Diary of Lorenzo Dow Young
Written—most of it by his wife, Harriet Page Wheeler Decker Young, on journey from Nauvoo to Salt Lake City, 1846-7-8.*
Deposited in the L.D.S. Church Historian's Office by his son, Francis M. Young, Sept. 10, 1932, subject to the will of the family of Lorenzo D. Young.
Feb. 1st: [Sunday] 1845 [6]1 now fixing to leave Our Home and al we have except what too wagons can Draw and our Place of Destenation We know not.
Sunday the [8th] of February [1846]. I left Nauvoo with my famely consisting of W. G. [William] and Susan, Joseph, John, Perry [Decker].2 John Camlie [Campbell, driver for the Youngs], had gon over 3 days be fore. We camped on the river bank. It waz a verry cold night. The next day went to Shuger [p.134] Crick3 where we camps; the next Sunday [Feb. 15] Br. Brigham mooved over; got in to the camp about ten o'clock p.m.
Wensday the 18th President Young cald the people together for the purpus of organization. The same day Bros. B. Young and H. C. Kimble [Heber C. Kimball] went back to Nauvoo.
Sunday the 22nd. Bros. Brigham and Heber came back to the camp. The wether is verry cold; the river is freesing over.
Friday, 27. Bishop [Horace] Whitney crosed on the ice with his teames.
Monday, 2nd of March. I started with my company of ten; travled 5 milds; broke a nexeltree to one of my wagons. We went on one mild, then went back and got the lode and wagon and camps for the night. Put in a new exeltree. The nex day started on our gerny. Neer night Wm. Worken [Workman] broke a wagon whel.
The next day we traveled through Garmenton [Germantown]. Campel 4 milds above the town. The next day we went throu Bonipart [Bonaparte, a village on the Des Moines River]. Crosed the Dismoin. Camped on Bank of the river. The next day traveled 4 milds; camped on the edg of the perara [prairie]. The next morning I lost my Red cow, but fortunately found her again. Travled to Deer Creek that day; broke the tung out of my big wagon but put in a nother in about one our. The next day traveled five milds; camped on the perara neer ware the band had camped. The next morning I was cald up to go to Br. Whitnee camp for sara [Sarah] was verry sick. I went and in about half a nower she had a fine boy. That day I traveled to Richardson pint.4 Thare we over took Br. Brigham and the rest of the camp. We ware glad to git in compney with our frends again.
This is the 8 day of march. [Sunday, 1846]. Thare we found Edwin [Edwin Little, Lorenzo's nephew] sick. We staid heer a number of days; took gobs [jobs] and got plenty of corn for our teams. Poor Edwin Gones [grows?] worse.
Wensday the 18. This morning Brother Wells [Daniel H. Wells] came over to the camp and told us that Edwin was A-diing. I harnessed my buggy as quick as posable, but was to late; the poor fellow was gon. He longd to liv until he co'ld git thare, but he had to [yield to] the grim monste[r]. We removed his remains to the camp and that evning in tered them in the silent grave. It was a melonachoncolley day to meny of us.
Thursday the 19. We started on our gerny; travled 14 milds; camped near A widow woman's house. She clamed one thousand acers of land and wanted pay for the dry wood that [p.135] we burnt. We ware directed by Br. [Albert P.] Rockwood where to camp, and I thought that if he had Rancked [ransacked] creation over he co'ld not found a nother so ruf aplace.
The next day we crossed Iowa river and the rode was verry bad on the bottoms. That night I turned aside and camped neer ahouse.
The next morning I took my rifle and went to shoot some perara chickens and snap my gun untill I was tired out. Then I returned to my tent, threw down my gun and it went of and shot one of Br. wakers [William Walker] oxen through the forheed, but did not inger him mutch.
The next day we traveled and camped at night on a small streem. The next day the camp crosed the Sharaten [Chariton] River5 and camped on the hill. It was verry bad crossing. We had to let down the waggns with arope and double team to git up the hill. We camped on the hill for the night. It began to rain in the night and raind all day. The rodes were so muddy that we ware obliged to stay thare eleven days. Heere Bros. John and Evan M. Green came from Nauvoo and over took the camp. They stayed three days and then returned to Nauvoo. Joseph went with them.
March 22 [Sunday, 1846]. This day we travled 12 miles. We past Br. Brigham's camp this night on one fork of Shole [Shoal] Crick.
[March] 23. This morning Br. Brigham s camp past us. We came on to shore crick whare Br. John Tailor [Taylor] past us with his camp. Here we overtook Br. [Reuben] Millers compney. We camped on the hill. It began to rain about noon and raind the rest of the day. About nine oclock P.M. it began to roar in the west, and the wind began to bloe. I steped to the doore of my tent and took hold to hold it, but in A moment there came A gust of wind and blue the tent flat to the ground. My nex care was to hold my carage, which was under the tent, from blowing a way. The rain came down in torants so fast that it put out the fire. In a few minuits it was all darkness, and it was so cold that it seemed as though I must perish. I stood and held the [illegible] end of the carage about one our. The rain wet me through and through, and I never felt in my life as though I must perish with the col more than I did then.
Sunday the 5 [April, 1846]. This morning President Kimbel cald the compuny together, gave the [sic] some instruction and we all pertook of the sackerment, each Capten in his own compney.
Tusday, 7. This day we started on, traveled about six milds through a very weet perara. It began to rain about noon, and agrate number of wagons ware obliged to camp on the open [p.136] perara. It was verry cold, and we all sufered verry mutch from the cold. I camped neere the timber and the next morning I went to Br. Kimbles camp; found them on the open perara. Saterday the 11th. This [day] I started to moove on 5 mils to Br. Kimbles camp, but was tacon verry sick and co'ld not goe.
        Sunday, 12. This day travled on 6 milds to the camp. It was plesant and the camp met in the afternoon and broke bread.6 We are now in putnam Co. Mo.
Monday, 13th. Remained in camp today. Teusday, 14th. Struck our tents and proceeded to Bro. Brigham's camp on the W. fork of Locust Creek.7 This day Charles [Decker] returned from Nauvoo, bearing a number of Messages and letters.
Wensday the 1 5th. Staid in camp. Thursday the 16th. Left our place of encampment at half past 9 A.M. Went about 6 miles; encamped at 2 P.M. on the prairie near where Bros. Taylor, Geo. Smith and Young had encamped. Today Bros. Markun [Stephen Markham] and Lorenzo Tracy had an ox bit by a rattle Snake and Whitney a horse.
Friday the 17th. Started this morning at 8 A.M.; proceeded 8 miles and encamped in a grove of hickory bordering on the Medicine Creek. Staid until about five in the afternoon then left and traveled a little distance and crossed a creek and beheld a scene that was indiscribable Some one had set fire in the long grass and we were almost surrounded by fire and it seemed as if there was no chance for retreat for the road behind us was blockaded with teams and the scene was awful but the men succeeded in puting out the fire with whips and water we then proceeded a half a mile and encamped for the night.
Saturday the 18th [April, 1846]. Started and traveled two miles and encamped on the Same creek. Sunday, 19th. Attended a public meeting at Bro. B's. [Brigham's] camp two miles back.
Monday, 20th. Attended Council at Bro. B's camp. Today little John and Perry had a fishhook given them by Bro. Whitney. They went off to the creek big with anticipation of catching fish, but soon little Perry returned crying as if his heart would break. He had lost his fishook, before he had got it on a line. Bro. W. gave him another and he felt better. This night about ten o'clock old Fan had a nice colt. Teusday, 21. Struck our tents and proceeded 8 miles, and camped for the night. Killed two rattlesnakes. Bro. Tibets [John H. Tippetts] killed a splendid hen Turkey Wensday the 22. This morning struck our tents, traveled 5 miles and encamped on a beautiful gravely hill beside Clem Creek. Soon after we stoped, turned out our horses. Wm. Walker's horse kicked old Fan's colt and hurt it bad, also one of our oxen was very sick. This morning we gave him salt and [p.137] vinegar and some fat pork and he got better before night. Today killed two rattlesnakes. This night had a shower of rain attended with thunder and lightning and the wind roared tremendously, but the Lord in his mercy turned it in our favor that it did not strike us, and we were preserved from getting wet. Thursday the 23. This morning Bro. Tibets shot a noble Turkey weighing 25 pds., struck our tents and proceeded on to Bro. Brigham's camp; passed it and came on about a mile and encamped for the night on an old Indian Camping ground. Here we had another shower. The wind blew terribly and injured our tent very much. We were in our tent, but found there was no safty and run into our wagons. We got some wet. Killed two Rattle snakes.
      Friday, 24th [April, 1846], This morning rose early. The wind blew cold. Struck our tent and proceeded a few rods and came to a creek that our men had bridged. The banks were very steep, consequently was obliged to lock the wheel. The mare crossed the bridge before I had a chance to unlock it. While stopping too, the mare began to sink into the mire, and she comenced flouncing; threw her self with her back down hill and come very near getting her head into the creek, but by the help of John Campbell and myself we succeeded in keeping her out while the rest got the harness off of her, and as good luck was on our side she was not hurt nor the buggy broke. Traveled a short distance; stopped to bate; killed another rattle snake. Today Philip Smith [Klingensmith]8 is sick and we have to get another driver. We traveled four miles and camped on the east fork of Grand River for the night.
Saturday, 25. Remained in camp this morning. Went to look a site to build a bridge across Grand River. While sitting on a log to rest I heard something rattle and observed to Bro. Sherwood that it made a noise like a rattlesnake. We looked but could see nothing and gave it up as the russling of a leaf, but soon observed one between where my feet were, all quirled up ready for jumping. I soon despached him.9
Sunday the 26. Attended meeting. Bro. Brigham came home with me and dined; went to meeting in the afternoon. Met in Council in the evening. Bro. [Shadrach] Roundy arrived in camp this evening bearing news from Nauvoo. Monday, 27th. This morning the brethren met for the purpose of going to work to make farms, as some of the Saints are to locate here for a season to prepare a resting place for the Saints that may come after. [p.138] It rains, and things appear rather gloomy, Teusday, 28. It still continues to rain. Nothing of note has transpired today.
Wensday, [April] 29. The rain is still falling, and everything looks lonesome today. Harriet A Little and child came to live with us. Thursday, 30th. Still it rains and we feel dull. Philip is not able to set up at all.
Friday, May the 1st. This morning it is cloudy, but looks like clearing off today. Bro. Brigham, Bro. Heber and wife, Bro. Whitney and wife visited us and took tea. We had an agreeable visit, if it was in a tent. Philip has gone to his sisters; is very sick. The sun set clear tonight and bids fair to be a pleasant day tomorrow.
Saturday, 2nd [May, 1846]. This morning the sun rose clear and the girls went to the creek to wash, and I repacked the waggons. Was very tired tonight. Sunday the 3. This morning we learned Bro. Thorn died in camp at 8 in the evening. Went to meeting in the forenoon. In the afternoon it rained and there was no meeting.
Monday the 4th. This morning the sun rose clear. I herded cattle until noon, then went to see if I could trade for a waggon. Did not affect anything. Teusday, 5th. This morning is fair. The girls have gone to the creek to wash. Tonight the clouds are gathering for rain. It has continued to rain all night, attended with sharp lightning and heavy thunder.
Wensday, 6th. This morning the sun rose, but soon angry clouds arose and obscured the sky. We had a dreadful shower attended with wind, thunder and lightning. My little John was out herding cattle. I felt worried a [bout] him and when I see the shower rising went in pursuit of him. He came in a new route and I missed of [sic] of him and was out in all the shower. It continued to rain the most of the night.
        Thursday, 7th. A little cloudy, but looks like clearing off. Bishop Whitney lost a horse by the bite of a rattlesnake, also Bro. Hendrick [James Hendricks] had one die with the same. The sun sets clear tonight. Friday the 8th. This morning is clear: not a cloud obscures the sky, but our ears were saluted with some unpleasant news. We understand that the oldest daugter of Peter Haws threw a cup of scalding coffe into the face and eyes of a young man that drove team for them. It is feared he will loose his eye sight. The Lord reward her. (I forgot to mention that Bro. [John V.] green buried his wife in camp Thursday.)
Saturday the 9th. This morning everything looks cheerful. The weather is good. I traded waggons with Bro. Derby; found my heifers that had been gone a week, and I feel pretty well. Sunday, 10th. The weather still remains fair. Went to meeting today, had a good time; met in Council this evening.
[p.139] Monday, 11th. This morning exchanged waggon boxes with Bro. Wm. Jennings. He and Bro. [Reuben] McBride leaves for their families. The girls are washing to the creek. Worked at my buggy all day. Teusday, 12th. This morning finished my buggy and covered both waggons and packed them. We was all tired out tonight. We were threatened with a dreadful shower, but the Lord had mercy on us and it went round.
Wensday, 13th. This morning struck our tent and traveled 3 miles and camped for the night. We had a tremendous storm of wind and rain accompanied with thunder and lightning, which lasted until morning. Thursday, 14th. Clear and cool, but remain in camp today. Friday, 15th. Started and traveled 10 miles. Camped for the night. Soon after we stoped my wife was taken with a dreadful distress in her stomache and bowels, which lasted until morning. We laid hands on her three times and gave her medicine and she got better, but was obliged to be carried on a bed.
Saturday, 16th [May, 1846]. Started and traveled twelve miles and camped for the night. Sunday, 17th. This morning H. [Harriet] is some better; started and traveled two miles and a half and overtook Bro. Brigham's camp. Went with Bros. Brigham, Amasa Lyman, George A. Smith and some others to look [sic] a place to camp. Started about four o'clock, traveled three miles and camped for the night near a small branch that empties into Grand River.
Monday, 18th. This morning built a bridge across the stream; proceeded two miles and built another, then proceed two miles and built another; while building the bridge those not employed visited a rock of an immense size in the open prairie. It was a curiosity. From thence we traveled five miles to Bro. Parleys [Parley Pratt] camp on the headwaters of Grand River and camped for the night.
Tuesday, 19th. Remained in Camp; went with Bros. Brigham and Heber and several others to look at a location for the Saints.10
Wensday, 20th. Still remain in camp; it commenced raining at daylight and continued all day. Met in Council and spent most of the day. This afternoon the little Durham heifer had a calf. I sold a cow to Bro. Brigham for ten dollars.
        Thursday, 21. It still continues to rain, which makes business dull, To night we had another dreadful thunder storm. Friday, 22. Somewhat cloudy and very warm. Saturday, 23. This day Wm. [William, the eldest son] concluded to remain with the brethren and we commenced building him a house and ploughing him a garden. This night it rained tremendously. Sunday, 24th. It still continues to rain. The air is very bad. Had to carry Harriet out on account of her health. Went to meeting.
[p.140] Monday, 25th [May, 1846]. And still it rains. It cleared off in cours of the day but had another terrible shower attended with wind and thunder and lightning. Teusday, 26th. This morning the sun rose clear, which seemed to cheer our hearts. The girls are washing to the creek. I put a new axeltree in my ox waggon today and am preparing to start for Council Bluff. It is very warm and muggy. Wensday, 27th. This morning rather cloudy, but cleared off before noon. Had a gentle shower in the afternoon. Went to seek a location for building a bridge over the headwaters of Grand River.
Thursday, 28th. Cleared off this morning. My wife had a very sick night, feels better as the air gets clear. My teams have been to work at the Bridge today. It begins to cloud up again tonight and looked dismal. It rained some through the night, but the sun rose clear the next morning. Friday, 29th. This morning it is clear and cool. We finished the bridge today. Saturday, 30th. This morning at break of day we hiched up and crossed the new bridge, the first one. Came on half a mile and camped near what is called the Cold Spring. Shortly after we camped I shot a bird in one of the slues that resembled an Ostrich. It was white as snow, and measured five feet from the end of his feet to the end of his bill.
Sunday, 31. This morning the sun rose clear and everything looks cheering. I harnessed up my horses and went to meeting over to Mount Pisgah. The meeting was turned into a general conference, but it commenced raining in torrents attended with thunder and lightning, so that the meeting was adjourned until three oclock in the afternoon. Bro. Noah Roggers [Rogers] died today ten minutes before twelve. It continued to rain all night like a torrent.
Monday, June 1st [1846]. It still continues to rain and is quite cold. My wife was dreadful sick; last night had to sit up all night, but as the air gets clear she feels easier. It again clouds up; rained all night. Teusday, [June] 2. The sun rose clear but very cold for the season. About four o'clock we struck our tent and left Mount Pisgah, Indian land, Pottawatim [sic] tribe, for Coun. Bluff; proceeded four miles and camped for the night. We were threatened with a tremendous storm. The thunder roared; the lightning flash [ed], and it looked dismal, but the Lord in mercy turned aside rain.
Wensday, [June] 3. We are again blessed with the rising of another sun. We got up our teams and took in Wm. and Adelia [William's wife] and their things and traveled ten miles and camped for the night. Thursday, 4th. This morning the weather is fair, but we are bothered to find our cattle. Found them about eleven o'clock and started and traveled fifteen miles and camped on Queen Point for the night. Friday, 5th. Started at [p.141] eight in the morning; traveled 16 miles and camped near a small stream for the night.
Saturday, 6th. Started twenty minutes before seven; traveled fifteen miles and came to an Indian settlement, where Bishop Miller and Parley Pratt had built a bridge over the River Manottawa [Nodaway?]. It was built on flood wood. We then proceeded a short distance and forded a stream called the Sleeping Rock. We went on about a half mile and camped for the night. Soon after we camped Bro. Miller's camp came up and camped close to us. We had a shower; the air was very heavy and the smoke from Bro. Millers camp so affected Harriet's lungs that it fetched on the phthisis.11 She had a dreadful sick night.
Sunday, 7th. This morning started and traveled six miles and camped. Harriet still remained dreadful sick. I called on Bro. Parley P. [Pratt] to lay hands on her. He came and administered to her and before night she got easy and had a comfortable nights rest. Monday, 8th. Started and came on a half a mile and camped near a branch of the Manottawa in a beautiful shade just at night. Bro. Brigham's camp came up. He and Lucy [Lucy Decker Young, Brigham's wife] and Sister Whitney stopped and took supper with us.
Teusday, 9th. Started and traveled twelve miles and camped for the night about three o'clock in the afternoon on account of the bridge not being built. Brother Brigham proceeded on about two miles to where Bro. Miller was building a bridge. Bro. Kimball stoped with us.
Wensday, 10th. Remained in camp. Bro. Brigham and wife came over in their carriage and Bro. Kimball, Bro. Whitney and myself with our wives went a strawberring, and had a rich repast, being liberated from the bustle and cares of the camp. We returned sun about an hour high. Found a table spread with the luxuries of life such as biscuit and butter, good cup of coffee, plenty of strawberries sweetened, together with a little pickled pork.
Thursday, 11th [June, 1846]. Traveled seven miles and camped by a small stream for the night. Crossed the west branch of the Nationabottana [Nishnabotna]. Lost our hens in crossing the bridge. One of them swam the river. We succeeded in getting them. Friday, 12th. Started and traveled three miles and overtook Bro. Brighams and Kimballs camp. Stopped a few hours and proceded on 8 miles and camped for the night. This afternoon my wife and myself took a splendid ride in Bro. Kimball's carriage. We enjoyed it first rate.
Saturday, 13th. This morning the men turned out and built a bridge over Musquetto Creek. Bro. Millers camp began to pass over at 8 o'clock. The scenery is truly romantic; traveled 11 miles and camped for the night. Sunday, 14th. Remained in [p.142] camp until five in the afternoon, then started and traveled 8 miles and came up with the whole camp and camped for the night on the bank of the Missouri River near Council Bluffs.
Monday, 15th [June, 1846]. This morning went to unloading our waggons and repacking them. At three in the afternoon started for the Platt country;12 took Wm. and Adelia with us and traveled four miles and camped for the night. Tuesday, 16th. Started and traveled twenty miles through the most unhealthy bottoms and slues in abundance and musquetoes O forever. Camped for the night and rose in the morning feeling but little refreshed.
Wensday, 17. Proceeded sixteen miles and camped for the night. Some of our oxen were very foot sore. My wife was taken very sick soon after we stopped; had little or no rest all night. Thursday, 18th. Traveled four miles and camped. My wife still continued very sick, what time I could leave her I spent in looking for wheat and corn. We camped at the County Seat of Ettchison [Atchison] County, called Lindon. My wife had a most wreched night. It was as much as I could do to keep the breath of life in her, but about daylight she got easier.
Friday, 19th. Still remain at the County Seat. This afternoon I went to mill at Rock Creek with 35 bushels of wheat. Saturday, 20th. Started at twelve from the County Seat and went to Mr. Meeks mill, a distance of five miles, and camped for the night. Sunday, 21. This morning I went and traded my overcoat for a yoke of steers; got them home and yoked them up and was tired out. Mr. Meeks and wife treated us with the greatest kindness. This afternoon my wife and myself were invited to take supper with them. We accordingly went and had a rich repast, consisting of beacon and lettuce, short cake and butter, a splen[did] baked Pudding Custard stirred cake, and a good Cup of Coffee, and the good feeling that attended those that proffered it sesoned every dish. They have noble hearts, and may the Lord bless them. I must notice one little incident that occurred in that family. Some three weeks since, a child supposed to be about ten days old was left in one of their out houses. It was a cold night for the season. It had no clothes on except a square of muslin. It from all appearance had suffered much from the cold. Beside that the dogs had bit it cruelly. They nursed it with the greatest tenderness, and it bids fair to live and make a noble boy. Just as we was ready to retire to bed up comes Charles [Decker] glad enough to find us.
[p.143] Monday, 22 [June, 1846]. Got our grist and started for the camp. (When I wrote this we intended to start, but did not.) Before starting however, Charles in attempting to help yoke the steers got badly hurt; the steer jumped and struck the end of the yoke against the side of his head just above his temple knocked him down and cut it to the bone. I caught hold of him, for truly he was in a sad predicament under the steer, and he aflouncing at a great rate. We succeeded in getting them yoked. Remained on the bank of the Creek that night.
Teusday, 23. It commenced raining before day, and rained all day. After I got my steers yoked up I put them between two yoke of old cattle and let them go to feed. They sliped out of my sight and got into the timber. I looked after them in the rain until I was wet through and could not find them. Towards night I went out again and found them, but my nigh steer was dead; he had got down and the old cattle started and choked him to death. Towards night I went down to the mill and stayed to Mr. Meeks over night. My wife was very sick all night.
Wensday, 24th. Still continues to rain. Loaded up my flour and meal and started about noon. Came on to the County Seat; stopped at Mr. Wolfs and got supper and went onto Mr. Beals, where Wm. stopped and stayed over night. Thursday, 25th. Yet it rains; started and traveled 8 miles and put up at a house about two o'clock in the afternoon, for my wife was very sick and could ride no further. The people were very kind indeed to us, and did everything they could. She continued to grow worse every minute, and about 8 o'clock she became senseless and speechless, and to all appearance in the aggonies of death. I prayed for her and laid hands on her and administered such medisin as I thought benificial, and towards morning she got better, but remained very weak. The name of the man was Farmer where we staid. He has a noble family.
Friday, 26th. It has cleared off. Came on as far as Huntsucker's [Hunsaker's] ferry13 and camped for the night. Traded Rock and Tom, and got a mate to my steer and two cows and calves. Saturday, 27th. This morning yoked up my steers and started for home after making a yoke. Came on seven miles and camped for the night. Had a tremendous shower. Sunday, 28th. Started and traveled twelve miles and camped for the night. I got stalled and had some difficulty in getting out.
Monday, 29th. Traveled 16 miles and camped near the old bridge of Log Creek, and it seemed as if the musquetos would eat us up. Teusday, 30[th]. This morning we took our back track about three miles and took off on the divide and came [p.144] in to our old road and traveled 18 miles and camped for the night near Log Creek.
Wensday, July I [1846]. Started and traveled 11 miles and came up with the camp. Found our family all well and glad to see us. Remained in camp until sun an hour high, then started and come within half a mile of the river and camped for the night. Thursday, 2. Started and came to the river and crossed over, one waggon and three cows, and camped for the night, part on one side and part on the other side of the river. However, after dark I learned the ferry boat was going over again to carry over Bro. Brigham. I went down and told them if they would take on my other two waggons I would treat to a half gallon and give fifty cents in cash. They agreed they would. I went over and got back about half after ten, tired almost to death. I actually felt as if I had not strength enough left to undress myself. Went to bed and rested as well as I could, for the musquetoes.
Friday, 3. Got up as soon as the day dawned and felt as if I could not stand on my feet, but took my whip and went to driving teams up hill; traveled up and down until I was completely tired out, went to bed, laid an hour, got up and went over the river and looked up my oxen that had got away the night before. While I was there Charles [Decker] came on from the camp with four yoke of oxen to help us on. I had one yoke; he put them all on and hauled the waggons up the hill one at a time. After he got up he put two yoke on to each waggon, (that is of the big ones), and one to the little one. They had proceeded on about two miles and a half when they came on to a sideling place. John Campbell was driving the forward team. He stopped and locked the wheel. The oxen started suddenly and hawed up and tipped the waggon over and did some damage. Susand and little George was in the waggon, but received no material injury but badly frightened. They unloaded the waggon as quick as possi[ble] and righted it up. Charles went back to the river to get help to load up again. Bro. [Jedediah] Grant came with him and load [sic] up the waggon. We started on and came to a small creek near the camp and found Bro. [John] Griffiths waggon tipped over into the creek and another waggon with an axeltree hroke. Came on and camped for the night.
Saturday, 4th. Remained in camp. Had a tremendous storm, which lasted until almost morning. My wife had another sick night and remains very feeble. Sunday, 5th. The weather is very hot and sultry. It seems as if we could not live. Monday, 6[th]. The weather still continues extremely warm. The girls are washing, and they have a hard one.
Teusday, 7th. Crossed the river in a buggy. Went to Bro. Kimballs. My wife and I took dinner there then proceeded to the camp on the hill. Visited Persis and the children. Started [p.145] for home about sundown; went a mile and turned back on account of the night air and staid with Father [Charles W.] Hubbards over night.
Wensday, 8th. Started for home. Came to the river; crossed Over. Got home about one o'clock. Thursday, 9. This morning we went and drew a load of poles and bushes. Made a fence around our tent and waggons and built a bowery. Friday, 10th. Commenced last evening to rain and rained all day. My wife had another sick night. Saturday, 11th. She feels a little better this morning. I went to work and fixed my waggon, put on projections. John Campbell started for Mount Pisgah to visit his Parents.
Sunday, 12th. Nothing of note transpired. Monday, 13th. Had a gentle shower this morning. Teusday, 14th. Went over the river to meeting. Wensday, 15th. Went to the French Settlement [Sarpy's] to see if I could hire a house. Thursday 16th. Got a buggy and carried my wife out. Then attended a meeting to get volunteers to go over the mountains. When I came home I found Wm. from the Platt settlement. Friday, 17th. This morning I went to look for my cattle. Saturday, 18th. My wife was taken very sick last night with the irrisipelas. Was sick all day. Wm. is very sick; has chills and fever.
Sunday, [July] 19th [1846]. Got Bro. Brigham's carriage and carried my wife out. Visited several Indian huts that were vacated. Emeline and Clarrissa14 went with us. Returned home and Harriet felt quite smart until night, when she was taken with a severe chill. A fever succeeded. She had two more in course of the night. She was dreadful sick. Monday, 20th. She had a raging fever through the day. At night her fever left her and she rested some through the night. We gave Wm. an emetic and he seemed a little better, but is very sick.
Teusday, 21. Joseph came home on Monday about noon and John C. [R?] in the evening. Today Joseph carried Wm. to Doctor Levi Richards15 over the river and then went on with the oxen and waggon after Adelia down into the settlement. My wife is a little better. Wensday, 22. Had a shower of rain this morning. Harriet remains very feeble. Thursday, 23. The weather is very warm and we are camped on the open prairie. The sun beats upon us heavy. Old Lil had a fine calf today.
Friday, 24th. The brethren are rolling out; some for mountains and some for Grand Island. The Twelve went out on the prairie and held a council. Several of them took dinner with me. Saturday, 25th. I carried my wife out this morning; went and see [p.146] [sic] brother O. Hide [Orson Hyde];16 bought his carriage; went to the river in the afternoon with Bro. Brigh[am]. Sunday, 26[th]. Went to the river and crossed over; went and visited Wm. Found him on the gain; staid all night. Monday, 27th. Bought some flour and returned home.
Teusday, 28th. Had a tremendous shower, which wet our things and made us rather uncomfortable. I thought the shower was over, but it exceeds everything I ever saw. The rain continues to fall in torrents, accompanied with wind, thunder and lightning of the sharpest kind. Wensday, 29th. It has cleared off and the air is good, and we was obliged to move our quarters on account of the mud. Thursday, 30. Went to the river and crossed over and went in pursuit of my flour. I met Joseph three miles the other side of the river on his way to the ferry with it. Got it over the river and got home between sunset and dark, just as a shower was rising. I suceeded in securing it for the night.
Friday, 31. It still continues to rain. My wives health remains very poor, but I think she is rather on the gain.
Saturday, August 1 [1846]. I went and carried Bro. [Ezra Taft] Benson to the river. He started for Boston. Sunday, 2. The weather is fine. Our young folks went and gathered a mess of grapes. We had a feast of green corn this morning that we bought of the Indians. Monday, 3. I am sick today, not able to do anything. Teusday, 4th. I feel some better this morning. We are getting our cattle up and preparing for starting.
Wensday, 5[th]. Started and traveled 8 miles and camped for the night. Thursday, 6th. Started and traveled 8 miles and overtook Bro. Kimball's camp. Bro. Kimball and myself with our wives got into my carriage and went to look [sic] a location. We visited a mound where Col. [James] Allen17 had some men employed digging up some bones supposed to have been burried by the indians. Friday, 7th. This morning we moved into Bro. Brigham's camp.
Saturday, 8[th]. We feel pretty well this morning. The weather is very warm indeed. Sunday, 9th. I took my carriage and went to meeting; had a good time. Monday, 10th. We are busily employed in making a fence around our new camping ground.
Teusday, 11th. This morning moved onto our new camping around. [Cutler's Camp]. Wensday, 12th. The weather is fine and we are comfortably situated. We are fixing for cutting hay. Thursday, 13th. Had a gentle shower. My wife had another [p.147] sick spell. Met in council and made arrangements for hunting and herding cattle.
Friday, 14th [August, 1846]. The weather is fine and all are busy. Saturday, 15th. Met in council. Looked after my sheep, Sunday, 16th. Went to meeting; had a first rate time. My wife and I went over to Bro. Kimballs camp and took [supper?] with Sarah Ann.18 In the evening Porter Rockwell came into camp. Monday, 17th. This day met in council. The clouds seem to be gathering for rain. John Green left for Nauvoo. John Campbell began to work by the month.
        Teusday, 18th. Was sick all day. It commenced raining in the afternoon and rained all night. Wensday, 19th. I feel better this morning. Harriet was sick all night but feels better as the air gets clear. Little Perry still has the ague yet. Thursday, 20th. Spent most of the day in Council. Friday, 21. Nothing of note transpired today.
Saturday, 22. Took a ride out on the prairie and carried Harriet and Lucy and the children. Sunday, 23. Went to meeting. The Twelve are gone over the River. Monday, 24th. This is a beautiful morning, and all are busy cutting hay. Teusday 25th. Today we were visited by the chief of the Otto [Oto] Nation, together with his son and some others.
Wensday, 26th. They remained in camp waiting for Bro Brigham and the rest of the Twelve. Thursday, 27[th]. Bros. B. and the rest have just returned. Met in Council this afternoon. Friday, 28th. This morning met in Council with the Indians. Saturday, 29[th]. This morning I commenced butchering for the camp. Sunday, 30th. Went to meeting; Met in Council in the afternoon. Monday, August 31st. [This date inserted in pencil].19
Teusday, [pencil] Sept. 1 [1846]. Butchered a beef. Teusday, 2 [Wednesday]. Was very unwell; not able to do anything. Wensday, 3 [Thursday]. I feel better this morning; went over to Bro. Kimball's camp. The Twelve had just returned from up the river. Thursday, 4th [Friday]. The weather is fine for haying, but there is a great many sick in camp. Friday, 5th [Saturday]. Went to the River to meet Bros. John and Joseph. Found Bro. John sick; staid over night and returned the next day.
Saturday, [Sunday, Sept.] 6th. Had a hard day's work today. I was tired completely out; had a sick night. Sunday, [Monday] 7th. Feel a little better this morning. Spent the day at home. Monday, [Tuesday] 8[th]. Spent the day in prising cattle. Teusday, [Wednesday] 9th. Bought a cow of Bro [Stephen I.] Bunnel. Wensday, [Thursday] 10th. Went to see [p.148] Bro. John. He is very sick. Thursday, [Friday] 11th. Prised cattle in the forenoon, visited Bro. John in the afternoon. Friday, [Saturday] 12th. Was busy all day in butchering and dealing out meat. Saturday, [Sunday] 13th. Went a-Pluming. Had a hard days work. Sunday, [Monday] 14th. Stayed at home all day until Council met, then met with them.
Monday, [Tuesday, Sept.] 15th [1846]. Prised cattle in the forenoon. Teusday, [Wednesday] 16th. Went and gathered medicine. Wensday, [Thursday] 17th. It rains today and I am looking over my books. Sister Hovey [Martha Ann Webster Hovey] died this morning. Thursday, [Friday] 18th. This day I visited Bro. John and Joseph and Phineas. In the evening married Harriet A. Little to P. H. Young. Friday, [Saturday] 19th. Went with the Council to seek a location. Met in council on the same. Saturday, [Sunday] 20[th]. Visited Bro. John, found him very sick indeed. Sunday, [Monday] 21. Visited him early this morning; found him deathly sick. Harriet and I went to work and succeeded in reviving him a little by stimulating him.
Monday, [Tuesday] 22. Have been very sick all day, not able to sit up. Teusday, [Wednesday] 23. Still remained in bed all day. Wensday, [Thursday] 24th. Feel more comfortable today; moved on to our lot in the new city, three miles above the new ferry. Thursday, [Friday] 25. Feel still better today, but the air is so warm I can not be out. Friday, [Saturday] 26[th]. Am able to be out a little. Saturday, [Sunday] 27. Visited Bro. John; found him some better. Sunday, [Monday] 28. Bro. Joseph and wife visited us. Monday, [Tuesday] 29. My wife and Susan went to the new ferry and crossed over and got some grapes; had a hard time; got home after dark. Teusday, [Wednesday] 30. Sister Whitney and Sarah and Lucy visited us. We enjoyed ourselves well.
Wensday, [Thursday] Oct. 1 [1846]. Spent the day in getting house logs. Thursday, [Friday] 2. Sister Kimball and Helen and Mary visited us. Friday, [Saturday] 3. Drew one load of house logs; visited Bro. John. Went to Bro. Joseph's; found my wife there, took dinner and came home. Saturday, [Sunday] 4. Rode after cattle all day. Sunday, [Monday] 5. Went to meeting. Monday, [Tuesday] 6th. Spent the day in posting my books. Teusday [Wednesday] 7. Went up the River 12 miles to gather grapes. Arrived at the anticipated spot about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Took some refreshment and went to picking grapes. Our company consisted [sic] Bros. Perry Green [Perrigrine] Sessions, Joseph Toronto, two of Bro. [Thomas] Grover's girls, my wife and myself. Towards night we went to work to fix a place to camp for the night. We rested as well as we could expect, considering all things. We had a little music from the wolves, to remind us we were not alone.
[p.149] Wensday [Thursday] 8. We rose early, took breakfast and went to picking. After picking about 3 hours we had filled our vessles and made a move for starting home, but had some difficulty in finding our waggons, altho we were but a few rods from them but the willows and cottonwoods were so thick we could not see them, and it was very cloudy, so we had no sun to guide us, but finally succeeded in finding them and was ready to start about noon. Got home and found all [sic] as to health, but poor Susan was weeping. She had herd the death of her Father by the way of Bro. Babbit [Almon Babbitt]20 and it seemed as if she could not be comforted. Thursday [Friday] 9. Rose early and got some men and raised my house. Friday. Rode after cattle and drew a load of poles. Saturday, 10. Rode after beef cattle. Sunday, 11. It raines horribly and I have been out getting my oxen that have been drove in from the herd. Monday, 12. Went and got a load of wood in the forenoon. Sold beef in the afternoon. Teusday, 13. Went and got a load of hay. Wensday, 14. Rode after cattle in the forenoon; worked at my house in the afternoon. My wife visited Sister Pierce21 and I took tea with them in company with Bro. Brigham and wife.
Thursday, [Oct.] 15th, [1846]. This forenoon gave Bro. John an emetic. Sold out a beef, besides numerous other things. Friday, 16th. Went to the sheep herd; made some fence. Sold out a half of a beef; drew a barrel of water and so on. Bro. [William] Bird commenced working for me today. Saturday, 17th. Gave Bro. John an emetic. Sold out two beeves and so on. Sunday 18th. Got some of the [brethren] to take hold and help put the coping on to my house, then went to meeting.
Monday, 19th. This is my birthday. I am 39 years old today. I got my oxen together and sent three yoke up to the rush bottoms, then went and sold out a beef. Teusday, 20th. Spent the day in selling out beef in the forenoon; in the afternoon a fire broke out and we fought fire until I was almost exhausted. It burned up several stacks and destroyed a great deal of feed. Wensday 21. Spent the day in prising cattle and selling out beef. Thursday 22. Was busy to work at my house selling beef and prising cattle. Friday, 23. Heard Sister [Martha] Ashby was at Musqueta Creek and was broke down. Got Bro. [Selah J.] Griffin to go to her assistance. I was upon the go at my usual business. Saturday, 24. Got up early. Got six men to work at my house to chink and [p.150] mud it. Sister Ashby got into camp about sun an hour high, and there was glad hearts not a few, I assure you.
Sunday, [Oct.] 25 [1846]. This morning was called on to go and get in beef cattle. Was busy all day. At night just as I retired to rest I was alarmed by the cry of fire. I sprang out of bed and looked out and beheld Sister Ashby's waggon cover all on fire and she with some of her children in bed in the waggon. I run to their relief, caught hold of the cover that was in a flame and burned my hands very bad, but succeeded in putting out the fire. Bro. Joseph assisted also, and burned one of his hands so that he has suffered very severely. Sister A. burned one of hers also so she cannot use it.
Monday, 26. Went up to Bro. Phiness [Phineas Young] to see Brigham; found him very low, staid a few hours and come home. Had been home but a short time before he sent for my wife and me to come up. They thought he was dying. I harnessed the horses before the carriage, took my wife, Bro. [Albert] Clark and Sister Smith and staid until 12 o'clock at night. He seemed to revive and felt more comfortable. Teusday, 27. Was busy all day selling beef, branding cattle and so on. Wensday, 28. Have been about all day, but scarecly able to stand on my feet. Bro. P. sent for me to come up and help to anoint Brigham, but I was not able to go. Thursday, 30 [29].22 Was hardly able to be about. Had a man to put up my chimney; found my lost ox and cow Friday, 31 [30]. Went to the sheep herd, sold beef, worked at my house and soon Bro. Green returned from Missouri; did not get anything of worth.
Saturday, Nov. 1 [Oct. 31]. Finished my chimney, moved into my house. Sunday, 2 [Nov. 1]. Went to see Bro. [Joshua S.] Holman, found him dying; he survived but a few hours. Monday, 3 [2]. Was sick all day with distress in my head caused by an ulcer tooth. Teusday, 4 [3]. Still remained in dreadful distress until towards night. I got a pair of nippers and drew it, which soon relieved my distress. Wensday, 5 [4]. Better this morning, but was obliged to stay in the house. Thursday, 6 [5]. Was able to attend to my business. Friday, 7 [6]. Finished butchering. Saturday, 8 [7]. Drew poles to the sheep yard. Sunday, 9 [8]. Was busy all day trying to make my house comfortable. Monday, 10 [9]. Spent the day in gathering sheep. Mary Grover23 came to live with us for a season. Teusday, 11th [10th]. Bro. Joseph was taken sick and I had my waggon moved up close to my house so that I could step out of my house into it, and as Bro. [p.151] Joseph had no comfortable place, I took him into it and my wife took care of him.
Wensday,12 [11] . We had a dreadful cold wind accompanied with rain. The motion of the waggon hurt him, and we moved him into the house. He was very sick. Thursday, 13 [12]. Spent the day in taking [care] of Bro. Joseph and choring. Friday, 14 [13]. Spent the day in sawing out and fitting in a window, making a door latch, etc. Bro. Joseph had a poor spell in the night; we was alarmed about him. My wife and I got up and succeeded in making [him] more comfortable. Saturday, 15 [14]. Spent the day in drawing wood and water until I was completely tired out.
Sunday, 16 [15]. Stayed home with Bro. Joseph all day. He remains very feeble. Monday, 17 [16]. Spent the most of the day in posting my books. Bro. Joseph's symptoms are more favorable today. Teusday, 18 [17]. Spent the day to the sheep yard. Wensday, 19 [18]. Sister Fanny24 came into camp. We was all glad to see her. Bro. Joseph still continues to gain slowly. This night Met in Council and petitioned to be liberated from the sheep concern. I was honorably acquited.
Thursday, 20 [19] . Drew poles to fix my sheep yard. Friday 21 [20]. Got my sheep home. Saturday, 22 [21]. Made my yard for my cattle. Sold 4 of my sheep. Sunday, 23 [22]. Went to meeting. Monday, 24 [23]. Fixed my house. Teusday, 25 [24]. Bro. Joseph put on his clothes and went home. Wensday, 26 [25]. Unloaded my waggon and placed it by my house for Fathers [John] Bird and John to sleep in. Met in council in the evening. Thursday, 27 [26]. Drew hay to cover my stable. Friday, 28 [27]. Commenced fixing to go to St. Josephs [St. Joseph, Mo.]. Saturday, 29 [28]. Drew wood. Sunday, 30 [29]. Went to meeting.
Monday, Nov. 1 [1846. Nov. 30th]. Went to Joseph Kingsbury to borrow a waggon tongue. He had one or two he was not using, but had not accomodation enough to oblige me. Teusday, 2 [Dec. 1]. Visited Bro. Pond; found him and family sick and destitute. Came home and sent them some beans. Wensday, 3 [2]. Made a waggon tonge. Thursday, 4 [3]. Got ready to go to St. Josephs, but could not cross on account of the ice. Friday, 5 [4]. Was busy all day trying to make things comfortable to leave. Saturday, 6 [5]. Went to the River and got some angalhanel [?] through the ice and crossed over about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, then come home and took leave of my family.
Sunday, 7 [6]. As Mr. Young is gone I shall go on with the Journal myself.25 Father Bird and Benjamin went and drew a load of hay that Joseph left. Monday, 8 [7]. Father Bird drew a barrel of water and wood; the girls washed and I took some wicks and [p.152] set down after three o'clock in the afternoon and put on 26 dozen of wicks and dipped my candles before I went to bed. Teusday, 9 [8]. Father Bird drew a load of water and built a sheep yard and separated the sheep. I made a comfort for my bed. Sent over to Bro. Ponds; found them in a suffering condition. One of their daughters lay a corpse in the house, and one they buried yesterday and another 5 days prievious. They are truly and afflicted family. I sent some beans and some onions to them, also some to Bro. Dunkin [James Duncan].
Wensday, 10 [9]. Father Bird drew two barrels of water. Went and found our bell cow and made a ladder. I picked wool all day. We was alarmed at two o'clock last night by the report of 4 guns, which was followed by the most hideous cry from the Indians, and in less than two minutes they were here and to Bro. Brigham's. The fracus arose from some Indians from Iowa. They fell upon the Omahaws and shot three of them. One of the squaws had to have one of her arms taken off in consequence of a wound. Old big head was shot through the head. I sent some buiscuit and sause and a piece of fresh pork to Bro. Ponds today.
Thursday, [December] 11 [10, 1846]. Bro. Bird drew a load of wood and water. I made a comfort and went to bed tired enough. The Indians stole our wood and kep us awake through the night. Friday, 12 [11]. F. Bird drew a load of wood for Bro. John. I picked wool all day. Sister Fanny and Persis took dinner with us. The way we are troubled with the Indians is a caution. Saturday, 13 [12]. Father Bird drew a barrel of water and went a-visiting to Sister Camels [Campbell's]. He did not feel well. I made a comfort for my bed. Sunday, 14 [13]. Father Bird drew a barrel of water then went after our bell cow. She got away. He then went to meeting.
Monday, 15 [14]. Father Bird drew poles. Mary washed and Susan did the work about the house and I sewed on my dress. Bro. Phineas got home last night. I forgot to mention the Indians heard of the death of about sixty of their tribe and such a lamentation I never heard. It was about dusk when they heard of it, and there was no rest for anyone that night. Their noise exceeded everything I ever heard. Teusday, 16 [15]. Father B. drew a barrel of water, looked after the waggon; fixed the fence, chopped wood, etc. I tacked a comfort. Susan went to her mother's and fixed for quilting her petticoat. Mary carded bats for me. Joseph got home last night. Fontanville26 got into camp; reported 72 Omahaw were killed, 5 wounded, 6 taken prisoners. Wensday, 17 [16]. Bro. Bird drew two barrels of water: drew a load of wood I sent to Sister Bigelow and got a wheel; rigged it up and went to spinning. Did a good days work. Abut 12 o'clock at [p.153] night was disturb[ed] by the noise of the Indians. I thought they was trying to drive off our bell cow. Thursday, 18 [17]. B. Bird drew a load of wood for Bro. John and I spun all day. Susan quilted on her petticoat. Friday, 19 [18]. Bro. B. drew water, fixed the fence, choped wood for the fire, etc. I twisted thread, spun some, carded a little, knit some, tended my leech and so on. Susan worked on her petticoat. Mary did the housework and ironed. This day the Indians left our camp, and we feel to rejoice.
Saturday, 19. Had a sheep killed. Bro. Bird drew water and a load of wood. I worked at my soap. Mary washed and cleaned up the house. Susan did the housework. Sunday, 20. F. B. [Father Bird] went to meeting. I was sick all day. Susan went to Bro. [Joseph B.] Noble's and spent the evening. Monday, 21. Got up early; got breakfast and had the girls go to washing and I chored a little, but felt pretty sick all day. Had ironing done; in the evening F. B. drew a load of wood and a barrel of water.
Teusday, [Dec.] 22 [1846]. F. Bird made a soap trough, drew water. I spun all day. Wensday, 23. Father Bird drew a load of wood. I spun until 3 o'clock in the afternoon, then little John came running in and said his Father was at the River. I put by my spinning of course, and had a good supper in short order. He came and set down to the table and we all enjoyed it well. Thursday, 24. We all were busied at our usual avocations. Friday, 25. This morning we were saluted from every quarter with happy Christmas or Christmas Gift. We staid at home, retired from the busy croud, excepting Susan. She went to Bro. Noble's a visiting.
Saturday, 26. This morning Mr. Young fixed up and went to the river to cross over, but could not, and returned back and concluded to wait a few days. Sunday, 27. Took a buggy ride. Went to meeting. Monday, 28. Went to Bro. Noble's, found poor Sarah Alley27 dying. She was an object of pity, truly. Teusday, 29. Drew hay and fixed up things. Wensday, 30. Drew hay and wood and so on. Thursday, 31. This is the last day of the year. Our lives have been spared, while hundreds have been called to try the realities of a world of spirits. I could not help asking myself shall we all live to see the close of another year?
Friday, Jan. 1, 1847. This day we spent in preparing Mr. Young's clothes and victuals to go to Oregon, Mo. Saturday, 2. Mr. Young crossed the River and started for Oregon. Sunday, 3. Bro. [Reuben] Miller came and loaded up some hides and went to the River to cross. Could not get over; came back, unloaded and gave up going. I then got F. Bird to go over the River and see if he could hear anything of Joseph. Told him if he see him to have him unload his corn and I would send over the hides and have him start back to Oregon.
[p.154] Monday, 4. First thing in the morning I had F. Bird go and see Bro. Miller and help him over the River. He then drew water and chored round the rest of the day. I went to Bro. [Thomas] Grover and 2 dollars and 50 cts was sent to Quincy by John Green. Susan washed clothes. I washed yarn. I sold 2 lb. of butter to Bro. John also 2 lb. to Sister Powers. Sent some onions and a piece of pork to Bro. Dunkin. Teusday, 5. This morning Bro. Bird drew hay. I sold a bushel and a half of beans and 50 cts in butter. The woman that owned the oxen came and took them away.
Wensday, 6. F. Bird kept fire. It was so cold he could not work. We had to take a sheep into the house that had a young lamb. The weather was very cold. Thursday, 7. F. B. chored round the house. I let Sister West have half lb of butter. We had a sheep die this day. Bro. Brigham and wife together with Sister Pierce and Sister Ashby and Lucy28 [called]. Friday, 8. F. Bird chopped wood. I sewed. Susan went to the store, got cloth to finish her dress. Loiza Bemant29 had a fine boy today. Saturday, 9. F. Bird drew a load of wood. It was very cold.
Sunday, [Jan.] 10 [1847]. It still remains cold. F. Bird and Susan went to meeting. Monday, 11. F. Bird worked at the leech. Drew a barrel of water. Mary Grover came back to live with us. The girls washed. Teusday, 12. Father B. finished the leech; drew some water. I worked on my dress. Charles got home. Wensday, 13. Father Bird got F. Bigelow's oxen and drew a load of wood. We had another lamb today. I finished my dress. Thursday, 14. Bro. [Robert] Pierce got home, brought word from Mr. Young. Friday, 15. The weather turned cold. F. B. did the chores. Saturday, 16. It still remains tremendious cold this evening. I feel lonesome, for I fear those that are absent are suffering with the cold.
Sunday, 17. There is meeting to the Council House. Susan and Mary went. Monday, 18. It is tedious cold. About eleven o'clock Mr. Young came home almost frozen. We rejoiced to see him alive, for was afraid he would perish. Tuesday, 19. He went to putting things in order and preparing for the hogs. Wensday, 20th. Nothing of note transpired. Thursday, 21. The weather is cold and all that we can do is to make our family comfortable.
Friday, 22. Drew poles for building a house for my pork. Saturday, 23. Put up my house. Sunday, 24. Staid at home; returned with my wife, the rest went to meeting. John Green got home Monday 25. Worked at my house; our hogs arrived about noon Teusday 26. Bro. Grover commenced buchering our hogs. Wensday, 27. Continued to bucher. We commenced trying lard. Thursday, 28th. Bro. Grover finished buchering. Friday, 29. Mr. [p.155] Young sold hogs. We continued to try lard. Saturday, 30. Finished our lard. The girls set up and fixed Father Bird's clothes. Sunday, 31. F. Bird left us for Mo. The girls went to meeting and Mr. Young and myself staid at home and rested, for we were tired out.
Monday, Feb. 1 [1847]. We washed and cleaned the house. Teusday, 2. Was busy all day fixing for a party. Wensday, 3. We attended a family meeting at the Council House, got up by Bro. Brigham. Had a splendid time. We refreshed our selves with the luxuries of earth, then went forth in the dance, both young and old. The music was excelent. Thursday, 4. This evening Mr. Young and myself attended a wedding at Bro. Brigham's, Charles F. Decker and Vilate Young30 were married.
Friday, 5. Cut sassage meat. Saturday, 6. Made my sassagges. Sunday, 7th. Staid at home with my family. Monday, 8. Mr. Young left home for Mo., took Israel West with him. The girls washed. Teusday, 9. Nothing of note transpired. Wensday 10. We learned the Indians were committing depredations upon our cattle. Thursday, 11th. Bro. [Benjamin] Winchester arrived with 7 hogs. I sold 3 and a half to A. P. Rockwood for 3 dol and fifty cts per hund. Friday, 12. Sister West died today. We felt bad, I assure you. Saturday, 13. I felt very unwel indeed. Sunday, 14. Got up, went into the Pork house and missed a ham. Went and see Bro. Joseph; got a man to fix the pork house.
April 7 [1847]. Left Winter Quarters with the Pioneers about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Come on about a half a mile and camped for the night. Our family consisted of six persons, Bro. [Bryant] Stringham, my Clarissa, Perry and Sobieska. Thursday 8. Traveled 6 miles and camped and waited for the rest of the camp to come up. Charles [Decker] and Vilate and Lucy [Decker Young] and Margaret Pierce [Young] came out to see us. Friday, 9. Staid in camp intil [sic] 1 o'clock, then hiched up and traveled 8 miles and camped for the night. Saturday, 10th. Started early and traveled all day, had a hard day's work.
Sunday, [April] 11th. Started and traveled five miles and came to the horn [Elkhorn River] and crossed over and camped for the night. Next morning, Monday, 12, started and traveled 12 miles and camped. Bro. Brigham and Heber [Kimball] with some others crossed the Horn and returned to Winter Quarters. Teusday, 13th. This morning the Brethren commenced setting tire to their waggons; remained in camp. Clara31 washed. I cleaned my wagon. Wensday, 14th. Still remained in camp. Thursday, 15th. The Brethren returned to camp. They took dinner with [p.156] us. Friday, 16th. This morning Bro. Brigham organized the camp, gave good council. Traveled 4 miles and camped for the night.
        Saturday, 17th. We had a severe cold night; it froze water an inch thick of ice. We traveled 7 miles and camped about 1 o'clock. Bro. Brigham finished organizing his camp. Sunday, 18. Remaind in camp. Monday, 17th [19]. Started early and traveled 25 miles and camped for night. Bro. [Jessie] Little and Porter [Rockwell] returned from Winter Quarters laden with letters. Teusday, 19th [20]. Traveled 12 miles and camped for the night. Wensday, 20th [21]. Passed through the Pawnee settlement; traveled 22 miles this day. Thursday, 21 [22]. Traveled on to the old misionary stand of the Pawnee Nation. I went and viewed the houses where they once dwelt, but it looked lonesome, and I thought those that were driven from there had suffered something as well as us. It is a pleasant location, and people could live at home if they could be let alone.
Friday, 22 [23]. Traveled 5 miles and came to loop [Loup] fork of Platt River and camped for the night. 3 waggons crossed over. Bro. [Orson] Pratt like to have drowned his horses. Saturday, 23 [24]. Got up early. I got on to my horse and went and visited the ruins of the Pawnee village, which was a splendid one, but it looked desolate, I assure you. It is beautiful for situation. I counted 30 skulls that lay on the ground to bleach, beside a number of graves. My feelings were peculiar. While walking among the ruins I picked up a skull bone and took to camp and showed it as a curiosity. We then commenced crossing the River, and about 2 o'clock all had crossed over. We then went 3 miles and camped for the night.
Sunday, 24 [April 25, 1847].This morning about an hour before day we were alarmed by the guard that Indians were upon us. The guard fired up on them and they disappeared. Monday, 25 [26]. Traveled 16 miles and camped this night. Doct. [Franklin] Richards and Bro. Little had their horses taken by the Indians. The Brethren pursued them but could not get the horses. Teusday, 26 [27]. Traveled 12 miles, the cattle and horses suffered very much for drink.
Wensday, 26 [28]. I do not know anything what transpired. Thursday, 27 [29]. We came in sight of Buffalo. There was a great excitement. Friday, 28 [30]. Traveled 20 miles and camped for the night. Saturday, 29 [May 1]. We see thousands of Buffalo; they look magestic. The Brethren pursued them and killed four, beside five calves. We had a rich repast. Bro. [Joseph] Hancock killed a Buffalo and laid by it all night. In the morning came into camp and got a team to bring in his meat, but while absent the wolves had devoured the most of it. Sunday, 30 [May 2]. Staid in camp until five in the afternoon, then hiched up and went 2 miles on account of feed for our cattle and horses.
           Monday, May 3. Staid in camp all day. The Brethren went to hunt Buffalo, but discovered a party of Indians in ambush and they returned to camp, fitted up the old cannon; fired it off so that they might know we was on hand. Teusday, 4. Started and traveled in plattoons on account of the Indians. About noon we met a United States Trader [Beaumont] and stoped in our waggons and wrote a line back to our friends. Wensday, 5. This morning is a beautiful one, and the first thing that met our eyes was a herd of Buffalo. They looked splendid. The weather is fine, but the feed poor. We had to camp in an unpleasant place before night on account of fire.32
Thursday, [May] 6 [1847]. Started before breakfast; traveled 4 miles along the Platt River, then bated our teams and traveled ten miles further. The Buflow tried to git in to our drove of cows, and Bro. Brigham and Bro. Heber rode after them and had a verry hard chase, in which Bro. B. lost his spiglace. We camped on the bank of the river in a bad place. The Bufalow came neer our camp. Friday morning [7th]. Found a broken exeltree in one of the wagons; put in another and started at ten o'clock. Drove 4 milds along the river and found no feed. The plains are lined with bufalow. I have no clout but I hav seen today at one sight more than two thousand at one glance of the eye. Porter Rockwell with 2 others went back and found Bro. B's glass. We camped about 4 o'clock in a beautiful place. Found some grass for our teams. The bufalow are so tame that we are troubled to keep them a way from our catle. We had to stop our teams once to let them pas Hariet has not injoyed the day she has bin verry sick with the teeth ache I laid hans on her when we stoped and she got beter and the Brotherin all seem in good sperits it has bin a day long to be remembered on the account of the romantick seens that has transpired a young Bufalow caf come in to cam which seemed determined to stay with us yesterday we found one on the peraria and we left it and before we got out of sigt alarg woolf came upon it and caried it off, aperintly with mutch eas, but it looked verry cruel. Bro. Little is now talking about his family. His helth is improving. We had to camp where the feed was very short, and poor.
Sunday, [May] 9. This morning travled 4 miles and camped for the day. I was very sick all day in consequence of taking the scent of dead Bufalo. There is a great many dies of poverty. Lorenzo gave me an emetic and I got better. It is a lonesome country to me to travel through. There is no flowers and little or no timber.
Monday, 10th. Traveled ten miles. Bro. Phineas killed a Buffalo and an entelope and shot a duck this day, but the feed is poor and our cattle cannot travel but little ways in a day. We [p.158] are saving buffalo wool. Bro. Luke Johnson was the first one that started it. Teusday, 11. The weather is fine. We traveled 8 miles and camped about 3 o'clock in an unpleasant place, for the teams were tired, and began to lag.
Wensday, 12. We have a southeast wind and the dust is troubilsome. Traveled 8 miles and stopped to bate our teams, then came on 4 miles and camped for the night. Thursday, 13. Cold and unpleasant, but find better feed for our cattle. This morning shot 2 ducks, traveled 12 miles and camped for the night. Made a lively fire of Buffalo Chips. Made a dish of coffee; fried some cakes and had a luxurious meal. We are at the junction Bluffs of the Platt River.
Friday, 14. Had a thunder shower for the first since we started on our journey; started at 11 and traveled 4 miles and stopped to bate, killed a duck, then traveled 3 miles and came to mountains of Bluffs that we were obliged to cross. We accordingly camped for the night. There was 2 antelope and 1 buffalo killed in camp today. Saturday, 15. Cold and rainy. This morning crossed the Bluffs, which was tedious on account of the sand. We are well supplied with a variety of fresh meat, such as Buffalo, antelope, Ducks and geese and so on. We have now stopped on account of rain and a good place to bate. We took a bite of refreshment and started on again; traveled 4 miles and camped. We took the Revenue Cuter and went in pursuit of wood, as the Buffalo Chips were rather wet. Found some by going 1/2 mile.
Sunday, [May] 16 [1847]33 We remain in camp. Today baked and prepared the weeks travel Mrs. Young is verry sick from fertaeg [fatigue]. The bufalow are so tame that they come all most in to camp. The boys shot some. Bro. Glinds [Eric Gline] shot one neer the camp; he shot him twice, the last time the lead went throw its hart and loged in the case of the hart on the other side, but the bufalow ran 20 or 30 rods as tho he was not hurt, then he turned round to fight his enemy, and it was sport to see Glinds run, but the bufalow soon fel ded. We had a meeting in the afternoon; all seamed to fell well in sperit and wer united in feeling the same intrus to go ahead. The Lord is with us.
Monday, [May 17]. We traveled twelve milds and 3/4; the hunters kiled 4 bufalow and one antelope, and Bro. Elsworth [Edmund Ellsworth] kiled 3 ducks and gave them to us, and Bro. Stephens [Roswell Stevens] caught a young deer and gave us. We camped on the prara. Hariet has had a verry sick day. Sunday, 23. This morning is warm and pleasant. We are camped on A sand rig [ridge] neer the most romantick bluffs I ever saw. The men on Tusday last found a larg Ceder tree, which was the furst tree we had found in travelin more than one hundred milds. They [p.159] found An Indian cofin in the top of it. By examining it they found the bones of A child wraped in scins to secure it from the burds of pray, and with the bones a spoon made of horn and a ball. On Friday they found a bone wich mashured 14 inches, Across the end of it. On Satur[day] they found Another neerly as larg. We found some ratlesnakes, the furst we have seen. On Friday night just as we camped thare was two Sew [Sioux] Indians came to us. On Monday Br. P. H. Young, saw a wild horse on the perara which had the aprerce [appearance] of an inglish horse and with him a larg dog. The horse ran of and the dog with him, but Friday morning the dog was seen neer the camp. He folowed us and is in sight of the camp this morning, but is verry shi of us. Last night Bro. Gorg Bryant fetched in a young black eagle. just pinfeathered out, but of An ormous sise. There is A number of nest in sight bilt in holds in the rocks. We are to have A meeting at 11 o'clock today. The Lord delivered us last night from a dredful thunderstorm. It thundered and lightned for 2 ours and then blew hard, and it looked dismall but to our surprise and joy the clouds seemed to part and the rain and wind went on both sides of us and did not disturb us. Hariet was verry sick, but feels some better this morning.
Last Sunday we opned A barrel of flour. I have bin caled to see A Brother Hare Banks which has just reached the camp bit by a ratlesnake coming down the bluf. He is verry sick. We laid hands on him. He is bit in the cords of his leg.
Sunday, 23. The weather is fine. We are in sight of Chimney Rock, are in hopes to reach Fort Laremee this week. I am busily engaged baking bread, but my health is poor, yet I feel that the Lord has blessed me abundantly. I have not had anything of my old disease since I left Winter Quarters. The air is good and seems to brace up our sistems that are feeble. The wind commenced blowing about 5 in the afternoon; the atmosphere became dark and gloomy. We had a tremendous shower, accompanied with thunder and lightning. It continued to blow all night tremendously. I was sick; did not sleep any; felt slim in the morning.
Monday, [May] 24 [1847]. Cloudy and cold. Started at 8, traveled 10 miles and stoped to bate in a beautiful place. Across the River a little to the right of us we could see something that resembled a stately courthouse. I presume it was a rock. As we approach Chimney Rock it looks still more magestic. We traveled 6 1/2 miles and camped for the night. We were visited by a party of the Sou [Sioux] Indians. Their chief was among them. They look quite intelegent and appear friendly. They staid in camp until morning. Teusday, 25. Traveled 2 1/2 [miles] and stoped to bate on account of having poor feed the night before. The weather is fine this morning. Traveled 2 1/2 miles and camped for the night. Porter Rockwell killed 2 antelope. Wensday, 26. Started and [p.160] traveled 7 miles and stopped to bate. Found good feed; took some refreshment and started on again. Porter Rockwell killed 2 antelope today. We set a hen, and think of trying our luck in raising chickens while traveling. Started at 2 and traveled miles and camped for the night. We are still traveling through desolate and barren country, not a tree or srub to be seen. My eyes are weary of seeing a barren prairie. I am fond of variety.
Thursday, 27. The weather is fine; traveled 8 miles an stoped to bate, found good feed; traveled 6 miles and camped for the night. Killed 3 antelope today, found some pigweed and picked a mess for greens. They relished well. Friday, 28. Remained in camp until 11 on account of the rain, then started and traveled 1 1/2 miles and camped for the night; made some poridge, brown some coffee and went to bed early on account of the cold. Saturday, 29. Cold and rainy; it was tedious looking out doors, for we are scanted for wood as there is no timber, and all we get is once in while a scattering stick that floats down the River. Our Buffalo Chips are of no account when it rains, and but little when dry, yet I feel no inclination to complain, for if ever a people was blest on earth it is us. Our prayers have verily been heard and answered, and I feel a spirit of thankfulness all the time.
We ware all caled together about noon and received some instrution from Br. Brigham. He chastised the camp verry sharply for ther wickedness, and told them if they wood not repent of their folly he wood not go with them eny futher. They seemed willing to humble themselvs, and all with one acord covnented to serv the Lord, and we then started on our jerny and traveled 8 milds an camped for the night.34
Sunday, 30[th]. This day fasted and prayed; had a prayer meeting in the morning and preaching in the afternoon. The Twelve had a meeting by themselves. I felt sick all day, my mind was weighed down, and it was a day I shall long remember. Monday, 31. Started early; traveled 16 1/3 miles; had a hard road. I was obliged to keep my bed the most of the day.
Teusday, June 1 [1847]. The weather is fine, and our eyes once more behold a scattering tree and shrub. Mr. Young is quit unwell. We traveled 12 miles and found ourselves at Fort Laremee. We camped for the night. The scene is romantic; opisite to us stands the ruins of the old Fort35 on the other side of the river, and front of us is a large Black walnut tree, which I assure you is a rarity. A little to the left of us is a tree that has the bones of an Indian Child done up very snug in skins.
Wensday, [June] 2. Remained in camp today. We spent the day in washing and in fixing up things. The Brethren [p.161] hired a ferry boat of the traders and fixed a place to ferry. Thursday, 3. Got up early and commenced ferrying accross the River. It commenced raining about 1 and rained until 3, when they commenced ferrying again. The teams did not all get over this day. Friday, 4. Rose early and got breakfast. Mr. Young went and visited the traders at the fort. I baked some bread and pies and fried some cakes. Started at 12, traveled 8 miles and camped for the night.
Saturday, 5. Traveled 17 miles. One of our oxen appeared to be sick. Towards night we took him out. He soon got better. We camped in a pleasant place. Sunday, 6. Remained in camp until 3 in the afternoon; held 2 meetings, then started on and traveled 7 miles and camped for the night in the most beautiful place we have fouund since we started. I churned and picked a mess of greens, eat supper and went to bed.
Monday, 7. Traveled over a mountanious country. A camp from Mo. came up with us, but seemed in a hurry to get away from us, and we was willing to have them. About 4 o'clock it commenced raining, and we were near a handsome grove of timber and we camped for the night. Teusday, 8. Traveled over a rough road and camped for the night. A company of Traders visited us, gave us some intelegence respecting the road. Wensday, 9. Traveled 19 miles and camped for the night. We sent a company on ahead to fix for ferrying across the Platt River.
Thursday, 10th. The weather is fine; traveled 19 miles and camped near a beautiful stream. The scenery is romantic, the grass is up a 8 or 10 inches high and yet within six miles there is beds of snow to be seen. Friday, 11th. Traveled 14 miles and camped near the Platt River, where we overtook a company from Mo. crossing the river. Saturday, 12. Started at 8, traveled 7 1/2 miles and stopped to bate our teams. Then came on 4 miles and camped, it being the place to cross the Platt River. Sunday, 13th. Had meeting. Monday, 14[th]. Commenced ferrying across the River. They have a tedious job; the water is high and the current strong. We had a hard shower of rain and hail, and a quantity of goods lay exposed.
Teusday, 15[th]. We are still crossing the River. The wind is against us and do not make much headway. Wensday, 16. Commenced making a raft to carry waggons with a part of their loading. Thursday, 17. Got our waggons across the river and fitted them up. Friday, 18. Remained in camp. Our Brethren were busied in ferrying the Mo. companies. They took above 70 dollars in provisions and other nessaries, which was a help to the camp.
Saturday, [June] 19 [1847]. Started and traveled 20 miles, had hard traveling. Camped at night near the poison spring. Three of the cattle got into the mire, but suffered no material injurry. Sunday, 20. Traveled on account of feed. Monday, 21. Traveled [p.162] 19 miles and camped in a beautiful place, had good feed. Teusday, 22. We have traveled through the most barren country I ever saw for hundreds of miles. We passed the Saleratus Spring and stopped and gathered about 25 lb. of saleratus for our own use. Traveled late, found good feed for our cattle.
Wensday, 23. Started at 7. Mr. Young had a sore thumb; it pained dreadfully, made him sick. We fell behind the camp on account of our horses walking faster than other teams, and it fretted them. We got behind 3/4 of a mile and one of our axletrees broke on the naked prairie without a stick of timber or anyone to help us. Mr. Young unharnessed one of his horses and started for the camp. I was alone; felt somewhat lonesome, but Bro. Henry36 came back and staid with me. We looked round the waggon to see if we could find anything to hold up the wheel. We found a piece of timber that was calculated for a whip stock. We unloaded the hind part of the waggon, raised it up, lashed on the timber and was harnessing Bro. H.'s [Henry's] mare, when Mr. Young came back. He harnessed his horse and we started for the camp. We had not proceeded far before we met Bros. Brigham, [Wilford] Woodruff and [Ezra Taft] Benson and John Holman with his team. We took the most of our load and came on to the camp. The Brethren went at it and put in an axeltree, that night, so we did not hinder the camp. Traveled 20 1/2 miles and camped for the night.
Thursday, [June] 24 [1847]. Started at 6, drove 14 miles, found a quagmire and an ice spring containing sulphur water and a little below the surface ice 18 inches thick. The water that oozed out of the ice was good. We also passed a spring of alkali and salt. We camped on the bank of the Sweet Water. Soon after we camped, John Holman shot Bro. Brigham's John horse accidentally. He was the best horse in the camp. Yesterday we came in sight of the Rocky Mountains.
Friday, 25. Started early, had a hilly hard rough road, traveled 21 miles and camped for the night. We are traveling thro the most barren desolate country I ever saw. We anticipated seeing timber as we approached the Mountains, but in this we were disappointed. Saturday, 26. Come to the pass in the mountains. If I was not permited to look to the right and left, I should not guess I was crossing the Rocky Mountains, for it is the best road we have found for miles. We have traveled in sight of banks of snow for several days. Today when we stopped to bate at noon we found snow 4 feet deep and good feed by the side of it.
Sunday, 27. This day came to the waters of the Green River, are on the summit where the waters flow towards the Atlantic and Pacific; traveled 16 miles and camped on Little Sandy; found poor feed. Monday, 28. Traveled 13 miles and stopped to bate near [p.163] Big Sandy. I was sick all day yesterday, but feel a little better today. This journey is very fatiguing. We feel almost wore out. This afternoon traveled 7 miles and camped for the night. Teusday, 29. Traveled 24 miles and camped on Big Sandy. Did not get camped until after dark.

Page from Lorenzo Dow Young's journal in Harriet Young's handwriting
July 24, 1847
Wensday, 30th. Traveled 8 miles and came to Green River. Camped on the bank under the shade of some trees, which was a treat I assure you, they being the only ones we had seen for some hundred miles. I went to baking and washing and so on; the men went to building a raft.
Thursday, July 1 [1847]. Comenced crossing the River. The Brethren—quite a number, were atacked with the mountain fever and likewise Clarra. She was very sick during the night. Friday, 2. Our waggons crossed the River this morning. Clara is better. John Greene is taken down with the fever. Samuel Brannen [Brannan] met us at Green River from California.
Saturday, 3. Remained in camp. Sunday, 4th. Sent back four men to meet the other company. 13 of our Brethren came up with us from the Army [Mormon Battalion]. They were received with 3 cheers and Hosannas to God and the lamb to think so many had returned in safnes. Monday, 5th. Traveled 20 miles through sandy desolate country and see nothing but sage. Teusday, 6. Traveled all day through the hardest kind of a road.
I shall skip to July 24 on account of my health. the fatigue of traveling together with my labor prevented my keeping a daily journal this day we arrived in the valley of the great Salt Lake my feelings were such as I cannot describe every thing looked gloomy and I felt heart sick.
[Thursday] August 26 [1847]. this day has been a lonesome one Bro Brigham and Heber with a number of the Brethren started for Winter Quarters and we feel as if we were left alone August 31 to day Joseph Young arrived and brought inteligence from the other camp our best yoke of oxen have strayed off and Bryant [Stringham] is in pursuit of them.
[Sunday] Sept[ember] 12 [1847]. We have had no inteligence of them and have given them up as lost.
Sept. 2437 my wife Hariet was taken sick this morning and was delivered Sunday 26 of a son [Lorenzo, Jr.]. 4 p.m. Weneslay, 27. Bro. Jed. Grant came into camp with his wife a corpse.
[Wednesday] Oct[ober] 6 [1047]. Bro. John Young arived and he brought up the rear.
[Tuesday] Oct[ober] 12. This day I went into the north canyon and traveled till night before I found Stringham and Isrel [West]. Suffered a great deal with the cold.
[p.164] [Thursday] Oct. 2138 I sowed the first acre of wheat that was sowed in the Valley. Two weeks after I sowed another acre. Two weeks after sowed another acre and dragged it in.
[Friday] Christmas [1847]. I sold my two houses I built in the fort and built two others on my lott; moved into the first one I built the 23 of Nov., the second the 23 of Dec. Had a Christmas dinner. F. [Father] John Smith, Bro. Young, Bro. [Harvey] Pierce and their wives, also Br. Grant, Sister Snow39 and H.40 and Martha took dinner with us. After dinner Father Smith blessed our little Lorenzo. Our visit was pleasant; the day was spent in sasail chats and singing and prayr was made by Bro. Grant and Bro. Brigham and his corum [Quorum] [were] Remembered in perticlur; my house was dedicted to the Lord.
Sunday [Dec.] 26. I went to the fort and the council met and entered upon the business of some going to Calafornia and provid meens to preve[n]t it. Monday morning. Hariet is on the wash tub up to her elbows, and I am going to hunt catle.
Jan[uary] 1, 1848.41 To commence the new year we had our Children com home and dine with us, also Bro. and Sister [John Darwin] Chase, Bro. Thomas and Sister Margaret Pierce, also Sister Ellen Allen and Martha Ashby and James Dunkin. The day was spent in social chat until 3 o'clock; then we had prayer by Bro. Chase and every one expressed their feelings and gratitude. The day passed satisfactory to all present.
[Jan.] 12.42 This day sowed my ry. [Monday] 14. This day finished sowing winter wheat; the wether is warm and plesant; the grass is growing finly. 15. Vilate Decker bore A fine girl, weighd 10 1/2 Ibs. This day Bro. [Henry G.] Sherwood servaid my lot; told me it was the furst that had been servade in the Vally. [Wednesday] 16. This day we went to the fort to see Vilate. All are well. The 10 Isrel [?] left us. I let him have 1 bushil of wheat and 100 lbs. of beef.
The 11. This day bought and kiled a steer of Bro. Duel43 for which I paid him 30 dollars in cash. It weighed 500 and 4 lbs. Had 6 1/2 lb. of tallow. 12. This day I bought a yoke of steers of Bro. Granger at 45 dollars, makeing 5 oxen that I have bought for beef this winter, which have cost me $100 15 dollars. From the furst [p.165] of this month till now the wether has bin warm and pleasant. It seemes like April in the east. Bro. Stringham was going to the ferry but concludes to spend the sumer in agriculture in the Valley. 17. This day I made Perry a pair of shose; Briant and John went to the cottenwoods to get out timber for Briant's house. Last night the hi counsil met with the Presedent to learn whether he wood have them and his own counsil to asist him in governing the afares, or P. P. Pratt. 18. This day is warm and pleasant.
Sunday [Jan.] 22 [23, 1848]. The weather is still warm and pleasant, but freses nights. There seems to be some feelings in the counsil with regard to the labors of the spring and summer. The President wants a compney to go to Calafornia to look for a new Rout with Mr. Marke [?], and there seemes to be more labor laid out for the summer than can be done in four years. Br. John goes in for rasing grain. I wish that Br. Brigham was here.
Feb[ruary] 11 [1848]. This day Bishop [Jacob] Fouts was buried. He was sick about 5 ours. 17. Sister Allen died. We went to Bro. Noble's on a visit Sunday. The wether turned cold. 21. This day Miss L. Young and Briant and Susan and my self went to Bro. Grant's to spend the afternoon with Bro. Levi Handcock. We spent a part of the afternoon verry plesantly until a Naboring child came to the doore to get some medison for Bro. Cheny [Nathan Cheney]. He was poisened by eating roots. In about one our after Br. Howd [Simeon Howd] caled to the dore and toled us that Br. shed [?] was on the peraria in a fit. We ran to him as soon as posabl and he spoke twice. We carred him to the house and did all we co'ld for him. He lived about half anour then died. It was one of the most melonclly scenes i ever past through. We came home and Hariet was sick all night. Bro. Willard Snow lost a child the same night. They was both buried in the same grave. 22. This is the coldest day we hav had in this 20 months. Bro. Grant preached the funerel sermon.
March 1 [1848]. The weather is warm and plesant. I sowed my spring wheet and oats and some pea beens. 15. Planted half an acker of corn and my petatoes and some peas. 22. This day little Lorenzo was taken sick about 3 oclok P.M. and remaned in spasums untill 11, when he had to yeld to the grim monster Death. It was an afel shock to us. We felt as tho we cold not giv him up. Bro. Young [?] and L. Rich came up and laid hands on him and Joseph staid all nigt with us and Clarisa and Hariet staid to; the friends ware verry kind and Bro. Grant delivered a verry butiful and appropriate adress.
[March] 23. It begins to rain and snow and we had a hard storm.
April 3 [1848]. The weather is cold and it froze verry hard last knigt.
[p.166] May 19 [?] [1848]44 We have had cool nights with occasional frosts, but we still keep up good courage, hoping for the best. Our provision runs low and we feel anxious to have our garden sauce come on. May 27. This day we have had a damper put upon our hopes as it regards garden sauce. We have grappled with the frost and saved the most of our things by covering them up and we had not anticipated any further trouble, but today to our utter astonishment, the crickets came by millions, sweeping everything before them. They first attacked a pach of beans for us, and in twenty minutes there was not a vestige of them to be seen. They next swept our peas, then came into our garden; took everything clean. We went out with brush and undertook to drive them, but they were too strong for us.
        [May] 28th. Last night we had a severe frost. Today the crickets have commenced on our corn and small grain. They have eat off 12 acres for Bro. Rosacrants, [Rosencrantz] 7 for Charles and are now taking Edmunds. 29th. Today they have destroyed 3/4 of an acre of squashes, our flax, two acres of millet and our rye, and are now to work in our wheat. What will be the result we know not.
[Monday] July 24th [1848]. Left the valley to meet our brethren and took my wife with me on account of her health. She has been failing for 3 months, and the day she started we thought her past recovery, but felt to make a trial by taking her into the mountain air. Bro. John Young and wife, Bro. Stringham, Clara and Susan came with us to the mouth of the canyon. Bro. John and wife on over the first mountain. My wife rested the best last night she had for 3 weeks. Tuesday, 25. Traveled all day and camped for the night. We were all very tired, for we had a rough road.
Wensday, 26. My wife has had a good night's rest, feels quite refreshed this morning. While we were eating breakfast, Bro. Rosecrant rode up, had learned nothing respecting the company; sent a line back to our folk. Thursday, 27. We all feel pretty well, had a little bad luck, lost our butcherknife, teakettle cover, ramrod to Charles' gun. Friday, 28. Traveled until noon and came to Rock Cave [Cache Cave], 12 miles from Bear River; camped at night on the very spot where Bro. Brigham was so sick. I visited the spot, where we retired and dressed and prayed for him; my feelings were peculiar. I bowed before the Lord and poured out my feelings, and felt comforted. Saturday, 29. We have been preserved in safety thro the night, but for some cause or other feel rather low in spirits. Traveled until noon and camped on the very spot where Bro. B. had his cut. We found a camp of [p.167] Snake Indians. We felt a little timorous being so few of us. We traveled on to the Soda Spring and camped for the night. We had to stand guard and suffered considerably with the cold.
Sunday, 30th. Remained in camp until 3 in the afternoon, then traveled on within a half mile of the Fort [Fort Bridger] and camped for the night. We tied up our horses, but they broke loose in the night and put out. We feared they were stole by the Indians but found them next morning 5 miles from the fort. Monday, 31. Moved down opposite the fort. Mr. Bridger visited us, offered to take us into the fort, but we chose to remain in our waggon. We visited the fort in the afternoon.
[Tuesday] August 1 [1848]. We still remain at the fort waiting for teams from the valley to go on in company with us to meet our brethren. We do not consider it safe to travel alone on acount of the Indians. Wensday, 2. Nothing of note transpired. Thursday, 3. This day as I was wearing away time I was startled upon hearing the voice of John Greene. I sprang up and beheld him. We was glad I asure you. The next word was, "Have you seen the folks?" "I have." Then for the letters. If we ever felt to rejoice it was at this time. Our harts leapt with joy when we opened them and found all well. The boys staid all night with us. In the morning started for the valley. We remained at the fort Friday, 4.
        Saturday, 5. Started early and traveled 25 miles and camped for the night. Sunday, 6. Came to Bear River, camped; got here about noon. Staid here until the next morning, Monday 7. August 19th. Father Chase has just come up to where we have camped, also Bro. Wadsworth [William S. Wordsworth] and Bro. Laney. They have been to work on the new road that is Parley's Pass. Bro. Chase says he thinks they will have to fix the old road, yet they have not got it cut through where they have to.
[Wednesday] May 3, 1849. Left the valley, came on to the mouth of the canyon and camped for the night. The next morning, Bro. Brigham and Lucy came up to see us. We were glad to see them, they comforted us and left us. May 4. Had a hard day's work and only traveled 4 miles. We had to pry up our waggons and carry stone, make bridges until we were completely tired out, and to cap the climax broke two spokes out of Bro. [John M.] Bernhisel's waggon.
[Saturday] May 5. This morning traveled 6 miles. After my horses came back found Perry had gone to look for them, was afraid he would get lost; started in pursuit of him, saw him and returned to my waggon. Called a council and concluded to remain until we could obtain more team, for our horses were disheartened and would not pull. Just at this time Bro. Potter came back to see what became of us; he had two yoke of oxen, but they had got away. I went with him in pursuit of them; found them. We then went about 6 miles for the yokes, got them, took them onto our [p.168] horses and came to our waggons, hiched up and came on to the foot of the second mountain. There we met James Allred, Appleton Harmon, John Greene, Bro. Hamilton.45 We went up and part way down the mountain when Bro. Bernhisel's waggon tipped over into the creek and we were obliged to camp for the night. It rained and was very dark. We were tired and glad to crawl into bed without supper.
May 6. This morning Edmund and Bro. Shumway came up with two yoke of oxen and took our waggon down to their camp. We started on in company with the feryman and came to Weaver [Weber] River and camped for the night. May 7. Crossed the River in safety; traveled 15 miles and camped for the night. May 8th. Started and traveled ten miles and stoped to noon within two miles of Rock Cave, then came on within 6 miles of Bear River and camped for the night on the spot where Br. Brigham was so sick. Doct. Bernhisel and myself visited the Rock and offered up our petitions to the Allwise God in the very same spot we did for Bro. B. when he was so sick.
May 9th. Started and came on to Bear River, crossed over and nooned there; traveled 6 miles and camped for the night. May 10th. Came on to Fort Bridger and camped for the night. Friday, 11th. Left Fort B. at noon, came on 7 miles and camped for the night. Saturday, May 12. Traveled 22 miles and came to Hams Fork and camped for the night. Sunday, 13th. This morning went to fixing for cross the Fork. The boat came in play, we were obliged to take our waggon boxes off and put them on the boat and cross them over and swim our horses and cattle. Crossed over and got ready to start by noon, came on four miles and camped for the night.
         May 14th [1849]. Started early and came on to Green River and camped for the night. Teusday, 15th. This morning rose early, went to fixing for ferrying. Edmund undertook to ford the River with a horse, could not guide him, came to where it was deep, the horse hurt him; he came near strangling. I called out to the boys to shove out the boat to his aid. They were not much alarmed at first. I ran and shoved it in by that time. Bro. Potter was into it and went to his assistance and brought him to shore. He was chilled and somewhat hurt, but he went to warming him up with pepper tea and hot coffee, and he soon felt better. We commenced ferrying and got our waggons and things over by 12; took dinner and came on 4 miles and camped for the night on Big Sandy.
Wensday, 16th. Traveled on to Little Sandy and camped for the night. Thursday, 17th. Came in sight of buffalo, killed two antelope, came on to the Pacific Creek and camped for the [p.169] night. Friday, 18. Last night dreamed Bro. Whitney lost a child. H. and myself both beamed the same, and I dreamed Joseph Toronto was dead. We came on to the first crossing of Sweetwater and camped for the night. Saturday, 19. Traveled 21 miles and camped on Sweetwater. Sunday, 20th. Remained in camp thro the day, had a tremendous storm of rain and snow, accompanied wind.
Monday, 21. Traveled on to the Ice Spring and camped for the night; had no feed nor water for our teams. Teusday, 22 [May, 1849]. Rose early, hiched up and traveled on to the 4th ford of Sweetwater; stopped and took breakfast, then came on to the Sweetwater and camped for the night. Wensday, 23. Traveled on to Bitter Cottonwood Creek and nooned. Our hunters are out in pursuit of buffalo. We have good feed for our teams and plenty of good fresh meat for ourselves and as yet have not been troubled with Indians. Came on and camped at the foot of Gravelly Bluff. Thursday, 24th. Traveling on to Devels Gate and camped for the night. This is a curiosity. The Sweetwater River passes between perpendcular rocks four hundred feet high. After camping and taking some refreshment Bro. Holdaway and myself went out on a buffalo hunt. We killed a calf and wounded a cow. Come home and dressed it. The meat was first rate.
Friday, [May] 25 [1849]. This morning stopped and bated at Independence Rock. The boys looked for a cashe at the Gate. Could not find it. I did not know until we had started. I told them I thought I knew where it was, consequently Bro. [Andrew] Lytle and myself started back. Got in sight of the spot when I discovered an Indian. He was soon out of sight, but shortly returned with five others in full chase after us. We put our horses under full speed and escaped them and got to our waggons. They came up and camped with us that night, seemed to be very friendly, but I for one had no confidence in them. The Brethren traded with them and started off. Bro. Hamilton went back a few rods to trade for another skin. As soon as we were out of sight they pulled him off his horse, searched him and took his horse saddle and bridle [and] laraett. We then came on to the mineral spring and camped for the night.
Sunday, [May] 27. This day traveled on to the Platt River, but are in constant fear of the Indians. Monday, 28. Crossed the River and came on to Deer Creek and camped for the night. This day commenced meeting emigrants for the mines.
         [Friday] June 1 [1849]. This day arrived at Fort. John found Mr. Goodger [Miles Goodyear] here, wrote back home by him. Met Timothy Goodell here also. The people are perfectly frantic for the gold mines, the greatest destruction of property that [p.170] ever was witnessed. June 12. This day met Bro. Egan [Howard Egan] ....
[Tuesday] Oct. 12, 185246 This day quite unwell. I went to the blacksmith shop to get my gray horse shod. In the afternoon Even Green came to my house on his way to Utah. 45 years of my life past and but little dun. I pray my Hevenly Father to giv me wisdom to spend the coming year profitable for myself and those who are assciated with me.