[Apostle Willard Richards Journal] South wind, pleasant day. Dr. [Richards] in office by 9. President Young called about 12. About 4, Dr. went to bless John Willard, son of John and Margaret Rushton, then went to the Mill. [?] T. Bullock, and laid hands on Henrietta. Returned to the office where [there] was a meeting appointed at early candlelight. W. Richards, O. Pratt, G. A. Smith, W. Woodruff, E. T. Benson, C. C. Rich, David Lewis, William Kay, and T. B. [Bullock] in council in the office.
David Lewis stated that the brethren at Punca were trying their best to prepare for the mountains. EmmettÂ's camp was there, all poor. They have lost a many cattle, chilled to death. But few calves live. All the cattle run down. No effort made to notify Cardinal and Grosclaude. C. and G. gave directions to Bishop Miller and Brother Kay, but no one in the camp knows where to find them. Not one in the camp has provisions to last twelve months. Eight or ten have enough for four months. The feelings of the Puncas are good. Our brethren are getting robes. They calculate to be down in two weeks. The tribes have procured about 1,700 robes. Lyon (SarpyÂ's trader) has employed the brethren to bring his peltry.
W. Woodruff: There is 1,000 acres of good land covered with weeds on the other side of the river. It is like ash heap, could easily be fenced. D. Lewis: The spirit of going over the mountains was great when we went to Punca, but our cattle have died and many would now rather stay. They want to get through the narrows. The Sioux have killed some cattle. The Pawnees, or Omahas have killed some. The chiefs and old men of the Puncas have assisted us in giving what information they could about our lost cattle.
H. C. Kimball joined the council, who deliberated on the best means for the Punca brethren, where to locate, etc. O. Pratt suggested that the people concentrate and scatter as little as possible, the Punca brethren to come down here and put in a strong spring crop. Dr. Lewis said the Puncas were unwilling that we should leave. Brother Miller promised them to leave a blacksmith and a few others to repair guns, etc. W. Richards: The more speedy the Punca brethren make a retreat for his place, the better for them.
H. C. Kimball: They ought to come here forthwith and in the most judicious manner possible, then some might recruit, fit out, and go over the mountains. W. Richards: Forty days ago they had 70 days' provisions. It will take 20 days to get here and only have sufficient to save them from starvation. G. A. Smith motioned that the Punca brethren be instructed to come down as quick as possible and put in a spring crop, and remain in their present organization. Seconded and carried. Voted that Brother Lewis trade his Cedar Ware tomorrow in Winter Quarters and return with a letter to the brethren at Punca forthwith. Adjourned at 10 minutes past 10.
President Young held a meeting of his children, or sons, at Brother PierceÂ's to organize for the coming season.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
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