Part 5

Spent the two previous days fixing wagons and today went down to the river to see about crossing, etc. Took my family with me.

Friday, July 10

Fixing my wagons, also Saturday unpacked the dry goods wagon and repacked it.

Sunday, July 12

Went to the meeting at Elder Taylor's camp. In the evening President Young, Kimball and Richards returned. They requested me to go to Taylor's to council. I went and tarried till dark, wrote a letter to the Quadrille band to meet tomorrow also wrote orders for all the men in camp to meet.

Monday, July 13

Went to the general meeting and played with the band and then kept minutes. They got three companies of 43 each and half of a fourth company. All my teamsters have enlisted. I am now destitute of help. Edward Martin is advised to go and leave his family in my charge. I have still four yoke of oxen missing and I do not know where to find them. Last night James was seized with a fit and is quite unwell today, mostly insensible. Vilate Ruth is quite sick and on the whole my situation is rather gloomy. The meeting adjourned at five till tomorrow at eight, after which the company danced till dark.

Tuesday, July 14

I went over to meeting this morning and told the President my situation. He consented for me to go back to my camp to see to things. I came back but feel very unwell. Martin's youngest child died at 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 15

Went with Edward Martin to bury his child on a high bluff south of the camp. We buried it between two small oak trees, a little east of them, the babe's head to the east. After returning Heber sent word for us to cross the creek to the other bluff where Elder Taylor is camped. We got some of the cattle together and took part of the wagons over and then returned for the remainder. As soon as we got there a message came that the President wished the band to go to the village. We accordingly started but when we got there we found nobody there and after a little trading we returned home.

Thursday, July 16

Hunting my horses to take Diantha to see her father's folks who arrived yesterday. In the afternoon we started out and went about three miles from here. They appeared very glad to see us. We got home again at dark.

Friday, July 17

Went fishing.

Saturday, July 18

Went to the village to play with the band for the volunteers. They danced till near sundown when we returned home.

Sunday, July 19

In the wagon till evening. Sister Farr came to see us. Diantha and I went home with her in the evening.

Monday, July 20

In the morning fixing for our concert. Afternoon the band came with their wives and we played and danced till dark. President Young made some appropriate remarks exhorting the saints to prayer, etc.

Tuesday, July 21

This morning it rained very heavily. Went to council at Elder Pratt's camp. The council appointed a council of twelve to preside here, viz. Isaac Morley, Geo. W. Harris, James Allred, Thos. Grover, Phineas Richards, Herman Hyde, Wm. Peck, Andrew H. Perkins, Henry W. Miller, Daniel Spencer, J. H. Hales and John Murdock. I wrote a letter informing them of their appointment also instructing them not to let any pass over the river unless they could be in time to go to Grand Island and cut hay, to watch over the church, establish schools for the winter, etc. I spent the remainder of the day at the creek. I asked the President what I should do but could get no answer. I have not been able to get any satisfaction from any of the council as to what I should do and am totally at a loss to know whether to tarry here or go on. My provisions are nearly out and my teamsters all gone and nearly all the cattle strayed away, and no one to hunt them except James and Corbitt and they are sick.

Wednesday, July 22

Fixing a wagon for Margaret and re-loading some wagons.

Thursday, July 23

Unpacking church property. Found considerable of it very much damaged with wet. I put it out and dried it well and repacked it. Evening went with Diantha to see her folks.

Friday, July 24

Regulating the loading, etc.

Saturday, July 25

Bought 357 pounds of flour at $2.50 per hundred and carried it about three hundred yards to my wagons then spent the day fixing wagon covers. Evening went to Brother Farr's. About 11:00 a storm arose and it soon began to rain heavily and a while after blew a perfect hurricane. The thunder was awful and the rain poured in torrents for about a half an hour.

Sunday, July 26

This morning the tent is down, wagons drenched and everything looks gloomy enough. Scarcely a tent in the camp was left standing and many wagon covers torn. A report is circulated that a cow was killed by lightning. Much damage is done to wagons, provisions, etc. The cow was killed about 200 yards west of my wagons. There was a tent struck also but no persons hurt. I went to meeting and heard Benson and Taylor preach. Afternoon at my wagons. Evening Bishop Whitney, President Young and Kimball called. I made out a bill of goods for them to send east by Robert Pierce. They ordered me to go down to the river tomorrow.

Monday, July 27

Loading wagons, packing, etc., preparing to start. Last night I engaged Pelatiah Brown as a teamster. We started soon after noon. I drove the cows and James, Corbitt and Brown the teams with twelve wagons. We had to leave one cow four yoke of oxen and two horses on the ridge, being missing. We got down about six o'clock. Bishop Whitney passed and said I should not get over the river tomorrow and I suppose we shall have to wait some days. James and Corbitt are both sick and discouraged on account of having so little help and so many cattle, etc., to look after. They have a hard time of it but I can see no prospects of its being better.

Tuesday, July 28

James and Corbitt started back to hunt the cattle. I went to the village and received $12.00 of Larpey for the cordage I sold to Allen, $3.50 is yet my due. I then went and bought some flour of Tanner. While we were weighing it a storm arose and it rained and thundered and lightninged throughout the day and nearly all night. I have not seen more rain fall in a long time.

Wednesday, July 29

Got the balance of the flour making 889 lbs., most of it at $2.50 and 200 lbs. at $2.00. Afternoon went to the village with Alice, Diantha, and Margaret. There saw President Young and Heber. They have just bought a pony and some cloth, etc., and seem to have money enough but there is none to buy me flour. I yet lack about a ton.

Thursday, July 30

At home all day. Unpacked mother's wagon and found many things wet and damaged.

Friday, July 31

Attending to wagons, cattle, etc., all day.

August 1846

Saturday, August 1

This morning I went to the river to see how soon we could cross and learned there was a prospect of our crossing this evening or tomorrow morning. I then went back to my camp and we started with the wagons a few at a time. My brother James is lame in bed. Pitt is lame. Brown is lame and Corbitt nearly spent. About noon we got all the wagons to the river and Corbitt returned to take the cattle to grass. I went to Larpey's and got the balance of the money then went to Mitchel's to try to trade my music box for a cow but did not succeed.

Sunday, August 2

Preparing to cross the river. Pelatiah Brown went swimming all the forenoon and when Corbitt asked him to help with the teams he swore he would not if Jesus Christ would ask him. I told him if he did not feel like helping us he could go somewhere else, I did not want him. He went and I am again left without a teamster. I will here say that Brown will not work only when he has a mind to and during the last week when James and Corbitt and Pitt were all gone he would go to the river swimming instead of attending to the cattle and I may as well be without a teamster as have a man who will go away in a cramp. About noon we crossed three wagons over and kept to work until we had got them all over which took us till dark. We had to crowd our wagons together in the road just above the river on account of its being stopped up by other wagons. We could not get our cattle to grass and they have had none since last night, but having a few bushels of corn we gave them five ears a piece. After supper I went fishing with Wm. F. Cahoon and others until two o'clock but had very poor luck.

Monday, August 3

Started this morning to get our wagons on the prairie. The road is very narrow and bad, up steep bluffs and very muddy. It took four yoke of oxen to take a very light load. When we had got four of the wagons up eight yoke of Bishop Whitney's cattle came to help us and afterwards nine yoke of President Young's and Kimball's. We got to the prairie about noon and stopped to feed our cattle. I sent on five wagons with the teams sent to help us and after feeding about an hour started with the remainder. I drove the spare cattle and horses. We got the wagons to camp about six o'clock. One of President Young's oxen killed himself when going to drink, being so eager he pitched into the creek and broke his neck. When we got to camp we were all completely tired. My feet were sore and my limbs ached and had to go to bed. We camped on the north end of Heber's company. We have left nine head of cattle over the river yet and there is little prospect of being able to find some of them.

Tuesday, August 4

This morning Heber's company have moved on about two days journey and again left me here alone. I loaned C. L. Whitney three yoke of oxen to help him through. They are gone to find a place within thirty miles of here to winter. I spent the day doing little, being so unwell.

Wednesday, August 5

Moved down a little nearer water. There spent the day fixing Ruth's wagon. Corbitt has gone over the river to hunt cattle and in the evening returned with one yoke.

Thursday, August 6

Putting covers on Margaret's and mother's wagons, etc. Afternoon writing copy of the returns of companies.

Friday, August 7

Spent the forenoon writing copy of return of companies of the U. S. army. About noon two of Heber's teamsters came with some cattle to help me to the main camp. I left off writing and went to putting the wagons in order. While fixing a chicken coop I struck my forehead with a hammer which disabled me from work the remainder of the day.

Saturday, August 8

This morning we arose about three o'clock and while some took the cattle to graze the rest got the wagons loaded, etc., ready to start. We got away soon after sunrise. I rode a mule and drove the cows. We traveled about nine miles before we came to any water. Here we took the teams from the wagons to a spring about a quarter of a mile from the road. The cattle seemed tired but one of the teamsters said it was only about three miles farther and should soon be there. We concluded to go on without stopping to feed. But before we had proceeded far some of the cattle gave out, the day being very hot, and before we got to camp several yoke gave up entirely and were left on the road and brought afterwards. One of the cattle died almost as soon as they took him from the wagon, being about a mile from camp. Two or three others were not expected to live. When we arrived Heber wanted us to form on his north line but we could only get half of our wagons into the space left for the whole of them. I then moved over to the south side and formed next to D. Russell. We got our tent up but can have no fire until Monday. The cattle are so tired we will not use them. I feel about sick myself. Heber's camp is formed in a kind of parallelogram, each wagon camped in a perfect line with the others. The square in the center is about twenty-five rods long and fifteen rods wide.

Sunday, August 9

Writing copy of return of companies of U. S. army all day.

Monday, August 10

Attending to various business about the wagons all day.

Tuesday, August 11

Last night I had a severe chill and felt sick all day mostly with high fever. Quite unable to work.

Wednesday, August 12

Quite sick, very bad fever all day.

Sunday, August 16

Since Wednesday have scarcely even been out of bed, but kept with raging fever all the time. Twice Heber has rebuked my fever but it has returned. Through fear and persuasion of my family I have taken some pills and medicine given by Dr. Sprague, but seem to grow worse all the time. Today I have been very sick. Towards evening my folks concluded to get me out of the wagon into the tent where they had prepared a bed. Soon after I got into the tent President Young, Dr. Richards, G. A. Smith, Orson Pratt, Lorenzo Young and others called to see me. When they had been in a few moments President Young called O. P. Rockwell into the tent and the feelings we had on seeing him cannot be described. He has been in prison some time but when his trial came on there was no one to accuse him and the judge discharged him. The brethren all laid hands on me and rebuked my disease in the name of the Lord, President Young being mouth. I immediately felt easier and slept well all night being the first sleep I had had of any account for three days and nights.

Sunday, August 23

During the past week I have gained slowly and have been able to walk about some. I, however, feel very weak and broken down.

Monday, August 24

Reading some and fixing a little at my violin. Feel very little better but have a better appetite.

Tuesday, August 25

We had a thunder storm last night. I do not feel so well this morning but took a walk into the woods. I had a very sick day all day.

Wednesday, August 26

The morning very cool and cloudy. Let T. Corbitt have a pair of shoes.

Thursday, August 27

Diantha was taken very sick and continued for four or five days.

Saturday, August 29

At night I was seized with fever again and very sick.

Sunday, August 30

Had chill and fever, the chill held me four or five days.

September 1846

Thursday, September 10

I still continue very weak and troubled with pain in stomach, etc. President Young and Dr. Richards called and brought me a letter from David; also said they had got me employment writing at a dollar a day or 3c on every hundred words copying.

Saturday, September 12

Still quite unwell. President Young brought me $8.00 in money, one half dollar bogus and soon after Dr. Richards sent me some letters to copy which I did.

Tuesday, September 15

This evening I copied a letter to Joseph F. Herring and having no one to send it by I took it to council myself. Before I got half way there my knees failed me and it was with great difficulty I got there and home again. When I got back to Pitt's shanty my spirit failed me for I was not aware of my weakness.

Saturday, September 19

Since Tuesday I have scarcely been out of bed, but today I feel somewhat better again.

Sunday, September 20

A little better. I have been told that President Young has virtually cursed all who have gone to Missouri or those who shall go hereafter.

Monday, September 21

This evening about ten o'clock all the men of the camp were ordered up armed to meet in this square forthwith. I got up and after a very little while quite a company of the brethren got together. President Hales informed them that the President had received a letter from Mr. Sarpey informing him that two gentlemen from Missouri had informed him confidentially that the Missourians had got out writs for the twelve and others and were coming with a large force on the west side of the river to attack the camp by surprise, etc. He advised the brethren to have their arms clean and their ammunition ready at a moment's warning, to pray with their families, keep dogs tied up at nights, etc., etc. The company was then dismissed except a guard for the camp.

Tuesday, September 22

This morning the brethren were ordered to meet at the springs below here at nine o'clock. At the sound of the drum the brethren met and here organized into four battalions, one of artillery, and three of infantry. There were about three hundred brethren present. The President then stated that he had received a letter from Sarpey informing him that two gentlemen, confidentially, from Missouri had informed him that the Missourians were collecting with the sheriff of Missouri, their head designing to attack the saints, that they had writs, etc., for the twelve and others. He had ordered out the brethren that they might be ready in case of necessity and advised them to organize and be prepared. Markham was elected Colonel over the battalions. Hosea Stout, Lieutenant Colonel over the battalions and over the first battalions and over the first battalions of infantry. John Scott was elected 1st major and major over the artillery. Henry Herriman 2nd major to take command of the 2nd battalion of infantry and John S. Gleason 3rd major over the 3rd battalion of infantry. After organizing the President addressed the companies and then dismissed them. It was advised to quit leaving and move the encampment to the fort on the river. A number of teams moved this afternoon.

Wednesday, September 23

This morning President Young and many others have moved down to the river. Heber told me to wait till the lots were selected and he would let me know when to move. My health is improving.

Thursday, September 24

Very cold all day. I did not feel so well. I have been told that Daniel H. Wells and William Cutler have arrived in camp and brought a report that there has been a battle fought in Nauvoo and some of the brethren killed.

Friday, September 25

I learned today that the mob had made it known that they were coming to drive out the "Mormons." The Governor sent an officer to raise volunteers to disperse the mob, but the mob learning this they came sooner than they had calculated. The brethren being apprised of the intentions of the mob prepared to meet them as well as their circumstances would permit. Some of the new citizens also made preparations to join the brethren. They made five cannon shot of an old steam boat shaft. They also filled some barrels with powder, old iron, etc., which were buried in the pass to the city which could be fired by a slow match but this was of no avail as some traitors informed the mob of it, hence they did not come into the settled part of the city. On Saturday the 12th inst., the mob made their appearance being about twelve hundred in number. The brethren and some of the new citizens in the whole about one hundred and sixty went to give them battle, but many of the new citizens and some of the brethren when they saw the numbers of the mob fled and left about one hundred, nearly all brethren, to fight the enemy. The mob had pieces of cannon. They met near Boscow's store on Winchester street. The cannon of the mob were two blocks from the brethren and the other part of rifle men one block from them. The mob fired a number of times into Barlow's old barn expecting many of the brethren were concealed there but in this they were disappointed, the brethren chiefly lying down on the ground behind some shelter and fired in that position. They fought one hour and twenty minutes when the mob offered terms of compromise which were these, that all the "Mormons" should leave the city within five days leaving ten families to finish the unsettled business. The brethren consented to this inasmuch as they had been well informed that 1,500 more were coming to join the mob and they had nothing to expect from the authorities of the state. Lyman Johnson, one of the twelve, headed a party of the mob from Keokuk, Iowa territory. Three of the brethren were killed, viz. William Anderson, his son, and Norris, a blacksmith. Three others wounded. The mob would not own to any of their party being killed but one person saw them put sixteen men into one wagon and handled them more like dead persons than wounded. The ground where they stood was pretty much covered with blood, so that there is no doubt they had many slain or wounded. They had 150 baggage wagons. Esquire Wells took command of the brethren and rode to and fro during the whole battle without receiving injury, although the balls whistled by him on every side. Amos Davis fought bravely. While running across a plowed field he stumbled and fell on his left arm which formed a triangle with his head. As he fell a cannon ball passed through the angle of his arm between that and his head. Hiram Kimball received a slight wound with a musket ball on the forehead. The mob fired sixty-two shots with the cannon and ten rounds with the muskets making 12,000 musket balls only killing three and wounding three. The brethren did not fire so much in proportion but did much more execution. Truly, the Lord fights the battles of his saints. The cannon of the brethren was not of much service, they would not carry more than a quarter of a mile, whereas those of the mob would hold well a half a mile. They shot nine balls through a small smith shop, one through Wells' barn and one at his house but the ball struck the ground in front of his house and glanced through the well curb. The mayor of Quincy watched the battle from the tower of the temple and owned that history never afforded a parallel. The brethren then began to get their families and effects over the river where they remain in a suffering and destitute condition until wagons and means are sent from the saints to their relief. On the Thursday following, the mob, 1,200 strong, entered the city. 'Tis said from good authority that such is the distress and sufferings of the saints as actually to draw tears from this mob.

Saturday, September 26

Russell told me that he had selected three lots for us and we could go as soon as we had a mind to. He saw Heber on the subject. I made up my mind to start on Monday for Winter Quarters.

Sunday, September 27

This morning Brother Smithies came with six yoke of Heber's cattle and said we must be ready to start in five minutes while he went to water his cattle and although we had everything unprepared we were ready before he got back. I felt well enough to drive a team. We took six wagons down and camped on the same block with Heber in Cape Disappointment. James and Pitt went back to wait for Corbitt who was herding cows and in the evening returned with three more wagons.

Monday, September 28

Got the balance of the wagons and poles, etc., down. I copied three letters for Dr. Richards.

Tuesday, September 29

Corbitt has started down into the country to fetch potatoes, etc.

November 1846

Sunday, November 1

During the last month several times I have been very sick and then again would be somewhat better. I still continue to be feeble and unable to work. I have one house nearly finished and shall in a few days occupy it. Thomas Corbitt has been down the river to fetch a load of corn on shares but President Young told me to take the whole of it for which I feel very grateful. I have sent my cattle to the rushes to be wintered, having but eight tons of hay although James and Corbitt worked from twenty-six to thirty days but Russell and Rolfe have contrived to work it into their hands, taking as Rolfe said, half of Corbitt's hay for herding my cattle while he was in the hay field. I think this is as wrong a piece of business as has been played on me through the journey.

January 1847

_Winter Quarters_

Friday, January 1

Morning at the store. At 2:00 p.m. went with Diantha to her father's and partook of a roast turkey for dinner. At 4:00 met the band at the Basket Shop and played about an hour and a half. The basket makers made each of us a present of a new basket and showed their gratitude various ways. At 6:00 met with the band at Father Kimball's and played for a party till after one o'clock. President Young and Kimball danced considerable and all seemed to feel well.

Saturday, January 2