[Finances] Having emigrated from Nauvoo following the death of Joseph Smith, the first companies of Latter-day Saints, under the leadership of Brigham Young, arrive in the valley of the Great Salt Lake. On July 28, Young selects the site for the Salt Lake Temple and proposes the layout of a new city.
[source: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]
Mormon History, Jul 22, 1847. Thursday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...It is evident that the emigrants who passed this way last year must have spent a great deal of time cutting a road through the thickly set timber and heavy brush wood. It is reported that the[y] spent 16 days in making a road through from Weber river here which is 35 miles but as the men "did not work quarter of their time" much less would have sufficed ...73 Brother Stephen Markham says a good road can soon be made down the Kanion by digging a little and cutting through the bushes some ten or fifteen rods. A number of men went to work immediately to make the road which will be much better than to attempt crossing the hill, and will be sooner done.
Agreeable to President Young's instructions, Elder Pratt accompanied by George A. Smith, John Brown, Joseph Mathews, John Pack, O. P. Rockwell and J[esse] C. Little started on this morning on horses to seek out a suitable place to plant some potatoes, turnips &c. so as to preserve the seed at least.
While the brethren were cutting the road I followed the old one to the top of the hill and on arriving there was much cheered by a handsome view of the great Salt Lake laying as I should judge, from 25 to 30 miles to the west of us, and at 11 o'clock I sat down to contemplate and view the surrounding scenery. There is an extensive, beautiful, level looking valley from here to the Lake which I should judge from the numerous deep green patches must be fertile and rich. The valley extends to the South probably 50 miles where it is again surrounded by high mountains. To the South West across the valley at about 20 to 25 miles distance is a high mountain extending from the South end of the valley to about opposite this place where it ceases abruptly leaving a pleasant view of the dark waters of the Lake. Standing on the Lake and about due west there are two mountains and far in the distance another one which I suppose is on the other side the Lake, probably from 80 to 60 miles distance. To the North West is another mountain at the base of which is a long ridge of what I should consider to be rock salt from its white and shini[n]g appearance. The Lake does not show at this distance a very extensive surface, but its dark blue shade resembling the calm sea looks very handsome. The intervening valley appears to be well supplied with streams, creeks and Lakes some of the latter are evidently salt. There is but little timber in sight anywhere, and that is mostly on the banks of creeks and streams of water which is about the only objection which could be raised in my estimation to this being one of the most beautiful vallies and pleasant places for a home for the Saints which could be found...In some places may be seen a grove of small fir or Cedar or Pine, and in the vallies some Cotton wood and other small timber...There is no prospect for building log houses without spending a vast amount of time and labor, but we can make Spanish brick...or we can build lodges as the Pawnee Indians do in their villages. For my own part I am happily disappointed in the appearance of the valley of the salt Lake, and if the land be as rich as it has the appearance of being, I have no fears but the saints can live here and do well while we will do right.
When I commune with my own heart and ask myself whether I would choose to dwell here in this wild looking country amongst the Saints surrounded by friends, though poor, enjoying the privileges and blessings of the ever lasting priesthood with God for our King and father, or, dwell amongst the gentiles with all their wealth and good things of the earth, to be eternally mobbed, harassed, hunted, our best men murdered and every good mans life continually in danger the soft whisper echos loud and reverberates back in tones of stern tho' quiet determination. Give me the quiet wilderness and my family to associate with, surrounded by the saints and adieu, adieu to the Gentile world till God says return and avenge you of your enemies. If I had my family with me, oh, happy could I be for I dread nothing so much as the journey back again, and when I think of the many dangers from accident which families travelling this road are continually liable to and especially this last mountain road from Weber River it makes me almost shudder to think of it and I could almost envy those who have got safe through, having their families with them, yet they will doubtless have a hard time of it the coming winter . . . Many signs of Deer antelope and Bears but not many have been seen here. There have been fresh Buffalo signs seen a few days travel back, but those animals evidently stay out in this region unless some come to winter. The ground seems literally alive with the very large black crickets crawling round, up grass and bushes. They look loathsome but are said to be excellent for fattening hogs which would feed on them voraciously. The bears evidently live mostly on them at this season of the year...We are now 5 1/4 miles from the mouth of this Kanion making the whole distance of rough mountain road from the Weber River to the mouth of the Kanion on this side a little less than 35 miles and decidedly the worst piece of road on the whole journey...There are many Rattlesnakes of a large size on this valley and it is supposed they have dens in the mountains...The grass looks rich and good. A while after we camped Elder Pratt and company returned and reported that they had been about 15 miles north from here and this region is as suitable a place to put in our seeds as they have seen . . .
A council was held at the Dr. [Willard Richards] Wagon and decided to move early tomorrow to the place designated, also, to send two men back to the president and company to report progress &c. then to commence forthwith and plow and plant about 10 with potatoes this week if possible, and thus continue till the seed is secured. John Pack and Joseph Mathews were selected to return to President Youngs company. The evening was fine and pleasant and the night feels much warmer than in the ravines of the mountain.
[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]
Agreeable to President Young's instructions, Elder Pratt accompanied by George A. Smith, John Brown, Joseph Mathews, John Pack, O. P. Rockwell and J[esse] C. Little started on this morning on horses to seek out a suitable place to plant some potatoes, turnips &c. so as to preserve the seed at least.
While the brethren were cutting the road I followed the old one to the top of the hill and on arriving there was much cheered by a handsome view of the great Salt Lake laying as I should judge, from 25 to 30 miles to the west of us, and at 11 o'clock I sat down to contemplate and view the surrounding scenery. There is an extensive, beautiful, level looking valley from here to the Lake which I should judge from the numerous deep green patches must be fertile and rich. The valley extends to the South probably 50 miles where it is again surrounded by high mountains. To the South West across the valley at about 20 to 25 miles distance is a high mountain extending from the South end of the valley to about opposite this place where it ceases abruptly leaving a pleasant view of the dark waters of the Lake. Standing on the Lake and about due west there are two mountains and far in the distance another one which I suppose is on the other side the Lake, probably from 80 to 60 miles distance. To the North West is another mountain at the base of which is a long ridge of what I should consider to be rock salt from its white and shini[n]g appearance. The Lake does not show at this distance a very extensive surface, but its dark blue shade resembling the calm sea looks very handsome. The intervening valley appears to be well supplied with streams, creeks and Lakes some of the latter are evidently salt. There is but little timber in sight anywhere, and that is mostly on the banks of creeks and streams of water which is about the only objection which could be raised in my estimation to this being one of the most beautiful vallies and pleasant places for a home for the Saints which could be found...In some places may be seen a grove of small fir or Cedar or Pine, and in the vallies some Cotton wood and other small timber...There is no prospect for building log houses without spending a vast amount of time and labor, but we can make Spanish brick...or we can build lodges as the Pawnee Indians do in their villages. For my own part I am happily disappointed in the appearance of the valley of the salt Lake, and if the land be as rich as it has the appearance of being, I have no fears but the saints can live here and do well while we will do right.
When I commune with my own heart and ask myself whether I would choose to dwell here in this wild looking country amongst the Saints surrounded by friends, though poor, enjoying the privileges and blessings of the ever lasting priesthood with God for our King and father, or, dwell amongst the gentiles with all their wealth and good things of the earth, to be eternally mobbed, harassed, hunted, our best men murdered and every good mans life continually in danger the soft whisper echos loud and reverberates back in tones of stern tho' quiet determination. Give me the quiet wilderness and my family to associate with, surrounded by the saints and adieu, adieu to the Gentile world till God says return and avenge you of your enemies. If I had my family with me, oh, happy could I be for I dread nothing so much as the journey back again, and when I think of the many dangers from accident which families travelling this road are continually liable to and especially this last mountain road from Weber River it makes me almost shudder to think of it and I could almost envy those who have got safe through, having their families with them, yet they will doubtless have a hard time of it the coming winter . . . Many signs of Deer antelope and Bears but not many have been seen here. There have been fresh Buffalo signs seen a few days travel back, but those animals evidently stay out in this region unless some come to winter. The ground seems literally alive with the very large black crickets crawling round, up grass and bushes. They look loathsome but are said to be excellent for fattening hogs which would feed on them voraciously. The bears evidently live mostly on them at this season of the year...We are now 5 1/4 miles from the mouth of this Kanion making the whole distance of rough mountain road from the Weber River to the mouth of the Kanion on this side a little less than 35 miles and decidedly the worst piece of road on the whole journey...There are many Rattlesnakes of a large size on this valley and it is supposed they have dens in the mountains...The grass looks rich and good. A while after we camped Elder Pratt and company returned and reported that they had been about 15 miles north from here and this region is as suitable a place to put in our seeds as they have seen . . .
A council was held at the Dr. [Willard Richards] Wagon and decided to move early tomorrow to the place designated, also, to send two men back to the president and company to report progress &c. then to commence forthwith and plow and plant about 10 with potatoes this week if possible, and thus continue till the seed is secured. John Pack and Joseph Mathews were selected to return to President Youngs company. The evening was fine and pleasant and the night feels much warmer than in the ravines of the mountain.
[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, Jul 22, 1847-24
Brigham Young's pioneer company arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley. Eleven companies arrived in the valley in 1847.
[source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
[source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]
Mormon History, Jul 22, 1847 (Thursday)
The advance company of Pioneers entered Great Salt Lake Valley and camped on Canyon Creek.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jul 22, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday, Friday, Saturday July the 22nd 23rd & 24th 1847. Was on guard, found goose berries. North and West.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 22, 1847
An advance company of pioneers enters Great Salt Lake Valley of Utah.
[source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
Mormon History, Jul 22, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22d We travled 8 miles to day on Ogdens fork/ Canyon Creek/ whare the Pratts Pass leaves the fork for good & turnes to the west. We crossed the creek eleven times in going 8 miles & the worst 8 miles we have had on the journey.
Br Case smashed one of his hind waggon wheels to peaces & we had to wait 2 hours to bring his oxen up & continued the Journey a rowing the [ ] on a pole. I caught 2 trout in the creek while waiting. The sick stood the Journey better than we espected considering the road.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Br Case smashed one of his hind waggon wheels to peaces & we had to wait 2 hours to bring his oxen up & continued the Journey a rowing the [ ] on a pole. I caught 2 trout in the creek while waiting. The sick stood the Journey better than we espected considering the road.
[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, Jul 21, 1847 (Wednesday)
The advance company of the Pioneers camped in Emigration Canyon, went into the valley, and a circuit of about twelve miles was made before they got back to camp at 9 p.m.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jul 21, 1847
[Orson Pratt] Returning to Nauvoo in December, Pratt found church leaders preparing to leave the city. He moved his family across the Mississippi River early the next year and then helped guide the pioneers to the Rocky Mountains. On 21 July 1847 he became the first Mormon to enter the Salt Lake Valley. The following year, Pratt returned to England, where he presided over the European Mission and edited The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star.
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Orson Pratt, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/p/PRATT%2CORSON.html]
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Orson Pratt, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/p/PRATT%2CORSON.html]
Mormon History, Jul 21, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday July 21 â€" 1847. Sent out 6 men & staid at home to settle with Br Stewart who was willing to give me all he possessed; to pay me for the yoke of cattle which had died but I did [not] exact anything of him as it appeared that he had done the best he could while he was gone
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 21, 1847
Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow, members of Brigham Young's pioneer company, enter the Salt Lake Valley. After making a twelve-mile circuit through the valley, they return to their camp in Emigration Canyon.
[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
Mormon History, Jul 21, 1847
Advance Scouts Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow are the first Mormons to enter Salt Lake Valley, and a day later the "advance company of Pioneers" arrive and begin planting crops. Snow writes in his journal: "From the view we had of the valley from the top of the mountain, we supposed it to be only an arm of prairie extending up from the Utah valley, but on ascending this butte we involuntarily, both at the same instant, uttered a shout of joy at finding it to be the very place of our destination, and beheld the broad bosom of the Salt Lake spreading itself before us."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Jul 21, 1847
[Erastus Snow] Snow was with the vanguard company of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. On 21 July 1847 Snow and Orson Pratt, alternately riding a single horse and walking, followed the Donner Party trail over Little Mountain and down Emigration Canyon, and they were the first of the Mormon pioneers to enter Salt Lake Valley.
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Erastus Snow, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SNOW%2CERASTUS.html]
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Erastus Snow, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SNOW%2CERASTUS.html]
Mormon History, Jul 21, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21st We set the tire on one wheel of Fowlers waggon. We remained in camp to day in Consequence of sickness. Brs Kimball Benson & Lorenzo Young went through the Canion of Ogdens fork which is the name of the Creek we camped on. The rout we are taking is [Reeds?] Pass which we have named Pratts Pass in consequence of his going on to make the road.
It is A Hot day. The report is we have a rougher road on ahead than any thing we have met with. The country is vary mountainous rough & steep. Many of the springs we meet with on the way are saltish or mineral. The Stream we are on [is] Ogdens fork. In the Afternoon I waided the creek two miles & fished with the fly down to the mouth of the canion & caught 8 trout. Thare is none vary large in this part of the stream. 1/4 of a lb was as large as we caught.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
It is A Hot day. The report is we have a rougher road on ahead than any thing we have met with. The country is vary mountainous rough & steep. Many of the springs we meet with on the way are saltish or mineral. The Stream we are on [is] Ogdens fork. In the Afternoon I waided the creek two miles & fished with the fly down to the mouth of the canion & caught 8 trout. Thare is none vary large in this part of the stream. 1/4 of a lb was as large as we caught.
[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, Jul 20, 1847. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...One of Brother [Robert] Crows men returned from Elder [Orson] Pratts company and reported that their camp is about 9 miles from here. He is hunting stray cattle. He says the road is very rough from here and about a mile beyond where they are camped the road begins to ascend over a high range of mountains. Elder Pratt has been to the top but cannot see the Salt Lake from there. Their company is gone on. I walked ahead of the camp near four miles and picked many gooseberries nearly ripe. They are very plentiful on this bottom. The brethren spent much time cutting brush wood and improving the road. After traveling 4 miles, halted about half an hour to water teams and eat dinner. The road over which we have traveled is through an uneven gap between high mountains and is exceeding rough and crooked. Not a place to be met with scarcely where there would be room to camp for the dense willow groves all along the bottom. We then proceeded on and travelled over the same kind of rough road till a little after 5 o'clock then encamped on a ridge having traveled today 7 1/4 miles ...We have passed through some small patches today where a few house logs might be cut, but this is truly a wild looking place . . .
[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, Jul 20, 1847 (Tuesday)
Eighty-one members of the Battalion re-enlisted for six months at Los Angeles. Four days later they were ordered to San Diego, where they arrived on Aug. 2nd, and were stationed as a provost guard to protect the citizens from Indian raids, etc. Those who did not re-enlist, organized into companies for traveling, and a few days later took up the line of march towards the East.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jul 20, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday July 20th 1847. Went out with 4 men. We went out to Cutlers Park and rode down the papa-awe & found where the Indians had killed some cattle about six miles below there[.] It was late work
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 20, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20th Camped at night on A trout creek about 10 feet across. We found 3 waggons that had stoped on this creek in consequence [of] the sick. Brs. Sherwood Johnson & Dewey were so sick they could not Journey & we camped on the same ground with them. Sherwood & Johnson were Baptized for their sickness & I confirmed [them?].
Br Young stood the Journey well Considering the hard road but was quite weary come night. Several of the Brethren caught [some?] small trout in the streams we camped on. Br Fowler dish [ditched?] his waggon wheels & G. A. Smith who was in the company [dished?] two of his. Stoped & burned coal & set the tyre. This meant Pratt & Company was ownly 8 miles ahead of whare we camped.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Br Young stood the Journey well Considering the hard road but was quite weary come night. Several of the Brethren caught [some?] small trout in the streams we camped on. Br Fowler dish [ditched?] his waggon wheels & G. A. Smith who was in the company [dished?] two of his. Stoped & burned coal & set the tyre. This meant Pratt & Company was ownly 8 miles ahead of whare we camped.
[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, Jul 19, 1847. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning fine and warm, President Young considerably better. At 1/4 to 8 we started onward leaving President Young and Kimball's wagons and several others. We found the road very rough on account of loose rocks and cobble stones. After traveling 2 1/4 miles we forded the river and found it about 18 inches deep, but forded without difficulty. Soon after we were over, Elder Snow came up and said the camp were requested to halt awhile till Dr. Richards came. One of his oxen is missing and he wished to go on. We concluded to move on a little to where the road should turn off between the mountains to avoid the canyon. Elder Pratt went 3 miles out of his road and had to return again. 3/4 of a mile from the ford we found the place to make the cutoff and there halted awhile. I put a guide board up at this place marked as follows: Pratts Pass to avoid canyon. To Fort Bridger 74 1/4 miles. Brother Pack, having charge of the company, concluded to move on slowly and be making our way up the mountains. We accordingly started and after traveling a mile from the forks began to ascend and wind around the mountains. We found the road exceedingly rough and crooked and very dangerous on wagons. 3 1/2 miles from the forks of the road the brethren made a bridge over a small creek over which we crossed having passed a number of springs near the road. 2 1/4 miles farther we arrived on the summit of the dividing ridge and put a guide board up 80 miles to Fort Bridger. At this place Elders Kimball, Woodruff, G. A. Smith and H. Egan rode up to view the road &c. The descent is not very steep but exceedingly dangerous to wagons being mostly on the side hill over large cobble stones causing the wagons to slide very badly . . .
[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, Jul 19, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday July 19th 1847. Went out with five men. My oxen and waggon came home today. One yoke was dead[.] Stewart was willing to do right by me
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 19, 1847
From the top of Big Mountain, Orson Pratt and John Brown become the first in Brigham Young's company to see the Salt Lake Valley.
[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
Mormon History, Jul 19, 1847
Orson Pratt's advance scouting company sights the Great Salt Lake Valley.
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Jul 19, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th We started early in the morning & rode with the Pre[sident] 5 miles & stoped & took Breakfast. Br Youngs fever is still on him but He stood the morning ride well. I carried him in my Carriage. We are now travelling through Pratts Pass to avoid the Canion. We travled After the mornings Halt [-] miles over the worst road we have had on the Journey. The distance of the day was 14 miles
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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, Jul 18, 1847. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] This morning the Camp was called together and addressed by Elder Kimball. He reports President Young as being a very sick man. He proposed to the brethren that instead of their scattering off, some hunting, some fishing, and some climbing mountains &c. that they should meet together and pray and exhort each other, that the Lord may turn away sickness from our midst and from our president that we may proceed on our journey. It was decided to assemble at 10 o'clock and at the sound of the bugle the brethren met in a small grove of shrubbery which they have made for the purpose opposite the wagons. During the meeting, Elder Kimball proposed to the brethren that all the camp, except President Young's and 8 or 10 other wagons with brethren enough to take care of him &c proceed on tomorrow and go through, find a good place, begin to plant potatoes &c as we have little time to spare. The proposition was acceeded to by unanimous vote and after a number had expressed their feelings the meeting adjourned till 2 o'clock at which time they again assembled and listened to remarks from a number of the brethren. Elder Kimball again gave much good instruction and prophecied good things concerning the camp. The Bishops brake bread and the sacrament was administered. Good feelings seem to prevail and the brethren desire to do right. A number yet continue sick, but we expect all will soon recover. The day is very hot with very little air moving. Elder Kimball consented for me to go on tomorrow with the company that goes ahead.
[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, Jul 18, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday July 18th 1847. Went to a council called by Elder Orson Hyde at 8 oclock for the purpose of considering the case of Gardon Grove, as there were reports of stealing and other like charges against that place & Hyde was sanguine against them and was for cutting them all off wholesale. The subject was quite warmly debated[.] Some doubted the legality of cutting them off without any specific charges against them & both parties face to face. But Hyde & some others were for smooth work.
They were cut off however by a majority of those present[.] Some were against it There were I believe but six present of the Council & two against it which made quite weak work.
There was several cases of theft up and talked over but not any thing of importance done.
I came home & went to meeting at the stand[.] Isaac Morley spoke & I came home and went to Council in the evening. C. Drown was had up for stealing and honorably acquitted. Jas Clayton had up and reprimanded & acquitted for firing pistols on the Sabbath. The case of Bills vs. Cox up, also Lees case vs. Berrybut none of importance
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
They were cut off however by a majority of those present[.] Some were against it There were I believe but six present of the Council & two against it which made quite weak work.
There was several cases of theft up and talked over but not any thing of importance done.
I came home & went to meeting at the stand[.] Isaac Morley spoke & I came home and went to Council in the evening. C. Drown was had up for stealing and honorably acquitted. Jas Clayton had up and reprimanded & acquitted for firing pistols on the Sabbath. The case of Bills vs. Cox up, also Lees case vs. Berrybut none of importance
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 18, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] He then delivered 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 Says 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 labors of the Twelve & other men would that be right? No he would be pulling back [those] that 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 labor & you would be putting them After you & not drawing back that which is before you. The Lord is determined to establish his kingdom in the last days & He will have A faithful diligent & obedient people And He Chastises the Saints to keep them humble & make them do there duty. If we had not been mobbed & Afflicted but always been in prosperity we should have been lifted up in the pride of our hearts & not gathered together & built up Zion as we ought to have done, so that these trials will work together for our good. Instructions was also given to the Brethren who were to tarry to keep together & be united. Divide the means equally among yourselves according to your labor. Let each esteem his brother as himself. In no wise retain that which belongeth to the traveler. 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. -- Weber River, Utah [Wilford WoodruffÂ's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 3:207-208]
[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, Jul 18, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] Afternoon, I proposed that the camp proceed '" make their way over the mountains and when a suitable location was found, plant potatoes and corn. The proposition was approved. -- Weber River, Utah [Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1847- 1850. William S. Harwell, ed. CollierÂ's Publishing, 1997.:60]
[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, Jul 18, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th /Sunday Spent the day Holding meeting./ 41 waggons went on this morning among whom was Dr Richards & G. A. Smith. 15 waggons remained with President [Young]. Among the number was two of my own in company with H C Kimball E T Benson, & H Egan. I rode over the mountain called Pratts Pass with the company that went on & returned to camp. It was A Hot day.
Several Brethren cought some trout that would weigh near two lbs each. I cought 2 with the fly but they did not seem to take it well in that stream. We moved our camp 2 miles. 2 m. The whole distance that I travled during the day 25 miles.
During the evening I went onto A High hill with Brothers Kimball & Benson & had Prayers together & A good time. Conversed much upon the things of the Kingdom of God.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Several Brethren cought some trout that would weigh near two lbs each. I cought 2 with the fly but they did not seem to take it well in that stream. We moved our camp 2 miles. 2 m. The whole distance that I travled during the day 25 miles.
During the evening I went onto A High hill with Brothers Kimball & Benson & had Prayers together & A good time. Conversed much upon the things of the Kingdom of God.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Jul 17, 1847. Saturday.
[William Clayton Journal] Arose to behold a fine pleasant morning my health much better. This is my thirty second birthday being now 33 years old. My mind naturally reverts back to my family and my heart is filled with blessings on their heads more than my tongue is able to express. The richest blessings that ever were bestowed upon the head of woman or child could not be more than I desire for them, whatever be my lot...In the afternoon Elders [Heber] Kimball, [Willard] Richards, [Ezra T.] Benson and others went onto a mountain to clothe and pray for President Young who continues very sick. On returning they rolled down many large rocks from the top of the mountain to witness the velocity of their descent &c. Some would roll over half a mile and frequently broke to pieces.
John Nixon found and brought to camp a very singular kind of thistle which I have never seen before nor recollect ever reading of the like...but the great curiosity of this thistle is a perfect resemblence of a snake coil round and round the crown as if in the act of guarding it against foes...The body of the snake is formed of the same kind of substance with the thistle itself, and has a very singular appearance. It seems that 2 of the great enemies of mankind have combined, the most bitter and destructive guarding the more innocent. The serpent tempted the woman causing her to sin, in consequence of which the earth was cursed, and decreed to produce thorns and thistles &c. but this is the first time I ever saw the snake guard the thistle . . .
[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]
John Nixon found and brought to camp a very singular kind of thistle which I have never seen before nor recollect ever reading of the like...but the great curiosity of this thistle is a perfect resemblence of a snake coil round and round the crown as if in the act of guarding it against foes...The body of the snake is formed of the same kind of substance with the thistle itself, and has a very singular appearance. It seems that 2 of the great enemies of mankind have combined, the most bitter and destructive guarding the more innocent. The serpent tempted the woman causing her to sin, in consequence of which the earth was cursed, and decreed to produce thorns and thistles &c. but this is the first time I ever saw the snake guard the thistle . . .
[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, Jul 17, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday July 17th 1847. Staid at home. Sent out 6 men
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 17, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17th Br Young is vary Poorly this morning. 9 of our horses lost among whum is two that Br Fowler drives. We started out & drive 3 miles on webers fork & camp. A number of trout was Caught by the Brethren some that would weigh A lb. Br Young was wors & could not Journey & we stoped. Camped for the day. The Horses were found 10 miles back. I fished with the fly & cought several trout. The Twelve with some others went out together & prayed in due form for Br Young & all the sick & had a good time. Distance 3 miles.
[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, Jul 16, 1847. Friday.
[William Clayton Journal] This morning wc have had two pleasant showers accompanied by pretty loud thunder. At 1/4 to 9 we proceeded onward passing through a narrow ravine between very high mountains. After traveling 1 1/4 mile passed a deep ravine whcrc most of the teams had to double to get up. 1/2 mile further crossed the creek and found the crossing place very bad .... the mountains secm to increase in height, and come so near together in some places, as to leave merely room enough for a crooked road...As wc halted O. P. Rockwell came up from Elder Pratt's company. He reports that it is about 25 or 30 miles to the canyon. They have found the road leading ovcr the mountains to avoid the canyon and expect to be on top today at noon....for several miles there arc many patches or groves of the wild currant, Hop vines, Elder and Black Birch. Willows arc abundant and high. The currants arc yet green and taste most like a gooseberry, thick rind and rather bitter . . .
In some places we had to pass closc to the foot of high perpendicular red mountains of rock supposed to be from 600 to 1000 feet high...There is a very singular echo in this ravinc, the rattling of wagons resembles carpenters hammering at boards inside the highest rocks. The report of a rifle resembles a sharp crack of thunder and echoes from rock to rock for some time. The lowing of cattle and braying of mules seems to be answered beyond the mountains. Music especially brass instruments have a very pleasing effect and resemble a person standing inside the rock imitating every note. The echo the high rocks on the north high mountains on the south with the narrow ravine for a road form a scenery at once romantic and more interesting than I have ever witnessed. Soon after we camped I walked up the highest mountain on the south. The ascent is so steep that there is scarce a place to be found to place the foot flat and firm and the visitor is every moment if he makes the least slip or stumbles, [in danger] of being precip[it]ated down to the bottom, and once overbalanced, there is no possibility of stopping himself till he gets to the bottom, in which case he would doubtless be dashed to pieces. After resting about half a dozen times I arrived at the top and found the ascent equally steep all the way up. In many places I had to go on my hands and feet to keep from falling backwards. From this mountain I could see the red fork of Webers River about a mile west of the Camp, looking back I could see the road we had come for several miles, but in every other direction nothing but ranges of mountains still as much higher than the one I was on as it is above the creek. The scenery is truly wild and melancholy . . .
[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]
In some places we had to pass closc to the foot of high perpendicular red mountains of rock supposed to be from 600 to 1000 feet high...There is a very singular echo in this ravinc, the rattling of wagons resembles carpenters hammering at boards inside the highest rocks. The report of a rifle resembles a sharp crack of thunder and echoes from rock to rock for some time. The lowing of cattle and braying of mules seems to be answered beyond the mountains. Music especially brass instruments have a very pleasing effect and resemble a person standing inside the rock imitating every note. The echo the high rocks on the north high mountains on the south with the narrow ravine for a road form a scenery at once romantic and more interesting than I have ever witnessed. Soon after we camped I walked up the highest mountain on the south. The ascent is so steep that there is scarce a place to be found to place the foot flat and firm and the visitor is every moment if he makes the least slip or stumbles, [in danger] of being precip[it]ated down to the bottom, and once overbalanced, there is no possibility of stopping himself till he gets to the bottom, in which case he would doubtless be dashed to pieces. After resting about half a dozen times I arrived at the top and found the ascent equally steep all the way up. In many places I had to go on my hands and feet to keep from falling backwards. From this mountain I could see the red fork of Webers River about a mile west of the Camp, looking back I could see the road we had come for several miles, but in every other direction nothing but ranges of mountains still as much higher than the one I was on as it is above the creek. The scenery is truly wild and melancholy . . .
[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, Jul 16, 1847
[Mormon Battalion] During the remainder of their enlistment, some members of the battalion were assigned to garrison duty at either San Diego, San Luis Rey, or Ciudad de los Angeles. Other soldiers were assigned to accompany General Kearny back to Fort Leavenworth. All soldiers, whether en route to the Salt Lake Valley via Pueblo or still in Los Angeles, were mustered out of the United States Army on 16 July 1847. Eighty-one men chose to reenlist and serve an additional eight months of military duty under Captain Daniel C. Davis in Company A of the Mormon Volunteers. The majority of the soldiers migrated to the Salt Lake Valley and were reunited with their pioneering families.
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Mormon Battalion, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/m/MORMONBATTALION.html]
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Mormon Battalion, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/m/MORMONBATTALION.html]
Mormon History, Jul 16, 1847
The members of the Mormon Battalion are discharged at Los Angeles by Lt. A.J. Smith. Of the more than 500 men who initially volunteered, about two dozen have been lost to illness during the battalion's one-year enlistment.
About 80 men chose to re-enlist, undertaking another six months of service.
[source: Mormon Battalion Timeline, Herald Extra, March 25, 2010]
About 80 men chose to re-enlist, undertaking another six months of service.
[source: Mormon Battalion Timeline, Herald Extra, March 25, 2010]
Mormon History, Jul 16, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday July 16th 1847. Sent out 6 men and staid in Filed in the police order today[.] My child is worse.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 16, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16 I took Brs Young & Rockwood into my Carriage & dr[ove?] on with the Camp 6 1/2 miles & nooned in the same valley which we named Mathews vale. We travled in the Afternoon 9 1/2 miles with perpendicular Rocks on one side & steep Bluffs on the other thousands of feet high. We had a bad road for the sick to travel in & wearied Br Young out & He was sick at night.
For several miles on the North side of the Road we discoverd A dark substance Runing out of the holes of the Rocks which Congeled. It had some the Appearance of gum myrr or opeum ownly it was hard & bitter As Allows. We could discover it for 10 miles in places along on the rocks. Distance of the day 16m.
I went to webers fork 1 miles from our encampment & Cought one trout for Br Young.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
For several miles on the North side of the Road we discoverd A dark substance Runing out of the holes of the Rocks which Congeled. It had some the Appearance of gum myrr or opeum ownly it was hard & bitter As Allows. We could discover it for 10 miles in places along on the rocks. Distance of the day 16m.
I went to webers fork 1 miles from our encampment & Cought one trout for Br Young.
[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, Jul 15, 1847 (Thursday)
Company B of the Mormon Battalion joined the main body at Los Angeles.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jul 15, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday July the 15th 1847. Staid in. Sent out 5 men again Was very unwell. Issued an order on the police treasury today amounting to Seventy two dollars
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 15, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15th I Started early in the morning with my Carriage & Horses after President Young & Br Rockwood. I was two hours driving 9 miles to their Camp. Made up the bed An the waggon & took them both in. I found them much better in health & they thought they Could ride As my Carriage was the easiest veicle in camp. So all the waggons started & drove to our Camp & the sick seemed refreshed by their ride. And After making A short halt the whole camp drove 4 1/2 miles further & we camped for the night. Drove {8 1/2 m} And [-] Camped.
[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, Jul 14, 1847. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...those who are gone on to look out and make a road...total, 23 wagons and 42 men.
[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, Jul 14, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday July 14th 1847. Staid in. Sent out 5 men on guard. Daniel H. Wells Esqr came in today from Nauvoo. This is a thing I did not expect for had not hitherto had much confidence in him, but all seems well now with him.
To day I learned that the Commanchee Indians are making war on the United States Sante Fe trains & determined to do all the mischief they can
To day I learned that the Commanchee Indians are making war on the United States Sante Fe trains & determined to do all the mischief they can
Mormon History, Jul 14, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 14th I Rode in the fore part of the day back 7 miles to visit Br Young Dr Richards G A Smith the evening before went out together & Prayed before the Lord for the Recovery of Br Young & we felt a testimony that He would begin to recover from that hour. And when I arived whare he was I found him much better in health & quite Cheerful, but I found Br Rockwood much the sickest man that had been in camp. I tarried with them untill near night Assisting the sick & then returned back to our encampment. Trav-led {14 mil}.
During the evening we also went out & Prayed for Br Rockwood. Felt Convinced we should find him better in the morning.
[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]
During the evening we also went out & Prayed for Br Rockwood. Felt Convinced we should find him better in the morning.
[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, Jul 13, 1847. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] A while before noon Elder Kimball and Howard Egan arrived from the company back. A meeting was called but suddenly dispersed by a thunder shower. After the rain ceased, Elder Kimball proposed that a company start from the camp with Elder Pratt to proceed on to the Weber River Canyon and ascertain if we can pass through safely if not to try and find a pass over the mountains. He reported that President Young is a little better this morning, but last evening was insensible and raving. Col. [Albert] Rockwood is also very sick and quite deranged. A company of 22 wagons, mostly Ox teams started on soon after dinner in company with Elder Pratt and soon after, Elders Kimball and Egan returned to the back company. The day has been very hot and sultry, and musquitoes are very troublesome.
[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, Jul 13, 1847 (Tuesday)
The Pioneers were encamped at the head of Echo Canyon; Apostle Orson Pratt was appointed to take 23 wagons and 42 men and precede the main company of Pioneers into Great Salt Valley.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jul 13, 1847
An advance party of the first pioneer company, headed by Orson Pratt and consisting of forty-two men and twenty-three wagons, camps at the head of Echo Canyon.
[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
Mormon History, Jul 13, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 13th I arose quite unwell this morning. Sore throat, mouth, lips &c. Several Brethren went to meet President Young. The Camp lay still waiting for him to Come up. Br Kimball came to camp at noon And A Council was called of the whole Camp & Resolved that O Pratt take A company of about 20 waggons & 40 men & go on to the canion make the rode as they go & if they Could not [get?] through the Canion to find Smiths Cut off & make a road over the mountain that we need not be hindred when we come along. There was 23 waggons in all & started At 1 oclok.
The Hunters brought in 12 Antelope /yesterday/ & to day 10. We have found but little game for many days untill yesterday & to day.
President Young is better to day but will not move untill to morrow. In the Afternoon Elder Richards & myself walked out to search for springs or water & talked over old times my mishion to Fox Islands And his labours in Preston & our mishions in England together.
[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 12 Antelope /yesterday/ & to day 10. We have found but little game for many days untill yesterday & to day.
President Young is better to day but will not move untill to morrow. In the Afternoon Elder Richards & myself walked out to search for springs or water & talked over old times my mishion to Fox Islands And his labours in Preston & our mishions in England together.
[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. July 13
(Orson Pratt) : Eleven days before the main party of pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, Pratt led an advance company of twenty-two wagons to "proceed to the Weber River canyon and ascertain if we can pass through safely, if not to find a pass over the mountains."
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Jul 12, 1847. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning cloudy and cool. We pursued our journey at a quarter past 7. At 1 1/4 miles rose a very steep low hill narrow but very steep on both sides. 1/2 a mile farther crossed the Bear River a very rapid stream about 6 rods wide and 2 feet deep, bottom full of large cobblestones, water clear banks lined with willows and a little timber, good grass, many strawberry vines and the soil looks pretty good. About 1/2 mile beyond the ford proceed over another ridge again, descended into and travelled up a beautiful narrow bottom covered with grass and fertile but no timber. 4 3/4 miles beyond Bear River passed a small spring of good clear cold water. At ten minutes before 12, halted for noon in the same narrow bottom near a ridge of high rough rocks to the right having travelled 9 3/4 miles. There is scarcely any wagon track too be seen only a few wagons of Hastings company having come this route. The balance went the other road and many of them perished in the snow it being late in the season and much time was lost quarreling who would improve the roads &c . . .
[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, Jul 12, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday & Tuesday 12th & 13th July 1847. Staid at home. Sent 6 men each day on guard[.] Intensley hot. I had a stable built. My child is very sick and seems to be running down & not much hope of its recovery.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 12, 1847
On the pioneer trail William Clayton writes: "Elder [Heber C.] Kimball proposed that a company start from the camp with Elder [Orson] Pratt to proceed on to the Weber River Canyon and ascertain if we can pass through safely if not to try and find a pass over the mountains. He reported that President Young is a little better this morning, but last evening was insensible and raving." Pratt leads a vanguard company ahead of the main body of Pioneers for the purpose of making a road into the Salt Lake valley.
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Jul 12, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 + I started early in the morning & rode to bear River And for the first time I saw the long looked for Bear River valley. Yet the spot whare we stuck it was nothing vary interesting. There was Considerable grass in the valley & some timber & thick bushes on the bank of the river. My object in visiting the river before the Camp was to try my luck in ketching trout as it was A stream famed for Containing that kind of fish. It was Cloudy & cool but I found it A difficult stream to fish in with the fly in consequence of the thick underbrush. I fished several hours & had all sorts of luck good bad and indiferent.
I some of the time would fish half an hour & Could not start a fish. Then I would find an eddy with 3 or 4 trout in it & they would jump at the hooks as though there was A bushel of trout it the hole. And in one instance I caught two at a time. I fished some of the time on horsback riding in the middle of the stream which was about 3 rods wide & when I Could not desend longer in the stream for swift & deep water I would have to plunge my horse through the bear thickets which was hard work to penetrate. And I knew not at what moment I would have A griselly bear upon my back or An Indian Arrow in my side for I was in danger of both. Some of the time I would have A dozen bites at my hook in one & nearly drown 3 or 4 trout & not get one. I finally wound up my fishing & started after the camp Having Caught [-] trout in all.
The Camp travled 9 miles & nooned in a valley. I found President Young vary sick with the fever. The camp started on But President Young being so sick concluded not to move from whare He was. Brs Kimball, Benson, Rockwood & others stoped with him with there waggons. We drove without any road over Hills & dales. Had to take our own road as we went along.
We camped at night in Mallers valley by the side of Reddings Cave. This Cave is about 20 feet wide at its mouth 7 feet high & 30 feet long at the back part of the cave Are large wolf dens or other Animals. The cave is composed of light Coulored sand stone vary soft. Many of us cut our names in it. There are many curious rocks that surround it. We passed by A mountain of pudding stone composed of gravel sand & cement &c. Its spires were reaching up like the pyramids of Egypt. The valleys begin to grow more fertile & the Air more pacific than in the wind River Country.
Professor Pratt informed me that his Baromet-rical + observation made the South pass to be 7,085 feet above the level of the sea. Also it was 280 miles from [Corsert?]. 16 3/4 miles the distance 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 some of the time would fish half an hour & Could not start a fish. Then I would find an eddy with 3 or 4 trout in it & they would jump at the hooks as though there was A bushel of trout it the hole. And in one instance I caught two at a time. I fished some of the time on horsback riding in the middle of the stream which was about 3 rods wide & when I Could not desend longer in the stream for swift & deep water I would have to plunge my horse through the bear thickets which was hard work to penetrate. And I knew not at what moment I would have A griselly bear upon my back or An Indian Arrow in my side for I was in danger of both. Some of the time I would have A dozen bites at my hook in one & nearly drown 3 or 4 trout & not get one. I finally wound up my fishing & started after the camp Having Caught [-] trout in all.
The Camp travled 9 miles & nooned in a valley. I found President Young vary sick with the fever. The camp started on But President Young being so sick concluded not to move from whare He was. Brs Kimball, Benson, Rockwood & others stoped with him with there waggons. We drove without any road over Hills & dales. Had to take our own road as we went along.
We camped at night in Mallers valley by the side of Reddings Cave. This Cave is about 20 feet wide at its mouth 7 feet high & 30 feet long at the back part of the cave Are large wolf dens or other Animals. The cave is composed of light Coulored sand stone vary soft. Many of us cut our names in it. There are many curious rocks that surround it. We passed by A mountain of pudding stone composed of gravel sand & cement &c. Its spires were reaching up like the pyramids of Egypt. The valleys begin to grow more fertile & the Air more pacific than in the wind River Country.
Professor Pratt informed me that his Baromet-rical + observation made the South pass to be 7,085 feet above the level of the sea. Also it was 280 miles from [Corsert?]. 16 3/4 miles the distance 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, Jul 11, 1847. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning fine with ice a quarter of an inch thick on the water pails. Walked on the mountain East with Presidents Young and Kimball, from whence we had a pleasing view of the surrounding valley, which is about 10 miles wide. Abundance of timber on the mountains South and South West and beyond that plenty of snow. After having prayers we again descended and at the foot discovered a very strong Sulphur spring. The surface of the water covered with flour of sulphur and where it oozes from the rock perfectly black. The water in the creek shows sulphur very evident and smells bad...There are some in camp who are getting discouraged about the looks of the country, but thinking minds are not much disappointed and we have no doubt of finding a place where the Saints can live, which is all we ought to ask or expect. It is evident the country grows better as we proceed west, and vegitation so more plentiful and looks richer.
After dark a meeting was called to decide which of the two roads we shall take from here. It was voted to take the right hand or northern road, but the private feelings of all the twelve was that the other would be best. But such matters are left to the choice of the camp so that none may have room to tourruer at the Twelve hereafter.
[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]
After dark a meeting was called to decide which of the two roads we shall take from here. It was voted to take the right hand or northern road, but the private feelings of all the twelve was that the other would be best. But such matters are left to the choice of the camp so that none may have room to tourruer at the Twelve hereafter.
[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, Jul 11, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday July 11th 1847. Meeting at the stand. O. Hyde spoke on religion & religious subjects.
The council met in the evening. Blazzards case up again & council decided to have an execution taken out from the Clerk of the council in all such cases & property taken when men would not comply with the law without.
The subject of the Picket guard was had up today as was before spoken of by President Cutler[.] It seemed news to most of the Councillors & I could not but wonder who Daniel Russell had been consulting with as he had said on the subject for surely it seemed now to be the first time any of them had considered it & all with one consent declared in favor of keeping the guard out and gave me orders accordingly.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
The council met in the evening. Blazzards case up again & council decided to have an execution taken out from the Clerk of the council in all such cases & property taken when men would not comply with the law without.
The subject of the Picket guard was had up today as was before spoken of by President Cutler[.] It seemed news to most of the Councillors & I could not but wonder who Daniel Russell had been consulting with as he had said on the subject for surely it seemed now to be the first time any of them had considered it & all with one consent declared in favor of keeping the guard out and gave me orders accordingly.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 11, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] The brethren of the camp were this evening, called together at President Young's wagon, to ascertain, as he told them, whether they would take from here, the North or south road to the Lake '" after some conversation & interchange of opinion, the former route was chosen. -- Utah-Wyoming Border [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, Jul 11, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 11th Sunday We spent the day in Camp. Some of the brethren rode out to seek out the road & found A mineral tar spring. It run pure tar or substance that looked like tar quite as thick & black. Some thought it was oil. It had A strong smell & was 15 miles south of our camp. Several of the brethren thought of getting it to tar waggons with.
[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, Jul 10, 1847. Saturday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...A little further, the brethren had to dig a place considerably to make a pass between the mountains. Presidents Young and Kimball labored hard with a number of others and in about a half an hour made a good road. At 20 miles from Fort Bridger passed another spring, and a little further after arriving on the bottom land the road turns near south through a beautiful low bottom filled with grass...After halting an hour and a half we proceeded again and after traveling 3 1/2 miles began to ascend the dividing ridge between the Colorado waters and the great basin ...After camping Mr. Miles Good[year] came into camp. He is the man who is making a farm in the Bear River valley. He says it is yet 75 miles to his place, although we are now within two miles of Bear River. His report of the valley is more favorable than some we have heard, but we have an idea he is anxious to have us make a road to his place through selfish motives. Elder Orson Pratt has found a beautiful spring of clear, sweet, cold water about a hundred yards S.W. from the camp. Water excellent.
[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]
[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, Jul 10, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday July 10th 1847. To day the two Grand Divisions of the camp of Israel was reorganized & filled up after the late emegration West. My child was now very sick & I was up most all night.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 10, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10th I felt quite feeble this morning but felt that my fever was broke. We travled up & down some of the steepest Hills we have found on the Journey & the largest. We passed through A valey 6 miles long grass knee deep strong mineral springs. Any amount of Copper, lead, & coal, & lime & great stone on each side of the valley. It is an 18 mile drive without water that can be drank. There are a number of springs in the valley but they run through mineral beds And are not good to drink. We camped for the night 1 1/2 miles from bear River by the best spring of water we had found on the route & A small stream near by. An Indian Came from Bridgers fort & travled with us & Camped with us for the night.
Camp fires were discoverd about 3 miles from our camp. G.A.S & others went over to them And found it to be Mr Miles Goodyier & several others with him. Some were from Calafornia going back to the States. Mr Goodyier goes by the name of Miles though it is his Christian name. He has setled at the Salt lake. Has A garding & vegitation of all kinds He says doing well. He spoke of 3 rodes to the Lake & talked about the Country. The Missourian that was going to the States came through the 80 miles drive without water or grass. Had to leave 5 of his mules on the road. Could not get any through. This is on the Calafornia road.
The subject was brought up again concerning the emigrant Company who perished in the Mountains last winter. They were mostly from Independance & Clay County Missouri And were A mob company & threatned to drive out the mormons that were in Calafornia & started for Calafornia with that spirit in there hearts. But it seemed as though they were ripe for Judgment. The snows fell upon them 18 feet deep on a level & they died & eat up each other. About 40 persons parished & were mostly eat up by those who survived them. Mrs L. Murphy of Tenn whom I Baptized while on a mishion in that Country but since Apostitlzed & joined the mob was in the company died or was killed & eat up. Her bones sawed to peaces for her branes & marrow & left stre[we?]d upon the ground.
Distance of the day 18 miles. Whole distance from Bridgers fort to Bear River 32 1/2 miles.
Br Luce was taken vary sick this Afternoon. There are new cases daily. It is vary severe but does not generally last the brethren more than 2 or 3 days. Three griselly bear were seen by the brethren to day. Some were within A few rods of them dut they made of & did not give battle which they are more Apt to do than any other bear.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Camp fires were discoverd about 3 miles from our camp. G.A.S & others went over to them And found it to be Mr Miles Goodyier & several others with him. Some were from Calafornia going back to the States. Mr Goodyier goes by the name of Miles though it is his Christian name. He has setled at the Salt lake. Has A garding & vegitation of all kinds He says doing well. He spoke of 3 rodes to the Lake & talked about the Country. The Missourian that was going to the States came through the 80 miles drive without water or grass. Had to leave 5 of his mules on the road. Could not get any through. This is on the Calafornia road.
The subject was brought up again concerning the emigrant Company who perished in the Mountains last winter. They were mostly from Independance & Clay County Missouri And were A mob company & threatned to drive out the mormons that were in Calafornia & started for Calafornia with that spirit in there hearts. But it seemed as though they were ripe for Judgment. The snows fell upon them 18 feet deep on a level & they died & eat up each other. About 40 persons parished & were mostly eat up by those who survived them. Mrs L. Murphy of Tenn whom I Baptized while on a mishion in that Country but since Apostitlzed & joined the mob was in the company died or was killed & eat up. Her bones sawed to peaces for her branes & marrow & left stre[we?]d upon the ground.
Distance of the day 18 miles. Whole distance from Bridgers fort to Bear River 32 1/2 miles.
Br Luce was taken vary sick this Afternoon. There are new cases daily. It is vary severe but does not generally last the brethren more than 2 or 3 days. Three griselly bear were seen by the brethren to day. Some were within A few rods of them dut they made of & did not give battle which they are more Apt to do than any other bear.
[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, Jul 9, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday July 9th 1847. To day I was around in town & at home wrighting in my journal
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 9, 1847
The Pioneers, on their way to the Salt Lake Valley, quit the Oregon Trail, which turned north, and begin the last leg of their journey, following Hastings Cutoff, the barely visible track left through the Rockies by the Reed-Donner party of 1846, which perished in the Sierra snows.
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Jul 9, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 9th I arose this morning quit unwell. Felt threatend with the camp fever. Yet I mounted my horse And rode untill 10 oclok. Before Starting however I was Called upon to Administer to Br Carter who was taken with the fever. There Are new Cases evry day in Camp. I took to my bed at 10 oclok with distressing pain in my head back joints bones, marrow & all through the system Attended with Cold Chills & hot flashes through the body, And we travled 13 miles over as bad road as we had had on the journey which makes it exeeding painful to the sick. The day seemed exeeding long to me. When we stoped at night I took composition cayeene And A dose of vegitable pill, And I had A better nights rest than I expected. Distance of the day 13.
[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, Jul 8, 1847. Thursday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...It was decided for Thomas Williams and S[amuel] Brannan to return from here and meet Captain [James] Browns company from Pueblo. Inasmuch as the brethren have not received their discharge nor their pay from the United States, Brother Brannan goes to tender his services as pilot, to conduct a company of 15 or 20 to San Francisco if they feel disposed to go their and try to get their pay . . .
[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]
[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, Jul 8, 1847
[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] July 8. 1847-6 in the evening Investigation in the circle George Mills v Andrew Gibbons Mills complains that Mills /Gibbons/, struck him, [and] called him an old devil-[H]e clenched, Norton heard words passing-[and] saw George getting up & struck at Gibbons Roundy d[itt]o.-saw Gibbons step towards him, but not strike him, when Mills got hold of a neck yoke, [he] called Gibbons a damd lazy bugger-[Then] I saw George get up from the ground.
Lorenzo Young d[itt]o-they talked, even, they called each other damd fools-dam[ne]d each other. Gibbons said he would not bear it longer. I saw George falling, but whether [he was] knocked or pushed, I dont know-I stept between the two. Gibbons asked Roundy if he called him the names-[but] he could not say-
G. Billings saw Gibbons push Mills-Mills tried to get the neck yoke, but was held by Gibbons.-
Young-said Gibbons did use the words, but not so fast as Mills-[T]hey were both much enraged-
Jos. Hancock-Gibbons was washing the dishes. George commenced on him-[and] called him every thing-& said enough to aggravate any one.
Pres[iden]t. Young[: D]oes Mills & Gibbons go together[?]
Ans[wer].[: T]hey have.-Gibbons & Harper do cooking for ten.
Markham-Gibbons has always been on hand when wanted. I[ ]ve heard no fault against him-
C. Harper-Gibbons has always done what I ve asked him to, without murmuring.
O[rson]. Pratt says they were both to blame for getting in a passion, but the Old Gent[lema]n.
[was] most to blame.
E[zra]. T. Benson-George will insult his best friend any time-[they are] both to blame- but Gibbons ought to know better than [to] strike an old man.
Lor[enzo]. Young-Gibbons either pushed or struck him over the Grease weeds-
Mills-When I got up, Gibbons clenched me-[H]e s abused me all the way-[H]e did strike me on the Temple when I fell over the weeds. Harper & Jacobs have both coaxed me to bear with him to the end of the journey.
Gibbons-asked others to prove if he has abused Mills-
Jacobs[: T]his complaint has been talking of many days-George says Mills is good for nothing & wont help him-[W]e understand the Cook is exempted from hunting horses-
Mills-C. Harper is worth a dozen of Gibbons & Harper is head cook.
Pres[iden]t. Young[:] You are older than I am, but it was been generally your practice to blackguard some one-[U]ntil you refrain from that, you cannot expect any man to honor you-[I]f a man descends to blackguardism & joking, he must expect is from every man, but you must refrain from it-[R]efrain from your boys talk & nonsense-Andrew Gibbons was free from hunting horses-you had no business to call on him, you had no cause of complaint-I am talking for your good-[T]reat Andrew like a boy-throw away every feeling of animosity-& ask him to do it civilly-I say to Andrew, never treat any old man with disrespect-& you George, if you are going to use rifles & pistols & bowie knives-I ll put you back, in the first company of Gentiles-
Markham-I have gone in with George-& put Gibbons in my Wagon.
Mills[:] I leave it with Elder Kimball-
Pres[iden]t. Young-George, you go home, & think better of it, and yourself.
Pres[iden]t. Kimball[: M]y advice is, take the advice of Pres[iden]t. Young.
Pres[iden]t. Young[:] I will not see any man quarrelling.
Gibbons[:] I acknowledge having done wrong & hope you will forgive me.
Pres[iden]t. Young Kimball motioned that bro. Andrew be forgiven, [it was] seconded-and carried. Pres[iden]t. Young dismissed the first trial of court martial in Camp.
George Mills[:] I ask forgiveness from the brethren, whom I have offended-[forgiveness] granted-
[source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]
Lorenzo Young d[itt]o-they talked, even, they called each other damd fools-dam[ne]d each other. Gibbons said he would not bear it longer. I saw George falling, but whether [he was] knocked or pushed, I dont know-I stept between the two. Gibbons asked Roundy if he called him the names-[but] he could not say-
G. Billings saw Gibbons push Mills-Mills tried to get the neck yoke, but was held by Gibbons.-
Young-said Gibbons did use the words, but not so fast as Mills-[T]hey were both much enraged-
Jos. Hancock-Gibbons was washing the dishes. George commenced on him-[and] called him every thing-& said enough to aggravate any one.
Pres[iden]t. Young[: D]oes Mills & Gibbons go together[?]
Ans[wer].[: T]hey have.-Gibbons & Harper do cooking for ten.
Markham-Gibbons has always been on hand when wanted. I[ ]ve heard no fault against him-
C. Harper-Gibbons has always done what I ve asked him to, without murmuring.
O[rson]. Pratt says they were both to blame for getting in a passion, but the Old Gent[lema]n.
[was] most to blame.
E[zra]. T. Benson-George will insult his best friend any time-[they are] both to blame- but Gibbons ought to know better than [to] strike an old man.
Lor[enzo]. Young-Gibbons either pushed or struck him over the Grease weeds-
Mills-When I got up, Gibbons clenched me-[H]e s abused me all the way-[H]e did strike me on the Temple when I fell over the weeds. Harper & Jacobs have both coaxed me to bear with him to the end of the journey.
Gibbons-asked others to prove if he has abused Mills-
Jacobs[: T]his complaint has been talking of many days-George says Mills is good for nothing & wont help him-[W]e understand the Cook is exempted from hunting horses-
Mills-C. Harper is worth a dozen of Gibbons & Harper is head cook.
Pres[iden]t. Young[:] You are older than I am, but it was been generally your practice to blackguard some one-[U]ntil you refrain from that, you cannot expect any man to honor you-[I]f a man descends to blackguardism & joking, he must expect is from every man, but you must refrain from it-[R]efrain from your boys talk & nonsense-Andrew Gibbons was free from hunting horses-you had no business to call on him, you had no cause of complaint-I am talking for your good-[T]reat Andrew like a boy-throw away every feeling of animosity-& ask him to do it civilly-I say to Andrew, never treat any old man with disrespect-& you George, if you are going to use rifles & pistols & bowie knives-I ll put you back, in the first company of Gentiles-
Markham-I have gone in with George-& put Gibbons in my Wagon.
Mills[:] I leave it with Elder Kimball-
Pres[iden]t. Young-George, you go home, & think better of it, and yourself.
Pres[iden]t. Kimball[: M]y advice is, take the advice of Pres[iden]t. Young.
Pres[iden]t. Young[:] I will not see any man quarrelling.
Gibbons[:] I acknowledge having done wrong & hope you will forgive me.
Pres[iden]t. Young Kimball motioned that bro. Andrew be forgiven, [it was] seconded-and carried. Pres[iden]t. Young dismissed the first trial of court martial in Camp.
George Mills[:] I ask forgiveness from the brethren, whom I have offended-[forgiveness] granted-
[source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]
Mormon History, Jul 8, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday July 8th 1847. This morning before I notified the guard that they were suspended I went to see President Cutler for I suspected the truth of D. Russells report[.] It did not breath the proper spirit to me. and moreover seemed very impolitic. President Cutler said that he had sent him to me, but not to stop the Guard for he was not in favor of it and also that we were shamefully abused and mistreated & could not blame us if we did not serve any longer neither did he like such a way of doing business without the Council being in session & proposed to me to keep the guard in rediness untill Sunday and not have the horses disposed of and he would have the subject up at the next council and adjust then & so I notified the guard accordingly.
I was around town today & now relieved from the burthen of the Picket guard.
This was one of the hottest days I ever saw But in the evening the wind came from the North accompanied by torrents of rain which ran like rivulets down the streets. It bursted in to my house in torrents and filled it up in a few moments untill I had to throw the watter out by the bucket full untill we were all completely drenched. This I believe was the hardest rain this season.
To day Anna Jones my sister came here to live as her and her husband Ben Jones had parted for some of the dissatisfaction between them.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I was around town today & now relieved from the burthen of the Picket guard.
This was one of the hottest days I ever saw But in the evening the wind came from the North accompanied by torrents of rain which ran like rivulets down the streets. It bursted in to my house in torrents and filled it up in a few moments untill I had to throw the watter out by the bucket full untill we were all completely drenched. This I believe was the hardest rain this season.
To day Anna Jones my sister came here to live as her and her husband Ben Jones had parted for some of the dissatisfaction between them.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 8, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young called upon the brethren of the Twelve separately for their opinion, which was in substance was as follows: '" That they considered they were both to blame, of the two, Bro. George the most so. '" after which the President addressed himself to Bro. George & told him, that he was an old man, & should learn to respect himself, & he would be respected & quit all his boyish motions & not condescend to the manners of boys but set a good example before them. He then told Bro. Andrew that he was to blame for striking Bro. George & that it was his duty at all times to respect old age '" Both parties finally acknowledged themselves to be in the wrong, & asked the forgiveness of the brethren which was cheerfully granted '" The President then called upon the captains of 10's to know if they knew of anything to hinder our departure to morrow. They replied in the negative accordingly it was voted & carried that we start early to morrow morning. -- Utah-Wyoming Border [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, Jul 8, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8th + The Calculation was to spend the day at the fort. As soon as I got my breakfast I riged up my trout rod that I had brought with me from Liverpool, fixed my reel, line, & Artificial fly & went to one of the brooks close by Camp to try my luck catching trout. The man at the fort said there were but vary few trout in the streams, And a good many of the brethren were already at the creeks with their Rods & lines trying their skill baiting with fresh meat & grass hoppers, but no one seemed to ketch any. I went & flung my fly onto the [-] And it being the first time that I ever tried the Artificial fly in America, or ever saw it tried, I watched it as it floated upon the water with as much intens interest As Franklin did his kite when he tried to draw lightning from the skies. And as Franklin recieved great Joy when he saw electricity or lightning descend on his kite string in like manner was I highly gratifyed when I saw the nimble trout dart my fly hook himself & run away with the line but I soon worried him out & drew him to shore & I fished two or three hours including morning & evening & I cought twelve in all And About one half of them would weigh abought 3/4 of a pound each while All the rest of the camp did not ketch during the day 3 lbs of trout in all which was proof positive to me that the Artificial fly is far the best thing now known to fish trout with.
In the Afternoon I went to Bridgers House & traided off my flint lock rifle for four Buffalo robes. The robes were large & nice well taned or dressed. He Called the gun $20 & the robes $5 each. The Articles generally at Bridgers fort were at least one third or one half higher than at any other traiding post in America that I ever saw. His robes were $5 buck skin shirts $6 pants $6 dressed skins $3 &c while At fort hall Doe skins 50 ors Buck 75 Elk $1 shirts & Pants $1.50, Robes $2 &c.
Professor Pratt took observations At fort Brid-ger in Lat 41°19'13". Highth above the sea 6,665 feet.
[source: 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 I went to Bridgers House & traided off my flint lock rifle for four Buffalo robes. The robes were large & nice well taned or dressed. He Called the gun $20 & the robes $5 each. The Articles generally at Bridgers fort were at least one third or one half higher than at any other traiding post in America that I ever saw. His robes were $5 buck skin shirts $6 pants $6 dressed skins $3 &c while At fort hall Doe skins 50 ors Buck 75 Elk $1 shirts & Pants $1.50, Robes $2 &c.
Professor Pratt took observations At fort Brid-ger in Lat 41°19'13". Highth above the sea 6,665 feet.
[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, Jul 7, 1847. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ..."Bridger's Fort" is composed of two double Log houses about 40 feet long each and joined by a pen for horses about 10 feet high, constructed by placing poles upright in the ground, close together, which is all the appearance of a Fort in sight. There are several Indian Lodges close by and a full crop of young children playing around the door. These Indians are said to be of the Snake tribe, the Utahs inhabiting beyond the mountains. The latitude of Fort Bridger is 41 [degrees] 19' 13" and its height above the level of the sea according to Elder Pratts observations is 6,665 feet. It is doubtless a very cold region and little calculated for farming purposes. To the West is a pretty high mountain, which appears well covered with timber. The country all around looks bleak and cold.
[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, Jul 7, 1847 (Wednesday)
The Pioneers arrived at Fort Bridger.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jul 7, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday July 7th 1847. Went out to day with six men.
This evening Danl Russell came to me & said that he had consulted with several of the council & laid the same before President Cutler & they had decided that there was no need of the Picket Guard and that he was sent to notify me of the same and therefore we were suspended in our opperations. I was very sick this evening with the head ache.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
This evening Danl Russell came to me & said that he had consulted with several of the council & laid the same before President Cutler & they had decided that there was no need of the Picket Guard and that he was sent to notify me of the same and therefore we were suspended in our opperations. I was very sick this evening with the head ache.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 7, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7th We Crossed hams fork And drove to Fort Bridger & in the region of the fort before we got onto our Camping ground we Crossed more than a dozen trout Brooks. The water run swift but clear. Hard, cold gravelly bottoms. The brethren Cought several brook trout the first I had seen since I left England. The whole region of Country all up & down these streams were coverd with grass knee deep. 10 of battalion found A Hors thief at the fort who had assisted in Stealing 10 of their Horses. They had got all but two, & the man said they had gone to Oregon. We saw About A dozen traiders lodges about the fort. The fort was merly A small traiding post. One duilding not large. Distance of the day 17 3/4 miles.
[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, Jul 6, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday July 6th 1847. Went out on guard to day with 5 men. Elder Hyde sent us some beef today which he had had caused to be donated for the use of the guard, from the other side of the river.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 6, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6th A warm windy dusty day. Man & beast Harnesses & waggons were all coverd with dust. We Crossed black fork at 9 oclok, muddy fork at 10 & Camped on the west side of Hams fork at 5 oclok. We did not noon at all to day. Whole distance of the day 18 miles.
The sick in Camp are most universally getting better. The face of the country is the same to day as usual Barren, Sand & Sage, with occasionaly A sprinkling of flowers some vary beautiful. The Country during the last weeks drive has Appeared vary destitute of game. None to be seen except occasionally An Antilope. One was killed yesterday.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The sick in Camp are most universally getting better. The face of the country is the same to day as usual Barren, Sand & Sage, with occasionaly A sprinkling of flowers some vary beautiful. The Country during the last weeks drive has Appeared vary destitute of game. None to be seen except occasionally An Antilope. One was killed yesterday.
[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, Jul 5, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday July 5th 1847. Staid in. Sent out 7 men. Today the police drew their portion of good taken for Beech & Eddys tax.
The Picket guard met this evening to adjudicate on the case of Daniel Russells cattle 22 head which had been taken in the corn field and he rather than to pay the 100 [$1.00] pr head appealed to the council & they refered it to us to settle, so we left it to his own conscience & magnanimity to say what was just as he was one of the council and helped make the law. He decided to pay 10 bushels of corn & 10 of Buck wheat which we accepted.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
The Picket guard met this evening to adjudicate on the case of Daniel Russells cattle 22 head which had been taken in the corn field and he rather than to pay the 100 [$1.00] pr head appealed to the council & they refered it to us to settle, so we left it to his own conscience & magnanimity to say what was just as he was one of the council and helped make the law. He decided to pay 10 bushels of corn & 10 of Buck wheat which we accepted.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 5, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 5th We left the green river (which are the head waters of the Coloradoe,) & drover 20 miles & camped on blacks fork. There is neither feed or water since we left the green river to this place but is similar to the last 200 miles. A sandy desert coverd with sage, but we find good grass on the Streams. Most of the day was vary Hot & dusty yet towards night we saw A hard shower of rain. Some wind towards the mountains. A few drops reached us in this country. It rains about the mountains but not much in the valleys & plains. Distance of the day 20 miles.
[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, Jul 4, 1847. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...Some of the brethren assembled for meeting in the circle. At half after 2 P. M. the brethren returned from the ferry accompanied by 12 of the Pueblo brethren from the army. They have got their discharge and by riding hard over-taken us. They feel well and on arriving in camp gave three cheers after which President Young moved that we give glory to God which was done by hosannas. William Walker was with them . . .
[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, Jul 4, 1847 (Sunday)
Thirteen men of Capt. Brown's detachment of the Mormon Battalion, overtook the Pioneers on Green river.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jul 4, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday July 4th 1847. Staid in today & sent out five men on guard. Went to meeting at the stand. W. W. Major preached[.] It rained in the after noon.
Went to Council in the evening. The case of the Marshall against John Richards, for refusing to deliver up a pair of Public pistols upon Genl Richs order was had and he being very contrary was very near being cut off the church before he complied.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Went to Council in the evening. The case of the Marshall against John Richards, for refusing to deliver up a pair of Public pistols upon Genl Richs order was had and he being very contrary was very near being cut off the church before he complied.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 4, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young spoke a few words, the camp gave three cheers for their return, when he proposed glory to God for their safe return, all crying out '"Hosanna, Hosanna, Hosanna, Give glory to God and the Lamb, Amen. -- South Pass, Wyoming [Pioneer Camp of the Saints, Journals of Thomas Bullock. Will Bagley, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 2007. 218]
[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, Jul 3, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Saturday July 3rd 1847. Went out with 5 men. In the evening had a police meeting to consult how to divid the goods taken for the tax on Beech and Eddys store amounting to some 46 dollars. It was decided to divide by per cent as was our custom[.] It amounted to 12 cents on the dollar of our dues.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 3, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] This evening the brethren of the camp were called together at President Young's wagon to receive instructions pertaining to our future movements '" President Young then stated that it was necessary that some individuals should go back to meet the next company of brethren in order to pilot & assist them on the road & that it would be advisable to select them for that purpose that had families who would need their help, in preference to single men who had no such demands upon them. He said he was willing that 6 or even 8 or 10 individuals should go, as they deemed proper '" At length the following men were chosen or volunteered their services, viz.: Phineas H. Young, Aaron Farr, George Woodward, Eric Glines & Rodney Badger. '" President Young proffered them the use of the wagon which has formerly drawn the '"Revenue Cutter'". '" They are also to take 3 horses with them, 1 for riding the other 2 to draw the wagon. He then stated his wish that there should be a meeting held to-morrow commencing at 9 A.M., & this to be under the supervision of the Bishops, as himself with some of the brethren of the Twelve, intended to accompany the 5 men as far as the river to see them safely across & also to draw ashore the rafts we have left behind '" That he wished every man in the camp punctually to attend meeting at the time appointed, except those who were stationed on guard, & that there should be no fishing, hunting, &tc. on the Sabbath Day. He further said that when we arrived at Ft. Bridger, there would probably be some trading done, & that there would be men chosen for that purpose, but that if a man wished to make a trade for himself, let him do it & step aside & not stand in the way of others who also wished a chance '" that he himself had been hindered from trading by the latter circumstances, & that if they would let him trade at the Fort first, both the men & boys would get better bargains, '"for,'" said he, '"if there is any burthen [burden] to be born, I would rather bear it. I consider myself better able to bear it than any other man in the church & would rather by throwing out $10 as a bait lose it at once, than that any of you should lose twenty-five cents '" these are my feelings, & God knows it & so does every man who knows my heart.'" -- South Pass, 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, Jul 3, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] In the evening the brethren were called together and addressed by president Young in relation to trading at Fort Bridger, advising them not to be over anxious and throw their property away and above all not to interfere with others trades, but be wise and prudent. -- South Pass, Wyoming [Heber C. Kimball Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.]
[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, Jul 3, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 3d A light sprinkle of rain, cool, Cloudy & High winds, so they could not finish ferrying. The pilots Are preparing to start back to meet the companies. I wrote A letter by them to Aphek Woodruff A O. Smoot And John Benbow. The wind laid & we finished ferrying in the evening & the whole camp moved 3 miles & camped. A guide board was put up A mile from the ferry saying 340 mile from Fort Laramie.
Sunday Independance July 4th 1847. A meeting was held last evening & the 4 men were Appointed as pilots to go back & meet the company Were called upon to start this morning to go on their journey. I accompanied Presidents Young Kimball Richards & others to the ferry to put them across the river & when we arived at the river we saw 13 Horsman on the opposite bank with there baggage on one of our rafts. But to our great joy who should they be but our Brethren belonging to the Mormon Battalion who volunteered into the service of the U.S.A. one year ago this month & belonged to Capt Browns Detachment who had been at Pueblo through the winter. Br A Lyman who we sent unto them had reached them & informed them whare we are & the whole detachment of 140 of the brethren were within 7 days drive of us.
We drew up the raft & crossed them all over but one who returned with our pilots to meet the company. When we met it was truly A Harty greeting & shaking of hands. They accompanied us into camp and all were glad to meet. This small detachment had come on to meet some Hors thieves who had Stolen about a dozen horses from them. They had overtaken them & got all but one. He had gone on to Bridgers fort & they calculated to follow him & get their Horse. They spent the night in camp with us. Among the number of those who died was Mervin Blanchard who drove teams for me last summer.
But I must stop writing. The Musketoes have filled my carriage like A Cloud And have fallen upon me as though they intend to devour me. I never saw that insect more troublesome than in certain places in this Country. Several traiders passed by our camp just at night.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Sunday Independance July 4th 1847. A meeting was held last evening & the 4 men were Appointed as pilots to go back & meet the company Were called upon to start this morning to go on their journey. I accompanied Presidents Young Kimball Richards & others to the ferry to put them across the river & when we arived at the river we saw 13 Horsman on the opposite bank with there baggage on one of our rafts. But to our great joy who should they be but our Brethren belonging to the Mormon Battalion who volunteered into the service of the U.S.A. one year ago this month & belonged to Capt Browns Detachment who had been at Pueblo through the winter. Br A Lyman who we sent unto them had reached them & informed them whare we are & the whole detachment of 140 of the brethren were within 7 days drive of us.
We drew up the raft & crossed them all over but one who returned with our pilots to meet the company. When we met it was truly A Harty greeting & shaking of hands. They accompanied us into camp and all were glad to meet. This small detachment had come on to meet some Hors thieves who had Stolen about a dozen horses from them. They had overtaken them & got all but one. He had gone on to Bridgers fort & they calculated to follow him & get their Horse. They spent the night in camp with us. Among the number of those who died was Mervin Blanchard who drove teams for me last summer.
But I must stop writing. The Musketoes have filled my carriage like A Cloud And have fallen upon me as though they intend to devour me. I never saw that insect more troublesome than in certain places in this Country. Several traiders passed by our camp just at night.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Jul 2, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Friday July 2nd 1847. Today 22 head of Daniel Russell cattle were brot in off of the corn[.] Went out with 4 men and came in at 2 oclock and went out again
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 2, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2d Two rafts have been runing through the day & most of the waggons have been brought over. We swam our Horses & cattle over this morning though with some difficulty. We held A council in the Afternoon with the Twelve & 4 men was Appointed to return & meet the camp & pilote them up. Br Brannan was with the council. We each one wrote our views Concerning the council to be given to the Camp.
It is an exeeding hot day, And both man & beast are much annoyed with musketoes. Several salmon trout were Caught at the mouth of a slue on green river near the ferry one weighing 7 1/4 lbs.
Several of the brethren gatherd A quantity of Salaratus from the Salaratus bedes about 3 miles east of the indipendance rock near the road & thought it answered as good A purpose As the manufactured article for raising bread & family purposes.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
It is an exeeding hot day, And both man & beast are much annoyed with musketoes. Several salmon trout were Caught at the mouth of a slue on green river near the ferry one weighing 7 1/4 lbs.
Several of the brethren gatherd A quantity of Salaratus from the Salaratus bedes about 3 miles east of the indipendance rock near the road & thought it answered as good A purpose As the manufactured article for raising bread & family purposes.
[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, Jul 1, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday July 1st 1847. Went out at sun rise into the corn field after some horses and catle which had been turned into the field by their owners & brought in several[.] Went on guard with 5 men today.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jul 1, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 1st We tried this morning to swim our cattle over the river but had great difficulty in it. About 15 persons have been taken sick within A few days with fever Ague &c which is said to be Common to emegrants coming from the snowy mountains to the plains or valleys whare it is Hot wether. Br Fowler is better to day. Some others of the sick are better some are worse. Each division made A good raft yesterday. Are lanched this morning.
Brother Brannon Brought A file of his papers that He is publishing with him to camp & A letter to Br Fowler from his wife. He also informed us that Captain Sutter was vary friendly & wished us to come & Settel near him. He informed us that He saw more timber on green River whare we now are than He had seen on His route since He left Calafornia. He came through A part of Oregon. We are now in Calafornia.
We got over 10 waggons to day among others my own. So we camped over night on the South bank of the green river.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brother Brannon Brought A file of his papers that He is publishing with him to camp & A letter to Br Fowler from his wife. He also informed us that Captain Sutter was vary friendly & wished us to come & Settel near him. He informed us that He saw more timber on green River whare we now are than He had seen on His route since He left Calafornia. He came through A part of Oregon. We are now in Calafornia.
We got over 10 waggons to day among others my own. So we camped over night on the South bank of the green river.
[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, June 1847
[Jim Bridger] In Bridger had his first encounter with the Mormon pioneers near the mouth of the Little Sandy River. At this gathering, Bridger and Brigham Young discussed the merits of settling in the Salt Lake Valley. Also during this meeting Bridger drew his map on the ground for Young depicting the region with great accuracy and conveyed to the Mormon leader his misgivings regarding the agricultural productivity of the Salt Lake area. This first meeting between the Mormons and Bridger appears to have been pleasant, yet this relationship was to become a bittersweet one for Bridger. June 1847
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Jim Bridger, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/b/BRIDGER%2CJAMES.html]
[source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Jim Bridger, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/b/BRIDGER%2CJAMES.html]
Mormon History, June 1847
William Smith: In letters 2June and 22 apologized to LDS apostles and petitioned for reinstatement, but was ignored June 1847
[source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers 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 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
Mormon History, June 1847
Orson Hyde: Threatened a Mormon in Iowa who responded by letter 16 asking for "a fair hearing" before "Danites" killed him (William A. "Bill" Hickman, who had no Danite experience, later claimed that Orson Hyde ordered him to kill apostates in Iowa and Utah) June 1847
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
Mormon History, June 1847
John C Bennett: Removed from office 7 June 1847
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
Mormon History, Jun 1847
[Black History] William L. Appelby (in charge of eastern states church activity) questions the right of Walker Lewis to hold the Priesthood in a letter to Brigham Young (dated 2 ) and inquires whether it is acceptable. The letter arrives at Winter Quarters after Young-s departure, so it is not replied to by Young. Jun 1847
[Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]
[source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]
[Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]
[source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood, http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/node/62]
Mormon History, 1847 (April)
[Wives of John Taylor] Sophia Whitaker (b.1825, Blakedown, 7th child) Family were Mormon converts possibly whilst living in Liverpool as eldest sister Mary Ann married Richard Harrison - children decided to emigrate when father remarried - other unmarried sister married Joseph Cain just before leaving Liverpool in 1847 [Recognized by LDS Church]
[source: Isle of Man, 'John Taylor' http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/mormon/jtaylor.htm]
[source: Isle of Man, 'John Taylor' http://www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/mormon/jtaylor.htm]
Mormon History, Jun 30, 1847. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] ...At half past 11 we arrived on the banks of Green River, having traveled 8 miles, and formed our encampment in a line under the shade of the Cotton wood timber. This river is about 16 to 18 rods wide and altogether too deep to be forded. Its banks are well lined with Cotton wood but none large enough to make a canoe. There are also many patches of wild apple trees and rose bushes abound bearing pretty roses. This river is 338-1/2 miles from Fort John or Laramie. There is a narrow strip of land which might answer for farming on each bank of the river. The grass grows good and plentiful but still not so much as has been represented. After dinner the brethren commenced making two rafts one for each division and a while afterwards Elder Samuel Brannan arrived, having come from the Pacific to meet us, obtain council &c. He is accompanied by "Smith" of the firm of Jackson, Heaton & Bonney, bogus makers of Nauvoo. There is another young man in company with them. They have come by way of Fort Hall and brought several files of the California Star with them. They had 11 deaths on board their ship during their voyage over, the others I understand are doing well, raising grain &c. Towards evening a storm blew up from the west and although we had no rain we had tremendous wind. The first division finished their raft before dark. There is a slough a little down the river where some of the brethren have caught some very nice fish, but the musquitoes are so very troublesome it is difficult abiding out of doors . . .
[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 30, 1847 (Wednesday)
Samuel Brannan, on his way from California, met the Pioneers at Green river, with news from the Saints who went out in the ship Brooklyn the year previous.
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 30, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday June 30th 1847. Staid in today. Sent out 4 men. Sent 3 men viz W. Chapman[.] O. M. Allen & L. H. Calkins to Belvue for some horses which had been stolen from our people by the Omahas & had been recovered & brought back by Logan Fontanell their interpreter. They came back in the evening with seven horses.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 30, 1847
Samuel Brannan meets Brigham Young and the first pioneer company at the Green River in present-day Wyoming and updates the Church leaders about the Saints who traveled to California on the ship Brooklyn the previous year. In an unsuccessful effort to convince Brigham and the others to locate Church headquarters in California, Brannan extols the virtues of the West Coast and relates all that the Saints living there had accomplished.
[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 30, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30th Br Fowler was some better this morning. Seemed to be threatened with the Ague. Kept his bed & rode in the waggon. We travled 8 miles & camped upon the bank of the green river at the ferry & the Afternoon was spent in building A Raft. As the river was high it could not be Crossed ownly upon rafts or boats. It was 275 1/2 miles from the fort Laramie to the South pass of the rocky mountains.
During the afternoon the Arival of Elder Samuel S Brannan at the bay of San Francisco was Anounced in camp. We were truly glad to meet with him that we might hear from him & the Saints who were with him. He gave us an account of there landing their travels & the present settlement which was 200 miles up the river from the [bay?]. They were putting in wheat & preparing for us. He had Come all the way with ownly two men to meet with us. The Saints were settelled with & the Mormon Battalion was 400 miles from him. He said Br Pratt was doing well. The inhabitants of one whole Island numbering 3,000 Had imbraced the faith. He told us many interesting things & we were truly glad to see him. Distance of the day 8 m.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
During the afternoon the Arival of Elder Samuel S Brannan at the bay of San Francisco was Anounced in camp. We were truly glad to meet with him that we might hear from him & the Saints who were with him. He gave us an account of there landing their travels & the present settlement which was 200 miles up the river from the [bay?]. They were putting in wheat & preparing for us. He had Come all the way with ownly two men to meet with us. The Saints were settelled with & the Mormon Battalion was 400 miles from him. He said Br Pratt was doing well. The inhabitants of one whole Island numbering 3,000 Had imbraced the faith. He told us many interesting things & we were truly glad to see him. Distance of the day 8 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 29, 1847 (Tuesday)
Henry W. Bigler and others of the Mormon Battalion, stationed at San Diego, cleared the first yard for moulding brick in California.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
Mormon History, Jun 29, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday June 29th 1847. Went on guard with six men[.] Very hot day.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Jun 29, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29th We parted this morning with Mr Bridger who remarked that it would not be prudent to bring A great population into the bason untill we ascertained whether grain would grow or not.
We travled on to big Sandy 8 miles & nooned. It was A vary Hot day. These streams are now up but during Summer they become entirely dry. We nooned two hours & then drove onto the bank of the big Sandy 15 3/4/ miles & camped for the night. This camp ground is the last time we meet with Big Sandy 8 miles east of the ferry on green River. The road to day, As has been the case through A great portion of this Country has been over A Hot Sandy desert with scearsly any green thing except the various species of the wild sage from 6 inches to 8 feet high with stocks from 1/4 of an inch to 4 inches in diameter. We have to use it for firewood & it makes quit a good Substitute.
O. P. Rockwell & myself went forward to pick out a camp ground. We was Ahead about 6 miles of the Camp when we found one which was the first place we Could get grass for 15 miles from whare we nooned. It made the longest days journey we had made on the whole route.
I returned to meet the camp about 4 miles & was informed that Br Fowler was vary sick & in my carriage I went back & met him & found him in great distress in his head, back, & bones through out. He Complained bitterly of the jar of the waggon, And finally was out of his head & became wild. I did not get into camp untill near 9 oclok. I then Commenced doctoring him with composition, tea, pills &c & He soon began to get better & had a comfortable nights rest. Distance of the day 23 3/4.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We travled on to big Sandy 8 miles & nooned. It was A vary Hot day. These streams are now up but during Summer they become entirely dry. We nooned two hours & then drove onto the bank of the big Sandy 15 3/4/ miles & camped for the night. This camp ground is the last time we meet with Big Sandy 8 miles east of the ferry on green River. The road to day, As has been the case through A great portion of this Country has been over A Hot Sandy desert with scearsly any green thing except the various species of the wild sage from 6 inches to 8 feet high with stocks from 1/4 of an inch to 4 inches in diameter. We have to use it for firewood & it makes quit a good Substitute.
O. P. Rockwell & myself went forward to pick out a camp ground. We was Ahead about 6 miles of the Camp when we found one which was the first place we Could get grass for 15 miles from whare we nooned. It made the longest days journey we had made on the whole route.
I returned to meet the camp about 4 miles & was informed that Br Fowler was vary sick & in my carriage I went back & met him & found him in great distress in his head, back, & bones through out. He Complained bitterly of the jar of the waggon, And finally was out of his head & became wild. I did not get into camp untill near 9 oclok. I then Commenced doctoring him with composition, tea, pills &c & He soon began to get better & had a comfortable nights rest. Distance of the day 23 3/4.
[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 28, 1847. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] Morning fine but cool. Many of the brethren are trading with Mr. Harris for pants, Jackets, shirts &c. made of Buckskins and also the skins themselves. He sells them high. The skins at 1.50 and 2 dollars, a pair of Pants 3 dollars &c. He will take rifles, powder, lead, caps or calico and domestic shirts in exchange but puts his own price on both sides and it is difficult to obtain even a fair trade.
At half past 7 we proceeded on our journey. Mr. Harris waiting for the other companies. After traveling 6 miles the road forks, one continuing a west course, the other taking a southwest course. We took the left hand road, which leads to California...after travelling a little over a mile we were met by Elder G. A. Smith who introduced us to Mr. [Jim] Bridger of "Bridgers Fort" on his way to Fort John in company with two of his men. Mr. Bridger being informed that we had designed to call at his place to make some inquiries about the country &c. he said if we would turn off the road here and camp he would stay with us till morning. A camping place being selected we turned off from the road about a quarter of a mile and formed our encampment near the "Sandy" at 6 o'clock, having traveled this afternoon 1 3/4 miles, exclusive of allowance for leaving the road and during the day 15 1/4 miles. We have pretty good feed here enough to fill the teams well.
A while after we camped the Twelve and several others went to Mr. Bridger to make some enquiries, concerning our future route, the country &c. It was impossible to form a correct idea of either, from the very imperfect and irregular way he gave his descriptions, but the general items are in substance as follows:
"We will find better grass as we proceed further on. His business is to Fort Laramie. His traders have gone their with robes, skins &c. to fill a contract, but having started later than they intended the men at Laramie have taken advantage of the delay, and he is going to see to the business himself. There is no blacksmith's shop at his Fort at present; there was one but it was destroyed. There have been near a hundred wagons gone on the Hastings route through Webers Fork. They crossed the Black Fork and go a little South of West from his place and pass under the mountains which cross Green river. The Green river runs over an extent of country of 400 miles. It is impossible for wagons to follow down Green river, neither can it be followed with Boats. Some have gone down with Canoes, but had great difficulty getting back, on account of rapid current and rough channel. Can't pass the mountains close to the river even with horses. For some distance beyond this chain of mountains the country is level, and beyond that it is hard black rock, which looks as if it was glazed when the sun shines on it, and so hard and sharp it will cut a horses feet to pieces. When we get below the mountain the Green River falls into a level country for some distance, after which it winds through a moutainous country, perfectly barren to the Gulf of California.
From Bridger's fort to the Salt Lake, Hastings said was about one hundred miles. He has been through 50 times but can form no correct idea of the distance. Mr. Hastings route leaves the Oregon route at his place. We can pass the mountains further south, but in some places we would meet with heavy bodies of timber and would have to cut our way through. In the Bear River Valley there is Oak timber, sugar trees, Cotton wood and pine. There is not an abundance of sugar maple but plenty of splendid pine as he ever saw. There is no timber on the Utah Lake only on the streams which empty into it. In the Outlet of the Utah Lake into the Salt Lake there are three streams empties which are well timbered. In the vallies South East of the Salt Lake there is an abundance of Blue grass and red and white Clover. The Outlet of the Utah Lake does not form a large river, neither a rapid current, but the water is muddy and low banks.
Some of his men have been round the Salt Lake in Canoes. They went out hunting and had their horses stole by the Indians. They then went round the Lake in Canoes hunting Beaver and were three months going round it. They said it was 550 miles round it. The Utah tribe of Indians inhabit around the Utah Lake and are a bad people if they catch a man alone they are sure to rob and abuse him, if they don't kill him, but parties of men are in no danger. They are mostly armed with guns.
There was a man opened a farm in the Bear River valley. The Soil is good and likely to produce corn were it not for the excessive cold nights, which he thinks would prevent the growth of Corn. There is a good Country South of the Utah Lake or South East of the great Basin. There are three large Rivers which enter into the Sevier Lake unknown to travellers. There is also a splendid range of country on the North side of the California mountains, calculated to produce every kind of grain and fruit, and there are several places where a man might pass from it over the mountains to the California settlements in one day. There is a vast abundance of timber and plenty of Coal. There is also plenty of coal in this region near the mountains. North of the California mountains there is Walnut, Oak, Ash, Hickory, and various kinds of good timber on and in the neighborhood of the mountains and streams South East of the great Basin. There can be a wagon road made through to it and no lack of water. The great desert extends from the Salt Lake to the Gulf of California which is perfectly barren. He supposes it to have been an arm of the sea. The three rivers before mentioned are South West of the desert. There is a tribe of Indians in that country who are unknown to either travellers or geographers. They make farms and raise abundance of grain of various kinds. He can buy any quantity of the very best of wheat there. This country lies South East of the Salt Lake. There is one mountain in that region and the country adjoining it, which he considers if ever there was a promised land that must be it. There is a kind of Cedar grows on it which bears fruit something like Juniper berries, of a yellow color about the size of an ordinary plum. The Indians grind the fruit and it makes the best kind of meal. He could easily gather a hundred bushels off from one tree. He has lived on them and used to pick his hat full in a very short time. There are a great many little streams head in this mountain and many good springs. It is about 20 days travel with horses from the Salt Lake, but the country to it is bad to get through and over a great part of it, nothing for animals to subsist on. He supposes there might be access to it from Texas.
On one of the Rivers there is a splendid Copper mine, a whole mountain of it. It also abounds with gold and silver and has a good quick silver mine. There is Iron, coal &c. The land is good and the Soil rich. All the vallies abound with bitter Simons and grapes which will make the best kind of wines.
He never saw any grapes on the Utah Lake, but there are plenty of cherries and berries of several kinds. He thinks the Utah Lake is the best country in the vicinity of the Salt Lake, and the country is still better the further South we go untill we meet the desert which is upwards of 200 miles South from the Utah Lake. There is plenty of timber on all the streams and mountains, and abundance of fish in the streams. There is timber all around the Utah Lake and plenty of good grass, not much of the wild sage only in small patches. Wild Flax grows in most of the vallies and they are the richest land. He passed through that country a year ago last summer, in the month of July, and they generally had one or two showers every day, sometimes a very heavy thunder shower, but not accompanied by strong wind.
By following under the mountain south of the Utah Lake we find another River which enters into another Lake about 50 miles South of the Utah Lake.
We shall find plenty of water from here to Bridger's Fort except after we cross Green River and travel 5 miles beyond it, we shall have to travel 18 or 20 miles without water but there is plenty of grass.
After crossing Green River we follow down it 4 or 5 miles to the old Station then cross over to a stream which heads in the mountains west. The station is more than half way from here to his place. We shall have no stream to ferry between here and the Fort except Green River.
The Indians South of the Utah Lake and this side the desert raise corn, wheat and other kinds of grain and produce in abundance. The Utahs abound more on the west of the mountains near the Salt Lake than on the East side ten to one, but we have no need to fear them for we can drive the whole of them in 24 hours, but he would not kill them, he would make slaves of them. The Indians south of the Utah Lake raise as good corn, wheat, and pumpkins as was ever raised in old Kentucky.
He knows of a lead mine between the mountains and Laramie, on a timbered creek near the Horse Shoe Creek. He has found lead there and thinks there is considerable silver in it. It can be found in a cave on the side of mountain not far from the road."
Such was the information we obtained from Mr. Bridger, but we shall know more about things and have a better understanding when we have seen the country ourselves. Supper had been provided for Mr. Bridger and his men and the latter having eat the council dismissed, Mr. B[ridger] going with President Young to supper, the remainder retiring to their wagons conversing over the subject touched upon. The evening was very fine and musquitoes numerous . . .
[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
At half past 7 we proceeded on our journey. Mr. Harris waiting for the other companies. After traveling 6 miles the road forks, one continuing a west course, the other taking a southwest course. We took the left hand road, which leads to California...after travelling a little over a mile we were met by Elder G. A. Smith who introduced us to Mr. [Jim] Bridger of "Bridgers Fort" on his way to Fort John in company with two of his men. Mr. Bridger being informed that we had designed to call at his place to make some inquiries about the country &c. he said if we would turn off the road here and camp he would stay with us till morning. A camping place being selected we turned off from the road about a quarter of a mile and formed our encampment near the "Sandy" at 6 o'clock, having traveled this afternoon 1 3/4 miles, exclusive of allowance for leaving the road and during the day 15 1/4 miles. We have pretty good feed here enough to fill the teams well.
A while after we camped the Twelve and several others went to Mr. Bridger to make some enquiries, concerning our future route, the country &c. It was impossible to form a correct idea of either, from the very imperfect and irregular way he gave his descriptions, but the general items are in substance as follows:
"We will find better grass as we proceed further on. His business is to Fort Laramie. His traders have gone their with robes, skins &c. to fill a contract, but having started later than they intended the men at Laramie have taken advantage of the delay, and he is going to see to the business himself. There is no blacksmith's shop at his Fort at present; there was one but it was destroyed. There have been near a hundred wagons gone on the Hastings route through Webers Fork. They crossed the Black Fork and go a little South of West from his place and pass under the mountains which cross Green river. The Green river runs over an extent of country of 400 miles. It is impossible for wagons to follow down Green river, neither can it be followed with Boats. Some have gone down with Canoes, but had great difficulty getting back, on account of rapid current and rough channel. Can't pass the mountains close to the river even with horses. For some distance beyond this chain of mountains the country is level, and beyond that it is hard black rock, which looks as if it was glazed when the sun shines on it, and so hard and sharp it will cut a horses feet to pieces. When we get below the mountain the Green River falls into a level country for some distance, after which it winds through a moutainous country, perfectly barren to the Gulf of California.
From Bridger's fort to the Salt Lake, Hastings said was about one hundred miles. He has been through 50 times but can form no correct idea of the distance. Mr. Hastings route leaves the Oregon route at his place. We can pass the mountains further south, but in some places we would meet with heavy bodies of timber and would have to cut our way through. In the Bear River Valley there is Oak timber, sugar trees, Cotton wood and pine. There is not an abundance of sugar maple but plenty of splendid pine as he ever saw. There is no timber on the Utah Lake only on the streams which empty into it. In the Outlet of the Utah Lake into the Salt Lake there are three streams empties which are well timbered. In the vallies South East of the Salt Lake there is an abundance of Blue grass and red and white Clover. The Outlet of the Utah Lake does not form a large river, neither a rapid current, but the water is muddy and low banks.
Some of his men have been round the Salt Lake in Canoes. They went out hunting and had their horses stole by the Indians. They then went round the Lake in Canoes hunting Beaver and were three months going round it. They said it was 550 miles round it. The Utah tribe of Indians inhabit around the Utah Lake and are a bad people if they catch a man alone they are sure to rob and abuse him, if they don't kill him, but parties of men are in no danger. They are mostly armed with guns.
There was a man opened a farm in the Bear River valley. The Soil is good and likely to produce corn were it not for the excessive cold nights, which he thinks would prevent the growth of Corn. There is a good Country South of the Utah Lake or South East of the great Basin. There are three large Rivers which enter into the Sevier Lake unknown to travellers. There is also a splendid range of country on the North side of the California mountains, calculated to produce every kind of grain and fruit, and there are several places where a man might pass from it over the mountains to the California settlements in one day. There is a vast abundance of timber and plenty of Coal. There is also plenty of coal in this region near the mountains. North of the California mountains there is Walnut, Oak, Ash, Hickory, and various kinds of good timber on and in the neighborhood of the mountains and streams South East of the great Basin. There can be a wagon road made through to it and no lack of water. The great desert extends from the Salt Lake to the Gulf of California which is perfectly barren. He supposes it to have been an arm of the sea. The three rivers before mentioned are South West of the desert. There is a tribe of Indians in that country who are unknown to either travellers or geographers. They make farms and raise abundance of grain of various kinds. He can buy any quantity of the very best of wheat there. This country lies South East of the Salt Lake. There is one mountain in that region and the country adjoining it, which he considers if ever there was a promised land that must be it. There is a kind of Cedar grows on it which bears fruit something like Juniper berries, of a yellow color about the size of an ordinary plum. The Indians grind the fruit and it makes the best kind of meal. He could easily gather a hundred bushels off from one tree. He has lived on them and used to pick his hat full in a very short time. There are a great many little streams head in this mountain and many good springs. It is about 20 days travel with horses from the Salt Lake, but the country to it is bad to get through and over a great part of it, nothing for animals to subsist on. He supposes there might be access to it from Texas.
On one of the Rivers there is a splendid Copper mine, a whole mountain of it. It also abounds with gold and silver and has a good quick silver mine. There is Iron, coal &c. The land is good and the Soil rich. All the vallies abound with bitter Simons and grapes which will make the best kind of wines.
He never saw any grapes on the Utah Lake, but there are plenty of cherries and berries of several kinds. He thinks the Utah Lake is the best country in the vicinity of the Salt Lake, and the country is still better the further South we go untill we meet the desert which is upwards of 200 miles South from the Utah Lake. There is plenty of timber on all the streams and mountains, and abundance of fish in the streams. There is timber all around the Utah Lake and plenty of good grass, not much of the wild sage only in small patches. Wild Flax grows in most of the vallies and they are the richest land. He passed through that country a year ago last summer, in the month of July, and they generally had one or two showers every day, sometimes a very heavy thunder shower, but not accompanied by strong wind.
By following under the mountain south of the Utah Lake we find another River which enters into another Lake about 50 miles South of the Utah Lake.
We shall find plenty of water from here to Bridger's Fort except after we cross Green River and travel 5 miles beyond it, we shall have to travel 18 or 20 miles without water but there is plenty of grass.
After crossing Green River we follow down it 4 or 5 miles to the old Station then cross over to a stream which heads in the mountains west. The station is more than half way from here to his place. We shall have no stream to ferry between here and the Fort except Green River.
The Indians South of the Utah Lake and this side the desert raise corn, wheat and other kinds of grain and produce in abundance. The Utahs abound more on the west of the mountains near the Salt Lake than on the East side ten to one, but we have no need to fear them for we can drive the whole of them in 24 hours, but he would not kill them, he would make slaves of them. The Indians south of the Utah Lake raise as good corn, wheat, and pumpkins as was ever raised in old Kentucky.
He knows of a lead mine between the mountains and Laramie, on a timbered creek near the Horse Shoe Creek. He has found lead there and thinks there is considerable silver in it. It can be found in a cave on the side of mountain not far from the road."
Such was the information we obtained from Mr. Bridger, but we shall know more about things and have a better understanding when we have seen the country ourselves. Supper had been provided for Mr. Bridger and his men and the latter having eat the council dismissed, Mr. B[ridger] going with President Young to supper, the remainder retiring to their wagons conversing over the subject touched upon. The evening was very fine and musquitoes numerous . . .
[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
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