We remained at this place [near Hamburg, Iowa] four years in order to gain an out fit to go to the valleys for which place we commenced our march in the spring of 1851, with Three wagons & good teams well laden with provisions & clothing[.] After making a circuitous rout around the Elk horn on the account of High water we came out at Fort Kearny making about 300 miles extra travel[.] we arrived in S. L. City in November[.]