[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21st June 1847 {INDEPENDANCE ROCK) I arose early this morning took breakfast And in company with Br Brown we rode clear around Independance Rock. I should judge the distance to be about 3/4 of A mile. We exhamined the many names & lists of names of the trappers, traders, travellers, & eme-grants which are painted upon these rocks. Nearly all the names were put on with read, Black & yellow paint. Some had washed out & defaced. The greatest number was put on within A few Years. Some of them were quite plain of about 30 years standing. Nearly all the Companies pass by put some of their names on the rock.
After going around and exhamining it we staked our horses And mounted the rock. I went forward & gained the highest point of the South end of the Rock which contains the names. After exhamining it I then went to the North end which is the highest part of the rock. Here is An opening or cavern that would contain 30 or 40 persons And A rock stands on the highest peak of about 3 tons wait. We got upon this rock & offered up our prayers according to the order of the priesthood. We prayed earnestly for the blessings of God to r[est?] upon President Young & his brethren the Twelve & all of the Pioneer Camp & the whole Camp of Israel & House of Israel, our wives & children, & relatives the Mormon Battalion, all the Churches Abroad And that the Lord would hasten the time of the fulfillment of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, & Moroni And all the sayings of the Lord concerning the building up of Zions in the last days And Avenging the blood of the Prophets. And while offering up our prayers the spirit of the Lord desended upon us and we truly felt to rejoice.
And while we were attending to our prayers the Missourians was burying A woman A little distance from the rock by the name of Rachel Morgan 25 years of Age being the third one of the family buried on the road. They were supposed to be poisoned by cooking in new Copper vessels.
After surveying the rock what we wished we again desended to the ground. I was the first Latter Day Saint that ever went onto that Rock or offered up prayers according to the order of the Priesthood.
We had A view of our Camp from this rock And expected they would noon there. So we mounted our horses & concluded to examine the country in the regions round about. We rode to the North East about 5 miles. Went to the top of a high bluff And saw the camp in motion. We then rode to the foot of the Mountain to the N.W. & followed under the foot of the mountain All of the way to the Devils gate through which the sweet water runs.
While taking this circuitous rout we passed A salt lake Covering about 50 acres of Ground. We spent but few minutes at the Devils gate at this time & Hurried on back to the Rock as our camp had come up.
But before we could get to them they had camped half a mile east of the Rock. I met Br Young going up to the Rock. I related to him my travels since I left the camp. He asked me to go back with him to the rock, So I turned out my horse having rode all of 20 miles during the forenoon exhamining bare rugged rocks & barren grounds, & Salt ponds &c And I returned with President Young W Richards G. A Smith & others & we again ascended the rock together & spent about half an hour upon it & returned to Camp mounted our horses & rode to the Devils gate which is the name of the channel through the Mountain through which the sweet waters run.
It is [4/5?] miles from Indipendance Rock & while Approaching this place from the rock As is the case while approaching the foot of any mountain through this country A person is greatly decieved in the distance for while An object appears but a mile Ahead of you you will have to ride 5 or 6 before you can reach it.
We rode as far as we could into the gate hitched our horses & walked into about the centre of the cavern. This opening or Devils gate is 100 feet high. Perpendicular Rocks 120 feet wide & 50 rods long & the water rushes through it with A roar. The rocks are composed [of] coarse grey granite with A vein of Black trap rock runing through it. We spent about half an hour visiting this place then had to back out & ride around it on the south side. Some of the footman walked over the top of it.
We camped for the night on the bank of the sweet water About one mile west of the Devils gate the camp having travled during the day 15 1/4 miles And I 30 miles. Distance to guide board was put up at the gate saying it was 175 1/4 miles from the Fort Laramie, & 50 1/4 from the ford or ferry of the Platt River. /15 1/4 30 miles./
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Jun 20, 1847. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning fine, mosquitoes very bad.Two more oxen found almost buried in the mud and all handsappeared wishful to leave this place and at a quarter past 5 o'clockwe moved out...Elder Kimball states that when he and ElderBenson were riding ahead last evening to look out a campingground they came within a quarter of a mile of this place butwere not near enough to discover the water. A while before theyarrived here as they were riding slowly along they saw 6 mensuddenly spring up from the grass to the left of the road. Themen were clothed in Blankets some white and some blue, and hadevery appearance of being Indians, and the brethren thought theywere Indians. The six mounted their horses and started on in adirection parallel with the road. The brethren also kept on theircourse. In a little while one of the supposed Indians left the restand rode towards the brethren and motioned with his hand forthem to go back. They however kept on and paid no attention tohis motion. When he saw them still coming he wheeled roundand joined the others who all put spur to their horses and weresoon out of sight behind a higher piece of land. Soon as they wereout of sight Elder Kimball and Benson spurred their horses androde to the ridge, and as they arrived there they discovered acamp of the Missourians about a quarter of a mile to the left ofthe road, and the six Indians were just entering the camp. Thebrethren were now satisfied that these Indians were Missouriansand had taken this plan to keep us back from this good campground. It is considered as an old Missouri trick and an insult tothe camp, and if they undertake to play Indian again, it is more than likely they will meet with Indian treatment. Their camp left here a little before we arrived this morning and it is now President Youngs intentions to press on a little faster and crowd them up a little . . .
I would here remark that it is the order of our traveling for each company of 10 to go forward in their turn. The first 10 in the first division taking the lead one day, then on the second day it falls in the rear of the first division and the second 10 takes the lead, and continues till each company of ten have taken the lead one day a piece. Then the first division falls in the rear of the second division which also begins by companies of ten to take the lead on the road as stated above and when each ten have had their day the second division again falls in the rear of the first which continues in the same order. Thus every man has his equal privilege of traveling one with another . . .
[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]
I would here remark that it is the order of our traveling for each company of 10 to go forward in their turn. The first 10 in the first division taking the lead one day, then on the second day it falls in the rear of the first division and the second 10 takes the lead, and continues till each company of ten have taken the lead one day a piece. Then the first division falls in the rear of the second division which also begins by companies of ten to take the lead on the road as stated above and when each ten have had their day the second division again falls in the rear of the first which continues in the same order. Thus every man has his equal privilege of traveling one with another . . .
[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, Jun 20, 1847 (Sunday)
Thomas Smith was arrested and imprisoned at Covington, Warwickshire, England, for having cast out evil spirits. After examination, he and Richard Currell, the subject of administration, were dismissed, there being no cause of action.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 20, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday June 20th 1847. Went out with 6 men.
At meeting today Hyde preached his celebrated bogus sermon, denouncing all bogus makers, counterfeiters thieves &c & commanding all such & all who knew of any such to come forth with and tell him & also absolved them from all former acts and covenants to keep secrets.
This made quite a stir & caused some to "confess their sins"
I attended the council in the evening. This was a lively timewe had one or two trials about cattle taken from the corn fields[.] S. C. Bolton for one
When I came to the council they were rasping away about my not going on west some casting implecations about for me it &c.
President Morley seemed to sencure me, the hardest but wound up saying that perhaps I had reasons for doing as I did but he would not (do it for [crossed out]) have done it for kingdoms.
He also at the Elk Horne instituted the inquiry what I had been about as if he did not know & also here said he did not know why.
I obtained leave of the council to speak & let off my feeling uncommonly plain denouncing the course that had been taken with me by the authorities & held up the way they had departed from Brighams instructions to the gaze of all present and denied Morleys position of not knoing what I had been at as he and every body here knew very well. No pretended to say anything against me when I was through & so I stood justified[.] The matter was then talked over & Hyde proposed to me, to take 10 men as a guard and overtake the camp yet to which I agreed but after many proposals Hyde finally decided for me to stay here as I was need here & let them do with out who neglected me.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
At meeting today Hyde preached his celebrated bogus sermon, denouncing all bogus makers, counterfeiters thieves &c & commanding all such & all who knew of any such to come forth with and tell him & also absolved them from all former acts and covenants to keep secrets.
This made quite a stir & caused some to "confess their sins"
I attended the council in the evening. This was a lively timewe had one or two trials about cattle taken from the corn fields[.] S. C. Bolton for one
When I came to the council they were rasping away about my not going on west some casting implecations about for me it &c.
President Morley seemed to sencure me, the hardest but wound up saying that perhaps I had reasons for doing as I did but he would not (do it for [crossed out]) have done it for kingdoms.
He also at the Elk Horne instituted the inquiry what I had been about as if he did not know & also here said he did not know why.
I obtained leave of the council to speak & let off my feeling uncommonly plain denouncing the course that had been taken with me by the authorities & held up the way they had departed from Brighams instructions to the gaze of all present and denied Morleys position of not knoing what I had been at as he and every body here knew very well. No pretended to say anything against me when I was through & so I stood justified[.] The matter was then talked over & Hyde proposed to me, to take 10 men as a guard and overtake the camp yet to which I agreed but after many proposals Hyde finally decided for me to stay here as I was need here & let them do with out who neglected me.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 20, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20th Sunday We hitched up early in the morning without feed[ing?] or watering & left our encampment of death, poison waters, salt marshes &c & rode 3 miles to A good camp ground & sweet water & turned out & bated 2 hours & took breakfast. This camp ground was on the willow spring branch about [3?] miles from the head.
President Young wished me to go on about 15 miles & look up a Camp ground for the night, so I went forward. G. A. Smith went with me to the head of the willow springs. We there found A doctor belonging to a Missouri company who had been doc-toring A sick family in a company that was forward. He was of [the] opinion that the willow springs were still 10 miles ahead which was incorrect as he was then sitting at the head of them. Br Smith stoped with the Dr to wait for our waggons to come up & I rode on alone.
After travling several miles Br John Brown came up with me & we rode on to gether over A sandy barren, sage country to a creek of good water containing some small fish about 10 miles west of the willow springs. We arived Here at half past 1 oclok. We turned out our Horses to bait & tarried untill 4 oclok watching for our company to come in sight.
But we Could see no waggons but saw two horsman approaching us. We waved A small flag for them to Come to us. Supposed they were some of our company, but they were two Hunters Capt Smith & another man from the Mo company Carrying in Buffalo meat to there camp. They thought we were Indians in the distance & made off. I mounted my horse & put after them & soon overtook them, And made inquiries about our camp. They said they had not seen it, but had seen A company of about A dozen waggons coming by themselves.
I then concluded our Camp had Stoped at the willow Springs, So Captain Smith who was the leader of the Mo Company invited us to go on & Camp with them for the night As they did not expect to go but a few miles further than the creek we were now on.
As it was 5 oclok & we could see 5 miles on the road back & no waggons in sight I concluded our company would not Come on & if they should they would go no further than the Creek so we accepted Capt Smith proposal & went on with him to spend the night with his Camp.
But instead of his going but little distance he continued on mile after mile, & could neither find feed or water except the salt & Alkalie ponds & lakes untill we struck the sweet water river at Indipendance Rock which is so noted in Freemonts Journal & other travellers which was about 12 miles west of the Creek before spoken off. Their Oxen had tiered out having travled about 27 miles & much of the road vary sandy & we had road about 30 miles And was quite weary. The sweet water is truly sweet to man & beast after travling through so much ground coverd with salt, pertash, And Alkilie water as is found on the way. We turned out our horses in good feed got supper which was Bacon, Buffalo, corn bread, coffee Milk &c then lay down upon the ground & spent the night under A tent with the Missourians but did not rest well.
I found A great differance between the Missouri emigrant companies & our own. For while the men, women & children were all Cursing, swaring, quarell-ing, scolding finding fault with each other & other Companies, there was nothing of the kind allowed or practiced in our own camp.
But to return to our camp I will say At a late hour they came up to the Creek that we left back 12 miles, & grass being poor continued on 4 miles west of the creek & camped for the night. They travled 20 miles while I travled 30 miles. 30 miles.
The camp not finding me at the creek nor hearing from me at all felt some Alarmed lest I was lost, or got into trouble with the Indians or some difficulty. They blowed their bugle & watched for me untill midnight & finally fired there Cannon while I was camped 10 miles from them not thinking that I was giving them any trouble.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Young wished me to go on about 15 miles & look up a Camp ground for the night, so I went forward. G. A. Smith went with me to the head of the willow springs. We there found A doctor belonging to a Missouri company who had been doc-toring A sick family in a company that was forward. He was of [the] opinion that the willow springs were still 10 miles ahead which was incorrect as he was then sitting at the head of them. Br Smith stoped with the Dr to wait for our waggons to come up & I rode on alone.
After travling several miles Br John Brown came up with me & we rode on to gether over A sandy barren, sage country to a creek of good water containing some small fish about 10 miles west of the willow springs. We arived Here at half past 1 oclok. We turned out our Horses to bait & tarried untill 4 oclok watching for our company to come in sight.
But we Could see no waggons but saw two horsman approaching us. We waved A small flag for them to Come to us. Supposed they were some of our company, but they were two Hunters Capt Smith & another man from the Mo company Carrying in Buffalo meat to there camp. They thought we were Indians in the distance & made off. I mounted my horse & put after them & soon overtook them, And made inquiries about our camp. They said they had not seen it, but had seen A company of about A dozen waggons coming by themselves.
I then concluded our Camp had Stoped at the willow Springs, So Captain Smith who was the leader of the Mo Company invited us to go on & Camp with them for the night As they did not expect to go but a few miles further than the creek we were now on.
As it was 5 oclok & we could see 5 miles on the road back & no waggons in sight I concluded our company would not Come on & if they should they would go no further than the Creek so we accepted Capt Smith proposal & went on with him to spend the night with his Camp.
But instead of his going but little distance he continued on mile after mile, & could neither find feed or water except the salt & Alkalie ponds & lakes untill we struck the sweet water river at Indipendance Rock which is so noted in Freemonts Journal & other travellers which was about 12 miles west of the Creek before spoken off. Their Oxen had tiered out having travled about 27 miles & much of the road vary sandy & we had road about 30 miles And was quite weary. The sweet water is truly sweet to man & beast after travling through so much ground coverd with salt, pertash, And Alkilie water as is found on the way. We turned out our horses in good feed got supper which was Bacon, Buffalo, corn bread, coffee Milk &c then lay down upon the ground & spent the night under A tent with the Missourians but did not rest well.
I found A great differance between the Missouri emigrant companies & our own. For while the men, women & children were all Cursing, swaring, quarell-ing, scolding finding fault with each other & other Companies, there was nothing of the kind allowed or practiced in our own camp.
But to return to our camp I will say At a late hour they came up to the Creek that we left back 12 miles, & grass being poor continued on 4 miles west of the creek & camped for the night. They travled 20 miles while I travled 30 miles. 30 miles.
The camp not finding me at the creek nor hearing from me at all felt some Alarmed lest I was lost, or got into trouble with the Indians or some difficulty. They blowed their bugle & watched for me untill midnight & finally fired there Cannon while I was camped 10 miles from them not thinking that I was giving them any trouble.
[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, Jun 19, 1847
[Plains] Jedediah M. Grant - Joseph B. Noble Company 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]
[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, Jun 19, 1847
[Plains] Edward Hunter - Jacob Foutz Company 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]
[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, Jun 19, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th We parted with the brethren who were to attend the ferry & the Camp moved on having been one week. We travled through A barren Country to willow springs /A spring of water/ & nooned being 12 miles. We past the red butes & many rough picturesque seeneries & camped at night by the poison water. Travled 9 1/2 miles in the Afternoon. Whole distance 21 1/2.
Our camping place for the night was the most wretched of any ground we have found on the way. President Young thought it might properly be called Hell gate. All the water tasted as though it run through A bed of salt, salts, saltpeter, sulpher [...]. It was naucious Horrible. The ground in the valleys & marshes was Apparently one half of it composed of the saline floresance or salty substance of which this country abounds. Our Horses & Cattle being thirsty drank a little of the watter & quit it. Some of the cattle got badly miered in the marshes. The traiders informed us these grounds were poison & would kill Cattle but ours did not drink much or feed long. We tied them up.
The Hunters brought in one buffalo & one deer & 4 Antelope.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Our camping place for the night was the most wretched of any ground we have found on the way. President Young thought it might properly be called Hell gate. All the water tasted as though it run through A bed of salt, salts, saltpeter, sulpher [...]. It was naucious Horrible. The ground in the valleys & marshes was Apparently one half of it composed of the saline floresance or salty substance of which this country abounds. Our Horses & Cattle being thirsty drank a little of the watter & quit it. Some of the cattle got badly miered in the marshes. The traiders informed us these grounds were poison & would kill Cattle but ours did not drink much or feed long. We tied them up.
The Hunters brought in one buffalo & one deer & 4 Antelope.
[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, Jun 18, 1847
[Plains] Daniel Spencer/Perrigrine Sessions Company 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]
[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, Jun 18, 1847
[Plains] Abraham O. Smoot - George B. Wallace Company 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]
[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, Jun 18, 1847
Brigham Young "deliverd A short lecture which was interesting & instructive, And said that when He gave A man council He did not want him to reject that Council or to bring up many arguments to try to Alter it for when A man did it I will turn on my heal & leave him." William Clayton records, "The president preached a short sermon for the benefit of the young elders. He represented them as being continually grasping at things ahead of them which belong to others instead of seeking to bring up those which are behind them. He said the way for young elders to enlarge their dominion and power is to go to the world and preach and then they can get a train and bring it up to the house of the Lord with them &c." Eliza R. Snow writes: " I spoke to br. H[unter] in the gift of tongues, sis. S[essions] interpreted, after which br. H[unter], sis. S[essions] & I laid hands on sis. H[unter]'s head and rebuk'd her illness & blessed her. I then sang a song to them & sis. S[essions] sang the interpretation. Susanna present & arose & bless'd sis. H[unter]."
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Jun 18, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] Those who are to remain behind were called together this evening to receive some instruction from President Young relative to their duties '" I did not attend in time to hear it but arrived just as Bro. Bullock was reading to them a document containing rules for their guidance & conduct, in which they were exhorted to take care of their health, & not expose themselves to the cold & wet, as they had now, a good boat to use '" that they should build themselves a small house on a gentle eminence on the other side the river both to live in & to secure them & their effects from the Indians in case a war party should come this way. That they should attend strictly to their duty of ferrying over the emigrants & not be around hunting, etc., but implicitly obey the instructions given them by their captain or foreman, Thos. Grover. That in case that general emigration should cease, they were to return to Ft. John & there remain till their families came up in the next company that is expected on soon, & then come on with them to our place of destination. Bro. Eric Glines wished to stay here with them but finally gave up the idea as he was otherwise advised. In conclusion, President Young remarked to them that if they would obey the counsel given above, they should all be blessed '"for'", said he, '"I promise you that in the name of the Lord.'" -- Greasewood Creek, Wyoming [Horace K. Whitney Journal, 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)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 18, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] There is a general feeling in this church with regard to the doctrine called spiritual wife doctrine. The Lord is [-] in the last struggle between [-]. God the Father will put forth his hand and conquer a [-] of [-] a godly people. The wicked and rebellious will be swallowed by the earth and the substance will be given to the [-] the [-] of staying at home will carry thousands to the devil. I've done as I was told, there is not a man have twenty to twenty-five but I can get five wives to his one, who gave me that power, I got it by being faithful, there is not a girl etc take all you can get and see what you can do go a preach? that I may gather thousands they want to give? that [-] of [-] they must take what's behind because they have gone? [-] have brought? it in when my train and his train filled the temple, they want to drive and command and tell me its the duty to be sealed to me and then they can come trailing behind you, its your works will follow you to glory or misery - let the word come now, I never was more willing to go than tonight. I'm going right into the world and deal unrightly. I cant do this because I have a wife the Lord will raise up a hold seed. is it right? wait, that's enough for me when a man has proved himself. I say go it, the young elders out to preach 10 or 15 years. Erastus Snow you go strait ahead - he's preached about sixteen years - every man ought to do that to receive confidence - a man who will believe that he will give wrong council - we have confidence if you do the best you can - and all [-] that sin will be washed out. I'm just a man to give council - I am as up and down as any man but don't want to hurt any mans feelings, men forget God what they have denied what they have seen and heard and feel and now to be truth - he'll never be [-] the spirit of God, I could have told a company many things but they did not thing of it, I think of enough but don't want to talk much - we'll have a hall where we can receive and bestow the ordinances - this church has no business to do heal nor do anything of the kind - men go and do what they think I forget, but I don't [-] judgment is mine etc and he'll take his time for it - when the prophet says go and heal then its right - I never [-] from my birth to this time but when the time comes I shall be on hand if we take a judicious course and be ready for judgment hell cant prevail against us, some would chastise worse, are self righteous, I believe the tares and wheat ought to grow together. I thank the Lord there is a devil, we cannot get on without one. -- Greasewood Creek, Wyoming [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..; Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-12-3, 34-35]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 18, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young took them & a few others a short distance from Camp, gave them good instructions & then preached a Sermon on Plurality of Wives. -- Greasewood Creek, Wyoming [Pioneer Camp of the Saints, Journals of Thomas Bullock. Will Bagley, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 2007.]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 18, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th We Are Still ferrying over the gentiles. Another large company arived to day. Bro Frosst mad me some nails & set two shoes for me on my Saddle Horse. We commenced gathering cattle at 10 oclok & Harnessed but did not start at all, but turned out teams again, as all were not ready.
We held a council in the After noon & resolved to leave 9 men to tend the ferry to cross emegrant companies & also our brethren who should come After us. The men were Chosen & we met with them again in the evening.
One Brother had petitioned to Stay that President Young wished to go along with the company. His name was Glines. He did not manifest a good spirit & Br Young reproved him. He then deliverd A short lecture which was interesting & instructive, And said that when He gave A man council He did not want him to reject that Council or to bring up many arguments to try to Alter it for when A man did it I will turn on my heal & leave him.
He Sayes there is another principle that has tried many in the Church because more will follow me than some Young Elder who has not proved himself but if he was to try to gather to himself the fruits of the labours of the Twelve & other men would that be right? No he would be pulling back that th[ose?] was before him. But let the Elders do as I have done & my Brethren the Twelve & other faithful men. Go and preach the gospel for years & do the will of God & you would have A train following you even the fruits of your own labour & you would be putting them After you & not drawing back that which is before you.
The Lord is determined to esstablish his kingdom in the last days & He will have A faithful diligent & obedient people And He Chastizes the Saints to keep them humble & make them do there duty. If we had not been mobed & Afflicted but always been in prosperity we should have been lifted up in the pride of our hearts & not gatherd together & built up Zion as we ought to have done, so that these trials will work to gether for our good.
Instructions was also given to the Brethren who were to tarry to keep to gether & be united. Divide the means equally among yourselves according to your labor. Let each essteem his brother as himself. In no wise retain that which belongeth to the traveller. Steal not at all. Be Careful of the lives & property of those you ferry over, & forget not your prayers. Keep together come up with the next company of Saints.
The following are the names: Thomas Grover, John S. Higby, Luke Johnson, Wm Empy Edmond Els-worth, Benjamin F. Stewart, Francis Pomeroy, James Devenport, Appleton Harmon. Thomas Grover was Appointed captain.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We held a council in the After noon & resolved to leave 9 men to tend the ferry to cross emegrant companies & also our brethren who should come After us. The men were Chosen & we met with them again in the evening.
One Brother had petitioned to Stay that President Young wished to go along with the company. His name was Glines. He did not manifest a good spirit & Br Young reproved him. He then deliverd A short lecture which was interesting & instructive, And said that when He gave A man council He did not want him to reject that Council or to bring up many arguments to try to Alter it for when A man did it I will turn on my heal & leave him.
He Sayes there is another principle that has tried many in the Church because more will follow me than some Young Elder who has not proved himself but if he was to try to gather to himself the fruits of the labours of the Twelve & other men would that be right? No he would be pulling back that th[ose?] was before him. But let the Elders do as I have done & my Brethren the Twelve & other faithful men. Go and preach the gospel for years & do the will of God & you would have A train following you even the fruits of your own labour & you would be putting them After you & not drawing back that which is before you.
The Lord is determined to esstablish his kingdom in the last days & He will have A faithful diligent & obedient people And He Chastizes the Saints to keep them humble & make them do there duty. If we had not been mobed & Afflicted but always been in prosperity we should have been lifted up in the pride of our hearts & not gatherd together & built up Zion as we ought to have done, so that these trials will work to gether for our good.
Instructions was also given to the Brethren who were to tarry to keep to gether & be united. Divide the means equally among yourselves according to your labor. Let each essteem his brother as himself. In no wise retain that which belongeth to the traveller. Steal not at all. Be Careful of the lives & property of those you ferry over, & forget not your prayers. Keep together come up with the next company of Saints.
The following are the names: Thomas Grover, John S. Higby, Luke Johnson, Wm Empy Edmond Els-worth, Benjamin F. Stewart, Francis Pomeroy, James Devenport, Appleton Harmon. Thomas Grover was Appointed captain.
[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, Jun 17, 1847
[Plains] Edward Hunter - Joseph Horne Company begins crossing plains
[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]
[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, Jun 17, 1847
[Plains] Daniel Spencer/Ira Eldredge Company begins crossing plains
[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]
[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, Jun 17, 1847
[Plains] Abraham O. Smoot - Samuel Russell Company begins crossing plains
[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]
[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, Jun 17, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday, Friday & Saturday June 17th 18th & 19th 1847. Went out on guard as usual with from 6 to 8 menrainy wether mostly.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 17, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17th Early this morning we swam our Horses over the river. One mule came near drowning by being tangled in a rope but the curant carried him ashore & He made A live of it. The men went to work to finish their ferry boat while the men Continued to cross waggons on the raft. All of our company got over to day & the brethren crossed some of the Missourians. Some of the emegrants report 1,000 waggons between Laramie & this place & there Companies Are ariving daily at the fording places.
Brs Young & Kimball got over to day & we all moved our waggons once more into A Circle. This is the 6th day since our arival to this place which is the longest henderance I sever saw At A ferry or crossing A river. Our brethren run the ferry boat All night to cross the Missourians but did not get over but few waggons.
I Am still in much pain with the teeth Ake & sore lips & mouth. I had the privlege of milking A Mo Cow which gave me A plenty of milk for Supper & breakfast.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brs Young & Kimball got over to day & we all moved our waggons once more into A Circle. This is the 6th day since our arival to this place which is the longest henderance I sever saw At A ferry or crossing A river. Our brethren run the ferry boat All night to cross the Missourians but did not get over but few waggons.
I Am still in much pain with the teeth Ake & sore lips & mouth. I had the privlege of milking A Mo Cow which gave me A plenty of milk for Supper & breakfast.
[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, Jun 16, 1847 (Wednesday)
Capt. Brown's detachment of the Mormon Battalion reached Ft. Laramie, and continued the following day westward, intending, if possible, to overtake the Pioneers, who had passed twelve days before.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 16, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday June 16th 1847. This morning I sent word to the camp that I could not go and did not think it was a fair thing to ask it of me as I had been neglected so long and thus my expidition West was brought to a close[.] I staid town today to enlist more men in the picket guard[.] Sent out four men on guard
Heard much said about the requisition of the camp for me to go which made considerable excitement but mostly in my favor.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Heard much said about the requisition of the camp for me to go which made considerable excitement but mostly in my favor.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 16, 1847
A Mormon writes Apostle Orson Hyde in Iowa about a pre 1/4ous letter that "I am threatened with Danites," and protests that his guilt should "be established by a fair hearing." Hyde is closely associated in Iowa at this time with William A. Hickman who would later claim that Hyde gave him orders to murder various dissenters this year. Hyde would later admit at a Council of Fifty meeting that he instructed an unnamed person in Iowa to kill a fellow member of the Fifty.
[source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
Mormon History, Jun 16, 1847
[Black History] Appleby meets Enoch and Mary Matilda Lewis,
[source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
[source: http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
Mormon History, Jun 16, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16th About 20 men went down the river to day & dug out two large canoes to cover over to make A ferry boat off to ferry over the large companies of emegrants that have arived & are on the way.
President Young thought it wisdom to leave A number of the brethren here & keep a ferry untill our Company Came up. Emegrants will pay for fer-rying $1.50 cts per waggon. Pay in flour, Cows, Beans &c. Flour at $2.50 per cwt Cows $10. The brethren also made two new rafts & got quite A number of our pioneer waggons over.
I was quite unwell A part of the day with Ague in the face. I walked out however with O. Pratt about 3 miles onto some of the bluffs to view the country. We saw mountains to the North towering into the Clouds. We judged they were not much short of 100 miles from us.
We had our guns with us I Hunted some. I shot one Antelope cut his throat with a bullet & He fell dead in his tracts. Br Pratt Shot at Another but did not get him. This was the first Antelope I ever Killed. I tried to back him into Camp but Could not do it well so I got two men to help me. We had some Heavy squals of wind & some rain in the Afternoon.
In the evening many of us went over the river to tie up our horses & when one Company was Coming back in the leather boat they filled it half full of water & came near sinking.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Young thought it wisdom to leave A number of the brethren here & keep a ferry untill our Company Came up. Emegrants will pay for fer-rying $1.50 cts per waggon. Pay in flour, Cows, Beans &c. Flour at $2.50 per cwt Cows $10. The brethren also made two new rafts & got quite A number of our pioneer waggons over.
I was quite unwell A part of the day with Ague in the face. I walked out however with O. Pratt about 3 miles onto some of the bluffs to view the country. We saw mountains to the North towering into the Clouds. We judged they were not much short of 100 miles from us.
We had our guns with us I Hunted some. I shot one Antelope cut his throat with a bullet & He fell dead in his tracts. Br Pratt Shot at Another but did not get him. This was the first Antelope I ever Killed. I tried to back him into Camp but Could not do it well so I got two men to help me. We had some Heavy squals of wind & some rain in the Afternoon.
In the evening many of us went over the river to tie up our horses & when one Company was Coming back in the leather boat they filled it half full of water & came near sinking.
[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, Jun 15, 1847. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] The morning fine but very windy. The brethren continued ferrying wagons over on the raft and also built 2 other rafts. The wind being so high they could not get along very fast . . . We have learned from a Missourian that there is a large company of emigrants coming up on the North side of the Platte above Grand Island. These arc doubtless some of our brethren, and if so they will probably reach up with us before we get through.
The day continued windy and some inclined to storm, but they succeeded in getting near 20 wagons over before night . . .
[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]
The day continued windy and some inclined to storm, but they succeeded in getting near 20 wagons over before night . . .
[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, Jun 15, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday June 15th 1847. I staid in town today & sent out 7 men. Four for guard and 2 to drive cattle off the corn as on yesterday.
This evening an Express was sent to me from the camp for me to come forthwith and go on as captain of the guard[.] It was as follows.
"South West bank of Elk Horn river.
Indian Territory
Tuesday 15th June 1847.
To
Captain Hosea Stout,
The Council here has made the following vote which is here copied. Motioned by Parley P. Pratt & Seconded by John Taylor that Hosea Stout be sent to mount his horse and come on immediately to act in his appointment as Captain of the Guard. Voted unanimously, and we will sustain him as a people both temporally & spiritually. This vote was made at a public meeting this morning, and we expect to see Hosea in conformity with this, at this place in 24 hours from the time he gets this notice.
P. P. Pratt.
John Taylor
Rob Campbell
Clerk"
The above speaks for itself[.] As before observed I had tried to find out what to do about going and none would notice me and now after Rich had given me a written certificate showing that I was ready to go if means & men were furnished & all the authorities had refused to do any thing about a guard, I was now cited to mount my horse & leave home as a runaway & leave my family without any means for their subsistence or provisions for myself only their blank promise to "sustain me as a people" which was weak indeed and go & take my place as captain of the guard. What guard when not one man had been enlisted or one dime appropriated for it This looked like oppressive nonsense to me & excited my feeling to the highest pitch[.] I felt insulted abused & neglected in the first place and now more so & I did not intend to comply but least I had wrong feeling I postponed my decision untill morning.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
This evening an Express was sent to me from the camp for me to come forthwith and go on as captain of the guard[.] It was as follows.
"South West bank of Elk Horn river.
Indian Territory
Tuesday 15th June 1847.
To
Captain Hosea Stout,
The Council here has made the following vote which is here copied. Motioned by Parley P. Pratt & Seconded by John Taylor that Hosea Stout be sent to mount his horse and come on immediately to act in his appointment as Captain of the Guard. Voted unanimously, and we will sustain him as a people both temporally & spiritually. This vote was made at a public meeting this morning, and we expect to see Hosea in conformity with this, at this place in 24 hours from the time he gets this notice.
P. P. Pratt.
John Taylor
Rob Campbell
Clerk"
The above speaks for itself[.] As before observed I had tried to find out what to do about going and none would notice me and now after Rich had given me a written certificate showing that I was ready to go if means & men were furnished & all the authorities had refused to do any thing about a guard, I was now cited to mount my horse & leave home as a runaway & leave my family without any means for their subsistence or provisions for myself only their blank promise to "sustain me as a people" which was weak indeed and go & take my place as captain of the guard. What guard when not one man had been enlisted or one dime appropriated for it This looked like oppressive nonsense to me & excited my feeling to the highest pitch[.] I felt insulted abused & neglected in the first place and now more so & I did not intend to comply but least I had wrong feeling I postponed my decision untill morning.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 15, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15th It is vary windy to day & our companies Cross the river vary slow. Another Missouri company has come up with us. I felt somewhat unwell to day with the exposers of yesterday & the teeth Ake.
[source: 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, Jun 14, 1847. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning cloudy and cool. At 4 o'clock the first division Commenced ferrying their goods over the river in the Cutter and some time afterwards commenced taking the wagons across on a raft which proved to be very slow work. The second division also began to take their goods over on a raft but the current was so strong they only took two loads over in it and then quit. The second division then got a rope stretched across the river from shore to shore and lashing 2 wagons fast together to keep them from rolling over they dragged them over by the roap, letting them drift with the current to save breaking the rope. When the wagons struck on the sand on the other side the upper one keeled over, and finally rolled over the other one, breaking the bows considerably and losing Iron &c. in the wagon to the amount of $30 belonging to John Pack...The plan of taking one wagon at a time on a raft is the safest, no accident having happened with it and the wagons get over dry, but it is very slow and would take us 3 or 4 days to get all the wagons across . . .
[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]
[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, Jun 14, 1847 (Monday)
The first company of emigrating Saints was organized at Elkhorn river for journeying west, and on the 19th about five hundred and seventy-five wagons from Winter Quarters had crossed the "Horn."
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 14, 1847 (Monday)
The Pioneers recrossed the Platte river from its south to north side, 124 miles west of Ft. Laramie.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 14, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday June 14th 1847. Sent out 5 men, two to drive cattle in from the corn field and three on guard.
I moved in the forenoon to the house which I bought of Smoot, which was much more comfortable than the one I now live in.
There was a large drove of cattle brought in from the corn this day which caused an unaccountable murmuring by some who owned them showing plainly that they were willingly ignorant of their cattle being on the corn
The stray pen was full tonight & we had to guard it to keep the cattle from being taken away without paying the forfeiture of the law. I was out untill eleven oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I moved in the forenoon to the house which I bought of Smoot, which was much more comfortable than the one I now live in.
There was a large drove of cattle brought in from the corn this day which caused an unaccountable murmuring by some who owned them showing plainly that they were willingly ignorant of their cattle being on the corn
The stray pen was full tonight & we had to guard it to keep the cattle from being taken away without paying the forfeiture of the law. I was out untill eleven oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 14, 1847
The first pioneer company begins crossing the North Platte River at present-day Casper, Wyoming, taking three days to get the entire company across.
[The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
Mormon History, Jun 14, 1847
Charles Coulson Rich: Left for Salt Lake Valley 14 June 1847.
[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]
[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, Jun 14, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14th At day light the first two tens were Called together to make Arangments for crossing. The Proposal was made in the camp to lash 4 waggons to gether & float them but the curant was so strong many did not like that moad. We Appointed Br Grover As our Captain to direct the rafting over. We finally concluded to put our polls into A raft carry our goods over in a boat & put our waggons onto A raft.
We commenced at 5 oclok & At 9 AM being 4 Hours we had landed eleven waggon loads of goods upon the North Shore with the little leather boat & during the day we got over all the waggons belonging to our tens being Eleven in all. And All of the rest encampment being twelve tens ownly got over the same number that we did. They floated their waggons by tying from two to four to gether. But they turned clear over each other bottom side upwards & back again. Broke the bows covers & boxes to peices & lost ploughs Axes & Iron that was left in the boxes. Most of our Company was in the water from morning to night & all was vary weary.
When the work was done, we Saw A Heavy storm Approaching us. We had just drawn Dr Richards two waggons to [of] his goods on the shore & loaded them into his waggons with all speed. Just got through as the storm struck us. I sprung into my Carriage & tied all down tight but the rain wind & Hail beat upon me so Heavy that I had to lay out most of my strength to hold my waggon cover on. Both hail & rain came insid my Carriage untill my bed & things were nearly drenched. It ownly lasted 7 minutes but was vary severe. Most of the waggons & goods were more or less wet. Our Horses run two or three miles in the storm. When it was over I crossed the river & went after them tied them up returned back & went to rest vary weary, But had some plesant dreams.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We commenced at 5 oclok & At 9 AM being 4 Hours we had landed eleven waggon loads of goods upon the North Shore with the little leather boat & during the day we got over all the waggons belonging to our tens being Eleven in all. And All of the rest encampment being twelve tens ownly got over the same number that we did. They floated their waggons by tying from two to four to gether. But they turned clear over each other bottom side upwards & back again. Broke the bows covers & boxes to peices & lost ploughs Axes & Iron that was left in the boxes. Most of our Company was in the water from morning to night & all was vary weary.
When the work was done, we Saw A Heavy storm Approaching us. We had just drawn Dr Richards two waggons to [of] his goods on the shore & loaded them into his waggons with all speed. Just got through as the storm struck us. I sprung into my Carriage & tied all down tight but the rain wind & Hail beat upon me so Heavy that I had to lay out most of my strength to hold my waggon cover on. Both hail & rain came insid my Carriage untill my bed & things were nearly drenched. It ownly lasted 7 minutes but was vary severe. Most of the waggons & goods were more or less wet. Our Horses run two or three miles in the storm. When it was over I crossed the river & went after them tied them up returned back & went to rest vary weary, But had some plesant dreams.
[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, Jun 13, 1847. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] The morning fine and pleasant. At 9 o'clock the brethren assembled in the circle for prayer and after they had spent some time Elder Kimball arose and addressed them exhorting them to be watchful, and humble to remember their covenants and above all things avoid every thing that would lead to division &c. He made use of the similitude of the potter and the clay to show that every man had the privilege of being exhalted to honor and glory if he did not mar in the hands of the potter, would continue passive &c. His remarks were very touching and appropriate to our circumstances. President Young followed next on the "liberty of the gospel" showing that it guarantees all the fullness of liberty to every man which will tend to his salvation and increase, but does not give us liberty to break the laws of God, to wander off to the mountains and get lost, nor to kill the works of Gods hands to waste it &c. He was followed by Elder Pratt on the subject of our avoiding all excesses of folly of every description, inasmuch as it disqualifies from the society of just men and angels. He exhorted the brethren to be watchful and to seek after wisdom and knowledge. The meeting dismissed at half past 12 and a company were then dispatched to get poles to lash the wagons together to prevent their rolling over when crossing. Another company were sent over the river to build a raft to cross over provisions &c . . .
[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, Jun 13, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday June 13th 1847. Went out with 5 men again.
Attended the council in the evening. An order was passed to keep all cattle out of the corn field & I was instructed to keep or see it executed. All cattle or Horses that were in the field the owner was to pay one dollar each & 25 on sheep[.] The subject of the guard was taken up and an order passed allowing Prest Cutler & myself to keep as many men on guard as we thought proper.
We also heard from the pioneers. They were at the head of Grand Island on the 4th of May and all well.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Attended the council in the evening. An order was passed to keep all cattle out of the corn field & I was instructed to keep or see it executed. All cattle or Horses that were in the field the owner was to pay one dollar each & 25 on sheep[.] The subject of the guard was taken up and an order passed allowing Prest Cutler & myself to keep as many men on guard as we thought proper.
We also heard from the pioneers. They were at the head of Grand Island on the 4th of May and all well.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 13, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] There was a meeting in the morning. Presidents Young, Kimball, and Pratt spoke. John S. Fowler took notes of the speeches. -- Horseshoe Creek, Wyoming [Pioneer Camp of the Saints, Journals of Thomas Bullock. Will Bagley, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 2007. 191]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 13, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] The President said of the liberty of the Gospel of the Son of God he wished the saints understood it: does it give us liberty to dethrone Jehovah, to change the laws of heaven or do any manner of wickedness: No this lends to Servitude and bondage for he that lives in Sin is a servant of sin. But the Gospel of peace liberates men from this bondage & here is liberty. it takes men out of bondage & adverse circumstances and sets them at liberty. This is the liberty of the Gospel not giving men license to commit Sin but delivering them from the bondage of Sin -- Horseshoe Creek, Wyoming [Giant of the Lord, Life of a Pioneer. James S. Brown Journal. James Stephens Brown, ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1960.]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 13, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young then followed and made some remarks on the liberty of the Gospel, showing that it gives to every man full liberty and freedom to do everything that will tend to benefit and exalt him, but not to infringe on his brothers rights, nor transgress the law of God. He said the liberty of the Gospel will not allow the brethren to kill the works of Gods hands to make waste of flesh. -- Horseshoe Creek, Wyoming [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)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 13, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young spoke principally of the liberty & light of the gospel that very few knew what the phrase meant. That, we should always try to do that which would result in the most good & that it was sufficient for us a man could not know that unless by revelation from Heaven. That is enough for us to know what is necessary to be done to-day to be of the most utility, without thinking of the course necessary to be pursued for the same purpose to morrow or next day. Heber spoke of the majority of our cultivating union one with another & banishing all selfishness from our hearts, that we may become acceptable servants in the sight of the Lord. Elder O. Pratt's speech principally related to the utility & the necessity of the improvement & cultivation of their time and talents God has given us showing that a contrary course would result in the depravity of our morals. After the meeting was dismissed, all the officers in the camp met together at President Young's wagon to counsel upon matters relative to our crossing the river to morrow. It was proposed by the President that a quantity of poles should be procured this afternoon, that with their assistance 4 wagons might be lashed together abreast & drawn across the river without danger of being overturned. accordingly 3 or 4 wagons immediately started off in pursuit of them. -- Horseshoe Creek, Wyoming [Horace K. Whitney Journal, 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)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 13, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] Br Brigham then remarked when we are passive in the hands of the Lord we can receive Knowledge, but no truth can be written upon the tablet of the Heart unless that which has been written is first erased. When we are exalted even to receive a fulness, does it follow that we cannot receive any more, if we understand what will save us to day that is a fulness of knowledge but that will not be all that is not necessary for tomorrow. Do men know how to serve the Lord? will you understand it if I tell you? It is to do that which will result in the greatest good. In order to do this it is necessary for you to know & understand the result of all your actions. The Gospel of Christ is the perfect Law of Liberty. What say you, be subject to Law is this Liberty? Yes, it is Liberty. To increase without end, but not to dethrone the Lord nor subvert his Laws. which The liberty of the Devil is to injure your Brother & try to [-] run at large, & kill every thing you can whether you want it or not. Well, now you are not at Liberty to do such things & thereby bring evil upon this camp but any one is at liberty to withdraw from us or go back or go with those men who are going on ahead of us or go & live with the Indians, but if you stay here you must obey the Laws which are necessary for our preservation and for the building up of the Kingdom of God. To the name of Jesus every Knee shall bow & reverence must be paid to his Laws, whether men are willing [to] serve him in all things or not. They may serve the Devil and let him them bring them into bondage if they choose it, but to the name [of] God they must bow the Knee & acknowledge his glory. -- Horseshoe Creek, Wyoming [Norton Jacob Diary, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.. Also The Mormon Vanguard Brigade of 1847, Ronald Barney, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 2005. 172-173]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 13, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13th Sunday A vary warm day. The Camp met for prayer meeting At 9 oclok. O P Rockwell, Brown, And another man were out all night Hunting. One of the men of the camp started out at dark to go to the mountain to get some snow. The distance looked so short he said He Could go & return before 8 oclok & was foolish enough to make A bet of one dollar upon it. But he did not get to the mountain by 8 oclok & about 10 oclok A Company of Horsman was sent out with A bugle after him fearing the bears would eat him up.
We had A meeting at 10 oclok. H C. Kimball Addressed the meeting in an interesting manner, & was followed by Br Young who spoke upon the liberty of the gospel. Showed what it done for us. Saved us daily, exhaulted us to glory immortality & eternal life brought us evry good thing. But in doing this it did not do away with the law of God or the dictation of the Almighty. Some thought they wanted their liberty to curse, swear, stray whare they were A mind to, run over the mountains, not regard the laws & rules of the Camp, but would that be liberty? No, it would lead to death & not life. The man that left the camp & went to the mountains last night, had he have met A bear He would have had the liberty to have run for his life, Clumb A tree or been destroyed.
The way to worship God the most acceptable is to do each day the vary things that will bring the most good to the human family. There is A great differance to be seen between us As A Camp & the Missouri Companies that are going the same road or A part of the way. They Curse & swear, rip & tare, & are a trying to swallow up the Earth. But though they do not wish us to have A place on earth the earth will soon swallow them up & they will go to the land of forgetfulness, while the Saints if faithful though they should suffer some privations here will ultimately inherit the earth & increase in dominion power & glory untill the Lord shall say to them, go to now make your thousands of worlds & people them & make such laws to govern them as you are a mind to for I Know you have no disposition to make any laws but those that are good for you always desired to do good on the earth, & many other goodly words bid He say unto our edefycation.
He was followed by O Pratt who exhorted us to give head to the teaching we had herd & to improve our time in treasuring up usful knowledge that we ought not to spend A moments time needlessly.
Meeting dismissed And the Twelve, Colonels, Captains, &c of the Camp met at the Presidents wag-gon to consult upon what measures to adopt to get across the river. It was finally agreed to go immediately to the mountains with a waggon & team for evry two tens & get polls & lash two or four waggons abrest to keep them from turning over & float them across the river with boats & ropes. So A company of Horsmen Started for the mountains & teams to draw the polls.
In the evening the flour meal & bacon was distributed through the Camp equally that had been recieved from the Mo company for ferrying them over. It amounted to 5 1/2 lbs of flour 2 lbs of meat & A small peace of Bacon to each individual in the Camp.
It looked as much of A miricle to me to see our flour & meal bags replenished in the midst of the black Hills as it did to have the Children of Israel fed with manna in the wilderness. But the Lord has truly been with us on this Journey. We have had peace & union in our midst, our Horses & cattle have been wonderfully preserved from death & Accident on the way & our waggons from Breaking down. Great good will grow out of this mission if we are faithful in keeping the commandments of God.
I have taken great delight of late in reading the book of Mormon seeing the great & glorious things revealed & recorded in that book & that we are now trying to fulfill the great things or some of them that Lehi Nephi Alma, Moroni, Isaiah And many other prophets had in view in the last days in building up Zion, redeeming Israel, warning the Nations & sealing salvation upon the meek of the earth & laying A foundation that the earth may be prepared for the coming of the Mesiah.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We had A meeting at 10 oclok. H C. Kimball Addressed the meeting in an interesting manner, & was followed by Br Young who spoke upon the liberty of the gospel. Showed what it done for us. Saved us daily, exhaulted us to glory immortality & eternal life brought us evry good thing. But in doing this it did not do away with the law of God or the dictation of the Almighty. Some thought they wanted their liberty to curse, swear, stray whare they were A mind to, run over the mountains, not regard the laws & rules of the Camp, but would that be liberty? No, it would lead to death & not life. The man that left the camp & went to the mountains last night, had he have met A bear He would have had the liberty to have run for his life, Clumb A tree or been destroyed.
The way to worship God the most acceptable is to do each day the vary things that will bring the most good to the human family. There is A great differance to be seen between us As A Camp & the Missouri Companies that are going the same road or A part of the way. They Curse & swear, rip & tare, & are a trying to swallow up the Earth. But though they do not wish us to have A place on earth the earth will soon swallow them up & they will go to the land of forgetfulness, while the Saints if faithful though they should suffer some privations here will ultimately inherit the earth & increase in dominion power & glory untill the Lord shall say to them, go to now make your thousands of worlds & people them & make such laws to govern them as you are a mind to for I Know you have no disposition to make any laws but those that are good for you always desired to do good on the earth, & many other goodly words bid He say unto our edefycation.
He was followed by O Pratt who exhorted us to give head to the teaching we had herd & to improve our time in treasuring up usful knowledge that we ought not to spend A moments time needlessly.
Meeting dismissed And the Twelve, Colonels, Captains, &c of the Camp met at the Presidents wag-gon to consult upon what measures to adopt to get across the river. It was finally agreed to go immediately to the mountains with a waggon & team for evry two tens & get polls & lash two or four waggons abrest to keep them from turning over & float them across the river with boats & ropes. So A company of Horsmen Started for the mountains & teams to draw the polls.
In the evening the flour meal & bacon was distributed through the Camp equally that had been recieved from the Mo company for ferrying them over. It amounted to 5 1/2 lbs of flour 2 lbs of meat & A small peace of Bacon to each individual in the Camp.
It looked as much of A miricle to me to see our flour & meal bags replenished in the midst of the black Hills as it did to have the Children of Israel fed with manna in the wilderness. But the Lord has truly been with us on this Journey. We have had peace & union in our midst, our Horses & cattle have been wonderfully preserved from death & Accident on the way & our waggons from Breaking down. Great good will grow out of this mission if we are faithful in keeping the commandments of God.
I have taken great delight of late in reading the book of Mormon seeing the great & glorious things revealed & recorded in that book & that we are now trying to fulfill the great things or some of them that Lehi Nephi Alma, Moroni, Isaiah And many other prophets had in view in the last days in building up Zion, redeeming Israel, warning the Nations & sealing salvation upon the meek of the earth & laying A foundation that the earth may be prepared for the coming of the Mesiah.
[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, Jun 12, 1847. Saturday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...At a quarter to 12 we halted after crossing another large ravine, having travelled 7 1/4 miles, over a sandy, barren prarie...During the halt Brother [Albert] Rockwood called upon the brethren to help fix another ravine immediately west of us, many turned out and it was soon done. James Case and S[tephen] Markham went to the river opposite here to see if it could be forded. They waded their horses over and found the water about 4 feet 6 deep in the channel and the current very swift and of course it could not be forded with loads in the wagons, but the loading would have to be ferried in the Boat. They made a report of this kind on their return to Camp and about the same time Brother Chessley came down from the brethren ahead and reported their progress and the nature of the crossing place &c. A number of the brethren, in company with Elder Kimball and Chessley went to the river opposite the Camp to decide whether to cross here or go on. Brothers Markham and Case again went over, but it was finally concluded to go up to the other ferry...The brethren concluded that a raft would be of no use on account of the swiftness of the current. The Missouri company offered to pay them well if they would carry their company over in the Boat and a contract was made to do so for $1.50 per load, the brethren to receive their pay in flour at $2.50 per hundred. They Commenced soon after, and this evening finished their work, and received their pay mostly in flour, a little meal and some bacon. They have made $34 with the cutter all in provisions which is a great blessing to the Camp inasmuch as a number of the brethren have had no bread stuff for some days. During the afternoon yesterday one of men of the Missouri company undertook to swim across the river with his cloths on. When he reached the current he became frightened and began to moan. Some of our men went to him with the cutter and arrived in time to save his life. The Missouri company seem to feel well toward us and express their joy at having got across the river so soon . . .
[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]
[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, Jun 12, 1847
[Nauvoo Temple] The Warsaw Signal reported that the Catholic Church had agreed to purchase the Temple for $75,000.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Mormon History, Jun 12, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday June 12th 1847. Went out on guard with 5 men.
Elder Taylor & a large number started today West.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Elder Taylor & a large number started today West.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 12, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12th I started in the morning to go forward in company with Br A. P. Rockwood who was riding President Young Stud when suddenly he sprung upon my horse but instead of striking my horse he took my knee into his Jaw & bruised me considerable. Sunk one tooth to the bone through three thicknesses of clothing & one of them buck skin.
G A Smith & myself then rode on to the ferrying ground & found our detachment ferrying over the Missouri Company. They Paid the Brethren $1.50 cts per each waggon & load, & Paid in flour at $2.50 per cwt. Generally flour is considerd worth at the fort[s?] through this country at least $10 per cwt.
It was difficult getting over the river. They carried the goods over in a boat & drew the waggons over by hand with ropes but when the curant struck them they would freequently rool several times over in the watter & smash their bows out. They also came near drowning their Horses And one man would have been lost if the brethren had not picked him out with the boat.
We saw also on the road whare the Company had a run away of their teams. A Horse came runing among them & frightened their oxen And they all started to run. Two run up onto A bank & turned both waggons over with women & Children in & bruised them much, smashed Jars crockery, dishes, boxes & sundrys to peaces. One team run into the river & would probably have drowned & lost all had not A little boy Jumped out beside the off ox which frightend him & He out run the other hawed off & run onto a sand bar. He However kicked the boy against the wheel & the wheel knocked [him] down into the water which hurt him. But the seene ended without any loss of life.
The Blacksmiths had been to work for the Missouri Company. Got flour money &c.
The company of 4 traiders had camped near the brethren. Our hunters had been busily engaged in getting game. They had killed 5 fat buffalo 4 Bear one old she bear & 3 cubs, & shot at 2 griselly bear but did not get them. Those killed were the black bear. Saw A plenty of Antilope deer Elk & Mountain Sheep. The mountains near us Abound with Bear & other game. I found some buffalo meet the Hunters were not agoing to save, So I Cut out of the hump of A Buffalo about 40 lbs of good fat stake & spread it to dry. Also tryed out about 8 lbs of good tallow.
I visited the traiders Camp. They also was drying fine fat Buffalo. One of the bears feet that was killed measured 7 1/2 inches long 5 inch wide 2 1/2 inch thick. Two toe nails 2 3/4 inch long 3/4 inch wide. Our Hunters brought into Camp 8 Anti-lope. The camp came up & camped within one mile of the ferry ground in good feed. Had travled 11 1/4 miles. 11 1/4 m.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
G A Smith & myself then rode on to the ferrying ground & found our detachment ferrying over the Missouri Company. They Paid the Brethren $1.50 cts per each waggon & load, & Paid in flour at $2.50 per cwt. Generally flour is considerd worth at the fort[s?] through this country at least $10 per cwt.
It was difficult getting over the river. They carried the goods over in a boat & drew the waggons over by hand with ropes but when the curant struck them they would freequently rool several times over in the watter & smash their bows out. They also came near drowning their Horses And one man would have been lost if the brethren had not picked him out with the boat.
We saw also on the road whare the Company had a run away of their teams. A Horse came runing among them & frightened their oxen And they all started to run. Two run up onto A bank & turned both waggons over with women & Children in & bruised them much, smashed Jars crockery, dishes, boxes & sundrys to peaces. One team run into the river & would probably have drowned & lost all had not A little boy Jumped out beside the off ox which frightend him & He out run the other hawed off & run onto a sand bar. He However kicked the boy against the wheel & the wheel knocked [him] down into the water which hurt him. But the seene ended without any loss of life.
The Blacksmiths had been to work for the Missouri Company. Got flour money &c.
The company of 4 traiders had camped near the brethren. Our hunters had been busily engaged in getting game. They had killed 5 fat buffalo 4 Bear one old she bear & 3 cubs, & shot at 2 griselly bear but did not get them. Those killed were the black bear. Saw A plenty of Antilope deer Elk & Mountain Sheep. The mountains near us Abound with Bear & other game. I found some buffalo meet the Hunters were not agoing to save, So I Cut out of the hump of A Buffalo about 40 lbs of good fat stake & spread it to dry. Also tryed out about 8 lbs of good tallow.
I visited the traiders Camp. They also was drying fine fat Buffalo. One of the bears feet that was killed measured 7 1/2 inches long 5 inch wide 2 1/2 inch thick. Two toe nails 2 3/4 inch long 3/4 inch wide. Our Hunters brought into Camp 8 Anti-lope. The camp came up & camped within one mile of the ferry ground in good feed. Had travled 11 1/4 miles. 11 1/4 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, Jun 11, 1847. Friday.
[William Clayton Journal] Arose at 4 o'clock to try and get some more fish. Morning fine and warm, but caught only 4. I procured a sample of the stone coal from G. A. Smith. It looks good. This place reminds me of England. The calm, still morning with the warbling of many birds, the rich grass, good streams, and plenty of timber make it pleasant. At 25 minutes to 8 we again continued our journey along the banks of the river, which appears somewhat wider here than at Laramie . . .
[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]
[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, Jun 11, 1847 (Friday)
Amasa M. Lyman, who had been sent back from the Pioneer camp, and other Elders, met the sick detachment of the Mormon Battalion on Pole Creek.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 11, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday June 11th 1847. Sent out 5 men & I went over the river for my mare at P. G. Taylors. She was in fine order. I came home at dark.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 11, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11th We rode 9 miles & camped upon the Platt bottom for nooning. We travled in the Afternoon 8 miles & Camped upon the bank of the Platt within A short distance of the Mo Camp who were trying to ferry over their waggons. They reported our camp to be At the ferry 10 miles or so Above us.
The Hunters brought in 13 Antelops. The Mo company had killed 3 Buffalo. A young Antelope had hid behind A bunch of sage to keep out of the way of the Hunters. I discoverd him & cr[awled?] up & Caught him in my hands but He gave such a spring He Cleared himself from me.
We rode our Horses into the river to day several times to see if we could find A fording place but we could not find Any As the stream had risen by the melting snows of the mountains. We passed some snow to day on the highest peaks. Distance of the day 17 m.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Hunters brought in 13 Antelops. The Mo company had killed 3 Buffalo. A young Antelope had hid behind A bunch of sage to keep out of the way of the Hunters. I discoverd him & cr[awled?] up & Caught him in my hands but He gave such a spring He Cleared himself from me.
We rode our Horses into the river to day several times to see if we could find A fording place but we could not find Any As the stream had risen by the melting snows of the mountains. We passed some snow to day on the highest peaks. Distance of the day 17 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, Jun 10, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday June the 10th 1847. Sent out 5 men on guard & I staid in town as there was some business for me to attend to. The publick arms had by the order of the council been ordered into the hands of Prest Cutler and the waggon for Genl Rich to move in West.
I endeavored to find out today what was to be done about the guard for the journey & me going for as yet I could learn nothing accordingly I went to Genl Rich Elder Taylor, Prest Cutler & Morley & Bishop Whitney & could not learn anything about it nor as much as get any of them to talk on the subject to any satisfaction but to refere me to the other. Morley refered me to Rich & he to Taylor, who requested me not to trouble him about it for he said he had never considered it before, and refered me to Cutler & he said he had no time to talk & Whitney knew nothing about it. Thus I was sent around all day and learned nothing & so seeing that there was no arraingement for either me me or a guard on the journey I now give up the idea of going & bought a house of Br A. O. Smoot which was more spacious & comfortable than the one I now occupied. It is situated on [blank] street
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I endeavored to find out today what was to be done about the guard for the journey & me going for as yet I could learn nothing accordingly I went to Genl Rich Elder Taylor, Prest Cutler & Morley & Bishop Whitney & could not learn anything about it nor as much as get any of them to talk on the subject to any satisfaction but to refere me to the other. Morley refered me to Rich & he to Taylor, who requested me not to trouble him about it for he said he had never considered it before, and refered me to Cutler & he said he had no time to talk & Whitney knew nothing about it. Thus I was sent around all day and learned nothing & so seeing that there was no arraingement for either me me or a guard on the journey I now give up the idea of going & bought a house of Br A. O. Smoot which was more spacious & comfortable than the one I now occupied. It is situated on [blank] street
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 10, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10th In company with G. A. Smith I went forward to A large creek 8 3/4 miles from our Camping place. Here we overtook the Mo Company. They were about 4 miles from our camp. We nooned upon this creek. In the Afternoon we reached the platt river & camped upon a cleer creek. 9 miles. Whole distance of the day 17 3/4.
I examined A splendid grind stone queyry on the east side of the road as it leaves the Hills & strikes the platt. It was 30 rods long above the ground & could readily be got at. The grit was fine & nise.
The Hunters brought in two Antilope. We have good feed & our Horses & Cattle are gaining. In the afternoon Presidents Young & Kimball rode with us. Our det[..] had company. Camped last night with the fore most company & we have not herd from them since.
Br Carrington found A vary extensive coal bed in this creek. One layer of about 10 feet thick another 4 feet. Length not known but was examined for 20 rods or more. The specemins of Coal produced wer excellent.
The Twelve walked on to the river bank examined the river, feed, &c had prayers & returned.
At the blowing of the Horn I did not feel much like retiring to bed so I walked 1/2 a mile from the camp on the bank of Deer Creek & found Br Clayton fishing with a hook. He Had caught about two dozen good fish. Another Br Harmon had caught some. They resembled the eastern Herrin. They were about to leave & they left their lines for me to fish with so I Sat down for half an hour musing alone as unconcerned as though I had been sitting upon the banks of Farmington river.
Vary suddenly I herd A rustling in the bushes near me & for the first time the thought flashed across my mind that I was in A country Abounding with the griselly bear wolves & Indians And was liable to be attacked by either of them at any moment & was half a mile from any Company & had no weapon not even enough to have defend myself against A Badger & I thought wisdom dictated for me to return to camp so I took up my polls & fish & walked leasurely home & retired to rest which Closed the business of the day.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I examined A splendid grind stone queyry on the east side of the road as it leaves the Hills & strikes the platt. It was 30 rods long above the ground & could readily be got at. The grit was fine & nise.
The Hunters brought in two Antilope. We have good feed & our Horses & Cattle are gaining. In the afternoon Presidents Young & Kimball rode with us. Our det[..] had company. Camped last night with the fore most company & we have not herd from them since.
Br Carrington found A vary extensive coal bed in this creek. One layer of about 10 feet thick another 4 feet. Length not known but was examined for 20 rods or more. The specemins of Coal produced wer excellent.
The Twelve walked on to the river bank examined the river, feed, &c had prayers & returned.
At the blowing of the Horn I did not feel much like retiring to bed so I walked 1/2 a mile from the camp on the bank of Deer Creek & found Br Clayton fishing with a hook. He Had caught about two dozen good fish. Another Br Harmon had caught some. They resembled the eastern Herrin. They were about to leave & they left their lines for me to fish with so I Sat down for half an hour musing alone as unconcerned as though I had been sitting upon the banks of Farmington river.
Vary suddenly I herd A rustling in the bushes near me & for the first time the thought flashed across my mind that I was in A country Abounding with the griselly bear wolves & Indians And was liable to be attacked by either of them at any moment & was half a mile from any Company & had no weapon not even enough to have defend myself against A Badger & I thought wisdom dictated for me to return to camp so I took up my polls & fish & walked leasurely home & retired to rest which Closed the business of the day.
[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, Jun 9, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday June 9th 1847. Staid in today. The mill dam was gone this morning.
A meeting was called to appoint the time for the company to start from the Horn and for those who had their grinding to divide with those who had not in consequence of the mill stopping for the dam breaking had made a great disappointment to many and caused a great stir.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
A meeting was called to appoint the time for the company to start from the Horn and for those who had their grinding to divide with those who had not in consequence of the mill stopping for the dam breaking had made a great disappointment to many and caused a great stir.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 9, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9th We started at 5 oclok & drove one mile into better feed & turned out our teams. The brethren traided some for robes mogacines & skin shirts & pants with the Hunters who camped near us. And at about 7 oclock 15 waggons of our party was chosen to go forward to make A boat to ferry the Platt. They went forward. We followed them. The traiders started At the same time. Soon another party of traiders over took [us] who were direct from Santi-fee. They informed us the Mormon Battalion was at calafornia. Went in Jan & that Capt Brown was in Santafee for money for the detachment & would come on as soon as possible. We travled 11 1/4 miles & nooned in a valley without watter.
In the Afternoon we travled 8 miles & camped upon A'la'preel Creek. When we rode up to the Creek we overtook our little pioneer company that we sent on in the morning to built the boat. The Missouri company was also in sight notwithstanding their exhertion to get ahead of us. Our detachment followed the Mo company. How far they travled I know not.
Our Hunters killed two Black tailed deer & one Antilope yesterday & An Antilope to day. I am still troubled much with the teeth Ake. With the exception of this I feel vary well. Distance 19 1/4.
[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]
In the Afternoon we travled 8 miles & camped upon A'la'preel Creek. When we rode up to the Creek we overtook our little pioneer company that we sent on in the morning to built the boat. The Missouri company was also in sight notwithstanding their exhertion to get ahead of us. Our detachment followed the Mo company. How far they travled I know not.
Our Hunters killed two Black tailed deer & one Antilope yesterday & An Antilope to day. I am still troubled much with the teeth Ake. With the exception of this I feel vary well. Distance 19 1/4.
[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, Jun 8, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday June 8th 1847. Went out as usual & had only 4 men today. Cloudy day & a hard S. wind & W.rain at dark.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 8, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8th We travled 6 3/4 miles & nooned upon A small creek with little water & fair grass. We formed A company of men & went forward of the teams & cleaned the road of stone. We used pick Axes, bars, spades &c. It was A great help to our week waggons. The road was exceding Hilly & mountaineous.
In the Afternoon we travled 8 3/4 over the most mountaineous road we have had on the rout. We then desended into A valley & camped for the night on Labent Creek with an abundance of timber water & good grass. We saw nothing of the Mo companies.
Br John Higby went forward Hunting & saw them when they started out, & they had such strife one with another in trying to start first they did not stop to milk their cows, & in clearing up their breakfast they strewed their meal, salt, bacon, Short Cake, Jonney cake Beans & other things upon the ground through their encampment & when we came up 3 wolves were feeding upon the fragments. I picked up a pocket knife & Spoon left upon the ground.
When we came over the high Hills to day it was so Cold it pierced us like winter. When we reached the valley we found fires the companies in advance had built. We piled on the wood. Soon got warm. An Antelope lay before us the Hunters had brought in. We carved it up with our knives & stuck it on sticks & roasted it on the fire & it satisfyed our Appetites finely without Salt.
Some traiders Came into Camp from the mountain on their way to the fort. G A. Smith Sent A letter by them back to the fort. Distance 15 1/2 miles.
During the evening we visited the traiders & got some information from the salt lake country which was flattering or good account was given of it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the Afternoon we travled 8 3/4 over the most mountaineous road we have had on the rout. We then desended into A valley & camped for the night on Labent Creek with an abundance of timber water & good grass. We saw nothing of the Mo companies.
Br John Higby went forward Hunting & saw them when they started out, & they had such strife one with another in trying to start first they did not stop to milk their cows, & in clearing up their breakfast they strewed their meal, salt, bacon, Short Cake, Jonney cake Beans & other things upon the ground through their encampment & when we came up 3 wolves were feeding upon the fragments. I picked up a pocket knife & Spoon left upon the ground.
When we came over the high Hills to day it was so Cold it pierced us like winter. When we reached the valley we found fires the companies in advance had built. We piled on the wood. Soon got warm. An Antelope lay before us the Hunters had brought in. We carved it up with our knives & stuck it on sticks & roasted it on the fire & it satisfyed our Appetites finely without Salt.
Some traiders Came into Camp from the mountain on their way to the fort. G A. Smith Sent A letter by them back to the fort. Distance 15 1/2 miles.
During the evening we visited the traiders & got some information from the salt lake country which was flattering or good account was given of it.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Jun 7, 1847. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning fine. Elder Orson Pratt gave me some instructions on the use of the sextant and showed me how to take an observation. He has promised to learn me to take observations and calculate Latitude and Longitude and I intend to improve the opportunity. At half past 6 the Missouri Company passed through again. And at 10 minutes past 7 we commenced our onward course. Dr. Richards left a letter in a guide board 30 1/4 miles to Ft. John. I walked about 5 miles mostly in company with Elder Pratt, conversing on astronomy and philosophical subjects. Elder Kimball then let me have his horse to ride. We traveled till 11 o'clock and then halted to feed on the West bank of a small stream and spring of clear water, having traveled 7 3/4 miles, mostly a N.N.W. course. The road more even and good traveling. Soon after we halted another Company of Missourians passed us having 13 wagons and mostly 4 yoke of Oxen to each. They say they are from Andrew Co. Mo. . .
[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]
[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, Jun 7, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday June 7th 1847. Sent out 7 men & staid in to settle up the police account with the Marshal & to see about my going on with the company west as captain of the guard
I was round town to day & collected some police tax from some movers who was going on west as the Marshal was sick and could not be out.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I was round town to day & collected some police tax from some movers who was going on west as the Marshal was sick and could not be out.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 7, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7th The two companies started out before us this morning. We travled 7 3/4 miles & nooned on A small creek which scarsly afforded water for our stock & but little grass. While here Another Mo company of 13 waggons passed us. We were in fair view of Laramie Peak with its top coverd with snow.
I found an Abundance of Sweet thisaly in the bitter creek bottom whare we camped last night. Much of the shrubery which we past to day was the black currant & goosbury.
We travled this Afternoon 5 1/4 miles & camped for the night on the Horse shoe Creek in the most splendid feed we have met with on the journey. The other three companies went ahead.
Hors shoe Creek is heavily timbered with cotton wood Ash & willow. It is quite A large Stream. I went to fishing with a hook & line to see if I Could not get some trout but I cought nothing.
The Black Hills Are A good deal timbered with pine. The Hunters brought in two black tailed deer & one Antilope to night. Distance of the day 13 mils.
Professor Pratt took several Barometrical observations at Larimie during 3 days & found the highth above the level of the sea to Be 4,090 feet. The Lattitude was 42°12'13". By a mean of six sights with a good sextant the Longitude west from Greenwich was in time 6 h 46 m 47 s.5 equal to 104°11'53". Lat of the warm springs west of Laramie 42°15'6".
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I found an Abundance of Sweet thisaly in the bitter creek bottom whare we camped last night. Much of the shrubery which we past to day was the black currant & goosbury.
We travled this Afternoon 5 1/4 miles & camped for the night on the Horse shoe Creek in the most splendid feed we have met with on the journey. The other three companies went ahead.
Hors shoe Creek is heavily timbered with cotton wood Ash & willow. It is quite A large Stream. I went to fishing with a hook & line to see if I Could not get some trout but I cought nothing.
The Black Hills Are A good deal timbered with pine. The Hunters brought in two black tailed deer & one Antilope to night. Distance of the day 13 mils.
Professor Pratt took several Barometrical observations at Larimie during 3 days & found the highth above the level of the sea to Be 4,090 feet. The Lattitude was 42°12'13". By a mean of six sights with a good sextant the Longitude west from Greenwich was in time 6 h 46 m 47 s.5 equal to 104°11'53". Lat of the warm springs west of Laramie 42°15'6".
[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, Jun 6, 1847. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] At 11 o'clock, four Missourians came up mounted, being part of a company a little behind. Some of these are recognized by the brethren, and they seem a little afraid and not fond of our company. They say the old settlers have all fled from Shariton Missouri only 2 tavern keepers, and I feel to wish that their fears may follow them even to Oregon. At half past 11 just as the brethren again assembled for meeting it commenced raining heavy, accompanied by lightning and heavy thunder which caused the meeting to break up abruptly. During the storm the Missouri company passed by us, having 19 wagons and 2 carriages. Most of their wagons have 5 yoke of cattle to each and few less than 4. They have many cows, horses and young Cattle with them...At half past 2 the Camp began to move forward...the wagons came to a halt in a body of timber and brushwood at 4 o'clock and halted while the brethren on horseback viz. Elders Young, Kimball and Woodruff went ahead to look for a camping ground. They returned at 20 minutes to 5 and the Camp proceeded on. Having proceeded a quarter of a mile we passed the camp of the 19 wagons close by the timber a little South of the road. Several of the men came to look at the roadometer having heard from some of the brethren that we had one. They expressed a wish to each other to see inside and looked upon it as a curiosity. I paid no attention to them inasmuch as they did not address themselves to me. At a quarter past 5 we formed our encampment in an oblong circle, at the foot of a low bluff on the west and close by water having traveled 5 miles. The feed here is very good and plentiful. Wind strong from the west. Road very crooked, mostly a South West and west course. Plenty of timber all along and the soil looks good on the low lands.
One of the men in the company of the 19 wagons told G. A. Smith that he had broke his carriage spring and seemed much troubled to know what to do to get along. He asked George if there was any man in our company who could fix it. George told him there was. After we were camped Burr Frost set up his forge and welded the spring ready to put on before dark . . .
[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]
One of the men in the company of the 19 wagons told G. A. Smith that he had broke his carriage spring and seemed much troubled to know what to do to get along. He asked George if there was any man in our company who could fix it. George told him there was. After we were camped Burr Frost set up his forge and welded the spring ready to put on before dark . . .
[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, Jun 6, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday June 6th 1847. After the Omahas had took breakfast they commenced to scatter home[.] I attended them 6 miles & all passed off well and we was on guard all day.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 6, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] The President thought best that the meeting be adjourned, or dismissed [due to rain]; '"Accordingly,'" said he, '"Consider yourselves dismissed with the blessings of Heaven.'" -- Fort Laramie, Wyoming [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)]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 6, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6th Sunday This day was Also devoted to prayer & fasting. The Missouri company that Camped near us started on this morning. I am still troubled with the teeth ake.
The Camp met for A prayer meeting at 8 oclok. The spirit of the Lord was with the people. The Camp Also met for A preaching meeting at 11 oclok. We had A shower of rain & the meeting closed.
Another company of Mo waggons of 20 passed us. It soon cleared off & the camp moved forward 5 miles & camped for the night on Bitter Creek whare the road leaves the Creek for the Hills. We Camped between the two Mo encampments one each side of [us]. 12 waggons in one & 20 in the other And A plenty of grass. 5 m.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Camp met for A prayer meeting at 8 oclok. The spirit of the Lord was with the people. The Camp Also met for A preaching meeting at 11 oclok. We had A shower of rain & the meeting closed.
Another company of Mo waggons of 20 passed us. It soon cleared off & the camp moved forward 5 miles & camped for the night on Bitter Creek whare the road leaves the Creek for the Hills. We Camped between the two Mo encampments one each side of [us]. 12 waggons in one & 20 in the other And A plenty of grass. 5 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, 1847. June 6
(Sam Brannan) Brannan traveled to meet Brigham Young on the Green River and argued unsuccessfully for settlement in California rather than the Great Salt Lake Valley.
Returning to California, he met the mustered-out Mormon Battalion, and advised, "The Saints could not possibly subsist in the Great Salt Lake Valley, as according to the testimony of mountaineers, it froze there every month in the year, and the ground was too dry to sprout seeds without irrigation, and if irrigated with the cold mountain streams, the seeds would be chilled and prevented from growing, or, if they did grow, they would be sickly and fail to mature."
[source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Returning to California, he met the mustered-out Mormon Battalion, and advised, "The Saints could not possibly subsist in the Great Salt Lake Valley, as according to the testimony of mountaineers, it froze there every month in the year, and the ground was too dry to sprout seeds without irrigation, and if irrigated with the cold mountain streams, the seeds would be chilled and prevented from growing, or, if they did grow, they would be sickly and fail to mature."
[source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, 1847. June 6
(Sam Brannan) Arriving in Yerba Buena (San Francisco) on July 29, the Saints established a settlement called New Hope. Unaware of the decision of Brigham Young and the Twelve to settle in the Great Basin, the California settlers anticipated the arrival of the pioneer company in their new community.
Brannan published the first newspaper, preached the first English sermon, performed the first white marriage, and was defendant in one of the first jury trials of northern California, having been accused of misappropriating funds from the Brooklyn Saints' "common stock."
: Received his first communication from Brigham Young since the Brooklyn Saints left New York: "The camp will not go to the west coast or to your place at present; we have not the means. … Any among you who may choose to come over into the Great Basin or meet the camp, are at liberty to do so; and if they are doing well where they are, and choose to stay, it is quite right." 1847. June 6
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brannan published the first newspaper, preached the first English sermon, performed the first white marriage, and was defendant in one of the first jury trials of northern California, having been accused of misappropriating funds from the Brooklyn Saints' "common stock."
: Received his first communication from Brigham Young since the Brooklyn Saints left New York: "The camp will not go to the west coast or to your place at present; we have not the means. … Any among you who may choose to come over into the Great Basin or meet the camp, are at liberty to do so; and if they are doing well where they are, and choose to stay, it is quite right." 1847. June 6
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Jun 5, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday June 5th 1847. To day the Omahas were to come in & I was ordered to meet them six miles below as they had requested in their letter[.] They came about ten or 11 oclock a. m. about 80 in number comprising all of what they call their chiefs and braves.
We received them as usual formed on horse back according to the Danite system of horsemanship and consequently I was in the center of the line
The chiefs were told who I was by those who knew me to be a war chief or captain & they all came to shake hands with me first.
I left some most of the company there to keep a look out & took 3 or four in with me & accompanied the Indians into town[.] They came to the South point of the first ridge West of the city and encamped. Here they had a commanding view of the town & the town had also a commandin view of the Omahas.
There was a council held with them towards evening wherein all thing mentioned & promised by Young Elk was fully confirmed by "Old Elk" and all present and the best of feeling seemed to exhist between us.
Some beef was given them for their supper.
I was up untill 11 oclock P. M. arrainging the guard which now to be stronger than common because of the Indians. Old & Young Elk & Harvey took dinner with me
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
We received them as usual formed on horse back according to the Danite system of horsemanship and consequently I was in the center of the line
The chiefs were told who I was by those who knew me to be a war chief or captain & they all came to shake hands with me first.
I left some most of the company there to keep a look out & took 3 or four in with me & accompanied the Indians into town[.] They came to the South point of the first ridge West of the city and encamped. Here they had a commanding view of the town & the town had also a commandin view of the Omahas.
There was a council held with them towards evening wherein all thing mentioned & promised by Young Elk was fully confirmed by "Old Elk" and all present and the best of feeling seemed to exhist between us.
Some beef was given them for their supper.
I was up untill 11 oclock P. M. arrainging the guard which now to be stronger than common because of the Indians. Old & Young Elk & Harvey took dinner with me
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 5, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th We have freequent slight showers yesterday & to day while among the hills. I was sum better to day. We had quite A rough road to day. We travled up & down the Hills untill we arived at what is called the warm spring which is at the fork of the two roads that comes from Laramie. We here nooned & visited the head of the Spring which was quite warm for drinking water. It boiled out of the bluff & made A little rivulet about 4 feet wide & 3 inches deep. It was Clear soft water but no warmer than I have freequently found water in rivulets exposed to the sun.
The bluffs, peaks & Hills begin to be more lofty as we get into the Hills. We are begining to Come to an elk, bear & mountain sheep country. We saw their signs to day. We came in the forenoon into the 6 1/2 miles making 15 miles from Laramie to the springs. Soon after we arived the first company of Missouri emigrants came up 12 waggons of them.
Professor Pratt took an observation for the Lattitude At the head of the warm spring & found it to be 42°15'6".
We travled in the Afternoon 10 1/2 miles & camped on the west side of A small pure stream of water in good feed. The Missouri company camped 1/4 of a mile below us on the same stream. They started this morning from the fort & took the South road which is 5 miles nearer than the North road which we took & A much better road. Distance of the day 17 miles.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The bluffs, peaks & Hills begin to be more lofty as we get into the Hills. We are begining to Come to an elk, bear & mountain sheep country. We saw their signs to day. We came in the forenoon into the 6 1/2 miles making 15 miles from Laramie to the springs. Soon after we arived the first company of Missouri emigrants came up 12 waggons of them.
Professor Pratt took an observation for the Lattitude At the head of the warm spring & found it to be 42°15'6".
We travled in the Afternoon 10 1/2 miles & camped on the west side of A small pure stream of water in good feed. The Missouri company camped 1/4 of a mile below us on the same stream. They started this morning from the fort & took the South road which is 5 miles nearer than the North road which we took & A much better road. Distance of the day 17 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, Jun 05, 1847
The first group of the second pioneer company (sometimes referred to as the "Big Company"), led by Parley P. Pratt and John Taylor, leaves Winter Quarters for the journey to the Rocky Mountains.
[The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
Mormon History, Jun 4, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday June 4th 1847. Went out with 8 men as usual
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 4, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4th I wrote two letters to day one to Mrs W. & one to Aphek Woodruff A. O. Smoot & J Benbow & left them in the Hands of Mr. [ ] who keeps the Store & Acts As post Master. He appeared vary friendly. Said He would for ward our letters that were to go to winter Quarters to the Care of Mr Sarpee & those that were to be deliverd to the Mormon Camp would deliver them to the leader of the Camp on our Arival. He truly manifested much friendship towards us.
Professor Pratt took observation at the fort for the Longitude at the fort.
I conversed with A mountaineer who had wintered at the great Basin of the Salt & Eutau lakes & he recommends the Country vary Highly for A healthy fertile Country the Lakes & streams Abounding with trout & other fish A good supply of shugar maple & other timber &c.
Before we left Br Clayton Erected A guide board on the north side of the river containing the following information which He took from his Journals on the distances which was correct as it was obtained from the wheelometer: 543 1/4 miles from Winter Quarters 227 1/2 miles from the Junction of the Platt 142 1/4 miles from Ash Hollow 70 1/4 miles from Chimney Rock And 50 1/2 from Scotts Bluff.
We left the Fort & started on our Journey. We took the right hand road up the platt & travled 8 1/4 miles & camped for the night. The travel now Appears to be attended with A good deal of interest as we begin to ascend the black Hills which are universally coverd with pine & ceder. We saw one vary High peak coverd the top with Snow. Br Robert Crow Joined us which Added to our company 9 men 5 women 3 Children 6 waggons 13 yoke of oxen cows 3 Bulls 10 young Cattle And Horses which makes in the whole Camp 148 men, 8 Women, 5 Children, 79 waggons 96 Horses 51 Mules 90 oxen, 43 cows 3 Bulls 9 calves 16 dogs And 16 Chickins. 8 1/2.
I was in great pain in the Afternoon & night with the nervous Head & teeth Ake.
[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]
Professor Pratt took observation at the fort for the Longitude at the fort.
I conversed with A mountaineer who had wintered at the great Basin of the Salt & Eutau lakes & he recommends the Country vary Highly for A healthy fertile Country the Lakes & streams Abounding with trout & other fish A good supply of shugar maple & other timber &c.
Before we left Br Clayton Erected A guide board on the north side of the river containing the following information which He took from his Journals on the distances which was correct as it was obtained from the wheelometer: 543 1/4 miles from Winter Quarters 227 1/2 miles from the Junction of the Platt 142 1/4 miles from Ash Hollow 70 1/4 miles from Chimney Rock And 50 1/2 from Scotts Bluff.
We left the Fort & started on our Journey. We took the right hand road up the platt & travled 8 1/4 miles & camped for the night. The travel now Appears to be attended with A good deal of interest as we begin to ascend the black Hills which are universally coverd with pine & ceder. We saw one vary High peak coverd the top with Snow. Br Robert Crow Joined us which Added to our company 9 men 5 women 3 Children 6 waggons 13 yoke of oxen cows 3 Bulls 10 young Cattle And Horses which makes in the whole Camp 148 men, 8 Women, 5 Children, 79 waggons 96 Horses 51 Mules 90 oxen, 43 cows 3 Bulls 9 calves 16 dogs And 16 Chickins. 8 1/2.
I was in great pain in the Afternoon & night with the nervous Head & teeth Ake.
[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, Jun 3, 1847. Thursday.
[William Clayton Journal] The morning cold with strong S.E. wind. The first division commenced ferrying over the river at 5 o'clock and took a wagon over every fifteen minutes. After breakfast I went over and wrote a letter for Elder Kimball to James Brown at Pueblo, then walked up to a high bluff on the N.W. to view the country, but not being able to see far from it I went to another over a mile farther N.W. Although this last was very high I could see nothing but a succession of high ranges of bluffs as far as I could see, except the narrow space through which the river winds its course. Seeing some heavy thunder clouds rising very rapidly from the N.W. I returned to camp and arrived just before the rain commenced. Elders A[masa] Lyman, Thomas Woolsey, John H. Tippets and Roswell Stevens started at 1/4 past 11 on horses and mules for Pueblo. President Young, Kimball, Richards and Pratt accompanied them to the Laramie Fork, and then held a council, kneeled down and dedicated them to God and blessed them. The four then forded the river and went on their journey, the others returned to Camp. At half past 1 it commenced raining heavy accompanied with hail, lightning and very loud thunder, which lasted till half past 3 o'clock. During the storm the horses were mostly secured in the old Fort. The ferrying ceased till it was fair again, and about 5 the first division were all over. The boat was then manned by the second division John S. Higbee Captain. They averaged a wagon across in 11 minutes 10 minutes and one in 10 minutes 20 secs. The quickest trip made by the first division was 13 minutes. About 7 o'clock it commenced raining again from the S.E. and rained heavy, consequently the brethren quit ferrying, leaving 3 companies of about 15 wagons on the other side. All the wagons would have been got over today if it had not been stormy.
There is a report come in that there are 2,000 wagons on the road to Oregon but a little distance behind, but we are satisfied the report is magnified. There are 18 wagons camped about 3 miles below and one of the men who has come to the fort says that they have counted over 500 wagons. They have lost 4 horses by the Caw Indians . . .
[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]
There is a report come in that there are 2,000 wagons on the road to Oregon but a little distance behind, but we are satisfied the report is magnified. There are 18 wagons camped about 3 miles below and one of the men who has come to the fort says that they have counted over 500 wagons. They have lost 4 horses by the Caw Indians . . .
[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, Jun 3, 1847 (Thursday)
The Pioneers crossed the North Fork of the Platte river at Fort Laramie, having traveled on the left bank of the Platte, from the Elkhorn to that point.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 3, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday June 3rd 1847. Went out with six men. Four Indians came in today bringing a letter from Elk stating that he had given out going against the Pawnees & desired to know when it would suit us for him to come in also for some of our young men to meet them at the lower creek and attend them in.
I came in to see what their business was & sent G. G. Potter out in my place
This evening there was a police meeting called by the Marshall, at Br Morleys Shop which proved to be for the purpose of inducing the police to reduce their wages to 50 cents per tour of duty. He & W. Snow was hard up for it but all the rest against it
The Marshall lead out untill finally he accused the police of not doing their duty & also daid that I did not do service for my pay & that I did not attend to the guarding of the city as I ought.(It was plain that "there was something rotten in Denmark".
I followed him & severely handled him & Br Snow for what they were about & told the Marshall that he was attending to that which was none of his business and in future to let my & the polices business alone.
While at this in high & spirited tone Brs Morley & Harris came in & I then told them what was up & the reason of our warmth which was not any thing like a difficulty or hard feeling but plain speaking.
While I was explaining this Prests O. Hyde P. P. Pratt and John Taylor also came in so I stoped saying I had been catched twice
Elder Taylor replied to go on and not stop for them. I told him it was nothing but a police meeting and not interesting to them.
"Never mind says he we are police men too".
Says I."I hope you will all conform to the rules of the police then"."Certainly" says Taylor"Bring on the jug" says I at which they were presented with a large jug of whiskey.
This was such an unexpected turn that it was only answered by a peal of laughter & they all paid due respect to the jugno more was said about our subject.
After drinking says Parley"I have traveled these streets all times of the night & never before have I saw a police man but now I know where to find them hereafter" alluding to the jug
"Parley" says I "do you not know that some things in this kingdom are only spiritually diserned & so with the police". He give it up and Hyde pronounced the joke on Parley[.] Their business was to find out what had become of some property that was missing on the other side of the river supposed to have been stolen & they thought we knew where it was.
Hyde also said there had been two horses taken with the pioneers from a man at the Point & he had paid for them.
He was going in to stop all stealing & hunt up all missing property &c and demanded of us in the name of the Lord to know where it was but not knowing we could not tell the Marshall however gave him a clue to some I think
It was two oclock a. m. when I came home.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I came in to see what their business was & sent G. G. Potter out in my place
This evening there was a police meeting called by the Marshall, at Br Morleys Shop which proved to be for the purpose of inducing the police to reduce their wages to 50 cents per tour of duty. He & W. Snow was hard up for it but all the rest against it
The Marshall lead out untill finally he accused the police of not doing their duty & also daid that I did not do service for my pay & that I did not attend to the guarding of the city as I ought.(It was plain that "there was something rotten in Denmark".
I followed him & severely handled him & Br Snow for what they were about & told the Marshall that he was attending to that which was none of his business and in future to let my & the polices business alone.
While at this in high & spirited tone Brs Morley & Harris came in & I then told them what was up & the reason of our warmth which was not any thing like a difficulty or hard feeling but plain speaking.
While I was explaining this Prests O. Hyde P. P. Pratt and John Taylor also came in so I stoped saying I had been catched twice
Elder Taylor replied to go on and not stop for them. I told him it was nothing but a police meeting and not interesting to them.
"Never mind says he we are police men too".
Says I."I hope you will all conform to the rules of the police then"."Certainly" says Taylor"Bring on the jug" says I at which they were presented with a large jug of whiskey.
This was such an unexpected turn that it was only answered by a peal of laughter & they all paid due respect to the jugno more was said about our subject.
After drinking says Parley"I have traveled these streets all times of the night & never before have I saw a police man but now I know where to find them hereafter" alluding to the jug
"Parley" says I "do you not know that some things in this kingdom are only spiritually diserned & so with the police". He give it up and Hyde pronounced the joke on Parley[.] Their business was to find out what had become of some property that was missing on the other side of the river supposed to have been stolen & they thought we knew where it was.
Hyde also said there had been two horses taken with the pioneers from a man at the Point & he had paid for them.
He was going in to stop all stealing & hunt up all missing property &c and demanded of us in the name of the Lord to know where it was but not knowing we could not tell the Marshall however gave him a clue to some I think
It was two oclock a. m. when I came home.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 3, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] He told the brethren that they had accomplished their designs in getting the Battalion to Mexico'"but the brethren at Pueblo must not follow Brown to Mexico but go to California. If the officer will not do right, he instructed Amasa to call out the men, and choose officers who would do right'"if the Battalion are at Santa Fe those brethren to go there, & bring the Battalion on [-] also & if the Pueblo command is gone there to pursue them & bring them back, and if Gen. Kearney is there & objects to their returning, according to our agreement, tell him we are bound for California, and throw all of the Gentile officers out of the Battalion when you come up to it. brother Young said he was very angry with the President, when he learned that his orders were, not to enlist more than 1/3 Mormons in his Army on any consideration. -- Fort Laramie, Wyoming [Pioneer Camp of the Saints, Journals of Thomas Bullock. Will Bagley, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 2007.]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Jun 3, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 3d A vary windy day. We commenced before Sun ris to ferry over our boats. My ten was the first that went over. The wind was favorable. We saw 3 men arive on pack Horses last evening at the fort on the oregon road. We ascertained this morning they were from St Josepheth. They report 2,000 waggons on the road to Oregon from St Joes. They are divided into companies of 20 to 50 waggons & that they will arive here tomorrow the first co. Mr Burdow called down to See us cross to day.
We set up our Blacksmiths Shops in the old fort to do our work, & made fires to do our washing. Br Burnham done my washing to day the first time I have washed my clothing since I left winter quarters. Br Frost set 6 shoes for me to day & 2 for Br Smoot.
In the evening I walked up onto the Highest peak around us, in company with the Twelve & others. We took a view of the surrounding Country. On our return to the camp we visited the Indian & French Burying ground. The Indians were laid up upon A Staging about 10 feet from the ground. The French were buried in the groun strong pickets around with a Cross at the head being Catholics. Snow was discoverd upon the mountains through glasses.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We set up our Blacksmiths Shops in the old fort to do our work, & made fires to do our washing. Br Burnham done my washing to day the first time I have washed my clothing since I left winter quarters. Br Frost set 6 shoes for me to day & 2 for Br Smoot.
In the evening I walked up onto the Highest peak around us, in company with the Twelve & others. We took a view of the surrounding Country. On our return to the camp we visited the Indian & French Burying ground. The Indians were laid up upon A Staging about 10 feet from the ground. The French were buried in the groun strong pickets around with a Cross at the head being Catholics. Snow was discoverd upon the mountains through glasses.
[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, Jun 2, 1847. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] The morning pleasant. About 9 o'clock started over the river in company with the Twelve and others to view the Fort and also learn something in regard to our journey &c. Elder Pratt measured the distance across the River at this spot and found it to be 108 yards. The water is deep in the channel and the current runs about 4 miles an hour. After crossing we went up to the remains of an old Fort called "Fort Platte" which is near the banks of the river, and the outside walls still standing, but the inside is in ruins, having been burned up. The walls are built of "daubies" or spanish brick, being large pieces of tempered clay dried in the sun and apparently laid one on another without mortar or cement. The dimensions of this Fort outside is from East to West 144 feet and from North to South 103 feet. There is a large door fronting to the South which has led to the dwellings which have been 14 in number, built in the form of a parallelogram, leaving a large space in the center. The space occupied by the dwellings is not quite half of the whole Fort. Fronting to the east is another large door which enters to a large open space 98-3/4 feet by 47 feet where it is supposed they have used for keeping horses &c. At the N.W. corner is a tower projecting out from the line of the walls 6 feet each way or in other words it is twelve feet square with port holes for cannon. At the N.E. corner has been another projection extending eastward 29.6 feet and is 19-1/2 feet wide. The walls are 11 feet high and 30 inches thick.
We took the dimensions of this with a tape line and then proceeded to "Fort Laramie"57 about 2 miles further west. This latter fort was first built of wood about 13 years since and named Fort William, but being destroyed was afterwards built 7 years ago with "daubies" and named John. It stands on the bank of the Laramie Fork a stream 41 yards wide...We tarried a little while with the Mississipppi brethren who have camped close by the Fort, and then went inside...We went across the Square to the trading house which lays on the North Side of the Western entrance. The trader opened his store and President Young entered into conversation with him. They trade solely with the Sioux. The Crows come here for nothing but to steal. A few weeks ago a party came down and stole twenty-five horses, all that they had at the Fort, although they were within 300 yards of the Fort at the time and a guard round them. The Sioux will not steal on their own land. A pair of Moccasins worth a dollar, a lariette a dollar, a pound of tobacco a dollar and a half and a gallon of whiskey $32. They have no sugar, Coffee nor spices as their spring stores have not yet arrived. They have lately sent to Fort Pierre 600 bales of Robes with 10 robes in each bale. Their wagons have been gone 45 days &c. There are about [] souls at this fort, mostly French, half-breeds and a few Sioux Indians. Elder Pratt measured the river and found it 41 Yards. He also took the latitude which was 42 [degrees] 12'13" . . .
[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]
We took the dimensions of this with a tape line and then proceeded to "Fort Laramie"57 about 2 miles further west. This latter fort was first built of wood about 13 years since and named Fort William, but being destroyed was afterwards built 7 years ago with "daubies" and named John. It stands on the bank of the Laramie Fork a stream 41 yards wide...We tarried a little while with the Mississipppi brethren who have camped close by the Fort, and then went inside...We went across the Square to the trading house which lays on the North Side of the Western entrance. The trader opened his store and President Young entered into conversation with him. They trade solely with the Sioux. The Crows come here for nothing but to steal. A few weeks ago a party came down and stole twenty-five horses, all that they had at the Fort, although they were within 300 yards of the Fort at the time and a guard round them. The Sioux will not steal on their own land. A pair of Moccasins worth a dollar, a lariette a dollar, a pound of tobacco a dollar and a half and a gallon of whiskey $32. They have no sugar, Coffee nor spices as their spring stores have not yet arrived. They have lately sent to Fort Pierre 600 bales of Robes with 10 robes in each bale. Their wagons have been gone 45 days &c. There are about [] souls at this fort, mostly French, half-breeds and a few Sioux Indians. Elder Pratt measured the river and found it 41 Yards. He also took the latitude which was 42 [degrees] 12'13" . . .
[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, Jun 2, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday June 2nd 1847. Went out on guard with 6 men
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 2, 1847
Mission president William Appleby writes to Brigham Young, asking if it were "the order of God, or tolerated, to ordain negroes to the priesthood and allow amalgamation. If it is, I desire to know it as I have yet to learn it."
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Jun 2, 1847
Letter to the Saints at Pueblo, Colorado-- See notes under date of February 26, 1847. Under date of June 2nd, at Laramie, President Brigham Young wrote a letter to the Saints at Pueblo (Colorado), the Mississippi Company, and the Battalion members who had wintered there. He asked them to follow the pioneers, and
". . . If experience has not already taught you, we would say, keep a sharp lookout for buffalo, Indian and bears, all of which may be met and endanger the life and liberty of men, women and children, beasts and property. Be wise, and watch as well as pray continually, and having done all you possibly can, and exercised all the skill, wisdom and prudence and care and strength that you possess, should you be overtaken with accidents or losses of any kind, take the spoil thereof patiently and cheerfully, and murmur not for Christ's sake. Let the unity of the Spirit and brotherly love abide in every heart, be made manifest in every action and reciprocated by every word, and our blessings, and the blessings of our Heavenly Father shall abide with you continually and you shall prosper." {1847-June 2-BY-Nibley, pp. 93-94}
[source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
". . . If experience has not already taught you, we would say, keep a sharp lookout for buffalo, Indian and bears, all of which may be met and endanger the life and liberty of men, women and children, beasts and property. Be wise, and watch as well as pray continually, and having done all you possibly can, and exercised all the skill, wisdom and prudence and care and strength that you possess, should you be overtaken with accidents or losses of any kind, take the spoil thereof patiently and cheerfully, and murmur not for Christ's sake. Let the unity of the Spirit and brotherly love abide in every heart, be made manifest in every action and reciprocated by every word, and our blessings, and the blessings of our Heavenly Father shall abide with you continually and you shall prosper." {1847-June 2-BY-Nibley, pp. 93-94}
[source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
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