Transcript
Transcript for Mary Ellen Harris Abel Kimball, "Sketch of pioneer history, 1895," 24, 27-28
Pres. Young recovered his health and began to prepare for traveling. A company of one hundred men and 3 women namely Sister Harriet Young & Sis. Ellen Kimball & Clara Young
After leaving Scotts Bluffs we found Salurates [saleratus] ponds <or lakes> of water which poisoned many of the cattle & some of them died. But before reaching this place we saw several herds of buffalo at a little distance off[.] This was an interesting sight, Yet fearful, least they cause a stampead. This did not occur however with us. We also met several tribes of indians. The Shoshonies were the best looking, and most cleanly. They really looked nice in their costume of skins, ornamented with beeds. But the calamity of our teams droping off one by one was allarming. This caused many an anxious prayer to ascend to our Father for wisdom what to do. At last we arrived at the Pacific Springs. Here we met the Pioneers on their way home. This must have been the last of August or first of September. We were all overjoyed at the sight. Also to learn the history of their travels. They stoped with us two days, when we seperated[.] They for the east, and we for the west. Immediately we had a snow storm. When we arose in the morning every thing was loaded with snow. This looked fearful[.] many miles and mountains too <were> between us <and the valley>. Yet we were on the Pacific slope, as all the streams since we came to the Pacific springs ran to the west, toward the Pacific Ocean[.] But in a few hours the snow melted off. This was the only snow storm of any account that we had on the road. In about 10 days <at last> we had reached the top of the high mountain where we could see Salt Lake. I shall never forget the sensation it gave me, to see that peaceful lake. It seemed that my heart jumped into my; mouth, and tears in my eyes. I felt to exclaim thanks to my Heavenly Father that we are so near our place of destination.
On the 2d day afterward we arrived into the Valley. I think it was 16th of September 1847.
. . . .We arrived Sept 15th or 16th I am not sure which,