Transcript

We finally arrived by train and steamer to the place where ox teams and covered wagons awaited us to start trekking across the wearisome plains of over a thousand miles under the direction of Daniel [D.] McAurthur [McArthur] and James Andrus of St. George. On our way a big cloud of dust was observed by the Captain several miles away. To them it was important so the order was to corral. Our curiosity was soon aroused when our eyes beheld a sight never seen before. Thousands of wild buffaloes passed by in their well-beaten trails moving to water and fresh feed. Such a sight! What a thrill! In their passing, we felt the terror of the earth. Our teams seemed to accept the situation in a friendly mood as many were lying down chewing their cudd. We were soon on the way again with fresh experience and new angle of thought and meditation. Many Indians came to our camps.

We, in our turn, guarded the cattle by night. This was new kind of work for us and many times very unpleasant, especially when fierce wet storms beat upon us. The Platte River was very low and afforded us a little diversion from our regular work. At noon and in the evening we would fasten a table fork to a stick and jab the fish in the pools of water in the riverbed. Occasionally we would enjoy buffalo meat furnished by company hunters. In the fine moonlight and by the light of campfire we would often trip after the day's journey to the strains of good music. Thus, the time was spent and our trip had its trials and joys. We arrived at the public square in Salt Lake City during the early part of October.