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Robert Stoddardt was in First Handcart Company. Following is a journal for that trip.
A
BRIEF RECORD OF THE FIRST HANDCART COMPANY
The first handcart
company left Iowa. City, Iowa on the 9th of June, 1856. There were 270 souls
who embarked upon the journey. Thirty‑three
gave up the trip, seven men, heads of families, and the rest women and
children. Twelve persons died out of the
entire company during nearly four months traveling. Two hundred and twenty eight men, women and
children arrived in Salt Lake City on the 20th of September, 1856. The following is from the record of the Company.
June 9th , 1856. At 5. p.m. the carts were in motion
proceeding Zion‑wards.The Saints were in excellent spirits. bound
Zionwards. The camp traveled about 4
miles and pitched their tents. All Well.
June l0th, We remained in camp all day. owing to three
yoke of oxen having strayed from the herd.
The brethren went out in search of them.
The camp was engaged in various duties.
June llth. Early this
morning the strayed cattle were brought back.
About 8 a.m. the camp started forward and traveled five miles. Pitched tents. Brothers Robinson and Jones' carts broke
down.
June 12th. The camp
started this morning at 6 a.m. Traveled
twelve miles. The road was very
dusty. Pitched tents about 2 a.m.. All in good spirits.
June 13th. The camp
started about 8 a.m. Traveled seven
miles. Good roads. All went off well. Visited by a good many strangers.
June 14th. The
started this morning at 6 a.m. In good spirits.
Traveled seven miles. Pitched tents about 9 a.m. The roads good. The camp is in good spirits. Towards evening Elder James Ferguson came to
us from the General Camp. About 6 pm,
William
Lee, son of John.Lee,
died of consumption, age 12 years.
June 15th. Today is
Sunday. The Saints remained in camp and
held two meetings. The morning meeting
commenced at half past ten, singing.
Afternoon meeting commenced at half past one 0' clock I. Singing, and
prayer by Elder Leonard. Elder
Edward
Frost addressed the meeting. A great many strangers attended the meetings.
Good
attention by all present. At 9 o'clock this morning Lora Pratter. daughter of
Richard
Pratter. died of whooping cough. age 3 years. At half past seven the
sacrament
was administered by the two companies. It was a time of rejoicing to all.
Elder
Ferguson addressed the Saints. About 9 p.m. The above two children were
interred
at Little Dear Creek.
June
16th. At half past 6 a.m. The camp moved off in good spirits. Traveled
thirteen
miles and rested from half past eleven am till four p.m. at Big Bear Creek. The
camp
moved off two miles and camped for the night. About nine we had a storm of
rain.
June
17th: At four a.m. the bugle was blown for all to turn out, and at quarter to
seven
the camp moved off. Traveled ten miles and rested two hours. At twenty past two
we
pitched our tents. The journey was performed without accident. No wood. plenty
of
water.
About twenty minutes past three Job Welling, son of Job Welling, died, age one
year
and seven months. Died of canker of inflamation of the bowels.
June
18th. At four a.m. the bugle sounded for all to turn out. At twenty
minutes
past five the camp rolled out; and traveled ten miles without any accident.
Pitched
tents at thirty‑five past eight a.m.. to give the Sisters an opportunity of
washing
clothes. Today the body of Job Welling was interred three feet from the
Northeast
corner of Mr. Watrous' Farm. Township 80. Range 17. Section 25.
June
19th. The camp rolled out today at quarter to seven am. and traveled fifteen
miles.
The journey was accomplished with out any accident. We camped at ten minutes
to
twelve pm. Plenty of wood and water. Several were baptized by John Oakley for
their health. Three
miles from Greenhustle.
June 20th. The camp
moved off at quarter to seven a.m. Traveled sixteen miles.
The road was very hilly
and rather rough. It was rather a hard day's travel. About a
quarter to eight this
morning, John Lloyd's wife and family backed out. He was very
much given to
drinking whiskey along the road. We passed through the city of
Newton this morning
about nine a.m. We rested by a stream from ten till twelve.
Pitched out tents at
four p.m. alongside a beautiful stream of water. Plenty of wood.
Several were baptized
for their health by Elder Oakley.
June 21st. At ten
minutes to seven the camp moved off and traveled thirteen
miles. Rested Thirty
minutes by the side of a stream; and an hour on the top of a hill.
No accident happened
to the camp. All was well. At ten minutes to one p.m., James
Bowers died of quick
consumption. Age 44. (24th of January, 1856.)
June 22nd. Brother
James Bowers was buried near the two other graves.
a quarter of a mile
east of the main line of Fort Des Moines. Section 76. Township 29,
Range 72. The camp
was called together for meeting at twenty minutes past four p.m.
Singing, prayer by
Elder Leonard. The meeting was addressed by Elders Heaton.
McArthur, and
Ellsworth. Much good instruction was given.
June 23rd. The camp
moved out at twenty‑five past seven a.m. traveled eleven
miles. The roads were
a little rough and somewhat dusty. Pitched tents by 10 a.m. The
roads were rather
rough in some parts and a little hilly. We passed two middling good
streams of water. a
good camping ground. plenty of wood and water, four miles from
Fort Des Moines.
Passed a small town this morning seven miles from the Fort.
June 24th. The camp
rolled out at thirty past six a.m. Traveled eleven miles. The
roads were a little
rough and somewhat dusty. The day was exceedingly warm. through
which it was rather
hard for the handcart boys. Pitched tents at thrity past one p.m.
Plenty of wood.
water, about a half a mile from the camp on the left side of the road.
An old mobocrat came
and tried to make a fuss with our captain. Sidney Shinn, son of
James and Mary Shinn
Jr., died this morning. Buried thrity yards south of the bridge
on Four Mile Creek,
on the east bank. under an elm tree.
June 25th. The camp
rolled out this morning at twenty‑five past six a.m.
Traveled nineteen
miles. A gentle breeze blew all the way: it was quite refreshing.
The roads good:
supplied water at six miles. and at nine. Pitched tents at forty‑five past
one p.m. alongside of
a river bank. Plenty of wood.
June 26th. The camp
moved off this morning at thirty past six a.m. Traveled ten
town of Balley. At 12 p.m. we again forded the Racoon and camped on the west bank.
Plenty of wood and water; The road good with the exception of two or three hills.
Emma Shinn, daughter of Robert and Eliza Shinn, died this morning of whooping
cough. age two years and eight months.
June 27th. Emma Shinn
was buried this morning twelve feet southeast of a
walnut tree on the
west bank of the Racoon, nearly opposite the sawmill. At seven a.m.the camp rolled out and traveled ten miles. Good roads. Camped at thirty past ten a.m.
in a beautiful valley alongside of a good stream. On the right side of the road on the
west bank of the stream there is a beautiful spring of water.
June 28th. The camp
moved off at forty past five and traveled sixteen miles. The
road was good with
the exception of some parts of it being rather hilly. The waterrather scarce for about thirteen miles. We got supplied with water at Bear Station.
Pitched tents at one p.m. Pretty good camping ground; plenty of water; wood rather
scarce. We had a heavy thunderstorm about six p.m. One of the tents was blown down
and another rent from top to bottom.
June 29th. We
remained in camp all day and rested our bodies. The day was fine.
Several strangers
were in the camp. At twenty past four p.m. the saints met togetherfor meeting, singing, and prayer by Elder Crandall. The meeting was addressed by
Elders Hargreave, Ellsworth, McArthur, Leonard. and Crandall on a variety of subjects
for the benefit of the Saints.
june 3Oth. The camp
moved out at fifty‑five past six a.m. Traveled sixteen miles.
We traveled twelve
miles without resting. The roads were middling: part of the waysomewhat hilly. No water for twelve miles. Pitched tents at ten past one p.m. All in
good spirits. Plenty of wood and water.
july lst. The camp moved out at ten past seven a.m. , and traveled fifteen miles.
The road was rather rough. Passed one creek of water. Camped on the side of the
creek. Plenty of water. Wood plentiful: about a half a mile from the camp. About half
past ten p.m. we had a severe thunder storm. One tent was blown down and another
rent.
july 2nd. We remained
in camp til fifty past three p.m. owing to Brother
McArthur's company
having lost a boy by the way. At the above hour we started andtraveled ten miles. Rested about half an hour on the bank of the river Nishnabotna.
Camped two and one half miles west north ‑west of Indian town on the banks of a river .
Plenty of wood. A most delightful camping ground.
july 3rd. The camp
moved out at forty‑five past nine a.m. and traveled fourteen
miles. Rested at the
side of a creek six miles from where we started. Very little water aswe came along. After traveling twelve miles, we turned down a road to the right two
miles and camped by the side of a creek with plenty of water. Little wood. About
twenty of the camp lost their road. but returned about midnight.
july 4th. The camp moved out at ten past seven a. m. and traveled twenty miles.
We passed two creeks at the first ten miles. the other ten. no water. The roads good.
Camped at fifteen past three p.m. alongside of a good creek of water. Plenty of wood.
Fourteen miles from Council Bluffs. All in good spirits.
july 5th. The company remained in camp today to rest and get their clothes
washed.
july 6th. Today is Sunday. We remained in camp. Had meeting at twenty past
four p.m. Singing. and prayer by Brother Crandall. The meeting was addressed by
Elders Galloway, Oakley, Ellsworth. and McArthur. A good many strangers present.
Some were attentive, and others could not bear the doctrine and walked off grumbling.
july 7th. The camp rolled out at 7 a.m. Traveled fifteen miles. The roads were
very hilly. Rested thiry minutes alongside of a good creek. For about eight miles there
was little or no water. Passed a few houses about two miles from the camping ground
where a good many old Mormons were staying. Pitched tents about 5.p.m.
july 8th. The camp moved out at 7 a.m. and traveled sixteen miles over a very
rough road up and down hills. One handcart broke down by the way. The camp rested
at Pigeon Creek for two and a half hours. Cooked dinners and got nicely rested. Crossed
the Missouri by the steam ferry‑boat and a little below Florence. Got to the camp gound
at Florence at fifty past four p.m.
july 9th to 12th. We were busy engaged repairing the handcarts. On the lOth.
Sister Isabella Stevenson backed out with an old apostate.
july 13th. The Saints met in meeting at four p.m. The saints were addressed by
Elders. McGraw. Ellswrorh. and McArthur.
july 14th to 16th. Engaged getting our outfit for the plains.
july 17th. The camp rolled out at 11 a.m. Traveled two and one half miles to
Summer Quarters.
rlltr‑: t8tl:t & t 9tl:t, We cetn.8.la.ed la. C8.tn.Q tltt S8.tucd8.y, finishing the carts and
getting the balance of our outfit.
july 2Oth. The camp rolled out at 6 a.m. and traveled seven miles. pitched tents
and half past nine .
july 21st. The camp rolled out at nine a.m. and traveled eighteen miles. Crossed
the Elk Horn by the Ferry Boat and camped about five p.m. Before all the tents were
pitched, we had quite a thunder storm. and it continued more or less all the night.
july 22nd. The camp rolled out at twelve p.m. and traveled seventeen miles
along a good road. Passed five dead oxen. Camped at half past seven p.m. at Liberty
pole camping ground close to the Platte River .
july 23rd. The camp rolled out at half past seven a.m. Traveled fourteen and one
half miles. Camped at Loop Fork at Four p.m. An excellent camping place. Good feed
for cattle. The roads were rather heavy and the day very warm. Water scarce.
july 24th. The camp rolled out a half past seven a.m. Traveled nine miles. The
roads pretty good. Camped at twelve p.m. at Shell Creek.
july 25th. The camped rolled out at seven a.m. and traveled nineteen miles. The
roads were pretty good with the exception of about five miles. Rather sandy. Camped
at six p.m. two miles from Loop Ferry Fork.
july 26th. At nine a.m. the camp rolled towards the ferry. where we were
detained five hours in crossing. At half past five p.m. the camp again moved on about
three miles, where we were overtaken by a most terrific storm of thunder and rain.
In the open prairie and without tents. Two brothers and two sisters were knocked
down by lightning. Brother Henry Walker from Carlistle was killed. Age fifty‑eight.
He was a faithful man to his duty. We again moved on for one and one quarter miles
and camped for the night. Traveled six miles for the day.
july 27th. Brother H. Walker was buried this morning four miles west of Loop
Fork Ferry on sandy rise. right hand side of the road. At 12 p.m. the camp rolled out
and traveled two and a half miles to a better camping ground. where we remained for
the rest of the day. A beef was killed at night for the camp.. About eight p.m., a
meeting was called. Brothers Oakley, France. and Ellsworth addressed the meeting.
july 28th. At fifteen past seven a.m.. the camp rolled out and traveled twenty
miles. The roads in many parts were heavy .We rested two hours and had dinner. We
turned up to the right about half a mile and camped for the night at half past six p.m.
july 29th. At nine a.m. camp rolled out and ascended a bluff to the right of the
camping ground. Traveled fifteen miles. The roads in some parts a little sandy. Plenty
Iof wood and water. Two good springs on the west side of the camp ground. One of them
dug out by Brother Card.
july 30th. The camp rolled out at seven a.m., and traveled twenty‑five miles. A
great part of the road was very sandy and heavy for handcarts and wagons. No wood.
no water, till we camped. and that not very plentiful. Still plenty for camping
purposes. Camped at fifteen past 6 p.m.
july 31st. The camp rolled out at seven and traveled eighteen miles. The road
leading from camp is a very heavy sandy road and continues so for about thirteen
miles. It is also very hilly. Camped about fifteen minutes past six p.m.. alongside of
Prairie Creek. No wood. but plenty of buffalo chips. There is a well about seven miles
from where we camped last night on the right hand side of the road.
August lst. The camp rolled out at eight a.m. Traveled sixteen miles. The road is
in good condition. Crossed Prairie Creek twice. The second crossing, the handcarts had
to be carried over by the brethren. There was a little difficulty in getting the wagons
over. The banks of the creek were so steep. We also crossed Wood River by means of a
good bridge. We came very close to a herd of buffalo. Brother Ellsworth went out with
his rifle. Wounded two. but not sufficient for him to get them. At thirty past six p.m.
we camped alongside of Wood River. Plenty of wood and water. A good camping
ground.
Aug. 3rd. We remained in camp all day and attended to such duties as we were
necessitated to do. Meeting at seven p.m. Brothers Oakley. Butler and Ellsworth.
addressed the Saints.
Aug.4th: At a quarter to eight a.m., the camp rolled out and traveled eighteen
miles. Good roads. Camped at quarter to three p.m. near to the Platte.
Aug. 5th: At eight a.m., the camp rolled out and traveled sixteen miles. The road
pretty good with the exception of one or two places. Camped about four p.m. Wood a
plenty. Water rather scarce. still plenty for camping purposes.
Aug. 6th: At nine a.m. the camp rolled out and traveled twelve miles. Roads
good. Camped about two p.m. on Buffalo Creek four miles from the crossing of B. Creek.
We killed four buffaloes today. The camp got quite a good supply of meat.
Aug. 7th. At fifteen to nine. a.m. the camp rolled out, and traveled twenty‑five
miles. The roads good. with the exception of about two miles which were rather sandy.
There is no water after leaving the crossing. Camped at about thirty past eight p.m. No
water but by digging for it.
Aug. 8th: At fifteen to nine a.m.. the camp rolled out from this place of
desolation and traveled thirteen miles without water. The roads good. Camped about
thirty past two alongside the Platte. By turning off to the left about one half mile you
will find a good camping ground but no wood. There is another camping ground about
two miles ahead. By some means Father Sanders got left behind. The brethren have
been out on foot and horse. As of yet they have not succeeded in finding him.
Aug. 9th., The camp rolled out at ten past 1 p.m. and traveled thirteen miles.
Brother Fowler found Father Sanders this morning about five miles ahead of the camp.
The road for about seven miles is a very heavy sandy road; hard pulling for handcarts
and ox teams. Camped beside the Platte about two miles from Skunk Creek about fifteen .
to eight p.m.
Aug. lOth: About nine a.m. the camp was called together for a meeting Elders
Ellsworth, France. and Oakley addressed the Saints. A good meeting. For two or three
miles the road is sandy and bluffy. but they can be greatly avoided by winding them.
Camped at Cold Springs camping ground about six p.m. A most excellent place for a
camp.
Aug. 11: The camp rolled out at fifty past seven a.m. and traveled seventeen
miles. The roads were pretty good with the exception of some that are rather sandy.
but that can be avoided by turning off a little either to the right or left. Plenty of
water every three or four miles. One of our milk cows died near the camping ground.
We crossed over a small creek and camped close to the Platte opposite of two or three
small islands. where there is wood. but rather difficult to get at. We had two buffaloes
brought into camp tonight. killed by the brethren appointed for that purpose. We
camped at four p.m. All well.
Aug. 12: We remained at rest today to cut up buffalo to dry for the journey; and
repair the handcarts.
Aug. 13th. The camp rolled at thirty past nine a.m. and traveled twelve miles.
The roads were rather heavy owing to last night's rain. Camped about five p.m.
alongside of Bluff Fork. We forded the river previous to camping.
Aug 14th: The camp rolled at ten past eight a.m. and traveled eighteen miles.
The first twelve miles was nearly all over heavy sandy bluffs. Right from the camp it
made heavy pulling. The last six miles the road was pretty good. One of the covered
handcarts broke down. Camped about seven p.m. along side of the Platte.
Aug. 15th: The camp rolled out at one quarter to eight a.m. traveled fourteen
miles. For the first six miles the sand was fully as bad. if not worse. than yesterday. We
crossed four creeks. took dinner at Goose Creek. For the next eight miles the road was
good. We forded Rattle Snake and camped about a half a mile from the old Rattle Snake
camping ground. Camped about quarter past six p.m.
Aug. 16th. The camp moved off at quarter to eight a.m. and traveled sixteen and
three quarter miles. A good part of it heavy sandy traveling. Other parts of the road
was good travelin 9 .We crossed small creeks. had dinner on the banks of Camp Creek.
We camped about seven p.m. on the east bank of Wolf Creek. Buffalo chips not so
plentiful here. Good feed for the oxen.
Aug. 17th: The camp moved out at a quarter to nine a.m. and traveled twelve
miles. We crossed over Wolf Creek and ascended the Sandy Bluff. We crossed the bluff
to the left instead of going up the old track. It is easier for handcarts and for ox teams.
The road today was very sandy for several miles. Passed over several creeks. Camped
at four p.m. on the side of the Platte opposite to Ash Grove. Brother Peter Stalley died
today. He was from Italy.
Aug. 18th: The camp rolled out twenty past seven a.m. and traveled nineteen
miles. The road today in parts was very sandy. Especially crossing the cobble hills it
was very sandy. We crossed Crab Creek today. Camped about thirty past (?) p.m. on the
Platte opposite ancient Bluff ruins.
Aug. 20th: The camp rolled out at thirty past seven a.m. and traveled twenty
miles. The road was tolerable good till we came to the last five miles, when it became
very sandy in some parts. especially in crossing over sand bluffs. Camped on the side
of the Platte, forty‑five past six. p.m.
Aug. 21st: The camp rolled out at thirty past seven a.m. and traveled sixteen and
one half miles. The road today was tolerable good. No water for fourteen and one half
miles. Camped on the Platte two miles beyond Chinmey Rock at four p.m. Buffalo chips
rather scarce .
Aug. 22nd: The camp rolled out at twenty past seven a.m. and traveled twenty‑
one miles. The road today was good. We were detained three hours on the road by a
thunderstorm. Twelve miles without water. Camped about thirty past seven p.m. on the
Platte about half a mile from Spring Creek. Buffalo chips and wood scarce. Poor feed
for cattle.
Aug. 23rd: The camp rolled out at five past eight a. m. and traveled fifteen and a
half miles before we struck the Platte. where we camped. Wood plentiful on the south
side by fording for it. The river from two to three feet deep. About six miles of the
road was rather sandy. Camped about two p.m. on the side of the Platte near
killed a buffalo tonight.
Aug.24th: The camp did not travel any today. We were busy with the handcarts.
At six p.m. we had a Sacramental and Saints' meeting. A good time of it.
Aug. 25th: At half past seven a.m. the camp rolled out and traveled nineteen
miles. For six or seven miles the road was rather sandy. At a quarter to five p.m. we
camped not far from the Platte. Good feed, plenty of wood.
Aug. 26th: The camp rolled out twenty past seven a.m. and traveled seventeen
miles. For about fourteen miles the road was very sandy. Heavy drawing. Forded the
Platte opposite to Laramie. Camped at thirty‑five past five p.m. on the side of the Platte
four miles from Laramie. Good feed. plenty of wood.
Aug. 27th: The camp rolled out at quarter past seven a.m. and traveled twenty‑
one miles. The roads good with the exception of about four miles. rather rough and
rocky. At a quarter to five p.m. we camped at Bitter Cottonwood. Wood and water
plenty. Feed scarce.
Aug. 28th: The camp rolled out this morning at thirty past eight a.m. and
traveled fifteen miles. Eight miles from Bitter Cottonwood Creek to the Platte. Three
miles from that to a good spring, and pretty good horse feed on the right side of the
road. Four miles from that to Horseshoe Creek. Good feed and plenty of wood and water.
Camped about thirty past four p.m.
Aug. 29th: The camp rolled out this morning at thirty past eight a.m. and
traveled twenty five miles. The road was pretty good. Sixteen miles to the Platte where
we took dinner. Traveled two miles and forded the Platte. Camped about thirty past six
p.m. on the Platte. Plenty of wood; feed fair.
Aug. 30th: The camp rolled out at twenty‑five past seven a.m. and traveled nineteen
miles. The road was pretty fair. Forded the Platte again. Traveled about six miles and
camped by the side of a creek. Plenty of wood. water, and feed. We passed two
emigrants from California. By them we were informed that five wagons were waiting
on us at Deer Creek. Camped about thirty past six p.m.
Aug. 31st: The camp rolled out at quarter to seven a.m. and traveled twenty‑four
miles. The roads were very good. Camped at Deer Creek, about thirty past five p.m.
Found the wagons waiting on us. A most excellent camping ground. Plenty of wood.
water, and feed for the cattle. Robert Stoddard died of consumption, age 51. Burried
about four hundred yards from the left hand side of the road.
Sept. lst: We remained at Deer Creek today to rest ourselves and the cattle. Busy
repairing the handcarts. Killed a cow. Had a good meeting at night. Addressed by
Brother Ellsworth and the brethren from the Valley. We spent a first rate day of it.
Sept 2nd: The camp rolled out this morning at thirty past eight a.m. and traveled
eleven miles. It was a very heavy pulling owing to the dust and a heavy wind. Crossed
a creek eleven miles from where we started. Walter Sanders died last night. Buried
this morning about three hundred yards from the south side of the road. Age sixty
five.
Sept.3rd: Crossed the
Platte a mile and a half below the upper crossings. A good
place to ford. Camped
beside of the Platte at thirty past four p.m. Plenty of wood. Feedmiddlin 9 .
Sept. 4th: The camp
rolled out this morning and traveled twenty‑six miles. The
roads were very good
for traveling. Had dinner by the side of Mineral Spring Creek.Camped at Little Stream Creek at thirty past five p.m. About a half an hour after
getting to camp it got very cold and rained for several hours so that we could not light
a fire .
Sept. 5th: We remained in camp today owing to the inclement state of the
weather. It rained and snowed alternately for the whole of the day so that we could not
cook hardly anything.
Sept. 6th: About four a.m. this morning the weather became more settled, but we
found to our sorrow that twenty‑four head of our cattle were missing. owing to the
negligence of Robert Shinn and James Shinn Jr., who were on guard. We had to
remain in the camp again today as the cattle were not found till about three p.m.
Sept. 7th: The camp rolled out this morning at thirty past seven a. m. and
traveled twenty‑two miles. The road was good for the first fourteen miles. Camped to
have dinner beside a most beautiful creek of water. For the next eight miles the road is
very sandy and heavy. Camped at thirty past six p.m. by the side of Sweetwater, two
miles from the crossing. A good camping ground., Good feed for the cattle. George
Neappris died this evening. Age 24. Emigrated from Cardiff in Dan Jones' company.
Sept 8th: This morning George Neappris was burried on a sand ridge directly
east of three rocky mounds. Two and a half miles from the crossing on the bend on the
north side of the river. The camp rolled out at forty past nine a.m. and traveled
fourteen miles. Crossed Sweetwater by a good bridge. The roads were in many parts
rather rough. Had dinner beside Sweetwater at thirty past five p.m. not far from a
company of apostates.
Sept. 9th: The camp tolled at thirty past seven a.m. and traveled sixteen miles.
he roads continued
rather rough with a heavy headwind. Camped at five p.m. beside
he Sweetwater. An
excellent camping ground. Killed a cow.
Sept. lOth: The camp rolled out at forty past seven a.m. and traveled eighteen
miles. The roads were tolerable good to Sweetwater crossing. After that it was sandy
for seven miles. Camped at six. p.m. on Sweetwater. A very indifferent camping
ground. Poor feed.
Sept. llth: The camp rolled out at forty past seven a.m. and traveled nineteen
miles. The first part of the journey the roads were pretty good. No water for twelve
miles. You will then come to a good stream of water and good feed. Take the left hand
road. Traveled eight miles to a creek. A poor campground. Middling feed. Camped at
six p.m. About 11 p.m. Brother McArthur's company came up. They had traveled
nearly night and day to overtake us.
Sept. 12th: The camp rolled out at forty‑five past seven a.m. and traveled twelve
miles. The greatest part of the road was very hilly and rough. A good spring of water
about six miles from where we started this morning. Camped at forty‑five past one p.m.
Good camping ground. Feed pretty fair. Plenty of good spring water, about two
hundred yards from the road, right side.
Sept. 13th: The camp rolled out at forty past seven a.m. and traveled twenty‑
eight miles. The road was very good. We took the cut off six miles from where we
started. There is a good creek of water and plenty of good feed about two hundred yards
from where the road crosses the creek. Nine miles farther on there is another good
creek and feed. It is not far from the head of Sweetwater. Camped at nine p.m. at the
Pacific springs. Here we came up with the main body of Captain Bank's company.
They had ten days clear start of us from Florence. Mary Mayo died of diarrhea. Age 6).
Buried her close to the big mountain left hand side of the road.
Sept. 14th: The camp rolled out at nine a.m. and traveled three miles where there
was plenty of feed for the cattle .
Sept. l)th: The camp rolled out at seven a.m. and traveled twenty‑six miles. A
creek of water twelve miles from where we started. Also feed. Here we rested two
hours. Sixteen miles we camped at Little Sandy. We got plenty of water by digging for
it. Plenty of wood and pretty good feed. Camped at nine p.m. Very good roads.
Sept. 16th: The camp rolled out at thirty past eight a.m. and traveled twenty‑
three miles. Good roads. Crossed a splendid creek of water five miles from Little Sandy.
Camped on the banks of Big Sandy at seven p.m. Plenty of wood on the opposite side of
the river. Poor feed for the cattle.
Sept. 17th: James Birch._~~ died this morning of diarrhea. Buried on the top
of sandy ridge, east of Sandy. The camp rolled at eight and traveled eleven miles.
Rested four hours by the side of Green River. Forded the river about four p,m. and
camped about six p.m. Good feed and camping ground.
Sept. 18th. At eight a.m. the camp rolled out and traveled twenty‑two miles. Good
roads. Camped on Ham's Fork at seven p.m. Good feed for the cattle; also wood.
Sept. 2Oth: The camp rolled out at forty‑five past six a.m. and traveled nine miles
to Bridger. The road rather rough and rocky. Camped at Bridger for the day, at fifteen
past ten a.m. Killed a first rate fat ox. Shod several of the oxen.
Sept. 21st: At seven a.m. the camp rolled out and traveled twenty‑two miles. The
roads were good. Crossed several creeks. Passed a sulphur and soda spring. Camped at
six p.m. Plenty of wood and feed, but no water.
Sept. 22nd: The camp rolled out at thirty past five a.m. and traveled twenty‑
three miles. Had breakfast six miles from where we started. About three p.m. we met
with Brigham's and Heber's sons. They were glad to see us. About half past five we
were taken in a thunder storm and traveled an hour and a half in it. Camped at six p.m.
Plenty of water and feed. Wood rather scarce. The wagons with the tents did not arrive
until twelve midnight. We were cold and wet. Still we felt alright.
Sept. 23rd: The camp rolled out at 12. p.m. and traveled eighteen miles. The
roads were pretty good. We forded the Weber about one p.m. and had dinner on the
Weber banks. Camped about thirty past six p.m. Wood, water, feed plenty. We were
visited by a few Indians.
Sept. 24th: The camp rolled out at 7 a.m. and traveled twenty miles. The roads
were rather rough and rugged. Camped about thirty past six p.m. Wood. water. feed.
plenty.
Sept. 2)th: The camp rolled out at 7 a.m. and traveled twenty miles. We Crossed
the canyon eleven times. The road a little rough. Had dinner at the bottom of the Big
Mountain. Crossed the Big Mountain in two hours and fifty‑five minutes. Camped at
the foot of the Little Mountain at six p.m.
Sept. 26th: The brethren from the city sent us a wagon with provisions as we
were rather short. At thirty past ten a.m. the camp rolled and traveled thirteen miles.
About eight miles form the city we were met with Governor Young and his counselors.
The Nauvoo brass band. the Lancers, and a great many others. We were first rate
received in the city. Provisions of all kinds came rolling to us in camp. The brethren
of the city manifested great interest towards us as a company. which caused out hearts
to rejoice and be glad.
Edmund Ellsworth, Captain.
A. Galloway, Secretary.
