Transcript

Saturday, 8 May, 1858 We were called together by Br. Hegth [Haight] in the morning, and held a council about the journey, he did not feel that Br. Iversen should remain behind, as it was on advice from the highest presidency that all of the Elders of Zion should go home, he released him from his position, the members who should remain back were sad about same, he called Folkman to take his place and Fjeldsted to be his assistant, and intend to keep them here for the time being. We made ourselves ready for the trip, to go on to Zion, I bid farewell, and started my trip in hope to God that He will lead me to Zion unharmed. Br. Hegth he called on me and asked me to drive his horses, we left at 5 o'clock, 16 brethren, 4 wagons[,] a couple [of horses] for each, 6 mules and 2 horses, we drove 3 miles and camped for the night, we made our beds in the wagons and lay there and slept peacefully all night.

Sunday, 9 May, 1858 We broke camp at 7 o'clock, the weather is lovely and warm air, the road which we drove on was very hard to pass on, and in a few places impassable, one place we got stuck with the horses, even though most of the clothes were taken off the wagons, they sank down clear to their bellies, the soil which is here is to me as if it is [unintelligible]. We rested at noon for 1½ hours, the nature of the country here is varied with forest and cultivated soil, and hills and dales, we left behind us 19 miles, and camped at 6 o'clock for the night.

Monday, 10 May, 1858 We broke camp like the day before, the road was easier to pass on than the one the day before, and had for the biggest part no obstacles meet us, but came happily to our evening quarters, and have driven 19 miles. Br. [Christian August] Madsen and H. P. Olesen [Hans Peter Olsen] and myself we went into the forest and united in prayer to the Lord, and each prayed separately with great power by His spirit.

Tuesday, 11 May, 1858 There was frost in the morning, became mild weather during the day, the nature of the terrain was better than it had been, was more build up, and great fields were sown, and very good soil. I thought that if they knew in Denmark how fertile the soil in America was, then they would come, most of them who could; the tears wetted my eyes when I thought about my countrymen, who must work hard to get support for their families, and there are great fields here which lie uncultivated, which could support many thousands people yearly; we made 21 miles and made camp at 5 o'clock.

Wednesday, 12 May, 1858 We started moving at 7:30 o'clock, it was open and clear terrain and not build up, we came to a town at noon where we made a stop by and ate our lunch, the road which we came on in the afternoon had some rocky places to pass over, and some hills, but did well. We stopped for the night at 4:30 o'clock, having left behind 20 miles. Joseph [Watson] Young came driving with two teams pulling, to go along with us and help us on.

Thursday, 13 May, 1858 We started out as the day before, Joseph Young got quite a lot of the provisions on his wagon so the rest of us would have easier loads, we came through a trading town which was named Notton [Newton?], I bought myself a curry-comb there; we got ourselves a little rest, there is supposed to be 90 miles from here to Iowa, we made 4 miles more before we made stop for dinner. We passed the Skunk river between 1 and 2 o'clock, it is supposed to be two miles across, and most of it is difficult to cross, especially the last part, the horses sank down almost to their bellies, and the rest of us walked in water and mud sometimes up to our knees, but all came across happy and well, and we got such a rain which I have never seen the like of, and thunder followed it, so we became wet all through almost all of us, so that the brethren who walked did not feel well walking, we made camp one mile from there, by a station and Br. Joseph Young and Hegth they drove further on, and the sisters who were along and two brothers, and did not intend to see us again before Florence, and Br. Hoier [or Hoyer] is to lead us until we came to them, we made 15 miles today.

Friday, 14 May, 1858 We broke camp at 7 o'clock, stopped for dinner for one hour, and made camp at 5 o'clock, this is the usual procedure, to start and make stop, unless other circumstances happens. The road was very slippery today, but no difficult places to cross over, came to [Delphia?] at 3 o'clock, crossed over the Des Moines river, is about two hundred alen [400 feet] wide, had a strong current, we were ferried over; after we came further along we came to a town that was called Carlisle, stopped there for a while, I had two shoes put on my one horse, the horse himself held up his leg as the shoe was put on, it made me amazed to see how compliant the horse was. Drove a little further on, made camp and has put behind us about 22 miles.

Saturday, 15 May, 1858 The nature of the terrain we have passed through today has been through forests, forests and scrub, and much with hills and dales and many difficult places for the animals to walk, especially the last miles we covered, have driven about 23 miles and arrived happily, got good quarters, came in a house to cook our food, and slept same place at night except for those who were by the wagons.

Sunday, 16 May, 1858 It has been raining last night, and is raining also today, and continued all day, we stayed there and stayed there at night, was treated well, were good people, did not hold meeting, gladdened ourselves a bit by singing.

Monday, 17 May, 1858 We broke out in the morning as usual, the road was very slippery, with lots of hills, and was difficult for the horses, the worst it has been, came to Winterset at noon, that was the worst road I have ever travelled, the horse sank down to the middle of their legs all the way, and occasionally deeper, there was one place where I had to lead the horse alone across, and we had to pull the wagon across; during the afternoon it was better, we started on easier terrain and plains after we passed by Winterset; it has been cold and gray weather. Slept by the horse at night, made 19 miles.

Tuesday, 18 May, 1858 The country we passed through was green, easy-to-look-at plains as far as the eye could see, saw only few houses, we made camp at 4 o'clock by a mail station, have left behind us about 20 miles.

Wednesday, 19 May, 1858 Good weather and good road, the nature of the terrain was like that we passed the day before, left behind about 30 miles today.

Wednesday [Thursday], 20 May, 1858 We came to Lous [Lewis?] and Indian town at 11 o'clock, which was 15 miles distance from where we left in the morning, those are two towns which lie close together, were build a few years ago. Br. [blank space] drove with us today part of the way, left behind 30 miles, this part of the country has been measured and all sold.

Friday, 21 May, 1858 we left at 6:30 o'clock, drove 17 miles until we stopped for dinner, have made it in quick trot part of the way; the brothers have mostly driven, those who wanted to, have passed over many brooks, [which] have had bridges across, so we have had a good road, and good weather, came to Council Bluffs at 4 o'clock, and to Crescent city at 6 o'clock, which is the place we were going to and which we have yearned for, they are mostly mormons who are in this town, only 4 danish families, they came and greeted us and were happy[,] took us to their homes and fed us, have left behind us about 37 miles.

Saturday, 22 May, 1858 Br. Hegth came to us, I placed my horses on grass, made hobbles for them; I put clean clothes on, sent the others to be laundered, so the day passed with this work; the mormons have been driven away from this area, and their houses have been burned, 1½ years ago there were only two houses here, now there are almost one hundred they say; we rented a house which we will live in the days we intend to stay here, in the evening we could see strong flashes of lightning in the distance in a northerly direction.

Pentecostal Sunday, 23 May, 1858 It has been thundering last night, so that it awoke us from our sleep, there has been a lot of rainy weather lately. I have held fastday, and prayed to my God that the unclean and envious spirits may go away from me, and [that I may] love my brothers like myself, and You above all things, and remain faithful until the end, and humble [myself] for You and my fellowmen, I thank You my Father that You have blesses me on my travels, pray that You will do it in the future. I went up on a very high hill and offered myself in strong prayers to the Lord; after I came back down I became aware that the horses were lose and the mules. I ran after them, soon caught up with the mules, the horses I couldn't find, I went in the forest and looked for them for about 3 hours before I found them, I prayed to God that His spirit would lead me so that I could find them and He heard my prayer; there was a meeting in the afternoon at our house, I did not make it back before it had ended, I had walked far around, it has been warm today and clear air.

Monday, 24 May, 1858 The brethren who had gone to Florence came back and ordered us to make ourselves ready for travelling, and leave here at 3 o'clock, I had too big a load, was enough for 4 horses. Crossed over the Missouri river in a steam ferry, and made camp in Florence, and intend to stay there a few days, to get provisions for the trip.

Tuesday, 25 May, 1858 We put all the horses on grass, I was guard by them in the morning, and in the afternoon I went to the smith and had Madsens mules shoed and my own horses had everything done for them which was necessary, so the day passed with that.

Wednesday, 26 May, 1858 I started to write to P. P. Meilhede, while I sat and wrote I thought how it would be nice and fun to come to Omaha, and could then drive back and forth the 6 miles to Florence, I, Jacob [I. Jacob] from Napstjert and his wife and Jens Godtfredsen, and Christen Smed from Vreilev and Christen from Renslev, and also many other Danes, there is supposed to be almost 100, is much weakness among them, it is a large town has recently been build, it is hard for the mormons to live here, and many spirits are loose trying to catch them, and the Devil has great power here, and has entered among several of the saints. We came home at 12 o'clock at night, I was happy with the peace.

Thursday, 27 May, 1858 I got 3 more horses and two mules which I should take care of, and got M.C. Grekersen [Gregersen] and H[ans]. Knudsen to help me with them, I had guard duty in the morning, I used the time to finish writing the letter to Meilhede, and wrote some in my diary, and lay on the green field and wrote. Strong heat, in the afternoon some of our countrymen from Omaha came to talk with us.

Friday, 28 May, 1858 We drove the wagons to the smith and wanted to repair what was needed, I stayed there part of the day to help with it, and besides that I started to write a letter to Veiby, and must write words which will have interest for him and it must reach his hands.

Saturday, 29 May, 1858 I used the time in the morning to write on that which I had started on and later I washed my clothes, some of them, and later we came to shell corn which Young came with from Christen city, he was delighted that H. Knudsen had cut part of the manes off from his horses, he did it with the best intentions, wasn't right.

Sunday, 30 May, 1858 It is raining today and thundering a ways away, I arose early in the morning, the rain pelted on us in the wagon, I wrote a little in my diary before the others arose. Most of the brethren went to Omaha, we were given bacon for each mess, 25 lbs per man, and we were divided in 3 messes, 5 in each of two of them, and 4 in the third, and Mads [Christian August Madsen] and [Niels Christian] Poulsen and myself we were asked to preside over them, and God give me wisdom to lead it according to Your pleasure, and that bonds of love may bind us together. I finished writing that letter to Br. Veiby, and mailed it at the post office, and hope it may reach him, and be satisfying to my fellowmen, and have some influence on them, and sent him my address in Salt Lake, sent greetings to Mette Pedersen, and I asked if she had obeyed the Gospel, and God, You give her the power to do that, and [she may] come to me, Your will be done and give me a faithful wife, whether it be her or another one, that I pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Monday, 31 May, 1858 We were busy getting our wagons ready and were given provisions for the horses, two sacks of corn, and two sacks of bran and one sack of oats, and a sack with that us and quite a few crackers and 30 lbs. of sugar. I bought me a strawhat and paid 1.75 dollars for it. I greased the horses' harness and it was repaired some by [Hans Peter] Lund. There was a man from Omaha with us, he had received a letter from his daughter in Salt Lake, dated in February, she left last year with the handcart company with two of her sisters whom the Lord had called away by death, one of them on their travels and the other after they came home. Some wagons and brothers arrived from Cristen city, who want to go in company with us, it had been decided that we would leave today, can not get ready.

Tuesday, 1 June, 1858 I went down to the river as soon as I arose, to hold prayer, knelt before the Lord, [and asked] if He will bless me and guide me onward on our trip, and be kept from all evil. We are very careless about holding prayer together in the mornings and evenings, but especially in the mornings, save me from being careless, but to be alert and willing to [do] the good. I was on guard duty in the morning by the horses; we left from Florence at 5 o'clock, had 5 wagons with two teams of horses for each, 13 mules, 7 horses and 3 extra horses to be ridden, I had 3 horses and 1 mule for the wagon which I drove, J. Young was our foreman, we drove 4 miles, made camp, I had the first guard duty, the weather was dark.

Wednesday, 2 June, 1858 It rained and thundered in the morning, we did not break camp until 9 o'clock, after we had gone a little ways we came to some brethren who had camped there at night, had 4 wagons, one team of horses for each, went along with us. The road was a little slippery, had some hills which were very tall, and heavy for the horses, did not stop for dinner, made camp at 5 o'clock by the Elkhorn river, a town had been started by it, the streets had been measured, we had driven 20 miles.

Thursday, 3 June, 1858 The weather was very bad at night with thunder, and lightning and rain so that the water hit through the tarp on the wagon and on the 4 of us who slept there, we broke camp at 7 o'clock, the road was wet, we started on the long plain which follows along with the Platte river which looks to be about 3 to 5 miles wide; after we went a ways we came to the Platte river and drove almost alongside with it. We came to some brethren, 3 wagons with two teams pulling them, and two spare horses along, so we are now 12 wagons altogether. An Indian came riding to us, and gave us his hand and greeted us, it was the first one I have seen, had a red blanket around him, and big brass rings in his ears, a bow in his hand, brown skinned, he went with us until we came past Fremont, we stopped there at noon, we left behind us about 29 miles, made camp by a house, and Hegth bought potatoes for us, [which] we ate for dinner.

Friday, 4 June, 1858 We broke camp like the day before, the road had dried well, had a good road in the morning, the weather cold, once in a while we had to drive in deep water, some places it went up over the knees on the horses, the bottom was solid, the water flowed so that it made big cracks in the ground. As the rain has been so strong and [the water] now runs together, we made camp at 6 o'clock, having driven 25 miles, was no firewood to find, we gathered dry grass and cooked our food with that.

Saturday, 5 June, 1858 We started to get ready at 7 o'clock, waited a little after we got the horses for the wagons, Young and one man more had ridden on, to see about where it was best to cross the water, it was almost two hours before we all came across, the water was deep, went up to the middle of the sides of the horses, was about 100 feet wide, we put the clothes on top of the wagons so that it should not get wet, the water was a brook which runs into the Platte river, and in places the water was wide, got across well, we drove about 7 miles, came to another place like the one before, again made it across well, the bottom was not quite as solid, the water wider, we stopped for noon after we came across, there were some of the brethren who waded across in water up to their chests, the weather was good; in the afternoon there were no obstacles for us, good road, we left behind us 20 miles today, made camp after we came a little past Columbus, there was a shop in that town.

Sunday, 6 June, 1858 We broke camp at 6 o'clock and intended to have gone to Biver [Beaver] by noon, we met an express post from Brigham Young, consisting of 7 men two wagons with two teams for each, had 13 mules and 3 horses, they were all skinny, drove almost at 40 miles a day, had left the 7th of May from Utah, have many letters with them. Hegth received one from Brigham, and its contents was which way we should go, and watch out for the Indians and mountain dwellers; all was well in the valley. One of those who were along was a man who had been sent by Congress to negotiate about peace; they stayed with us for two hours, and ate dinner and we also. We came to Beaver at 3 o'clock, someone came and met us just outside town, it has beautiful surroundings, but simple houses, many of clay, we went to English meeting, it is a shame we cannot understand the English. We made camp in town at night, they are all mormons, there is one Danish family, and 3 men who have taken land there, also Danish; we have left behind 17 miles today.

Monday, 7 June, 1858 We drove down to the Platte river at 9 o'clock, and started to ferry across our belongings, it was a simple ferry we had, and could not have much on it at a time, it was 3 heavy logs which were [---] and were bound together, I helped in loading unto the ferry, and most of the brethren were on the other side and carried the provisions on land, and went in water up to their knees, we had work all day in getting our belongings across, the horses swam across, it was difficult for them, the current is so strong, and it was hard to get them in the water and some ran back out, and it took some time to catch them again, we all came well across, and camped on the other side in the forest by the river, two men and one wagon stayed in Beaver, where they wanted to remain.

Tuesday, 8 June, 1858 We broke camp at 9 o'clock, and the company gathered who were to go together across the plains; were 13 wagons, two teams of horses for each of 6 of them, 29 horses and 17 mules, and 37 men. We started our journey in faith to our Almighty Father that He will guide us, we made camp at 5 o'clock. Br. Hegth called us together and held a council on how we should arrange ourselves, and suggested that Br. Elderis [Horace Sunderlin Eldredge] should become our captain, became E.V. and Elderis [suggested] that Hegth should be his councilor, and J. Young our guard master, he told us to be watchful on our guard duties, as we were in danger from the Indians where we now are going, but be wise and not offer resistance if they came in peace, and hail them in plenty of time. All the wagons were numbered, the one I drove got No. 4, all the horses were fastened close to the wagons, two men on guard duty at a time, I was on duty from two to four, I felt quite afraid that the Indians should come and attack us. You Lord keep us and be our guide, we drove 16 miles today.

Wednesday, 9 June, 1858 We arose at 4 o'clock and drove at once, we traveled a couple of hours and stopped and ate our breakfast, the place where we had camped there was no wood. The country we drove [through] in the morning was flat and straight and in the afternoon it was sand and some hills, so the road was hard for the horses. We stopped for the night at 7 o'clock, had no water by the camp, have left behind about 26 miles.

Thursday, 10 June, 1858 We broke up as the day before, made stop at 7 o'clock, and cooked our breakfast, there were some of the brethren who took some shots at two antelopes. It was a little cold in the morning, had a good road, came across two brooks, the water was deep, and one of them was muddy, two wagons got stuck there, we made stop for the night at a brook, had a very good campground, and a beautiful easy-to-view terrain, have left behind 26 miles today.

Friday, 11 June, 1858 We went out at 6 o'clock, and came to Veith [White] Creek at 10 o'clock, and stopped there for 4 hours. The bridge had blown away, we made a bridge across, and pulled the horses across, and we pulled the wagons across. It seemed obvious when we stopped that houses had been built there, and one could see that it had been plowed, the area is very beautiful. We drove about 28 miles, and camped not very far from the river, we have not been this close to it for the last 2 days.

Saturday, 12 June, 1858 I have horse guard duty today, we started same as yesterday, and the nature of the terrain is the same as yesterday, the Platte river is on our left, and hills to the right. We stopped for dinner for two hours, there was a brother whose wagon drove wild, his horse broke loose from the wagon, and more than one mile before Br. Elderis and Young could catch up with them, there were more who were scared as they ran and almost ran along, we untied the rest of them, and waited until we got repaired that which had been broken, which was not much. We made camp for the night at 7 o'clock, and have left behind 31 miles.

Sunday, 13 June, 1858 Broke camp at 6:30 o'clock, had good weather, and went fast at 4 miles per hour, we stopped at 5 o'clock and cooked our supper, we could see dust storms on the other side of the river, and it was seen by a brother with the help of field-glasses that they were troops and going same way as us, and [we] thought that they were some who wanted to go out and fight against Zion. We drove on and made camp at 9 o'clock, and have left behind 44 miles. Hans Knudsen was released that day from helping to guard the horses, he is quite difficult to be around.

Monday, 14 June, 1858 In the morning we could see a detachment a little ahead of us, consisting of 18 wagons, and quite a few loose critters behind. We had a difficult road, was sandy and heavy for the horses, and very warm. We drove about 26 miles, and made stop for the night at 6 o'clock, and had good spring water, we cooked our food over Buffalo dung which was dried in the sun. The captain gave us advice that we should stay together and no one should go far ahead. The sand hills almost reach down to the river on both sides.

Tuesday, 15 June, 1858 We started out as usual, passed across some water, was some mud to cross over, some Indians came riding to us, came from the mountains, had been hunting, and meat was hanging on the horses, [we] came to their camp a little further on, about 4 horses were there, we gave them something to eat, and [they] were kind and good. Some of them followed after us, stayed with us while we ate dinner, some of the brethren bought ammunition from them. We drove about 26 miles, made camp by the river, the grass was not very good.

Wednesday, 16 June, 1858 Some Indians came to our camp early in the morning, we gave them something to eat, we saw many as we were driving, came with their weapons out of the mountains, and some went with us part ways. We had a very heavy road in the morning, the mountains slanted down towards the river, we drove up over the hills, the wagons sank down in sand about 3 to 4 inches. We came to an Indian camp at 4 o'clock [there] were about 15 houses, someone came to meet us. My horse became frightened and took my power away and ran away, got a hold of it to my great joy and happiness, God was gracious to me, nothing else was torn except a part of the harness. Elderis' and Youngs' and Hoier's horses became frightened of mine and ran a little, we made stop a little ways from there and cooked our supper. Some of the Indians came to us, Young gave them a little flour and they got tobacco. We stopped at 11 o'clock, left behind about 28 miles today.

Thursday, 17 June, 1858 Left at 7 o'clock, came over many streams of water which came out of the mountains. We are driving not far from the river, the valley becomes narrow, cannot see anything but mountains on both sides of the river, I washed my soiled clothes at noon while we were stopped for a rest, we made camp at 11 o'clock by Vots [Watts?] creek, the rain came when we stopped, and thunder, have made about 32 miles today.

Friday, 18 June, 1858 A company came on the other side of the river went eastward, had 26 wagons with 8 horses for each and some loose at the end. Br. Hoier said that they came from Fort Laramie. We went past an Indian camp, were 28 houses, had many horses, I think 150, saw again 6 more wagons which went same way as the others. We gave the Indians some food, and many of them came to us, we saw many children, yes we see how as they wander they are deplorable, they have a spirit Father, and should grow with a purpose. God is just, and they shall wander like that because of their ungodliness. There is no firewood here, cooked our food over Buffalo dung, it burns well, made camp at 10 o'clock, have left behind about 35 miles, had beautiful moonlight.

Saturday, 19 June, 1858 Had an easterly wind and warm air. Br. Young and Leid shot an antelope, and divided the meat between us all. There was a Danish brother buried close by where we held our noon rest, there was writing on a stick, his name etc., Peder Hansen, 36 years old from Sjaelland [Zealand], died the 4th of August 1857 as far as I could tell. Br. Poulsen spoke his feelings to me, was a little angry with me, and thought that I had humiliated him when the day before I thought that he wanted to take me down, told him that it was deplorable to hear such words from one who confesses to be an elder in Israel, I told the truth, and it was all put to rights. 3 oxen-trains came towards us, one with 24 wagons, and two with 25 each, [they] went eastwards on the other side of the river. [We] stopped at 10 o'clock and have left behind 35 miles.

Sunday, 20 June, 1858 We broke camp at almost 7 o'clock, came past Chimney Rock, have 75 miles to Fort Laramie, are 452 miles past Florence, made stop at 11 o'clock close by the river. Two mountain dwellers came sailing to us, stayed and ate dinner, bought a saddle from Br. Elderis, have not seen any white men since we left from Beaver. We had a meeting at 2 o'clock, Br. Anderson was anointed, it is sad that I cannot understand the English language, we stayed there for 6 hours, I wrote a little in my diary. It was very hot, and had thunder and rain, we made camp at 9 o'clock right by the hill named Scotts Bluff, having travelled about 20 miles, had good grass and firewood.

Monday, 21 June, 1858 We broke up at 7 o'clock. Today 4 oxen-trains have passed with 83 wagons, went eastward on the other side of the river; [we] have strong heat, there are some mosquitoes that have plagued us for several days, sting us in the faces, makes bumps and a great itch in them. We made stop at 11 o'clock, having travelled about 32 miles, was little grass, and no water or firewood.

Tuesday, 22 June, 1858 Arose at 4 o'clock and harnessed the horses to the wagons at once, we stopped at 6 o'clock and had our breakfast. When we stopped for dinner I washed a shirt, came past Fort Laramie at 4 o'clock, were 3 large houses and some small ones, haven't seen any of the kind since we left Beaver, it lies a little south from the river, it is supposed to be 527 miles from Florence. We made stop at 5 o'clock and cooked our evening meal, then the road changed, came up on the mountains, and drove up and down on them, and very tall, and solid ground, stopped at 11 o'clock, having driven about 35 miles, have a good camp among the mountains.

Wednesday, 23 June, 1858 We arose as usual and cooked our breakfast before we drove, the terrain was through forest, and drove up and down the mountains, was solid gravel-earth, was heavy for the lead-horse, were many rocky hills. We drove about 26 miles, made stop for the night at 10 o'clock, have no water by the camp.

Thursday, 24 June, 1858 Arose at 4 o'clock and made ourselves ready right away, we drove about 7 miles before we stopped and ate breakfast, today we have mostly straight road, we held noon rest from 2 to 6, no evening rest, we are right by the great mountain Laramie Peak, have been able to see it for 3 days, snow lies on top of it. We made camp at 10 o'clock having left behind about 30 miles. Today my thoughts have been very much turned to my family and friends whom I have been separated from, and feel very sad, I do not know why. I held prayer together with Br. Olesen at night while we were on guard duty, prayed with great power.

Friday, 25 June, 1858 We drove at 7 o'clock, had a hard road until we stopped for dinner, went up and down hills and very steep, was a barren country, mostly rocky, came to the river and walked along by it during the afternoon, had level road, made stop for the night at 10 o'clock, having left behind us 28 miles, have still about 400 miles to Utah.

Saturday, 26 June, 1858 We travelled for two hours, then two men came to us, who lived on the other side of the river where there were a few houses, they wanted to speak with us, Br. Elderis and Hegth went across with them, they got some buffaloskins from them, and paid with food items. We rested for 3 hours; when we came a little further on, [there] came two wagons, we passed them and went on and saw 4 wagons stopped on the other side of the river. We can see snow on the top of the mountains, even though we have very hot weather. We stopped at 10 o'clock for the night, travelled about 26 miles.

Sunday, 27 June, 1858 I have decided to fast today to thank my God that he has guided me happily and well so far, and pray in His name that He will guide me in the future. We drove about 4 miles, we came to the bridge which crosses the Platte river, some mountain people lived there, we traded with them, we got buffalo skins, and they got bacon and crackers for them, we received one for our [-]. Some Indian women and children came up to us, who lived close by, we stayed there for 3 hours, two wagons drove ahead, no. 7 and 8, we had a heavy road. Passed over a hill which was long, and the wagon sank down in the sand about 4 to 5 inches, we have left the Platte river, we made stop at 10 o'clock, have travelled about 24 miles, two other wagons were camped close by us. The horses have received the last of their provisions today. Hans Knudsen is quite ill, and has been for several days, lies in the wagon.

Monday, 28 June, 1858 We broke camp at 7 o'clock, have a solid gravel road for our road, but not level, one place we went up for about 3 to 4 miles. When we rested at noon, 3 mountain people came riding to us, they lived close by. When it was evening we came to two wagons which were camped, were two families who were friends of Elderis, he spoke with them, [they] came from Utah, for what reason one can only guess. We made stop at 11 o'clock by Sweetwater river, having left behind 32 miles.

Tuesday, 29 June, 1858 We ate breakfast before we left, we came to a little lake which was very [-], we filled water in bags and took with us. We came past two places where mountain people lived. Sweetwater river runs through a rocky hill called Hells point. We came to someone who were camped, were from the American Government, had provisions for the troops which have been sent to Utah, were 20 wagons, huge loads; we camped at 10 o'clock by before mentioned river and have left behind 34 miles, chains of mountains are on either side of us.

Wednesday, 30 June, 1858 Early in the morning we came to some immigrants who wanted to go to California, had 3 wagons, 9 men and one woman, had many critters along. We have passed over the Sweetwater river 4 times today, was easy to cross, solid bottom, the water went to the belly of the horses, we caught up with the two wagons which left us on Sunday, and [they] went with us. We met an Express, was one wagon, 5 men and 9 mules, we guessed that it was from the troops. We made camp at 9 o'clock, was little grass and no water, have driven about 34 miles.

Thursday, 1 July, 1858 Arose at 3 o.clock left at once, drove about 10 miles before we ate breakfast, the place where we stopped [there] was some iron, from wagons which had broken down. The terrain is mountains and hills, though a good road, are at the tallest point of the world. The air is cold, can see snow on the mountains around us, we made stop a little before evening, the rains came down, have travelled 28 miles.

Friday, 2 July, 1858 We broke camp at 7 o'clock, was very cold in the morning, have a good campground. Stopped for dinner by Sweetwater river, the great Rocky Mountains 25 miles to the right of us was covered with snow at the top. We passed by 16 wagons by the southerly pass, which were camped, were from the American Government, have provisions along. Are now in Utah territory, and past the tallest point, the water runs with us in rivers and brooks. Made camp at 12 o'clock having left behind 34 miles, the horses have hardly had any [food] since noon, we rested an hour a little before evening, was a little grass and no water. I became sleepy the last hours of driving, I only slept 4 hours last night, and seldom sleep more than 5 to 6 hours at night.

Saturday, 3 July, 1858 Broke camp at 8 o'clock, a mountain man came to us and went with us to Little Sandy river, we ate dinner by there, had a good place. Br. Hors gave me a hen which he had shot, we came 6 miles further along we crossed over Big Sandy river[,] was no difficulty in crossing over it, some mountain people lived by it. There are large plains to see now, unfertile, nothing to see but gravel and small rocks, not easy to find grass for the horses, we made stop for the night at 7 o'clock having left behind about 24 miles.

Sunday, 4 July, 1858 Arose at 3 o'clock and hitched the horses at once, we stopped at 7 o'clock by Big Sandy river, and made our breakfast. An ox-train was stopped there with 14 wagons and two handcarts, came from Zion, were apostates, yes those poors, You Lord strengthen me that I may remain faithful to the end of my days. There came two wagons towards us 10 oxen for each, were about 20 men along. We came to Green river[,] rested there for 4 hours, were ferried over in the same manner as by Deines river, cost 6 dollars for each wagon with 4 [horses] for, were mountainfolk who lived [there], and some Indians. We made stop at 8 o'clock having travelled 24 miles, had better grass than the last time we stopped.

Monday, 5 July, 1858 Arose at 2 o'clock and made ourselves ready at once, we made stop at 7 o'clock by Matty river [Muddy Creek?], and ate breakfast, the mail came from Utah 3 wagons 6 mules for each of two of them, and 4 for the third, passed us some distance from us, one of them came riding to our camp, and told us reports from Utah, said that the Mormons had gone up in the mountains mostly, and the soldiers had walked in without resistance. We came to 8 soldiers who were [on] guard duty by the bridge across Hams Fork river which we crossed over. Once again we met an express wagon, 6 mules for it, two riding. The country we have come [through] yesterday and today has for the most been open, very good road, good today with grass, have left behind 40 miles[.] made stop at about 8 o'clock.

Tuesday, 6 July, 1858 Started driving at 3 o'clock, and after 2 hours driving we made stop, and ate breakfast, we passed by Fort Bridger at about 10 o'clock many tents were up, and many horses and mules, and [it is] said that there are about 1000 soldiers, one came riding to us, and some walking, asked us where we intended to go. We met 3 wagons and some riders whom we guessed came from Utah. We now started up the mountains[.] have 113 miles to Salt Lake. We made stop at 2 o'clock, have good grass and water, the horses have only had little to eat since yesterday noon. Today it is 9 years since I fought against our enemies [Denmark] at Fredericia, yes when I think of that my heart rejoices and thanks to my Father. Today I see our enemies who will fight against Zion, and will destroy Your Kingdom. 3 wagons remained back, their horses were poor and cannot walk too fast. We made camp by Soda Springs having left behind 36 miles.

Wednesday, 7 July, 1858 Broke camp at 4 o'clock, the country is mountainous, but solid road, the valleys are mostly steep ravines, we met some travelers, went fast onward, drove 35 miles, we crossed over Bear river, had a strong current and rock bottom, were some Indians who lived by. We stopped and made camp between 7 and 8, good place. An ox-train with 7 wagons was camped close by us were going same direction as us.

Thursday, 8 July, 1858 Broke camp at 3:30 o'clock, after having driven 8 miles stopped and ate breakfast, about 20 wagons came towards us from Utah were Mormons, said that those who had moved away were now quickly coming back; they were going to Fort Bridger for groceries. We stopped at noon by Veirts river, we drove uphill the last 7 to 8 miles, stopped at 8 o'clock having travelled 33 miles. We Danish brethren held a council in the evening, whether we should give Br. Young the wagon I drove, and Br. Hoier the other, and if we would let Hegth take our horses and mules for a while to put on grass, that we all agreed upon, but not the first part. We held prayer together [and] went to bed.

Friday, 9 July, 1858 Broke camp at 4 o'clock stopped 2 hours later and cooked breakfast. We mostly drove uphill in the morning, when we got to the highest point we had 19½ miles left to Salt Lake. It was very difficult getting down, was very steep. We came up one more mountain not so tall, but otherwise we went through mountain pass and down valleys. were many lovely fruits, [unintelligible] was like a garden to look at. Was narrow to pass through. Saw the entrenchments our brethren had made. We came in to Salt Lake City at about [blank space] o'clock[.] we drove to the place where Hegth's second wife lived, and unhitched, got the horses on grass, they had lost lots of meat on the trip, mine have all been strength[e]ned, and not the least bad luck has met us, but have been blessed more than we have earned. There has often been words between us which have not been from the right source, although we were mostly all elders. Our journey from Florence and to here [SL Valley], has lasted for 5 weeks and 3 days. I went to a lonesome spot and called on the Lord in prayer, the tears ran down my cheeks in thanks and praise to Him, for His goodness to me has blessed me until now, and pray in the name of Jesus Christ that You will do it in the future, Amen.

Saturday, 10 July, 1858 The first I will do here in the land of Zion, is to fast today, to thank my God, for He led me here happy and well, and been accompanied by His angels. I feel very sad in my prayers, am like a sheep without a shepherd, don't know where I shall go to, and what I shall start doing. You know that I cannot speak the language which is usually spoken here and give me understanding of it. You do that. You Lord have heard my prayers, and led me to here, which I have desired of You. I have my pedigree charts, and my diary, and a few extra clothes which I can wear sometime. I owe You 80 rigsdalere in tithing on my belongings, and Rasmus Olesen 10 dollars, and Karen Jensen 5 dollars, have 4 dollars owed me by Lars Jørgensen. I thank You Lord for the love You have taught me, to share of my belongings, if I continue to be faithful to the end, I will be blessed for the same. We parted and told each other farewell.