Transcript
Transcript for Thomas Bullock journal, 1858 May-June
OF
THOMAS BULLOCK
MAY—JUNE, 1858.
Manuscripts Division
Harold B. Lee Library
Brigham Young University
This is a verbatim typescript of an original journal preserved in the Manuscripts Division of the Harold B. Lee Library. The journal is on deposit through the good offices of Edna Beard Taylor and J. Kenneth Davies. The Pitman shorthand appearing in the original journal was transcribed by La Jean Purcell and the typescript was prepared by Rita Bowers.
Curator of Manuscripts
Lee Library
Brigham Young University
GREAT SALT LAKE
Shelter wagon-maker. Randolph Street Chicago
Iverarge(?) Randolph Street Chicago
James Pierson Keups Livery Stable in Stockton Cal
Wm. Poppleton One gallon of soft water, one pint of molasses, & one vinegar plant. If the water is scalded first, the vinegar will come quicker.
1. John W. Berry, Teamster
James Andrews
Richard G. Evans
William Bramall
Miles Romney
James Ure
Ephraim Tomkinson
Robert E. Miller[,] Capn.
2. David Wilkin[,] Capn.
Philip Margetts
Thomas Bullock
William I. Smith
James Beck
Daniel Daniels
Seymour Young
Charles W. Hubbard
Ezra T. Clark[,] Teamster
3. Robert Logan[,] Capn.
Wm. S. Muir
James Bunting
George Gates
John L. Smith
Bernard Snow[,] Capn. Of the Guard
Samuel Roskelly
George Taylor
A.T. Shumway[,] Teamster
4. William Brown[,] Capn.
Daniel Page
James G. Browning
Daniel Davis
Ezra T. Clark
Joseph Scofield[,] Teamster
John H. Tippitts
Andrew P. Shumway
5. Brigham H. Young[,] Teamster
James Lavender
Henry I. Doremus
Jesse Hobson
John G. Pinder
James Craig
Samuel H.B. Smith
Thomas W. Russell
6. William Pace[,] Capn.
James W. Taylor
Jabus Taylor
Hobson’s
Amos Taylor
wagon
James W. Stevens
William Dallin
William Jackson Stewart
John E. Jones
7. Thomas R. King[,] Capn.
Peter Robinson
Enoch Reese
Henry Harriman
Reuben McBride
Eli Harvey Peirce
Thomas Peirce[,] Teamstser
Luther Ensign
8. Isaac Higbee[,] Capn.
William P. Thomas
George Hanniforth
Frederick Roulet
Dan Davis
Octave Ursenbach (not)
wagon
Martin Littlewood
Thomas Phillips (not)
Eli Wilkins (not)
Mark Burgess (not)
Saturday 1 May 1858 Rainy night and day[.] at 3 p.m. the camp moves out of Florence about 3 miles and camped near the spring and commenced guarding the animals[.] many of the boys remain in town
Sunday 2 Very wet night and day[.] T.B. and Wm. Smith on guard during the rain and most miserable tour[.] several come in today. When Doremus, Pinder and Roulet were on guard nearly all the animals got loose and escaped from them
Monday 3 found the animals near Florence and DeSoto and brought to camp[.] wrote to T.B.H. Stenhouse[.] about 10 the camp starts on its journey[.] halts for noon on the Papineau[.] water very high[.] pass thro a slough over rolling Prairie crossing the Elk Horn on a good bridge and camp in good grass on the West side[.] the water full to the rim.
Tuesday 4 Calculate the amount of provisions and divide camp into 8 messes[.] calculate and deliver out rations for a week, also the utensils[.] reload the wagons with the luggage of each mess and appoint B. Snow Capn of the Guard[.] At 10½ start cross several sloughs and much wet ground[.] the old Pioneer camp ground on the Platte which is also rising and about the sky begins to clear away[.] T.B. and J. Beck bathe in the Platte[.] the river rises over 16 inches before night. Mosquitoes troublesome.
Wednesday 5 May T.B., W.I. Smith, J. Beck, D. Daniels, and B. Snow on guard from midnight till 2 a.m. clouds clear away[.] fine clear day[.] Camp starts at 8 a.m. and travels over a good road to the West side of Shell Creek in the p.m. I was sore footed and rode in the wagon an hour[.] camped in very good feed[.] river banks full[.] mosquitoes troublesome
Thursday 6 Fine morn[.] cloudy p.m. Camp passes through 2 sloughs and stops W the Columbia[.] generally being good roads to the South Fork[.] T.B. had to pull off his clothes[.] all to go thro one and so had a bathe[.] the pull of the part twice and so waded three times[.] rode 1 hour in the p.m. in the wagon
Friday 7 dull morn[.] several showers pass over while T.B. and McIntosh walks to Genoa crossing[.] the Looking Glass creek on a bridge[.] roads good[.] T.B. went to Bro. Wm. Poppleton’s and got dinner, wrote a letter to E.L.T. Harrison[.] raining and then a heavy thunder shower[.] slept with D. Macintosh on Poppleton’s floor[.] comfortable[.] and who were kind to me
Saturday 8 held a meeting and voted to leave the boxes of the Express Co and to take the boys thro[.] changed our 10 out of the bacon wagon into the new wagon[.] Captn Berry exchanged the Crescent City Wagon driven by Hobson for a lighter one[.] had another meeting in the eve about the boxes and boys and adjourned till tomorrow at 9 a.m. Enoch Reese weighing and T.B. clerking all the luggage and bedding or all our missionaries allowed 50 lbs free and allowed 25 lbs more by pay 15 lb which gives great dissatisfaction to many who reduce and give away their clothing. I gave away good overcoat and pants[.] slept by self at Poppleton’s
Sunday 9 fine morning[.] Reese and T.B. continue weighing luggage and we are collecting what pay we could = 25 persons pay for 293 lbs after reducing it $43.95 but could not collect from 13 persons for 127 lbs and some gave away so as not to pay for anything
The whole company’s luggage and bedding of 65 persons is 3520 lbs or an average of 54 lbs each man[.] great grumbling and dissatisfaction in camp[.] at 9 o’clock had another meeting when most persons expressed their feelings to leave the luggage here voted to rescind yesterday’s votes and to leave it to Captn. Berry.
Captn. Berry, E. Reese, T. Bullock and D. Davis met to consult for the best examined other 7 boys from England and decided to take them thro[.] They paid $41.20[.] all money they had to Captn. Also could put in wagon of
Dan Davis, 20.00 and calculated luggage and bedding 3521 lbs
Hobson[,] 15.00
Andrews[,] 15.00
Shumway[,] 20.00
Clark[,] 13.00
Peirce[,] 15.00
Scofield[,] 12.00
B.H.Y.[,] 10.00
S.Y.[,] 10.00
[Total] 130.00
average 1444½ [lbs]Flour 3660 [lbs]Meat 1200 [lbs]Coffee, Sugar, Beans, 600 [lbs]Cooking utensils 400 [lbs]
Extra guns & c 300 [lbs]
Express Cos. Luggage 700 [ lbs]
More flour 600 [lbs]
7 new boys 900 [lbs]
[Total] 11,931 lbs
each wagon average 1303½ lbs
and to further reduce each load by packing 6 animals, taking 2 hand carts and carrying our guns and to ease the aged and infirm to the saddle 5 extra animals getting the animals shod[.] same Am. M. wagons cross [blank space] meeting in the school house and in the morn H. Harriman and Angus Cannon spoke[.] in the afternoon R. McBride, E. Reese, T. Bullock, G. Goddard, W.I. Smith and J. Galley[.] in the evening and testimony meeting many spoke[.] during vacancies I was writing to London and visiting[.] slept by self on Wm. Poppleton’s floor who has been kind to me.
Monday 10 May 1 yr and 9 months since leaving home but I am very thankful to the Lord that I have been enabled to fulfill my mission and return so far in peace and safety and hope in 7 weeks to be there again[.] raining through the night and morning
wrote letters to J.D. Ross[,] E.L.T. Harrison[.] Al Allen[.] London the teams get reloaded and go down to river about noon[.] wrote a letter to J. W. Young[.] Florence at 3 p.m. T.B. went to the river and commenced helping to ferry the wagons and goods[.] got over 7 of our wagons but the flour got wet and had to be unpacked in the river[.] afterwards carried by the men to the camp[.] T.B., W.I. Smith slept under 2 trees as well as they could on the cold damp ground
English Missionaries
Andrews James*
Beck James
Berry John W.*
Bramall Wm.*
Brown Wm.**
Browning Jas. G.**
Bullock Thomas**
Clark Ezra T.**
Craig James
Dallin Wm.*
Daniels Daniel
Davis Daniel
Doremus Henry I.
Ensign Martin Luther*
Evans Richard G.*
Gates George**
Harriman Henry*
Higbee Isaac
Hobson Jesse
Hubbard Chas. W**.
King Thomas R.
Lavender James
Littlewood Martin*
Logan Robert*
Margetts Philip*
McBride Reuben*
Miller Robert E.*
Muir Wm. S.
Pace William
Page Daniel**
Peirce Eli Harvey*
Peirce Thomas**
Pinder John G.*
Reese Enoch*
Robinson Peter
Romney Miles
Roskelly Samuel**
Roulet Frederick*
Russell Thomas W.
Scofield Joseph
Shumway Andrew P.**
Smith John S.
Smith Samuel H.B.
Smith Wm. I.
Snow Bernard**
Stanniforth George*
Stevens James W.**
Stewart Wm. Jackson*
Taylor Amos*
Taylor George**
Taylor Jabuz*
Taylor James W.
Thomas Wm. G.*
Tippitts John H.**
Tomkinson Ephraim*
Ure James
Wilkin David*
Young Brigham H.*
Young Seymour B.*
Galley James*
others in company
Bodell Joseph
Bunting James
Burgess Mark
England Wm.
Fox Charles
Jones John E.
Kerswell Wm.
Louden Robert
Phillips Thomas
Vaughan Michael
Eli Wilkins
Octave Ursenbach
72
38
110 [Total]
85 M[ale] M[embers]
21 Others
01 woman
03 children
110 [total]
American Missionaries
Brinton David*
Browning Thomas*
Bull Wm. Field*
Cannon Angus M.
Carter Wm.*
Coombs Isaiah M.**
Gardner Robert*
Goddard Stephen H.*
Goddard George*
Hall Thomas*
Hill Isaac N.*
Hill Richard*
Huntsman Gabriel*
Mackintosh Daniel*
Mallett William F.*
McCrary John*
Ridout David O.** (& son)
Riter Samuel*
Shumway Charles*
Smith Wm. H.*
Snediker John F.**
Terry Joel*
Twitchell Wm. B*.
Welchman Arthur P.
Wood Lyman S.
*Hand cart Missionaries
**Went with TB
others
Ammond Thos J.
Jas. Hough
Leir G. Metcalf
John W. Brackenbary
Ira Miles
Jas. Alcott
Wm. Habgood
Robt. Pope, Wife & 2 children
Tuesday May 11, 1848 [1858] Slight frost, T.B. in guard with George Taylor from 2 to 4 a.m.[.] over 40 of the animals ran away yesterday as soon as they had swam the river[.] the brethren ferry across our 2 wagons[.] also 2 for other brethren going with us[.] I finish letters to J.D. Ross, A. Allen, and J.W. Young at 10 a.m. when the last boat crossed and gave them to Hudson Clerk to carry to the P.O. at Florence. I have had a beautiful time crossing the Soup [Loupe] Fork and I assisted every time for which I thank my Heavenly Father for my health and strength. Seymour Young and Leir [Levi] G[regory] Metcalf rode 18 miles East and found all the animals self corralled between the river and the slough in good grass and brought them to camp[.] in 3 minutes after we returned to the camp from the river a signal interposition of Divine Providence distributed rations to the 9 messes
about 2 p.m. we commenced our journey up the S. side of the Soup [Loupe] Fork until we came to the road that goes up the Bluffs and camped American Missionary camp on the banks of the river in good green grass[.] we were now all gathered together who were going[.] 10 mi in this camp[.] saw Artimesia (?) and Buffalo grass[.] put up my tent for the first time[.] T.B., W.I. Smith, Jas. Beck and D. Daniels slept in it and felt very comfortable under it.
Wednesday 12 May the two camps start about 6½ a.m. ascend the bluff by a better road than Oct. 56[.] make to cut or to the old road then continue in near a strait line up valley to a slough[.] water the teams then resume our journey and made a nooning in good grass[.] some of the animals again ran away, they feel well, soon overtaken and brought back when T.B. rode two hours on Pres. S.H. Goddard’s horse then Harvey Pierce brought one lively pony on which I rode thro several sloughs and wet ground which was also a blessing to me[.] we camped on the bank of a slough[.] I got some willows out of a cat tail swamp through wading over knee deep[.] part of the day clouded[.] the balance clear and warm [blank space] 22 mi[.] heard S. H. Goddard and George Goddard and others sing well and cheerful
Thursday 13 T.B. on guard with Hubbard and B. Snow 12½ to near day light (by mistake for 2½)[.] lightning in the West at Sunrise and some heavy drops of rain[.] tent agreeable[.] about 7 went to Bluffs and then took westerly direction to the Wells where all watered then went to a good patch of grass but no water then went Southerly thro sand hills to a Slough or Pool and watered teams[.] saw signs of Buffalo being here yesterday or last night[,] hair[,] dung and wallow[.] when we got thro the Sand Bluffs[.] 25 mi[.] we kept up under the bluffs to avoid low damp ground and continued our journey to Prairie Creek rather miry[.] the afternoon very hot and clear. I waded once and bathed in the Creek which was delightful[.] also J. Beck[.] found some splendid feed
Friday 14 In the night a sudden charge[.] heavy shower from the West with thunder and lightning followed by heavy cold wind almost freezing[.] blew down 2 big tents in the night
Camp goes thro several sloughs which T.B. wades or is carried thro in one of the wagons[.] stick and one tongue breaks[.] when the camp turns to the right to the bluff to avoid the rest[.] went along the bluffs to Prairie Creek timber in about one hour after starting.
foolishly set fire to the Prairie grass and before we could leave our noon encampment a band of Ogallah band and Sioux Indians rode up to our camp[.] Captain Berry gave them 3 plugs of tobacco and about ½ bushel of biscuits[.] in the p.m. had a good road and went to the lone tree on the slough of Wood River[.] saw several bands of buffalo[.] A patch of Saleratus [blank space] ground [blank space] each person had to carry his gun on his shoulder[.] fires out at dark[.] 22 mi
Saturday 15 May 1858 A quiet encampment[.] cloudy morning[.] started at ½ past 6 to cross the slough. T.B. got wet feet[.] when we got to Wood River we had to repair the bridge which was fallen in on one side. In about an hour we repaired it and got over all the wagons being drawn by the brethren by ropes or what is generally called Mormon team[.] went to the last timber near the road on Wood River and halted at 10½ to feed, rest and prepare for the long drive. Leir [Levi] Gregory Metcalf, kills a Bull Buffalo[.] brings a piece to camp which is divided among the several messes[.] Cold morning. Dull heavy clouds.
Staid here until 4 p.m. when camp starts towards Fort Kearney which we passed at dusk. The wind blows strong on the S. side of the river. The sun did not once shine thro the day but continued clouding up[.] dull dark day[.] during the night part of the Co. got separated and thro much shouting got them together again[.] between 10 and 11 was so dark to lose our way and to fire pistols as signals to find the crossing of the deep ravine
The way we passed Fort Kearney literally fulfills the prophecy given in London and frequently talked about
(I rode part of one way on sore backed horse)
Came to a halt at about ½ past 11[.] rain[.] [blank space] 29 miles
Sunday 16 Raining thro the night[.] started at break of day[.] miserably cold and drizzling[.] saw many prairie chickens, buffalo[.] we had a weary pilgrimage over 4 hours to Elm Creek[.] 221 miles from Winter Quarters[.] cleared up about noon[.] held a meeting and voted to make one camp and to issue one guard and voted Wm. H. Smith to be the Sergt. of the guard[.] about 2½ p.m. camp starts over a good road to Buffalo Creek and go along the N. side of it for several miles until we crossed it and camped on the south side at sundown but very little grass. Growing colder. (I ride about 6 miles) The wolves howl and threatens to storm which passes over to the North. 24 mi[.] See prickly pears. David O. Ridout goes on foot. Kills a large antelope about 100 lbs. Carries it 2 miles to camp on his shoulders. Three hunters ride into a small herd of buffalo for exciting chase[.] at night bring in about 100 lbs
Monday 17 Very cold night trying hard to winter[.] clouds heavy at about 10[.] cleared up. Camp took a westerly course over a dry road and passed thro some low sandy bluffs to a pool of water where we nooned about 12 miles (rode about ½ or ¾ of it an hour with George Goddard.)
In the p.m. took near straight shute towards the Platte and then bore up the valley past 3 or 4 sloughs towards the Sandy Bluff and camped about 2 miles from the Platte in the open prairie. After sunset for a pretty good feed[.] no wood. Very hot p.m. then I rode in our wagon about 1½ hour[.] very tired. 27 mi.
May 18 dull, cloudy (Seek Great Fair) and soon after starting several showers passed over us[.] in one of them I was on horseback and the horse turned his tail to the storm until it was over[.] when we resumed our journey passed over a succession of low sand ridges to the Platte[.] when we nooned in good grass the Platte River is roaring full[.] carry flood wood along and it would be dangerous to cross.
Commissary Reese delivers out the week’s rations to the English missionaries. T.B. had a bathe in the river.
In the p.m. started over the Sandy Bluffs and some good grass on the Platte. Very cloudy until 4 p.m. when it again partially cleared up. The storm going to the S.N. I waded the slough several times for wood and water. T.B. the guard from dusk till 10½ p.m. very pleasant and moon light[.] dew falling[.] at the meeting for prayer agreed to take Hapgood who came in at Genoa with a team already broken down. Oh poor missionaries we have got to take everything
Wm. Pace, 52 [lbs], 2 excess, paid .30
Wm. Dallin, 42 [lbs]
Wm. J. Stewart, 43 [lbs]
Amos Taylor, 49 [lbs]
Jabus Taylor, 52 [lbs], 2 excess, paid .15
James W. Taylor, 60 [lbs], 10 excess, paid 1.50
James W. Stevens, 58[lbs], 8 excess
Jesse Hobson, 68 [lbs], 18 excess, paid 1.50
parcel, 24 [lbs], 24 excess
[Total] 448 [lbs]
David Wilkin, 71 [lbs], 21 excess, paid 3.15
Phillip Margetts, 57 [lbs], 7 excess, paid 1.05
Thomas Bullock, 75 [lbs], 25 excess, paid 3.75
Wm. I. Smith, 73 [lbs], 23 excess
Charles W. Hubbard, 45 [lbs]
Seymour B. Young, 56 [lbs]
James Beck, 57 [lbs], 7 excess, paid 1.05
Daniel Daniels, 59 [lbs], 9 excess, paid 1.35
[Total] 493 [lbs]
Brigham H. Young, 50 [lbs]
Henry I. Doremus, 57 [lbs], 7 excess
James Lavender, 65 [lbs], 15 excess
Samuel H. B. Smith, 46 [lbs]
John Geo. Pinder, 21 [lbs]
James Craig, 52 [lbs], 2 excess
Thomas W. Russell, 46 [lbs]
John E. Jones, 50 [lbs]
[Total] 387 [lbs]
Thomas R. King, 63 [lbs], 13 excess
Peter Robinson, 75 [lbs], 25 excess) paid 5.70
Reuben McBride, 49 [lbs]
Henry Harriman, 60 [lbs], 10 excess, paid 1.50
Enoch Reese, 54 [lbs], 4 excess, paid .60
Martin Luther Ensign, 45 [lbs]
Harvey Peirce, 43 [lbs]
Thomas Peirce, 57 [lbs]
[Total] 446 lbs
Isaac Higbee, 50 [lbs]
Daniel Davis, 64 [lbs], 5 excess, paid .75
Martin Littlewood, 48 [lbs] 9 excess
Martin Littlewood, 48 [lbs]
Wm. T. Thomas, 51 [lbs], 1 excess, paid .15
George Stanniforth, 55 l [lbs], 5 excess
Fred Roulet, 55 [lbs], 25 excess, paid 3.75
Octave Ursenbach, 34 [lbs]
Thomas Phillips, 45 [lbs]
Mark Burgess, 30 lbs]
[Total] 452 [lbs]
John W. Berry, 52 [lbs], 2 excess
Richard G. Evans, 50 [lbs]
Ephraim Tomkinson, 55 [lbs], 5 excess
Robert E. Miller, 63 [lbs], 13 excess, paid 1.95
Miles Romney, 66 [lbs], 16 excess, paid 2.40
James Ure, 65 [lbs], 15 excess, 17 excess, paid 2.25
Wm. Bramall, 59 [lbs], 9 excess
James Andrus, 50 [lbs]
[Total] 460 [lbs]
Wm. S. Muir, 47 [lbs], box 18
Bernard Snow, 57 [lbs], excess 7
George Gates, 35 [lbs]
John S. Smith, 50 [lbs]
Robert Logan, 61 [lbs], excess 15, paid 1.65
George Taylor, 57 [lbs], excess 7
Sam Roskelly, 51 [lbs], excess 1, paid .15
James Bunting, 43 excess, 7 excess
[Total] 408 lbs
Joseph Scofield, 50 [lbs]
James G. Brown, 63 [lbs], 13 excess, paid 1.95
Ezra T. Clark, 72 [lbs], 22 excess, paid 3.30
Andrew P. Shumway, 32 [lbs]
William Brown, 50 [lbs]
Daniel Page, 66 [lbs}, 16 excess, paid 2.40
John H. Tippetts, 61 [lbs], 11 excess, paid 1.65
Eli Wilkins, 42 [lbs]
[ Total] 436 [lbs]
No. 1, 460 [lbs]
No. 2, 493 [lbs]
No. 3, 408 [lbs]
No. 4, 436 [lbs]
No. 5, 387 [lbs]
No. 6, 448 [lbs]
No. 7, 446 [lbs]
No. 8, 452 [lbs]
[Total,] 3530 [lbs]
[Divided by] 65
average 54 1/3 [lbs]
1858, Leave Burlington
April 12, Go to Middletown, ½ day, 8 miles
April 13, Go to New London,1 day, 12½ miles
April 14, Go to West of Rome, 1day, 18½ miles
April 15, Go to West of Fairfield, 1 day, 19 miles
April 16, Go to Des Moine[s] River, 1 day, 22 miles
April 17, Go to Watson’s Place, 1 day, 20 miles
100 S, April 18, Go to The Dutchman’s, 1 day, 20 miles
April 19, Go to A Farmer’s, 1 day, 15 miles
April 20, Go to Union House, 1 day, 24 miles
April 21, Go to J.H. Buzzard’s, ½ day, 13 miles
April 23, Go to West of Des Moine[s], ½ day, 9 miles
April 24, Go to West of Adell, 1 day, 22 miles
103 S, April 25, Go to Lawson’s, ½ day, 8 miles
April 26, Go to Bear Grove, 1 day, 22 miles
April 27, Go to Chicken Creek, 1 day, 27 miles
April 28, Go to Nishna Botena, 1 day, 30 miles
April 29, Go to Mosquito Creek, 1 day, 27 miles
April 30, Go to Florence, 1 day, 15 miles
129
332 Miles in 16 days
1858 May
Mon 3, To Elk Horn, 1 day, 20 miles
Tues 4, To Platte River, 1 day, 15 miles
Wed 5, To Snell [Shell] Creek, 1 day, 24 miles
Thurs 6, To Soup [Loup] Fork, 1 day, 23 miles
Fri 7, To Genoa, ½ day, 18 miles
[Total],100 miles
Tues 11, To Soup [Loup] Fork, ½ day, 10 miles
Wed 12, To A Swamp, 1 day, 22 miles
Thurs 13, To Prairie Creek, 1 day, 25 miles
Fri 14, To Wood River, 1 day, 22 miles
Sat 15, To Mouth of Elm Creek, 1 day, 29 miles
[Total] 108 miles
Sun 16, To Crossing of Buffalo Creek, 1 day, 24 miles
Mon 17, To near the Platte, 1 day, 27 miles
Tues 18, To near the Platte, 1 day, 18 miles
Wed 19, To on the North fork, 1 day, 25 miles
Fri 21, To W of N Bluff Fork, 1 day, 18 miles
Sat 22, To Pettite [Petite] Creek, 1 day, 21 miles
[Total] 133 miles
Sun 23, On the Prairie, 1 day, 22 miles
Mon 24, Opposite Ash hollow, 1 day, 18 miles
Tues 25, Crab Creek, 1 day, 28 miles
Wed 26, Banks of the Platte, 1 day, 28 miles
Thurs 27, Near a Slough, 1 day, 23 miles
Fri 28, On open Prairie, 1 day, 29 miles
Sat 29, - - - d - - - -, 1 day, 16 miles
[Total] 164 miles
Sun 30, 4 miles W of Laramie, 1 day, 21 miles
Mon 31, Box Elder Creek, 1 day, 27 miles
Tues 1 June, N. side of Platte, 1 day, 23 miles
Wed 2, Starvation Point, 1 day, 26 miles
Thurs 3, W of Deer Creek, 1 day, 25 miles
Fri 4, W of Platte, 1 day, 20 miles
Sat 5, Upper crossing, ½ day, 10 miles
[Total] 152 miles
Sun 6, Willow Spring, 1 day, 28 miles
Mon 7, Deep ravine of Creek, 1 day, 34 miles
Tues 8, Sweetwater, 1 day, 24 miles
Wed 9, Sunino(?) [Seminole], Cut off ½ day, 12 miles
Thurs 10, small creek, 1 day, 23 miles
Fri 11, Sweetwater W.S. Pass, 1 day, 25 miles
Sat 12, Little Sandy, 1 day, 28 miles
[Total] 174 miles
Sun 13, lost camp, 1 day, 35 miles
Mon 14, small creek, 1 day, 18 miles
Tues 15, head of Hams Fork, 1 day, 24 miles
Wed 16, small creek, 1 day, 21 miles
Thurs 17, East side of Bear River, 1 day, 29 miles
Fri 18, Ford of Bear River, ½ day, 15 miles
Sat 19, branch of Echo Kanyon, 1 day, 25 miles
[Total] 167 miles
1858
Wed May 19 Sharp frost with heavy fog latter part of the night[.] beautiful morning. Camp starts and crosses the Pawnee Swamp to the bluffs and halts for noon near the Pool[.] in the p.m. passes the Junction of the forks then crosses Carrion Creek where there recently been a camp of Indians. We go along N fork of the Platte for several miles and camp near its banks (I waded Skunk Creek and rode a mile in the a.m. in Geo Goddard’s wagon[.] in the p.m. rode with Chas Shumway about 4 mi.) N fork of the Platte looming[.] no guard placed during daylight[.] 7 horses got away and went back at dark[.] 3 men started in pursuit[.] very cold and windy night
Thurs 20 after breakfast commenced raining for a short time[.] cold cloudy windy day[.] Wm. H. Smith and Jas Andrus started last night about 11 p.m. and rode near 50 miles (& back) when they discovered the animals turning round a point of bluffs and immediately followed and chased them and returned with 5 of them[.] on returning at 5 this p.m. found that a horse belonging to David Brinton and one to David O. Ridout were missing[.] they report having seen 2 camps on the S. side of the Platte
Smith lost a good revolver while chasing the runaway animals in the Bluffs[.] we have in camp 20 wagons 93 horses & mules
Rifles & guns revolvers Pistols Swords
at 5½ p.m. a Government train is seen moving up on the S. side of the South Fork
Camp remains here all day on account of the runaway horses.
Friday 21 Very dull foggy morning[.] Camp moves along the bottom crossing 9 or 10 Sloughs or Creeks[.] I waded all in my boots[.] dry at noon[.] overtook 2 German families on Black Mud creek
in the p.m. had a good dry road to travel and crossed North Bluff Fork when we camped on the edge of the Platte which is roaring full[.] P. Margetts and D. Wilkin report hearing 3 cannon fired in the direction of the supposed Government train (I rode on G. Goddard’s horse 2 mile) 18 mi
Saturday 22 Distant thunder about break of day[.] very foggy like London weather[.] the grass very wet from the heavy dew[.] camp passes over the 3 sets of Sand Bluffs and several creeks to Petite Creek[.] many young Grasshoppers here[.] the morning heavy.] roads sandy[.] afternoon hot and clear till 5 p.m. then distant thunder heard in the W. The Buffalo grass was very troublesome[.] Captn Berry swaps the Little Brown Pacing Filley[.] Brown pacing Poney to Angus M. Cannon for his Big Mule[.] 21 [miles]
T.B. had a bathe at noon and rode S.H. Goddard’s wagon about 4 miles on guard from 10 to 12¼[.] Thunder Lightning and rain[.] I had B. Snow’s waterproof coat on so kept dry.
Sunday 23 May 58 Sun rose in a clear sky[.] pleasant day till 4 p.m. Camp crosses many streams of clear water and halts for noon on the East side of Rattlesnake Creek in good feed[.] (T.B. carried over the wide Creek by D. Page and rides in Ezra Clark’s wagon 1½ miles) had a good bathe in the Creek in the p.m. went over mostly a soft bottom and thro several creeks[.] very hot and sultry until a sudden thunder storm threatens us, when we camp in a hurry in good grass about 5 p.m. but no wood, got water from a pool full of wiglers[.] we had scarcely pitched tents when 9 Indians of the Burley Band of Ogallallahs ride over the hill and come to camp and the rain came down on us[.] cleared up at Sundown[.] the Indians met in prayer with us[.] we put them in a tent for the night when they gave their usual singing after supper[.] 22 mi
Monday 24 strong dew[.] clear morning
gave the Indians their breakfast and they went away singing[.] wrote on a shoulder blade for H.C. Haight[.] J.W. Stevens pulled it up and had to replace it[.] Camp crosses several Creeks and over some very sandy Bluffs and after passing Watch Creek nooned on the Platte[.] In the p.m. went thro same[.] (I talked a little plain truth and favoritism in behalf of foreigners
wet sloughy ground[.] I waded thro a broad creek and gathered some greens[.] a great quantity in this day’s travel[.] go strait towards Ash Hollow[.] pass the Camp of 8 Lodges of Ogallallas and we halted about ½ mile beyond about 5 p.m. all come to our camp in holiday dress and we distribute to them 35 lbs biscuits and 20 lbs flour which 2 Indians distribute among all of them equally[.] soon after a slight shower and thunder passes over[.] 18 mi
we learn from these Indians that the first camp of 15 wagons on the S side passed up this morning about 10 o’clock and the river is about 3 or 4 feet above the back of the horse[.] saw an Indian and horse swimming[.] they had a narrow escape from drowning[.] (I rode in Goddards Wagon and his horse about 1 hour)
Tuesday 25 Dew in the night[.] gave a recommend to the good conduct of the Chief, Camp crosses Castle Creek[.] I waded it stripped, it was arranged that T.B. and J. Beck ride in the wagon with C. Hubbard and S. Young[,] D. Wilkin[,] P. Margetts[.] D. Daniels[,] and W.I. Smith ride on 2 loose horses[.] it is quite a benefit[.] the Camp rolls over a good dry road for about 12 miles and noon in good grass[.] only Saleratus water and Wiglers and Tadpoles in it[.] pleasant day[.] My nose bled very freely[.] I rode about ¼ of distance today[.] In the p.m. travelled over a good road the greater part of the distance to Crab Creek. We were camped about 7 p.m. in splendid grass with water[.] saw 19 lodges of Indians on the S. side of the river and passed 3 on the N. side[.] six Indians swam the Platte and got them supper[.] they were very civil[.] The handcarts camped here a year ago[.] 28 mi
Wednesday 26 Sun rises beautiful[.] warm day[.] dusty roads[.] Camp passes thro the Cobble Hills, passed the Ancient Ruins Bluffs where we watered the animals then over a level plain and nooned without any water and but poor grass, then started for the river and again watered the teams[.] 2 p.m. found a bone showing that S.W. Richards and Co. passed here on 21 April and dined[.] Capn swapped the brown horses driven by C. Hubbard to a Dutchman for a span of Mules, they staid to recruit other animals, I staid to change and was left behind when D. Wilkin came with his horse for me to ride to Camp[.] I would not have overtaken it until it stopped[.] I sweat bad and the mosquitoes too troublesome[.] this morning saw a train of 27 wagons going to the States and in the p.m. 3 wagons going west[.] Camp came to a halt about ½ past 6 in the evening[.] clouded up[.] I rode several miles in a Wagon of Geo Goddard’s[.] 28 mi
Thursday 27 May T.B. on guard from midnight till 2 a.m. the finest guard on the route[.] beautiful moon[.] silvery reflection on the noble Platte[.] animals quiet[.] I could see them all at a time with the wagons and every thing[.] cool at sunrise[.] Camp passes over some sandy bluffs for a mile and then go to the river nearly opposite Chimney rock and halt for noon in good feed[.] P[hillip] Margetts washed all over in the river[.] In the p.m. took the upper road and after traveling about 6 miles John R. Murdock and E. Van Utan rode up to us[.] when we turned square towards the river they were proud of the escort of Col Thos S. Kane who has been to Utah and accomplished this mission to Utah[.] Howard Egan brought a letter from President Young and the returning Missionaries[.] (see the copy I got Geo Goddard to make for me) I read one letter to the Saints when I wrote a letter to the Millenial Star and read it to the Saints who rejoiced at it; the brethren got the news that all the Saints N had gone to Utah Co. and all things ready to burn up the city if the troops should cross the mountains[.] Gov Cumming appears to be our warm friend and has pledged himself in writing to sustain the Saints and we’ll call them out to oppose Johnson and says his Wife shall go where our Saints go and bro Brigham and he can whip all their troops[.] the brethren told us how to travel to the valley to avoid the troops[.] Camp then moved to the Bluffs to avoid the river and camped W of Slough[.] sage brush for fuel for the first time this trip[.] good grass[.] at evening prayers again I read Pres Youngs letter when the news was rehearsed[.] I walked all the p.m. 23 mi
Friday 28 Sharp frost in the night[.] ice on the water[.] The Sun rose clear and shewed the beauty of the Castle Bluffs as if recently built[.] Camp travels over a good road passing Scotts Bluffs to the banks of the Platte for nooning[.] In the p.m. continued our journey over generally a dry hard road[.] some parts sandy[.] passed 2 lodges of Indians and stopped to trade about ½ hour[.] A 10 min shower came on us and made us a wet camping[.] found plenty of good grass[.] took our animals over a mile to the river Platte and it was hard work to carry water for cooking but no wood sage or chips to burn so I went to bed with a supper of cold water and biscuit dust[.] as soon as I pitched my tent another shower came on[.] it proves great benefit to me[.] 29 mi
many surmises and speculations among the brethren about burning the city & c
Saturday 29 May 1858 Very heavy dew in the night[.] The Sun rose beautiful[.] Laramie Peak is seen from the road and it is covered with snow as also 2 S. mountains[.] Camp travels under the Sandy Bluffs and up by the river side is the timber[.] On the N side of the Platte we were halt for noon about 3 hours[.] very windy[.] T.B. and Capn Berry bathe in the river[.] The 3 wagons seen moving up the S side and a Co of wagons this a.m. going to the States[.] The Beavers have been busy here cutting down trees, over 30 of them nibbled down[.] My dream while pioneering comes vividly to my remembrance[.] O Lord enable me to fulfil the interpretation by President W. Richards in thine own due time and let glory and immortality be mine in thy presence with thy sanctified ones[.] Amen[.] About 3 p.m. again started[.] went over the plains on a good road and camped for the night near the Platte[.] grass much scattered[.] A little boy of Robidouse rode into Camp to trade mocassins[.] His father died last Fall at Deer Creek
Sunday 30 Cold night[.] clouded sky[.] Laramie Peak still covered with snow[.] As the camp started to go a few miles intended to pass Laramie in the night we discovered the mail of 4 Wagons rapidly going to Fort Laramie so we concluded to pass it in daylight[.] We traveled over a sandy road to Raw hide Creek & crossed it and continued our journey to a high bluff near the river where we halted to prepare for the night’s camping[.] here we saw a large band of horses going towards Laramie[.] the river is now falling
In the p.m. we took the road for Laramie Ford and when within 3 miles of it heavy storm and rain hail and thunder commenced and which continued until we had passed it a mile or so[.] we saw the Fort and houses and the Mail leaving for the South Pass[.] When the Storm cleared away the ground was covered nearly an inch with hail stones[.] restoring winter[.] the ground afterwards sloppy and many pools of water[.] no one came out to us[.] The whole circumstance is a remarkable fulfilment of prophecy altho we were all more or less wet through[.] Camp continued its march to the ravine about 6 miles West[.] We were camped in good feed[.] pretty much hidden from the road[.] 23 mi.
(I was on guard from 10 till midnight and afflicted with rheumatic pains[.] I rode on horseback about 3 miles and being entirely worn out by the severe weather I lagged behind all and was again brought to the wagon by David Wilkins when I rode about a mile)
Monday 31 May 58 A beautiful clear day after the storm. Camp starts at ½ past 6 and passes over and through a winding road among the Black Hills[.] See Laramie Peak covered with Snow[.] I had the privilege of riding a horse several miles on account of the rheumatism which I had rather do without[.] found some water and good grass about 10 when we halted[.] staid about 2 hours when we took a circuitous and hilly road winding thro picturesque scenery and an abundance of spring grass[.] took a bend to the Platte (about 5 miles)[.] we watered the teams and then ascended a long mountain to good grass (about 4 miles) but no water[.] staid 1½ hour then resumed our journey[.] passed over the divide and descended by ravines to the Box Elder Creek (about 9 miles) and camped about sundown[.] I had a horse to ride called the Doctor and a horse to lead called the Lawyer all the afternoon[.] I went to bed without supper and was administered to by President S.H. Goddard and Wm. Smith[.] The storm of yesterday used me up. 27 miles
Tuesday 1 June President B. Young is 57 years old today[.] The Lord bless him[.] Camp travels over a very good road for about 9 miles and a pretty little creek although at the crossing near 2 feet deep[.] then over a very good road passing over a divide near two pretty rounding bluffs like a woman’s breasts and halt the animals in good grass but no water (about 14 miles) In the p.m. continued our journey over a good road[.] took a turn to the left round a bluff in the direction of Laramie Peak[.] apparently our return track, in crossing an ugly ravine Tom Hall broke the fore axle on the wagon[.] Camp drove down before the Platte and camped to wait for the broken wagon near there we crossed the 3rd time in 56[.] warm day[.] clouding up about 5 p.m., we herd in a bend in the river ½ mile[.] By coming this route it is about 54 miles to Laramie and misses twice crossing the Platte[.] By going the other river road it is about 45 miles but crosses the river twice[.] The wagon repaired but too late to move on[.] I arose very sick in the a.m. rode the pony which chafed me some, in the p.m. I rode in Ezra Clark’s wagon, saw many mushrooms[.] the grass has been beaten down by a hail storm[.] 23 mi
Wednesday 2 June rain in the night and thunder
Camp travels over a good road all morning and halts on our old camping ground in Cottonwood timber[.] had plenty of grass and had to take our animals ¾ of a mile to the river (about 12 miles)[.] The clouds moving in 3 directions at noon[.] a sight very seldom seen[.] On account of rheumatism I rode in E.T. Clark’s wagon[.] some of the boys have been writing slurs upon the Captain on bones and left by the wayside[.] the captain has to do the Blacksmithing[.] He has an unenviable office[.] a thunder shower passed by N of the Camp
In the p.m. we had nearly a strait and good road except some sandy and wound thro the picturesque bluffs today[.] travelled abut 12 miles on Platte[.] watered the animals (here crossed to the S side of the Platte with hand carts if possible), then wound up among and over some bluffs descending very steep[.] came to quite a rapid and very muddy stream caused no doubt by the storm on Sunday and last night[.] about 2 miles[.] we camped on the high bluff[.] cleared up again in the p.m. this place has been truly called “Starvation point”
Thursday 3 June very cold and windy night
The river of last night is gone this morning[.] a shower passes over from the North[.] The camp ascends the Alps and continues rolling up and down and makes about ¾ of a square[.] we made a journey of 5 miles to the river (which in a bee line would be about 1½ miles but to cross the river 4 times) then continued over a sandy road about 2 miles to the river bank[.] we then went about 3 miles to the point of timber on the river bank where nooned[.] A shower passes over the North and several showers all round us[.] from the river banks it is evident there has been very heavy hail storm lately by cutting up the ground and the water marks[.] some of the hail stones left holes in the soft clay as large as egg cups
In the p.m. we traveled over some good road and some sandy in near a strait line passing over a high ridge and camped about a mile E of Deer Creek [.] several showers passed over thro the day but we have great occasion to be thankful where we were not here during the great hail storm[.] 25 miles
I was on guard from 8 to 10 in the woods and under brush[.] the worst place to guard[.] the animals got scared and run away to the other end of the guarded ground
Friday 4 June at 11 p.m. it will be 25 years since my mother died[.] a cold night[.] keen air[.] clear sky[.] beautiful day
The camp went over the sand bluffs and finding a small patch of pretty good feed made a halt to give them a chance for 2 hour[.] at Deer Creek is a trading post and several lodges of Indians[.] here we learnt that the peace commissioners to Utah passed 13 days ago and stay this time in the valley[.] A new Government has gone in again without any troops[.] the people were returning to the city and plowing[.] The U.S. troops (?) Bridge chased the Salt Lake Express but could not overtake it[.] the mail is let to Hockaday for 190,000.00 a year to be carried weekly[.] the mail passed up 4 days ago[.] the back mail to Salt Lake is here[.] the carriage broke yesterday and a fresh one sent out this a.m. There is a great deal of snow in the mountains[.] many of the ravines too full[.] the river is falling fast[.] I walked nearly all the way[.] I am thankful I am better[.] Camp rolls over another bluff[.] The fortmen take the trail by the water[.] most of the road is heavy sand[.] pass by a good bed of coal at sandy bed of creek as good as the Welsh Coal and halt again in good grass[.] then roll on again up by the side of the Platte[.] some very heavy sand and some very good road[.] Camped on the Platte and I washed all over again and changed clothes[.] 29 miles
Saturday 5 June frosty night[.] clear morning and day
”The loose herd” as they are called by J.W. Berry walk up the other side of the river thro romantic scenery[.] some cliffs 100 to 200 feet perpendicular to the water and some parts of pretty grove[.] walked up to the Bridge[.] Mr Secretary Hartlett left for UT [Utah] yesterday[.] we passed Laramie last Sunday then we went up to the (?) Pioneer Camp ground and staid[.] 10 miles
J. W. Berry swapt part of the team used up by Jesse Hobson for other horses and had to part with 3 sacks of Flour and other things as boot
T.B. had a delightful bathe in the river with Wm. Smith
T.B. wrote a letter to T.B.H. Stenhouse for the N.Y. Times
The road on the N side of the Platte is about 135 miles[.] must be in high water
The road on the S side of the Platte is about 126½ miles when the river is low and can be waded[.] cross it 4 times[.] it is the best
Sunday 6 June beautiful morning and day
Camp started[.] a flock of about 1800 sheep and 10 wagons to New Mexico and Fort Scott passed by on the upper road, they took the cut off while our Camp took the old ridge road making a bend[.] came to a halt at Mineral Springs and staid 2½ hours to wait for wagon of Gabriel Huntsman who had broken an axle on his wagon[.] In the p.m. took all the covers off our wagons to make the loads draw easier[.] the roads too sandy[.] cut up by the heavy government wagons[.] the ruts being up to the hub[.] the pedestrians took all the little cuts off to make the road shorter[.] watered the teams at a pretty little creek and continued our journey to the Willow Spring encampment by 6¼ p.m. 28 mi
Captain Berry reports some person told the Mountaineers we were going to Sublette cut off so as to travel quick and get out of the way of Johnston[.] here we were ordered to throw away our tent poles and pins and lighten up the travel without wagon covers
Monday 7 June strong dew in the night[.] beautiful day
Camp awoke at day break as usual, but got hitched up and started by 4¼ in a.m. trotted over to Greasewood Creek for breakfast at 6½ a.m. most of the brethren rode down hill and walked up hill in sandy spots[.] Commissary Reese delivers out the rations of flour 60 lbs[,] biscuits 16 lbs[,] beans 6 lbs[,] bacon 22 lbs[,] sugar 4 lbs & coffee 2¼ lbs to each mess of 8 persons for a week[.] staid two hours then went over to heavy sandy road to Saleratus Lakes and Independence rock[,] passed the Fort of the Bridge and waded the river at a rock[.] I was naked and helped the teams thro[,] halted for near ½ mile[.] staid two hours, then stated again for a gap W of Devil’s Gate, saw the ruins of a Fort built by the Mormons, crossed three creeks and over some heavy Saleratus road, some of the teams gave out and some of the men very tired[.] I got in and waded the Creek over knee deep[.] About ½ hour before sundown[.] the last ones got in at Sundown[.] 34 mi
I was on guard from 10 to 12 p.m. had a severe pain in my belly and was fortunate and had to guard the small end of the horse shoe bend[.] good feed
Tuesday 8 June mild night[.] cloudy morning
T.W. Russell called the Saints up 25 minutes before 4[.] was the guard from 2 to 4 and last I know was the guard and was over ¼ of an hour behind to relieve guard[.] Camp moved as soon as hitched up and trotted down hill[.] then passed over a succession of sand ridges and halted at 6 a.m. for breakfast on the Platte[.] saw 2 men riding on the S side of the river under the Bluffs when Captain Berry sent an Express to them[.] found them to be mountaineers, 8½ again started[.] passed over a sandy road[.] met the U.S. Mail who would not stop to answer a question[.] went to ford the Sweetwater[.] forded it 3 times[.] Went on the rocks and camped for the night when a severe storm set in from the N[.] slept under the rocks
I had a belly ache bad
Wed 9 Severe storm through the night[.] Cleared up a little at noon[.] Another Mail from U.S. came from Bridger about 10 and gave varied information about 3 p.m. hitched up[.] crossed the Ford 5th time[.] met a hand cart and several wagons of Apostates[.] they looked pitiful because of storm[.] I was very sick with rheumatism and cholic and had to ride in a wagon[.] Camp went past the Ice Spring and camped a short distance up the Semineau [Seminoe] cut off near the sink of Spring Creek[.] got a piece of cedar and made a tent pole[.] if I had it under my tent last night I should have missed this attack of rheumatism[.] it was fortunate I was under the tent this night for it stormed severely[.] as it was we lay in wet clothes[.] 12 mi
Thursday 10 June 58 severe storm and rain and snow and ground covered with snow several inches[.] called up before break of day[.] the mules were very restive[.] I was mounted on a horse and rode about 9 miles[.] came to a halt under some bluffs[.] I was in partial shelter from the snow storm[.] regular N Easter[.] it was heavy on the mules[.] found a man Mr Hersey who said he had wintered in the valley and was there in 53[.] he gave a good report to the people[.] D[avid] Wilkin and P[hillip] Margetts cached 8 Iron axles and boxes and several very good tires and other iron [blank space] cleared up[.] about 1 we started again rolling over heavy road from the Storm thro rocky ridges and came to a halt on a small running stream [blank space] the sun shone and we partially dried our bedding[.] the animals felt well and pretty well filled before sun down[.] 23 mi
rheumatic pains in my shoulders and back and belly ache from cramp colic and very unpleasant companions on this trip for me[.] I suffer severely
Friday 11 June Severe frosty night[.] cold day
Camp moves up over the bluffs[.] the snow hard on the road and in some places a foot deep[.] ice in the pools about one inch thick[.] met 5 wagons with many discharged Teamsters (reported 150)[.] some of them on horseback[.] most on foot
Camp staid for breakfast about 2 miles and dry our bedding[.] commenced thawing[.] Camp again rolled round a big bend to a Spring, many waded thro cut off knee deep on rising[.] on hill met Nicholas Groesbeck, Al Hatch and about 12 other brethren with a drove of mules going to the Platte Ferry for goods[.] they gave us much information of the valley and our friends[.] I read the damnable lies of James Buchanan called the Proclamation of peace which did drive the Mormons to defend themselves[.] we could not refrain from groaning 3 times at the conclusion
after staying together about 3 hours we separated and our Camp rolled on towards the South Pass where we came to a halt a little after Sundown[.] The clouds strongly threaten another storm[.] the rheumatism in my shoulders very severe and cholic very bad[.] 25 mi
Saturday 12 June cold night[.] got a willow for a tent pole last night[.] Camp called at 4 and immediately started thro the South pass and past the Pacific Springs[.] crossed the Creek and halted for breakfast[.] finding some grass among the Sage brush[.] the dull clouds breaking away[.] Cap Berry called 12 of the brethren to counsel about our future journey[.] I read President Young’s letter when we decided to take the Kinney cut off and that comes to Bear river 32 miles higher up and can go to Echo[.] Camp then moved on to Dry Sandy and watered teams[.] then went on to the junction of the Oregon road when we found a little grass and turned our animals our [out] for 1¼ hour[.] roads good[.] it seems good to the old Pioneer road[.] Camp again rolls down a good road to the Little Sandy which was deep altho it was sunk about 18 inches from the highest water mark[.] went down to Creek ½ mile to hunt for good feed at a bend in the Creek[.] fine day and all feel better
I am thankful I am much freer of pain altho far from well
Sunday 13 June Mild night beautiful morning and day
Camp called at 4 and immediately rolled down to the Big Sandy for breakfast (about 7miles)[.] many comments to James Buchanan’s lies and the burning of the City by the Saints
Camp staid about 2 hours and then started on the 18 mile drive[.] the roads good and dry altho some Sandy[.] went past the remains of the burnt wagons and could not help saying so may James Buchanan and all who abet him in his wicked deeds, perish and Amen was responded[.] we soon past the dividing line between Oregon and Utah and I was glad once more to get into Utah[.] In a short time we rested for 2 hours for dinner and again resumed our journey down to the Big Bend where I camped in 56 and went down to Betsy’s sister
very poor feed[.] staid about 1½ hour and then took the Kinney cut off and good hard road tho in some places sandy[.] came to the junction of the roads about 8 miles took the left hand road after the moon had set[.] then had some heavy sand[.] came to the barren desert and got lost[.] halted without grass water or even a sage bush at 11 p.m. in the road
Monday 14 June awoke at day break and started[.] found ourselves about ½ mile from the road and when the sun rose found we were going a due West course to Green River[.] 7 miles of good road and found pretty good feed[.] hunted for a ford but too deep[.] found the ferry boat[.] bailed out of boat[.] ferried 2 wagons at a time[.] commenced 9:30 a.m. finished 12:45[.] fine a.m. making 3 trips each hour when all the wagons men and animals were over safe[.] J.L. Smith[,] D.O. Ridout[,] James Craig and Robert Pope went over naked and tied up the boat leaving oars &c that we made, safe and then swam the river back[.] I took care of their clothes about 3 p.m. Camp moves over the rough uneven gravelly pebbly zig zag dreary desolate desert country N.W. for about 8 miles then saw a rough broken mountain scenery[.] descended about 1½ miles to the pretty little creek running East of Green river[.] watered the animals and continued up by its side S.W. and camped where the road leaves this valley at a junction[.] took the animals back to the road to get feed[.] hazy atmosphere
fine warm day[.] sun set splendid behind the top of the mountain
Tuesday 15 June Cold night[.] beautiful day[.] cloudy eve
Awake at day break and immediately start on N.W. course over a pretty good road (about 4 miles) over or round the ridge and again come to the pretty little creek[.] go along up to its crossing (about 1 mile) and halt for breakfast[.] then ascend the long hill and pass along the dividing ridge for several miles in the N of W direction and descend the very steep hill to the beautiful spring and excellent cold water and the best and most grass since leaving the Platte[.] good grass and plenty[.] begins here going West (about 10 miles)[.] snow drifts on the tops of the mountains[.] weather clouding up[.] staid about 3 hours and then commenced rising the long hills which occupied 1 hour 20 min then descended and turned to the left over two steep pitches[.] one of them nearly as steep as the roof of a house came to 2 streamlets and over another ridge to a small stream[.] the head of Ham’s Fork and camped near the Aspen Grove in good grass
Wm. J. Smith voluntarily relieved me from night guard on account of my weakness for which I am very thankful
Chas. W. Hubbard was a hard hearted unfeeling hard spoken man and several times spoken very harsh to the boys
my oiled sack thrown out of the wagon[.] saved by J.W. Berry this morning Wednesday 16 June pleasant morning then several thunder showers[.] Camp awoke at day break and rolls over a succession of hills and vales for 1¾ hours[.] 5 miles and halt for breakfast at a swamp of little Springs of beautiful water when I had finished assisting the harness[.] Hubbard trotted off and left me[.] I could not have got to my wagon[.] I was assisted by Dan Davis who spoke kind and by Dan Daniels dismounting from his horse for me to ride
Captain here told me to ride in E.[Ezra] T.[Thompson] Clark’s wagon and P.[Philip] Margetts in ours[.] Camp ascended a long hill then descended thro a ravine to Hams Fork. turned suddenly round[.] went up the right side of the Creek passing several magnificent springs in the crossing (by taking over the hill about 1½ mile a good road would have saved what has taken 2 hours) then ascended by the back bone to the ridge to 2 beautiful Cottonwood groves for noon halt[.] 5 hours or 10 miles[.] splendid feed[.] a heavy thunder shower[.] when it ceased we look a great rainbow(?) to our right then ascended a very steep mountain thro a beautiful june grove[.] had to stop many times[.] at the top had a view of Bear river and the Snowy Mountains above Fort Supply[.] in the West a splendid sight descended very steep pitches during a shower of rain
a small creek run South plenty of good feed 3 hours 6 miles[.] 21 mi
Missionaries
James Andrus, age 22, in Church 14 years, 10 quo[rum] 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., residence G.S.L. Co., Laborer
James Beck, age 45, in Church 17 years, Prest. 21 quo 70, Pres. Of Preston Conference, England, residence G.S.L. City, Painter
John W. Berry, age 35, in Church 20 years, Hi. Priest, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, Utah Co. residence, Farmer
Wm. Bramall, age 34, in Church 17 years, 6 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, Utah Co. residence, Farmer
David Brinton, age 43, in Church 18 years, Hi. Priest, Bishop, Travelling Elder, U.S., Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Blacksmith
W[illia]m Brown, age 42, in Church16 years, Pres. 5 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, residence Davis Co., Farmer
Ja[me]s G. Browning, age 50, in Church 19 years, Hi. Priest, Bishop, Travelling Elder, England, residence Weber Co., Blacksmith
Tho[ma]s Browning, age 24, in church 10 years, Elder, Travelling Elder, U.S., Hand Cart, residence Weber Co., Book keeper
W[illia]m Field Bull, age 39, in Church 10 years, Elder, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence Davis, Farmer
Tho[ma]s Bullock, age 42, in Church 18 years, Prest. 27 quo 70, Travelling Elder, London 2nd District, Pioneer, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer & clerk
Angus M. Cannon, age 24, in Church 14 years, 30 quo 70, Pres. Of Philadelphia U.S. Conference, residence G.S.L. Co., Printer
W[illia]m Carter, age 37, in Church 17 years, 28 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, Pioneer Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co. Farmer
Ezra T. Clark, age 34, in Church 22 years, Prest. 40 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, residence Davis Co., Farmer
Isaiah M. Coombs, age 24, in Church 4 ½ years, 29 quo 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., residence G.S.L. Co., School teacher
James Craig, age 37, in Church 14 years, 9 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Ireland, Pioneer, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
Wm. Dalton, age 22, in Church 14 years, 37 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence Utah Co., Farmer
Daniel Daniels, age 50, in church 11 years, Hi. Priest, Prest. Of the Welsh mission, England, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
Daniel Davis, Prest. Of the Essex Conference, England, Pioneer, residence G.S.L. Co. Farmer
Henry T. Doremus, age 57, in Church 15 years, Hi. Priest, Travelling Elder, England, residence G.S.L. Co., Gardener
Martin L. Ensign, age 27, in Church 8 years, 15 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence Box Elder, Farmer
Richard G. Evans, age 31, in Church 8 years, 23 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence Box Elder, Farmer
Robert Gardiner, age 39, in Church 14 years, Hi. Priest, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Miller
George Gates, age 45, in Church 18 years, 15 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
George Goddard, age 43, in Church 7 years, 27 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co. Storekeeper
Stephen H. Goddard, age 48, in Church 23 years, Prest. 27 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, Pioneer Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
Thomas Hall, age 41, in Church 18 years, 6 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Policeman
Henry Harriman, age 53, in Church 26 years, President of all the 70, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
Isaac Higbee, age 60, in Church 26 years, Hi. Priest, Bishop, Prest of Derby Conference, England, residence Utah Co., Farmer
Isaac Hill, age 52, in Church 25 years, Hi Priest, Bishop, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
Richard Hill, age 31, in Church 7 years, Elder, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence Weber, Farmer
Jesse Hobson, age 46, in Church 20 years, 7 quo 70, Prest. Of Worcester Conference, England, residence Davis, Farmer
James Galley, age 59, in Church 18 years, Hi Priest, Travelling Elder, Hand Cart, residence of G.S.L. Co., School teacher
Charles W. Hubbard, age 48, in Church 25 years, Hi. Priest, Bishop, Travelling Elder, England, residence Box Elder, Farmer
Gabriel Huntsman, age 27, in Church 9 years, 10 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence Millard, Farmer
Thomas R. King, age 45, in Church 18 years, Hi. Priest, Pastor of Derby & c, England, residence Millard, Farmer
James Lavender, age 56, in Church 20 years, Hi Priest, Pastor of Redford & c, England, residence G.S.L. Co., Miller
Martin Littlewood, age 37, in Church 20 years, Hi. Priest, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, G.S.L. Co. Builder
Robert Logan, age 53, in Church 12 years, Hi. Priest, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Weaver
Philip Margetts, age 29, in Church 18 years, 14 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Blacksmith
Daniel Mackintosh, age 37, in Church 17 years, Prest. 39 quo 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., Hand Cart, residence G.S.L. Co., Clerk
W[illia]m Maylett, age 33, in Church 13 years, 42 quo 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., Hand Cart, resident San Pete, Farmer
Reuben McBride, age 54, in Church 25 years, Hi. Priest, Travellilng Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence Millard, Carpenter
James McCrary, [John M.] age 32, in Church 8 years, 18 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, Hand Cart, residence Box Elder, Farmer
Robt. E. Miller, age 32, in Church 9 years, 15 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Hand Cart, residence Iron, Farmer
W[illia]m S. Muir, age 35, in Church 16 years, Prest. 33 quo 70, Pastor of Birmingham & C, England, Ord. Serj. of Battalion, residence of Davis, Farmer
W[illia]m Pace, age 52, in Church 17 years, Hi. Priest, Bishop, Prest. Of Stafford Conference, England, residence Utah, Farmer
Daniel Page, age 30, in Church 18 years, Hi. Priest, Bishop, Pastor of Norwich & c, England, residence G.S.L. Co., School teacher
Eli H[arvey] Peirce, age 30, in Church 14 years, Hi. Priest, Bishop, Travelling Elder, England, Pioneer-H.C., residence Box Elder, Farmer
Tho[ma]s Peirce, age 28, in Church 14 years, 70, Travelling Elder, England, residence Box Elder, Teamster
John G[eorge] Pinder, age 37, in Church 10 years, Elder, Travelling Elder, England, H.C. residence Ogden, Machinist
Enoch Reese, age 45, in Church 16 years, Prest. 18 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence G.S.L. Co. Merchant
David O[liver} Rid[e]out, age 37, in Church 6 years, 35 quo 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., residence G.S.L. Co., Lumberman
Samuel Riter, age 23, in Church 12 years, 26 quo 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., H.C., residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
Peter Robinson, age 41, in Church 18 years, 18 quo 70, Prest. Of Sheffield Conference, England, residence Millard, Farmer
Miles Romney, age 52, in Church 21 years, Prest. 29 quo 70, Pastor of Liverpool & c, England, residence G.S.L. Col, Joiner
Samuel Roskelly, age 23, in Church 7 years, 2 quo 70, Prest. of Cardiff Conf., England, residence G.S.L. Co., Teamster
Fred. Roulet, age 42, in Church 7 years, 8 quo 70, Prest. of Italian mission, residence Box Elder, Tailor
Tho[ma]s W. Russell, age 26, in Church 14 years, 5 quo 70, Pastor of Cheltenham & C, England, residence G.S.L. Co. Farmer
Joseph Scofield, age 49, in Church 17 years, Prest. 32 quo 70, Prest. of Lands end Conf., England, Pioneer, residence G.S.L. Co. Carpenter
Andrew Shumway, age 25, in Church 14 years, Elder, Travelling Elder, England, Pioneer, residence G.S.L. Co., Lawyer
Charles Shumway, age 49, in Church 18 years, Prest. 19 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, Pioneer-H.C., residence G.S.L., Co., Lawyer
John L[yman] Smith, age 29, in Church 21 years, Prest. 12 quo 70, Prest. of Swiss and Italian mission, residence G.S.L. Co., Clerk
Samuel H[arrison] B[ailey] Smith, age 20, in Church 12 years, 27 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, residence G.S.L. Co., Laborer
W[illia]m H. Smith, age 30, in Church 6 years, 32 quo 70, Travelling Elder, Canada, H.C., residence G.S.L. Co., Teamster
Wm. I. Smith [William Joseph Smith] age 38, in Church 12 years, Hi. Priest, Pastor of Newcastle and Carlisle, Canada, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
John F. Snediker, age 26, in Church 10 years, 35 quo 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., residence G.S.L. Co. Painter
Bernard Snow, age 36, inChurch 9 years, 27 quo 70, Pastor of Southampton & c, England, residence G.S.L., Co., Millwright
George Stanniforth, age 22, 8 years in Church, 5 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
James W. Stevens, age 32, in Church 10 years, 32 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, residence, G.S.L. Co., Joiner
W[illia]m Jackson Stewart, age 44, inChurch 21 years, 8 quo 70, Travelling Eldler, England, residence Utah, Merchant
Amos Taylor, age 22, in Church 8 years, 29 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
George Taylor, age 28, in Church 7 years, 39 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, residence G.S.L. Co., Teamster
Jabez Taylor, age 25, in Church 8 yars, Elder, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence G.S.L. Co., Carpenter
James W. Taylor, age 39, in Church 17 years, 6 quo 70, Prest. of Welsh Conf., England, residence Utah, Blacksmith
Joel Terry, age 46, in Church 20 years, 13 quo 70, Travelling Eldler, Canada, H.C., residence Cedar, Farmer
W[illia]m P. Thomas, age 45, in Church 9 years, Elder, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence Box Elder, Farmer
John H[arvey] Tippitts, age 48, in Church 26 years, Prest. 17 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Pioneer, residence G.S.L. Co., Farmer
Ephraim Tomkinson, age 32, in Church 16 years, Prest. 43 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence Millard, Farmer
W[illia]m B. Twitchell, age 29, in Church 4½ years, Elder, Travelling Elder, Canada, H.C., residence Juab, Farmer
James Ure, age 40, in Church 18 years, Hi. Priest, Pastor of Scotland, residence G.S.L. Co., Laborer
Arthur P. Welchman, age 24, in Church 5 years, Elder, Travelling Elder, U.S., residence G.S.L. Co., Laborer
David Wilkin, age 37, in Church 17 years, Prest. 21 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, Serj. of the Battalion-H.C., residence G.S.L. Co.
Lyman S[tephen] Wood, age 26, in Church 8 years, 10 quo 70, Travelling Elder, U.S., residence Utah, Indian Interpreter
Brigham H[amilton] Young, age 34, in Church 15 years, 4 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence G.S.L. Co., Saddler
Seymour Young, age 20, born in Church, 3 quo 70, Travelling Elder, England, H.C., residence G.S.L. Co., Laborer
Thursday 17 June showery night and morning, clear p.m. and again showers[.] rainbow seen pretty[.] Camp starts after breakfast ( on account of the rain) and ascended a long hill[.] descending on the W side to Bear River[.] some part of the way was steep like the roof of the Tabernacle[.] long and circuitous[.] the ground soft from the rain[.] but good in dry weather[.] (7 miles) then continued up the S. bank of the river about 7 miles and made a near halt for 1½ hours[.] good grass all the way
In the p.m. travelled at a good pace until the road left for Camp Scott 10 miles then took a wagon trail made by P. Margetts in 1854 and broke a road 5 miles over good ground and thro some sage brush crossing one creek and touching at the river banks twice, also crossed an immense spring or else a river that is sunk on the other side of the mountains and plenty of grass[.] the river runs still but rapid being deep[.] 29 mi[.] I awoke this morning with a severe pain in my belly[.] the Captain gave me 1st a dose of cholera medicine[.] 2nd a doze of Pain Killer[.] and then J[ohn]W. Berry, Stephen H. Goddard, and D[avid] Brinton (mouth) administered to me[.] then Captain Berry gave me a dose of Whisky the hottest dose of all[.] I rode in E[zra] T[hompson] Clark’s wagon[.] felt much better in the p.m. and sung in the Choir at night for which I am thankful to the Lord
Friday 18 June 58 very foggy and frosty at break of day[.] cleared up fine[.] Camp starts up the valley passing W of Bold bluff rock over pretty level ground making the road to the bend of the river[.] 3 hours or 8 miles[.] turned the animals on the bench for feed[.] staid 2 hours then took W and S course round the Bluff then it was E and S to the big bend in the river[.] 7 miles[.] I arrived at 11½ and turned out animals and went to hunt and ford[.] showery
made some ropes fast when J[ohn] L[yman] Smith and D[aniel] Page swam the river to them[.] then fastened 2 wagon beds log and commenced ferrying[.] then placed a 3rd across at the 3rd crossing[.] Ja[me]s Andrews had a very narrow escape from drowning[.] the 3 wagon beds sunk with him and got scared and lost himself[.] went down several times[.] at length [Levi] Greg Metcalf caught him by the head and pulled him out and was very near gone and should if he had not been helped out he must have drowned[.] Samuel H[arrison] B[ailey] Smith, Ja[me]s Craig ad Arthur P[endry] Welchman swam in with assistance and also to save the things swimming about[.] I then fastened wagon covers under 2 wagon beds & D[avid] Wilkin then managed the 3 boats and ferried all the goods and brethren across without any accident finishing a little before sundown
Saturday 19 June fine morning[.] cloudy windy noon[.] After breakfast Camp starts[.] find a ford across the clear creek ½ mile then go a mile and cross Miry Creek with some digging and fixing in Willows then to S.S.W. across the Sage plain for several miles then over the rolling and hilly country, go up the ravine and halt for noon in wheat grass[.] water in pools in the ravine (12 miles) staid 1½ hour
In the p.m. Camp travels up the ravine making a S.W. course over hard ground making a good road altho over a succession of dividing ridges[.] part of the way thro heavy sage[.] pass over or by several springs and moist places[.] descend into a branch of Echo Kanyon [Canyon] and Camp about 3 miles from Cache Cave[.] 15 mi.
P[hillip] Margetts reports this cut off saves about 20 miles travel from the trail made by him 4 years ago[.] Captain Berry and Brinton with J.L. Smith and Wm. H. Smith ride down to the main travelled road and report no heavy travelling or troops passed yet and heavy shower of rain comes as we come to a halt[.] some thunder and lightning[.] Jas. Beck sick with fever[.] gave him some pepper
Sunday 20 June cleared up at midnight[.] fine morning and all day[.] Camp moves down about 3 miles, down to the main Kanyon [blank space] when the roads are very muddy and heavy[.] sun came and Dr. Garland’s Co., and 2 wagons then went thro a coral of about 26 U.S. wagons and oxen[.] 4 wagons and 6 mules each were going to Weber river and make a ferry for the troops & c[.] 2 cos. were ahead of us and Col. Johnson 12 miles in the rear with 1500 Soldiers[.] thus I headed him and nearly all the command
I was miraculously guided to this place thro the troops[,] enemies and Indians for which the Lord be praised for answering the prayers of the Saints
came to a morning halt after travelled about 8 miles[.] waited 1½ hours[.] passed the U.S. troops making bridges across the creeks & c[.] then resumed our journey down the Kanyon and passed the place fortified by the Saints and could not refrain from giving 3 cheers for the boys engaged in it[.] it would have been the Slaughter house had Col. Johnson and the troops continued our journey down the Kanyon and to the ford of Weber river which we made in a fresh place the water being deep which was crossed in about 2 hours[.] 26 mi. met several apostates and camp runners[.] wrote a letter to President Young with the names of the European missionaries & c and sent same by Rob[ert] Gardner, A[ngus] M. Cannon, and E[noch] Reese on the Express and let him Camp starts for the Creek and divide leading to East Kanyon Creek[.] pass Little Soldier’s band of Indians[.] go over the divide and camp W. of Springs[.] T.B. on guard the early watch[.] 6 mi
Monday 21 June mild night[.] fine morning[.] Awoke before day break and started before 4 down the East Kanyon Creek which I crossed 11 times[.] saw several more hills fortified[.] then went up the Kanyon from the Big Mountain about 2 miles and halted for breakfast[.] 11 mi[.] staid about 1½ hour and then proceeded up the Big Mountain and passed over, descended the hill and went thro a pleasant grove on the Big Kanyon [Canyon] Creek and camped for noon near the East foot of the little mountain at 1 p.m. all happy at getting back so far again in safety[.] 8 mi