Mormon History, May 27, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27th We started 15 m before 8 oclok travled in a strait line 8 miles & nooned in good grass. Br Kimball & myself picked the road in the foornoon & it was left to me in the Afternoon I piloted the road in the Afternoon As strait as any road that had been made on the whole rout & picked out a camping ground on the bank of the river in good feed. We travled 5 3/4 miles. 13 3/4.
It should be understood that we are piloting A road for the House of Israel to travel in for many years to come. Therefore it requires the greater care.
The Hunters brought in 5 Antilope to day. We Camped at half past 4 oclock opposite Scotts Bluff at Lattitude 41°50'52". The wedth of the river 772 yards. Awind soon arose accompanied by thunder & lightning. We had but little rain.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 26, 1847

The first company of pioneers arrives at a point directly north of Chimney Rock, a distinctive landmark on the journey to Zion.

[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Mormon History, May 26, 1847

On the pioneer trail Orson Pratt determines the height of "Chimney rock" to be 260 feet. In a bit of levity to lighten the spirit of the journey Orrin Porter Rockwell is humorously charged: "Sir, you are hereby commanded to bring, wherever found, the body of Col. before the Right Reverend Bishop Whipple at his quarters, there to answer to the following charge, viz:-'That of emitting a sound (in a meeting on Sunday last) a posteriorari (from the seat of honor) somewhat resembling the rumble of distant thunder, or the heavy discharge of artillery, thereby endangering the . . . nerves of those present, as well as disturbing their minds from the discourse of the speaker.'"

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

Mormon History, May 26, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 26th We travled 6 1/4 miles & nooned in good grass about 2 miles above Chimney rock. We travled in the Afternoon 6 1/4 miles & camped for the night. The Hunters brought in four Antelope. We passed much good grass to day. I rode to day with Br Kimball & Benson to look out the road.
I have during the last two days read Mr Hastings account of Oregon & upper Calafornia. He has greatly exhagerated the account of upper Cala-fornia.
Just before camping at noon while travling on A smooth prairie An Accurance took place which like to have proven of serious consequence to our camp. An Indian Horse that was bought of the Sioux ran away with A singletree to his heels & gave A tremendious fright to the cows, oxen & horses that were Attached to the waggons. And in an instant A dozen or more waggons were darting by each other like lightning & the Horses & mules flying as it were over the ground. Some turned to the right & some to the left. Some run into other waggons. The Horse & mule that Br Fowler was driving leaped with all spead. With Br Little hold of the lines & Br Fowler hold of the bits they darted by my carriage like electricity & came within one inch of A collission with my wheels. If they had locked we should have been a wreck.
Another waggon followed by in the same manner with a pair of Mules & one yoke of cattle upon A keen run which would also have smashed my carriage if they had hit it but my own horses by this time started to run but was soon held up by the driver.
Br Fowlers waggon continued to roll regardless of rough or smooth ground for about fifty rods & he draged the whole distance by the bit which was the case with many others but all was soon stoped & returned to there lines without any accident to any team of waggon which Appeared to me truly A miricle.
William Sincots team run away also with great speed. It give us sumthing of an Idea what An Indian yell would do in such an encampment with teams hitched to waggons. A person can hardly con-cieve of the power that is manifest in Animals esspecially mules when in such A fright. But I felt thankful that no accident happened.
By An Imperfect measurement by a Trigonometrical observation By the sexton Professor Pratt made the Chimney rock to be 260 feet above the level of the river. Distance of the day 12 1/2 m.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 25, 1847. Tuesday.

[William Clayton Journal] The morning fine and very pleasant. Most of the Indians, men, women and children came early to camp on their ponies and marched round, mostly trying to obtain something to eat. Several little barters were made with them for mocasins, skins &c. John S. Higbee traded ponies with one of them. They have some good ponies and some inferior ones, but both male and females are neatly dressed and very tidy. They look cheerful and pleased to witness the Camp &c. At 20 minutes past 8 we proceeded onward. After we started, the Indians left us and went over the river . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 25, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday & Thursday May 25 & 26, [26 & 27] 47. Went out as usual with 8 & 9 men weather as usual warm South rain.
Got news that Genl Scott had defeated Santa Anna I a pitched battle at Cerro Gordo & taken his carraige & wooden leg and entirely broke up his army.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 25, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday May 25th 1847. Cool morning. Went out with ten men. To day a number of Omahas came up to bring up a number of horses which they had stolen from our people from time to time. We met them about six miles below here near where we met the ottos. We stoped them for Br Parley P. Pratt had forbidden us to let them come in because they had been so treacherous that he had determined not to have any thing more to do with them. We informed them of the determination which chagrined them very much & they contended hard for their right to go in but we told them that we could not violate our orders.
After some debate on the subject however & their declaring their determination to live in peace with us, we consented to let young Elk & two more of his chiefs go in and take in the horses and receive the pay for them which the owners had promised them previously & also have an interview with parley & others which might explain matters better for them than it now presented itself for we now occupied a hostile attitude towards each other & the Omahas considered us at war with each other at present.
They took six chiefs & braves instead of three & we went inthe others agreed to remain there till we come back[.] They brought in six horses
When we came in I went to see parley and reported to him what had been done and also told him that my reasons for admitting them in was because they had come to make offers of peace & to present the good desires & wishes of old Elk to us & enter into more friendly relations, then had hither to exhisted between us
He would not see them nor give me any satisfaction about them not tell me what to do but said to tell them that our chiefs were mad & did not want to see them not have any thing to do with themthat we were able to keep peace & take care of ourselves but if the local authorities had a mind to do anything they might do as they pleased & abruptly left me
I went then to see Br John Taylor who when he found out what Parly said took the same position thoug in a mild & friendly way & refered me to Br Lott & Father John Smith Br Lott chanced to pass by at the time & I reported to him who also said he had nothing to do with it to which I said rather in anger that neither had I & if they authorities had nothing to do in it I would go away & leave them in the streets where they had been standing all this time. All this was in hearing of Br Taylor[.] I was going to leave & go on guard & Lott went & saw Father Smith while the Brethren were paying them for their horses.
They decided for Lott to go with me down to the other Indians & he & I to hear their report as it could not be maid only in the presence of all of them.
The Indians delivered up their horses & recieved their pay and we all started back and joined the others who had been very impatient while we were gone & tried once to force the line but the guard stood firm and prevented them
We formed ourselves into a regular council. The Omahas on one side & Br Lott myself & the guard on the other other when the "talk" commenced by Young Elk who stated that he was now ready to hear any thing we had to say. Br Lott replied very angrily that we had said heretofore all we had to say & they would not live up to their agreements & if they had nothing to say it was no use talking &c
After several passes like that on both sides, Young Elk still waiting for us to lead out the talk commenced with very hostile & what I considered unreasonable feelings from Br Lott
Elk keep down his feeling admirable well and coolly related how he had been sent in my his father to bring in our horses & enter into a better understanding of peace & had been stoped on the prairie like wild beasts & not even admitted a hearing & how it wounded his feeling to have to be guarded into town & leave his braves under guard to offer peace to us & deliver up stolen property & give their pledge that no more should be stolen & also how he had to contend with his own peple before he could get them to give up the horses & now he was not well recieved but said let all that pass & we would be at peace from this time & we might now know that what he said would be done on their part
He spoke very sharp at this ill treatment & laid it to our chiefs & said that if the "Big Red headed" chief (Brigham) was here it would not be so but he would have taken them in & fed them & spoke friendly
Said he did not expect to be stoped this way but he expected for his chiefs & braves to have seen the wives & children of our chiefs saying they would not have hurt them[.] He often remarked that he wished the "Big Red headed" chief would come home & stay here & then we would always be at peace.
At another time he said they would not have stoped the meanest of our men from coming into their village much less our head chiefs and braves I thought his remark apt and just & so thought the whole company.
Br Lotts wrath abated & he talked reasonable in a short time & we all verity believed they were sincere in their words.
(Elk rebuked the authorities for their ill treatment towards him whi [crossed out])
After the above was over they wanted a definite answer from us & presents to take to his father which we could not give but agreed to take his words to our chief (Br Cutler) when he come from Missouri & then let them know his answer & what he would do and they went on not any too well satisfied and we started home about six oclock.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 25, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 25th The Sioux are in camp this morning. We gave them Breakfast. They stayed with us untill we started. Some little traiding was done. They were men women & children. They crossed the river when we left & behaved well. We drove 2 miles & Bated our horses, then drove untill 1 oclok & nooned.
Then drove untill 6 colok & camped for the night. Distance 12 m.
I was unwell. Had the Rheumatism in shoulders & back & teethake. Had to keep [to] the carriage. I read Hastings account of calafornia. He tells some great stories about California & oregon. We camped within about 4 miles of chimney rook.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 24, 1847. Monday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...About half past 5 we discovered a party of Indians on the opposite side the river moving west. When we formed our encampment they crossed over the river. Some of the brethren went to meet them carrying a white flag with them. When the Indians saw the flag, some of them began to sing, and their chief held up a U.S. flag. It was soon ascertained that their object was to obtain something to eat. A number of them came to the camp and were conducted around by Colonels [Stephen] Markham and [Albert P.] Rockwood. They were shown a 6 and 15 shooter also the cannon and the gunners went through the evolutions a number of times which seemed to please them much. They are all well dressed and very noble looking. Some having good clean blankets, others nice robes, artfully ornamented with beads and paintings. All had many ornaments on their clothing and ears, some had nice painted shells suspended from the ear. All appeared to be well armed with muskets. Their mocasons were indeed clean and beautiful. One had a pair of mocasons of a clear white, ornamented with beads &c. They fit very tight to the foot. For cleaness and neatness they will vie with the most tasteful whites. They are 35 in number, about half squaws and children. They are Sioux and have two recommends certifying as to their friendship &c. The brethren contributed something to eat which was sent to them...After the Indians had viewed the camp they returned to their horses and the rest of the party who have camped on the bank of the river about a quarter of a mile west of us. Elder Sherwood returned with them and soon after came back accompanied by the chief and his squaw who signified a wish to abide with our camp tonight. The brethren fixed up a tent for them to sleep under. Porter Rockwell made them some coffee, and they were furnished with some victuals. The old chief amused himself very much by looking at the moon through a telescope for as much as twenty minutes. Brother Fairbanks is much better this evening. Last night Luke Johnson discovered a very large petrified bone in the neighborhood of the bluffs as much as 2 feet wide but he could not ascertain the length of it. After laboring sometime ineffectually to dig it up, he broke off two pieces and brought them to camp. They are very white and hard. It is now 11 o'clock. I have been writing in Elder Kimballs journal since dark and have but little chance to write as much as I want in my own and his both but I feel determined to do all I can to keep a journal of this expedition which will be interesting to my children in after days and perhaps to many of the Saints. The evening is very fine but cool and I retire to rest with the feeling "God bless my dear family."

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 24, 1847 (Monday)

The sick detachments of the Battalion which had wintered at Pueblo, took up the line of march for California.

[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, May 24, 1847

[Plains] Mormon Battalion Sick Detachments begins crossing plains

[source: Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html]

Mormon History, May 24, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday May the 24th 1847. Very dark rainy morning. Alonson Ripley was taken into the guard this morning.
Br Nephi paid me ten dollars in gold on my two weeks guarding.cold North wind. Drizzly day[.] Had ten men to day. A steam Boat came up today with a large lot of goods for this place belonging to Mr Beach & Wooley. Anna Jones came home on the Boat from Camden Mo

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 24, 1847

The sick detachments of the Mormon Battalion that had wintered at Pueblo leave for Fort Laramie.

[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Mormon History, May 24, 1847

Brigham Young writes his name on a buffalo skull while on the trek westward. Heber C. Kimball prays with William Clayton. A gust of wind blows Kimball's hat off but he doesn't interrupt his prayer to chase it. Later he had to chase the hat for a mile before recovering it.

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

Mormon History, May 24, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 24th It was A Cold morning. Yesterday morning the Thermometer stood at 52°, At noon 82, & this morning 38 accompanied with north wind. We travled 10 miles & nooned.
I dreamed this morning that some Indians came into camp in a friendly manner & stole 6 Horses before our eyes & rode off. We gave them chase on horsback & I awoke.
As soon as we camped this noon two Indians came to the Camp. They were Sioux. They were well dressed & clean. We gave them some dinner & showed them An Indian dog that had followed us several days but the dog would not follow them. They soon left the camp.
Chimney rock still grows plainer to our view. We drove in the Afternoon 6 1/2 miles & camped near the quick sand mountain that run in a ridge from the river back. This Apparently had been heaped up by the wind.
I rode About two miles forward to find grass And A Camping place And on my return I saw about 30 Sioux Indians Plunge their Horses Into the River on the opposite side & make towards us. I rode with several others to the river & met them as they came out. They shook hands with us, vary friendly. The Chief unfurled A large American Flag with the Eagle stars & strips & presented me A Letter. It was written in french. We however made it out. They were all well dressed. The Chief was dressed in A military Coat. The Brethren from Camp brought A white flag & stuck down by the side of theirs. They wanted to go into Camp. We proposed for 5 of them to go & the rest to remain in Camp but they all wiched to come so we let them. We gave them supper. They remained about camp all night, but were good & stole nothing. Distance of the day 16 1/2 m.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 23, 1847. Sunday.

[William Clayton Journal] The morning very fine and pleasant. Brother Egan commenced washing very early on the banks of the river. He kindly volunteered to wash my dirty clothing which I accepted as a favor. After breakfast President Young, Elders Kimball, Richards, Pratt, Woodruff, Smith and Benson and Lyman walked out to view Bluff Ruins and returned at half past 11. A while ago I went out a little distance to view an adder which Geo[rge] Billings had discovered. It was a dark brown color about 18 inches long and 3/4 inch thick through the body. They are represented as very poisonous. About 11 o'clock Nathaniel Fairbanks came into camp having been bitten in the leg by a rattlesnake. He went on the bluffs with Aaron Farr and Brother Rolf and as they jumped off from the bluff the snake bit him the others having jumped over him farther. He said that in 2 minutes after he was bitten his tongue began to prick and feel numb. When he got to camp his tongue and hands pricked and felt numb as a person feels their feet sometimes when they are said to be asleep. The brethren immediately applied some tobacco juice and leaves, also turpentine, and bound tobacco on his leg which was considerably swollen. We laid hands on him and Luke Johnson administered a dose of Lobelia in number six, after he had taken a strong drink of Alcohol and water. The Lobellia soon vomited him powerfully. He complains much of sickness at his stomach and dimness in his eyes. He appears to be in much pain...P.M. At 12 o'clock the Camp were called together for meeting, and after singing and prayer addressed by Erastus Snow. Followed by President Young. The latter said there was many items of doctrine which he often felt like teaching to the brethren, but as to administering sealing ordinances &c. this is no time nor place for them, they belong to the house of God, and when we get located we shall have opportunity to build a house &c. He expressed himself satisfied with the conduct of the Camp in general. He is pleased to see so much union, and disposition to obey council among the brethren, and hoped and prayed that it may continue and increase. He wants the brethren to seek after knowledge and be faithful, acknowledge God in all things but never take his name in vain nor use profane language. If all the knowledge in this camp were put together and brother Joseph was here in our midst, he could comprehend the whole of it and wind it around his little finger, say nothing of the knowledge of Angels, and above that, the knowledge of the Gods. There is much for us to learn and a faithful man who desires eternal glory will seek after knowledge all the time, and his ideas are never suffered to rust but are always bright. He will not throw away the knowledge of small things because they are familiar, but grasp all he can and keep doing so, and by retaining many small things he will thus gain a large pile &c.
He expressed his feelings warmly towards all the brethren and prayed them to be faithful, diligent and upright, for we are now sowing seed, the fruit of which will be plucked in after days whether good or bad. George A. Smith made a few remarks, also several others of the brethren. The President then stated that on Sunday next he wants the brethren to understand that there will be meeting at 11 o'clock and the sacrement administered, and he wants the brethren to attend, all that can and not ramble off and fatigue themselves, but use the Sabbath as a day of rest. He enjoined it upon Bishops T[arlton] Lewis, S[hadrach] Roundy, J[ohn] S. Higbee and A[ddison] Everett to see that the proper necessaries were prepared for the sacrement. The meeting was then dismissed. A while after meeting I walked out with Elder Kimball a piece from the Camp. We sat down and I read him my journal of the last four days with which he seemed well pleased. We then kneeled down together and poured out our souls to God for ourselves, the Camp and our dear families in winter quarters. While we were engaged in prayer the wind rose suddenly from the N.W. a heavy cloud having been gathering from the W. all the afternoon. A sudden gust struck Elder Kimball's hat and carried it off. After we got through his hat was nowhere in sight, but following the direction of the wind we soon saw it at a distance on the bottom of the prairie still flying swiftly. We both ran and chased it about 3/4 of a mile and caught it a little from the river. While we were out together I remarked that the buffalo gnat bit us very severely. Elder Kimball said they bit him very bad last evening. Their bite is very poisonous, and although they are extremely small they punish a person very much with an itching, aching pain like a mosquitoe bite. About 5 o'clock the wind blew a perfect gale and continued till 7 when it commenced to rain very heavy, large drops descending, accompanied with hail, which however did not continue very long, but the wind continued near all night. The lightning and thunder continued some time but not very severe. We saw the necessity of having good stout bows to our wagons, and the covers well fastened down, for the very stoutest seemed in danger of being torn to pieces and the wagons blown over. When the wind commenced blowing so strongly it turned very cold and long before dark I went to bed to keep warm. Brother Fairbanks seems considerably better. This evening President Young, Kimball and Benson laid hands on him and he seemed much better afterwards.

[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 23, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday May 23rd 1847. Went out as usualdark morning[.] In the evening we were informed that the subject of the guard was taken up at the meeting & one dollar per day allowed us for our services & some new arraingements spoken of about our pay.
In the evening I attended to the council & there the subject of the guarding was again taken up & left for the Bishop to arrainge amongst themselves to raise the pay for the guard out of the people for services done after today.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 23, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] The president said there are many items of doctrine which he often felt like teaching to the brethren and there is much for them to learn, but as to administering sealing ordinances this is no time nor place for them; they belong to the house of God and when we get located we shall have opportunity to build a house. He expressed himself well satisfied with the conduct of the Camp in general. He is pleased to see so much union, and disposition to obey counsel among the brethren, and hoped and prayed that it may continue and increase. He is satisfied with the progress we have made on our journey. We have traveled as fast as our teams could bear; we have done all we could and if we don't accomplish the journey as soon as we expected he will still feel satisfied for we do as fast as we can and intend to. He is satisfied that the brethren went into the Army; it is all right, but he hopes we shall no more be under the necessity of taking up the sword against our fellow men, but if the gentiles follow us to destroy us we will defend ourselves. He wants the brethren to seek after knowledge and be faithful - acknowledge God in all things but never take his name in vain, nor use profane language. If all the knowledge in this Camp was put together, and brother Joseph was here in our midst, his knowledge would circumscribe the whole of it, he could wind it round his little finger, say nothing about the knowledge of Angels or of Gods. There is much for us to learn, and a faithful man who desires eternal glory, will seek after knowledge continually, and his ideas and faith is never suffered to rust but is always Bright, but there are some who do not treasure up the knowledge which they receive, they consider them as small things, and are all the time asking, '"do give us something new'" They are like the two Irishmen who heard that money was so plentiful in America that they could pick it up in the streets and started to get some. When they landed in New York and was walking up the streets one of them accidentally found a dollar and picked it up, but his companion said to him, faith Jimmy throw it down again and let's go where they are more plentiful. He did throw it down but it is a chance whether they ever found any more. So it is with those who are not careful to preserve the knowledge they get. It is doubtful whether they get any more. For his part he has always grasped at every particle of knowledge he could get, no matter how small, and hugged it his bosom. He has sought to gain all he can, but been careful to keep what he got and never refused small things. By gaining many small particles and putting them together, in time they will become quite a large pile. He expressed his warm feelings towards all the brethren, and prayed them to be faithful, diligent, and upright, for we are now sowing seed, the fruits of which will be plucked in after days whether good or bad. -- Ancient Bluff, Nebraska [Heber C. Kimball Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..]

[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, May 23, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] A good many times I would like to preach to the brethren, but have not had much opportunity. The Elders of Israel have go to learn many things. The trials and tribulations that man is called pass through is to give a man a positive knowledge that a man going from corruption to incorruption will be by knowledge, light and righteousness and gets the attributes of the Almighty is the only way to go. For our dead principles of Christianity, and the idea of being wafted in that state into the midst of burnings is all nonsense, but a man may learn knowledge very fast, but if his mind is not accurate and his judgment incorrect he will grow but slowly, in comparison to a man that lays hold at once, never lets go, but is ready for more. It must needs be that offences must come, but wo be to the gentiles who martyred the prophets, and if there is not devils enough without going to hell in the United States for them. I say o to the tabernacles that carry the devils I say. A steady mind is always in reflection although you may not hear their voice only to their teams or during cooking. I realize there is faith in this camp, there is a good spirit. I have never seen men [-] pass along with so little difference of feelings as in this comp, this is good. Our principles and transactions will result on our own heads. When the heavens and earth pass away, when this earth is like a sea of glass, and the very particles of land now in our view is nothing, to the worlds that will be created. We shall then be plucking the fruit, the results of this camp. Do you know it? Our very [-] have been forming us for exaltation, either to smite into the lowest state of degradation or for exaltation. Every mind whosoever nourish or cherish the faith, it grows and brings forth fruit unto salvation of him that nourishes it, but if you don't nourish it, where is the man profited in nothing, but it serves to condemn him. Many of these my brethren have been with me from the commencement, and yet this very mission will soon be considered as one of the first acts of the church, the principles that have come to us from Joseph. And very easily circumscribed. Suppose Joseph was here, and you take the whole knowledge in this camp of [-] things, Joseph would circumscribe and wound it round his finger. What knowledge had Joseph in comparison to one of the angels that have been myriads of years with God. I feel my weakness, my littleness and I trust in the Almighty. I shall yet become a man. From the commencement I have taken every thing to myself, and things that hundreds would trample on as little things, I pick them up and put them in my pocket. I have often though when I have been in council with the elders and Joseph has been leading out some little items, they have said that's nothing, throw out some great things. It puts me in mind of the [-] who had heard that they could pick up money in America. When they [-] one of them did happen to find a dollar. The others said Oh Jeremy throw it down again [-], until we get to a bigger heap. It is needles to say they found no more. I want to save the dollar? When I find it. If god had rejected every little handful that now brought to create this world, where would this great earth have been now. There is not wisdom enough in this camp to make one of these little ants, or a little pebble stones. We can prevent staying, but have not yet [-] to create. I would rather the brethren would stay in camp than go out strolling. I climbed about the rocks, the quicker the dens of snakes are killed, the quicker our cattle will not be bit. I am perfectly satisfied with this camp, and with my brethren the Twelve, and if any thing was going wrong, I should soon learn it. We have done all we can, we will get there as soon as we can, and if God will not let us plant I am perfectly satisfied. If I could have had my will, I would have sent Brother Joseph, but through the persuasion of others he was dragged to Carthage. If the brethren had not gone into the army, we should not have been here today. If the brethren had done as they were told, two hundred men would have been here this time last year and [-] Allen would have reported to Gov. That the Mormons were gone over the mountains to California. I never want to be under the necessity of combating any man. I would rather a man would stay away, or love one another. Feed the hungry. I want to see the city of faith, peach, a city of man and women who will be always going good. I don't want to hear another complaint. The weapons of death are not congenial to my feelings, but his much, if a devil gets into a tabernacle, and wants to slay me, I will dispossess that spirit of its body, before it gets a lick at me. If the wicked want to come to us, they will have to walk as far as us. I pray you to be humble, honor the lord. Assist each other, carry out this mission with integrity, be honest, this people cannot receive the oracles of God until there is a place built. I mean in regard to principles, endowments etc. Your hearts will be satisfied. We did finish the temple, built the font. I said that enough, all's right. I pray you to be faithful, be kind, remember the Lord in all things, in an special manner. Are we not the servants of the Lord? When the Lord has servants he will cuff them himself, it was because the cursed mob was full of the devil that we were driven out of Missouri. I is an insult to me to say we were driven for our wickedness. There are principles that will be taught you hereafter. Every thing will be made plain, there is nothing in the gospel that should be kept from the righteous or any honorable man. Every righteous man has a right to have the things committed to him pertaining to the gospel. I never felt clearer in my mind than on this journey. My peace is like a river, between my God and myself. I have not yet known one man in this camp to disobey my council, only, say the work and it is done. All the wisdom that is give to me I shall give to my brethren. I shall do the very best I can, until I die whether it be sooner or later. -- Ancient Bluff, Nebraska [Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (2002)]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, May 23, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23d Sunday In Company with B Young & the Twelve we visited the top of two of the Highest Bluff ruins that lie opposite our encampment which were truly a curiosity. O. Pratt took a Barometrical observation on the ownly tree which was red Ceder on the top of the ruins of Bluff which we visited.
We had A fair view of chimney rock from whare we were. I carried A Bleached Buffalo Bulls head on to the top & wrote upon it with a pencil our names & distances from several places for the Benefit of the next Camp.
While Br Fairbanks [ ] was on one of these Bluffs He was bit with A rattlesnake & became vary painful before He reached Camp. The Brethren commenced giving him such things as they thought best, And he soon was better.
The camp met at half past 11 oclok. E Snow Addressd the Meeting & spoke well. President Young then addressed the Camp in an Interesting manner. Said He was satisfyed that the Lord was with us &
Leading us. Had never seen a company of people more united than the Camp had been thus far on the journey. That we should pluck the fruits of this mission to all Eternity. That He had many things to teach us but Could not do it ownly in a stake of Zion. But He was well satisfyed with Himself, his brethren the Twelve & the camp at large.
One thing He would say to the praise of all, that was not one had refused to obey his Council on the road. His peace with God was continually like a river & He felt that the spirit of peace rested upon the whole Camp. Many good things were said. Several other brethren followed him After which meeting was dismissed.
We intended to have road eout in the evening but we saw that a storm was gathering, & it soon began to Blow vary hard. About as much as we could do to save our waggons Bows & covers from being smashed. The hard wind continued for about an hour then it commenced raining which lasted about one hour accompanied with some hail. It turned vary Cold. I had fears that some of our horses would perish with the Cold As such changes were freequent in this region.
Mr Sarpee related a Circumstance that transpired several years since at about this place on the 22d of May one day earlier than this while travling down this fork of the platt. It was warm weather. The grass 10 inch high. It began to rain some in the Afternoon & turned Cold in the evening & before morning 16 of his best Horses were frozen to death by the side of the waggons & his boats froze into the Ice in the river.
The Changes are vary great in this Country & when I see it turning so Cold I Coverd all my horses with Blankets that I Could. I got up several times in the night to see to them. It rained occasionally in the night. The Horses shook with Cold but morning came & all was Alive. As soon as they were let loose they run to warm themselves.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 22, 1847. Saturday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...A while after we halted, Porter Rockwell came in and said he had been on the high bluff about a mile N.W. of us, and had seen the rock called Chimney rock from it, which appeared a long distance off. We have been in hopes to come in sight of it today and feel anxious in order to ascertain more certainly the correctness of Fremonts distances. In order to satisfy myself, although my feet were blistered and very sore, I determined to take my telescope and go on the bluff to ascertain for myself whether the noted rock could be seen or not. At half past 12 I started out alone. I found the distance to the foot of the bluff a good mile, the ascent gradual. From the foot the bluff looks very high and rough, many huge rocks having broke from the summit from time to time and rolled down a long distance. I found the ascent very steep and lengthy in comparison to its appearance from Camp. When I arrived on the top I found a nice slightly arched surface of about a quarter of an acre in extent, but barren and very little grass on it. Huge comparatively smooth rocks peeped through the surface on one of which I wrote with red chalk: "Wm. Clayton, May 22, 1847."...At the distance, I should judge of about 20 miles, I could see "Chimney Rock" very plain with the naked eye, which from here very much resembles the large factory chimneys in England, although I could not see the form of its base. The rock lay about due west from here...The romantic bluffs on the north and the lightning playing in the S.E. all tended to fill my mind with pleasant reflections, on the goodness and majesty of the Creator and governor of the universe and the beauty of the works of his hands. At 1/4 to 6 we formed our encampment in a circle within 1/4 of a mile of the banks of the river having travelled this afternoon, 8 1/4 miles and through the day 15 1/2, making the distance from winter quarters 440 miles in 5 weeks and 3 1/2 days. The feed on the lower bench of the prairie is tolerable good, while the higher land is quite bare. We have noticed today a great many petrified bones, some very large...The evening was spent very joyfully by most of the brethren, it being very pleasant and moonlight. A number danced till the bugle sounded for bed time at 9 o'clock. A mock trial was also prosecuted in the case of the camp vs. James Davenport for blockading the highway and turning ladies out of their course. Jackson Redding acted as the presiding judge. Elder [Edson?] Whipple attorney for defendant and Luke Johnson attorney for the people. We have many such trials in the Camp which are amusing enough and tend among other things to pass away the time cheerfully during leisure moments . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 22, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22d The brethren found A part of a petrified leg bone of A Mamouth. It was from the knee joint downward. The piece was 17 inch long, 11 inches wide & weighed 27 lbs.
We travled to day 7 1/2 miles & nooned & in the Afternoon 8 miles & camped for the sabbath. Whole distance of the day 15 1/2 m.
Our road has been vary strait to day but we came over 2 1/2 miles of the worst Bluff sandy & Hilly that we have past on the rout. We have also past several large creek beds of dry sand. The Bluffs on our rout to day have presented the most singular natural senery that I ever beheld in my travels on the earth. It has the greatest appearance of the old walls & ruins of the castles of Europe from the size of chimneys to 100 feet square or more. Bodies of earth & rock that Appears as though it was formed out of clay stand erect scattering through the Bluffs from 10 to 100 feet high with perpendicular sides as strait as walls of A building while all the earth around them have been washed away to their base with rain & time.
A spring of Cold water was found in the top of one of these peaks Apparently in a small basin of stone. There are considerable number of rattle snakes come out of these bluffs. I saw near A dozen to day. A good share of the rout this Afternoon the face of the earth is barren Almost destitute of grass.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 21, 1847. Friday.

[William Clayton Journal] The morning very fine and pleasant though tolerably cold. I put up a guide board at this place with the following inscriptions on it: From Winter Quarters 409 miles. From the junction of the North and South Forks 93 1/4 miles. From Cedar Bluffs south side the river 36 1/2 miles. Ash Hollow south side the river 8 miles. Camp of Pioneers May 21, 1847. According to Fremont this place is 132 miles from Laramie. The bluffs opposite are named Castle bluffs...Presidents Young and Kimball rode forward to pick the road and near this place they saw a nest of wolves, caught and killed two with sticks...Elder Kimball proposed tonight that I should leave a number of pages for so much of his journal as I am behind in copying and start from the present and keep it up daily. He furnished me a candle and I wrote the journal of this days travel by candle light in his journal leaving 56 pages blank . . .

[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 21, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21st Before we left the encampment Br Clayton put up A guide board with the following inscription for the benefit of the next camp from winter Quarters: 409 miles from the Junktion: 93 1/4 ceder Bluff 36 1/2. Ash Hollow 8 miles, & 133 from Fort Laramee.
We travled to day 7 1/2 miles & nooned. In the Afternoon 8 m. & Camped for the night. We saw 8 or 10 Buffalo to day but have not seen but few for several days. We saw some deer & Antilope to day. I killed A Bagger with the jaw bone of a Buffalo.
Just as we got to A Camping place two Indians came from the Bluffs riding towards us & made signs for us to come to them. Several of the brethren went. It was A sioux Indian & his wife. They talked by signs awhile & went away. Distance of the day 15 1/2 miles.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 20, 1847. Thursday.

[William Clayton Journal] The morning fair but cloudy, light wind from N.W. and cold. At 1/4 before 8 we started out again but had not traveled over 1/4 mile before the roadometer gave way on account of the rain yesterday having caused the wood to swell and stick fast. One of the cogs in the small wheel broke. We stopped about 1/2 hour and Appleton Harmon took it to pieces and put it up again without the small wheel. I had to count each mile after this. 3/4 of a mile from where we camped we crossed a creek 8 feet wide and 2 1/2 feet deep...Opposite to where we are halted, we can see a ravine running up the bluffs and at the foot a flat bottom of about 15 acres. At the farther side of this bottom is a grove of trees not yet in leaf. Brother Brown thinks they are ash and that the place is what is called Ash Hollow and on Fremonts map Ash Creek. We all felt anxious to ascertain the fact whether this is Ash Hollow or not for if it is the Oregon trail strikes the river at this place and if it can be ascertained that such is the fact we then have a better privilege of testing Fremonts distances to Laramie. We have already discovered that his map is not altogether correct in several respects and particularly in showing the windings of the river and the distance of the bluffs from it. I suggested the propriety of some persons going over in the boat and Brother John Brown suggested it to President Young. The boat was soon hauled by the brethren to the river and O[rson] Pratt, A[masa] Lyman, Luke Johnson and J[ohn] Brown started to row over but the current was so exceedingly strong the oars had no effect. John Brown then jumped into the river which was about 2 1/2 feet deep and dragged the boat over the others assisting with the oars. After some hard labor they arrived on the opposite shore and went to the hollow. They soon found the Oregon trail and ascertained that this is Ash Hollow, Brother Brown having traveled on that road to near Laramie last season with the Mississippi company and knew the place perfectly well . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 20, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20th We came 7 miles & Camped for our nooning on the North side of the Platt opposite Ash Creek that comes through the Bluffs to the Platt on the south side of the river whare the Origon road first strikes the north fork of the Platt.
Several of the brethren went over in a boat that we were taking with us & exhamined the rock Bluffs, road, creek, &c & returned with some Ash, rock, wild curands, & Cherry &c. We came on 8 3/4 miles & camped for the night.
We crossed a large creek about 12 rods across it which we supposed it to be A Creek that Glos Cload called the Rawhiyde. We had a vary good road most of the day on the bank of the River. We have passed A good deal of rock Bluff on both sides of the river, & some on the south side of the river was formed into natural terrices Rotundas, squairs &c 50 or 100 feet high. Looked like good foundations to build forts & fortications & strong holds upon. They resemble the work of Art & look some like the old castles of England & Scotland. They were level on the top.
A short distance above Ash Creek there is A beautiful Ceder Island in the river which is a good Beacon to show travelers whare the oregon road strikes the river.
We have had a cool, windy, cloudy day. Whole distance 15 1/4 m.
Brother Egbert drove Br Pratts carriage tongue into the hind end of my Carriage & broke in the end bord & the water came in when it rained so that it wet my things & to day Br Fowler run his waggon into it again to day but when I spoke to him about it He denyed it which caused some words between us.
We had some little rain to day. The Bluffs on the opposite side that I have described above are named Castle Bluffs & the stream that was called rawhide is Called Castle Creek.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 19, 1847. Wednesday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...When Elder Kimball went ahead this morning to search out a road he went up the creek about a mile and around over the bluffs to find if possible a better road than the one close to the river. While he was searching about a mile north from the river he went down into a deep hollow surrounded by high bluffs and as he was riding along at the bottom he turned his head to the left and saw 2 very large wolves at about 5 rods distance gazing at him. One of them he said was nearly as large as a 2 year old steer. When he saw these he looked around on the other side and saw several others about the same distance from him very large ones and all gazing fiercely at him. This startled him considerably and more especially when he reflected that he had no arms. He made a noise to try to scare them away but they still stood and he concluded to move away as soon as he could. They did not follow him and he saw a dead carcass near which satisfied him that he had interrupted their repast. On mentioning this circumstance to President Young they named the creek Wolf Creek . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 19, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May the 19th 20th 21st & 22nd 1847. We were out as usual & had from 6 to 9 men each day

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 19, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th We crossed the worst sand Hill Bluff of about one mile that we have crossed on the journey & what made it still worse the rain was pouring down upon us continually. We travled about 1/2 mile on the flat & camped untill the rain was over for the time being. We started again at 3 oclok but it soon began to rain again hard. We travled untill 5 oclok & Camped for the night on the bank of the river. We travled 8 miles by the wheelometer. 8 miles.
I rode forward during the day in the rain & picked out the road. We had the most water fall during the day and evening that we have met with on the whole Journey.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 18, 1847. Tuesday.

[William Clayton Journal] The morning fine and very pleasant. At 7 o'clock the President called the Captains of tens to his wagons and gave them a pretty severe lecture. He referred to some who had left meat on the ground, and would not use it because it was not hind quarter. Some would murmur because a fore quarter of meat was alloted to them &c. which is not right, for God has given us a commandment that we should not waste meat, nor take life unless it is needful, but he can see a disposition in this camp to slaughter everything before them, yea if all the buffalo and game there is on our route were brought together to the camp, there are some would never cease untill they had destroyed the whole. Some men will shoot as much as thirty times at a rabbit if they did not kill it, and are continually wasting their ammunition, but when they have used all they have got, they may have the pleasure of carrying their empty guns to the mountains and back, for he will not furnish them. We have now meat enough to last some time if we will take proper care of it. As the horsemen, there are none with the exception of Brothers Kimball and Wilford Woodruff and Benson, that ever take the trouble to look out a good road for the wagons, but all they seem to care about is to wait till their breakfast is cooked for them and when they have eaten it, they mount their horses and scatter away, and if an antelope comes across the track, the whole of us must be stopped perhaps half an hour while they try to creep up near enough to kill it, but when we come to a bad place on the route all the interest they have is to get across the best they can and leave myself and one or two others to pick out a crossing place and guide the Camp all the time. Such things are not right, and he wants them to cease and all take an interest in the welfare of the Camp, be united, and receive the meat as a blessing from God and not as a stink offering from the devil. It is not necessary to preach to the Elders in this camp, they know what is right as well as he does, and he will not preach to them all the time. Let the Captains do the best they know how and teach their men to do likewise." The meeting dispersed, the meat was taken care of and at a quarter past 8 we started out again, and traveled 3/4 miles nearly a west course over a very hard prairie, and good travelling, and then arrived at a nice stream, Rattlesnake creek, about 20 or 25 feet wide, a foot or 18 inches deep and a very strong current . . .
. . . After encampment was formed, went with Elder Orson Pratt to Dr. Richards wagon to enter into arrangements for making a map of our route. The doctor wants me to do it assisted by Elder Pratt's observations. He handed me Fremonts map and I retired to my wagon to commence operations but soon found that the map does not agree with my scale nor Elder Pratts calculations. I then proposed to Elder Pratt to wait until we get through the journey and take all the necessary data and then make a new one instead of making our route on Fremonts. The subject is left here till morning. After supper I took my candle and finished this day's journal . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 18, 1847

William B Smith: Married Roxie Ann Grant 18 May 1847. Two children: Thelia and Hyrum Wallace.

[source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]

Mormon History, May 18, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday May the 18th 1847. This morning there were but for of the guard appeard for duty in fact they had been running down for several days as they had but poor encouragement for their [service] and some had concluded not to come out unless they were assured of being remunerated according to the promise.
We were too weak handed to guard alone in saftey for the cattle so we rode around to the different ones in authority & notified them of the situation of affairs and desired to know what to do but none could give us any satisfaction on the subject so I dismissed the company with orders to hold themselves in readiness at any time in case they were called on to come out.
I intended to let the guard run down untill the authorities would rise up and help to bear it off & make some arraingements that could be depended on.
After this I took my gun & went out a hunting & as I passed by Elder John Taylors he enquired about the guard & the reasons I was not out & I informed him & he wanted to to call out the company again & he would go. I done so & we all went out & spent the day very agreeably.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 18, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young called the captains together and reproved all the brethren who had been wasting their shot and powder, reproved the horsemen for wasting the strength of their horses, without benefiting the camp. Some had been murmuring about their meet, while at the same time a great deal had been wasted and ordered that no more game be killed until it was needed. -- Hershey, Nebraska [Pioneer Camp of the Saints, Journals of Thomas Bullock. Will Bagley, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 2007. 159]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, May 18, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] It was proposed by President Young, voted & carried '" that if any man should stop his team in the road without due causes thereby detaining the whole camp from proceeding, should be obliged to travel in the rear, of the hindmost wagon the whole day '" President Young also said that every captain, in travelling should remain with his 10 or if he was obliged to leave, to be gone 5, 10, or 20 min. or go 20 rods from the wagons, to appoint one to act in his stead during his absence, who should, in all cases do so implicitly obeyed as if he were the captain himself. -- Hershey, Nebraska [Horace K. Whitney Journal, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, May 18, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] At 7 o'clock [a.m] President Young called the Captains of Tens together and gave them instructions not to let their men kill any more game, as we had more on hand now than we could take care of, and for them not to take life merely to gratify their propensities. He also stated that life was as dear to the animal, according to their understanding, as it was to us. That if the horsemen hunters would go ahead and hunt out the road they would be of more utility to the camp than pursuing every band of antelope that passed the camp; that there were men among us in responsible positions who cared no more for the interest of the camp than the horses that they rode; that the spirit of the hunter as was now manifested would lead them to kill all the game within a thousand miles as inconsistently as the butcher would apply the knife to the throat of a bullock. President Young, after some other remarks, dismissed the captains, telling them that they must lead their men by their own good example, for the men would do well if the captains would set them the proper pattern. -- Hershey, Nebraska [Pioneering the West 1846 to 1878: Major Howard EganÂ's Diary. Howard R. Egan, ed. Salt Lake City, 1917. 43.]

[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]

Mormon History, May 18, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th The camp was called together or the Captains of Companies & President Young sharply reproved the Hunters for shooting so much meet when it was not needed & detaining the camp or for taking life any more than could be helpd And Also the horsman for their indiferance in picking out the road. He said there was but two that had rode that manifested any interest in helping him get the Camp along. He spoke vary sharply upon the indiferance of men, & they rejected the meet when it was brought into Camp &c.
The camp started out after the meet was disposed of & the Hunters or Horsman went forward to pick out the road instead of going Hunting. I did not hear a gun fired on the road during the day.
Amasa Lyman was one called by name & reproved for not paying any attention to seeking out the road. But he was with us to day in that business.
We rode 6 miles & nooned. We rode in the afternoon 9 3/4 miles & camped for the night. Distance of the day 15 3/4 m.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, 18/May 19, 1847

[source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

Mormon History, May 17, 1847. Monday.

[William Clayton Journal] The morning very cold and chilly, wind N.W. Dr. Richards left another letter on the camp ground for the benefit of the next company. The letter is secured from the weather by a wooden case and placed so that the brethren can hardly miss finding it . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 17, 1847

[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young reproved sharply the hunters for killing more game than was necessary, for detaining the camp, and because of their indifference in helping to pick out the road. He said there were but two men who had manifested any interest in helping to get the pioneers along. Afterward the horsemen went forward to pick out the road instead of hunting, and I did not hear a gun fired during the day. [Platte River - Wilford Woodruff Journal; WW 285-286]

[source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

Mormon History, May 17, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17th It is much more warm & plesant to day than usual. Our road has been hard to day we came 2 1/2 miles through sandy bluffs. We again struck the bottom 4 1/2 miles from our camping place but the bottom was much softer than usual & many slues to cross. We crossed about one dozen streams to day of vary clear water that come from springs in the Bluff from 1 to 10 feet across them which run almost on the top of the ground without any bank at all with hard sand or gravel bottom. The water however was not as cold as spring water generally is.
The Hunters brought in 3 Buffalo & it detained the Camp some to get them in. President Young was not pleased with it as we had so much meet in camp already & they went out without Council.
We saw vary large droves of deer to day in the bottom the most we have ever seen any day on the road. A young Fawn was picked up & brought into camp & kept. We travled in all to day 12 3/4 miles.
I led the camp mostly through the Bluffs in the morning before Brothers Young & Kimball come up. We rode together all day picking our roads.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 16, 1847. Sunday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...About noon today Brother Appleton Harmon completed the machinery on the wagon called a 'roadometer' by adding a wheel to revolve once in ten miles, showing each mile and also each quarter mile we travel, and then casing the whole over so as to secure it from the weather. We are now prepared to tell accurately the distance we travel from day to day, which will supercede the idea of guessing, and be a satisfaction not only to this Camp, but to all who hereafter travel this way. I have prepared another board to put up here, on which the distance from winter quarters is marked at 356 3/4 miles. I have also wrote on it that the last 70 miles are measured, and we shall continue to measure and put up guide posts as often as circumstances will permit through the journey. The whole machinery consists of a shaft about 18 inches long placed on gudgeons, one in the axle tree of the wagon near which are 6 arms placed at equal distances around it, and in which a cog works which is fastened on the hub of the wagon wheel turning the shaft once round at every 6 revolutions of the wagon wheel. The upper gudgeon plays in a piece of wood nailed to the wagon box and near this gudgeon on the shaft a screw is cut. The shaft lays at an angle of about 45 degrees. In this screw a wheel of 60 cogs works on an axle fixed in the side of the wagon and which makes one revolution each mile. In the shaft on which this wheel runs 4 cogs are cut on the fore part which plays in another wheel of 40 cogs which shows the miles and quarters to 10 miles. The whole is cased over and occupies a space of about 18 inches long 15 inches high and 3 inches thick.
. . . After supper Elder Whipple made me a present of half a candle made from buffalo tallow by the light of which I continue this journal. Although as may be expected the buffalo are generally poorer at this season of the year yet Brother Whipple has obtained sufficient to make 2 candles from his portion of meat received yesterday morning. The candle burns very clear and pleasant. The tallow smells sweet and rich. I imagine it has a more pleasant smell than the tallow of domestic cattle.

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 16, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16th Sunday Still Cloudy & Cool wind. I did not feel vary well this morning And did not rise untill 7 oclock which was two hours after the time. When I got out of my carriage I found all five of my horses standing at the stakes while all the other Horses of the encampment had been feeding two hours. It was Br John Fowlers Business to let them out but He did not get up untill half an hour after I did. He Is destitute of the spirit or principle that a faithful man or servant should possess. And it makes it much harder upon me in the care of the teams & business than it would if I had a true & faithful man with me.
Br Burnham does our cooking which keeps him vary busy & He has the hardest time of it as much of the time He has nothing but Buffalo dung to make a fire of. We are now in a place whare we are proving ourselves & if we are not faithful we shall Come under Condemnation.
I rode out to day with Brothers Young Kimball, Benson Rockwell & Stephens 4 miles over the Bluffs to pick out a road for the camp to go across to get again on the bottoms. We found a road through & returned to the camp. I picked up A young Hare which Br Young took in to Camp. We saw Herds of Buffalo while Coming in. Br Glines went out Hunting & shot an Antelope & one Buffalo though it was against the rules of the Camp & Council of his Captain to go Hunting on sunday.
We had a good meeting in the Afternoon. Br [ ] opened meeting by Prayer. Brs Richards Markham Rockwood & Kimball spoke & the laws of the camp were read & a good spirit prevailed. The channel of the teaching was to Harken to council & sustain the Heads of the Church & go do what was said unto us & it would prove A Blessing unto us. 8 mi.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 15, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15th A vary Cold North wind & rain. We [--] travled about 3 miles & camped in the best grass we had found on the road. Most of our road this morning was over & through the bluffs as they come again bold to the river. A large number of Barefoot tracks was seen this morning under the bluff on the bank of the river, supposed to be the Indians that Came down last night to steal our Horses.
The rain stoped in the afternoon & we drove 5 miles & camped on the Prairie. Distance 8 miles.
We saw the Bluffs dotted over with Buffalo. I went out with some others to hunt them. I Could not get within about 30 rods of them. I shot at the neck of one & the ball went into his sholdier which crippled him but He Hobbled away with the Herd & I did not get him. But there were A number of Hunters among the Herds & one of them killed A fat Buffalo which was brought into Camp. The Bluffs again come down to the river A short distance before us.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 14, 1847. Friday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...I discovered that Brother Appleton Harmon is trying to have it understood that he invented the machinery to tell the distance we travel which makes me think less of him than I formerly did. He is not the inventor of it by a long way but he has made the machinery after being told how to do it. What little souls work.

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 14, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14th I went out early in the morning to Hunt some Buffalo. I cashed myself in the bank & a large Herd came along, but their old Bulls was out as a rear & front guard & there was none of their young cattle near enough for me to shoot so they past by.
I saw some more coming. I way laid them. They proved to be 7 Bulls. I fired at the youngest one while [it] passed by but missed him.
I then returned to camp. Took breakfast. Had a hard shower of rain, & some words with Br Fowler & started out again Hunting.
Br Higby soon Killed an Antelope that was put on board of a boat called the revenue Cutter. Phineas Young & myself went out to gether. Waited for Buffalo & Antilope. I finally got lost among the Bluffs but found my way out again. Br Phineas shot an Buck Antilope & I carried him into Camp. There was 3 Antilope & one Buffalo Bull killed.
Some of the Hunters thought they herd Indian guns on the opposit side of the river during the night. An Indian cralled up to a pair of mules that was tied together & made a grab to ketch them. They sprung & got away from him. One of the guards shot at him & he run. All Horses were then brought into the Circle & the Cannon prepared for firing but seeing no more it was not fired. Travled 8 miles.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 13, 1847. Thursday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...Some feelings are manifest this morning between Brothers Thomas Tanner and Aaron Farr, on account of the former taking the latter prisoner and putting him under a guard part of the night. Perhaps Aaron was a little out of order in conversing loud after the horn blew for prayers, but I think Brother Tanner's angry spirit more blameable . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 13, 1847 (Thursday)

Gen. Stephen F. Kearney left Los Angeles for Ft. Leavenworth, accompanied by about fifteen brethren of the Battalion. The general and four of the men went by water and the rest by land to Monterey.

[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, May 13, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13 Many of the Brethren went out to visit the Indian encampment & brought in mogasens, parts of robes leather &c. We have A strong Cold north wind to day. We travled to day 11 miles & Camped on the west Bank of A stream about 18 rods wide with good ford that empties into the Platt.
This is nearly opposite the first Bluff that is formed between the two forks of the Platt. The grass was better than it had been. The Bluff here for the first time on the north fork comes bold to the river so that we have to go over the Bluffs with our waggons.
There is one thing concerning the Platt river which is worthy of note, which is not characteristic [of] any other river that I have any knowledge of in the world. It is much of the way A mile in wedth & generally coverd with water but vary shallow. When A South wind blows hard the water all rushes to the north shore untill one would suppose there was a great rise in the water. Let the wind shift & blow hard from the North & the water immediately leaves the north shore untill one Can walk across two thirds of the river on bare ground & the river constantly ebs & flows like the tide just according as the wind blows.
I went onto the bluffs Hunting Buffalo in the evening. Saw several small Herds.
President Young gave the stream we camped on the name of the Bluff fork.
I dreamed last night we had arived at our Journeys end whare we were to build up a stake of Zion. As we came onto the place there was An open vision of A temple presented before me. I asked some brethren that stood by me If they saw it. They said they did not. I gazed upon it & it was glorious. It appeared as though it was built of white & blue stone. The sight of it filled me with Joy and I awoke & behold it was a dream. 11 m.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 12, 1847. Wednesday.

[William Clayton Journal] Morning cool, weather fine. Brother Appleton Harmon has completed the machinery on the wagon so far that I shall only have to count the number of miles instead of the revolution of the wagon wheel . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 12, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday the 12th 13th, 14th 15th 16th and 17th of May. I was out with the guard as usual, during which time nothing very different took place from day to day.
We enjoyed ourselves very well & had good times. We appointed Br J. C. Wright our justice of the peace before whom all were to be tried for any default or accident. If any one had bad luck he was fine for it[.] If any one had any too good luck he was fined or if he did not come in time to go out with us he was fined[.] If he was ignorant he was fined
My horse threw me off one day when I was trying to cach one that had got loose & I was allowed a pint for my good intentions and endeavors to catch the horse and fined a quart for having the bad luck of being thrown off while doing it[.] This was our custom while the guard lasted
We posted ourselves on the dividing ridge along which the road ran which we moved here on last summer & we could guard the whole frontier of the cattle range[.] Some times we scattered out & some times we kept together
We had orders to keep the herds off of the large flat S. of town where the farm was to be[.] We notified the herdsmen of the same several evenings to no purpose & had finally to whip several before they would keep away. It was wanted to reserve this bottom for pasture for the oxen when plowing.
We had several good rains during this time & the grass grew finely while the plows were going in an incouraging manner.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 12, 1847

Appleton Harmon completes the construction of a wooden "roadometer," an instrument designed by Orson Pratt to measure the distances traveled each day by the first pioneer company. The roadometer is not installed on a wagon until May 16.

[The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

Mormon History, May 12, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12th A Cool morning. Mercury stands at 41. We had a strong S wind through the day. We travled 8 miles & nooned. We then travled 4 miles & camped for the night on the bank of the North fork of the Platt. I rode onto the Bluffs to take a survey of the Country which was about 3 miles from the river & we found both on the Hills & flatts through the days travel that we were traveling over the Soux Hunting ground.
There had been A large band from 500 to 1,000 we should Judge from there signs over the ground from 8 to 10 days before us. They took the brains out of the large Buffalos generally their Hides & some of the meet & broke up the bones for the marrow. 100 calves were found dead in one place with nothing taken but the tongues, legs to the knees & entrails. Another place 35 calves were found dead & washed in heaps whare the Buffalo had been Chased across the river & run over the calves in rising the bank of the river.
I found on the Bluff their medicine bag tied to a stick 6 feet long stuck up in the bank. It was what is called kinikinnick composed of tobacco & bark to smoke. I Also found a saddle tied to a large buffalo dung I supposed to show the next party which way the Buffalo had gone.
I left my horse in the valley to feed while I went onto a Bluff to see the country & He started off not seeing the camp took the back trail & I had to run After him & while following him I run through the great Soux encampment whare they had had there lodges while on their hunt. I left my gun there & followed my horse untill I overtook him with the Assistance of Br Fowler who came out from our encampment & stoped him.
I then rode back got my gun examined the ground & should judge their had been 400 lodges. There was Acres of ground covered with Buffalo wool whare they had dressed there skins. They left much stuff scattered over the ground such as peaces of dressed Buffalo & wolf skins mogascins &c. I brought in a good dressed white wolf skin. Distance of the day 12 rail.
I could see the Bluff between the forks of the river about 10 miles above us. The Bluffs that I passed over to day were more fertile & coverd with more grass than any I had seen on the Platt before.
A young Buffalo was killed & brought in in the evening.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 11, 1847. Tuesday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...We have seen few buffalo today, but there are signs of thousands having wintered in the neighborhood. The country looks beautiful, soil rich, only lacking timber. After the camp was formed, it being half a mile to water, the brethren dug two wells and about 4 feet deep found plenty of good water. One of the wells is reported to run a pail full a minute. Brother Appleton Harmon is working at the machinery for the wagon to tell the distance we travel and expects to have it in operation tomorrow, which will save me the trouble of counting as I have done during the last 4 days . . .

[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 11, 1847 (Tuesday)

Albert Dunham, of the Battalion, died at San Diego, from an ulcer on the brain.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Mormon History, May 11, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday May 11th 1847. This morning when I got up I found Capt Caw & 3 more chiefs standing in my yard waiting for me to get up. I invited them in[.] They informed me that they wanted two more beeves one for breakfast & one to take home them. I went & made report of the same to Parley & Cutler[.] Their request was granted & I spent a long time in making preperations to get the cattle for them[.] These he took breakfast with me & while they were eating five more came and stood around the door & Jim invited them in to eat as soon as he was done
While here Capt Caw made a long speech to me stating his good feelings for us and his willingness for us to stay on his land deprecating at the same time, the rascalty Omahas &c.
The guard went down about six miles, which was below the place where we met them yesterday & there waited until the Indians came on.
They were engaged in dressing their beef to take home with them.
They came on not long after we arrived & we all went on together about two miles further & we turned North along the dividing and took our post on guard
This company of Indians went down to the Omaha Village & I sent word by them to let them know that we were out with a guard and were prepared to meet them in case they attempted to force our cattle away.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 11, 1847

Appleton Milo Harmon constructs the Mormon pioneer "Roadometer" (odometer) according to Orson Pratt-s design and William Clayton's original suggestion. The next day it is attached to Clayton's wagon and relieves Clayton of the task of counting individual rotations of a wagon wheel which he has been doing until now.

[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

Mormon History, May 11, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11th Quite warm to day. We travled 4 miles & made A short halt then travled 3 1/2 miles & camped A little below the junction of the North & south forks of the Platt River. I felt quite unwell. The use of fresh meet does not as yet agree vary well with me. We see but few Buffalo to day some Antelope & Deer &c. 8 1/2 miles.
Professor Pratt informed me that He took an observation for the Longitude May 7th on the opposite bank of the Platt from whare Freemont gives the Longitude in his travels. Professor Pratt made the Longitude to be 100°5'45" making it two seconds of a degree less than Freemont ownly about 10 rods which was vary Close calculating. He also found the Lat 1/2 a mile west of this nights encampment to be 41°7'44".

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 10, 1847. Monday.

[William Clayton Journal] The morning fine but cool. The wind nearly ceased. Last night I dreamed that I was in company with the camp which was stopping beside a considerable river of deep water. Our horses and cattle were tied to stakes all around the camp to the distance of a quarter of a mile, some good timber thinly scattered around. I thought President Young, Kimball and several others started up the river in a flat boat without stating their object, leaving the brethren to guard the camp, cattle &c. in their absence. When they had been gone sometime I thought a large herd of buffalo came on full gallop right amongst our horses and cattle, causing them to break their ropes and fly in every direction. The brethren seemed thunderstruck and did not know what to do. Seeing a small skiff in the river I sprang into it and a paddle lying in it I commenced rowing in pursuit of the President. It seemed as though I literally flew through the water passing everything on the way like a railway carriage. In a few minutes I overtook the brethren in the flat boat, took the skiff and threw it on shore and to my astonishment I saw that the skiff was made only of barks and cracked all over and it seemed impossible to put it in the water without sinking it. The paddle with which I had rowed proved to be a very large feather and I had another feather in my left hand with which I steered the skiff. When I got into the flat boat I made known what had passed in the camp but the brethren seemed in no ways alarmed. I awoke and behold it was all a dream. Dr. Richards is going to deposit a letter in a stick of wood prepared for the purpose near this place in such a manner that the next company will discover it. He fixed it on a long pole and being assisted by President Young and others raised it and fixed it firm in the ground . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 10, 1847

Gen. Stephen Kearny inspects the Mormon Battalion in Los Angeles and encourages the single men in the battalion to reenlist.

[source: Mormon Battalion Timeline, Herald Extra, March 25, 2010]

Mormon History, May 10, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday May the 10th 1847. It was all hurry and bustle to be off this morning. We started at 9 in the morning mounted & took a circuit to the North through the hills & breaks hunting for the lurking places of the Indians untill we got out on the prairie & then took the dividing ridge & went south turning our horses out occasionally to graze while we watched for Indians untill we were about six or 7 miles below town S. W. or S. near a grove & while turning our horses at, a large number of Indians were discovered coming towards town & some still in their rear
Supposing them to be Omahas going to the flat to drive cattle from thence I sent two men to notify the herdsmen there to drive in their herds, while we stayed on the hill to watch them least they should go around on the ridge & drive cattle from thence.
After they had mostly gone to the flat we also went on a force march to intersect them & met them just as we came to the flat
They were Ottos. There were some 40 accompanyed by their head chiefs in all 4. One could talk English & he told me who whey were & I was satisfied that they would do no harm.
In a few moments the whole company came up. Capt Caw was along who knew me[.] He was very glad to see me[.] They all seemed to want to shake hands with me. I suppose he told who I was. The whole bottom was full of cattle, at this time all in a tumult running & driving dust flying to get to town so I sent a man to tell them to stop while we all turned out horses to graze with they Ottoes for they had horses.after grazing a while we came into town about three oclock & they went to the council house & put up for the night[.] A church ox was given to them for their supper.
Jim & his brother, the war chief came home with me & took dinner. Capt Caw went with Br Major who took his likeness, which amused the rest very much when they saw it. They would laugh & say "Capt Caw."
They came to pay us a visit & see further about having their corn drawn for them. I spent the day in attending to business for them & arrainging the guard untill about 11 oclock at night

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 10, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10th A Cool morning. Before leaving the camp ground A letter was written to the next camp put into a small box nailed to A post 12 feet long one end put firm in the ground the other end erect in the air as A guide bord containing the following words: Open this Box and you will find a letter.
316 miles to winter Quarters. Pioneers. Lattitude 41°. (Our Friends no doubt will be glad to get the letter as it contains an account of our Journey.
We travled 6 miles & nooned then travled 4 & camped for the night. Our teams are some weak in consequences of not getting grass for several days as it was eat out by the Buffalo. There was one Buffalo, one deer & one Hare Brought into Camp by the Hunters to day, & distributed among the men in camp. We have what fresh meat we want daily. The grass is some better to day. Not but few Herds of Buffalo on our rout today we passed through some miles of dead grass which we set on fire to have new feed for the next company. It made a great fire indeed. We get our distance daily now of our travel from A mashine fixed to a waggon wheel which gives the true distance. We camped to night by an Island of cotton wood. 10 m.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 9, 1847. Sunday.

[William Clayton Journal] ...Soon as the camp was formed, I went about 3/4 of a mile below to the river and washed my socks, towel and handkerchief as well as I could in cold water without soap. I then stripped my cloths off and washed from head to foot, which has made me feel much more comfortable for I was covered with dust. After washing and putting on clean clothing I sat down on the banks of the river and gave way to a long train of solemn reflections respecting many things, especially in regard to my family and their welfare for time and eternity. I shall not write my thoughts down here, inasmuch as I expect this journal will have to pass through other hands besides my own or that of my family, but if I can carry my plans into operation, they will be wrote, in a manner that my family will each get their portion, whether before my death or after it matters not.
The day is very warm and the wind has moved to the west. According to my calculations, we are now 300 miles from Winter Quarters, lacking a few rods. I got a small board and wrote on it "From Winter Quarters 300 miles, May 9, 1847. Pioneer Camp all well. Distance according to the reckoning of W Clayton." This was nailed on a post and in the evening I went and set it up about 300 yards from here on a bend of the river. Spent the afternoon reading and writing in the Elder Kimball's journal. At 3 P.M. a meeting was called and the Camp addressed by several. President Young took tea with Elder Kimball, and afterwards they started out together, with one or two others to look at the country ahead of us . . .

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 9, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday May the 9th 1847. Clear & coolrather unfavorable for gardening.
This morning Br. Titus Billings & family move into one of my houses to live awhile. They were in company with me while journying from Mt Pisgah to the Bluffs and were uncommonly kind, benevolent & attentive to me, at that time when I was so much worn out with sickness poverty and distress
Meeting at the stand as usual. Parley spoke in the fore-noon on the subject of the stupidity of the people in observing the council & instructions of the Twelve & their heedlessness about their cattle in exposing them to the Omahas also in not working according to the instructions of the Epistle of the Twelve &c & touched very plainly on the dullness of the people, about as it exhisted. Said there was more to be said and requested a general attendance in the after noon. He also disabused some reports current that he gave council different from Brighams policy &c
In the after noon both Parley & Taylor spoke at length on the same things after which several votes were put all carried unanimously, viz: to obey council, To work in union & not individually, to finish the stockading & none go West till all stockade was done To sustain the poor & in short to work according to the pattern. Council was given to herd the cattle more closely & secure them against the Omahas and a company of ten tough Rangers to be raised to guard the out skirts of the Herds to prevent Omaha depredations. When I was voted capt of the same & to raise the men who were to be well mounted & armed so as to defend ourselves against them if necessary & whip them if caught in mischief.
Ten different individuals then were called for to volunteer to pay the Rangers each to pay one man.
The names of those who volunteered to pay the Rangers were
1 P. P. Pratt 6 Alpheus Cutler
2 Danl Russel 7 Jos Young.
3 John Taylor 8 Isaac Morley
4 David Boss 9 D. D. Grant
5 Danl Spencer 10 John Neff.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 9, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] I came home from meeting and was engaged in raising the Company of Rangers, as we were to be out earley in the morning. I came home about 9 oclock

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 9, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9th Sunday As we had no feed around us we took up our teams & passed across the Bluffs 4 miles & camped for the day. I wrote 2 letters one to Br Ferguson & the other to Br Bevin for Br Wolley to take with him to Purbelo.
We had a meeting & a good one. The spirit of God rules over the camp. Peace quietnes & contentment seems to pervade almost evry Breast.
The Twelve met & thought it best for the Brethren not to start to Pueblo untill they arive at Laramey. In the evening I rode with the Twelve & others 4 miles up the river & returned. We saw large Herds of Buffalo come to there watering places to drink, some geese, cranes & one Pole Cat. 8 miles.

[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

Mormon History, May 8, 1847. Saturday.

[William Clayton Journal] Morning cold but fine. Started out at nine o'clock and traveled till one P.M., distance 7 1/2 miles, course a little West of N.W. The prairie on both sides the river are literally black with buffalo, and to try to say as to what number we have seen this morning would be folly. I should imagine that at a moderate calculation, we have seen over fifty thousand . . .
It is with some difficulty that the horsemen can drive them away from the track as fast as the wagons come up...I have counted the revolutions of a wagon wheel to tell the exact distance we have travelled . . . I found the wheel 14 feet 8 inches in circumference, not varying one eighth of an inch. I then calculated how many revolutions it would require for 1 mile and found it precisely 360 not varying one fraction which somewhat astonished me. I have counted the whole revolutions during the days travel and find it to be a little over 11 1/4 miles, (20 revolutions over.) The overplus I shall add to the next days travel. According to my previous calculations we were 285 miles from winter quarters this morning before we started. After traveling 10 miles placed a small Cedar post in the ground with these words wrote on it with a pencil. "From Winter Quarters 295 miles, May 8, 47. Camp all well. W Clayton." Some have past the days travel at 13 and some 14 miles, which serves to convince more strongly that the distances are overrated. I have repeatedly suggested a plan of fixing machinery to a wagon wheel to tell the exact distance we travel in a day, and many begin to be sanguine for carrying it into effect, and I hope it will done...Two calves have been killed and brought to Camp, and multitudes would be killed if the pres[iden]t did not prohibit the brethren from killing them only as we need the meat. Truly the "Lords Cattle upon the thousand hills are numerous."

[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

Mormon History, May 8, 1847

[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday May the 8th 1847. Fine pleasant day but rather cool[.] Nothing of interest going on. I was around as usual. One guard out at a time weak work.

[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

Mormon History, May 8, 1847

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8th A Plesant morning. Not so cold & winday as yesterday. We did not start untill 10 oclok as our teams wanted rest as they Could not get much as the Buffalo had eat all the food up. Br Wm Clayton prepared A mile gage on his hind waggon wheel to know how far we travel.
I rode forward to day with the Twelve & others & of All the sights of Buffalo that our eyes beheld [this] was enough to asstonish man. Thousands upon thousands would Croud to gether as they came from the Bluffs to the Bottom land to go to the river & slues to drink untill the river & land upon both sides of it was one dark spectacle of moving objects. It looked as though the face of the earth was alive & moving like the waves of the sea. Br Kimball remarked that He had herd many Buffalo tales told But He never expected to behold what his eyes now saw. The half had not been told him.
We saw many dead scattered about & many wolves following the herds. When we stoped at noon many of them walked along by the side of our waggons so that we might easily have shot them down. O P Rockwell did shoot one through the neck & she droped dead. It was a two year old Heifer & good meat. There were a great number of Calves & young cattle in the Herds we saw to day. We had great difficulty in keeping our Cattle & Horses from going among them for if they once get mixed with a Herd it is almost impossible to ever get them again.
We travled to day untill we Came to the Bluffs that made down to the river & camped for the night. Distance 11 1/4 miles.
I went onto the top of the Highest Bluffs that were near us & took A survey of the surrounding country with our glasses there being present B. Young H C. Kimball W Woodruff & G A Smith. The whole surrounding country north east & west as far as our vision could extend looked as rough as the sea in a storm of ridges & valleys of mostly sand with scarcely any green thing upon it except a little scattering grass & the Spanish soap root such as the mexicans use for washing with instead of soap. The top resembles A pine Apple the most of anything I ever saw. I brought in one root 24 inch long 2 inch in diameter. I pounded A little of it up & it would fill a dish with suds like soap.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]