[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]
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