Transcript

Tuesday morning June the 18th. fine weather with the wind still to the south we are encamped on the west Bank of the weeping water and Capt [David] Bennett with the 2nd. 50 encamped on the oposite Bank. we have accts of one death more amongst them viz. Perry Kies [Keyes.] their health seems a little improving this morning. we are still blessed with tolrable health in our camps—m [blank space] sumer all

Wednesday morning June the 19th. we had quiet [quite] a rain last night and this morning and it looks quiet rainy. we are encamped on Salt Creek Capt [David] Bennetts Company passed us this morning in traveling Condition under animating hopes of the Cholrea [cholera] subsiding amongst them—

Thursday morning June the 20th. a prospect of Good weather this morning. Capt Bennetts Company is stile in advance of us about 3 miles and this is according to the wish of Capt Pace as he wishes to strictly attend to both companies. we file in with two emigrating waggons Yesterday who wished to be admited into our Camps and they had the appearance of freindly civil men who seemed willing do their part in herding or Guarding[.] Capt. [Richard] Sessions proposed to the camp that if it was consistent to their wishes that he would have no objection and I believe it met the approbation of the Camps so they were admited in their names are as follows. Viz. Syrus Collins. who represents 6 persons 1 waggon & 6 horses and the other by the name of J. W. Sands who represents 2 persons 1 waggon and 3. horses—

Friday morning June the 21st. fine weather this morning and our camps in tolrabe [tolerable] health and condition[.] we passed Capt Bennetts Company Yesterday about 1 O clock[.] we suppose them at this time to be in our reare about 5 miles—

Saturday morning June the 22nd. fine weather and tolrable health in our camps except Brother W[illia]m. Mid[d]leton. who is sick this morning. we are encamped near the Oak Grove and suppose Capt Bennett to be still in the reare about 5 miles—

Sunday morning June the 23rd. quiet cloudy this morning and likely for Rain. we had a little rain last evening about the time we came into Bottom. we are encamped near the lone Cotton wood in the Platt[e] Bottom and in sight of Capt [David] Evanses [Evans] Company who is in advance of us. Capt Bennetts Company is still in the reare. Our camps are still blessed with tolrable health—

Monday morning June the 24th. we had it quiet showery Yesterday and very warm[.] Consequently our road was very heavy as we were amongst slough's we have nothing of interest

Tuesday morning June the 25th. we are encamped on the south Bank of the Platt[e] River where we have plenty of wood and water. we anticipate to rest to day and do some washing and wait for the arrival of Capt Bennetts Company we still have it warm and showery our camps are still blessed with tolrable health—

Wednesday morning June the 26th. we had quiet a rain last night[.] we have the wind to the Southwest this morning and a prospect of better weather. Capt Bennetts Camp (the 2nd. 50) arrived Yesterday and are encamped near us[.] all seem to be in tolrable Spirits[.] the Camps were called together this morning to Establish Rules and regulations for the safety progress and welfare of the camps[.] Capt Pace and Capt Sessions very appropiately adressed the camps and it seemed to meet the approbation of the Brethren as they all seemed to meet with Good feelings and unanimously agreed to said Rules and regulations─I have this morning rec[eive]d a correct statement of the deaths which has occured in Capt Bennetts Company which I will here insert Viz. Luther Warner who died the 13th of June[,] Margarett [Margaret] Daney [Dana] wife of Charles R[oot]. Daney June the 14th. Harriet Dilley [Dille] wife of D[avid]. B[uel]. Dilley. June the 14th. Ambrose Nichols June the 14th. John Smith June the 16th. Amanda Herrick June the 16th. and Perry Kies [Keyes] June the 17th. all supposed to die of Cholrea and East of the weeping water. Capt Bennetts Company have lost 2 horses suposed to be stolen by Indians. we have sent a letter back this morning to Kanesville adressed to Elder O. Hide—

Thursday morning June the 27th. We are still on the Platt Bottom A prospect of fine weather this morning with a light breeze of wind to the North. Our Camps are at this time enjoying tolrable health

Friday morning June the 28th. we had a little rain last night but a prospect of Good weather this morning. we have tolrable with the exception of Sister Oliver who is quiet sick at this time—

Saturday morning June the 29th. it looks quiet squally this morning after a very heavy rain and wind last night. we passed Capt Evanns Company Yesterday[.] they have lost some 3 or 4 of their number with Cholrea. they passed us last night and are in advance of us a ½ mile encamped[.] we met the mail from the Salt Lake Valley Yesterday about 10. O clock[.] supposed to be about 60 miles below Fort Carney [Kearny]. Capt Bennett is still in our reare about 15 miles and news has come in this morning that they have lost 4 more of their number with Cholrea.

our two Emigrating waggons (Mr Collins and Mr Sands) left us this morning by common consent as we expected this day to lay by and they wanted to make better progress in traveling—

Sunday morning June the 30th. we have a prospect of Good weather at this time tho we had quiet a storm of wind and rain last night. we lay by Yesterday in hopes that the 2nd. 50 would come up but they have not as yet.. we still have some complaints of sickness in our Camps—

Monday morning July the 1st. quiet cool this morning with the wind to the Northwest. we had very heavy mud Yesterday through the willow sloughs and swamps, but we are safe over this morning. we still have some complaints of sickness in our camps—Capt Pace has returned back this morning to visit his 2nd. 50. (Capt Bennetts Company)

Sunday morning July the 2nd. fine weather this morning[.] we are encamped 10 miles East of Fort Carney[.] Capt Pace returned in to camps last evening with inteligence that Capt. Bennetts Company was moving on cheerfully about 12 miles in the reare with no other misfortune than the breaking of two axletrees[.] we had the misfortune to loose one of our number yesterday morning a girl about 3 years of age the daughter of Brother Henry Wilcox—name Elmira Charlottee

Monday morning July the 3rd. fine weather this morning we are encamped about 3 miles west of Fort Carney where we have buried Brother Henry Wilcox who died Yesterday. Brother Wilcox was about 37 years of age supposed to die with Cholrea.

There was a meeting called this morning this morning by Capt Pace and Capt Sessions as it had been suggested that we should travel in smaller companies to promote the health and welfare of the camps. to this they agreed admiting it should be the unanimous wish of the camps or any number of Tens so that they might travel in safety but not that any ten should be broken[.] but on taking the vote we found but very few in favour of dividing as they thought it could not benefit the camps in the least and no one ten unanimous therefore it was agreed to and decided that there should be no divesion. but before the camp was ready to move in order. John Cazier Capt. of the 2nd 10 drove out and was followed by 2 waggons out of his own ten represented by Breed Siarls [Searle] and two more out of the 1st 10. (Capt John Sessions 10 <camp>) was represented by Peter wimmer and the other by Andrew Goodwin and was heard to exclaim we are for the Salt Lake valley and drove on independant and contrary to rule order or authority

We have wrote and sent on our first letter to the Salt Lake valley adressed to president Brigham Young
Bearing date the 2nd. of July 1850

Brother William Mid[d]leton is appointed Capt. over the 3rd. 10 in the place of Brother Henry Wilcox─

Thursday morning July the 4th. fine weather but quiet warm[.] There is some complaint of sickness in our camp this morning

Friday morning July the 5th. Good weather and consequently we have better roads[.] our camp seems a little improving in health this morning for which we feel very thankful to our heavenly father—for his mercees—

Saturday morning July the 6th. fine weather there seems to be some complaint Brother Edward E. Wilcox is very sick this morning—

6 miles west of Fort Carney July the 2nd 1850

Sunday morning July the 7th. fine weather this morning with the wind to the south. we are encamped on the Bank of the [sentence unfinished] we have had the misfortune to loose an other of our number with cholrea. Br Edward E. Wilcox died yesterday and we have buried him at this place some fifty or sixty miles East of the South fork of the Platt. the name through misteak on his head board is marked Edward H. instead of Edward E. Brother Breed Searles. who went off with John Cazier has returned with his two waggons and states that he had no intention of leaving or forsaking the camps[.] as such they have been received into their place—

Monday morning July the 8th. a little cloudy and cool and fine weather for traveling[.] we lay by yesterday in hopes that Capt Bennetts Company would come up but they have not as yet arrive[.] we still have some complaints of sickness in our camp—

Tuesday morning July the 9th. we have Good weather this morning tho we had quiet a wind and rain last evening. there is still some complaints amongst our people and mostly bowel Complaints

Wednesday morning July the 10th. fine weather this morning with the wind to the East. We had quiet a wind from the North last Evening and but little rain it is quiet cool this morning and fine weather for traveling[.] there remains some complaints—

Thursday morning July the 11th. we had a storm of wind and rain last night from various points. Commencing at the North the wind is to the south west and a little likely for rain this morning. we passed the fork of the south and west prongs of platt yesterday. we seem through the blessings of divine providence to meet with no material misfortune and our health a little improving. for which we feel thankful to our Father in heaven—Capt Bennetts Company is still in the reare—

Friday morning July the 12th. we have it quiet foggy and a little misty this morning[.] we are encamped at or near the lowest crossing of the South fork of the Platt. the health of our camps seems a little improving

Satturday morning July the 13th. fine pleasant weather this morning for traveling and we have had Good Roads for several days except a little sand Yesterday. the health of is still better and our condition first rate with the exception of some lame cattle.

Sunday morning July the 14th. quiet cool and cloudy this morning and the health of our camps very much improved[.] Capt Bennetts Company is still in our reare about 5 or 6 miles[.] the Government train passed us this morning and we are encamped about 25 miles below the upper crossing of the south fork of the Platt—

Monday morning July the 15th. cool and pleasant weather this morning. and our camps in tolrable health and condition[.] we lay by yesterday being the sabath and in hopes of the arrival of Capt Bennetts Company. But they were laying at the same time. we learn that they have lost one more of their number—

Tuesday morning July the 16th. beautiful weather this morning and our camps enjoying tolrable health except a child of Sister Cath[e]rine Webbs. who is quiet sick at this time[.] we are encamped 7 miles below where we anticipate the south fork of the Platt. Capt. Bennetts camps is still in the reare

Wednesday morning July the 17th. this is a beautiful morning with the wind to the East. we are this morning through the blessings of Divine providence all safe on the north Bank of the south fork of the Platt.

we had quiet a pleasant time for crossing yesterday[.] the Government train also Got safe over last evening and are encamped near us[.] Capt Bennett with the second fifty also drove up last evening and are ready this morning for crossing. Sister Webb lost her little [daughter] last night[.] She died with the canker and whooping cough and is buried at this place. her name is Pheebe Arabella Webb. she was about 3 years old

Thursday morning July the 18th. we are this morning encamped on Ash Hollow[.] fine weather but very warm we have nothing of Interest more than our camps are through the blessings of heaven enjoying tolrable health. we have received some inteligence from Capt Bennetts Camps by Capt Pace. who continued at the River yesterday morning to see Capt Bennett. they were in Good Condition and Crossing

Friday morning July the 19th. the weather still continues Good. we have had some very heavy sand since we crossed the River. our camps are enjoying tolrable health this morning. through the mercies of God. There was 3 persons Baptized By Brother Wm Midleton Viz Sister Catharine webb for her health Sister Martha Wilcox for her health and remission of Sins and Sister Webbs daughter Lydia Ann for remission of sins.

Saturday morning July the 20th. some what cool and cloudy this morning after some little thunder and lightning last evening. we are this morning a little in advance of the Government Train and Capt Evans Company. our camps are enjoying tolrable health and we are blessed with little or no misfortunes. There was a meeting called yesterday at noon to see who wished to divide and upon what principle as there seemed to be some 2 or 3 of our number who wished to travel faster. but on an investigation there were so few found that was willing to divide that a divission could not be affected. Capt Sessions spoke very lengthy and very much to the purpose of the evil consequencies that might result from dividing spirits and those inclined to lead off also from exessive driving of Lame cattle

Sunday morning July the 21st. we are encamped on the south Bank of the west fork of the Platt oposite a pine Grove[.] on our left the Govrnment train and Capt Evans Company passed us last evening[.] Elder Hide [Hyde] passed us yesterday about 10 O clock on his way to the Great Salt Lake Valley. we had a fine rain last evening but it is quiet clear and pleasant this morning

Monday morning July the 22nd. we are still encamped at the same place but mustering up this morning for a days travel[.] we lay by Yesterday <Saturday> for the purpose of resting our teams and to do some washing, we have fine pleasant weather this morning and our camps enjoying Good health for which we feel thankful to our heavenly father for his blessings

Tuesday morning July the 23rd. fine weather this morning and our camps in tolrable condition for traveling and enjoying a reasonable share of health through the blessings of divine providence

Wednesday morning July the 24th. fine pleasant weather this morning with the wind to the North. we are encamped on the South Bank of the Platt. about 5 miles East of the Chimney Rock and about 75 miles East of Fort Laramie. we have received inteligence from Capt Bennetts Company by Samuel Johnston. he states that they are still in Good condition and are traveling on[.] he also states that they have lost in all 14 of their number and most of Cholera

Thursday morning July the 25th. we are still encamped at the same place[.] we lay by yesterday it being the 24th. of July to celebrate the day in commemoration of the entering of the pioneers that day 3 years ago in to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. Our opportunities of celebrating the day was very limited on this almost Barren prairie but we rested our teames as we thought it a righteous act and was then well entertained in the evening by an interesting disc<o>urse both from Capt Pace and Capt Sessions. admonishing the Bretheren to faithfulness in the discharge of their several duties. the Brethren all seemed to meet and part with Good feelings. we have fine weather but very warm in the after noon. we are enjoying Good health through the Blessings of Divine Providence

Friday morning July the 26th. we are encamped this morning about [illegible text] west of the chimney rock[.] we still have fine pleasant weather and our camps in tolrable health and condition

Saturday morning July the 27th. we are encamped this morning above Scotts Hills by the trading post where we leave the river for about 25 miles travel. we had it quiet squally last evening but very little rain. it is very cloudy this morning and likely for rain. our health continues tolrable Good

Sunday morning July the 28th. we are again encamped on the Platt Bottom. we had it very rainy the most of the day yesterday and quiet cool and rainy this morning. we are about 40 miles below fort Laramie.

Monday morning July the 29th. we had a little rain yesterday but quiet cool and pleasant this morning. we lay by yesterday it being Sabath to rest our cattle. Capt Evanses Company is encamped near us on Horse Creek. our camps are enjoying a reasonable portion of health through the mercies of God

Tuesday morning July the 30th. we are encamped this morning about 3 miles below a trading post and about 23 miles below Fort Laramie[.] we had considerable hail yesterday but beautiful weather this morning. Capt Evanses Camps is a little in advance of us and Capt Bennetts Company still in our reare[.] we have tolrable health in our camps this morning

Wednesday Morning July the 31st. we are encamped this morning 10 miles below Fort Laramie on a beautiful bottom[.] the weather continues Good. we had a birth in our camps last night[.] Sister Elizabeth Ann Rabel. (wife of Henry Rabel) was delivered of a fine daughter and is doing well this morning[.] we have many Indians and Indian traders around us

Thursday morning August the 1st. we are encamped this morning near Fort Laramie all safe over the Laramie Fork and have only lost up to this time out of our camps 4 persons as we have before mentioned and 5 head of cattle. we have fine weather and Good health in our camps for which we feel thankful to the Giver and preserver of the same

Friday morning August the 2nd. we are encamped on the South Bank of the west Fork of the Platt above Fort Laramie[.] we have fine weather with the wind to the north. there is but very Little complaint in our camps this morning

Saturday morning August the 3rd. we are en camped on dead Timber Creek. Capt [Shadrach] Roundys Company is en camped near us. we entered the Black Hills yesterday. we have fine weather and our camps in tolrable health through the tender mercies of God

Sunday morning August the 4th. we are en camped this morning about one mile above Heber Spring. we had it very sandy rocky and hilly the most of our road yesterday[.] we still have fine weather

Monday morning August the 5th. we are still encamped at the same place as we lay by yesterday[.] we had a little rain yesterday but fine weather this morning[.] we are still blessed with tolrable health

Tuesday morning August 6th. we are encamped this morning on Small Creek where we have good water[.] we still have Good weather and in tolrable condition

Wednesday morning August the 7th. we are encamped this morning on the La Bonte. where we have plenty of creek water. we have had it very rough and rockey the most of the way through the Black Hills[.] we have nothing of importance this morning

Thursday Morning August the 8th. we are still Encamped on the Bank of the La Bonte as we lay by yesterday to rest our te<a>ms and fit up our waggons[.] we have some little compaint of sickness in our camps this morning[.] we still have Good weather

Friday morning August the 9th. we are still encamped in the Black Hills supposed to be about 25 miles East of Deer Creek[.] our camps seems a little improved in health this morning—Bro Middleton Direiria [diarrhea]

Saturday morning August the 10[.] we are encamped on the Fourche Boise river 9 miles East of Deer Creek[.] our camps is in tolrable health this morning and we still have fine weather

Sunday morning August the 11th. we are encamped this morning on the Bank of the North Fork of the Platt near where we descended out of the Black Hills[.] we had considerable hail yesterday. our camp is in tolrable health except the whooping cough amongst the children[.] we have fine weather

Monday morning August the 12[.] we are encamped this morning on the south Bank of the Platt 2 miles west of deer creek[.] I have nothing of importance

Tuesday morning August the 13th. we are yet at the same place as we lay by yesterday and had a little rain[.] we still have not much of interest. Brother Wm Middleton has lost two of his cattle at this place

wednesday morning August the 14th. we are still here at the same place. Brother R Coleby has lost one of his cattle. Capt Pace went to visit Capt Bennetts Company who are encamped on deer creek[.] he finds them all well and in traveling Conditions

Thursday morning August the 15th. we are Encamped on the South Bank of the Platt 3½ miles west of crooked muddy creek[.] we have not much of interest more than our camps are still enjoying Good health through the tender mercies of God. we have found the road much better than we have anticipated

Friday morning August 16th. we are still encamped at the same place as we lay by yesterday. we have nothing this morning[.] we have fine weather and Good health

Saturday Morning August the 17th. we are yet here but we expect to leave this morning[.] Br Middleton has lost 2 cattle here and Br Beck one. Capt Bennetts Company passed us yesterday and are encamped about 4 miles above. we still have fine weather and our Camps enjoying Good health.

Sunday morning August the 18th. we are encamped on the Bank of the Platt. near the upper ford and Ferry. Capt Bennetts Camps passed last evening and are encamped on the oposite Bank[.] Our camps are in tolrable health and condition and ready this morning for crossing. we had a meeting last night to Give some instructions and to settle some little controversies between Capt Pace and Capt Sessions as there had been some little misunderstanding between them a few days previous[.] after some reasoning on both sides I thought the matter seemed settled satisfactoral [satisfactorily] on both sides[.] we met the express from the Valley yesterday about 10 O clock 5 miles below this place. it is quiet cloudy and likely for rain

Monday morning August the 19[.] we are safe over the Platt and encamped on the river about 2 miles above the Ferry where we have but little feed for our cattle and have a severe storm of cold wind and rain ever since last evening and still continues[.] we have lost in all up to this time 14 head of cattle Br James Pace 2[,] Br Wm Middleton 7[,] Br H oliver 1[,] Br J H Tager 1[,] Br R Cobby 1[,] Sister Martha Wilcox 1[,] Br Jn [John] Haws 1

[Journal ends]