Transcript

Transcript for Thomas E. Jeremy collection, 1827-1931, Journal (volume 3), 1854 September-1858 April

June 11th . After a pleasant & prosperous trip we arrived safely at a small town-"Atchison" on the West bank of the river over [-------].

June 12th. The brethren from a place called "Mormon Grove", came to meet us with their oxen and wagons &c and we were soon removed to the "Grove" where we were soon comfortably situated under Pur Tents & in wagons

Mormon Grove presents a beautiful appearance with its pretty grove, its regular streets lined on each side by Tents in regular order & the creeks on each side in the vallies below. The Saints here are under the presidency of Brother Andrews who is a most excellent man and ably fitted for the duties imposed on him. I had the pleasure of meeting [-------] among whom was Bro[ther] Daniel Spencer. Bro Balentine [Ballentyne] who has gone onward towards Zion in charge of a train; also Erastus Snow the president of "Stake" at St Louis and many other good warm friends whom I shall in union be and hold ever grat[e]fully the warmest feelings

My time has of late been occupied by buying my oxen & also those of my brothers, also buying our wagon & etc & In Breaking our oxen to labor on the wagon[.] we have succeeded admirably & with less trouble than some of the brethren have had with theirs. Tis truly a most languable [I.ence.] to see some of their [---] Oxen during the "Breaking" in period. I had much instruction to give ere we got them to act thier part as desired"

Yet amidst all the duties I had often the pertuaity of attending many interesting meetings I frequently had the pleasure of addressing the company at the Grove and during the time I spoke a most excellent spirit was manifested[.] "Many of the "leaders" at the Grove have frequently shown the warmest regard at the meetings & in private they have blessed me again and again also telling me how much They loved me. In fact showing a feeling of the sweetest [---].

July The Saints here are kept in admirable order. The Welsh English and those of other nations are all camped separate. This is the Welsh a Company of themselves & so on with the others yet "all under the same government["].

June" We have had many happy meetings amongst ourselves. In which Bro Stevenson addressed the English portion while I did the Welsh. Our meetings "never smacked of "nationality" as a dear brother Patrick Lynch, would say, but were as one in union when necessary.

I should here remark to the credit of the Welsh Company under my jurisdiction. That they were addressed one evening by Bro M Andrews president here at the Grove—during his lecture, he repeatedly said that the "Welsh Saints" under my charge. Were the best class of people. Individually that he ever saw "always willing". "ever ready to do their duty." and he being satisfied with that they have called on me and said "Bro Andrews what can I do now," is there anything to be done". Such are about the substance of his Praise to the Welsh he also remarked that they were the only people who have "asked for More". I was truly glad to heare his remarks and to add them to the many [-] I've hears [--]

I will here premise by saying that I am writing my Journal since June 6th I have for from recollection having been so much occupied by doing business for the Saints It has debased me from having that time necessary. even now on my Journey over the plains I have still the same & more to. So I have employed a clerk who is now writing as me and has been doing so since June 6th/55)

I forgot to mention under the heading "June" 1855 that I baptized my nephew August Griffiths here at the Grove on the 15th June 1855 and confirmed by my brother David. Daniel Thoms and myself a certificate having been given him from Bro[ther] Andrews to that effect.

During the early part of our stay at the Grove in June we were seperated from President Stevenson who was "sent on" to assist Bro Blair['s] Camp, and to assume <the> presidency in place of Bro Blair.

I had the misfortune during the latter <part> of our Stay, I hd To lose my yoke of oxen as did also several of the Brethern in <the> "Independant Co. " There is something sinistar about loss of them for my brother & others saw them a few minutes previous to their being missed. We made many and every endeavor to find them, but without any Success. my brother was out several days looking for them with some of the brethern. the oxen were very good & gentle and they would have just suited by son John's wish[,]the one expressed in a letter to me. for "Short legged oxen" I have left description of them with Bro Andrews of whom I obtained a new yoke.

A wonderful manifestation of the power of the Almig[h]ty God <was witnessed by me> during the severe Illness of Bro Patrick Lynch who sent for me & desired that I should administer to him (his disease was cholera of the most violent form). So I at once laid hands on him and I no sooner done so, than I shall quote his own words. "He felt a shock of Electricity" as it were pass through his system & then a profuse sweating came on & next morning he was attending to his duties.

At a meeting held in July for the purpose of appointing officers to conduct this company of Saints Over the plains, and many other business matters of importance was transacted.

It was voted, "Seconded; and un<an>imously carried that Bro A [Charles] E [A.] Harper be the Captain of the whole train[.] That I would be Captain of the Welsh. Bro St George of the Iendies & French and Bro Dr [William Walker] Rust of the English. We are to start on the 25th of July. We are all ready and have been for some time. the Welsh was the first company ready.

Tuesday 24th We only cultivated this "memorable day" by a grand procession in which the Welsh as usual in everything Took the lead. All the Saints of the Grove following <with> firearms of all descriptions. Also flags banners & c and plenty of music to enliven the scence. with the Shooting of guns &c &c I think every demonstration was made; necessary. After the Grand march we assembled the Saints together for the purpose of a meeting, at which many good toasts were passed & many Happy addresses and a poetical ode was delivered by Bro Mills composed for the occassion on the 24th & ["]the Grove" was the subject. In the evening there was dancing &c &c.Wednesday 25th. We made our start for Zion by moving our train about 2 miles from the grove. We here camped for a time

Monday 30th We are here at Grasshopper Creek 12 miles from the Grove. here we <had> plenty of water & wood & gome [some] feed for the Cattle. We had to stay here one day to repair an Axle tree broken. One of the "Calafornians" oxen gorged himself to death. Bro's Erastus Snow[.] Orson spencer visited us in their carriage for a last good bye to have with officers & camp.

From this point I shall skip over the many stopping places we made to our present Camping ground The Big Blue River.

August 1855. Suffice it to say we are all in good Health and have come along thus far very well. With the exception of the death's of a baby of a BroYoung. Who was previously very ill at the Grove Also the melancholy accident, that of a little girl of Bro Graves falling from the wagon & immediately crushed to death by the Wheels

Tuesday 7th We came to the banks of Big Blue and found the river to high, but fulling, for us to ford over.

Thursday 9th The river has fallen. And we are passing the wagons over as actively as possible for The river is again rising and making more & more difficult for us to pass over. The current is very strong & several persons have narrowly escaped with thier live so—one young man swimming was across. was overwhelmed with the current & was found senseless on the water & pulled to shore[.] he soon recovered. This day I labored very hard having to pass & repass the river many times in aid to pass them over.

Thursday 16th Bro Andrews camp is on the other side of the Blue. He left the <Grove> one week later than our Co[mpany]. We are compelled to pass a portion of our train over by the ferry[.] the hieght of the river will not permit us to ford. We left today and traveled 18 miles.

Friday 17th We are all in good health & rolling on smoothly. stopt at 8 miles to dine &c then we came 8 miles more & camped on the praire

Saturday 18th Nothing of importance this <day> only we are roling on to 18 miles more.

Sunday 19th Have come 4 miles to "Sandy" here we found Andrew[']s camp. laid up and waiting to repair four wagons then rolled on 15 miles more to the "Little Blue River["]. good water wood & grass

Monday 20th rolled on 10 miles by the side of the river[.] we stopt at noon to wash & cook &c. We here saw 8 buffaloes. It is astonishing to see the great quantities of plums, ripe and juicy, that are collected by the brethern & Sisters all along the road here at the "Blue". They bring into the camp Bushels & bushels of Plums & also therewith an equal quantity of grapes, Wild & some what more bitter than the domestic grapes

Tuesday 21st Came 15 or 20 miles over a rough road[.] We had two wagons to upset to day[.] they belonged to the English Camp. there was one child severely injured[.] Saw Some Buffaloes

Wednesday 22nd Came 15 or 20 miles—to day no incident worth mentioning only "alls well".

Thursday 23rd We came on finely today Some 20 miles[.] weather very pleasant[.] good road & pretty Scenery.

Friday 24th Came to day some 20 miles. And Camped on the bank of the river "Platte" Some 6 miles from Fort Kearney which is in sight. There is very <good> grass & plenty of it for our Oxen at this point[.] also Fuel &c

Saturday 25th We camped all day to make repairs. Our wagons are as yet very good[.] also the Oxen do not show any marks yet from the trip[.] We have every day all most been blessed with good grass & water for our Oxen and feel to praise and thank my Heavenly Father <for his> unbounded blessings upon us all as a Camp[.] Also Heavenly Father we would Humbly pray The[e] to continue to bless with increased prosperity so that we may roll on to Zion in peace and safety from all contending powers[.] In the name of Jesus Christ[.] Amen

Sunday 26th We came 20 miles over a good road[.] We had a Sacrement Meeting[.] the happiest of Spirits prevailed all the time[.] Bro[thers] Harper; [William Walker] Rust; and Myself addressed the Saints with much spirit and effect. 4 Indians came into Camp at dusk & begged for Tobacca and other things & Seemed anxious to "Suap" [swap] thier ponies. they were of the Sioux Tribe. quite a large Company passed us to the West they were we suppose of the Sioux tribe. It is highly nescessary that we should keep up a good guard & well armed for there is War declared by the government of the U[nited] States against the Sioux for thier having sworn to take the life of every "White["] that crossed thier path. Many soldiers have gone forward <to> meet them[.] also the "pawnee tribe" have joined with them to war against them.

Monday 27th We have come today about 25 miles over a good level road. We met a train returning to the States from the Fort[.] Seen many Buffaloes. We camped on the Platte. grass good. wood not to be got at but there are plenty of Buffaloes Chips

Tuesday 28th Came 20 miles over a splendid road. Weather pleasant. Seen Hundreds of Buffaloes. Some of the brethren tried to shoot some of them but with no Success. Andrews Camp and ours are traveling close together for the sake of increasing our protection from the Indians. Met a party of gentiles among whom was a young woman who claimed to be a Saint from Salt Lake. She was going to the States to her husband in Kanesville who had sent for her. So as to settle some property matters. Her brother was in the Co[mpany] also. She said many stories which did not base on the face. Truth. her names is Vales & lived in the 16th Ward & had been in the valley for 6 years

Wednesday [29th] came 20 miles over good road. Weather pleasant but Windy causing it to be very dusty. Some of our oxen while on the road took fright from Buffaloes passing through the train and ran Some distance but without injury. We had a stampede also yesterday[.] 9 of the wagons were running and the whole camp was partakeing of the spirit and had it not been quelled on the Instant[,] much harm would be done. Some of the brethern have succeeded in Killing a bull Buffaloe.

Thursday 30th We have Come 10 miles to day and camped at noon to make repairs and give the cattle a chance to graze on good grass for the place we camped <at> last night[.] the grass was very poor[.] We are taking all the care we can of <our> oxen[.] for soon they will require all thier strength and probably more to ere we reach our Journeys end

Friday 31st rolled lively over 20 miles good road. weather clear and pleasant

Saturday [September]lst. Ditto Ditto

Sunday 2nd Came 20 miles[.] passed Andrews Camp who had stopped for the day[.] we had a slight shower of rain

Monday 3rd We forded the South Fork of the River Platte. We previously came 20 miles & Camped one mile from the river. We had a Heavy rain at night[.] The roads were very heavy & Some of our Cattle were near giving out. It was very hard for them.

Tuesday 4th Came 20 Miles over a beautiful pra[i]rie road to Ash Hollow. to get down to that place we have to descend a very steep hill[.] It is frightful to see the wagons going down. We passed all safely down. We camped at the Mouth of Ash Hollow[.] While here we received notice from Gen[era]l Harney who is camping on the other side of the river to keep up a good gaurd [guard] always for he had a battle the day before with the a portion of the Sioux Indians at thier village, about 2 miles from here at which 300 Indians were killed and 100 taken prisioners with all thier ponies &c[.] 3 of the Soldiers were killed. They burnt the wigwams of the Indians with all their useless property. They found a portion of the U. [S.] mail which was robbed last year also many guns &c They were well provisioned for the winter, having a good lot of meat & flour supposed to be stolen. we could see the smoke of fire in thier village from our camp

Wednesday 5th Came about 10 miles through very heavy sands[.] camped on the river[.] good feed for our Cattle[.] Andrews camp ahead

Thursday 6th Very heavy road & wind blowing[.] the sands so as to make it al most impossible to see[.] rolled about 12 miles to river.

Friday 7th Came 20 miles occasionaly heavy sands to pass over[.] camped at Cedar Creek[.] All well and good spirit, prevails in our midst[.] Thanks to our Father in Heaven for his continued blessings to us all as a Camp

Saturday 8th We rolled to day in sight of Chimney Rock & a pile of rocks wonderfully like an old castle[.] We came 20 miles and Camped on the platte

Sunday 9th Came 5 miles to good grass the best we have had on our Journey. We held a meeting at dusk at which some of the gaurds [guards] were sharply reproved for neglect of duty[.] We are now close to Chimney Rock and in sight of Scotts bluffs which present a majestic view to the eye. A heavy Thunder storm at night upseting some of our tents.

Monday 10th passed Chimney rock over a good road to scotts bluffs. Passed a Trading post deserted by the owners owing to notice from the government not to trade at all with the any tribe of Indians[.] Camped in the hollow of the bluffs. no wood chips, nor water, Came to day about 25 miles

Tuesday 11th rolled on over a very hilly road[.] We started this morning at 4 oclock so as to get early to grass & water[.] we stopt for 3 hours on the Platte to feed & water. then rolled on 15 miles over good road[.] passed a trading post deserted by the owners

Wednesday 12th about 15 miles over fine road[.] weather clear & cold. we have been blessed with dry weather every day since we left the Grove. Not having rolled one day while raining. We have always been en camped

Thursday 13th. Camped to day near a Trading post to Blacksmith &c[.] I here was compelled to sell my cow for $10.00 she being unabled to travel owing to her feet being tender[.] The cow cost me more than double the amount

Friday 14th We came 13 miles over a hilly road and Somewhat sandy[.] good weather. rather warm[.] camped one mile of the Fort Larime [Laramie]. Grass getting poor and scarce. plenty of wood &c

Saturday 15th Went to the fort and mailed letter to my wife and while there some 7 Indians drove off a herd of the fort ponies[.] near 150 in all. It was a bold move and a dangerous one—for the soldiers were drilling at the time & of course had their arms with them[.] but no horses were handy and could not be got at for some time to go in pursuit of them. We left at noon & came 10 or 15 miles[.] some of our wagons were Injured while crossing a bad valley and hill

Sunday 16th Repairing in the morning. meeting at night. came in the afternoon about 3 or 5 miles over high hills. A heavy Thunder gust at night[.] camped on Prairie[.] no water. We heard that all but 22 of the ponies were recovered

Monday 17th came 15 or 20 miles over hilly and rough road. camped on the platte[.] Just as we got in[,] a heavy storm of Hail stones & rain came on. blowing some of our tents over

Tuesday 18th Weather very cold but clear have come to day 20 miles[.] Camped on the Platte. 4 Traders camped with us. They own stores or Posts at Rock Independance [Independence] and Devils Gate

Wednesday 19th Came 15 miles over Hilly road & also very heavy mud caused by a heavy shower of rain & hail this morning. One of the Company Killed a fine deer this morning. We forded the Platte at noon. We all passed safely over.

Thursday 20th Came 10 miles & forded the Platte again to day. We camped early[.] Good grass[,] water & plenty of wood[.] Bro Harper & others with myself had a fine walk of about 10 miles to find out the right road. but it got dark ere we accomplished our object

Friday 21st We came 18 miles to a creek Saw many deer. roads very heavy[.] weather pleasant

Saturday 22nd came 16 miles camped 3 miles this side of Deer Creek. Heavy gusts & little rain. feed on the other side of Platte

Sunday 23rd Came 10 miles[.] Saw many Indians of the Crow tribe[.] they were civil & friendly to us[.] we saw large herds of their ponies. This tribe has always been friendly to the saints. in the evening our usual meetings[.] praying & good singing with good addresses filled our hearts with joy. Many of the teamsters from Hoopers Merchant Train were present & seemed to be favorably impressed with our teachings to the Saints

Monday 24th Came to the "Upper Crossing" of the Platte river[.] crossed in good order & camped close by we were visited at night by many Indians who wanted[.] to "swap" or trade thier ponies. Buffalo robes &c[.] Many of us traded for robes & moccasins—I got a good Buffalo robe[.] a new one for about 1 pound of sugar-others made equally as good bargains[.] <12 miles today>

Tuesday 25th We were again visited by the Indians and trading resumed. We rolled 10 miles over hilly road to-near the "Head["] of the river Platte. We here picked up a strayed mule. Weather pleasant & clear. Merchant train alongside

Wednesday 26th 18 or 20 miles over good road to Willow Creek[.] Camped here & Part of Thursday to repair a wagon which had run backwards down a long & steep hill[.] we were detained on the road some hours by the accident and did not get into camp till late

Thursday 27th Camped until 4 oclock then rolled on for 10 or 12 miles to Gracewood Creek[.] to day Many missionaries going out from the Valley stopt at our camp. bringing good tidings & letters for some of our Co[mpany]. They looked very well. They had light wagons & mules[.] some horses[.] They are 16 days out

Friday 28th Came 20 miles. while on the road to day a large Company of Sioux Indians met us[.] Some of them did spread thier Buffalo robe. directly in front of our leading wagon. They sat upon it and thier design was to stop the train and make us pay Tribute to them[.] I happened to be there at the time with my shot gun—So I immediatly ordered the wagons to move on. while I went forward towards them with my gun set ready. When they seen "my mode of paying Tribute to such rascels". they took up their robe and gave us the road. they continued following along side all day loading their guns and making many war like demonstrations. We heard that they tried the same Game with Andrews Camp. behind us with no better success[.] We passed Independance rock. a Trading Post here also Devils Gate and a Trading Post. here we met 10 or 12 wagons sent to meet us from the Valley[.] part of which are for Andrews & Allreds train's

Saturday 29th rolled on over tolerable road to camp on Sweet water river[.] Weather cold & clear

Sunday 30th Came 5 miles[.] Camped on the river. Some of the Brethern caught a great number of fish with a tent

Monday October 1st we came about 6 miles we are traveling slow now so that our oxen may take advantage of the feed on Sweetwater for there be a scarcity of it when we leave the river[.] <slight snow storm>

Tuesday 2nd we came about 8 or 10 miles to a pretty camping ground on the river. Two women strayed away from the train and got lost but I [am] happy to write I hear the loud Huzzat [huzza] of the Co. at their coming into camp now at dusk. This morning 3 of our men William Jones[,] Jenkin Williams & William Reese were sent back to [Isaac] Allreds Company to get some ox shoes & nails

Wednesday 3rd[.] <snow storm> last night W[illia]m Jones returned with the shoes &c[.] he got in Camp about 11 oclock and said he had lost the way having gone several miles ahead of the Camp to Hoopes Train. On getting there he was told our whereabouts & came back leaving Jenkin Williams there to wait for the train this morning to come up to him. He also said that a short time after leaving [Isaac] Allreds Train W[illia]m Reese wanted to go back again to [Isaac] Allreds train to get water So they seperated and the last they saw of him was sitting down some distance from the road as they supposed waiting for Allreds train to come up. <another slight snow storm> Bro Harper is very angry at his being back this morning as he is the cause of detaining the whole Camp several hours. Bro Harper has sent Bro [Samuel] Burt on the mule to bring W[illia]m Reese up—So in the meanwhile we moved on 5 miles—Bro [Samuel] Burt having returned reports that the Allred's Co[mpany] is to far back. he having gone some 6 or 8 miles & could not see them. The parents of W[illia]m Reese by this time was much alarmed for his saftey. So the father & his son David determined to go back and see if he was in the other Co[mpany]. They went there & returned by night with sorrowful news "That he was not there nor had not been there since doing his errand.["] So as a matter of course his family are almost frantic. his mothers & his poor wife with a child a few days old[.] Thier shrieks & lamentations were truly heart rendering to hear all through the long night.

Thursday 4th Bro Harper & William Jones have gone back with the mule to the place where "The lost one" was seen last. Bro [John] Allen repo[r]ts having seen while out gunning some footprints with nails &c. The father went & seen them and declares them to be those of his son. They are on an old road a mile or two from Camp going West So there are some hopes that he may have roamed on ahead of the train. So we moved the train on again 15 miles to the river[.] Here we found Hoopes Merchant train and here we heard the happy news that W[illia]m Rees was in thier train having come there about 10 oclock more dead than alive. He has no food since Tuesday morning & having had no matches with "no fire["]. exposed to the bitter cold for 2 night[s] & near 3 days with out a coat or any covering but a mantle of Snow which fell on him[.] Wednesday night. he states that when Jones & William left him he was taken sick & became exhausted & somewhat deranged in his mind & while so he roamed off from the road for some time and when he came to his senses & on getting to the road again after his trouble. he then thought he was going back to the Devils Gate. thinking that it would be impossible to catch the train again[.] but instead of that he landed safely in Hoopers Camp[.] The Joy & Happy feeling of his Family and in fact the whole camp on his recovery. Should certainly have been seen for it is impossible to describe. He was compelled to throw away his gun. The wieght being to heavy for him to be burthened [burdened] with. Bros Harper & Jones returned late at night having traced his footsteps almost up to the Camp. They went all the <way> back to wher he was seen last. They have had a long days ride with no feed left

Friday 5th This day we rolled 6 or 8 miles and camped on Sweet Water [Sweetwater] between Hoopers & Allreds train. We fill up our spare time now by shoeing the oxen. As many of them are going lame

Saturday 6th We came 18 miles & passed over the Devils Back Bone. it was a very dangerous road for the wagons. The road being covered at one point with with large pieces of rock projecting from the earth[.] We crossed willow Creek and camped on Sweet Water. Some of the Company found here a gold Washing machine & implements used for that purpose[.] Some gold being found here

Sunday 7th I forgot to mention in my account of W[illia]m Reese of [a] vision which he had on Wednesday & Thursday mornings[.] I shall endeavor to relate it as near as possible in his own words. he states that on Wednesday morn he awoke finding himself very cold. he then thought he would get up. but just at that time. His father & Bro [Charles] Harper came to him and spoke a short time with him and after they went off I came and laid my hands on his head. but did not speak to him. D I then went away and he arose. he says his eyes was open & that he was wide awake. Then returned another vision on Thursday morning of myself & Bro Harper appearing unto him. he says he was awaken in the Morning by the snow falling & the cold and that he arose & rested on his elbow to move himself further under the sagebrush by which he was lying for protection. When Bro Harper & myself appeared to him standing off 2 yards. Then I went close to him & placed my hands on his head and said "Brother All's Well Keep your Heart[.] you will soon be in Camp:" and in a few hours after we found him in Hoopers Camp. having been 62 hours without Food[.] Such was his story. And Truly it was a most miraculus escape from death. Considering the time he was without any food and being exposed to such severe weather he said that he believed he would have died were it not for the Comfort & Support he received from his visions

We are camping all day here at Sweet Water in the morning I assisted in Shoeing over 24 oxen. in the afternoon we had a very pleasant meeting. The valley Brethern addressed the Company and gave them much good counsel which I trust may be of great benefit to the Saints[.] A letter was also read from from our President Brigham Young by Bro Harper to the Co[mpany] urging them to use the greatest econemy with thier provisions

Monday 8th We came about 13 miles & camped at Sweet Water [Sweetwater.] we passed 9 dead oxen left by Andrews train. In the evening we had dancing & singing[.] The French[,] English & Welsh each trying to excel each other in dancing

Tuesday 9th we rolled on 10 miles, until noon at the Pacific Springs. The cattle was let loose here but they would not feed owing to the presance of Saleratus in the grass So we rolled on 10 miles more to 'little Sandy'[.] here no grass so we kept the cattle in the Correlle [corral]

Wednesday 10th we started at daylight and rolled 20 miles to Big Sandy[.] No Grass here[.] the poor cattle having nothing but Sage Brush to eat they are suffering sorely for want of good feed. Some few have failed

Thursday 11th we rolled on about 12 <miles> and came to Big Sandy about 14 miles from Green River[.] Many of the oxen failed to day and were turned out into the loose Herd. We met a wagon also many head of cattle going to Hoopers Train.

Friday 12th We are encamped to allow the Cattle to feed. there being some pretty good Here

Saturday 13th we rolled about 14 miles and forded Green river near the Trading Post. There is some good feed here a few miles off. on an Island

Sunday 14th We are camping all day on a fine Camping Ground & Plenty of Cottonwood

We had a Monday 15th Testimony meeting in the afternoon at which many of the Brethern and Sisters spoke thier minds freely & satisfactorily. Also one sister spoke in Tongues[.] A motion was made to present Bro Captain Harper with a Testimonial of our support for him and his faithful manner he has filled the office of Captain. A committee of six was appointed to attend to the matter

Monday 15th We Came 16 or 18 miles to the "Black Forks[".] Several of our oxen gave out—weather clear and pleasant

Tuesday 16th We rolled on 18 miles to Black Forks having camped at noon and moving again at evening until midnight to "Muddy"

Wednesday 17th We Came about 8 or 10 miles. the road's very rough. More of the oxen failing. "fine day["]

Thursday 18th We rolled 8 miles to Fort Bridger[.] here I met many of the Valley Brethern with whom I was acquainted. they are here in consequence of Some disburbances with the Indians at Fort Supply. We staid here until noon. We leave 5 head of cattle here with some of the Valley Brethern to take care of and Bring on when fit for use

Friday 19th We came 9 miles and camped in a valley after descending a steep and long hill entirely covered with pebbles and large stones. plenty of firewood. feed scarce

Saturday 20th We rolled on 10 miles near to Quieken [Quaking] Asp Grove. Some heavy hills to pull up and stony

Sunday 21st we came 11 miles to Bear river. We had to double teams going up a heavy hill[.] One wagon you upset—Bro [William] Hanson's[.] Some Cattle going[.] Allreds Company passed us to day

Monday 22nd We crossed Bear River & rolled 11 3/4 miles weather good—road very rough[.] at nights we have frost

Tuesday 23rd We came 15 miles over a down hill road gennerally. Only one hill 2 miles long to ascend

Wednesday 24th We heard that Andrus train would enter the city to day. We came 12 miles to Weber River. Weather Good.

Thursday 25th We came 10 or 12 miles & came up a mountain. 5 3/4 miles to ascent. My sons Thomas and John with Several friends met me at night from the valley and came from "Home" with 2 yoke oxen & wagon[.] We are now 35 miles from the City

Friday 26th We came 10 miles to Big Kanyon [Canyon] Grove. lots of wood. dancing and Singing in the evening[.] also meeting to present. "The Memorial["] to Capt Harper. Several speeches was made and responded to by Bro Harper. There was a Frame and plate Glass voted to him to be paid for by voluntary Contributions of the Co.

Saturday 27th We Crossed the Big Mountain. It took us all the day to pass over having to double teams at the top hill. Bro John Williams wagon upset going down this side[.] We did not camp until late in the evening

Sunday 28th Got permission from Capt Harper to roll on ahead to get "Home" to night as he does not intend going in to the City until tomorrow with the Company. So we left the train and got into the city after dark[.] My little daughters, Hannah and Esther came out a few miles to meet me also[.] many friends. It was the cause of great rejoicing to me to return home to the bosom of my family to find them blessed all with health and prospering as also to unite again with many of the Saints who visited me in numbers in the evening.