[Brigham Young Sermon] The people were called together soon after our arrival to hear some instruction from President Young '" He told them he did not want any of them to take any thing away from here, except what they brought with them, not a farthings worth, excepting fuel & feed for their horses & cattle. '" He then spoke about a guard being appointed tonight '" he said there should, at the best calculation, be 20 men at a time (making 40 in both watches '" he also warned the brethren about putting all their horses and cattle into [the] yards, when they could be better guarded than to be scattered indiscriminately, one in one place and another in another '" He further said that if we had an attack from Indians, it would be from the Sioux, not the Pawnee for the latter knew that the former were in the country and were watching them '" that the Sioux when they came to make an attack, always came down a little ravine that lies north-east of us '" he moreover told them it was necessary that the cannon should be got out, and that they should practice the gunnery or cannon loading business a little, (that is, without firing), which those appointed to that business, did, for some time this evening. The farmer's buildings where they lived are across the creek about 1/4 a mile, '" there the Sioux also burned a number of buildings including a blacksmith shop '" our wagon is nearly opposite the Missionaries building '" near this place we shall probably ford the '"Loup Fork'", and some of the brethren are going in the morning in search of a suitable fording place '" It has been quite warm and sultry the latter part of the day. -- Beaver Creek, Nebraska [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)]
Mormon History, Apr 22, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 22 We crossed the looking glass 15 minutes to 9 & then continued a westerly course. There were A good many auter on the looking glass. We arived at Beaver Creek at 12 oclok. There are some Beaver on this creek about one mile above its mouth.
Professor Pratt took the meridian observation of the sun by the sextant for the Lat which was found to be 41°25'15". Also found the magnatic needle to vary about 12 degrees east, And found the Barometer at half past 12 = 28.711, the attached Thermometer standing at 68° And the detached thermometer at 67° & Also took an observtion of the sun for the true time in the morning. It is 10 miles between the two creeks which we travled this forenoon.
We Crossed Beaver Creek at half past 2 oclok. The road runs about south west. The water was about to the deds of our waggons. It was a rough steep bank to come out of. About 12 men hitched a hook & roap to the tongue of each waggon & puled them up. Beaver Creek is lined with scattering timber cotton wood & willows.
We travled 7 miles & came to the Pawnee Mish-ionary station & camped for the night. The Bluff was skirted with some Oaks on the North side of the road in the Hills. We kept a guard through the night as we were in danger of the Sioux on one side, and the Pawnees on the other.
President Young addressed the Camp & told them when they left in the morning not to take away any thing ownly what they brought with them unless it was sold them by Brother Case who had had charge of the Station for a long time & the goverment was owing him a good deal & if He felt disposed to sell any thing that He had in his possession & report to Goverment He could do so.
During the evening Professer Pratt made some observation. At 15 m past 7 oclok the Barometer stood at 28.7 inches attached Thermometer 64° detached Thermometer 60°· North wind & fair. Also at 8 oclok 52 m found the double altitude of the pole star to be 80°25'15" from which the lattitude was deduced [viz?] [ ]. O. Pratt Also took the angular distance of sun & moon for the Longitude at Beaver Creek ford also the altitude of the moon for the true time.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Professor Pratt took the meridian observation of the sun by the sextant for the Lat which was found to be 41°25'15". Also found the magnatic needle to vary about 12 degrees east, And found the Barometer at half past 12 = 28.711, the attached Thermometer standing at 68° And the detached thermometer at 67° & Also took an observtion of the sun for the true time in the morning. It is 10 miles between the two creeks which we travled this forenoon.
We Crossed Beaver Creek at half past 2 oclok. The road runs about south west. The water was about to the deds of our waggons. It was a rough steep bank to come out of. About 12 men hitched a hook & roap to the tongue of each waggon & puled them up. Beaver Creek is lined with scattering timber cotton wood & willows.
We travled 7 miles & came to the Pawnee Mish-ionary station & camped for the night. The Bluff was skirted with some Oaks on the North side of the road in the Hills. We kept a guard through the night as we were in danger of the Sioux on one side, and the Pawnees on the other.
President Young addressed the Camp & told them when they left in the morning not to take away any thing ownly what they brought with them unless it was sold them by Brother Case who had had charge of the Station for a long time & the goverment was owing him a good deal & if He felt disposed to sell any thing that He had in his possession & report to Goverment He could do so.
During the evening Professer Pratt made some observation. At 15 m past 7 oclok the Barometer stood at 28.7 inches attached Thermometer 64° detached Thermometer 60°· North wind & fair. Also at 8 oclok 52 m found the double altitude of the pole star to be 80°25'15" from which the lattitude was deduced [viz?] [ ]. O. Pratt Also took the angular distance of sun & moon for the Longitude at Beaver Creek ford also the altitude of the moon for the true time.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Apr 21, 1847. Wednesday.
[William Clayton Journal] Arose at 5, my face easier, but swelled and my gums raw. Took breakfast on fish and coffee, but ate no bread it being very dry and hard I could not bear to put it in my mouth. At 7 started on foot the ox teams being gone ahead. Some appearances of rain, and a slight shower fell. Wind North East and pretty cool. At 1/4 to 9 an Indian rode up to the first wagon and appeared very friendly. Soon after 6 or 8 others came running on foot. They came from the timber about a mile to the left. At 10 we arrived at a fork in the road, the one on the left leading to the new Pawnee Village, and the one to the right leaving the Village some distance to the South. A consultation was held by President Young with father [James] Case, relative to the roads crossing the river &c. when it was concluded to take the right hand road. We proceeded accordingly and at 12:00 came in sight of the new Pawnee village, in an open spot on the south bank of the Loop Fork, between two bodies of timber. The village appeared to be about three 3/4 mile South of the road we were on. At 12 1/2 we were opposite the village, and could then see distinctly upwards of 100 lodges, set pretty close together, and appeared to be ranged in several lines, and set in good order. We proceeded until we arrived at a long narrow lake by the side of the timber and near to the river. At 1 P.M. the encampment was formed on the bank of the lake and a guard instantly placed at the passes, as many of the Indians had followed us, although they had to wade the river, but it is very shoal. One of the Indians presented several certificates from persons who had previously traveled through their village, all certifying that the Grand Chief of the Pawnees was friendly disposed, and they had made him presents of a little powder, lead, Salt &c. Heber gave them a little tobacco and a little salt and President Young gave to the chief some powder, lead, salt and a number of the brethren gave a little flour each. The old chief however did not seem to think the presents sufficient, and said he did not like us to go west through their country, he was afraid we should kill their Buffalo and drive them off. Brother [Charles] Shumway told him we did not like Buffalo, but this does not appear to give him much satisfaction. However there was no appearance of hostility. In fact, all that came to camp seemed highly pleased to shake hands with our brethren and would run from one side to another so as not to miss one. A number of the squaws were on the opposite side of the lake with mattocks digging roots. Brother Shumway says there are about twelve thousand of the Pawnees in this neighborhood, and it is reported that there are five thousand warriors. We did not see many of them. [] Sarpy is at their village trading, and it is uncertain whether he will endeavor to use an influence for us or against us. We have no fear however, because their only object appears to be plunder, and it is the calculation to be well prepared by night and day. During the resting hour I spent the time writing in my journal. At 2 1/4 P.m. the ox teams started out again and the horse teams soon after. The weather had been calm and pleasant for a few hours, but about 2 or a little before, some heavy clouds began to gather, and thunder was heard at a distance. About 1/2 after 2 the rain began to descend heavy, accompanied by heavy peals of thunder and vivid lightning which continued till about 4 o'clock. A strong north wind blew up, the rain and thunder ceased and the weather grew very cold. We traveled till 5 1/2 and the encampment was formed on the Loop fork of the Platte river. After the encampment was formed and teams turned out the brethren were all called together and some remarks made by President Young advising them to have a strong guard around the camps tonight. He called for volunteers to stand guard and about 100 volunteered amongst whom were all the twelve except Dr. Richards. This guard were divided into two companies of fifty each, one company to stand the first half the night, and the remainder the last half. Those of the twelve who stood took the first watch till 1 o'clock. Brigham and Heber both stood on guard. Out of the companies a party were stationed as a picket guard some distance from the Camp, the balance stood near the camp. The night was very cold, with a strong wind from the north East, and in the middle of the night it rained considerable. Our course this morning was about west. This afternoon, north West, we are now within 3 miles from the bluffs on the north. We have travelled today about 20 miles, the roads being good and very level. This grass here is short but looks good. The Buffalo grass is very short and curly like the hair on a buffalo robe. The spring grass don't seem to be as early here as at the Elk Horn, [] and the last years growth not being burnt off, will be rather a disadvantage to the spring companies. I have noticed all the way on this bottom from the Elk Horn that the ground is full of wild onions which appear far richer and larger than any wild onions I ever saw. I have no idea that Corn would grow here for the land is very dry and loose and sandy, and appears poor. The country is beautiful and pleasing to the eye of the traveler, although you can only see one kind of scenery for several days.
[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, Apr 21, 1847
William Clayton Begins writing Heber C. Kimball's diary of the pioneer trip to the Great Salt Lake.
[source: Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[source: Smith, George D., An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, p.lxiii, A William Clayton Chronology, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
Mormon History, Apr 21, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Wednesday April 21st 1847. Like for rain this morning. I took my seed wheat to mill so pushed was I for bread stuff[.] I was around as usual. The committee went to the Omaha village today as before mentioned[.] In the evening we had a rain
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Apr 21, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] The President Spoke he said you see a man full of covenants and getting his brethren to covenant with him and you will find a man binding bundles for the flames, he says brethren learn. -- Looking Glass Creek, Nebraska [Giant of the Lord, Life of a Pioneer. James S. Brown Journal. James Stephens Brown, ed. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1960.]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Apr 21, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young moved that 100 men should be called out. One half standing one half the night and the other half the other half the night. Colonel Markham then called upon all those who would volunteer to step out one side which was done, and they were soon arranged in companies of 100 with a captain of each. -- Looking Glass Creek, Nebraska [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, Apr 21, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21st Cloudy with a light sprinkle of rain. Wind in the east. Our road runs west to begin with. The ox teams started at 7 oclok the Horse teams at 8. 5 minutes to 9 An Indian appeared on a mound mounted on a poney about 5 miles from us. He went out of sight & again appered. He then approached the camp full speed. Was met by the brethren & shook hands. Was soon followed by others. Were 8 in all. They went through the encampment & then returned with us. The road runs 20 degrees South of west 7 miles then turned 10 degrees North of west.
At half past 12 we came in sight of 70 Indian Horses & Mules. Soon we came in sight of a large Pawnee Indian village on the north side of the loup fork & also a large one on the south side of it. We drove on by the villages & they soon began to sally out to Come to us. We camped in a half moon the bank of the river forming A parallel line in front.
The indians to the number of about 200 on the south side of the river came down to the shore. Some waided over. About 75 came into camp including the grand Chief of the Nation with many war Chiefs. We met them before we left the ground & made them presents of about 4 lbs of tobacco 15 lbs lead powder fish Hooks heads flour salt &c. But still they were not satisfied considering our Numbers they thought they ought to have had more & when we left the ground they appeared vary dissatisfied. We however Harnessed up our teams & drove on to looking glass Creek & Camped at its mouth for the night upon the bank of the loop fork.
After our Horses were turned out we were Called to gather & in Consequence of the dissatisfaction of the Indians A guard of 100 men was Called for. The quorum of the Twelve with nearly the whole camp volunteered to stand guard one half the fore part of the night & the other the latter part. We had A picket guard also of 4 men & mules at a time. I with my mule was on picket guard. We had hard wind & rain in the Afternoon which continued A part of the time while I was on guard. I rolled myself up in my buffalo & let the wind & rain beat onto me. We were releaved at about 1 oclok & went to rest. But no Indians appeared during the night.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At half past 12 we came in sight of 70 Indian Horses & Mules. Soon we came in sight of a large Pawnee Indian village on the north side of the loup fork & also a large one on the south side of it. We drove on by the villages & they soon began to sally out to Come to us. We camped in a half moon the bank of the river forming A parallel line in front.
The indians to the number of about 200 on the south side of the river came down to the shore. Some waided over. About 75 came into camp including the grand Chief of the Nation with many war Chiefs. We met them before we left the ground & made them presents of about 4 lbs of tobacco 15 lbs lead powder fish Hooks heads flour salt &c. But still they were not satisfied considering our Numbers they thought they ought to have had more & when we left the ground they appeared vary dissatisfied. We however Harnessed up our teams & drove on to looking glass Creek & Camped at its mouth for the night upon the bank of the loop fork.
After our Horses were turned out we were Called to gather & in Consequence of the dissatisfaction of the Indians A guard of 100 men was Called for. The quorum of the Twelve with nearly the whole camp volunteered to stand guard one half the fore part of the night & the other the latter part. We had A picket guard also of 4 men & mules at a time. I with my mule was on picket guard. We had hard wind & rain in the Afternoon which continued A part of the time while I was on guard. I rolled myself up in my buffalo & let the wind & rain beat onto me. We were releaved at about 1 oclok & went to rest. But no Indians appeared during the night.
[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, Apr 20, 1847. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] Arose at 5 1/2...John S. Higbee, Luke Johnson, S[tephen] Markham, and some others, started ahead of the camp about noon, and went about 2 miles farther than this place to a lake with the boat and seine. They took over 200 very nice fish, and arrived with them about the time the camp was formed. The fish were distributed around the Camp according to the number of persons in each wagon, generally two to a wagon, and the brethren enjoyed a good supper on fish. I went to the river and washed my feet which were very dusty and sore. I also washed my socks as well as I could in cold water without soap. After Brother Luke Johnson had got through distributing fish, I went and asked him to draw my tooth. He willingly agreed, and getting his instruments, I set down in a chair, he lanced the gum, then took his nippers and jerked it out. The whole operation did not take more than one minute. He only got half the original tooth, the balance being left in the jaw. After this my head and face pained me much more than before. I eat but little to supper and then lay down, but could not sleep for pain till near morning. The evening was very calm and pleasant.
[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, Apr 20, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Tuesday April 20th 1847. This morning earley there was a meeting at the stand of the Bishops Council & Parley & Taylor to take into consideration the best way to herd the cattle secure from the aggression of the Omahas. It was decided for the Bishop of each ward to form the cattle in his ward into a herd & appoint a captain over those who are with the herd, all to be well armed with guns &c to defend the cattle against them
I was ordered to take ten men on horse back and reconoitre the country and see if there were any Omahas lying in their hiding places and if so to scourge them severely.
The Bishop were also ordered to ascertain how many cattle had been killed by the Omahas and make report to the committee appointed last night, so that it might be brought before the agent and Big Elk.
After the meeting I proceeded to raise the company & went about ten oclock & reconoitred to the South of town an the large flat plains & bottom land, untill about three oclock & then came home, not finding any Omahas. We were armed with horse whips &c to give them a severe flogging in case we found. I was very sick with the head ache when I came home.
To day I appointed William Miller in the police as the guard was rundown so low that I could not get along without more help. It was the same Miller that was taken to Carthage for Brigham(on the [Blank] 18th [crossed out])
This afternoon I was around as usual after dinner
Late in the night I was awaked by Br Thos Clark saying that a large boddy of Indians were in town, that they had divided into two divisions and went in[.] I immediately got up and had the police call up men enough to watch them. We padroled town for some hours but found none although there were some seen but not as many as Br Clark supposed to be.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I was ordered to take ten men on horse back and reconoitre the country and see if there were any Omahas lying in their hiding places and if so to scourge them severely.
The Bishop were also ordered to ascertain how many cattle had been killed by the Omahas and make report to the committee appointed last night, so that it might be brought before the agent and Big Elk.
After the meeting I proceeded to raise the company & went about ten oclock & reconoitred to the South of town an the large flat plains & bottom land, untill about three oclock & then came home, not finding any Omahas. We were armed with horse whips &c to give them a severe flogging in case we found. I was very sick with the head ache when I came home.
To day I appointed William Miller in the police as the guard was rundown so low that I could not get along without more help. It was the same Miller that was taken to Carthage for Brigham(on the [Blank] 18th [crossed out])
This afternoon I was around as usual after dinner
Late in the night I was awaked by Br Thos Clark saying that a large boddy of Indians were in town, that they had divided into two divisions and went in[.] I immediately got up and had the police call up men enough to watch them. We padroled town for some hours but found none although there were some seen but not as many as Br Clark supposed to be.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Apr 20, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 20th A Hard wind through the night. This morning fair but strong SW wind. It covers our wag-gons with sand & dust while Journeying. The soil is universally sandy on the banks of the Platt. The grass is now about 4 inch high scattering not half feed. Their are many water fowls about the Platt such as ducks geese Brant but the most numerous of all are the sand Hill Cranes which flye in large flocks on evry side of us.
25 minutes past 7 we started on our Journey. 2 1/4 miles came to another grove of small & large cottonwoods covering about 40 acres. It was about 5 miles to the table land which was now rising into a bluff. Here the road runs 20 degrees south of west bending to S by W. one mile in which distance we passed 3 Islands in the Platt coverd with timber the largest about 10 acres. Their continues a chain of Islands for miles on the river & some timber on the south side of the Platt.
We came to skull creek B miles from our encampment. 1 1/2 miles to the right of skull creek is A prairie dog village covering about 6 acres of ground. This creek is timbered ownly by a few scattering willows. The river runs about parallel with the river [sic]. Its general Barings are about east & west. After crossing the skull Creek bridge the road runs about SW by W 60 degres west of south for about 15 miles. The Platt is skirted with timber.
Professer Pratt & myself went forward of the Company to take observation. We traveld about 13 miles & stoped bated Horses took observations &c. While on the road we frequently see gopher Hills from one to 6 feet in circumference diamiter & from 3 inch to 2 feet in highth some resembling a potatoe patch which makes it rough waggoning over them. With the exception of this it is the best road on the North side of the Platt river I ever travled being a level dry hard road. Our Standard Thermometer stood to day at 1 oclok 94°.
The company approached us & we continued on 5 mile & the whole encampment came up & we encamped for the night in a circle. Cut down Cotton wood trees to feeds the Horses on the bark. They will knaw off the bark from brouse limbs & sticks 10 inches through as readily as they would eat corn. We have had to feed upon cotton wood all the way thus far. We give each Horse also about 3 quarts of corn per day.
Our fisherman drew a net this afternoon & broat into camp 213 fish Buffalo & Carp which was divided in the camp. We had A Buffalo would weigh 10 lbs & carp 2 lbs & had a good supper. The Platt was a mile wide whare we camped including an Island opposite of us with timber. The distance of the day 18 miles.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 minutes past 7 we started on our Journey. 2 1/4 miles came to another grove of small & large cottonwoods covering about 40 acres. It was about 5 miles to the table land which was now rising into a bluff. Here the road runs 20 degrees south of west bending to S by W. one mile in which distance we passed 3 Islands in the Platt coverd with timber the largest about 10 acres. Their continues a chain of Islands for miles on the river & some timber on the south side of the Platt.
We came to skull creek B miles from our encampment. 1 1/2 miles to the right of skull creek is A prairie dog village covering about 6 acres of ground. This creek is timbered ownly by a few scattering willows. The river runs about parallel with the river [sic]. Its general Barings are about east & west. After crossing the skull Creek bridge the road runs about SW by W 60 degres west of south for about 15 miles. The Platt is skirted with timber.
Professer Pratt & myself went forward of the Company to take observation. We traveld about 13 miles & stoped bated Horses took observations &c. While on the road we frequently see gopher Hills from one to 6 feet in circumference diamiter & from 3 inch to 2 feet in highth some resembling a potatoe patch which makes it rough waggoning over them. With the exception of this it is the best road on the North side of the Platt river I ever travled being a level dry hard road. Our Standard Thermometer stood to day at 1 oclok 94°.
The company approached us & we continued on 5 mile & the whole encampment came up & we encamped for the night in a circle. Cut down Cotton wood trees to feeds the Horses on the bark. They will knaw off the bark from brouse limbs & sticks 10 inches through as readily as they would eat corn. We have had to feed upon cotton wood all the way thus far. We give each Horse also about 3 quarts of corn per day.
Our fisherman drew a net this afternoon & broat into camp 213 fish Buffalo & Carp which was divided in the camp. We had A Buffalo would weigh 10 lbs & carp 2 lbs & had a good supper. The Platt was a mile wide whare we camped including an Island opposite of us with timber. The distance of the day 18 miles.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Mormon History, Apr 19, 1847. Monday.
[William Clayton Journal] At 5 A.M., at the sound of the bugle I arose, my face still paining me very badly. After eating breakfast I started out on foot before the wagons started with my rifle on my shoulder. At 7 1/4 the wagons began to move and at 7 1/2 were all formed in double file and proceeded on. After traveling about 8 miles we arrived at a number of small lakes, where were many ducks. A number of brethren shot at them and killed several. At 1 1/4 we arrived at a bend in the river where a small stream runs around an island.
We stayed here to feed awhile, having traveled about 15 miles mostly a western course with the wind South. The roads very good and the country very level on these flat Bottoms of the Platte river which bottoms appear to be from ten to fifteen miles wide. Soon after the camp was formed O. P. Rockwell, Jackson Redding, and J[esse] C. Little came in from winter quarters. They arrived at 10 minutes after 2. They have found Dr. Richards mare which was lost east of the Elk Horn and brought her to camp. They brought me a line from Diantha and one from Ruth and Margaret. In the last was a very gentle piece of information which has caused me to reflect much, and proves to me that Ruth and Margaret's virtue and integrity have for the last year been far superior to mine. In my letter to them I requested them to attend to family prayer in my absence, a thing which I have neglected since leaving Nauvoo. They informed me that they had done that when I was at home but unknown to me, and they had then, and still continue to bear me up before their heavenly father. O what integrity, what faithfulness. I feel unworthy to possess two such treasures, but still feel to try to reward them for it, and may my Father in heaven bless them, and all my family and let his angels guard them, and me during my absence that we may all be permitted to meet again and enjoy each other's Society in this world for many years to come, and eternally in the world to come. O Lord, grant this prayer of thy unworthy Servant, and fill my family with peace and union, and open a way that they may have the necessaries and comforts of life, and thy Spirit to brood over them, and Thy name shall have the praise, even so Amen...I walked some this afternoon with Orson Pratt and suggested to him the idea of fixing a set of wooden cog wheels to the hub of a wagon wheel, in such order as to tell the exact number of miles we travel each day. He seemed to agree with me that it could be easily done at a trifling expense . . .
[source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
We stayed here to feed awhile, having traveled about 15 miles mostly a western course with the wind South. The roads very good and the country very level on these flat Bottoms of the Platte river which bottoms appear to be from ten to fifteen miles wide. Soon after the camp was formed O. P. Rockwell, Jackson Redding, and J[esse] C. Little came in from winter quarters. They arrived at 10 minutes after 2. They have found Dr. Richards mare which was lost east of the Elk Horn and brought her to camp. They brought me a line from Diantha and one from Ruth and Margaret. In the last was a very gentle piece of information which has caused me to reflect much, and proves to me that Ruth and Margaret's virtue and integrity have for the last year been far superior to mine. In my letter to them I requested them to attend to family prayer in my absence, a thing which I have neglected since leaving Nauvoo. They informed me that they had done that when I was at home but unknown to me, and they had then, and still continue to bear me up before their heavenly father. O what integrity, what faithfulness. I feel unworthy to possess two such treasures, but still feel to try to reward them for it, and may my Father in heaven bless them, and all my family and let his angels guard them, and me during my absence that we may all be permitted to meet again and enjoy each other's Society in this world for many years to come, and eternally in the world to come. O Lord, grant this prayer of thy unworthy Servant, and fill my family with peace and union, and open a way that they may have the necessaries and comforts of life, and thy Spirit to brood over them, and Thy name shall have the praise, even so Amen...I walked some this afternoon with Orson Pratt and suggested to him the idea of fixing a set of wooden cog wheels to the hub of a wagon wheel, in such order as to tell the exact number of miles we travel each day. He seemed to agree with me that it could be easily done at a trifling expense . . .
[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, Apr 19, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Monday April 19th 1847. This morning I went to take my mare to Greens Taylors, who had agreed to take care of her and also as many of my oxen as I brought him. Br Bills had returned with my mare. She was dead poor & had not been treated well, I think. I found the people all well & preparing their farms. In the after noon I came home again & crossed the river about very tired
I had not been home but a few moments before the Marshall notified me that there was a special meeting of the council at Br Saml Russells at which I was wanted[.] I went accordingly. It had been called to take immediate action on the matter of the Omahas killing our cattle for they were getting worse every day.
Much was said after which a committee was appointed to go and have an interview with Big Elk on the subject where upon President Alpheus Cutler Daniel Spencer, C. P. Lott and W. W. Phelps were apointed to go and complain of our grievences.
The feeling of the Council & also of Elders Taylor and Pratt were indignant at the conduct of the Omahas and the prevailing sentiment was to stop them if it had to be by harsher means.
I came home about ten oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
I had not been home but a few moments before the Marshall notified me that there was a special meeting of the council at Br Saml Russells at which I was wanted[.] I went accordingly. It had been called to take immediate action on the matter of the Omahas killing our cattle for they were getting worse every day.
Much was said after which a committee was appointed to go and have an interview with Big Elk on the subject where upon President Alpheus Cutler Daniel Spencer, C. P. Lott and W. W. Phelps were apointed to go and complain of our grievences.
The feeling of the Council & also of Elders Taylor and Pratt were indignant at the conduct of the Omahas and the prevailing sentiment was to stop them if it had to be by harsher means.
I came home about ten oclock.
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Apr 19, 1847
William Clayton suggests to Orson Pratt "the idea of fixing a set of wooden cog wheels to the hub of a wagon wheel, in such order as to tell the exact number of miles we travel each day." Pratt agrees "that it could be easily done at a trifling expense" but the device isn't constructed and installed until May 12. In the mean time Clayton walks alongside Heber C. Kimball's wagon counting each revolution of a wagon wheel.
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
Mormon History, Apr 19, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 19th It was quite cool in the morning. The Bugle Blew at 5 for prayers & 7 for starting. We travled two abrest. Men walked by the side of their wagons. We bore a northerly direction untill about noon when we reached the north Bend of the Platt. Professor Pratt took an observation & found it to be in Lat. 41.27.5. The crossing place of the Horn was in Lat. 41.16.24 making the North Bend of the Platt 10 1/2 miles north of the ford.
We formed into a circle at noon & bated. While nooning Elder Little arived with P Rockwell & two others. They brought the mail. I recieved two Letters one from L Hardy of Mass who informed me that Milton Holmes father & Mother was cut off from the Church & He with them turned Strangites And that Aphia his wife was a great apostate. O Milton Holmes how hast thou fallen. The other letter was from Mrs Woodruff which I read with interest.
Br Little brought many things that the Colonel Kane sent as presents to the 12 & others. I re-cieved A stop Box Marriners compass small enough to carry in the pocket. It was A splendid present. May the blessings of God be upon the head of Col Kane for his good feelings towards the servants of God.
We camped at night near a grove of timber on the bank of the Platt. We formed a circle from edge to edge of the bank of the river. The river on one side was our defence. We drove the tongues of our waggons out ward & fore wheel of each waggon was placed against the hind wheel of the waggon before it and all the Horses & cattle taken inside the Circle so that we were secure against the Indians.
The river was about one mile wide whare we camped & on the north side joining by our encampment. It was deep & rapid. The face of the country during to days travel was on the south side of the river. High Bluffs tuning precepitately to the river on the north side which we travled. A level prairie without any bluffs about 2 miles from the river a rise of table land about 10 feet & continues at a level. No timber except patches on the river. Soil sandy. 22 m.
We formed into a circle at noon & bated. While nooning Elder Little arived with P Rockwell & two others. They brought the mail. I recieved two Letters one from L Hardy of Mass who informed me that Milton Holmes father & Mother was cut off from the Church & He with them turned Strangites And that Aphia his wife was a great apostate. O Milton Holmes how hast thou fallen. The other letter was from Mrs Woodruff which I read with interest.
Br Little brought many things that the Colonel Kane sent as presents to the 12 & others. I re-cieved A stop Box Marriners compass small enough to carry in the pocket. It was A splendid present. May the blessings of God be upon the head of Col Kane for his good feelings towards the servants of God.
We camped at night near a grove of timber on the bank of the Platt. We formed a circle from edge to edge of the bank of the river. The river on one side was our defence. We drove the tongues of our waggons out ward & fore wheel of each waggon was placed against the hind wheel of the waggon before it and all the Horses & cattle taken inside the Circle so that we were secure against the Indians.
The river was about one mile wide whare we camped & on the north side joining by our encampment. It was deep & rapid. The face of the country during to days travel was on the south side of the river. High Bluffs tuning precepitately to the river on the north side which we travled. A level prairie without any bluffs about 2 miles from the river a rise of table land about 10 feet & continues at a level. No timber except patches on the river. Soil sandy. 22 m.
Mormon History, Apr 18, 1847. Sunday.
[William Clayton Journal] This morning I wrote a letter for Heber to his wife Vilate which was sent by Brother Ellis Eames who has concluded to go back on account of poor health, spitting blood &c. He started back with the traders wagon about eight o'clock A.M. The wind this morning E. and S.E. and very cold, with a slight shower of snow. At 10 A.M. 7 more traders wagons came in and stopped about 1/4 of a mile below us, soon after 6 mules loaded with robes and furs. These traders say they have come from the Pawnee village in two days. Brother Roundy got some Buffalo meat from them and give me a little, which I thought tasted very good. I commenced writing Hebers journal and wrote considerable. He wants me to write his journal all the journey. I also wrote considerable in this book. P.M. the weather more moderate and pleasant, the wind has changed near South and the sun shines . . .
At 5 o'clock, the officers of the camp met with President Young, and he told the order for travelling and camping hereafter, which was communicated to the companies by the Captains of 10's as follows.
At 5:00 in the morning the bugle is to be sounded as a signal for every man to arise and attend prayers before he leaves his wagon. Then cooking, eating, feeding teams &c. till 7 o'clock at which time the Camp is to move at the sound of the bugle. Each teamster to keep beside his team, with their loaded gun in their hands or in their wagon where they can get them in a moment. The extra men, each to walk opposite his wagon with his loaded gun on his shoulder, and no man to be permitted to leave his wagon unless he obtains permission from his officer. In case of an attack from Indians or hostile appearances the wagons to travel in double file. The order of encampment to be in a circle with the mouth of the wagon to the outside, and the horses and stock tied inside the circle. At 8 1/2 P.M. the bugles to be sounded again at which time all to have prayers in their wagons and to retire to rest by 9 o'clock. Tonight I went to bed about 7 1/2 o'clock suffering severely with pain in my head and face. I slept with Philo Johnson.
[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 5 o'clock, the officers of the camp met with President Young, and he told the order for travelling and camping hereafter, which was communicated to the companies by the Captains of 10's as follows.
At 5:00 in the morning the bugle is to be sounded as a signal for every man to arise and attend prayers before he leaves his wagon. Then cooking, eating, feeding teams &c. till 7 o'clock at which time the Camp is to move at the sound of the bugle. Each teamster to keep beside his team, with their loaded gun in their hands or in their wagon where they can get them in a moment. The extra men, each to walk opposite his wagon with his loaded gun on his shoulder, and no man to be permitted to leave his wagon unless he obtains permission from his officer. In case of an attack from Indians or hostile appearances the wagons to travel in double file. The order of encampment to be in a circle with the mouth of the wagon to the outside, and the horses and stock tied inside the circle. At 8 1/2 P.M. the bugles to be sounded again at which time all to have prayers in their wagons and to retire to rest by 9 o'clock. Tonight I went to bed about 7 1/2 o'clock suffering severely with pain in my head and face. I slept with Philo Johnson.
[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, Apr 18, 1847
[Hosea Stout Diary] Sunday April 18th 1847. Cold windy day[.] I was at home[.] At six oclock I went to council at the council house. The first business done was to read an Epistle from the Twelve who were gone with the pioneers which reads as follows viz:
"The Council of the Twelve Apostles, to the brethren at Winter Quarters and especially to such as shall hereafter arrive at that place. Greeting.
Beloved brethren
We have now completed the organization of the pioneer company, of which we are members and whom we are about to lead to the mountains, or over the mountains, as we shall be councilled by our Leader in search of a resting place for ourselves, our families, and all who desire to follow us and work Righteousness; and by doing this, we prove to you and all the world that we do not wish to be a whit behing [sic] the first of you, in leaving wife, children, friends, rest or any of the enjoyments of social life; and that we are willing to take a full share of troubles, trials losses & crosses, hardships and fatigues, weariness & watchings, for the Kingdom of Heavens sake; and we feel to say come calm or strife, turmoil, or peace, life or death; in the name of Israels God we mean to conquer or die trying[.] We mean to open up the way for the salvation of the honest in heart from all nations, or sacrifice every [thing] in our stewardship, and if we fail in the attempt; having done all we could,Our Father will not leave his flock without a Shepherd.
In connection with the pioneer Company, we have organized all in your place and vicinity who wish to join the Emegration, into companies of tens, fifties and hundreds, in two divisions, with a President and two councillors to each division with the sanction of their respective companies, and having called the Presidents, Councillors and Captains of hundreds together, have advised with them and decided that all the High Council that is necessary to be left at Winter Quarters; after the present council shall have left, will be the President and captains of Emegration Companies. And where the present Presidents of Divisions and captains shall remove they will leave others similarly organized, with the approval of the brethren, or those who thus enter into the organization.
The brethren now organized, have heard the word and will of the Lord on which this organization is founded, and have given their hearty assent unto it, and any hesitating in carrying out their pledges or acting in concert with their Presidency, as they well [know] will be at the loss of a glory that they can never regain therefore, we say that these instructions generally are more especially to such as shall hereafter arrive at your place; so that they may recieve the principles and instructions that those have had, who have been with us the past winter.
The business of the Saints at Winter Quarters from this time is to journey West, untill further instructions; and while some will have the means to go forward at the springing of grass, others will have to stop and raise some grain to carry with them; and while some will come here prepared, others will have to stop and prepare for their journey; and in wither case all preperation and organization is for journeying and not for a permanent location at Winter Quarters, and if any refractory member should mak their appearance, the Bishops will see that justice is done them and let no iniquity have place in your midst.
It is the privilege of the brethren who remain, or arrive hereafter, to decide, but the Council urgently recommends to them to remove the lesser houses, on to the line, of Winter Quarters, or on the borders of the most populated blocks, so as to defend themselves, by houses, pickets, ditches, &c against the Indians, so that your women & children may not be insulted and abused, and their tables robbed, while they are drawing water, or gathering the fruits of their gardens, or attending to any domestic duties in your absence.
Let the brethren labor unitedly, in making fields, fencing, planting, harvesting &c, all under the direction of their respective Captains of Tens, & fifties, â€" over whom will be the supervision of their Captains of hundreds and Presidents, who will allot to each family all the ground they need or can till, for a garden, in the city of Winter Quarters or its immediate vicinity â€" so that all may share equally in the comforts and luxuries of the table.
The Idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer, therefore let a record be kept, by the Captains of each ten, or his clerk, how each man employs his time, from day to day; and let the same be reported weekly to the clerk of the division or Presidency of the organization; and let one tenth of the avails of each mans labor be appropriated for the benefit of the poor and sick, under the direction of the Bishops, attending to the council of the Presidency; for the poor ye have always with you & the sick often; and he who administers to them, serveth the Lord. Your crops, and cattle will be exposed to the aggressions of the Omahas, and other Indians, and we say to you take care of them, learn to watch as well as pray, for the farther you go West, the more you will be exposed, and if the saints can not watch them safely here, what will they do when they get where civilization or half civilization is unknown. Make good fences around your corn fields, and locate families near sufficient to watch and keep them safe, and let the emegrants be diligent and careful to plow, plant, and fence all they possibly can before they start on their journey. We advise the brethren to keep up a police of their most effective men at Winter Quarters as we have done, for in an hour ye think not, evil may be upon you; and pay them for their services, so that they will not be obliged to neglect your safety, for a loaf of bread, to satisfy their hunger or that of their families.
It is highly important in this dispensation that every brother learns his duty, and acts accordingly, in doing which every one who can, will pay their herdsmen in money, flour, grain, &c.as they shall need, for their comfort, or to prosecute their journey, & not compel them to urge payment of the sisters whose husbands are in the army, the widows, and poor, and let the herdsmen be diligent in striving to deliver all the cattle &c. entrusted to their charge, at the proper time, to those who are emigrating West, & such of those, as can not pay down, agree upon the cattle you shall mark as your own to be held in security, to be paid for or delivered to you at a future day.
It is our wish and council that the Emegration Company now formed, shall follow the pioneers as soon as the grass is sufficient to support the teams, and the Presidents and captains will examine & know that every soul that goes in said company is provided with from 3 to 500 pounds of bread stuff or a year and a half, and as much more as he can get, for we know not whether we can raise corn this summer, as we anticipated at the place of Location. Let the first Emegration company take with them as many of the sisters whose husbands are in the army, as can fit themselves out, or can be conveniently fitted out.
It is wisdom that all the men in the Emegration Company shall be organized into a military body, under their respective Captains of Tens, 50s and hundreds with Charles C. Rich as their Commander-in-Chief, who will see that every man is properly armed, and ready to meet any savage encounter at a moments warning, taking care that caps and priming of all fire locks are secured so as to admit of no accidents; that John Scott Superintendend the artillery under C. C. Rich â€" Horace S. Eldrige be Marshall, Hosea Stout Captain of the Guard on the journey & that the guard to watch during the night and sleep as they have need during the day.
The first Company will carry the Temple bell with the fixtures for hanging at a moments notice, which will be rung at day light or a proper time, and call all who are able to arise to prayers, after which ringing of bell & breakfast, or ringing of bell and departure in fifteen minutes to secure the cool of the day till breakfast time &c as th
e bell may be needed â€" particularly in the night season if the Indians are hovering around to let them know you are at your duty, and if any man acts disorderly, punish him severely.
Whenever a Company of 75 men, who do not belong to the present organization Company. shall be organized so as to carry out the principals of the Word & Will of the Lord and these instructions, according to the pattern, with or without families, and provisions enough to sustain each soul 18 months, they may come on till the 1st of July, but in all cases, the brethren must run their own risk for food and not depend on the pioneers, or any company, in advance for support in the least, either for their teams, themselves or families, for we are credibly informed that more than thirty souls of the Oregon Emegrants, perished in the mountains the last season, with hunger; and 100 bushels of corn can esier be raised near Winter Quarters, than 50 bushels at the foot of the mountains.
If a man of the first Emegration Company, who is going to stop, at your place for the time being, should so far forget his covenant in the Temple, and his more recent obligations, and agreements as to retain his waggon or team, from the neccessityes of the journey: it will be the duty of the President to instruct the captains to take the same and apply it where necessity requires, and thus compel the owner to do what he has previously agreed to, for as some were compelled to come in, in ancient days, others must be compelled to remain in in latter days and men who are taken at their word have no reason to find fault.
For the council
Brigham Young Prest
Willard Richards Clerk
Pioneer Camp of Israel â€" Platte river. About Fifty miles from Winter Quarters April 16th 1847.
After the above Epistle was read and accepted the council took up the subject of the Omahas who were at this time committing unheard of depredations, by driving off our cattle. They will lay around in the grass and groves untill an oppertunity offers and then sally forth and drive all the cattle in their power.even some times they will rush in among the herds, when there is no men present and attempt to drive them off before our eyes or they will appear on horse back and run all the cattle that stray off, away[.] The amount of cattle killed by them the past winter & spring is incredible
The object of the council was now send a committee to the Big Elk, the chief & enquire the reason of such conduct.
After which the council took up the police subject again when the Treasurers books were delivered into my hands as clerk of the council. I cam home about ten oclock
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
"The Council of the Twelve Apostles, to the brethren at Winter Quarters and especially to such as shall hereafter arrive at that place. Greeting.
Beloved brethren
We have now completed the organization of the pioneer company, of which we are members and whom we are about to lead to the mountains, or over the mountains, as we shall be councilled by our Leader in search of a resting place for ourselves, our families, and all who desire to follow us and work Righteousness; and by doing this, we prove to you and all the world that we do not wish to be a whit behing [sic] the first of you, in leaving wife, children, friends, rest or any of the enjoyments of social life; and that we are willing to take a full share of troubles, trials losses & crosses, hardships and fatigues, weariness & watchings, for the Kingdom of Heavens sake; and we feel to say come calm or strife, turmoil, or peace, life or death; in the name of Israels God we mean to conquer or die trying[.] We mean to open up the way for the salvation of the honest in heart from all nations, or sacrifice every [thing] in our stewardship, and if we fail in the attempt; having done all we could,Our Father will not leave his flock without a Shepherd.
In connection with the pioneer Company, we have organized all in your place and vicinity who wish to join the Emegration, into companies of tens, fifties and hundreds, in two divisions, with a President and two councillors to each division with the sanction of their respective companies, and having called the Presidents, Councillors and Captains of hundreds together, have advised with them and decided that all the High Council that is necessary to be left at Winter Quarters; after the present council shall have left, will be the President and captains of Emegration Companies. And where the present Presidents of Divisions and captains shall remove they will leave others similarly organized, with the approval of the brethren, or those who thus enter into the organization.
The brethren now organized, have heard the word and will of the Lord on which this organization is founded, and have given their hearty assent unto it, and any hesitating in carrying out their pledges or acting in concert with their Presidency, as they well [know] will be at the loss of a glory that they can never regain therefore, we say that these instructions generally are more especially to such as shall hereafter arrive at your place; so that they may recieve the principles and instructions that those have had, who have been with us the past winter.
The business of the Saints at Winter Quarters from this time is to journey West, untill further instructions; and while some will have the means to go forward at the springing of grass, others will have to stop and raise some grain to carry with them; and while some will come here prepared, others will have to stop and prepare for their journey; and in wither case all preperation and organization is for journeying and not for a permanent location at Winter Quarters, and if any refractory member should mak their appearance, the Bishops will see that justice is done them and let no iniquity have place in your midst.
It is the privilege of the brethren who remain, or arrive hereafter, to decide, but the Council urgently recommends to them to remove the lesser houses, on to the line, of Winter Quarters, or on the borders of the most populated blocks, so as to defend themselves, by houses, pickets, ditches, &c against the Indians, so that your women & children may not be insulted and abused, and their tables robbed, while they are drawing water, or gathering the fruits of their gardens, or attending to any domestic duties in your absence.
Let the brethren labor unitedly, in making fields, fencing, planting, harvesting &c, all under the direction of their respective Captains of Tens, & fifties, â€" over whom will be the supervision of their Captains of hundreds and Presidents, who will allot to each family all the ground they need or can till, for a garden, in the city of Winter Quarters or its immediate vicinity â€" so that all may share equally in the comforts and luxuries of the table.
The Idler shall not eat the bread of the laborer, therefore let a record be kept, by the Captains of each ten, or his clerk, how each man employs his time, from day to day; and let the same be reported weekly to the clerk of the division or Presidency of the organization; and let one tenth of the avails of each mans labor be appropriated for the benefit of the poor and sick, under the direction of the Bishops, attending to the council of the Presidency; for the poor ye have always with you & the sick often; and he who administers to them, serveth the Lord. Your crops, and cattle will be exposed to the aggressions of the Omahas, and other Indians, and we say to you take care of them, learn to watch as well as pray, for the farther you go West, the more you will be exposed, and if the saints can not watch them safely here, what will they do when they get where civilization or half civilization is unknown. Make good fences around your corn fields, and locate families near sufficient to watch and keep them safe, and let the emegrants be diligent and careful to plow, plant, and fence all they possibly can before they start on their journey. We advise the brethren to keep up a police of their most effective men at Winter Quarters as we have done, for in an hour ye think not, evil may be upon you; and pay them for their services, so that they will not be obliged to neglect your safety, for a loaf of bread, to satisfy their hunger or that of their families.
It is highly important in this dispensation that every brother learns his duty, and acts accordingly, in doing which every one who can, will pay their herdsmen in money, flour, grain, &c.as they shall need, for their comfort, or to prosecute their journey, & not compel them to urge payment of the sisters whose husbands are in the army, the widows, and poor, and let the herdsmen be diligent in striving to deliver all the cattle &c. entrusted to their charge, at the proper time, to those who are emigrating West, & such of those, as can not pay down, agree upon the cattle you shall mark as your own to be held in security, to be paid for or delivered to you at a future day.
It is our wish and council that the Emegration Company now formed, shall follow the pioneers as soon as the grass is sufficient to support the teams, and the Presidents and captains will examine & know that every soul that goes in said company is provided with from 3 to 500 pounds of bread stuff or a year and a half, and as much more as he can get, for we know not whether we can raise corn this summer, as we anticipated at the place of Location. Let the first Emegration company take with them as many of the sisters whose husbands are in the army, as can fit themselves out, or can be conveniently fitted out.
It is wisdom that all the men in the Emegration Company shall be organized into a military body, under their respective Captains of Tens, 50s and hundreds with Charles C. Rich as their Commander-in-Chief, who will see that every man is properly armed, and ready to meet any savage encounter at a moments warning, taking care that caps and priming of all fire locks are secured so as to admit of no accidents; that John Scott Superintendend the artillery under C. C. Rich â€" Horace S. Eldrige be Marshall, Hosea Stout Captain of the Guard on the journey & that the guard to watch during the night and sleep as they have need during the day.
The first Company will carry the Temple bell with the fixtures for hanging at a moments notice, which will be rung at day light or a proper time, and call all who are able to arise to prayers, after which ringing of bell & breakfast, or ringing of bell and departure in fifteen minutes to secure the cool of the day till breakfast time &c as th
e bell may be needed â€" particularly in the night season if the Indians are hovering around to let them know you are at your duty, and if any man acts disorderly, punish him severely.
Whenever a Company of 75 men, who do not belong to the present organization Company. shall be organized so as to carry out the principals of the Word & Will of the Lord and these instructions, according to the pattern, with or without families, and provisions enough to sustain each soul 18 months, they may come on till the 1st of July, but in all cases, the brethren must run their own risk for food and not depend on the pioneers, or any company, in advance for support in the least, either for their teams, themselves or families, for we are credibly informed that more than thirty souls of the Oregon Emegrants, perished in the mountains the last season, with hunger; and 100 bushels of corn can esier be raised near Winter Quarters, than 50 bushels at the foot of the mountains.
If a man of the first Emegration Company, who is going to stop, at your place for the time being, should so far forget his covenant in the Temple, and his more recent obligations, and agreements as to retain his waggon or team, from the neccessityes of the journey: it will be the duty of the President to instruct the captains to take the same and apply it where necessity requires, and thus compel the owner to do what he has previously agreed to, for as some were compelled to come in, in ancient days, others must be compelled to remain in in latter days and men who are taken at their word have no reason to find fault.
For the council
Brigham Young Prest
Willard Richards Clerk
Pioneer Camp of Israel â€" Platte river. About Fifty miles from Winter Quarters April 16th 1847.
After the above Epistle was read and accepted the council took up the subject of the Omahas who were at this time committing unheard of depredations, by driving off our cattle. They will lay around in the grass and groves untill an oppertunity offers and then sally forth and drive all the cattle in their power.even some times they will rush in among the herds, when there is no men present and attempt to drive them off before our eyes or they will appear on horse back and run all the cattle that stray off, away[.] The amount of cattle killed by them the past winter & spring is incredible
The object of the council was now send a committee to the Big Elk, the chief & enquire the reason of such conduct.
After which the council took up the police subject again when the Treasurers books were delivered into my hands as clerk of the council. I cam home about ten oclock
[source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Mormon History, Apr 18, 1847
[Brigham Young Sermon] President Young called the captains together and gave them the following instructions. At 8:30 pm the bugle would sound and all should retire to their wagons and bow down before the Lord and offer up their supplications before going to bed, and all fires should be put out. Also the bugle would sound at 5 am when all would arise and offer up their thanks to the Lord, and at 7 o'clock be ready to start. All the spare hands were to walk by the off side of their wagon with their rifles loaded. -- Winter Quarters, Nebraska [Pioneering the West 1846 to 1878: Major Howard EganÂ's Diary. Howard R. Egan, ed. Salt Lake City, 1917. 26]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
[source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009)]
Mormon History, Apr 18, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18th Sunday I wrote A letter Home to Mrs Woodruff By Br Eames who wishes to return back. I perused several papers to day, but did not find much news. Br O Pratt took an observation of his Barometer.
President Young called the captains together & gave them instruction to travel in the morning two abrest & let all who were not driving teams carry their guns & walk by the side of the waggons. Let no man go away hunting to get [out] of sight of the camp. The Bugle was to be blown at half past 8 oclok at night when all was to go to prayers in their several waggons & retire to bed by 9 oclok. The Bugle will Blow at 5 oclok in the morning to arise & pray & two hours will be allotted the camp to dress pray cook eat feed Horses Harness &c & start at the blow of the Bugle at 7 oclok. This is the order of the camp.
Travellers have frequeently spoken of the Platt River. In relation to it I will [say] It is the most singular river I ever beheld. It is from a quarter to half a mile wide & its shores & bed one universal body of quick sand. It is a rapid stream yet many places A person can wade across it. Frequently nearly the whole bed of the river is coverd with but few inches of water & at other places it is deep & Rapid. Notwithstanding it is quick sand Horses & cattle can walk down to edge of the river & drink like walking on the edge of a smooth sea Beach & some times while walking on the apparent hard beach or bed of the river A man or Horse will suddenly sink into the quick sand & the more he struggles to get out the more He will sink & will soon perish if assistance is not near. Many Horses & men have been lost in this way on the Platt. Whare we have spent the Sabbath A man could nearly wade across the river.
We do not travel on Sunday but pitch our tents Saturday night or encamp in the waggons & we do not move untill Monday morning. This is the order of the camp.
[source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Young called the captains together & gave them instruction to travel in the morning two abrest & let all who were not driving teams carry their guns & walk by the side of the waggons. Let no man go away hunting to get [out] of sight of the camp. The Bugle was to be blown at half past 8 oclok at night when all was to go to prayers in their several waggons & retire to bed by 9 oclok. The Bugle will Blow at 5 oclok in the morning to arise & pray & two hours will be allotted the camp to dress pray cook eat feed Horses Harness &c & start at the blow of the Bugle at 7 oclok. This is the order of the camp.
Travellers have frequeently spoken of the Platt River. In relation to it I will [say] It is the most singular river I ever beheld. It is from a quarter to half a mile wide & its shores & bed one universal body of quick sand. It is a rapid stream yet many places A person can wade across it. Frequently nearly the whole bed of the river is coverd with but few inches of water & at other places it is deep & Rapid. Notwithstanding it is quick sand Horses & cattle can walk down to edge of the river & drink like walking on the edge of a smooth sea Beach & some times while walking on the apparent hard beach or bed of the river A man or Horse will suddenly sink into the quick sand & the more he struggles to get out the more He will sink & will soon perish if assistance is not near. Many Horses & men have been lost in this way on the Platt. Whare we have spent the Sabbath A man could nearly wade across the river.
We do not travel on Sunday but pitch our tents Saturday night or encamp in the waggons & we do not move untill Monday morning. This is the order of the camp.
[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, Apr 17, 1847. Saturday.
[William Clayton Journal] This morning the weather is severely cold, with a strong wind from the North and North West. We started out at 9 o'clock and traveled till near 12 the distance being about 7 miles. We camped close by a cotton wood grove, and the brethren fell hundreds of them to feed their teams and save corn. There is a small lake close by but the water is not good and the brethren go to the river about a half a mile. At 5 P.M. the Camps were called together and organized in military order as follows:
Brigham Young, Lieutenant General
Stephen Markham, Colonel
John Pack and Shadrack Roundy, Majors.
The Captains of 10's to be captains of 10's in this order, except John Pack, who being appointed Major, Appleton M. Harmon was appointed captain in his stead.
Thomas Bullock, clerk of the camp. Thomas Tanner captain of the cannon with the privilege of choosing 8 men to manage it in case of necessity. The President then said after we start from here, every man must keep his loaded gun in his hand, or in wagon where he can put his hand on it at a moments warning. If they are cap locks, take off the cap and put on a little leather to keep wet &c. out. If flint locks, take out the priming and fill the pan with tw[ine] or cotton &c.
The wagons must keep together when travelling, and not separate as they have previously done, and every man to walk beside his own wagon, and not leave it only by permission. A while before evening one of the traders wagons came from the Pawnee village, loaded with furs and peltry, and camped about 1/4 of a mile below us. At night [Ellis] Eames and [Hans C.] Hanson played some on their violins. All peace and quietness. At night I slept with [Howard] Egan in Heber's wagon, Heber being gone to sleep with President Young.
[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]
Brigham Young, Lieutenant General
Stephen Markham, Colonel
John Pack and Shadrack Roundy, Majors.
The Captains of 10's to be captains of 10's in this order, except John Pack, who being appointed Major, Appleton M. Harmon was appointed captain in his stead.
Thomas Bullock, clerk of the camp. Thomas Tanner captain of the cannon with the privilege of choosing 8 men to manage it in case of necessity. The President then said after we start from here, every man must keep his loaded gun in his hand, or in wagon where he can put his hand on it at a moments warning. If they are cap locks, take off the cap and put on a little leather to keep wet &c. out. If flint locks, take out the priming and fill the pan with tw[ine] or cotton &c.
The wagons must keep together when travelling, and not separate as they have previously done, and every man to walk beside his own wagon, and not leave it only by permission. A while before evening one of the traders wagons came from the Pawnee village, loaded with furs and peltry, and camped about 1/4 of a mile below us. At night [Ellis] Eames and [Hans C.] Hanson played some on their violins. All peace and quietness. At night I slept with [Howard] Egan in Heber's wagon, Heber being gone to sleep with President Young.
[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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