Transcript

Title: Marie M. Cardon Guild correspondence, 1898-1913, 1964

Call Number: MS 894

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LETTERS WRITTEN BY
MRS. MARIE M. CARDON GUILD
TO HER CHILDREN AS AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
with supplementary material added 1964.

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LETTERS WRITTEN BY

MRS. MARIE M. CARDON GUILD

TO HER

CHILDREN AS AN ATUOBIOGRAPHY

With supplementary material
added 1964.

Born at St. Bartholomew,

Italy, July 6, 1834

Volume 2

[ Genealogical Society stamp with number included on the bottom half of the page. Also some identifing numbers that are struck out. Remaining numbers are: P. B. Q #20]

 

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My beloved Children I earnestly desire
To add here in (a few of) many incidents and. 

Events that followed those great adventfull
trials and persicutions - in the first Centuries,
(which) were almost (over) endurable: but about the
Seventeenth Century. The Papisto began
To over comi their prejudices toward the
Waldenses People. They began to refrain
from their savagery and hatred toward our
people. (The [illegible]) and those that were able to start
from the alps and move down in the Valley
and build Churches, Colledges, School house
on the serounding plains[illegible] and I wish
to mantion, here in, that. our People were
avery Industrious. and strived hard to regain
their former standing in thrift, intelligence.
in different parts of the Country, so that
all began to realize that our trials of
persecutions (were beginning to decrease through) pearceverance. faithfulnes. to the
Commandments of our Creator, and the Laws of
the Land. of which we strickly indavered to
(obay) keep. as a People of sincerity and faithfulness
to the cause of Truth. having the Holy Bible
as our guide to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We kept up faith and Corage in out Criator
knowing that he will never forsake us, if
We serve him in sincerity of hearts and
We also built a fine Church and Collage at St. Bartolmew

Near where my grand parents lived
now my beloved Children I hope

that you will not lay this, to one side
and read books of no value: and of mere
fictions. Which as a rule leads us away
off of our True Course of a rightious life
We know my beloved Children that we
need to prepare ourselves for the day of
judgment. for we shall be juged according
to the work that We have done in the
body (and) We shall receive our just reward.
for the book shall be opened & the other book

 

 

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shall be opened also. at the first resurection
morn. I wish to refer you to I Cor. 15:21-23
also [illegible] 5:28-29. . .all in their graves shall arise
forth. . .also Acts 24:14,15. .Resurection of the
just and unjust.

I Tim. 2:4-6. . . .Christ Gave himself a Ransom
for all . .here also We had a fine Church and
College at St. Germain. for the Waldenses (Read the)
(see) Rom. 5:6-19 free gift came upon all men:
(now)My beloved Children. if you will kindly
read the above (passages and) lines in the New Testament
you will find, that we shall resurect and shall
be jugded according to our Work While we lived
on earth: remember that faith without work is
dead: as both faith and work must be together
I refer you also. . to Mark 16:15, 16.. He that
believeth and is baptized, shall be saved;
but he that believih not shall be damned.
therefore our Savior Commanded us to
repent & be baptized. by imersion in order
that we may receive {His gift of} the Holy Ghost.
I [illegible} besich you my loved ones to

[illegible]: for it is free to all that lives upon

the earth, all I can ask of you is to humbel -

yourselves in prayer to our Creator and ask

wisdom, knowledge, inteligence, and sincerity of 

heart. And I promis you that you shall know

for yourselves. His will for he is ever ready

to answer our earnest prayer. Unto him.

I remain forever yours. And hope that we 

shall meet and [word crossed out] (be) acceptabel at the Judgement

seat of God with all our dear ones. And 

be received in the Kingdom of God forever

Amen

I am your affectionate Mother

Mrs. Matie <. Cardon . Guild .

 

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I herein Wish to Explain more consise the
advents of The Waldenses our people the
Vaudois. concerning their persecutions, I made
a mistake in maintioning, that my parents
were living at the time of the Great persecution
from the Papisto. But our Great Great Ansiter
has passed through this almost unindurable
persecutions. thousands, perished with hunger
and exposure. but in the last Century.
of their persacution about or within the 17th
Century:  the Papist were beginning to feel
more kindly toward our people the Vaudois
and those who were able moved near the
plains and began to build Churches & Collages

these lines will show what patience and
Percervance brought to the mountain people,
after Centuries of Great suffering. they then
were[word crossed out](able) to come down from the Alps
and build Churches near the plains. and
Colledges, School houses: & etc.
so that the latter Century or about [two words crossed ](about) the
sevanteeth Century all seamed to prosper,
in favor of the Vaudois people. the Romans,
the Pope. of Rome. and his followers began
to treat our people: (better than ever before) (the Vaudois,) or Waldenses
with kindness: our church. [2 word crossed out] and
High Collage. [2 words illegible] a du Tour Angrogna
a protected village by almost unappro=
=chable retreat. Where a very few men Could
Keep a large force of[word crossed out] (the army)at bay; and
in this place of seclusion. the Vaudois,
Would secure as good education as could
be obtained any where else. Except in
Universities: then also there were some
scatered Schools (Houses)over the different [word illegible]

 

 

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a Church & College and school house at St. Germain,
as the Papist became more reconcilled and less
prejudisiets toward our people We were then able to
regain our Normal standings.Then as I said before
the king stood for the rights of God fearing
people. now My dear Children. When I  first beginning
of my biographies or sketch I only thought
to give you  abrif history of my conversion to
the Gospel of Christ which was restored in this last
dispensation for the salvation of all mankind and

I now hope that my biography. will be
honored among Each, and all of you. and
remember. that the Gospel of our Redeemer
is once more reestablished upon this earth for the
benefit of all mankind and free to all
therefore you can ask our heavenly Father
in honesty of heart by humble prayers to give
you Wisdom and Knowledge of his Gospel. and
he will at all time hear and answer your prayers
may God bless you and all your posterity that
are many meet in the first resurrection and
accepted in the Kingdom of heaven. I remain as
ever your loving Mother and Well Wisher
Mrs. Marie M. Cardon Guild

Our Great Great Ansesters.
of Centuries ago. over comes many
privations and percicutions. from the Papists
I now wish to refer to many passed
incidants of Centures ago: I omited
to maintain some incedants of Importance
of which I desire to insert here in, to show
you. That, at one time the papists wore nearly
in astate state of Savegery, and iliterate, and
that during thass tempestous time of Warfare
[illegibleword] (our People the Vaudois)pursocution. Notwithstandling. all matters
of hinderence to thier progressive, efforts,
they had been able to build high schools
and Colleges and Churchs for our people
the Vaudios: at [illegible word]du Tour Angrogna
a protected village by almost unappro=
=Chable retreat, Where a very few men could keep
a large force of men at bay. and in this
place of seclusion the Vaudois Would_ secure

 

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[2 words illegible] village by almost unapro=
=Chable_ retreat, where a very few men Could keep
a large force of men at bay. and this place of seclusion
the Vaudois would secure as good education as Could
be obtained anywhere else Except Universities.
I wish to make these observations upon this matter
in order that no disparagement of Characteristic
status of Civilization might be imputed upon
this people of Which We are derived by the World;
from the fact that every nationality are very much
infected with vaunting their status of Civilization
over others, and consequaist thereto, I would by
these reminders. signify to you, my beloved
Children, that we have derived on both side from
a noble people. We are not to be humiliated
by reflections cast upon our nationality, we
are [word crossed out] from. a nobel people Who suffered
even death rather than denonce our faith and
as I now must tell you me dear Children, that
We also built a fine Church and College and
fine schools (houses)at St. Bartholomew. and also a

Education. and all that pertains to a noble
and thriving people, they were the most enlightened lives

and intelligent and peaceable in pursuit of {them.
My beloved Mother. Martha Marie Lourn
was born in 1797 May 15th at Pra Du Tour
Angrogenia: (Where a Church and College was built, in) A protected village by
almost unapproachable retreat, a very few
men, could keep a large force of men at bay.
and in this place of seclusion the Vaudois
would secure as good education as could be
obtained any where else, except in Universities
the Waldenses had built a fine Church.
a beautiful College (at Angrognia} and were able to
raise as fine and intelligent families as could
be found in any Countries. and a St. Bartholomew
[word crossed out] (Valley of Piedmon) they also built a beautiful Church
and College and schools aroud diferent
districts. There also a Church was built and
College at St. Germain. the Waldenses

 

 

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Letters written by Mrs. Marie
M. Cardon Guild to her children
as an (auto-)biogragraphy.

I herein wish to maintion [word crossed out) that our
people the Waldenses or Vaudios. in spite of all
porsicutions and abuses from the papiest. they never
lost faith in our heavenly father, for his Continus
protection (over them) even when the papist had vowed the
Vaudois utter unihalation, at each instance of
general messacress. they (our people) stood their ground.
the Waldenses. were the most enlightened and
intelligent (people) and the majority (of them) could read a [word illegible)
but centuries of persicution, had caused them
to strugle almost unto death to strive to regain
their Normal Condition. of thrift. not withstanding
all matters. of hindrance to their progressive
efforts (they) built high schools and a College at
Pra du Tour(Angrogna) and also a Chruch. and this

2
as Grand education as would be obtained any
where else except in Universities. I have made
these observations upon this matter in order that
no disparagement of Chracteristic status
of Civilization might be inputed upon
this people of which we are derived, by the
World from the fact that every nationality
are very much infected with vaunting
their status of Civilization over others: and
Consequent thereto: desire by these
reminders to signify to my discandents that
We are decendants on both side from a noble
people. and not to be humiliated by reflections
Cast upon the nationality. as our great
great ancestors were of French & English
descendent on my Father's side, (Phillip Cardon) shows that
his great ancesters are (very) French. They are traced
back to the 16 Century: and my mother,
Martha Marie Tourn is of English decent
and though. in the 17th Century their parents
had moved into the Vallys of Piedmont

 

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4
Land; Lorenzo Snow and Stenhouse
retied to the montains near Latour to seek
the Lord in prayer to give them guidance
how to open their field of (labor) mission upon Italian
soil and at thier return they (Were called to) administered
to a child of Mrs. Gug the Hotel keeper of
the Hotel de [word illegible.] Which child was on the
point of death and through the (ad)ministration
rappidly recovered: Autobiography page 228
of Lorenzo Snow History
I should herein also mention the names of the
four Elders from divers nations. America.
Scotland. England. and Italy representatives
Lorenzo Snow (Amarica) Joseph. Toronto. Italy.
T.B.H. Stenhouse (Scotland) and Jabez Woodard. England
respectively.
I must not omit that these Elders at the conclusion
of their deliberations. proceeded to name the
place Mount Brigham and the Rock upon which
they stood The Rock of Prophecy. for all of them
selcosibely prophecied in their turn of Success.

Sept. 20th 1850. Jabez Woodard the above

 

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Italy: I do not wish to make this sketch
or biography long, as in the first place. I
merely wished to write down my personal
history and advents and incidents of which I have
passed through. but. I thought that it might
be better to mentions (or write) alittle sketch of some
of the Vodios people's trials and etc. etc.,
so I think it best to explain some information
I have obtained: the real dates of the
first Elders Which Were set apart to go
on a mission to Italy. Elder Lorenzo Snow
was set apart for that mission in 1849 But
some how did not appear to us. until
the 26th of July 1850, Lorenzo Snow and
Stenhouse and Toronto these three Elders
arrived at LaTour Vally of Luzerne
this is taken from page 126 Autobiography
of Lorenze Snow
In September 7th 1850 Elder Toronto
havng started for Sicily his native

 

 

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5
four Elders Concluded to organize the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints in Italy,
of four members of which they were comprised
to that effect. They [word illegible] the mountains,
and here unto is the formula of proceeding of.
the primary organization in embrio as follows
Moved by (Elder)Lorenzo Snow. that the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints be organized
in Italy: seconded & Carrid.
Moved by Elder Stenhouse. that Elder
Lorenzo Snow. of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles be sustained as President
of the Church in Italy: Seconded & Carrid
Moved by Elder Snow: that Elder Stenhouse
be secretary of the Church. in Italy;
Seconded & Carried.
Joseph Toronto of the Quorum of Seventies
Jabez Woodard. Elder
This was organized and founded the
prospective Church in Italy by those

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four Elders from four divers nations America
Scotland. England. & Itlay. respectively.

I find here in by inquirey. it was some where
near the [ 4 words marked out] (9th of May) 1851 when my
parents were Baptized: and as the Converts
increased in number and were scattered through
the valleys & mountains it became necessary for
Conveneince to organize the whole into 3 branches
viz. 1st Angrogna 2nd  St. Bartolomew=
=Prarustin 3rd St. Germain. With therin
respective Presidents Father Malan.
Phillip Cardon. and Piere Rokhon
respectively
and the three branches together formed a
Conference under the Presidency of the
suceeding Elder Woodard followed by
G. D. Keaton. I shall end this for the
present and in case I should desere to 

 

 

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Continue. I may write some more happening
but for the presnt, I concluded my biography
as my health is not very good at present.

This continued History will show to
My beloved Children that I desire to
be faire and also explain sincerely the
truth concerning our people the Vaudois of
Waldenses,

I herein wish to maintion. that our prople
in spite of all their persicutions and abuses
from the Papists, they never (lost)courage nor
(their) faith in our Heavenly Father. for his love.
and Continous protection over them, even
When the Papists had vowed the Vaudois
Utter anihalation: at such instance of
General Massucries they (our people) stood their Ground
the Vaudois. Were the most enlightened
and intelligent people, and the majority
of them could read and Write; but Centuries
of persicution had caused them to strugle
for life almost unto death, to strive to regain
their normal conditions. of thrift not withstanding
all matters of hinderance to their progressive

 

 

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efforts they built high schools and a College at
Pra du Tour Angrogna and also a fine Church
and this isolated village, by almost unapro=
=chable retreat. Where a very few men Could keep a
large force of men at bay and (in) this place of
seclusion. the Vaudois would receiers as Good
education as Could be obtained almost any
where else except in Universities. I wish to
make these observations, upon this Matter.
in order that no disparagement of Characteristic
status of Civilization might be imputed upon
our people of which we are derived by the
world: from the fact that every nationality are
very much infected with vaunting their status
of Civilization over others, and consequainte
thereto, I would by these reminders. signify
to you my beloved Children. that we [word crossed out] (are)
[words crossed out] on [2 words crossed out](descendants) from a nobel people
and we are not to be humiliated by reflections
cast upon our nationality. We are from a
noble people Who suffered even death rather

under than denounce our faith. and as I now
must tell you my dear Children, that we also built
a fine Church and College and schools at St.
Bartholomew and also a Church and college
and schools at St. Germain and as the Papist
became more reconcilled and less pregudist
toward our people We Were then able to (inpart) & regain
our Normal standing. then as I said before.
our King stood for the right of a God fearing
people: now my dear Children. when I first
began to write my biography, I thought to
give you only a short History of my
Convertion to the Gospel of our Savior
Jesus Christ. Which was restored in this
last dispensation for the salvation of all
mankind, and I now hope that my biography
will be honored among each. and all of you.
and remember. that the Gospel of our Redeemer
(is) once more reestablished upon the earth for the
last time. and for the benifit of all mankind.
in these latter days: The World Can. accept

 

 

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Jan 12th 1903
In the year of our Lord one thousand
nine hundred and three. Jan 12th

To my Children. and to whom this
may Concerne. I. Mary Magdine Cardon
Guild at the age of sixty eight years
six months and six days. I desire to write
some of the incedents of my passed life such
as has been of Great benefit both to myself
and to my aged Parents, brothers and Sisters
in the Way of a great Warning or vision;
which [Word crossed out] appeared unto me When
a child. at the age, between six or seven
years old. I saw three strangers appear before
me. as I was in my bed (but) it seemed to me that
was. on a part of my father's vineyard on a
small strip of meadow, where I was to watch
some milk cows and keep them from the vineyard
I thought I was siting on the grass, and reading
a book. I seemed to be grown up to womanhood
and as I raised my eyes I saw three

strangers dress in black but white
shirts, on[word crossed  I looked up at them but did
not speack. I raised my eyes to their face
again, and they then spoke to me, saying
fear not, we are the servants of God and
have come to preach the everlasting Gospel
of Jesus Christ. and that the fulnes there of
was revealed to Joseph Smith Jr. a young
boy who had the desire to know which of
(the) seats or Churches where the right one, he was
sincere in his heart before God. When
a voice spoke to him and said none of
the Churches had the true Gospel., but that
the true and everlasting gospel of Christ
would be revealed in its fulness, never
to be taken [word crossed out] (from) the earth again, these three
men or two of them put their hands in their
pokets and took out a small book which containd
articles of the everlasting Gospel, one of the
Books had a pale Blue cover while the other
had a pale green cover, they handed these
books to me to read; then they said the day

3

would come, when  my parents and family

would embrace this gospel yea, and

others of the house of Israel would also 

embrace this gospel, and the day was

not far when we would repent and be / 

baptized, (in the name of the father & the son and holy gost) and woul be called to Zion.

they spoke of our journey on the desert

plains. and maney a things which pertained 

to our future, and when I aawoke I truly

felt weak and strenge, I got up and went

in the kitchen where my mother was getting 

breakfast, she felt rather alarmed in seeing me 

and asked me if I was sick, I answered no.

and that is all I said, for I felt stangest

appeared to my mother that surely some thing

was wrong. but being too busy to see to 

me just then. did not say anything more

until my father came in, then she called his 

attention at once, and said tohim to try

and find out what was wrong with me.

if he could, ao he took me up on his knee

 

 

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4

and asked many a questions before I could
speak: finally I told him of what I saw and
heard while in my bed. this excited my
parents (and they) did not let one word escape their
mind, and though neither one of them Could
write these wonderfull warning or vision
yet they knew (There was something of worth to them) and felt excited over what
I had told them. they treasured up every word
in their memmory, but never mentioned it
to me any more, and as a child at that age
I thought no more aboutit and had truly
forgotten everything of which I had seen and
heard. but when at the age of 17 [word crossed out] years {of age}
[two letters crossed out] as my father and brothers & hierd men
were very busy in building a large
house: as my father was an architect. he
used to imploy men. both to healp building
and work [word illegible]  on the farm. on one
Saturday (or Friday,) early in the after noon a man
came to him asking for a job: my
father hiered him, and he was to start
work on the following monday morning

 

5
there to appear at the judgement seat of
God where you shall be judged according to
your work (done) in the body, and be seen just as you
are before him [word crossed out] Who is the great judge
and father of our souls. these are words of 

truth of which I humbly ask our heavenly father

to assist you in awakening yourselves and remember
your future life is more than all that you
Can enjoy on earth. for all passes away that
is earthly and all we can take with us is just
what our friends desire to Clothe us with as
they lay us in our graves. but out Spirits
goes to our father in heaven yea, to him that
is the giver of our souls. now I feel that I
have said enough to cause you all to ask
God in sincerity of heart to inspire you with
wisdom and knowledge, hope faith and Charity
and prepare yourselves for eternal life. I
ask god to bless you one and all, and
that the day will soon come when you all
will be able to say in truth that you know

 

 

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page_0029

6
ever since I same to Utah. I felt it
my duty to write down the many
incedents of which I had witnessed and
passed through from a young Child, but
I could then niether write nor speak the
English Language, beside this is thoes
early days I had to work every minute
of the day and sometime until ten elleven
and twelve o clock at night in order to
earne a livelyhood. provisions where very
high and labor was very cheap, and every
body or nearly evrybody dun their won work
as there were more poor people than there
were rich ones. However. I found it imopsible
to get a chanceof education in the English
Language. I finely gave the hopes of ever
being able to do any writing whatever. and I
was very thankful to be able to understand
and speak such words as were really necessary
for [word crossed out] daily porposes. to assist me
in providing a livelyhood for my family etc
I shall try and write more when I get an opportunity

7
that our Redeemer lives. amen
I will now continue and write concerning
my course as soon as I receieved a testimony
from God that these Elders were ordained
to preach (the) gospel of Christ through the
holy pristhood which was confered upon
his servants, I then was baptized according
to the Commanments of Jesus Christ our Redeemer
I then took up anew life as I could not now
associate with those whom, I had been raised
with in my childhood for it seemed that the
prejudice agained the Latter day Saints
was raging through the Country Espacialy
amont the Papists, and in fack among
the majaurity of the Waldenses people were
also ready to drive the Elders out of
the Country

 

 

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1854

-36
Where he was, as the river was too high. My father was given a bed
in a large room, Where there were four beds and three of them were taken
up by different men. The hotel was crowded to its full capacity, and I
felt rather discouraged, though I felt it necessary to look after my
father is case that he should get another Spell, yet the thought of me
having to be in a room Where men Were Sleeping strangers at that, and I
felt excidingly tired as I had been up nearly day and night, for some-
time passed, and the great anxiety over the recovery of my father. I
hardly knew What to do. However, I ordered a cup of strong coffee and
toast for my father, and after he eate, and drank his Coffee, he said that
he failt Well though very Weak. but he would not need aney one to sit up
with him. this much Was excidingly in coraging to me. and I began to
realize that the Elder Who praphasied, and said
-37-

that We. would meet many accidents in our journey and even death Would
stare us in the face but if We Would have faith in our heavenly father
and keep his commandments he Would never forsake Us in time of need; and
I then thought of this great promis and felt that something Would happen
soon and that all Would be well with us all. my father was sleeping now
very confortably. and I felt that I would be safe in the hands of God.
for I had this promis and I trusted in him for he had been mercyfull un-
tome in many a trials and circumstances and I felt sure that he would
still stand by me, and help me out of my difficulties, presently I was
called to to supper, but though I had not eate anything since early morning
yet I could not eat my supper for my heart ached so badly but just then
Elder J. B. Woodard one of the first elders who came to me, reveal the
Gospel to us in Italy, came in and, he recognized me instantly he was very
much surprized to see me there, at such a time as he knew that our steamer
was quarentined, I spoke to him in French knowing that thoes around us
could not understand what we talked about. He then said to me to eat my
supper and he would stay with my
-38-

Father allnight and he would watch over him in case he needed aneything.
and he would go with me to Where his family were stopping, and I could
stay with them until morning, and he would then go and bring me back to
my father; if ever I felt humble to my Heavenly Father, and felt thankful
for his mercy and blessings I did then; So we went to his family, and he
went back to stay alnight with my dear father, the next morning I got up
early and got ready to go and see if my father was alright. but Mrs. Woodard
insisted for me to wait until her husband would return and then he would
bring me to my father, Mrs. Woodard done all in her power to keep me until
her husband would come alfter me, but I could not content myself so finely I
started of thinking that I could find my way, but I walked through the
different streets until my strength gave out with me.
-39-

Intirely, I then wished that I had taken a good advise for I felt in true
dispare just think a young girl in a large city like St. Louis, and not
knowing the no. of my Hotel nor even the no. of the street. I could not
tell the police where I wanted to go as I was not versed in the English
Language, and then if I had been, I could not give the least idea where I
wanted to go as I did not know the nos. of the Hotel nor Mr. Woodards. I
stoped at a store door, and hoped that one of the store clerck would, ask

 

 

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me some question if I wanted aneything etc. and then I would try and make
them understand that I wanted, but just then Elder Woodard appeared X he
so he then started to hunt me up if ever felt thankful I was one of them;
had been up to his family and out that I had been gone for sometime,
We walked to where my father was, he had been up for alongtime and felt
quite well. We remained at the hotel one week, awaiting for the arrival
of the balance of our family, as appearently the cholera was about over;
When our family arrived we then went up the Mississippi River near Kansas
and we camped
-40-

there on the bank of the Mississippi above Kansas City, though it was not
much of a city then, we then were preparing for our long journey on the
wilderness; cattle and wagons and tents and suplies where unloaded on the
bank; and the men were very busy in breaking oxens, and yoke them up
ready for work, in a few days the Cholera broke out again even worse than
before, and some families of nine Children and their father died within a
few hours, people died about as fast a they could be burried fifteen and
twenty a day. I remember one moring when we were nearly all ready to
start Elder Ponse was at breakfast with his family and ours togather he
was a fine portley man and jolly. He was keeping us all laughing with his
jokes and he was instantly seased with cholera and died within a few
minutes. Some of his family lived in Ogden yet, Mrs Joseph Harris who
died about ten months ago, was one of this daughters.
-41-

Mrs. Lidia Harly is another daughter two or three others but I do not
know where they live. Mrs. Lidia Harly is the mother of Mrs. J. Rian,
Conductor on the U.P.R.W. Passenger train he lives in Ogden, I knew Mr.
and Mrs.. Ponse's family when they first joined the church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints they were very good people, Charitable, and kind to
all that were in need of Asstance etc. My father and a few others start-
ed on their journey as soon as their oxens where so that they could drive
them they would go about fifteen miles from the Mississippi River and
camp there, and wait until all the rest would come, so they would form a
large company of 75 or 80 Wagons, but some of the cattle were very wild
and onmanagable so that it took a few days, or over a week before all were
ready to leave the bank of the river. The young men of course had the very
wildest of the cattle for the older men had the most tamed ones. My three
older brothers had Each a wagon, and from three to four yokes of cattle to
each.
-42-

wagon, as they were very heavy loaded, beside the roads were very rough in
those early days; the cholera had then appearently ceased the Saints felt
full of hope and corage, again and when all were ready to start for the
desert plaines, our leader instructed us the night before, to try and make
as early start as possible in the morning so that all would be able to
reach our first camp before dark, as some of the cattles were pretty wild
and unmanagable, and an early start would be very necessary, in order to
allow for enmergency so the next morning we had our brekfast at daybreak
and made as an early start as possible my eldest Brother John took the lead
as he was the first one to start, then followed our next two brothers, and
John and David Ponse, the two sons of Elder Ponse who died a few days pre-
voius from the dread disease Cholera all were rolling toterably well

 

 

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-43-
for a short time, but when they got to the foot of a steap hill then the
trouble began, though my Brother John has gone up the hill O.K. and had
reached a small burcy, called Westport and which stood on the top of a
high hill about 12 miles form the Mississippi River but soon on e of my
brothers got in to trouble his cattle would not pull up hill and they prf-
ered to go any way but up hill they certainly refused to go and finely one
of the yokes broke down and the Ponse boys had also got one of their yoke
broken and A wagon tongue there they had to stope and let some one else pass
them, and the poor boys had no chance to get either yokes or wagon tongue
to replace the broken ones unless they could get them from our camp and
that was a long distance from where they broke down there were no other way
but to ask us girls to go to our camp and have some of the brethren who had
their oxen gentle and tamed. And bring them and also
-44-

bring some yokes and wagon tongues here I could not refuse to go; and the
Ponse Brothers also asked for their sister Mary Ann to go along with me.
so we started believing that we would reach our camp in the afternoon in
time to get some one to bring the nesessary assistance, so as to anable
our brothers to reach camp in the evening; we walked as fast as we could
walk but the most of the way was up hill, and we reached Westport about
3 P.M. We knew not how far our camp was from there so we continued our
journey in hopes of soon findiing our camp we walked down on the other side
of Westport until we came to a crick, we managed to cross it as best we
could and followed to the wagon road, then we overtook my oldest Brother John
who was unable to get up the long dugg way he had been there between two
to three hours and could not move his cattle up the long duggway, and when
we girls came up to him
-45-

and told him our errand he seemed to feel very glad and asked also for
help as he was heavey loaded and the cattle had not been used to work
at all they were just brought out of the range, While I were talking to my
brother two men came from Westport finely dressed seemingly being well to
do they stopped a few minues and my brother wanted me to ask these gentle-
men how far the first Mormon camp was, they said it was not very far and
that they were going direct to that camp and that they were Mormons and they
were willing to assist us to reach our camp if we would allow them, and
brother said that we had better accept their offer as it would be more
safe for us girls, beside it was getting late in the afternoon, I asked
these men if they thought that we could arrive at our camp before night
they said oh certainly we can be there easely by Sundown so then, we start-
ted and walked quite fast but, I felt as though something was not alright

and I thought O would ask different questions concerning the arrangements
and organization
-46-

pertaining to journey etc. etc. but I found out that he the one I was
speaking too was not at all acquainted with aneything about the journey
for even the name of the Captain nor aney of the Elder's name, we were
walking side by side, and Miss Ponse was just about one yeard ahead of me
walking side by side with the other man and as I found out that neither of
these men could speak French nor understood it, I spoke to Miss Ponse and

 

 

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told her that I thought it best for us girls to go right back and stay
with my brother until some of our people would come and help us out. But
she laughed at me and said what on earth had come in to your head now, O,
I told her that I feared that those two men were not honest and that I felt
horrid, and wished that we had never started with them, well she said I
never saw such a girl as you, you always bourrow trouble half way or meet
it half way Why she said Why,
-47-

why don't you wait until it comes before you worry? She asked if the man
by my side had said anything improper to me, I said no.
Well he dare not then What makes you think that those men mean us harm?
Well I said that I felt that our lives were in great danger I felt in dis-
pare, then she said as long as they behaved we might as well keep a going
as to go back, we are now along way from your brother and according to what
they told us we will soon arrive at the camp well I said to her Miss Ponse
have you a pocket knife with you to defend yourself? She laughed out right
and said that I was the strenyed person she had ever met, and what did we
want of a knife? She said that she did not have one. When the men behaved
like gentlemen; of course we talked and pretened that we were joking with
each other for fear that we should arrouse their supision though we were
quite sure they did not understand our Language; Well I tole Miss Ponse that
I had a good knife which I would use to good advantage in case that anething
would turn out improper;
-48-

for we came America pure and keep a with the health of God. We kept
walking right along finely I spoke and asked the man by my side How soon
he thought that we would reach our camp-- and he answered that it would not
be very long now but I said that they had told us that we would arrive be-
before Sundown, he answered and said that he hardly that it was as far a s
it appeared now to be; but prehaps we had not walked as fast as we might
have done and it now would not belong before we would arrive to our Camp,
well the sun went down and soon the stars began to show their light; and
as Miss Ponse had been laughing at me for meeting trouble half way, I did
not wish to mention the subject again. but my mind were hard at work in p
planning out a defense in case that we would be attacked, by those men. I
remembered the promise that the Elders had made unto us concerning
-49-

our trials on our long journey and that God would be with us and keep us
from all harm if we would be faithful to our covenants, and that no one
could harm us in as much as we had faith in our redemer yet I knew that
faith without work is dead, as work and faith must go together I then took
my knife out of my pocket so that I would have it ready for use at any in-
stant that I should need to use it. We then had walked along way since
dark through woods and pines and it was so dark that we could not see a
yeard away from us. All that we could see was the glitter of the stars
through the branches of the trees when all at once Miss Ponse spoke to me,
with a trembling voice and said. O, I wish that I had taken your advice,
When you wanted us to go back to your brother, but it is to late now for
we are lost girls. This man by my side says that we'll have to stay with
them tonight, I said no;

 

 

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-50-
I guess not for I have a knife ready to kill them_______________ both if
they attempt to lay a hand on us. This knife, had been the knife of that
German Lady of which I spoke of dying on the quarentine and that my Sister
Catherine and I had tried so hard to save her life and before she died she
told us that she had no relations and that she had a small trunk and she
wished us to accept of it, and if there where aneything that would be of
aney use to devide all among ourselves for we had done all that we could
do for her sickness; so after we had dressed her in her best suit and the
funeral was over we divided what few articles she had and I got the knife,
and I put it in my jacket; without ever thinking of having aney particular
use for it; but the day before we left the Mississippi River for our jour-
ney, it appeared that I had the knife in my hand, my brother Phillip said
to me let me sharpen it for you, Oh, I said I
-51-

do not want it sharpened; but he insisted in me leting him sharpen it, and
said that we had along and tideous journey and we had a rough wilderness
to travel through, and I might have use for it, so I let him sharpen it for
me. And after he was through he handed it back to me again and I put it
in my poket. I now soon found out that this knife might be the means of
saving our lives as it was very sharp, and one of the blades was long en-
ough to accomplish my plans, We now realized our serious position but we
kept calm, and we still walked but we expected to be carried away at aney
moment, as the man who was by Miss ponse's side had told her that they did
not intend to take us to our camp in the first place. When she told me
this, I then called our heavenly father to look down upon us with mercy
and to be with us in this hour of great need of his assistance, and asked
him in the name of his holy son Jesus to deliver us from these inhuman
villians
-52-

I well prepared my aim with my knife in my right hand; they now bothstoped
in front of us and said, Well dear Young Ladies, we are sorry to disap-
point you but we are now along way from your camp in the morning
we will take you; but before they could say another word, I boldly told
them to hold their hands off us or we would take their lives, unless they
would let us go uninjured We would kill them both, they seemed to be para
lized just then and if they had made an attempt to lay an un evil hand on
us I was ready to cut both their throats; for my plan was set for ac-
tion; but the villains could not even speak one word, us girls started to
run for dear life; we followed the path before us as we were in the woods
and did not know where to go for protection Just think my beloved children
for one moment how we felt in the middle of the night
-53-

in a new country and not knowing were to go for protection words can never
discribe our_____________ We held each others hand and ran for our lives I
still held my knife opened in my right hand but I finely gave up as my
strength was gone, and thinking that perhaps those villians would not fol-
low us, I said to Miss Ponse, I can not walk aney more let us sit down for
a minute or two for I am dunup so we both thought of stopping for a moment
but before we were seated on the ground we heard foot steps in our path not
far off us and we then started with all our strength and run as fast as we

 

 

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could we got through the woods and in to the wild prairies. We were runn-
ing still and we passed a small log cabin and two men were laying down at
the front of this cabin. I suppose they heard us coming, in fact we were
about one yeard from them when we saw them they halfway raised up, and both
spoke at once and said, good evening Ladies but in out fright we never
answered but failt still worse than before, thingking that we might yet be
caught, as we knew that the two villians where after us, we thought
-54-

that perhaps these two last ones might be as bad as the other two or perhaps
worse so we ran now truly in wild dispare for our lives, it was not so dark
when we got out on to the prairies, but the dwe had fallenheavely and the
grass was wet, we soon got our clothes driping wet traveling through the
tall grass, and we became almost unable to walk, at one time we thought of
sitting down and wait until day light, before we would walk aney further,
but after we sat down we began to realize our situation we knew of those
two villians being in our track and we were not sure but what they were
close in our path and even if they had lost sight of us and would not find
us, we were not sure of our lives as there might be some wild beasts come
upon us for we had neither food nor water
-55-

since we had left the Mississippi River and we walked ever since as fast
as we could and run a great part of the time, and if we would sit down for
aney length of time we were liable to go to sleep, and we might yet be
overtaken by those villians or some wild beast would devour us if they came
upon on us while we were asleep, so we thought it best to walk west as near
as we could and as we were guided a little by the stars it would not be
long before day light now so we walked still hand in hand I still held my
knife opened in my right hand, we came to a creek and there we found some
sticks we tokk one each thinking that we might need them in our wanderings
about, after a while we came to a hallow, and as we looked up a head of us
we saw a light and we felt sure it was the morning star it appeared as th-
ough it was glittering through some trees as though the breeze just moved
the branches, but as we came nearer we found out, in stead of being the
morning star, it was a house and people
-56-

there in were having a dance, and as they prominaded around it kind of
shaded the light from the windows, as we were quite distance when we first
sawit, as soon as we came to the house we rang the bell and some of the
dancers came to the door and they kindly invited us to come in we thanked
them kindly, but in out dispare we dared not tell them that we were lost
and of what happened for fear that those two inhuman men might soon
come there and inquire after us, so we told those young people that we
were diserious to go to the first Mormon Camp from the Mississippi River,
and that our parents were following us up but that had broken a wagon wheel
and they had been detained conciderable in repairing the wheel, and the
company had gone ahead to form a camp in a suitable place and we girls
whished to go ahead and find the camp and get something to eat ready for
our parents, Well dear ladies they said to
-57-

us, you have passed the first camp long since you are now twelve miles
and on half from the first camp and it is two miles and one half from
the second you certainly must have lost your way intierly, you had better

 

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come in and stay until daylight and then you will be assisted to find your
Camp, but we could not make up our mind to that, for they were all dressed
up gaily and we two poor lost girls must have looked horrid but we kindly
thanked them for their kind hospitatity; but we thought if they would
kindly direct us in the direction of the second camp, we would be able
to get some one to take us back to our camp. So they kindly came with us
a few steps and showed us as best they could discribe the road to the second
Camp. We walked for about half a mile and on our right hand we saw a small
cabin the door was open it being very warm weather. it was but a small
room. We saw a man in bed appearingly sick he had a towel tied over his
forehead, and an other man sitting near, the door reading. We felt sure
that it would be alright for us to go and ask if we were on the right road
to the mormon second Camp. but we dared not say that we were lost for fear
these two men might come along there, and as the door was opened and the
cabin was lighted they would be alright to get information concerning us,
so we told this man who was sitting up with the sick man, that we wanted
to get to the camp as quick as possible so as to get a fire started and
get a cup of Coffee ready for our parents, for they had some bad luck with
their wagon and they could not keep up with the rest of the Company; This
man came out side the door and he was very kind he told us that we were on the
right road and he returned to the house, we thanked him very much for his
kindness, and we started of to find our camp, but we soon made up our mind,
that it would be better to go back to the house where there was a dance as
there were ladies there and we would surely be safe with them; and we then
went back quickly as we could walk, and rang the bell again they come to
meet us at the door. We then thought it best to tell them our adventure
and that we were lost, and if they would let us stay there until daylight
we would be very greatful unto them. They kindly told us to go in; Just
then the man who was sitting up with the sick man, had heard our story to
these ladies and spoke and said I knew these young ladies were lost and that
some thing was rong with them, and this is why I watched them after they
left my house and I found out that they only went a short way after they
left and soon I heard them running back. I was close to the road but they
did not see me. I knew by the way they looked and spoke that they were in
dispare, and I have come to find out and see if I could be of any assistance
to them in their troubles what ever it maybe; He was a good man, thoes
ladies at the dance house told us that they knew him well and if we preferred
to stay with them until day light we were very welcome, as they had already
told us, but if we wanted to go to camp this man who had been watching us,
They would recommend him to us as an honest man, and he would be as a brother
to us, and he would bring us safely to where we wished to go, so we thought
it best to go. We kindly thanked them fortheir kindness to us; and started
on our way I then tried to keep up courage in thinking that we would now soon
be to a Mormon Camp and would be alright, Miss Ponse seemed not to be quite
so gave out as I was. I began to look back on the advent when I held my
knife ready to kill thoes men whom had assaulted us and the thought made me
feel almost sick, I never spoke one word after we left those kind ladies at
the house, but before then I had done about all the talking. Miss ponse
now was telling the man who was taking us to Camp about our adventure as we
walked along. when all at once a voice familiar to us spoke out and said;
is that you miss Ponse? and what in the world brings you here so early?
What has happened? This man crossed the Sea with us, and we knew him
and his wife. He was out as night watch, over the cattle to keep them to-

 

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health and strenth upon him, and he very soon got well so that we were able
to start the next morning
-65-

and we fixed him as comfortable as possible in our wagon and started. All
seemed in harmony and all was glad and happy; We traveled 25 miles that
day. which was considered quite a distance; For the roads were very poor
and the cattle were still very stuborn and hard to drive; besides the drivers
most of them had never attempted to yoke up cattle or even had seen how they
were being yoked; truely some of them appeared as though they never could
learn anything out side of their onely profession either weaving, working in
the mines, or at a certain traid. which they learned when in their younger
days. And it seemed as though it was almost empossible that this long and
tideous journey could ever be accomplished. But we had the promise that we
should, at least, my father's family, reach the end of our journey in due time
and with health and strenth if we kept our covenant and have faith in our
redeemer; Therefore we had the safest guide that heaven and earth can claim.
And we relied on his power and
-66-

kept up good courage and all was going as well as could be expected.
When my father had the misfortune to sprain his ankle very badly so that
he was laid up intirely. All my brothers had a team to drive and so I had
to drive my father's team nearly all the way to Salt Lake City, It was
pretty hard job for me, but I made up my mind never to grumble and take
everything just as they come, after being rescued from som many incidents
I felt that come what would I would not murmur; One evening after we reach-
ed a Camping place about two hundred miles journey, We all felt tired but
Our Captain Mr. Campbell was a noble man and he understood his businees thou-
roly He was jolley and kind, every body loved him for his kind ways. This
was his third time that he crossed the plaines for the porpose of bring-
ing a Company of
-67-

Latterday Saints in to Utah, after the singing our president spoke very in-
couraging to the Saints and urged them to be faithfull to their covenants,
and be kind to each other and be as brothers and sisters and be united for
we were on a journey of trials and not of luxsery. Never the less we had
great cause to rejoice and be excidingly happy for the prividge of being
called to Zion and there have the opportunity to learn God;s laws in these
last despensation. After the benedction all went to bed as usual; But not
to sleep long for about 12 o'clock we were awakened by Indian yells all a-
round our Camp. But they did not come in to the Camp, but they stampeded
all our cattle, there was not one left the men hearders were powerless in-
tirely to stop them. They brought the news to our President of the incident;
As a matter of course we all dressed our selves as quick as possible. Not
knowing but what we would be attacked next but they did not molest us; At
day break next morning our President called all the men to gether to find
out who could swim as it was found out that all our stock had been driven
across a large river, and as that was the only way left for us to get our
stock, was for some of the men to swim across the river as we had not even
a horse left us. My Brothers Phillip, John and Paul volenteered to go and
also abot seven or eight otheys, they
-68-

started very early and went to where they saw the place where the cattle

 

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were driven across and got ready to swim and all go across and they found
our stock among the brush and they drove them back across, and counted
them out and found that none had been separated; After all the stock had
been driven across the boys thought of having a little fun and have a good
swim, but my brother philip being a very fair swimmer he turned around and
plaied with the boys and was in for a jolley time for a few minutes; But
while pulling one an other about in their
-69-

fun, my Brother stepped backward in to a whirlpool and was carried off in-
stantely one of the best swimmers attempted to rescue him but the current
was very swift and he was carried quite a distance before he could be res-
cued and when they got him he was about dead, the boys done all that could 

be done to revive him but he was ao so far drowned that they had to carry him
to camp as quick as possible and all that human hand could do was done;
The Elders administered unto him also; His life was saved after much work
and faith in God. We never forgot the promise that was made unto us, and
we exercised all our faith in our Redeemer, and he soon began to breath;
The first word he muteered was why did you not let me sleep, instead of
causing me such great agoney? Deathe is easy to a drowning person, to what
the sufferings are to be brought to life again. I often heard him. say
after he got well, how terrible sick he felt when life seemed to returne
unto him he said words could never express the misery and pain.
-70-

which he suffered; We got all our cattle and what few horses we had and
started again on our journey, We made consederable progress each day con-
sidering the very bad roads, some days we would travel until late at night
on account of having to find a good camping place, where grass and water
could be found, However we were progressing along very in coragingly, and
we now had journaied the distamce of about three hundred miles though we
often had to stope and treat the Indians with provisions clothing & etc.
in order to keep in the good side of them, for often they looked as though
very little would bring out their savage nature and we would have but little
or no chance to defend our selves; If the should break out upon us, they well
knew that we were but a handfull among them, as the plains were covered
with diferent tribs of indians and our people were not well equiped in arms
or amunision, and we would stand no show among them and as or Captain Mr.
Kambell had crossed the desert plain twice before he knew that kind treat-
ment to Indians at such a time were far better than fighting them, so we
would stop our train of wagons and give them what we felt able and even more
for a great maney were not very well prepared to devide with the Indians
for they had but limited supplys to serve them for the long and tideous
journey which was before us all in fact, but how ever we divided with the
red skins right along in order to make sure of our lives from their savage
atact on arriving at a fair place for camping one evening about three hun-
dred & 50 miles journey, after starting to get supper and milking our cows,
we were very much blessed in this; My father had purchased two fresh milk
cows for our use on the plains, as we had quite a large family to look after,
Eight of our own family and five of a poor family which my father had vol-
entered to bring to Zion on his means, so that we were 13 in number and we
found out that we had been very lucky to have these cows as we had more milk
than we could use and could well divide a portion to thoes who had none be-
sides we had all the butter that we needed.
-72-

We would put the morning's milk into the churn and put the dasher in it and

 

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[This page is out of sequence. It should follow page 46.
All of the remaining pages need to be renumbeed.]

gether as much as was necessary. there were three others also who had
crossed the Sea with us: this first man who had recognized Miss Ponse's
voice and spoke said that he would take us to Camp and have his wife get
us some breakfast so the gentleman who so kindly had offered his assistance
to take us to camp said that he would now return and look after his brother
who was sick and he hoped that all would be well with us. We very kindly
thanked him for his assistance. We soon got to Camp. The Man's wife got
us some toast and a cup of Coffee and she insisted that we should lay down
a little while, as her husband had to back and help the other three men
bring the cattle, so we laid down for a while for we were worren out intire-
ly. When he returned he wanted he unloaded his wagon and arranged so he
could take us back to our Camp. But the Captain had already fixed his bugy
so we finely arrived there between eleven and
-62-

Twelve O'clock A. M. nearly noon. When we arrived to our camp, there was
a great rejoicing for nearly everyboby that that we were either dead or
that those inhuman men had taken us some where, where we could not be found
by any of our people, My dear Mother was unable to speak above a whisper
the men were all out in search of us, my brothers had all managed to reach
camp that same night, and when my brother John arrive at camp and told our
parents about those two men promising to bring us safely to our Camp, in
safety, and saying that they were Mormons and that their families were at
this camp getting ready for the desert plains and that they also promised
that we would arrive at our Camp before sundown, then every man turned out
in search of us, calling us by our names, and they kept a fire buring all
night, but hearing nothing,
-63-

concerning us they began to think that thoes men had run away with us or
perhaps they had killed us or maybe they had left us in the woods and some
wild beast had devoired us; But God had watched over us and he had been
true to his promise, when he had spoken through his servants when they
blessed us and sealed thoes promises upon us and prophisied in the name of
the father and of the son and of the Holy Ghost. That if we would do what
was right and keep ourselves pure before our heavenly father that he would
be with us in time of need; We had already passed through maney a trials
for the sake of the everlasting Gospel, and the Greater our trials and the
more faith we had in our Redeemer. For we knew that he lived and I will
testify in his Holy name that he is ever ready to answer us when we are
humbel before him and sincere in heart; It seemen as though we still had
some more trials to encounter right along through our journey, but we got
out of all our
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trials in trusting in the devine love and guidance of our heavenly father;
For whom so ever will trust in him. shall not be disapointed. For he is
ever ready to answer us when we have faith in him. We finally were about
to start now for our long journey. When my Brother Bartholomew or Thomas,
my youngest brother was sudenly taken sick with Cholera we had to pos-
pone our journey, again until my brother would recover We done all that
could be done, we had him administered too by the elders and they prophe-
sized that he should recover and that dread disease would depart from his
body and they comaned the disease to depart from my brother, in the name
of the father and the Son and the Holy Ghost and by the power of the Holy
Priesthood which was vested in them and they sealed these blessings of

 

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tie a clean towel around the top so no dust could possible get in and fasten
the churn at the back of the wagon and when we arrived our butter would be

ready gathered at night when we arrived at camp so this made it very nice
for us to have fresh butter every day.
Well as I said supper was started and I had just taken the bucket or pail
to milk the cows when here arrived three strangers on horse back. they
come right up unmounted their horses saluted my father and mother and all
of us they tied their horses and one of them come up and asked me the pri-
viledge to be allowed to milk the cows but I decidedly refused, If felt
that I would nor allow him, for it would bring me under obligation, which
I considered would be a little unwise for me to acept; My father asked me
to let him, but I said no. The three strangers however staid and tried to
make themselves as agreeble as possible with my parnets and brothers and in
fact they staid until supper was ready to be served and we could not but
ask them to sup with
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us as we were out on the plains where there were no place for these men to
get a meal, so my father invited them to partake of our Camping Hospitality;
Which they gladly acepted: Father certainly had no idea what ever, what
they were there far, after supper they went and staked out their horses and
returned and seemingly wanted to converse with my parents, but as they could
not understand each other, they finly went to Elder Baliff who could speak
German, French and English. and they asked him to talk to my perents and to
my sister and I and they they said that if they could get our parents consent
and we girls to become their wives when we would reach Salt Lake. That they
would get a caraage for father mother and we girls to ride in stead of riding
in a loaded Cattle Wagon Which was not very pleasant, all this was very true
but we did no expect to go to Zion in such a luxcerious way beside all this 

we were not to be bought or sold, We Latter Day Saints do not believe in
selling our souls nor our children for money, nor property, and as a matter
of fact they saw already Elder Balliff for he knew all about our principals
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and made it appear to those men that he had interpretied word for word con-
concerning their proposals, at the same time we all were almost tempted to
laugh right out at the idea, for strangers to some in to a Latterday Saint
Camp and thinking og buying young ladies, they must have thought that money
and caraages would be of inducement but that found their mistakes very
quick when they offered us a large some of money we merely laughed at them
and treated them with Scorn, though they told Elder Balliff that they would
not ask us to marry them untill they would prove them selves worthy of us
and join the church, but such was intirely against our principles; But their
long ride was not very successfull, for the next morning they could not find
their horses and they left on foot. Though they had lots of money with them
yet, they felt pretty sad of the matter, How ever we started on our journey
and thought no more about them.
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But after traveling for a number of days we were about then five hundred miles
on our Journey to the great Salt Lake. When we Camped near a hollow place
Thickly covered with willows and brush, and though we had men out at night
always to look after our stock and never before had we lost one single head,
but this night in particular Elder Balliff lost seven heads of his cattle,
the men all turned out as soon as the breakfast was over but failed to
find any trace of them what ever, but while he Elder Balliff was out late

 

 

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in the afternoon hunting for his cattle, who should he meet in among the
brush but the very same men above mentioned; With horses and side saddles
beside the ones were riding themselves. They were intending to watch for
we girls to come out and get wood and water as they knew that we usaly
went out instead of our father, who was still very lame, or brothers was
they generally had all they could do to look after the stock Etc. Elder
Balliff inquired of these men if they had seen anything of seven head of
cattle as he described them very particullary
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to them but they said that they had not seen them. Elder Balliff was rather
surprised to see these men with extra horses and ladies side saddles on them,
he thought that some thing was up. He remarked to them, What brought them,
out in such a place in the wilderness, with horses equiped in such a style
for Ladies appearently and in reply they confided i him their earnd and
told him that if he would do them a great favor they would help him to find
his lost cattle or if they could not find then they know of some large cattle
owners and they would buy him good cattle to replace those lost, but onely
on conditions that he would assist them on their plan, they said that they
were there for the porpos of watching an opportunity when we would be out
for water or wood and they had their plan so arranged to take us up with out
any one would find it out until it would be too late to find our where abouts,
all they asked of him was this that he would so contrive to have us girls to
go out in the evening just a little before dark. Mr. Balliff
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told them that he was not the man to sell his Honor for money or cattle nor
yet would he be a criminal in deceaving pure verteous young ladies and be-
side distroying the peace of aged parents and families; He thanked them for
the offer made to him but said he would keep his conciance clear. They then
asked if he could not healp them in any way; for him not to say anything
to aney one concerning the matter but he left them with out one word and
come direct to Camp and told my father all of what he knew concerning thoes
men, and to see that he did not allow us to leave the Camp under no circum-
stances what ever. We girls staied in Camp that evening and the next few
days. We did not attempt to go far wood or water with out some one with
us, and we staid close to our parents, as we now felt sure that these men
were determent to get away with us if possible. Just because were were Mor-
mon Girls. Perhaps they were some of the decendants of the mob who had in
former days killed our Prophet Joesph Smith and his Brother Hirum and they
masacred maney innocent persons.
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just because they were Latterday Saints. I will now tell yoy my beloved Sons
and Daughters, that the day is near at hand when such men as those Who as-
saulted us and followed us five hundred miles across the desert plains on
porpus to distroy us, and rejoice over their victory, that is if they had
been able to gain and accomplish their vicious plans, to distroy the Servants
of God, even us Girls Who had left our home for the sake of the everlasting
gospel of Christ. they surely
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I have often thought of it were possible that these men were the very ones
Whom had in the first place tried to get away with us girls When We Were
on our way to our first Camp from the Mississipp River I could never ricog
nize them, again as I never for once looked at them after they first spoke

 

 

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about taking us to our Camp. I onely raised my eyes to their faces then,
and after we started, I was so very anxious to reach Camp that both Miss
Ponse and I Walked quite fast, and as I asked the man Who Walked by my side
maney questions concerning matters pertaining to our Leaders, etc. etc.
I never once raised my eyes to his face, andin feelling doubtfull of these
two men's honestly I felt rather anxious to reach Camp as soon as possible,
therefore I could never Identify them afterwards.

 

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