Transcript
Transcript for Roskelley, Samuel, "Grandpa Roskelley Looks at Life," Roskelley Organ 1, no. 1 (1 June 1951): 29-30
May 3 we found the horses and proceeded to the Elkhorn [Elk Horn] river. Appointed cook of No. 3 Mess. On our way westward visited the new town of Genoa, a place lately occupied by the Saints from the Frontier and organized as a branch of the church.
Monday 10th May assisting in putting the wagons over the Loup Fork river, wading and standing in water all day. Tuesday 11, May started from the Loup Fork River westward.
Sunday 21 June 1858 at 9:15 P.M. I left camp on the divide west of the Weber river and walked in the city several hours ahead of the Express sent from the camp to notify the presidency of our near approach. Arriving in Main street Salt Lake City about 9 o’clock A.M. Monday 22 June 1858 and took breakfast at the Globe Hotel, Main street, by invitation of Elder David Candlin, the proprietor. I afterwards went to Pres. Young’s house and found the Lions, Bee Hive and White House and premises in charge of a Bro. Smith. All the city was deserted. The few men around had been detailed a guards to look after the property and water the trees to keep them alive. These trees were covered with weeds and business entirely suspended. Weeds growing in abundance everywhere and city presented a sorrowful appearance. Our train arrived in the evening and an express was sent to the Presidency at Provo notifying them of our arrival as great anxiety was felt by the church concerning us, fearing we might fall into the hands of the soldiers.