Excerpt from the Life of James Thomas Wilson found in its entirety at: Life of James Thomas Wilson. Mr Wilson was a fellow traveler on the Ellen Maria, and also traveled with the Taylor Jones and George Gilbert families in the Abraham O. Smoot Ox Cart Company from New Orleans to Salt Lake City.

LIFE OF JAMES THOMAS WILSON

WHITE PINES, WASATCH COUNTY, UTAH

July 29, 1888

I saw in the Millennia! Star where the Ellen Maria was to sail from Liverpool in the beginning of February 1852. I wanted to sail in the vessel, especially as three families were going from my branch. In talking to them I expressed the desire to go at the next time. They said if I did they would assist me. This was Brother's McGluchlin, Shedden and James Smith. Smith gave me the most encouragement for he said he would not see me stick, and somehow I had faith in his word. As no one is certain of anything, I asked the Lord for a sign. It was this, if I was to sail for the Lord to put me aboard a ship that night and I troubled the Lord considerably on this matter. I kept all these prayers and anxieties to myself . The Lord condescended to hear the prayer of a poor uneducated boy for I was on board a ship that night and I knew that I was going to sail. I bought a new suit of clothes to be ready to leave January 31, 1852. I collected all my debts I could and those that were left I let mother collect . The brethren sold their household goods and I sold what remained of my pack, all sold at auction. On the morning of the 31st of January, 1852, I bid adieu to my mother and family, and said, "I am going to Liverpool. It may be that I will go to Salt Lake, if not, I will soon return." We embarked at Glasgow the same day at 4 P.M. and landed next morning at Liverpool at 4 A.M., being on sea twelve hours. We had a rough passage. Most all passengers were sea sick. I was up all night carrying hot coffee to the sick. I have crossed the Irish Channel ten times and the Atlantic Ocean three times, and I have never been sick one minute. I remained in Liverpool till the tenth day before I knew I was to come. Shedden and McGluchlin wouldn't help me so I went and talked to F. D. Richards and told him the plain truth of my situation and how I had failed to obtain the help promised. He told me if I could raise three pounds - $15 - I would send you through to Salt Lake City. I had only $5 -one pound- but to raise two more might bother me but I had faith it would come. So down I go to the ship for all the passengers had secured their berths. I had none for I was last of all, as one born out of due season, but I might be looked upon as lonely and unworthy of the notice of the puffed up and

the proud, there was one's eye resting upon me. His help always comes in at the eleventh hour. The strong and powerful do not need help but the poor and the weak. I had thrown myself entirely upon his care and He was watching over me. My passage on the Ellen Mariah was just as certain as if I had been the possessor of a million of money. I went direct from the office down to the dock, where the ship lay well rigged and manned and ready for sea. All was bustle, the barrels were being filled with water from hydrants by means of hose. Provisions, etc. were being lowered as fast as hands and machinery could do it. I walked the bridge aboard the ship and ere long I was standing beside Brother and Sister Smith. I told them I had been up to the office and had seen Brother Richards and that he would send me to Salt Lake Oty with this company if I had three pounds . "I have one pound and a few shillings." Brother Smith says to his wife, we will let Brother Wilson have it, she says, "Yes" and gave me two sovereigns and I at the same time passed her the few shillings I had, not reserving one penny to myself. Thanking them kindly for their generosity, I put the three sovereigns in my pocket, feeling more grateful to God and my benefactors than men of the world do who are possessed of their millions . After receiving it I was not long in reaching #15 Wilton Street and handed the money to President Richards. He manifested great pleasure at the success I had, presently made out my shipping papers after I passed the doctor alright. I walked aboard the ship feeling as great as if I had fallen heir to a large fortune. I was without bed or bedding, neither cup, knife or spoon and all my earthly substance was on my back. One thing I could depend on was the ship's allowance . Sister Smith says, ''You will help us in our cooking." I said, "Certainly, I shall do all I can to assist you ."

There were several families on board and I made their acquaintance. The Leishman's had a large family of boys and I was made welcome to sleep with them. At the time, the mother was not in the church, but after she came to the valley she joined the church and died in the faith. Her husband died at age of 84. I drew my rations with the Smiths and messed with them. This was the lOth of February, 1852, about 3 P.M. having made all necessary arrangements, my mind was at rest. I sat down and wrote home to mother and family as relates to what success I had and thought by the time they should receive this letter I would be many miles away to the far west. (It was about one year before I received any word from home.)

We set sail next day having on board some 350 LDS. All saints on board except the sailors. This was the first company of saints from Europe who were immigrated by the

P.E . Fund and was supposed to be entitled to assistance, first both as to their faithfulness and in poor circumstances. Isaac C. Haight had charge of the company and brought us to the frontiers and handed us over to the care of Brother A. 0. Smoot. He was sent from the valley by President Young to fetch this company of saints home. After Brother Haight had

delivered us to the care of Bishop Smoot, he again returned to England, coming home the next year in charge of the P.E.Fund company.

We had a prosperous passage. Only one death of an old lady. She was sewed up in a sheet, a large piece of coal tied to her feet. She was lowered by sliding off a smooth plank, feet first. The ship was hauled to while the lowering of her body was done. We watched her closely until she sank many fathoms down out of sight in the deep blue sea. If anything is sad and impressive and that is calculated to leave an impression on the memory, it is a funeral at sea. She had one son on board, he seemed almost as old as she was and at that time in 1852 I should guess him to be nearly 70 years of age. He cried like a child. When we were at sea three days a stow-away made his appearance on deck. He hid among the coal, he was as black as any nigger, poorly clad and worst treated all the way.

He was a lackey to all the sailors and if he did not move at the moment when ordered he was helped with a kick from the toe of a heavy boot, but he was not entirely annihilated, he got to New Orleans where he left the ship.

We held meetings on Sunday and enjoyed ourselves first rate. At night all lights had to be out by nine o'clock. We kept a guard up all night to keep the sailors from coming downstairs for some of the girls would associate with them if not under strict surveillance. Our ship was ballast with railroad rails, in one storm it was thought she might capsize or go down, fearing the rails would shift to one side so as to unbalance her. One night we got in a trough of the sea, she rocked from side to side, till she nearly lay on her boards, her masts nearly touching the waves. When in the troughs, numerous flying fish would fly out of one wave across the trough and light on the next wave. We were six weeks without seeing land. The first we saw was the island of San Domingo. We passed near to Jamaica but the weather was hazy so we did not see it. We touched near the coast of Cuba, we could see the houses on the beach. We came through what is termed the "hole-in-the wall" . Never having this narrow passage fully explained, I had supposed it was a very dangerous place for a ship to pass through and us greenhorns would remark seriously there was great danger of being wrecked going through the "hole-in-the-wall" when at the same time it was a great wide passage many miles in extent. We crossed the Tropic of Cancer near Cuba and the sun being vertical at noon, we had no shadow. It was very warm and it so affected my eyes that to the present day it affects me more or less. We landed at the mouth of the Mississippi River in the Gulf of Mexico on April 12, 1852. After a long but prosperous passage of eight weeks and three days, our vessel drew nineteen feet of water, consequently we stuck on a bar for three days before we could engage any tug steamer to haul us off. This sandbar extends dear across the river at its mouth and vessels of large draught always stick on it, so vessels when once fast must either be hauled off or wait on a spring tide. It was all two steam tugs could do to haul our ship off and all sailing vessels must be tugged up to New Orleans, a distance from here of 120 miles. One tug takes two vessels, one lashed to each side. This is the largest known river in North America and is over 3,000 miles long, it is very circuitous and turbid and deep. Its current generally sluggish and some places, a mile wide. It has many eddies or whirlpools and in some of them it seemed a small boat would be sucked in. This river passes through many of the slave states. In those days, wood was used as fuel for the steamboats and it was niggers who entirely did the loading of the wood and they worked constantly and earnestly often singing as they marched in single file over the plank to deliver the heavy load of wood from their shoulders. Being the first men I ever beheld in slavery who had no liberty but just to do as they were told or have a rawhide applied to their almost bare backs, my heart felt to commiserate these awful conditions, but really when I come to look back at the pit from whence myself was dug with millions more as myself in the same condition, I do not see much difference between black slavery and white slavery. One is compelled to work or be chastised, the other must work for what he can get or starve or do next best, that is, steal and go to prison.

We reached New Orleans I think on the 2nd day from the mouth of the river. We lay here three days waiting to be transferred to a steamship. While waiting I had a good chance to go around and take in the sights, but being destitute of money, I had to be satisfied with what I could see. As a general rule, the city is tidy and dean but the streets are narrow and paved and contain a great number of eating houses, hotels and saloons and vast quantities of baled cotton ready for shipping. In being transferred from our ship to the steamboat St. Paul, Brother John Shedden fell off the plank between the two boats. Fortunately he was picked up just as he was a short distance from the paddle. The

steamships on this river are huge monsters, resembling old castles, having good saloo.ns or dining rooms and are very commodious, that is providing you have plenty of money. But steerage passengers who are not overly stocked with this commodity must be satisfied with a pallet or straw mattress laid up on a rack similar to sailor's bunks, or more properly speaking, they compare more favorably to an institution where I was kindly invited at Uncle Sam's expense to spend a beautiful summer or deny God and his gospel. (Yuma Prison). So not to be stubborn I accepted of Judge Pinney's moderate dose, having lain upon both styles of beds, I believe I am enabled to give an unbiased decision and I think the Yuma prison beds are at least a class higher than what I had on the St. Paul, but to give the reader an adequate idea of the arrangement of these nocturnal sleepers, I would refer you to the vendor of the feathered race where one floor of his coop is vertical to the two lower stories. The St. Paul, I was informed, was an old, condemned leaker and liable to go up at any moment but she didn't, but sometimes she tried to run out of the river but the banks were rather steep to succeed.

There were many islands in the river and on dark nights when the helmsman might not be quite straight, the boat would take advantage of the helm and attempt to cross the islands but was generally unsuccessful and sometimes the deckhands had to lighten the fore part so as to be able to back out. After seven days' hard labor we reached St. Louis, having traveled 1100 miles. Here we were detained three days waiting another transfer and also here we parted forever in this life with the three Dairy families, that is: Smith, Shedden and McGlucklin, also Brother Robert Watson and family and only one of his family ever came to Utah and is now superintendent of ZCMI-Ogden. The Dalry families had money sufficient to buy their own outfits and came independently on their own hook. Brother R. Watson and family were being brought by the P.E. Fund. The three Dairy families remained at St. Louis and further than this I am indebted to others for my information as to them. John Shedden's wife was found dead in her bed through his bad treatment and to my own knowledge it was her money that brought him to America. His two sons were killed in a mine, his two daughters were leading vile lives and he confessed he would have to go 1,000 years to Hell for his intimacy with Bro. James Smith's wife while living in the Dalry Branch. Mark McGluchlin's wife died soon after coming to this country. The old man kept a saloon and was killed, his son Mark was through the late Civil War and after coming back, was also killed, both killed in quarrels. Brother Smith's wife ran away with a Dutchman. Smith went on the river as a boat carpenter. He was an excellent mechanic and he was much attached to his wife and took it so hard at her leaving him that his mind became deranged and he would walk the deck of the ship not knowing what he was doing, till one night, in one of those spells, he unwittingly walked overboard and was drowned. His wife had 11 children by him but none survived to be a year old. Shedden acted in the capacity of a teacher at home, but to me he was dry and uninviting. McGlucklin was proud and led by the wife. Brother Smith was brought to his end through imposing too much confidence in her. She worked his ruin, but if it is possible for me to redeem him, I with the help of God will bring him out of the pit.

Before I left St. Louis, Sister Smith brought me a pair of shoes, a hickory shirt, and gave me a small chest to put my clothing in, but I had never any use for this chest till some time after my arrival in Salt Lake. We were transferred to another packet and in the afternoon of the third day we were again afloat on the old Mississippi, heading toward the west, 40 miles above St. Louis. We are at the mouth of the Missouri, being dark when we entered it, I didn't know until next day we were on it. There are a great many snags in the river. One night I was out of bed, I was afraid of something happening, I was standing b side the paddlewheel, all at once a large snag ran up through the floor or projection just

back of the paddlewheel. I had a narrow escape of being thrown into the river so I went back to my bed, safe in one place as another, for if God takes care of a sparrow, how much more he will care for his children who put their trust in him. We were four days from St. Louis to Kansas City, 400 miles. Sixty miles below we passed Lexington where the Selenda exploded her boiler blowing all her upper decks into the river. There was a company of Saints on this vessel and many were blown into the river and drowned, many scalded, some had to get their legs amputated. I went to see the maimed and scalded in the hospital. They looked a sorrowful lot. I examined the blown-up boat, all that remained was the hull. When we landed at Kansas we moved into a two-story cabin. We got along someway but crowded . People can get along almost in any situation when they are agreeable. There was a family who came with the company I was in by the name of McKinney, there were four or five, I boarded with this family in Kansas. I was numbered in their family, my rations being drawn with theirs. I found camp life to be too monotonous, loitering about the wharf, idling away my time to no profit. So it came into my mind to walk down to Independence, Jackson County, where is to be built the New Jerusalem . It was only nine miles. I tried to get some of the boys to accompany me but did not succeed. So, I started alone and just outside of City limits, I struck a belt of heavy timber but the further I went the timber seemed to get thicker and I began to have doubts as to the wisdom of my adventurous journey. If I could get there and not be able to get back the same day, I would be out of touch for I had not a cent of money to meet any expenses. Another drawback, I was unarmed and thinking I might fall among bad company or become a prey to wild beasts. I philosophically concluded to retrace my steps and return to camp. I got back in time for dinner. Now whether it was timidity or being led by the whispering within, I leave others to judge. I would have liked very much to have been enabled to accomplish this journey but fate was against it, and I have not regretted it. The distance between Kansas City and Salt Lake City is 1200 miles and it would take us three months to reach our destination after we started traveling by ox team. Being in paddy's fix, having the small chest which Sister Smith gave me, but no clothes to go in it, a long journey before me and my wardrobe somewhat scant, I set out to seek employment, it was about the end of April 1852.

As I got outside the city I came to a nice building sitting upon a small patch of land not long cleared, the stumps still remaining. I rapped at the door and was answered by the gentleman of the house. I told him my business, he asked me many questions as to where I came from and where I was going. To all his interrogations I answered correctly. Then says he, "You are a Mormon?" "Yes sir,"says I. "Well" says he, "I do not care as to what creed you belong to, its no ones business but your own. What can you do? Do you think you can take out those stumps and straighten up my place?" "Yes, Sir, I can." I do not think I mentioned anything about wages until the job was finished, but he agreed to board me. I was to begin next morning at 7 A.M. His surname was Bridget and was a professor of medidne, quite young, had a wife and one child, two negroes, a boy and girl whom his father had given him when he got married for a start in slavery, as Missouri was a slave state. I went next morning and took a chum with me to help with stumps as they were very heavy. The doctor employed him also but he did not work to suit the doctor so he paid him off. After the stumps and holes were all disposed of, he set me to gardening which I did to his entire satisfaction. He paid me $.50 per day which he said were the highest wages for outdoor hands in the state. He introduced me to his father-in-law, Mr. Smart, sheriff of the county. He gave me a good recommendation as a young man he would have no occasion to watch as I was trustworthy and an excellent worker. I again took the same chum along as he wanted to earn a little money and I felt to do him a dness if it was in my power, for we were on the most intimate terms. Our first job was

to plant com, I got along first rate but that night my partner was paid off. I expect the doctor gave Mr. Smart his recommendation. He was a young man I much respected and I felt sorry he had not been able to keep at work for his family needed his help, but although they both told me their reasons for not keeping him, I had too much regard for his feelings to tell him the reason of his dismissal . This young man at the present is the good man and the father of a large family and I think it prudent to withhold his name feeling that what I have said he might take offense. I finished my labors with Mr. Smart by fixing his flower garden, putting the beds in whatever forms he desired . His daughter of sixteen summers, a beautiful lass, kept constantly with me suggesting how she would like it done. Of course I did all I could to please her. I also boarded with Mr. Smart. Both gentlemen kept excellent tables, from ten to fifteen different dishes. To let those who pursue this history understand how I got along at the first American tables I ever sat at and how green I was, it may seem laughable but to me it was anything but fun at the first American tables I ever sat at. I was nearly starved and here is how it happened.

I would be handed first potato, gravy, meat, bread, com dodger, etc. Then, different dishes of garden, some greens, radishes, etc. I would keep taking and piling upon my plate till I would not know what to do for want of room. Then came along the pies and custards. By the time I got the last eatables, some of them would jump up, and not to be thought unmannerly, I would also leave the table little better satisfied than when I sat down. For in my native country the head of the house always remains at the table till any guests who may chance be visiting are through. But, when I went to camp in the evening I hunted up all the pieces of scones and hard crusts I could lay my hands upon and they seemed quite palatable without either butter, milk,meat or molasses . An inddent occurred while I was at Mr. Smart's which very near brought us in collision with the settlers. It happened on this wise. Elder E. Church, a returning missionary, left us at New Orleans to visit his father's home in Tennessee, his father having died while he was on his mission . His father, in his will, left him some property and a portion of it was a nigger, known as "Nigger Tom". (A. 0. Smoot, of Salt Lake, at last owned this nigger and finally he was drowned while bathing .) As we came up the river Elder Church put this nigger aboard our vessel but did not accompany us himself. When we arrived at Kansas, Tom lived among the Saints and he behaved himself first rate. Sometime after I was working for Mr. Smart, Tom was arrested as a runaway nigger. He was asked to show his papers if he was free, but he could not as he did not have any. Mr. Church held them thinking he would be safe with us till he came up, for if Tom had held them, he could have run away and been quite safe. Tom refused to be taken, declaring he was Mr. Church's nigger. So they beat him very severely and thrust him into prison. That evening Mr. Smart came home, he had a long yarn to tell about the nigger's arrest, how he was beaten before being taken, that he was a runaway nigger and the Mormon's were hiding him and it was no new thing for the Mormon's to do. He said it was for encouraging the slaves to leave their masters that the Mormon 's were driven from Jackson County, just a little way below. I denied this assertion. He said it was the intention of the citizens to raise a mob and drive us out of the county but, says he, "Mr. Wilson, I will hide you in the house for I do not believe you would assist in any such unlawful deeds." He then asked me if I knew anything in relation to this affair. I knew all about it so he asked me to make a statement of all I knew. I related all the circumstances of the whole matter in detail. He said I believe you to be a young man who will tell the truth. We are going to try him tomorrow and I shall want you as a witness in this case and if it is proved that the Mormon's are linked in this affair I am afraid a mob will rise against you. Say I, "Mr. Smart, you need have no fears if it comes to a trial, the Mormon's will come out alright. We believe in minding our own business. But if it so

happens a mob is raised to drive us out, I promise you no house will ever conceal me while my brethren are being mobbed." He seemed quite excited over the affair and the thought flashed through my mind that I might not be far from many who had taken a part in driving the Saints from their homes in Jackson County and that I might see some of the very men whose hands were yet reeking with the blood of the innocent. Next day the sheriff carne home feeling much better than he had the day before. He said they had investigated the nigger's case and had found that I had told the truth. I replied that I had no fears as to the outcome if a fair trial was given but I was glad it was settled.

This affair just ended when the cholera broke out in our camp. Many of our brethren and sisters fell victims to this awful scourger. Whole families were entirely swept away, parents losing most of their dear ones, and children losing their parents. And, if ever I was in a situation requiring all the faith I could command, it was then. I called upon the Lord with all my heart, for I was attacked with it, in the first stages I went out on a steep hill facing the river. It was blowing, raining, and heavy lightening. I held onto the stump of an old tree while I knelt down where no one could see me but God. I plead for my life, I told the Lord how he had delivered me from the yoke of bondage and that I was going to Zion and intended to send for my folks and if he took me away they might never get away. He heard my prayer and

what I desired has been accomplished.

The citizens held a meeting and concluded to furnish teams and move us out eight miles on the open prairie where they would not be in so much danger of the contagion, as our teams and wagons had not yet arrived. In the meantime, Mr. Smart wanted me to remain with him for a year. He stated the U.S. was going to send an army to Utah to wipe out the Mormons, and if I went I would be killed. I told him I had but once to die and that I would go if I knew I would die on the way. He made this proposition to me, "If you will stay with me one year I will give you $150 in cash, a horse and saddle, also my daughter to wife, and you will be enabled to go to the Valley independent." I made the following answer, "Mr. Smart, I thank you very kindly for your generous proposition, but the truth is I left home to go to Salt Lake City and I am going if I live, for your eyes never beheld enough in property to entice me to stay." He paid me $.50 per day. We parted good friends and he bid me "God Speed".

It was now the citizens sent teams and moved us out of their midst, upon the open prairie, a distance of eight miles. We camped on the edge of a beautiful belt of timber, beyond was the open prairie. After we established out camp here, two more died of the dreadful plague (cholera), one a brother, the other - Sister Platt - wife of the late William Platt, the well-known saddler of Salt Lake.

At last our cattle and wagons arrived. It took some two weeks to get ready. Brother Smoot hired an American, a teamster, who drove the commissary wagon drawn by six yoke of oxen. There were 33 wagons in the company. If anyone had seen a yoke of oxen before, I did not know it for we knew no more about cattle than cattle knew about us. There was considerable maneuverings in getting everyone to know just what to do. Brother Smoot and C. Layton had to use a great deal of patience while showing us what to do and how to yoke up the cattle. They were all unbroken except a few yoke which he had purchased for leaders. One brother, a Welshman, tried to yoke up his team with the bows in the yoke, it was a yoke of Texas cattle and had extra long horns. He tried until he was petered out endeavoring to put the heads of his cattle through the bows in the yoke, without taking them out. It is useless to say that he was unsuccessful . He went to Bro.

Smoot and asked if he had a saw. Bro. Smoot wanted to know why the saw. The untutored teamster innocently replied in broken Welsh that he was going to cut the horns off his oxen. Bro . Smoot did not reprove him but simply said, "Take the bows out of the yoke, etc."

It was here in camp that I took my first lessons in milking. I would walk up to a cow very carefully, watching her closely, to see she did not kick me unawares, for not having been accustomed to stock, I was somewhat timid. I would try a long while but could not get any milk. Soon a sister came along and took a bucket of milk from a cow I had just left . I soon caught on and after our organization, I was selected as milkman for the ten I was in. All being ready, a meeting was called for the purpose of organizing our company according to the pattern laid down by our great Prophet, Joseph Smith. If I rightly remember, this company of Saints was now delivered over to the care of A. 0. Smoot by I. C. Haight, who was in charge of this company from England. President Haight preached quite a sermon telling us what to do, how to conduct ourselves in crossing the Plains. In my estimation, he made one very unwise remark, to wit: "If he was captain of the company and any man in it should swear by the name of God, I would leave him on the Plains for the wolves to pick his bones." As some of his acts not far hence in the future proved the correctness of this, his assertions. I will here let it rest.

We were organized as follows, all voted A. 0. Smoot, Captain. All votes were unanimous. Christopher Layton, Captain of Flfty; Thomas Smith, Captain of Second Fifty; Edwin W. Church, Chaplain.

There were ten persons to each wagon and a captain over each ten, one cow, one tent to each ten and each ten allowed ten pounds of flour per day. On the frontier, and three or four weeks after starting, we were allowed some sugar, bacon and fish, so we got along very well till these were no longer to be had . Also, men and boys were appointed to drive the livestock through the day and among this number, I was selected. All had to walk except one worthy Captain who had two mules and one horse, a young man by the name of Weeks had charge of the horse. Everything was now in working order and we were ready to start. I think it was the 15th of May we struck tents and headed for the West, to us the land of promise.

One young woman by the name of Langton was yet sick with the cholera. We made but a short drive the first day owing to her critical condition. So we camped here for two days. Her tent was .some distance outside of camp. The brothers and sisters feared visiting her, her family had all died, leaving her alone. I saw she was seldom visited and feeling how I would like to be treated if I were in her situation, I was impelled to go see her and leave the result in the hands of God. I went into her tent, she was alone lying on a pallet, she looked lonely and disconsolate. My situation and hers were somewhat similar, neither had any relatives in camp. She was pleased to see me, I felt to bless her accordingly to my calling as I was a priest. I asked in a low tone if I should lay hands on her and bless her and she replied "Yes". I anointed her with holy oil, in the name of the Lord, and rebuked the destroyer in the name of Jesus, my master, with all the faith at my command. I told her she would live and she did, and to God be all the Glory, Amen.

In two days, we resumed our journey . The country was rolling prairie, covered with beautiful waving grass as far as the eye could see. Captain Smoot went ahead of the train in the fore and afternoon, to find feed, water and fuel for noon and camping at night. It .was his fifth trip but he did not loiter with the camp and depended upon his knowledge

of the route for feed and water. Everyone loved our captain. He was thoughtful, polite and considerate. Although our wagons were loaded to the bows, when he would see any of the company lagging as they trudged wearily along with stick in hand to aid them in their locomotive powers, and he was convinced they were not putting on, he would tell them to ride. The rule was that all able bodied men, women and youth should walk. There was to be no favorites but this injunction did not entirely obtain. Some of the teamsters had their favorites who rode just when they pleased, while some who were more deserving had to trudge on. Where persons were riding who were not entitled to the immunity, an eye was kept on the whereabouts of the Captain so as to be ready to slip out on their approach. Thus, in many cases, hypocrisy and corruption do succeed, when the worthy and most deserving are passed by as not entitled to courtesy.

To see our team in motion was quite interesting, at least to the tutored American who well understands the haw and the gee and how to crack a whip. But to see a long team in motion and three or four men to each team, one having a long whipstock and each of the others with a club, and when any of the oxen would show signs of flying the track, a slash from the whip or a blow from the club, sometimes would teach them to remain on the road. At other times, in spite of all they could do, a team and sometimes several, would run out on the prairie, the men running after them on both sides endeavoring to stop them. It was laughable to see men with a big club on his shoulder, a heavy coat on, and a stiff stove-pipe hat, his coat-tails in mid air, then the man with the whip slashing at them. In place of striking the team, he would get it tangled around his head and neck, then stop to undo it and be after them again, the team running at full speed in circles and semi-circles . Very often the master of the horse had to be brought in to requisition before the equilibrium of the train could be restored .

I was informed that 10,000 Saints immigrated from the Bluffs and Apostles Hyde and Benson superintended their outfitting. Captain Smoot's company travelled on the South side of the Platte River and the Bluff saints were on the North side. After striking the river there were generally some of the companies in sight so that we no longer seemed alone and the thought that so many were being delivered was encouraging. Sometimes the Captain would ford the river to congratulate each other and to inquire after the welfare of each other's company. In some two weeks, we arrived at Kearney, all well. This is a fort belonging to the North States where a body of troops are stationed for the protection of travelers against the invasion of the wily indians.

About this time sugar, coffee, bacon and fish began to be withdrawn and in one more week, entirely disappeared, if my memory serves me right. Out main dependence now was milk and flour. We did not fare so sumptuously. We were now among the sly, lurking indians who visited us very often in bands for the purpose of begging . They would take either bread or flour and exchange their trinkets for flour, but got very little of it for our supply was rather short. Just before I left I paid the last money I had, $3.00, for half a buffalo robe to lay below me as we had to sleep on the ground and the robe was excellent to keep out the damp. The sisters feet grew very sore traveling in their heavy shoes and it was known that I had a robe, so one after another applied to me for a piece of it, which I gave them and the many thanks I received from their beaming countenances amply repaid me for any inconvenience I might encounter for its want. There were in our company, two shepherds, John M. Murdock and John Calvin, the latter took a pain in his foot and he also had some of the robe to make a shoe for his sore foot, for it was now grown so sore that he had to ride in the wagon. He had a fine shepherd dog. He was a beautiful specimen of the canine race. One day this dog remained at our campground

after we left at noon, looking after the scraps that perchance we left from the dinner table and we were several miles on our journey before he was missed . At this time I was master of horse. The young man Weeks, having been accidentally drowned while bathing and through the kindness of Captain Smoot and Layton, I was selected to take his place with the instructions to let no one ride them but myself. Brother Calvin obtained permission to take the one I was riding and go back for his dog. He went, found him alright. When he came up with the train he commenced whooping and yelling with hat in hand, urging the mule to put in its best licks. Just at this juncture, as Bro. Calvin thought he was exhibiting considerable skill as a horse jockey or circus riding, and if he did not succeed just to his notion, we should not criticize him too severely for he really was enjoying himself and his intentions were harmless. I speak the truth when I say he created quite a sensation for no sooner had he reached the center of the train than nine of the teams stampeded . Running helter-skelter, as if driven by a cyclone, and it was with the greatest difficulty that all the teams were kept from following suit. It happened to be a beautiful plain or else it might have ended in a sad calamity . There were some women and children in the stampede but as God would have it, no person was hurt. They all ran in one direction, pell mell, among other and over each other, and sometimes it seemed as if it would end in a general wreck, but with the exception of a few disabled wheels and broken tongues, and a few cattle minus horns, all was soon brought to a peaceable conclusion . At the incipiency of the flight, there were some very narrow escapes to clear the maddened bovines . As far as I am concerned, I never want to see another stampede. We talk of justifiable suicide and homicide, but if I was sitting on a jury of a stampede case, I would punish the instigator, if sane.

Our train lay over one day for repairs and to let sisters wash. Our Captain would not travel on Sunday except compelled to find range for the cattle as the safety of the company depends on the strength of our teams. On the sabbath when not traveling, the Captain would call the camp together as a worshiping assembly, administer the sacrament and instruct the saints as to their duties.

We crossed the South Fork of the Platte. The stream is sluggish and in some places it was deep enough to cover the hub of the hind wheel and in my judgement, about one half mile wide. From here to North Platte, 16 miles. The road is rough and hilly, ascended a heavy decline to North Platte, letting wagons down with ropes, no accidents. This Fork is half as wide as South Fork. Soon reached Fort Laramie where a detachment of U.S. Troops are kept as a protective force for the whites and to punish the poor untutored sons of nature who may perchance purloin a steer, when impelled by hunger or greed or love of plunder . They will drive a part or all the teams according to the success of the raid. Very often the white is the thief, but he is so well versed in his avocation that he slips out of the net and he manages to get the unconscious redskin a heavy chastisement in place of himself. So the indian's revenge is on the first pale faces he sees. Then it is war to the knife and every redskin captured is doomed .

Crossed the North Platte, the fine rolling prairie, immense herds of buffalo - one herd came right through our camp - openings made to let the clumsy racers pass through, huge shapeless animals, heavy built, very fleet and takes a good horse to keep up with them. Captain Layton gave chase to one on the move I had in charge and although fast, it was all she could do to keep up with me till he lodged several bullets from a Colt revolver in his body before he yielded . We had buffalo meat that night for supper. Captain Layton was at home on horseback and when teams were stalled he never hesitated to put his white-shifted shoulders to the muddy wheel and help till wagon was out. He always said,

"Come boys and help." He was a man of quick perception and good judgement. (I went to Carson Valley and back with him in 1856 and 1857. He went to Arizona and presided over a stake.)

After crossing the North Platte, we entered the land of sagebrush in earnest . We had plenty of fuel, on the plains we used buffalo chips and before reaching camp at night the sisters gathered aprons full of this much sought excrement, trudging wearily into camp. We were nearing Sweetwater, teams somewhat jaded- fair considering loads and roads, less milk now, all felt the want especially the little ones suffered, little tea or coffee in camp, taking all, we got along first rate. Our good Captain saw that everyone got their just allowance. Since I took charge of the horses, I was exempt from all other duties and gave my entire attention to their care. I was to keep by the loose herd in case any of the animals ran away, to fetch them back, but I got out of this job on the following occasion. The boss of the herd was Bro. James Ryecroft. He was easily annoyed and had reason to be for the men and the boys were inconsiderate of him. I did most of the riding after the runaways and the men let me. The horses were getting used up. I reported to Capt. Smoot who told me to bring back the ones at a reasonable limit. Ryecroft wanted more, I refused. He said I wasn't needed there so Capt. Smoot gave me the three animals to care for to keep with the train and to sleep at night holding the lariats. Where there was feed, I staked my animals along the herd where they were safe and could eat. My clothes now was getting worse for the wear. Except for a change of shirt, all I had was on my back and my coat was not fit to wear but relief was at hand. For one day I was walking off the road and found a pistol which I sold to a young man for a second-handed coat and shirt and they came in at the eleventh hour. This by the hand of providence who had an eye upon me. He never entirely permitted me to come to want . Traveling up Sweetwater, water and fuel were abundant but feed was scarce due to heavy immigration and immense trains wending their way to go to the gold fields in California.

Captain Smoot generally went a little off the way to find feed. Two hundred and twelve miles from Salt Lake City we camped at Pacific Springs, called "Hogsback of the American Continent". Forty-one miles further west we crossed Green River, the roads were heavy with stretches of sand. The cows were called in to help their weary brothers. We passed over 1,000 miles of sagebrush plains and mountains and never passed a city or village of civilized man. We saw two military posts, a few trading stations. It was 200 miles to go and all were happy and cheerful at the prospect of entering the 'City of Saints' in the valley of the Great Salt Lake.

We crossed Green River and camped. We had plenty of grass. Four days more we made Ham's Fork- famous five years later in the Buchanan expedition . The next place was Ft. Bridger. The post was built with logs. ( James Bridger, the owner, told Brigham Young in July of 1847 he would give $1,000 for the first ear of corn grown in Salt Lake Valley.) From now on we met many brethren and teams with some of the good things produced in the valley. We asked a thousand and one questions as it seemed we had struck a new continent as compared to the barren waste just traversed. Every day brought new faces and good news of Utah. Thirty-five miles and we were descending Echo Canyon, tripping it down with "light hearts and smiles. Only sixty miles away. On September 2, 1852 we camped ten miles east of city behind Little Mountain. We locked all four wheels and used ropes to get down the big mountain. After we camped this evening a fine beef was slaughtered and with other good things distributed among the company, a general feast was indulged in. President Young was donor of the beef. After supper, we

danced and enjoyed till late hours and then all retired, several visitors remained over night .

Next morning, September 3, we were all a-stir at an early hour, everyone vying with each other in helping to move camp. President Young, in a great concourse, were coming to meet us on the bench and escort us into the city. The bare idea that of seeing the Prophet and the Seer and that he would meet us, filled every bosom with enthusiasm and delight. Sisters made considerable change in their apparel and if it had not been for their tanned complexions, they might have been taken as coming from an old English fair. This morning a Welshman yoked up his team with the yoke below their necks and did not comprehend his mistake until told by Capt. Smoot. Soon the train was in motion, climbing Little Mountain. When on its summit we could see the west mountains and locking the two wheels we descended down the mountain alright. We met many pedestrians who, for curiosity and friendship, had left all business and made it a holiday. All who were able to walk were putting in best licks, every heart was light and the cares and trials of our long journey were, at least for the present, buried in oblivion. I was in the vanguard and to the best of my recollection was the first in the company to reach the mouth of Immigration Canyon. But, I do not claim any honor on this account as my mule did all the walking for me. A short distance from the mouth of the canyon we ascend a gentle elevation of a few rods, we stand upon a fine eminence commanding a splendid view of the valley, the Great Salt Lake City, twenty-five miles distant. We could not get a fair view of the city as it lay five miles ahead, just below the brow of the hill. After dismounting, the first words I uttered were, ''Thank God", my eyes beheld the resting place of the Saints and here ends the long and toilsome journey and, bowing before the Lord in humble prayer, I thanked him from the bottom of my heart for the providence he had over me all my life and that he had delivered me from under the yoke of bondage and brought me to safety to the land of promise and I felt so happy, that I shed tears of joy . Rising to my feet, I gazed with rapture at the scenes before me, casting my eyes in all directions, to see which view was most enchanting, looking to the south I could discern the top of the Wasatch range covered with snow, to the west lay the lake with two islands of its seven visible, and the beautiful valley lay as far as the eye could reach in every direction and, although the valley was settled only five years, I could discern but little of the hand of industry, yet I knew the nucleus was laid of a mighty empire whose destiny was to make laws and govern the world.

Now the others began to arrive and give many expressions to their feelings similar to my own and then the teams. I mounted my mule and traveled with the crowd. At last the vanguard of our brethren and sisters from the city to meet us, were seen in the distance and in a short time it seemed all the inhabitants had turned out en masse to give us a reception. There were so many, it seemed like a fair or the fourth of July. Some were on foot, others were on horseback and a few were in carriages. It was a beautiful autumn day, the sky was bright and clear. It seemed as if nature lent enchantment to the scene. The people met us in their best attire, gay and smiling, shaking our hands, many congratulations were given. We received from all classes regardless of distinction, spoke in living tones the purest impulse of the soul within.

Knowing the President was coming to meet us, I thought I would test my judgement in picking him out before I could inquire as to the man. I did not know how he was coming, finally I see a fine man in appearance and I judged and discerned in him a superior spirit that was not common to all men. He was not alone but one among many. hen my judgement was satisfied, I asked a brother and pointing to the man I had

selected, asked if he were President Young, and he was. President Young was in his buggy drawn by his favorite horse, bowed to everyone without regard to rank nor station . He was the chief point of attention and all felt honored to have the privilege of shaking hands with our leader. Crowds came around him either to shake hands or look upon his face. He was in a cheerful mood and spoke and acted with as much familiarity with those. whom he met as though they had been schoolmates of old. The progress of the train was impeded until the general greetings and solicitations and jollifications was disposed of. The President accompanied us as we moved along. The escort kept increasing until we reached the dty. It might now be styled the P.E. Funds Procession or Grand March . The train came down Immigration Street, being literally lined with spectators as the procession came along. We came to Main Street, we turned to the right, keeping north till the Council House was reached, then turning to the left, we kept west three blocks, then turned to the right. We marched two blocks more to Union Square, our destination, the goal of our fondest anticipations had been reached. Captain Smoot directed the company of the wagons in an angular form or shape of a crescent. I must here say that the interest manifested towards us in all my experience has been unparalleled in the history of this people. After we camped I began to look around. My mind was almost bewildered, was it a dream or some hallucination of the imagination or was it a living fact.

Immense concourses of people had assembled on the square to bid us welcome to their beautiful home. It reminded us of the prosperous days of ancient Israel when they established a common brotherhood . Evidences of this brotherhood was now plain to be seen for few such sights as met our astonished gaze that the most favored people are seldom permitted to behold. For our gaze was on huge piles of light bread waiting to be distributed when the camp had become quiet. It was the sisters who furnished this, the staff of life, and this was a treat in itself and the sweetest food I ever eat and if anyone doubts my word let them go through seven months of my experience and I think he will be convinced to the truth of what I say. Not bread alone, in abundance, but all the productions of the climate - potatoes, com, melons, squash, tomatoes and etc. Things were dealt out by the bushel (not by the pound) then the sisters stood around with hand baskets full of many choice and delicious pastries divided without stint. But now the mantle of night was letting down its curtains over this beautiful scene and drew to a dose one of the most interesting and eventful days of my life. The brethren and sisters retiring to their homes, while those in camp went to work to prepare a sumptuous repast of the good things that had been gratuitously administered unto us by the Hand of Providence and His people.

Friday, the fourth, a beautiful day, all astir bright and early to get duties of morning over to have a chance to get a good review of the city and take in the sights. Today crowds of people come to see us and tender us their respects. The Church agent came and took charge of the cattle and wagons and everything the P. E. money had furnished but kindly permitted the saints to keep their camping equipage till they got fixed or could buy them.

Some of the saints on the plains expressed themselves to the effect that nice houses would be built for them. [Page 129 of original describes the trials in the valley and cricket and grasshopper episode.] Under the circumstances the saints did well to take care of themselves. When I carne to the valley there was not what might be called a respectable house in all the city. What there was, was only small adobes and log dwellings, many dug-outs and no one really well off. From this time to the present, (1887) I have never seen the people so equal and more united than they were then. Captain Smoot got great credit from the Presidency for the management of the company under his care and the