Transcript

Transcript for Smoot, Abraham O., to Brigham Young, 7 July 1852, in Brigham Young, Office Files 1832-1878, reel 32, box 22, fd. 19

Banks of the Great Platt River
South Side, 45 miles above Fort Kearney
7th July 1852

President Young

Very dear Brother

I am happy to inform you that I have thus far prosecuted my journey and after the days of our afflictions having passed by, I find my camp, this evening in blooming health and prosperity, with their faces set Zionwards like a flint, and feel as a general thing to make any sacrifice to farther prosecute their journey Zionwards. During our stay at Kansas, (which was some 2 weeks longer than I anticipated when I arrived there from being dissappointed in the dates of the reception of my cattle) the cholera visited that place and found its way 7 miles west to our encampment, to which 11 of the emigration company fell a prey & 7 of Inflammation, Measles, &c & 1 drowned. I have in my camp about 226 Souls, sent out by the Emigration Fund, and 26 who are on their own resources. We left Kansas encampment on the 1st day of June and have slowly, but prosperously made our way thus far, through the well directed train of his kind providence, who guides the steps of all his saints. I have in my train, 33 waggons, 24 of which belong to the emigration fund also 55 yoke of cattle belonging to the fund & 50 cows. My waggons are good and my cattle the finest, I have ever bought in Missouri, & I think if the Passengers continue to do as good a portion of foot service as they have hitherto done, that we shall make a quick and prosperous journey, and my cattle in good condition when they get in. You will please do me the kindness to remember me and my sacred charge, in your prayers to the God of Joseph, that all things may happen well to Israel and be assured that with sentiments of high esteem I am ever

Your Brother and fellow servant in the Kingdom of God

A.O. Smoot