of the Platt[e] river[.] there was about 13 in number, this day over 100 traveled all in a line on acount of the wind and the dust[.] all was peace and harmony as far as I know[.] we traveled about 12 Miles and campt on the <bank of the> loupe [lope] fork about 1/2 past 5 Oclock in the eving[.] clear and plasent[.] wind still Blowing from the South[.] all is verey drey[.] as we came near to our camping ground we discovered 1 or 2 log cabins standing in the wood and som[e] yards round them[.] who built them we know not

Satuerday Morning June 26^th <1/2 past 4 Oclock> little cloudy but plesant[.] wind from the South[.] after we had traveled about 1 mile in looking to the north I discovered a wolf making is way towards our moving [-.] he came within about 20 rod and then turned north East cours[e.] after traveling about 10 Miles I see three wild ducks. We crost looking Glass creek in the afternoon and traveled about 5 Miles and campt on Be[a]ver creek at sundown[.] Bro. Mackes waggon turned over this afternoon but no harm don[e.] onley a standard Brake. in the after part of the day the wind turned round to the north and it was verey cold. towards ev[en]ing we had sum rain and thunder which sattaled [settled] the dust a littel. 15 Miles[.] my hands were so uselas that I <could not unyoak my c>

Sunday Morning June 27^th 6 Oclock[.] clear and pleasent for a littel while and then turned cloudey[.] the camp was called together By President G. Smith and Brother John Young gave us sum instructions concerning our cattel and about keeping our children at home and not let them stray away into the woods but take care of them. Bro. Wil[l]ard Snow spoke a few words to us[.] Brother P. P. Pratt & John Tailer [Taylor] and sum others <went> up to the Pawnees village and sum others with them to look out a fording place for to cros the loupe [loup] fork river[.] the[y] returned about 3 Oclock in the afternoon and brought good news that is we could cros the river

Monday Morning June 28^th 4 Oclock[.] clear and Pleasent but a litel cold wind from the north East[.] I went out with the Heard and stayed about 3 hours and then we brought in our cattal yoaked up our cattal[.] crost over Be[a]ver creek and traveled about 7 Miles which brought us up to the Pawnee village[.] we campt at about 7 Oclock in the ev[en]ing and turned out our cattel to feed. up hear <there> are one or 2 farms[.] corn planted and houses built and there as been corn planted before and we found plente of corn cobs where the indians had shelled out ther corn. this ev[en]ing I was out on pickat guard and while I was out the wolfs began to howl at a littel distance but By & by the[y] began to come nerer and continued to howl all the whole night which kept us awake allmost the whole night

Tuesday Morning June 29^th. 5 Oclock[.] clear and pleasant[.] wind <from the> northwest[.] we past by the Indian village but we did not see the first Indian[.] this morning 2 Indians came to our camp and Brother Smote [Smoot] gave thim a calf[.] after we had traveled about 2 Miles we crost <the> willow creek and we had to dubel our teams and it was verey bad to get through & we traveled about 6 Miles and camp on the loup fork at about 7 Oclock and it was a verey bad place for geting wood and water. 2 of my cattal was verey lame with the fauls [falls] but I ham [am] in hope they will soon be better.

Wensday Morning June 30^th 5 Oclock[.] a littel cloude and a few drops of rain[.] wind from the south[.] about 12 Oclock we past another Indian village but saw no Indians[.] after we got a littel further I saw the first Buffolo that ever I see before and this was at a great distance of[f] and he was making [h]is way towards the west[.] we traveled about 8 Miles this day and campt a littel after noon[.] our cattal had not verey good feed[.] there was so much old gras amongst it and it was verey dry and we had to take our cattal about 1 1/2 Mile to water but towards ev[en]ing we moved down a littel nigher to the river and campt over night and to prepare for crosing the Loup fork the next day

Thursday Morning July 1. 5 Oclock[.] wind Blowing from the South East[.] a littel cloudy in the East. I was on gard from 12 until 2 Oclock[.] all was pease and quiet. This morning Brother Tailors [Taylor's] company crost the loup fork & then Bro. Grants Co--and then Bro. Smotts [Smoot's] company <and then Bro. P. P. P.> we was Blest in crosing over[.] there was nothing Broak that I know of nor no accidents happened[.] we campt on the west side of the Loup fork on the first day of July, 1847. This river is all wat we call quick sand and it would not do to let our team stop for the wagon would go right down. <and we had to cross in this way> & we had to dubel our teams <on account of deep water> and keep them a moving and it would rack [rock] the waggons verey bad sum times

Friday Morning 1/2 past 4 Oclock July 2[.] this morning we left the loup fork and took South West corrs [course] or rather <mor> south to cros over the platte river[.] after we had traveled about 4 Miles we <saw> 4 anteloop skiping along the praire[.] one of the Brethern shot at them but did not hit aney of them. then we came up to where Jed.Grant had campt and there lay a fine ox that had died. then we traveled on till we had gon about 12 Miles and then let out our teams but they would not eat aney and we put them on again and traveled about 4 more making the whole about 20 Miles. about 2 houres before we campt it began to thunder and after a littel it began to rain and the wind blew and we had a terable storm and we campt on the open praire where there was nether wood nor water but there was plenty of good feed for our cattal, this is all rowling preire

Satarday Morning July 3^th 5 Oclock[.] clear and plasent[.] wind blowing from the South East. we yoaked up our cattal and commenced our days jorney[.] after we had traveled about 2 Miles we came to a creek and we had to make a ford with grass[.] after we had got over the creek we had a fine level bottom to travel on all day <and in site of timber>[.] it was not verey fertile land but it was sande and gravel and a great maney rushes[.] we see maney Buffalow bones ley [lay] on the ground. we traveled about 18 Miles this day and campt on mud creek where we had plenty of good feed and water for our cattal[.] we campt about 1/2 past 5 Oclock and we come right to the place where the the P. [pioneers] had forded the creek. Bro. P-ere [Perrigrine] G. Sesions [Sessions] shot a antiloop as they was coming a long as the[y] traveled[.] the first this day they had the best chance to kill game

Sunday Morning July 4^th 1/2 past 4 Oclock[.] wind South East[.] dark and cloudy and som[e] rain. in the afternoon the camp was called to gather for meting and Brother P. P. Pratt gave us sum verey good instructions concerning a great maney things[.] He spoke against the Brethern seting fire to the preire. And he spoke to the people about there being Blest much more than aney people that ever lived[.] He spoke of the Nephets [Nephites] when they left Jerusalem they lift[left] with 8 years previsions on there Backs. but we are not so but we have our waggons loaded down with provisions 1 years and a halfs provisions. this was on mud river

Monday Morning July 5 ^th 1/2 past 3 Oclock[.] I went out with the Heard--the wind blowing from the south. 7 Oclock we brought in the Heard[.] milkt our cows and yoaked up our cattel and commenced our jorney[.] in crosing the river Bro. Wal[l]ace cows run round and Broak every spoak in the of fore Weel. We took out sum of the load from the waggon and took of[f] the weel and went to work and had it all finished in 2 hours and 1/2 tire sat and all and started on our jurney again[.] we traveled about 8 Miles, and campt on the open preiri[.] my wife was taken sick and about 11 Oclock she was delivered <of a fine Dauthere [daughter.]>

Tuesday 6. A beautifull morning[.] it is cool a clear a[nd] the view over the level land and the distant woods on both side is fine. and to this was added another blessing: that is my littel Dauthere Sarah Ellen Smithies on the 5 day of July, 1847. We suppose that the streams on our left hand which is very shoal with gravel bottom and the water like the Platte or Missouri a[nd] has a good deal of timber on the other side of it, come out from the Platte a[nd] falls into it again a[nd] thus form the Grand Island; on this side of it is good feed for our cattel[.] Towards noon we com to the place where said stream comes out from the river and canot be grand Island that is formed by it. We stopt to water and did learn that something was left by the pioners to us[.] was found & gave us the intelligence that they had been here on the .29. a[nd] 30^th of April & that this was .207. Mile from Winter Quarters. that creek which we did cross last & suppose to be wead river is yet in sight. hear where we stop tonight about 1/2 m from Platte river. Thus we Dont know yet which is Grand Island. There is a good deal of Cotton a[nd] willow trees on the other side the river all the way a long but not much on this side. This has been a fine day[.] allso those who traveled on the right hand road suffered much with the dust from us[.] Capt. Wal[l]ace tried to ease it for them by traveling in the farther road so our dust could not reach them much[.] There is good grass but the ground [h]as saltpeter on it so that the cattel liks it much. this day we traveled about 18. Miles all though my wife was sick

Wednes. 7. <Morning 5 Oclock> Verey warm. We lost sight of wood river or rather of the trees there on. at noon we watered our cattel in the Platte river & this evening we are encampt near the head of Grand Island. It is a dreary looking countrey here; no trees but a fine Cotton & willows & the grass is verey poor[.] We have heare the first perfect clear water we have had since we started, in a small brook with with a gravel bottom & full of flags, rushes & pepermint, traveled .16. Mils.

Thur. Morning July 8^th. Clear and pleasant[.] verey warme through the day and the roads verey dusty[.] stopt at noon near the river which is verey wide here[.] this afternoon we crosst a dry creek with large Helm [Elm] trees all along on its banks[.] Overtake Brother Rich & company and encampt after the other [----][corner of the page is torn] we have not been for som[e] days. the[y] did cross below us & went on a peice [text missing] better here. The prickly pare or Cactus grown here. two kinds [text missing] the horses which Elder Taylor did loose was found again but [text missing] [.ter] was lost from of[f] them. Also that two indian horses was found [text missing] on a Buffalo scalp. saying that the pioners was heare on the [text missing] [.killed] 12 Buffalos. traveled. 16. Miles

Friday Morning July 9^th. last night we had a verey hevey [text missing] thunder wind & rain[.] this morning Cleare and pleasant and still warm [text missing] [.a] Bridge this morning & went on and are now on the Platte river which is over a mile wide heare. all is well. traveled about .16. Miles

Saturday Morning July 10. rain last night. plasent today[.] we traveled about .6. Miles and campt about noon[.] we expect to find no wood for a while here[.] after we are campt at a place wheare there are maney Islands ful of willows trees[.] We have to draw the wood across the river. A compane [company] of hunters went out to hunt for Buffalos but found non. our waggons stand rest on the bank which is most level with the water. A spring dug out heare; This afternoon a Buffalo cow was seen floating down the river and it smeled verey bad.

Sunday Morning July 11^th 4 Oclock[.] wind from the south East[.] clear and pleasant. after Breakfast I took a walk up to Brother P. P. Prat[t]s Company[.] while I was there, Bro. Beck returned from the hunting companey and brought him with a pice of liver and a pice of meat. from them saying that they had killed one and wounded 2 more and the[y] was trying to get them[.] they had seen a Heard of 40 Head[.] Last night Brother Gidian [Gideon] Gib[b]s brought in a Deare Bro Nebucar [Nebecker] a Antelop[.] At 2 Oclock a meeting was called together by the President. Bro Taylor spoke to the people. not to usurp athority one over another. but to be humbel meek and lowley in heart and to be kind one toward another; and every man keep his place and do right and all would be well with us; Bro Jed Grant gave us som instructions saying that som of the Brethern was of an opinion that while we are traveling in a Indian countrey we was save [safe]. but it is not so for Ephrem [Ephriam] is wild and would has [as] soon rob us has [as] eney other Wight [white] man. that th[e]y [k]now no difference between Mormons and aney other man, and we ought to be on our guard all the time and to watch and pray allways. he closed the meeting with Prayer and Dismist; There has been seen 2 Pine logs hear and one ceder log.

Monday Morning July.12^th Dark & Cloudy and som[e] rain[.] the river is still rising. 10 O'clock we commenced our jorney. traveled about 6 Miles & stopt for noon[.] watered at a slew a[nd] let our cattel feed about .1. hour and then started again. the prairi is all rising today a and land is allmost covered with Bon[e]s a[nd] maney Buffalo heads lay on the ground. On the south side of the river the Blufs seems to be verey ruf [rough] and high[.] looks som[e] what like mountans[.] we campt on the Bank of the river about .7. Oclock and there are a great maney Islands hear[.] we have to ford the river for our wood[.] all is well -- traveled 13 Miles.

Tuesday Morning July .13.^th 1/2 past 4 Oclock[.] no wind[.] dark and foge [foggy] for [text missing] [corner out] and then it cleared of[f] and was a verey warm day. we [text missing] [.ney] and we had verey ruf traveling over the Buffs [text missing] deep. and they shaked the waggons verey bad we [text missing] .5. Miles and then turned of[f] to the left and let the [text missing] [.eys] go on for the[y] would not let us have our [text missing] waggon Bore was broak Jab Miles waggon and we [text missing] [.an] that mended so we campted on the Bank of the river again and som[e] of the Boys went out a hunting and killed .2. Buffalo and one antelope. The Buffalo was about 1.200 a pi[e]ce. we set up our Bellows and had our Blacksmith to work and got our chains and other things fixt. there are a great maney Woolfs heare[.] traveled .5. Miles today[.] all is Well

Wednesday Morning .14. fine weather[.] yesterday afternoon it happened that a cow was left behind and som Boys went to get her and they was attackted by big Wolfs .5. gray & .3. white ones. The Boys had a gun but it would not go off & they had to leave & com to camp afterwards[.] sum men went back but they could not find the cow. Yesterday two or three Buffalo killed a[nd] one antiloop and one dear [deer.] one Buffalo was shot at a[nd] wounded a[nd] attempted to pitch at the hunter[.] after he was shot neat in [h]is eye a[nd] fell dead. The river [h]as roase about a foot since last evening a[nd] the water is getting dirty so ther must have been much rain above heare. We went on and in the afternoon we past Capt. Riches & J.Grants Companeys which were encamped on account of accidence, one of the Boys had been tring to frighten the Gard by puting a skin on [h]is head and it frightened the cattal so that they Broak two waggons & Broak out of the yard. After this we past through a[nd] over some hills a[nd] it was very hard on the Cattal because of the loose sand a[nd] hot wether. from these hills was a fine prospect over the river[.] the Islands strung along in the midle there of, the high bluffs yonder and large Cotton trees strung along the river little ways from the Ba[..]. Twoards night we stopt on the Bank of the river oposite of a long Island. There is no wood round heare a[nd] the river is so deep on this side and the current runs swift. As Peter went to water his cattel the [...into] the deep place a[nd] the currents overpowered them so the whirled around a[nd] got all in a heap being chained together[.] so they was in the greatest danger. but when they got to a place where they could stand he went in a[nd] unhitched them a[nd] got them all out well a[nd] nothing broke nor lest of which he feels thankfull. We learn that at the sandy hills was found written on a Buffalo head. 130. ms to Fort Laramie. & .300. from Council Bluffs. a[nd] when we stopt last night was found on a chunck of wood that the pioneers had been there on the 6 & 7 of May. Father [Pliny] Fisher found a good spring in the Bank at the Sandy hills[.] traveled .15. Miles

Thurs. <Morning> .15 fine morning[.] While out with the Heard I saw the main camp. Bro. [Joseph Corrodon] Kingsbury found a Tomme Hawk a[nd] Peter found a plant like a thistel full of pricks a[nd] full of large white flowers like unto hol[l]y hoks[hawks]. Went on and past the largest body of timber we have seen for som[e] time on this side. But above heare is a cleare streame. We followed up this streame cleare up to the Bluffs before we did cros it[.] on the west side of it is maney swamps with rushes[.] this was the reason why we did not go over the creek below. It was afternoon when we crossed a[nd] to wards night we encamped neare another clear streame. The water in this streame is not verey clear <good> but we have to use it. The bottom is gravel & the low banks are mire a[nd] full with rushes & flags, som[e] parts of the preirie here is full with flowers of different kinds. the holes in the ground made by some small animals which inhabit them which has troubled us for some time are not here. Lizards are often seen on dry sandy land. The Locusts makes his voice in the evening. Miskitos [misquitoes] troubles us som[e] now a[nd] then. We learn that six horses was seen amongst the Buffalos but were two wild to catch. traveled .15. mils this day.

Friday July 16. very warm through the night a[nd] we had a absense of wind allso this day. This morning our hunters shot a antelope[.] the meat of these animals is verey good. Two Buffalo killed this afternooon one of which we saw fall all though verey far off--A letter has been found today done up in a stick of wood. it advises us to look for more such as we go along a[nd] we will thus receive intelligences; the[y] was troubled much by the indians along here. O. P. Rockwell was shot at by one. We just learn that Bro. Lafay[et]te Granger has killed a small Buffalo. he had seen about from 500 in 3 herds. he also killed an Antilope: Tonight we are on the river again at a grove of cotton a[nd] willows; at Noon we forded a small gravel bottom brook with much of small willows. tonight we kindel our fire partly by Ceder wood and pine but[t]s. Here seemeth to be the divide between the north & south fork if we are now on the north fork. Lightnings in the West & south this evening. Traveled .15. Mile

Saturday. 17^th. of July Last night the wind arose verey high a[nd] blew from the west by South[.] warm but this morning it is a little coeler as the wind has turned northward. Today crossed two verey mudey breaks and another muddy place which caused us much hinderence while noon. We learned that a messenger had come from a companey coming from Oregon encamped in the south side of the river fork which has come in with the north fork and thus form the main river[.] the[y] are going to Ioway[Iowa]. The[y] campt with our pioneres at the south pass 15 days ago & the soldiers that was left sick at Perbelo [Pueblo] was along with them[.] they had som[e] letters for this people and the word was for 4 men to go for them[.] Crossing the 2nd braek it came to pass that Sist Murrys Waggon broak Down & while unloading it, it came to pass that a large buffolo bull came down towards us to look at the cattal[.] when he got within about 4 Rods from half looping & seemingly well pleased he was fired at by some young fellows who had went to meet him and was sitting in the grass, he turned about a[nd] run to the Bluffs: We have today com round a great bend of the river which here is verey wide a[nd] open allthoug[h] it is but one of the forks[.] this means when we are now tonight; in the forenoone we past maney Islands. There is no wood only what we pick up along the shore & in the grass. The wagon is now getting fixed so we can go on in the morning to the big camp. <one of> these men who was hear is for going to winter quarters. has letters for that place[.] his name Eastman one of our Brothers in the Armey. There are 8 pioneers at work about .118. Miles above Fort Laramee [Laramie] for the Oregon company a[nd] will stay there till we get to them. These folks from Oregon say they have seen something like 500-000 head of Buffalo. som[e] of our folks here saw this morning the bottom on the other side covered with Buffalo as far as they could see up a[nd] down the river[.] a[nd] one of the hunters said he had seen about 10-000 over the bluff here. The company from Oregon are all going by the way of winter quarters. Tonight a larg Buffalo bull brought in to our camp Drawn by 5 yok of oxen[.] his flesh too strong to eat[.] Cloudy the whole day[.] traveled about .10. miles today

Sunday Morning July .18 pleasant. This morning 7 horses came over the river. good maney Buffalos around this morning; some men on horseback went out after the horses and catched one. Today we went up to the leading camp which was about .5. Miles[.] here is no wood at all, to be found[.] Little above heare the river runs close under the Bluffs[.] another high chain of hills comes Down here in the midle of the divide; a[nd] the Bluff on the south side of the south fork turns off here so it goes out of sight. In our last weeks travell has been maney round holes in the ground in the shape of a watch-cristal. probabley made by the Buffalos leying there & keeps the grass from growing. Today we crossed another muddy brook. Where the river runs under the bluff the Bank is white & verey steep -- same night we lern today that 75 head of Brother Grants cattel are yet missing and men apointed to hunt for them each side the river. He is over 20 ms. Back. A letter from the pioners found at the sandy hills poast office on the Platte river some days ago and was read at the meeting today[.] tells of the order in which they traveled &c.. That place where the Oregon emigrants are crossing is .118. Miles above fort Laremee [Laramie]. Those of the pioneers who are there are acting as ferremen [ferrymen] a[nd] blacksmiths; getting a dollar a waggon for crossing; paid in provisions at Missouri prices: the[y] had ferried over near 400 Wagons. About 500 indian wariorers is expected on our road within a few days; going to war with another tribe. Today orders given for no man to go a hunting without apointment, allso not to wast[e] aney game as it is a disgrace to this people a[nd] displeasing in the sight of the God of Isr[a]el

Monday Morning July 19. 5 Oclock[.] Clear and pleasant but a little cold[.] I made up a little fire on Buffalo dung a[nd] cooked our Breakfast with it. When we heard we was to stay here today we went to look for wood up a[nd] Down the river 3-4 m[ile]s a[nd] found non[e]. One went over the river a[nd] got a stick of willow a[nd] a stick of pine; there was sombody cuting Down a large cottontree in which was a eagles nest with a young one in. It was a Ball [bald] eagle, measuring .5 1/2. feet from the end of one wing to the other. <She had> white head and white tail and brown body[.] the old one flung all round. The Boys had to kill him <for> he would fight them. my lettel [little] daughter Marey has washed all our close [clothes] today. at 8 Oclock I went on guard[.] about 12 Oclock ther came a wagon into the camp which had been out a Buffalo hunting. The Boys made up a great fire for a signal for them to com in by.

Tuesday Morning July 20^th Oclock[.] clear and pleasant[.] wind from the south West. This morning we can see hundrereds of Buffalo on the South sid[e] of the river. Brothers Prat[t] & Taylor & Rich moved there camps on a few miles today. A company of our Boys went out a hunting over the river today a[nd] the[y] killed 2 cows Buffalos & a calf and wounded one or two more[.] Bro. Wal[l]ace found an ox and brought it over a[nd] the boys came home to camp and took .3. yoak of cattel a[nd] sniged the cow home through the river a[nd] we took the hide of[f] a[nd] divided it in 4 and Let the Capts. of 10's take it and divid it out to their companys, of the men that went to hunt for the cattal that Bro. Grant's company has lost returned a[nd] had not found aney[.] the rest had gon on about 100 m[ile]s to look for them. It is about 4 m[ile]s from the north fork to the south fork of the river.

Weds; Morning July 21. 5 Oclock[.] a strong wind from the North East a[nd] cold. We commenced our journey days travel and we had but gon a short distance before we see a Heard of Buffalos coming over the Bluff a[nd] the[y] continued coming over for about .6. mile[.] there was thousands upon 1000s[.] it seemed as though there was no end to them a[nd] some of them came verey near to our waggons but our cattal did not mind them & we had to take our cattal .1. mi to water today at noon and it was a verey bad roade for swamps and rushes higher than a mans heade & we crost the Bluffs two times this day a[nd] it was verey hard to get along[.] there was so much sand; We allso crosst a Branch of the Black river today; a campt close up to the Bluffs being on the Bank of the river, near sun down. No wind heare. traveled .15. Miles

Thursday Morning July .22^th. 5 Oclock[.] cloudy[.] wind from the South East. after we had traveled about .2. M I discovered a Black woolf siting down and Bro. Stuard took [h]is gun a[nd] went towards him to have a shoot but he made of[f] towards the Bluffs and excaped; we did not see maney Buffalo on this side but on the south side of the river the Bluffs was all Black with them. we overtook Bro. Taylors company about noon and they had two wagons broak down. While pasing over the Bluffs we see som[e] names wroat [written] on the Bank. one Harper & Murdock and a J. F. Smith. the Bluffs on the south is verey high a[nd] ruged. we crost several brooks today a[nd] come to som[e] springs but the[y] was so strong of sulfor that the water was not fit to drink. we campt close to Brother Taylors camp this night and there come .2. men from Brother P. P. Pratts camp and informed us that there had been .100. Indians down at there camp and it would be nessasay [necessary] to put out a duble guard[.] we did so and all was well. we gathered up flood wood for our fires hear and it did well- traveled .18. miles today. Making us .355 miles from winter quarters

Friday Morning July .23. 5 Oclock[.] storme thunder and lightening and som rain. we started our jurney and traveled about 4 Miles and came up to the other camps and there we stopt and campt in close order. The Indians came down as maney as .200. in the whole and we had a great time of it drums and fifing & dancing & Fidling. there was a great deal of treading don[e] withe the Indians. they all returned home agane [again] in the ev[en]ing and all was peace and quiat. traveled 4 miles making 359 miles

Saturday Morning July .24^th. a little cloudy. wind from the East[.] we commenced our jurney and soon the Indians began to come amongst us and traveled along with us about 8 miles untill we came opposit their camp[.] they campt on the south side of the river and the Bluffs betwixt our camp & theirs was all covered with little apense [aspen] trees and the Bluffs is verey steep heare[.] traveled .12. miles-making 371 M.

Sunday Morning July 25. Fine and a pleasant day for traveling[.] we moved up to the other camps and when we got up the[y] told us to go a head but after we had past them about .2. miles a messenger came up and told us that the orders was for us to stop[.] we did so[.] This morning there came 10 of our Brethren from the pioneers and we was glad to see them. traveled 6 miles making 377 M.

Monday Morning July .26. 5 Oclock[.] cloudy for a little and then verey warm.[.] had a litter [letter] from Father giving us som[e] instructions. This morning we went over the sandy Bluffs which was verey hard puling. after which we had the best kind of road but we crosst two muddy brooks & in the after noon we forded a river a[nd] traveled untill sundown.. we did not feed at noon as we found no grass where we was. The Bluffs on both sids seem rocke[y.] some scatterd Ceder. a[nd] the first Ceder seen on this side standing alone. One place was a valley with a beautiful grove. Hear is much flote [float] wood a[nd] maney miskites [misquitoes]. Yesterday morning two men on horse back started for winters quarters with letters. traveled .20. miles[.] Making 397 miles

Tuesd morning July. 27. Cool in the night warm in the day[.] It is now noon and we hav not seen a tree nor a bush[.] as we were redy to Start this morning we were again visited by Company of Lamanit[e]s the[y] were in general of good features. There was about .40. men a[nd] a goodly number of women and children. One had a white cloth a round [h]is head as a turban. another chief had a cap an[d] helmet of white fur with white a[nd] read feathers on. Our Captains colected some bread & gave it to them. The[y] were much pleased. there camp was on the other side the river counting about .50. tents and there was about .300. horses feeding around the camp besides wot [what] was hear. The[y] had 4 white mulls [mules] apearingly just alike. Saw neither tree nor bush before 5 Oclock when we past a few trees on the bank of a dry creek in a gulley on the other side and way of[f] to the west[.] by south is timber on the tops of the Bluffs extending about a mile. it looks like ceder. Good grass is verey scarce[.] after noon we went over som[e] sand places. the rest good road. A storm came up from the N. W. Wind and thunder & rain. Encamped on the Bank of the river. Carried wood along with us[.] dry pine a[nd] ceder. Hear is turtles and verey large grashopers. traveled 18 miles--making 415 miles.

Weds. Morning July .28. warm last evening[.] it rained hard a[nd] cleared up before dark a[nd] a most splendid rainbow came forth completely ful[.] in the night verey clear a[nd]moonlight.

This morning about .20. men a[on] horse-back mostley dresed in skin came down along the river on the other side[.] 5 of them come over to see us; the[y] were Kintuckians [Kentuckians] who had been on a expedition Oregon. stopt to feed upon grass heare. Some places nothing but little strong soury smelling bushes. rough road part of the day[.] In the afternoon we past over the Bluffs again. On the bluf we had partley good road and partley hard whe[e]ling. Such places where the water runs when it is heavy rains are hard to cross because of the sand; the[y] are wide as a river; on some parts of these hills is thick with Buffolo-grass but it is onley 2 inches high; some places is hardley anething but sun flowers; While traveling amongst the hills the wind arose high a[nd] it rained some and the sand blew from the hills like dust. When we got down to the river we encamped[.] are yet oposit of the timber Spoken of yesterday. The bluff is heare a curiosity. We went up when the wether changed a[nd] were well paid for our trouble, for it is verey romantic. There is one Ceder tree one foot through and about 9-10 feet high a flat top. on the bark of which was written "B. Young a[nd] H. C. Kimball" a[nd] engraven som[e] other names amongst which P. Pratt--. 235. feet. it stands on a hard rock which is verey brocken[.] som of the hills are hard clay a[nd] som[e] is sand. There was many little smooth stones of every cullor [color] a[nd] all kinds of moss which things looked the better as it were wet. It looks like this--traveled 14 miles

[a drawing is included at this point, captioned: Named by the pioners Bluff ruin]

Thursday Morning July 29 Cold a[nd] windy in the night. cool a[nd] colm [calm] this morning. Being in sight of som[e] curious rocks on the other side[.] one looks like this [drawing]; and another called the chimley rock like this [drawing]; 80 miles from Fort Lareme [Laramie.] good road most all the way. no creeks to cross. warm afternoon and now encamped in a high sande place with a hollow between us a[nd] the river which serves us as pasture; heare is a ridge of sand perfectly clear. The right name for fort Laremee [Laramie] is fort John. It lies on fork laramee [laramie] 2 miles from the Platte[.] on the Platte lies the ruins of fort Platte; rattle snakes seen these three days. We have plenty of pine a[nd] cedar for fuel and some sickamore [sycamore] weed. moolight[.] traveled .15. mile today. Making .444. miles from Winter Quarters.

Friday Morning July .30. warm. started over the Bluff and then we had som[e] rough ground to travel over a[nd] the most of the road was best kind. Now encamped above the chimley [chimney]--rock. Heare is a great maney skunks[.] the grass is verey good. there is a rock a head said to be .20. miles from the chimley [chimney] rock. looking like this [drawing]; The rocks op[po]site of us look like a old City as we came towards it. [drawing]; traveled .16 miles Making .460. miles.

Saturday Morning. July 31. Cool morning: The rocks ahead is called the Scotts Bluff[.] 21 miles from the Chimley [Chimney]--rock. This morning met a company of men and one familey with a Cariage a[nd] som[e] riding horses a[nd] mules packed up. the[y] came from Oregon being Dispointed a[nd] went back to the states by the way of winter quarters. Brother Davenport was with them[.] mekanis [mechanics] and sailors[.] Between Chimley [Chimney] a[nd] Scotts Bluff the upper part of the Bluffs is covered with Ceder trees [drawing]; This afternoon we past Scotts Bluff. while traveling on table land level as standing waters the gras only 3 inches high. a great many prickly pares, a[nd] when we got down on the bottom again it was also perfectley level. thus we have had best kind of road this afternoon. Now encamped on the river little above Scotts Bluff haveing best sort of feed for our cattel. The river is heare about 2 mile wide a[nd] ful of I[s]land. The Bluffs oposite of heare is verey high & rugged & ceder trees thereon. The tops of the Chimley [Chimney] is yet in sight from the .26. of July. [drawing captioned: Scotts Bluff. Ceder trees amongst the Bluffs and so pine.]; Traveled .15. miles. making 475. miles from W. Quarters

Sunday August .1^st. Dark and Cloudy but warm this morning[.] I went up the river to pick up som[e] wood[.] I traveled about 2 1/2 miles, and found but little. While I was gon I see a rattle snake with .7. rattles on him. a[nd] one streaked snake. a[nd] one wild duck; The Bluffs seems to be runing out away ahead. Last night John. Noble milkt [h]is cow as usallc [usual] and she was well for aney thing he [k]new and about .9. Oclock she was ded. This afternoon Br. Smoot called his company of .100. to gether and gave us sum verey good instructions and som was reproved for there conduct and he told them that the[y] had got to tow [toe] the mark or be maid to do it. dark and cloudy this evening.

Monday Morning August .2. This morning <clear a[nd] plesant>[.] we commenced our days jurney and traveled on a level bottom a[nd] the grass was from 1 to 4 feet high for about 2 hrs and then we came on to som[e] verey barren and unfrutefull praire untill noon a[nd] then we came to more good feed for a little while a[nd] then verey poor land again -- we have again com[e] in sight of som[e] little wood and tomorrow we expect to come at timber[.] we have had the best kind of road all day. We are still in sight of the Bluffs on our left and upon our right but the[y] are a great distance of [f] and the[y] look verey rouged and high. I picked up some wood to day which the Indians had left where the[y] <had been> encampt. Som[e] feed for our Cattal tonight. There is a great maney Briers and rough grass, campt close by the river, soon thunder a[nd] lightning a[nd] a littel rain a[nd] high wind which maid it verey uncomfortable traveling on a count of the dust. a little cloudy tonight. traveled .20. miles today Making--.495.

[drawing]

Tuesday Morning Aug. 3. Clear a[nd] cool this morning, <wind south east,> for a little while and then it was verey warm and it was verey hard roling along <through sand.> The wind blew the dust and sand right in our faces. level road all day a verey barren land. no feed for our Cattal at noon, we rested about .14. minuts and started again a[nd] met Br. Jones. one of the solders[.] he was well. and there was about .29. beside[.] the[y] was guarding Connel [Colonel] Carne [Kearns] to fort Evenport [Davenport]. We campt near to the river this evening close by a place where there had been a Indian camp. we had plenty of wood a[nd] water. som[e] of the Brether[n] found a pi[e]ce of a Buffalo skin wraped up and hung in a tree[.] the[y] examined it a[nd] there was a little Baby in it. We had first rate feed for our Cattel here[.] Clear and pleasant wind from the East[.] traveled .14. Miles Making .509 miles from W. [Winter] Q. [Quarters] We came in sight of Laramee [Laramie] Peak today

Wensday Morning Aug. 4.^th Clear and pleasant but a little cold wind from the N.W. Started our days jurney[.] verey hard rolling along through the sand all forenoon[.] stopt to water our cattal and we had to go one mile. no feed for our Cattal heare. a little before noon we crosst Raw hide creek but it was dry[.] no water in it. This is a barron sande[y] unfrutful country, hard rooling today and verey warm. very little feed for our Cattal[.] tonight chiefley Browse from <young> Cotton wood trees. campt about 1/2 past .5. Oclock close to the river[.] plenty of wood for fire heare; upon the Bluffs on our right is Ceder trees. the Bluff seem to <be> very rough. a little before we campt we past a place which was on the south side of the river where there had been a fort formmoley [formerly]. We learn from the solders which have returned that in crossing the Cascade mountains they found a number of Bodies laying on the ground[.] it was said that the[y] where emigrants for Oregon and the[y] where frose to death a[nd] lost in a snow storm[.] There wagon and all was there. the[y] buried .14. Bodies and there was mor[e] scattard about. traveled .10. miles. making .519.

Thursday Morning Aug.5. Warm and plesant[.] wind from the East. Brother [Thomas] Moor[e] Went back after [h]is ox which had failed the day before and Bro. [Joseph] Mount had another failed. We started our jurney and it was verey hard traveling[.] <the> greatest part of the road untill we crossed the river which is narrower and a gravel Bottom with sum larg stones in it. we crost without aney accident. and there was a great maney Indians around us. the Viliage was about 2 miles from heare. there was the remains of a old fort just over the river. Heare we came to the Oregon road and it was first rate good road[.] we traveled about 2 1/2 miles and campt between the Bluffs and the river but the feed is not verey good heare. but we have to take it as it comes[.] on the Bluffs is a great maney Pine and Ceder trees. and on the Bottom is Cotton trees a[nd] som[e] Ash a[nd] Box Elder timber a[nd] plenty of dry wood for fire[.] traveled about .10. miles in the whole 8 miles to the river 2 1/2 over[.] Making 527 to the fort .529. to wher we camp this night.

Friday Morning Aug.6.^th Clear a[nd] pleasant[.] wind from the East[.] started our jurney and had a good road for a little while a[nd] then we came to a sande hill where we had to duble teames and it was verey bad to get over but good road afterwards. Camped on the Banks of the river[.] feed is som better heare[.] traveled .4. miles making 533. Miles from W Q.

Saturday Morning A. 7.^th Warm a[nd] pleasant[.] Our ten was called together a[nd] som[e] appointed to get spoak [spoke] timber a[nd] others to make tar. there was about 3 of us whent to the tar business but we did not succeed in geting aney[.] the wind was so strong and we could not get grass to cover the kill [kiln] with a[nd] the sand run through a[nd] burnt up our tar as it run out of the wood and we had to com home to our camp without aney. som rain and thunder from the <north>west.

Sunday Morning A. 8.^th Clear and pleasant this forenoon. our Cattal was taken over the river a[nd] found verey good feed, there are a great maney tar pits burning heare a[nd] a great deal of tar got out. thunder a[nd] lighting and som[e] rain. This afternoon I went up to see the hill which we had to go doen [down] and found it better than I expected.

Monday Morning A. 9.^th dark a[nd] cloudy. hevey storm of thunder & lightening and wind a[nd] rain last night and this morning. the dark a[nd] black thunder Clouds seems to all gather on to Laremee [Laramie] Peak[.] much Blacksmith work done. 33. tire sat today and a great deal of other work don[e] by the Boys themselfs; the river is rising heare on acount of the hevey rains above hear

Tuesday Morning. Aug. 10.^th dark and cloudy a[nd] cold wind from the West. storm--wind and thunder a[nd] rain from the N. W. last night; about .2. Oclock we started again and came down the steep hill without aney accident. and then we had verey good road all the way untill we campt[.] on our way we past a board which was put up by the pioners stating that we was .10. miles from fort John. marked W. R.; we past it .2. a. m.; and campt at the foot of the Black hills; verey little feed for our cattle <hear.> Upon our right the Bluffs was high rocks a[nd] on them was growing Pine trees, crackt and seamy.

[drawing caption: rocky craked a[nd] seamy] traveled .6. miles Making 539 miles from W Quarters

Wensday Morning Aug. 11.^th Clear a[nd] pleasent[.] wind from the south east[.] about .7. Oclock we started again and verey soon we came to the hills a[nd] the[y] was verey rough. Brother Sheperd run against the top of a Pine tree and broak the top of his Carage [carriage] of[f]; no grass nor water for .15. Miles[.] stopt to rest our Cattal for about .15. Minutes and take a little refreshment ourselfs[.] Started again a[nd] traveled in the dry river valley all afternoon and it was a verey good road[.] all dry with the exceptions of a few hills[.] when we came near to our camping ground Brother Wallace wagon Broak down[.] one of i[t]s axes; we fixed it up again a[nd] moved to our camping ground; those hills have a great maney Ceder a[nd] Pine trees on them a[nd] are chiefly rock sand a[nd] gravel[.] in those valleys there are difrent kinds of wood. traveled .17. miles a[nd] campt by a little brook of running water a[nd] plenty of fire wood and a great deal of frute of difrent kinds such as chock cherries Gousberes a[nd] curants; traveled .17. miles making .556. m[ile]s from W[inter]. Q[uarters].

Thursday Morning Augst. 12.^th. Clear a[nd] pleasent[.] wind from the West[.] tared our wagons a[nd] prepared to start. After breakfast the company concluded not to go today. In the afternoon one of the Brethren returned from hunting and had found a good place for feed about .2. mile from where we was campt a[nd] we gathered up our cattal a[nd] started[.] traveled .2. miles past a Board staiting that we was .30. miles from fort John[.] traveled 2 miles[.] Making .558.

Friday Morning Aug. .13.^th Clear a[nd] pleasent[.] wind from the N. a[nd] alittle cold. Last night we had a thunder storm a[nd] a shower of rain; this morning the mountains top appear above the Clouds. Last night the Woolfs did howl a great deal; and the Indians did steal a 11 horses a[nd] one mule from Bro. Smoots company, and there was 2 Buffolos skins a[nd] som[e] antilops skins a[nd] 4 pare of Mocinsins and a Bag of points found which the Indians had left; started our days jorniny [journey.] after we had traveled about 2 miles we came up to Bro Smoot and and one or 2 more waiting for the <Blacksmith> Bellows. A tree had broke a tire on Bro. [Thomas] Benbows wagon and we had to stop untill the[y] had got it fixt, which detained us about 2 hours[.] we started again and had a first rait [rate] road till towards night and we came to a verey Bad hill; when we got to the top one of my Cattal failed and I stopted untill all the company had pased: and I gave him som[e] salt and a little meal a[nd] let him rest a while a[nd] then started again a[nd] traveled slowley until I got to camp. which was after sun down. in coming down from the top of the hill Bro Nixons wagon broak down. every spoak in one of the hind weels and this detained us again[.] this day we left the dry river valley a[nd] campt at Kimbells opening this night. poor place for feed for our cattal; traveled .14. miles today making .572. miles from Winter Quarters

Saturday Morning Aug. 14.^th[.] fine and clear pleasant[.] wind from the N. W.[.] started our jurnay and we had but gon a little before my hi[t]ch pin came out a[nd] the weel was half of[f.] when I saw it I stoped my cattal as quick as I could before the weel got of[f] a[nd] Elias Pearson give me another hi[t]ch pin and we raised the wagons[.] had it in; in a minut and of[f] again[.] we had som[e] verey bad road today[.] we had one hill to go up that was verey steep; and had to duble our teams a[nd] then it was all we could do to get up. it was verey hard on the cattals feet; after we got up we had a good road. onley a little hilley; Bro [John Jehu] Blackburn broak a <tree> axel today on [h]is wagon; we came to a creek where there was som[e] timber and water about half a mile below where we campt. but the feed was better than we expected to find it; the timber on this creek is mostley box elder and there are a great maney hops here[.] we campt down in the valley about a mile from the feed for our cattal; the bottoms are covered with brush in a general way[.] traveled .8. miles today making .580. miles from Winter Quarters.

Sunday Morning Aug. 15.^th (1847) Clear and pleasent[.] Wind from the S. E.[.] 2 weels filled and one axeltree maid; started at noon and we had a verey bad road all afternoon up hill a[nd] down all the time; a littel; before we campt there came a Buffalo runing along side of our wagons[.] 2 of the Brethren shot at him but did not kill him. in crosing one of the hills there came up a storm of wind from the west; and it was verey hard on our wagon covers. It took Bro. [Samuel James] Ralphs [Rolfe]-- wagon cover bows and all of[f]; blew them over the hill and teared several Besids; sun was down before we campt; Bro. Rus[se]l, Rich, a[nd] Grant were all campt hear[.] traveled .14.0 3/4 miles...Making .594. miles from WQ

Monday Morning Aug. 16.^th Clear and pleasent, not much feed for our cattal hear. All our cattle got mixt to gether and we had a great deal of trouble with them before we could get redy to start. but we got them all and started <our> days jurney. and we had a verey rough road most part of the day[.] we past through a[nd] over the red hills or red rock. we campt close by a small spring. a[nd] there is som[e] little feed for our cattal. it is in a valey surounded with hills; some little brush about a[nd] a little timber at a distance[.] Traveled 11 miles a[nd] 1/4. today. making .606 miles from W. Q.

Tusday Morning .17^th. warm and pleasent[.] Wind S.E. After we had traveled about one mile Bro. Wallace. wagon broak down once again[.] and we was detained about .2. hours. got the wagon fixed and started again[.] the road was som[e] little better than it [was] the day before all though it was verey rough in som[e] places. we are campt on a butiful spot of ground close by a fine run of water[.] above heare on a little west of hear is a arch over this brook built by the natur[.] it is about 80 feet wide from 20 to 25 high and there was a rock at it above a[nd] .100. feet high. it itit was right perpendiclar up a[nd] down. it was about 2 miles from our camp[.] up this brook is 3 kinds of timber boxelder <Bitter> cotton trees and willow. we traveled .8. miles Making 614 miles from W.Q

Wensday Morning Aug. 18.^th dark and Cloudy[.] wind from the S.E.. good road. with som[e] exceptions. som[e] bad hills <to go up> and creeks to cros[.] a little before we campt one of Peters cattal fell down .2. times[.] the second time he came verey nigh being hung. aften this. Mit [LaFayette] Granger wagon ax broak boath harms [arms] of[f] but he draged it to camp. Bro. Rich has got a Buffolo calf in [h]is heard. this day we leave the Black hills. for which we are thankfull that we are through; once again we are campt on the Bank of the Platte river; and on the Bank of the river is stone Coo; verey poor feed for our cattel heare. but expict to find Beter to morrow; cold and rain to day. traveled .14. miles Making .628. from W. Q.

Thursday Morning A. 19.^th dark and wet this morning[.] O. P. Rockwell returned from the other camps behind. and we learn by him that Brother Grants company has lost .8. yoak of cattal and the[y] was still Back at Kimballs spring and was hunting for them and had got on the track of them and Pones [pony] tracks following them so the[y] think the Indians has stole them; Robert R. Gardener died August .18. 1847 aged .6. years. and was Born in Canada. and was buried on the west side of the Black hills about half a mile from the Bank of the Platte river[.] traveled .5. miles. Making .633. from W. Q. Crosed dear Creek about .11. Oclock and it rained so that we had to camp about .1. Oclock on the Bank of the Platte river. some better feed for our cattal hear.

Friday August .20.^th dark and cloudy a[nd] cold[.] started our days jurney and it was verey heavy traveling and we had a verey bad place to cros. and Bro. Richs company was making a new place and we crost 2 waggons at it and left it for it was worse than the old one. and we gota cros it verey well but Bro. Nebuker [Nebecker] tried another waggon and it turned over on one side and the[y] had to unlode--but there was nothing broak but som[e] of the bows. mudde[y] all day. campt on the Bank of the river[.] no wood now [no] water on this side. and we had to take our cattal acros the river to feed[.] traveled .10. miles. Making .643. miles from W. Q.

Saturday Morning August .21.^th Clear and cold. we crost a creek last night which was verey bad but there was nothing broak: Bro Smoots company killed one old she Beir [bear] a[nd] 2 cobs [cubs]; we arived at the place wheare ferrey Boys was left and camp close by a creek a littl from the Bank of the river under a great mountain or a long side of it. there are a great maney woolfs and Beir around heare. Bro. Luke Janson was riding out one day and happened to light from his hors and up Jumped a[n] old she Beir and he could not hardly know what to do for he had to let [h]is hors go and he shot at her and shot her through the heart lights and liver and she turned and run about a rod and fell over. traveled .15. miles .656. miles from W. Q. The mountains is covered with pine a[nd] Ceder. and there are a great maney large rocks upon it.

Sunday Morning August .22.^th A verey pleasent morning[.] wind from the West; we got up our cattal[.] all was well for anething we knew and in about 2 hours <on[e] of> Brother [John Jehu] Blackburns cattal was de[a]d. and one of Bro. Hills cattal or Bro. [Samuel] Whitneys was ded allso[.] there is somthing that poisons them[.] hear Bro. Taylors camp came up and one 50 of Bro. Grants all camped hear; Bro. Wallace called the camp to gather for meeting and Bro. [John] Murdock preached and Wallace.

Monday Aug .23.^th Clear and pleasent but a little could [cold]; we started a[nd] we had not gon over a half a mile Before Bro. Nebuckers [Nebecker's] Child was run over and its thigh broak. we crost the river and then we stopt untill the doctors had sat it[.] he had verey little paine on it; Brother Levi Savage lost one of [h]is cattel this day morning a[nd] found him about half eat up by the woolfs; a[nd] Bro. Blackburn lost one cow this morning; we had a verey good road all day with a few exceptions of <som[e]> bad places. it is much like the Black hills heare; there are red rocks in sight to day. we campt by a spring to night[.] not much water here though no wood. for fire we had to gets saige [sage] trees for fuel[.] not much feed for our cattal hear; traveled .12. miles Making .666. miles from W. Q.

Tuesday Augst. 24.^th Pleasent[.] started our days jurney[.] fine road all day; we past the poison springs. we see .2. Buffolo to day[.] som[e] verey rocke[y] mountains along hear. but no timber[.] traveled .16. miles Making .782. miles from W.Q.

Wensday Augst. 25^th Verey fogey and wet[.] we had a great deal of trouble with our cattal this morning[.] the[y] got mixt with Bro Taylors. Bro. [John] Wixom had a ox died this last night. started our days jurney and we had a good road all day. campt close by a fine run of water. and som[e] Better feed for our cattal hear. There are maney large saige trees heare the[y] are as thick as a mans leg. it has been a verey cold day and dark. there are verey high mountains all a round heare. the mountain top appear above the cloud and there are som[e] verey high rocks upon them as we crost this brook by which we are campt. Wm. Grager wagon turned over right into the brook and Sister Marey [Mary Ann] Frosynin [Forsgren] was in the wagon but was not hurt all [h]is things was wet and [h]is exel tree broak; traveled .8. miles making .690. miles from W. Q.

Thursday Augst. 26.^th Cold and froste[.] wind from the N., <[LaFayette] Grangers> wagon fixt and started our jurney and we had verey hard rooling all day for it was all sande through. we was surounded with rocke[y] <and> mountan all day. <we saw> maney cattle ded on the road to day and when we came to camp there was 3 laying ded[.] we campt on the Banks of sweet water about .5. Oclock near to the Independence rocks about the south pas; the mountains are all one solid mas[s] of rocks. som[e] little pine in the cracks and seams of the rocks. traveled .12. miles making 702 miles from. W Q.

Friday August .27.^th Clear and cold[.] wind N. W.[.] we had one ox sick and we gave him .1. pint of sweet milk and a pint of soft sope [soap] and a pi[e]ce of fat pork a[nd] he verey soon began to chew [h]is cud; and got better; and we started our days jurney and we had hard rooling through the sand; we past through between 2 mountains where there had been a young man buried aged 18 years, 1847; we crost through sweet water this morning. traveled 7 miles and campt on sweet water again where the water runs through the mountains; on each side the rocks are about 200 feet high: <and it is about 4 rod wide> the water has a verey rough road through the rocks; Bro. Wixom and Bro. Ralphs each of them had an ox died this evening. we had first rate feed for our cattal hear. on these mountains there are sum scattering pine a[nd] ceder. upon these mountains .709 miles from W. Q.

Saturday August .28.^th Clear and pleasent[.] wind South W. one of our Brethren shot a Buffolo last night and had to leave it untill morning when the[y] took a little wagon and a span of horses to fetch it in[.] when the[y] returned the camp was moving along and the[y] crost over the priere and overtook us; the roads are verey duste[y] and the wind blew it right in our faces[.] hard rooling all day and one of Bro. John Wooles oxen died. and one of Bro. Woodbures [Woodbury's] oxen died before we got to camp[.] we campt a little from the Bank of sweet water. good feed for our cattal heare. .2. wild gooses flew over our camp just when we stopt traveled .19. miles: making .719 miles from W.Q.

Sunday Augt. 29.^th Clear and pleasent[.] wind from the S.[.] last evening Bro. Taylor & Bro. Snow & another Bro. came up to our camp[.] arived about 9 Oclock. the[y] wanted to enter into som[e] plan where by all the camps could move along[.] the[y] had lost so maney cattle that Bro Snow could not move along with the loads the[y] had and the[y] was going on to Bro. P. P. Prat[t's] camp Smoot a[nd] Rich[.] Started our days jurney and we had verey hard rooling through the sand[.] it was verey hard on our cattal; Bro. Wixom lost another ox this morning: the woolfs did howl tremendously last night[.] the[y] maid the valeys ring again and the sound echoed in the mountains; we crost a dry creek this afternoon--campt on the Bank of sweet waters again[.] good feed for our cattal hear. traveled 10 3/4 miles. Making 730 miles from W. Q.

Monday August. 30^th. Clear and cold. some frost. the rocke[y] mountains are verey high and the [.....]is <it is> impossable to go up them[.] som[e] of our cattal was lost--but we found them again and started our <days> jurney and it was verey hard rooling through the sand again. we campt in a verey extencive valley runing N. a[nd] South[.] we have to ford the river to get our fire wood and to go up into the mountains for it[.] traveled 10 miles[.] Making .740 miles from W. Q.

Wensday September .1. Cold and Clear[.] wind from the south. good road all day: this morning we saw som[e] snow a[nd] another chain of mountains. to the north the[y] are verey high mountains, crost the river this morning and campt on the Bank in the ev[en]ing[.] good feed for our cattal hear[.] traveled .17 miles[.] Making 767 from W Q

Thursday September 2^th - Clear and pleasent. we crost sweet water river 3 times to day[.] we had good road most all day with a few exceptions[.] som[e] little sand: we campt on the river again and it was verey cold this ev[en]ing. wind blowing from the north--verey good feed hear; traveled .10 miles[.] Making .777. miles from W Q.

Friday September .3^th. Verey cold and fogey this morning[.] wind still blowing from the north. we had som[e] very hard hills to go up today and the wether was verey changable all day[.] when we was on the top of a mountain we would have to put on our cloth[e]s and when we got into the valley we would have to take them of[f] again. we crost 3 creeks to day. as we came down to where we campt I discovered a verey fine grove of young trees[.] the[y] looked verey green. and the[y] was on the mountain side. campt close by a creek which run through the valley[.] traveled .10. miles[.] Making .787. miles from W. Q.

Saturday September 4. Clear and Cold[.] we crost 3 creeks to day[.] the first was Strawberrey [Strawberry] creek[.] the 2 I do not know the name of but the .3. was susAnna [Susannah] and we had a good road all day. this morning Bro. [Joseph] Mount Broak [h]is ax travel traveled 13 miles and campt on sweet water. Making 800 miles from W Q

Sunday Sept 5.^th Verey cold wind from the N. W.; a verey hard frost there was ice on our water pails[.] started our days jurney and we had a first rate road all day. we past over the divide on the main pas and campt on the Paciffic [Pacific] springs where Brother Smoot was campt: the valley seems to be all springs[.] the ground will spring under our feet from 8 to 10 feet around us. we have to cut saige trees for fuel. we met the pioners and the councel of the 12. all in good health and spirits and there teams looked well. traveled .14. miles[.] making .814 miles from W Q

Monday Sept. 6.^th Cold wind from the N.W.[.] we are stoping heare all day to receive instructions from the 12. the camp was called together for meeting and Bro. Erastos [Erastus] Snow gave us som[e] acount of the valley and about the hight of the mountains but the wind and the dust blew so bad that the[y] had to dismis the meeting and it was verey cold. this ev[en]ing we had to go and pul one of Brother John [Mount] Higby oxen out of the mud; for it is verey spunge[y] hear;:

Tusday Sept .7.^th Verey Cold[.] wind from the N.[.] gathered up our cattle. tarred our wagons and prepaired to start[.] about 10 Oclock we commenced our day jurney; and the pioneers started there jurney for winter quarters. we crost the run of water which coms from the paciffic [pacific] springs and traveled 10 miles and crost dry sande. it is a verey Baren and unfrutfull tract of land[.] it snowed till it maid the ground white and it was verey cold but we had a first rait road all day[.] traveled .23. miles and campt about 9 Oclock on little sande [sandy.] Making .837. miles from W. Q.

Wensday Sept 8 a little cold this morning but pleasent through the day; the mountains in the North are covered with snow[.] we had a verey good road all afternoon; it being soon when we started to day; the land produces nothing but wild saige; there are som[e] little feed for our cattle on the creek[.] traveled 8 miles and campt on Big Sande [Sandy.] Making 845 Miles from W Q

Thursday Sept 9. Verey cold and froste [frosty.] there was Ice upon our water pails. wind from the East. it was Clear and warm through the day; this morning we crost Big Sande[Sandy] and past the forks of Big Sande [Sandy] a[nd] little Sande [Sandy] and we had a good road all day. a littl before we campt we came into a verey extencive Valley. N. a[nd] S. not to far East a[nd] W.; Baron a[nd] unfruitfull. we campt on the main Branch of Big Sande [Sandy] in a Bottom[.] good feed for our cattal[.] traveled .17. miles[.] Making .862 miles from W. Quarters

Friday Sept. 10^th Clear and pleasant[.] wind from the East--no frost. started our day jurney[.] the ground which we traveled over to day was verey Baron and unfrutfull--but good road all day. we came to Green River this afternoon. forded it and traveled about 2 1/2 miles down the west side and campt on the Bank of the <Green> River. traveled 13 Miles[.] the road was verey duste[y] and the wind blew verey hard and it maid it verey bad. 875 from W. Q.

Saturday Sept. 11.^th Clear and pleasent but a little cold[.] we started and traveled about .4. miles on the Banks of Green River and then went up the Bluf on to the mountains and we had good road all day except one or two places in crosing a dry creek: the mountains is all gravel and sand a[nd] there are som[e] mountains which seem to be nothing but clay; about 50 miles below hear the Green River changes its name from Green River to Colorado River. it runs verey swift[.] traveled 18 miles and campt on Blacksfork River[.] this is a fine runing water gravel bottom. There are different kinds of fish in these two Rivers. and on the Green River there is plenty of good Cotton timber all along and there are som[e] I[s]lands with a timber on them and there are a great maney Corrants hear[.] the best kind. from Winter Quarters 893. miles--

Sunday Sept .12.^th Clear and pleasent[.] wind from the N. the 2 last days we traveled a South or South West Course, it was verey warm through the day[.] crost a dry creek[.] traveled 6 miles and crost Hams fork Creek and <then> traveled 1 1/2 mile and camped crost Blacks fork. a[nd] campt on the west side. good feed for our cattle hear: traveled 7 1/2 miles. 900 miles from W.Q.

Monday Sept. 13. Warm and pleasent[.] wind from the N. about the time we started the wind began to rise and it maid it verey disagreeable traveling on acount of the dust and the sand blowing som[e]. a good road. traveled 12 miles and crost Blacks fork a[nd] then traveled 3 and crost it again a[nd] traveled 1 1/4 and campt on the saim [same]. not verey good feed for our cattle hear. traveled 16 1/4 miles[.] Making 916 1/4 from W Q

Tuesday Sept 14 Warm and pleasent[.] wind S. E.[.] the last 2 days we yesterday we traveled a south cours[e.] The wind blew verey hard again which maid it verey disagreable again. traveled a west course to day[.] wind and dust right in our faces again; crost a creek to day[.] good road all day a little stone[y] to wards night[.] traveled 15 miles and campt on Blacks fork at Bridger fort on Blacks fork making 931 from W Q.

Wensday Sept. 15. Verey cold and froste[y] this morning[.] we had Ice upon our water 1/2 a inch thick: we crost the fork. and 3 or 4 creeks beside allso[.] <Mr.> Bridgers house there where som[e] Indians and som[e] french a[nd] half Breeds[.] the[y] <[have]> to pay a dollar a pint for liquor or Wiskey[.] good feed for our cattal hear. we went round a flat mountain partley of blew [blue] Clay and partly coverd by Ceders Bushes. which looks pleasent to the eye[.] after pasing these Ceder woods we went past 3 groves of popler[.] near the last is a cold spring[.] went up higher a[nd] past two more groves a[nd] encampt after coming 9 miles[.] feed a[nd] water hear this is a verey high camping place 940 miles from WQ.

Thursday Sept. .16^th. Cold. wind[.] we went up a long hill and in going down again Brother Pumeroys [Pomeroy's] wagon weel broak down on a sideling place being verey stone[y]. came into a valley[.] watered our cattal and fed them. a[nd] started again and past som[e] good feed a[nd] a sulfor spring[.] much white ceder. we traveled about 1 houre after sun down. and camp on the highist mountain we have been on yet; warm night[.] traveled 13 miles Making 953 miles from W Q.

Friday Sept .17.^th Warm a[nd] pleasent; feed and water 2 miles from the camp; our cattle scattered all over; plenty of ceder wood a heavy wood and som[e] poplar in the hollows. the mountains are in general covered with saige. which makes them look green; <we> went on the new road which is verey crooked and rough in som[e] places and verey narow. we went round a mountain a[nd] came into a valley where the old road came in again and then we had good road; about noon we came to the willows or cold springs[.] stopt to water our cattal[.] started again and we had a verey hard hill to go up and we had to double our teams; campt on Be[a]ver River a beutefull pleace; good feed for our cattal; traveled. 10 miles Making .965 miles from W Q

Saturday Sept. 18^th Cold and froste[.] after breakfast we went to the ten springs; 6 of us and filled our Buckets and returned; there are a great maney antiloop round heare and there has been ser[v]eral shoot; Mister [Lafayette] Grangers wagon ax Broak down yesterday; Stayed hear all day[.] warm through the day

Sunday Sept. .19^th. Cold a[nd] froste[y]; Bro Pumeroys w[h]eel was not yet don[e]: and Captain Wallace would not wate but went of[f] and left me a[nd] my ten to do the best we could; I went to Captain Smoot and he took [h]is horse and went after him but he would not stop, but however Bro. woodburey [Woodbury] stoped a[nd] fixed it and we sat the tire and started; traveled 8 miles and campt at a good spring[.] verey cold nights; .973 from W Q

Monday Sept .20^th Cold and froste[y]. started our day jurney and we had but gone a little ways before we came to a creek and my Daughter Marey fell out of the wagon but was not hurt. the fore wheel run against her[.] my little son Robert called out keep out of the way of the wheel; Bro Stuarts [Stewart's] wagon tipt over [...Morn] into a Deep hole and Brook the Bows and one of [h]is children where verey near being killed. the wind blew so hard that he could not see for the dust. We had som[e] goodroad a[nd] som[e] hills to go up a[nd] down and Bro. Murdock Broak [h]is ax a[nd] Mr. Granger Broak [h]is ax; campt in a canyon to night and Bro Mounts ten was 4 miles Back a[nd] M. Granger went back for the tire [h]is wagon. verey little water hear for our cattle. traveled .12. miles. Making 985 from W. Q.

Tuesday Sept. 21 Verey cold and froste[y.] 2 of the cattal gon out of my ten and the Captain of 50 would not wait again but my ten stayed untill the[y] where found and we started after the rest and we had a verey bad road all day a[nd] great maney springs and creeks to cros; crost one creek 4 or 5 times. Wm. Grangers wagon Broak down again[.] campt in the Canian [Canyon] and the mountains are verey high heare. plenty of good feed and water for our cattal- traveled 8 miles Making 993 miles from W Q

Wensday Sept. 22 Cold morning[.] Frost in the night[.] the feed is poor here; wherefore the cattal climes the mountains[.] there is maney Black revens [ravines]; Continued our travel in the narrow pas through willows & over creeks & springs & got out at noon & turned to the right along Weaver [Weber] river were the mountains are smooth excepting one place where the road is verey rocke[y] a[nd] another where some curiaus rocks are standing like these:

[drawing] blew red yellow a[nd] white a[nd] another place like this: [drawing] reddish--3 miles down & crost the river; down a pice on this side to the mouth of a river called Prat[t]s pass on [or] Reeds cut off[.] Below hears is a kenyon [canyon] where the river runs through traveled 10 miles[.] Making 1000:3 miles from W Q

Thursday Sept 23^rd. pleasent[.] cold in the night[.] went on futher a[nd] had bad road; one wagon tipt over on a verey sideling place and had to cross creeks often a[nd] com through thickets of willows[.] In the afternoon came to Kenyon [Canyon] creek which runs through a kenyon[canyon] below here[.] We had heare allso bad road a[nd] crost the creek .6. times a[nd] it was dark when we got to camp for we had stopt som[e] time at Noon a[nd] Bro David Wilkey a[nd] Bro. Wipple [Whipple] met us with a wagon a[nd] a span of horses to lightin our lodes a[nd] we were exceedingly glad. a[nd] thankfull as our cattal where geting verey week[.] Bro. Granger broke another Axel-tree a[nd] stopt back 2 miles with Bro. Nebuker [Nebecker]. who also had a broken wagon; good feed a[nd] water a[nd] plenty of fine wood; pleasent night[.] the moon being about the full[.] som[e] frost[.] traveled 10 miles[.] Making 100013 miles from W Q

Friday Sept 24 Cold morning[.] plesant day[.] crosed Kinyon [Canyon] creek 7 times[.] verey bad road through willow of the thickest kind[.] Come to a muddy place where we had to put 9 yoke of cattal on one wagon. Then we went up through a ravine 5 miles what is called the 5 mile hill: a[nd] there was one wagon broak down in the road as it was not verey good; we stopt on the top of the hill and the wind did blow most temendously all night so much that I thought it would take the wagon of[f] som[e] times[.] we cha[i]ned our cattal up and went to bed. Bro. P. Rockwell came to our wagons in the night[.] the[y] was going to the hind companes[.] there are som Balsom a[nd] poplar a[nd] cotton wood all along this hill[.] travel 10 miles[.] Making 1000:23 from W Q

Saturday Sept. 25 windey all night -- This morning went down the mountains again. first with 2 weels locked. the road full of stumps[.] stopt at the creek at the foot of the mountain a[nd] let our cattal feed a[nd] took our Breakfast and then went on again a[nd] crost the creek 5 times[.] one pleace a wagon had broak down of sister Tompsons [Thompsons]: the pleace was so bad that we had to mend it before we crost over[.] after this the road was verey good till we got to the foot of the hill and then we learned that feed was verey scarse on the other side of the mountain a[nd] I concluded to camp at the foot as the feed was verey good and plenty of good water; Bech [beech] on this creek and som[e] maple which I think was the first that I have seen since I left Pisgah and Elder which I have seen since I left the Platte River. Some of the mountains looks beautefull to the eye as the[y] clothed with 6 or 7 colurs; spruce or Balsom or Fir grows on the tip top of them. unyoaked our cattal[.] traveled 7 miles[.] Making 1000:30 miles from W. Q

Arrived Sunday Sept. 26. Pleasant all night and a fine morning. Our cattal has don well heare and we feel thankful; started to go up the hill a[nd] went up about 2/3 of the way and dubled our temes[.] the hill was so steep after we got up we locked our wagons and went down the mountain and the road was verey bad; but we arived about 4 Oclock in the great Basin; and about 6 in the City. and found that all was well a[nd] we was glad; and my hart did Rejoice in the Lord for [h]is great mercy over us while Jurneing to this place; traveled 14 miles[.] Making 1000:44 miles from W Q