CHAPTER VI.

WARNED TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY OR RENOUNCE "MORMONISM"--WIFE AND CHILDREN

THREATENED--A BOY'S PLUCK--FORCED TO FLEE FOR OUR LIVES--PROPERTY

CONFISCATED--BATTLE OF CROOKED RIVER--PROVIDENTIALLY SAVED--FAR WEST

BESIEGED--ESCAPE TO IOWA--PURSUED--PROVIDENTIAL SNOW STORM.

In a day or two after my return home, Mr. Richard Welding, of whom I

had bought my farm, came to me, accompanied by three or four others. He

gave me warning to leave the country at once.

I asked him why I must leave, saying: "Have I not bought my land, and

paid you for it? Have I not attended to my own business?"

He replied: "Mr. Young, we do not want you to leave. You are a good

neighbor and citizen, and if you will only be man enough to renounce

Joe Smith and your religion, we want you to remain with us, and I will

protect you in your rights. The Mormons must all leave the country, and

if you do not renounce them, you must go too."

I paid no attention to this warning.

Three or four days after this occurrence, four men rode up in front of

my house, when I happened to be away, called Sister Young to the door,

and again gave warning that we had better leave.

By her side stood our little boy, Joseph W. One of the men, using an

oath, ordered him to go into the house or he would blow his brains out.

The boy stepped back, without his mother noticing what he was doing,

took my rifle, which was standing in the room, and, before he had

attracted her attention, was leveling it on the threatener. She quietly

told him not to fire, as they would certainly be killed if he did.

He obeyed, but manifested considerable beligerency for one of his age.

About five days after this warning, early in the morning, I looked up

the road towards Gallatin, and saw a man on horseback coming towards my

house at full speed. As he rode up he inquired: "Is your name Young?"

I answered that it was.

He continued: "I have rode from Gallatin to inform you that, in two or

three hours, there will be a company of forty men here, who assert that

if they find you here, they will fasten you and your family in your

house and burn it down. For God's sake, if you value your own life and

the lives of your wife and children, do not be here an hour from now. I

have come to give you this warning as a friend. Should it be found out

that I have done so, I might lose my own life!"

I thanked him for his kindness, and he rode off rapidly towards

Gallatin. I told Sister Young to prepare to leave at once, then

attached my team to a light spring wagon, put a bed, a few cooking

utensils, a trunk of clothing, and some food for the day into it. I got

my wife, my four children, William, Harriet, Joseph and John into the

wagon, fastened up the house and started for Far West.

I expected to return and get my goods. The next day I obtained some

teams and started for my goods. I found the road strongly guarded, and

the Missourians threatened to kill me if I went on. I never obtained

goods, cows nor anything that I had left on my place.

This left my family very destitute, in common with others of the Saints

who had been treated in like manner.

I had previously driven a fine yoke of oxen and a new milch cow to Far

West, thinking I might possibly want to remove there; but Clark's army

drove my oxen into camp and butchered them for beef. I was promised pay

for them, but, of course, never received anything but the promise.

This was in October, 1838. I remained in Far West doing whatever was

necessary for the protection of the Saints. I was on guard much of the

time.

Major Seymour Brunson directed Brother A. P. Rockwood, and myself to

take our horses and go out two miles north of Far West and patrol the

country every night. If we saw a man, or company of men coming towards

Far West, we were ordered to hail them and demand the countersign. If

necessary, to make this demand the second time, when, if not given, we

were to fire on them. When we arrived on the ground where we were to

perform our duties, Brother Rockwood and I separated, taking different

directions. It was a moonlight night. I was on the edge of a prairie

with my eye along the road, when I discovered a company of mounted men

coming over a swell of the prairie. I retired into the timber and took

a station behind the trunk of a large tree, under the shadow of its

branches, and twenty or thirty yards from the road. As the company came

opposite to me, I demanded the countersign twice, as I had been ordered

to do. As they paid no attention to me, I made ready to fire, intending

to shoot the leader, when a strong and sudden impression came over me

to hail again. I did so, and ordered them to halt. This time the leader

recognized my voice, and turning towards me, asked: "Is that you,

Brother Lorenzo?" I also recognized the man as Brother Lyman Wight,

and, as I answered in the affirmative, rode up to his side. We were

glad to meet each other, and I was very thankful that I had not obeyed

orders. He was on his way from Diamond to Far West, with a company of

men to assist the Saints there.

Soon after this occurrence, I returned to Far West. I told Sister Young

that I hoped to get one good night's sleep. For three weeks I had not

had my clothes off to lay down, and I felt much worn.

Perhaps I had slept two hours, when I was awakened by the bass drum

sounding an alarm on the public square. I was soon out to see what was

the matter. There were five men on the square, of whom I inquired the

cause of the alarm. They informed me that two of the brethren had been

taken prisoners by the mob on Crooked River, tried by a court martial

that day, and condemned to be shot the coming morning at eight o'clock.

A company of men was wanted to go and rescue them.

Preparations were soon made, and in a short time, about 40 mounted men,

under the command of David W. Patten, were ready to start. We kept

the road to a ford on Crooked River, twenty miles distant, where we

expected to find the mob.

Just as the day was breaking we dismounted, about a mile from the ford,

tied our horses, and left Brother Isaac Decker to watch them.

We marched down the road some distance, when we heard the crack of

a rifle. Brother Obanion, who was one step in advance of me fell. I

assisted brother John P. Green, who was the captain of the platoon I

belonged to, to carry him to the side of the road. We asked the Lord to

preserve his life, laid him down, ran on and took our places again.

The man who shot Brother Obanion was a picket guard of the mob, who was

secreted in ambush by the roadside. Captain Patten was ahead of the

company.

As we neared the river the firing was somewhat lively. Captain Patten

turned to the left of the road, with a part of the command; Captain

Green and others turned to the right.

We were ordered to charge, which we did, to the bank of the river, when

the enemy broke and fled.

I snapped my gun twice at a man in a white blanket coat. While engaged

in repriming my gun, he got out of range.

A tall, powerful, Missourian sprang from under the bank of the river,

and, with a heavy sword in hand, rushed towards one of the brethren,

crying out, "Run, you devils, or die!"

The man he was making for was also armed with a sword, but was small

and poorly calculated to withstand the heavy blows of the Missourian.

He, however, succeeded in defend-himself until I ran to his aid, and

leveled my gun within two feet of his enemy, but it missed fire.

The Missourian turned on me. With nothing but the muzzle end of my

rifle to parry his rapid blows, my situation was perilous. The man

whom I had relieved, for some reason, did not come to the rescue. I

succeeded in parrying the blows of my enemy until he backed me to

the bank of the river. I could back no farther without going off the

perpendicular bank, eight or ten feet above the water. In a moment I

realized that my chances were very desperate. At this juncture the

Missourian raised his sword, apparently throwing all his strength and

energy into the act, as if intending to crush me with one desperate

blow.

As his arm extended I saw a hand pass down the back of his head and

between his shoulders. There was no other person visible, and I have

always believed that I saw the hand of the angel of the Lord interposed

for my deliverance. The arm of my enemy was paralyzed, and I had time

to extricate myself from the perilous situation I was in.

As soon as I had time to think, I felt that the inspiration of my

mother's promise had been again verified. The appearance of the hand,

to me, was real. I do not see how I could have been saved in the way I

was, without a providential interference.

As soon as I was out of danger, my attention was drawn to brother David

W. Patten, who lay on the ground a short distance from me, mortally

wounded. We hitched a pair of horses to a wagon, put brother Patten and

six other wounded men into it, and started for Far West.

A few miles from the battle ground we met the Prophet Joseph, with a

carriage and a company of horsemen. The wounded were taken to their

homes, and such care given them as circumstances would allow.

Soon after our return to Far West, General Clark's army arrived before

that city. In the evening after Joseph and Hyrum Smith and others had

been taken prisoners, Hyrum Smith had the privilege of coming into Far

West to see his family. From the spirit of General Clark and his army,

he believed that, if they succeeded in taking the brethren who were

in the Crooked River battle, they would be tried by a court martial

and shot. He and Brother Brigham, and myself met on the public square.

After counseling over the matter, it was decided that I, and others in

the same situation, should start that night into the wilderness north,

for the Des Moines River, in Iowa Territory. My brother, Phineas, being

a good woodsman, was selected to pilot us.

The Saints in Far West had been so plundered by their enemies, that

they had but little surplus to eat or wear.

I had on a very thin pair of pants. My wife took a sheet from the bed,

and, with the assistance of some of the neighbors, hastily made me a

pair of drawers. These I afterwards gave to my brother Phineas, as he

seemed to suffer more with the cold than I did. Our bedding was as

scanty as our clothing.

We left Far West that night, and took no food with us. We arrived about

sunrise in the morning, at Adam-Ondi-Ahman, twenty-two miles from Far

West. We needed some breakfast, and stopped in a clump of hazel brush,

and sent one of the party to the house of Brother Gardiner Snow, to

tell him our situation. He said he had not much to eat, but would do

the best he could. He brought us a very good supply of stewed Missouri

pumpkin and milk. Our keen appetites made this seem a very good

breakfast.

There we obtained fifty pounds of chopped corn. With this meagre

supply of food we continued on our journey. From the first, it was

evident that we must be very saving of our food supply. We rationed

on eight ounces of this meal, per man, each day. It was mixed with

water, without any salt, baked in a cake before the fire, and carefully

divided out.

The second day, as night was approaching, we struck the edge of a

prairie, which was about four miles across. As our horses were weary,

we stopped a short time to rest, when one Irvine Hodge overtook us. He

informed us that General Clark, having learned of our departure, had

sent a troop of sixty cavalrymen in pursuit; that they were only a few

miles behind, and on our trail. Their orders were to bring us dead or

alive. We had thought of camping on the spot, but concluded to cross

the prairie at once. This we accomplished, and camped in the timber. In

the night, snow commenced falling. It appeared to come down in sheets

instead of flakes. In the morning it was about a foot and a half deep.

Some of the company, at first, regretted this, but others saw and felt

that the hand of the Lord was in it. My brother, Phineas, at once

declared that it was the means of our deliverance. We started on and

the wind began to blow. Our tracks were completely covered soon after

they were made.

We afterwards learned that our pursuers camped on the opposite side of

the prairie from us, where we had rested. In the morning they tried to

find our trail, but finding it impossible to do so, gave up pursuit.

Thus we were saved from our enemies by a friendly interposition of the

elements in our behalf.

We were fifteen days on our journey from Far West to the Des Moines

River. The last three days we were without food. After the snow fell,

our horses had to subsist on what they could find above it.

The brush had soon made my thin pants unavailable for covering my legs

in the neighborhood of the knees. The fragments were tied up with small

hickory withes. When we arrived near a house, on the Des Moines, I

remained in the woods while one of my companions went to the house and

obtained a pair of pants, that I might be presentable.

On this trip it seemed as though both men and animals had a wonderful

power of enduring cold, hunger and fatigue. I am constrained, after

more than forty years have passed away, to acknowledge a special

providence in our deliverance.

I have drawn on my memory for the facts of this narrative, and think

that they are correct; but there may be some errors in dates, and in

the succession of events.

AN INSTANCE OF DIVINE INTERPOSITION.

BY ELDER WILLIAM BUDGE.

VISIT TO SCOTLAND--MEET OLD FRIENDS--RETURN TO LIVERPOOL--ABOUT TO GO

BY STEAMER TO BRISTOL--A VOICE WARNS ME NOT TO GO--TURN BACK--SHORT OF

MONEY--MEANS PROVIDENTIALLY PROVIDED--JOURNEY TO PORTSMOUTH--SEQUEL TO

THE WARNING--THE STEAMER WRECKED.

I had been laboring in the Southampton Conference, England, as a

missionary for about two years, when I obtained permission to visit my

relatives in Scotland. It was in the latter part of the summer of 1853.

Accompanied by an Elder named Armstrong, who was going to Liverpool, I

embarked at Portsmouth, on the steamship _Duke of Cornwall_, bound for

that port, on the morning of the 8th of August.

Shortly after starting, we passed the British fleet, lying off

Spithead, preparing for a grand review, to take place on the following

Thursday, which Queen Victoria was expected to attend. The scene

was both novel and interesting, as we passed near the assembled and

decorated ships.

Passing the Isle of Wight, of which we had a good view, we called at

Plymouth, Falmouth, and Penzance, before reaching Liverpool, passing

also the celebrated Eddystone Lighthouse.

We reached Liverpool at two p. m., on the 10th, and I sailed for

Glasgow within two hours afterwards. On board the Scotch steamer, I was

pleased to find an old acquaintance, named George Turnbull, who was at

that time a clerk in the Church office at Liverpool, and on his way,

like myself, to visit his home and friends.

Brother Turnbull and I heard the gospel about the same time, in the

same city, (Glasgow) and became members of the same branch of the

Church; he being baptized first. This young man was a scholar, and

possessed of much natural ability, and for some time, was a good Saint,

but he would not run the race; he eventually fell into transgression,

denied the faith, and was lost.

There were also on board the vessel, Elder Fullmer, pastor of the

Liverpool Conference, and wife, and Elder John O. Angus, President of

the Shropshire Conference. I was well acquainted with the latter; he

was a faithful missionary, and a quiet, humble, and inoffensive man. He

labored for a long time in the St. George Temple, and died some time

ago.

Such company was very agreeable, but the night was somewhat stormy, and

we did not reach Glasgow until two p. m. next day.

During this trip, I visited my relatives in Glasgow, Lanark, and

elsewhere, and also the Saints in a district of the conference where

I had formerly labored. I felt truly grateful to the Lord for all His

goodness unto me, in preserving me while struggling hard in several new

fields of labor to which I had been allotted, since I first left home

and beg an my labors as a missionary.

On the first day of September, taking leave of my friends, I embarked

on a steam vessel for Liverpool. Elder John O. Angus was also a

passenger, and I, therefore, had good company during a very stormy

passage. Arriving at Liverpool, we called at the Church office, Wilton

Street, and lodged at the house of Elder A. F. Macdonald, president of

the conference.

I intended to go by sea from Liverpool to Bristol, and by land to

Salisbury, on my way back to Portsmouth, as I had not means enough to

go through by railroad conveyance. I had explained this to Brother

Angus, and on the morning after our arrival in Liverpool, I bade him

good by, and walked down to the docks, carrying my carpet sack and a

number of books, which I had brought with me from home. This was on the

third day of September, 1853.

A number of people were waiting to go on board the same steam vessel I

intended to take. The steamer at the time was taking in freight at the

opposite side of the dock, and would call for us, so we were informed,

in a short time.

While standing looking at the vessel, a voice, loud and distinct, said:

"Do not go on board." I was startled, and looked around, but there was

no one near. Although I turned hastily, I did not really expect to see

any one who might have spoken. It was, I felt, a revelation; I was

impressed with the divine force, and I lifted my satchel preparatory

to leaving, but suddenly I thought of my want of means, and began to

wonder whether I had not been deceived by my imagination. I put down

my satchel again, just as the ship was nearing that part of the dock

where the passengers were waiting. My condition tempted me. I was in

doubt for a moment. I began to reason; but faith triumphed. I felt sure

that it was a warning, and, lifting my baggage, left the dock for the

Lime Street Station, as the people who had been waiting passed into the

steamer.

Once decided, there was no further trouble, and I began to consider how

I could reach Portsmouth. When I entered the station, I had concluded

to take the first third-class train to Birmingham. At that time, I had

no acquaintances there, and wished to hurry on, trusting that the way

would be opened up as my necessities required; such having been the

case many times before. The Lord had prepared the way in times past,

and I had faith that He would help me then sufficiently.

I was one of those young and very inexperienced Elders, sent into the

missionary field literally without purse or scrip. Elder George B.

Wallace, at that time one of the presidency of the Church in Europe,

sent me with several others into Cumberland County, in the North of

England, where there were no Saints until we were instrumental in the

hands of the Lord in bringing some to a knowledge of the truth.

It was a hard country, and we had a rough experience. In less than

three months, three Elders out of five returned home; but Elder Thomas

Wallace, now of Weber County, and I remained until the Lord called us

somewhere else.

I have been in many new fields of labor since, without money and

without friends until the Lord raised them up, but never among a people

so ignorant, and unimpressionable as the people we could obtain access

to in the North of England. In comparison, my prospects, as I walked

into the Lime Street Station, were not at all discouraging, but as I

entered, there stood Brother Angus, who was waiting for a train to take

him to Shrewsbury.

He was surprised to see me, and I was a little abashed, as I felt

somewhat delicate about giving him an explanation. Although satisfied

myself, I had some misgivings about satisfying him. I told him,

however, what had happened, and, to my relief, he said, putting his

hand on my shoulder, "You have done just right, and you will see the

hand of God in this."

A third-class train, I learned, would not leave until next morning, so

I lodged with Brother Turnbull, who had returned to Liverpool.

The next day I went to Birmingham, and there learned that a cheap

excursion train would leave for Bristol at five p. m. Bristol--going

by land--was not directly on my way, but the fare being low, and

going from there to Warminster and Salisbury, I was likely to reach

Portsmouth sooner than any other way.

In the cars, I made the acquaintance of a lady and gentleman also going

to Bristol, to visit some relatives they had in that town. After an

interesting conversation they invited me to take lunch with them, which

was very acceptable, and on our arrival at Bristol, they pressed me to

accompany them to their friend's house, where I remained all night,

being warmly received and well treated.

I had not quite a dollar in my possession, and I acknowledge the hand

of the Lord in thus opening up the way for me.

On reaching Warminster next day at six p. m., I had only twelve cents

left, and a heavy carpet sack, which I took to a carrier who made

occasional trips with freight to Salisbury, and I started at once to

walk to the latter place, distant twenty-two miles.

It was evening and the weather pleasant, and the distance nothing

unusual for a missionary, but I made a mistake by starting out too

fast, perspired, got tired, and was obliged to take lodging at a small

way-side inn, which cost me eight cents. I slept without supper and

resumed my journey without breakfast the next morning, but thanking the

Lord for good health and spirits.

On reaching Salisbury, where I was a perfect stranger, I walked into

the town with the intention of inquiring for Latter-day Saints, a few

of whom I understood lived there. My first inquiry was of a little

boy, who quickly answered "Yes, my mother is one," and at once offered

to conduct me to his home, which we soon reached, and to which I was

warmly welcomed.

On passing through the streets, I saw, posted upon the walls,

announcements of an excursion trip to Southampton and Portsmouth,

fare two shillings and six pence, or sixty-two cents in our money.

Reflecting upon the means of obtaining such a sum without being obliged

to write and wait for it, we reached the house of my guide's mother.

From the boy's statement that his mother was a "Mormon," I got the

impression that his father, if he had one, was not, which I found to

be correct. His father was not very friendly, but his mother was a

very earnest Saint, and a very thoughtful and kind one, as while I sat

taking some refreshments which she had hastily prepared, she brought

and gave me a piece of money, the exact amount necessary to procure my

ticket to Portsmouth. I again thanked the Lord, and explained to my

kind sister what her gift would enable me to do. The boy had in the

meantime, by her instructions, brought my carpet sack, and I was ready

to continue my journey.

I reached Portsmouth on the 7th day of September, and while there

on the 9th, I read in the newspaper of the total wreck of the steam

vessel, on which I was about to sail from Liverpool, when I was warned

by the Lord not to go on board the ship.

MY LAST MISSION TO THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.

BY WM. W. CLUFF.

CHAPTER I.

ELDERS CALLED HOME FROM THE SANDWICH ISLANDS--NATIVE ELDER LEFT TO

PRESIDE--GIBSON'S ARRIVAL IN SALT LAKE--JOINS THE CHURCH--ASKS FOR A

MISSION TO THE SANDWICH ISLANDS--HIS DEEP-LAID SCHEME--LEADING ASTRAY

THE HAWAIIAN SAINTS--FIVE ELDERS SENT TO INVESTIGATE--ARRIVAL AT THE

SANDWICH ISLANDS--ATTEMPT TO GO ASHORE IN A BOAT--CAPSIZED IN THE

SURF--ELDER LORENZO SNOW LOST--AFTER A LONG SEARCH, FOUND UNDER THE

BOAT--EFFORTS TO RESUSCITATE HIM--RESTORED TO LIFE ONE HOUR AFTER BEING

DROWNED.

In the summer and autumn of 1857, a United States army was marching

towards Utah, evidently with hostile intentions towards its people. It

was thought wisdom, by the authorities of the Church, to concentrate

the strength of the Saints for any emergency, by calling home the

Elders that were on foreign missions.

When the last of the Elders from Utah left the Sandwich Islands, on

the 1st of May, 1858, the care of the Saints on each of the islands

was entrusted to a native Elder. Kailihune was appointed to preside

over the gathering place on Lanai. He was among the first fruits of the

labors of the Elders, and for a long time had been very efficient and

faithful.

During our difficulties with the government Walter M. Gibson, an

adventurer, came to Utah. His ostensible object was to induce President

Young, and the general Church authorities, to remove our people _en

masse_, to the East India Islands. He painted, in glowing colors,

the splendid facilities and opportunities those islands offered for

immigration and colonization, by an enterprising and industrious people

like the Latter-day Saints.

In his ignorance, he supposed that the object of the founder and

leaders of the Church was to found a powerful and independent

nation. The object of these schemes was, evidently, his own personal

aggrandizement.

It had, no doubt, been a favorite project of his, for years, to found

a government somewhere on the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Failing

in his scheme for the removal of the Church, some other plan must be

devised for the accomplishment of his cherished purpose.

He professed to become a convert to our faith, and was baptized into

the Church. He then requested to be sent on a mission to the Polynesian

Islands. He desired a roving commission from the Presidency of the

Church, authorizing him to travel and preach, on any or all of the

islands, in the Pacific Ocean.

Before leaving Salt Lake City, Mr. Gibson made it a specialty to

converse with the Elders who had lately returned from the Sandwich

Islands. He sought to be well informed on the general condition of the

islands, the customs, traditions, and general character of the natives,

and, especially did he seek to be well informed as to the numbers,

organization, location, and general condition of the native Saints. His

object, in this, developed afterwards.

When he left Utah he went directly to the Sandwich Islands. He soon

found some of the Saints, and represented to them, that he had been

sent by President Young, not only to take charge of the mission on

those islands, but to preside over all the churches that might be

raised up on any of the Pacific islands, and, in that capacity, that he

was equal to, and entirely independent of President Young.

The native Saints had been left about two years to themselves. They

were naturally simple and credulous, and it was easy to impose upon

them.

As soon as Mr. Gibson acquired some knowledge of the native language,

he commenced traveling among the branches of the Church, and grafted

on to the gospel, many of the old traditions and superstitions of the

Hawaiians. He reorganized the Church, or, more properly speaking,

reconstructed it in accordance with his own notions, throughout the

islands.

He was one of those characters, of whom the apostle Peter warned

the Saints in his day, "and through covetousness shall they with

feigned words make merchandise of you." He ordained twelve apostles,

and charged them one hundred and fifty dollars each for initiating

them into the office, and charged High Priests, Seventies, etc,

proportionately, according to the presumed importance of the offices.

By this and other impositions, he succeeded in raising sufficient means

for the purchase of one half of the island of Lanai. Some years before

the Elders had leased the same tract of land, of Halelea, a native

chief, for a temporary gathering place for the Saints.

Mr. Gibson represented to the Saints that he was securing the land for

them, but that it would have to be deeded to him for them.

For the accomplishment of his purpose, concentration and organization

were necessary. He continued to gather the Saints to Lanai. There he

organized all the males, old and young, into companions, and daily

drilled them in the art of war. He informed them that, as soon as they

were properly disciplined, it was his intention to build or purchase a

vessel, equip it, and sail for one of the South Sea Islands. He would

seek a favorable opportunity, conquer the natives, leave some of his

disciplined men in charge of the conquered territory, and fill up his

depleted ranks with raw recruits.

In this way, he designed to conquer one island after another, until he

organized a large fleet, and subjugated all the Polynesian Islands.

Thus he hoped to realize his wildest dreams by organizing, as he

expressed it, "_One great grand empire_," that would be able to take

its place among the leading nations of the earth.

His every act from the time of his arrival in Utah, had been designed

for his own aggrandizement. He had learned nothing of the spirit and

power of the gospel. The Lord is establishing His kingdom, and he

was fighting against it. If he has not already done so, he will yet

realize the truth of the saying of the Savior, in his teachings, when,

on his earthly mission, he likened the Kingdom of God to a stone, and

said, "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on

whomsoever it may fall, it will grind him to powder."

Notwithstanding the Saints had been gradually led astray by Mr. Gibson,

they felt that his teachings and practices were not the same as those

of the Elders who had labored among them before his coming.

Fearing they might be deceived, some eight of the native Elders wrote

to brethren in Utah who had labored for many years among them. They

stated some of the facts concerning Mr. Gibson's course, and asked for

advice. This communication was translated and submitted to President

Young.

The First Presidency decided that Apostles E. T. Benson and Lorenzo

Snow should visit the islands, and that Elders Joseph. F. Smith, Alma

L. Smith, and myself, who had previously been on missions to the

islands and understood the native language, should accompany them.

We arrived at Honolulu, the capital of the islands, about the 27th

of March, 1864. On the 29th we sailed for Lahaina, on the schooner,

_Nettie Merrill_, Captain Fisher, for the island of Maui, a distance of

about ninety miles from Honolulu. On the morning of the 31st of March,

we came to anchor about one mile from the mouth of the little harbor of

Lahaina.

Apostles Ezra T. Benson, Lorenzo Snow, Brother Alma L. Smith, and

myself, got into the small boat to go ashore. Brother Joseph F. Smith,

as he afterwards stated, had some misgivings about going in that boat,

but the manifestation was not sufficiently strong to indicate any

general accident. He preferred to remain on board the vessel, until the

boat returned.

The boat started for the shore. It contained some barrels and boxes,

the captain, a white man, two or three native passengers, and the

boat's crew, who were also natives.

The entrance to the harbor is a very narrow passage between coral

reefs, and when the sea is rough it is very dangerous, on account of

the breakers. Where the vessel lay the sea was not rough, but only

presented the appearance of heavy swells rolling to the shore.

As we approached the reef it was evident to me, that the surf was

running higher than we anticipated. I called the captain's attention to

the fact. We were running quartering across the waves, and I suggested

that we change our course so as to run at right angles with them. He

replied, that he did not think there was any danger, and our course was

not changed. We went but little farther, when a heavy swell struck the

boat and carried us before it about fifty yards. When the swell passed

it left us in a trough between two huge waves.

It was too late to retrieve our error, and we must run our chances.

When the second swell struck the boat, it raised the stern so high that

the steersman's oar was out of the water, and he lost control of the

boat. It rode on the swell a short distance, and swung around just as

the wave began to break up. We were almost instantly capsized, into the

dashing, foaming sea.

I felt no concern for myself about drowning, for while on my former

mission I had learned to swim and sport in the surf of those shores.

The last I remembered of Brother Snow, as the boat was going over I saw

him seize the upper edge of it with both hands. Fearing that the upper

edge of the boat, or the barrels, might hit and injure me as the boat

was going over, I plunged head foremost into the water. After swimming

a short distance, I came to the surface without being strangled or

injured.

The boat was bottom upwards, and barrels, hats, and umbrellas were

floating in every direction. I swam to the boat and as there was

nothing to cling to on the bottom, I reached under and seized the edge

of it.

About the same time, brother Benson came up near me, and readily got

hold of the boat.

The natives soon appeared, and swam about quite unconcerned for their

own safety. Brother Alma L. Smith came up on the opposite side of the

boat from brother Benson and myself. He was considerably strangled, but

succeeded in securing a hold on the boat.

A short time afterwards the captain was discovered, about fifty yards

from us. Two of his sailors swam to his assistance, and, one on each

side, succeeded in keeping him on the surface, although life was

apparently extinct.

Nothing yet had been seen of Brother Snow, although the natives had

been swimming and diving in every direction in search of him. We were

only about one fourth of a mile from the shore. The people, as soon as

they discovered our circumstances, manned a life boat and hurried to

the rescue.

We were taken into the boat, when the crew wanted to row for the shore,

and pick up the captain on the way. We told them that one of our

friends was yet missing, and we did not want to leave, as long as there

was any possibility of a chance to render him assistance. We discovered

that a second boat had left the shore, and could reach the captain as

soon as the one we were in. Seeing this, the crew of the boat we were

in, consented to remain and assist us.

The captain was taken ashore, and, by working over him for some time,

was brought to life.

The life of Captain Fisher would not, probably, have been much

endangered, except for a sack of four or five hundred dollars in silver

which he held in his hand. This he clung to with great tenacity. When

the boat capsized the weight of it took him at once to the bottom. The

natives dove and brought him up, still clinging to the sack. When his

vitality was restored, the first thing he inquired about was the money;

intimating to the natives, with peculiar emphasis, that it would not

have been healthy for them to have lost it.

Brother Snow had not yet been discovered, and the anxiety was intense.

The natives were, evidently, doing all in their power.

Finally, one of them, in edging himself around the capsized boat, must

have felt Brother Snow with his feet and pulled him, at least partly,

from under it, as the first I saw of Brother Snow was his hair floating

upon the water as the native was dragging him through the water around

one end of the capsized boat. As soon as we got him into our boat, we

told the boatmen to pull for the shore with all possible speed. His

body was stiff, and life was evidently extinct.

Brother Alma L. Smith and myself were sitting side by side. We laid

Brother Snow across our laps, and, on the way to shore, we quietly

administered to him and asked the Lord to spare his life, that he might

return to his family and home.

On reaching the shore, we carried him a little way, to some large

empty barrels that were lying on the sandy beach. We laid him, face

downwards, on one of these, and rolled him back and forth until we

succeeded in getting the water that he had swallowed out of him.

During this time, a number of persons came down from the town; among

them was Mr. E. P. Adams, a merchant. All were willing to do what they

could. We washed Brother Snow's face with camphor, furnished by Mr.

Adams. We did not only what was customary in such cases, but also what

the spirit seemed to whisper to us.

After working over him for some time, without any indications of

returning life, the bystanders said that nothing more could be done

for him. But we did not feel like giving him up, and still prayed and

worked over him, with an assurance that the Lord would hear and answer

our prayers.

Finally we were impressed to place our mouth over his and make an

effort to inflate his lungs, alternately blowing in and drawing out the

air, imitating, as far as possible, the natural process of breathing.

This we persevered in until we succeeded in inflating his lungs. After

a little, there were very faint indications of returning vitality. A

slight wink of the eye, which, until then, had been open and deathlike,

and a very faint rattle in the throat, were the first symptoms of

returning life. These grew more and more distinct, until consciousness

was fully restored.

When this result was reached, it must have been fully an hour after the

capsizing of the boat. A Portuguese man, living in Lahaina, who, from

the first, rendered us much assistance, invited us to take Brother Snow

to his house. There being no Saints in the place, we gladly accepted

his kind offer.

Every possible attention was given to Brother Snow's comfort.

Persons in danger and excitement, often see things a little

differently. The following is Apostle Snow's account of the capsizing

of the boat:

"As we were moving along within some half a mile from the point where

we expected to land, my attention was suddenly arrested by Captain

Fisher calling to the oarsmen, in a voice which denoted some alarm,

'Hurry up! hurry up!' I quickly discovered the cause of alarm.

"A short distance behind us, I saw an immense surf, thirty or forty

feet high rushing towards us swifter than a race horse. We had scarcely

a moment for reflection before the huge mass was upon us. In an instant

our boat, with its contents, as though it were only a feather, was

hurled into the briny water, and we were under this rolling, seething,

mountain wave.

"This was certainly unexpected. It took me by surprise. I think,

however, that I soon comprehended the situation: that we were in the

midst of the turbulent waters, a quarter of a mile from the shore,

without much probability of receiving human aid.

"I felt confident, however, that there would be some way of escape;

that the Lord would provide the means, for it was not possible that

my life and mission were thus to terminate. This reliance on the Lord

banished fear, and inspired me with hope up to the last moment of

consciousness.

"Having been somewhat subject to fainting spells, I believe that after

a few moments in the water, I must have fainted, as I did not suffer

the pain common in the experience of drowning persons. I had been in

the water only a few moments, until I lost consciousness.

"The first I knew afterwards, I was on shore receiving the kind and

tender attentions of my brethren. The first recollection I have of

returning consciousness, was seeing a very small light, the smallest

maginable. This soon disappeared, and I was again in total darkness.

Again it appeared, much larger than before, then sank away and left me,

as before, in forgetfulness. Thus it continued to come and go, until,

finally, I recognized, as I thought, persons whispering, and soon after

I asked in a feeble whisper, 'What is the matter?'

"I immediately recognized the voice of Elder Cluff, as he replied, 'You

have been drowned; the boat upset in the surf.' Quick as lightning,

the scene of our disaster flashed upon my mind. I immediately asked,

'Are you brethren all safe?' The emotion that was awakened in my bosom

by the answer of Elder Cluff, will remain as long as life continues:

'Brother Snow, we are all safe.'

"I rapidly recovered, and very soon was able to walk and accompany the

brethren to our lodgings."

As soon as Brother Snow was out of danger, it occurred to me that I had

better return to the vessel.

As I reached the deck, by the rope ladder over its side, I saw, at a

glance, that Brother Smith was under great anxiety of mind.

We were both under an intensity of feeling, which men usually

experience only a few times in their lives. Brother Smith had been

informed by a native that the captain and an elderly white man were

drowned. The latter, he supposed to be Brother Benson, hence his great

anxiety.

My own nervous system was strung up to an extreme tension by the

events of the past two hours. When I told Brother Smith that all were

safe, the sudden revulsion of feeling almost overcame him. We rejoiced

together that through a merciful Providence, and the faith that had

been bestowed upon us, we were all alive.

CHAPTER II.

JOURNEY TO LANAI--MEET MR. GIBSON--REVERENCE OF NATIVES FOR HIM--HIS

SPEECH AND ASSUMPTION--ELDER JOSEPH F. SMITH'S REPLY--ELDER SNOW'S

PROPHECY--MR. GIBSON CUT OFF THE CHURCH--ELDER SNOW'S PROPHECY

FULFILLED--ADVISED TO SELECT A NEW GATHERING PLACE--A VISION--SUITABLE

PLACE POINTED OUT.

ON the 2nd of April, Brother Snow had so far recovered his strength,

that it was thought best to pursue our journey. We hired some natives

to take us in an open boat across the channel, sixteen miles, to Lanai.

We arrived at the landing place, three miles from the village, just at

dark. We sent a messenger to Mr. Gibson, with the request that he would

send down some saddle horses for us to ride up in the morning.

Early the following morning, April 3rd, the horses were ready for us.

An hour's ride over a rough, rocky road brought us to the settlement.

Our reception by Mr. Gibson, and most of the native Saints, was cool

and very formal. Many improvements had been made since our last visit,

that were praiseworthy, and reflected great credit on Mr. Gibson.

After breakfast, Apostles Benson and Snow engaged in conversation with

Mr. Gibson on the affairs of the mission.

That day and the following, were principally spent in laboring with

Mr. Gibson and the native Elders, to get them, if possible, to see the

condition they were in. During this time, Brothers Joseph F. Smith,

Alma L. Smith and myself, took a ride around the valley accompanied by

Mr. Gibson's daughter, as our guide. About one-half of a mile from Mr.

Gibson's residence, was a large rock, the top several feet above the

ground. Mr. Gibson had a chamber cut into this rock, in which he had

deposited a Book of Mormon, and other things, and called it the corner

stone of a great temple, which would be erected there. A frame work of

poles had been constructed, in a circular form around this rock, and

this was covered with brush.

Mr. Gibson, by appealing to the pagan superstitions of the natives,

made them believe that this spot was sacred, and if any person touched

it, he would be struck dead.

So much faith had the daughter of Mr. Gibson in the teachings of her

father, that she related, apparently in good faith, the circumstance of

a hen flying upon the boothe, and immediately falling down dead.

Notwithstanding the protest of Miss Gibson, that it was very dangerous

to do so, we went inside of the brush structure, and examined the rock

and came out unharmed.

We were further informed that Mr. Gibson had succeeded in surrounding

his own person and residence with such a halo of sacredness in the

minds of the natives, that they always entered his house on their hands

and knees.

This was repeated on other occasions. It was the old customary way,

in which the natives had been in the habit of paying respect to their

kings, and the custom had been revived by Mr. Gibson, in order to

increase his personal prestige.

We had previously learned that the Saints would assemble in conference

on the 6th of April. At ten o'clock, a. m., they had assembled in the

meeting house. We all started to go in, when Mr. Gibson made some

excuse for returning to his house. We went and took our seats on the

stand. The house was well filled. In a few minutes Mr. Gibson made his

appearance. As soon as he entered the door, the entire congregation

instantly arose to their feet, and remained standing until he was

seated on the stand. The execution of this act of reverence evinced

long and careful training.

Mr. Gibson had, doubtless, delayed his entrance, to make a fitting

opportunity for this exhibition. He entirely ignored the presence of

the Apostles, and, after the people were seated, arose and gave out the

opening hymn. This act gave evidence, at once, that he had no proper

idea of the organization and authority of the Priesthood. Seeing this,

President Benson called on me to pray.

Without giving any time for consultation, as soon as the second hymn

was sung, Mr. Gibson arose to his feet and commenced to address the

congregation, in substance as follows: "My dear red-skinned brethren,

sisters and friends, I presume you are all wondering, and anxious to

know why these strangers have come so suddenly among us, without giving

us any notice of their coming. I will assure you of one thing, my

red-skinned friends, when I find out, I will be sure to let you know,

for I am your father, and will protect you in your rights.

"These strangers may say they are your friends, but let me remind

you how, when they lived here, years ago, they lived upon your very

scanty substance. Did they make any such improvements as you see I have

made? Did I not come here and find you without a father, poor, and

discouraged? Did I not gather you together here, and make all these

improvements that you to-day enjoy?

"Now, you, my red-skinned friends, must decide who your friend and

father is; whether it is these strangers, or I, who have done so much

for you."

When he took his seat, President Benson requested Brother Joseph F.

Smith to talk, rather intimating that it was desirable to speak on

general principles, and that he need not feel bound to notice all that

Mr. Gibson had said.

It seemed impossible for any man to speak with greater power and

demonstration of the Spirit. He referred the Saints to the labors of

Brother George Q. Cannon, and the first Elders who brought them the

gospel.

He reminded them of facts with which the older Saints were well

acquainted--the great disadvantage the Elders labored under, and the

privations they suffered in first preaching the gospel on the islands.

How they slept in their then miserable huts, and lived as they lived;

how they traveled on foot, in storms, and in bad weather, from village

to village, and from house to house, exposing health and life; how they

went destitute of clothing, and what they had been in the habit of

considering the necessaries of life, to bring them the blessings of the

gospel, without money and without price.

He asked by what right Mr. Gibson called himself the father of the

people, and the Elders who faithfully labored to establish them in the

gospel strangers.

The spirit and power that accompanied Brother Smith's remarks

astonished the Saints and opened their eyes. They began to see how

they had been imposed upon. Every word he spoke found a response in

their hearts, as was plainly manifest by their eager looks and animated

countenances.

There was another meeting in the afternoon, in which Apostles Benson

and Snow addressed the Saints. Their remarks were interpreted by Elder

Joseph F. Smith.

On the 7th, there was a meeting in the forenoon. A Priesthood meeting

was appointed for the evening, and the conference adjourned _sine die_.

The meeting of the Priesthood in the evening was well attended, as it

was understood that Mr. Gibson's course would be investigated. The

complaints that were made by the native Elders, in the communication

that led to our present mission, were read, and Mr. Gibson was called

on to make answer to the charges.

In addition to nearly a repetition of his harangue at the meeting on

the day previous, his reply consisted of a bombastic display of some

letters of appointment, and recommendations from President Young, to

which he attached large seals, bedecked with a variety of colored

ribbons, to give them an air of importance, and official significance,

in the eyes of the unsophisticated natives.

These papers he held up before the people, and, pointing to them said,

with great emphasis, "Here is my authority, which I received direct

from President Brigham Young. I don't hold myself accountable to these

men!" meaning the Apostles and those who came with them.

Had there been no other proof of the wrong course of Mr. Gibson, that

remark was sufficient to satisfy the brethren what their plain duty

was, and they acted promptly in the matter.

Apostle E. T. Benson followed Mr. Gibson. He reviewed Mr. Gibson's past

course, and showed that, in making merchandise of the offices of the

Priesthood, introducing the former pagan superstitions of the people,

for the purpose of obtaining power, and his idea of establishing a

temporal and independent kingdom on the Pacific isles, were all in

antagonism to the plan laid down in the gospel for the redemption of

man. The spirit manifested by Mr. Gibson proved that he was ignorant

of the powers of the Priesthood, or that he ignored them for purely

selfish motives. What they had seen and heard since their arrival,

proved that the complaints made by the native Elders, in their letters

to Utah, were correct, as far as they went, but the half had not been

told.

Brother Benson's remarks were interpreted, after which, it was motioned

that Mr. Gibson's course be disapproved. When this was put to a vote,

all but one of the native Elders voted against the motion. This showed

that Mr. Gibson still retained a strong hold on the minds of the Saints.

Notwithstanding this show of strong opposition, Brother Snow arose, and

in his remarks prophesied that Mr. Gibson would see the time that not

one of the Saints would remain with him.

Brother Joseph F. Smith remarked, that, among the scores of Elders who

had labored on the islands, none had been so utterly wanting in the

spirit and power of the gospel as to charge the Saints anything for

conferring on them the blessings of the Priesthood, until Walter M.

Gibson came, and had the presumption to claim that he had a right to

ordain apostles and high priests, for a price--for money.

The Apostles informed Mr. Gibson and the Saints that, when they left

the islands for home, Elder Joseph F. Smith would be left in charge

of the mission. That all those who wished to be considered in good

standing in the Church should leave Lanai and return to their homes on

the other islands, where the branches would be reorganized and set in

order by the brethren who would be left for that purpose.

The next day we returned to Lahaina, where we held a council and cut

Mr. Gibson off from the Church. We returned to Honolulu, and, about

eight days after, Apostles Snow and Benson took passage on the bark

_Onward_, for San Francisco.

Brother Snow's prophecy was literally fulfilled. The Saints all left

Mr. Gibson and returned to their former homes, as they had been

counseled to do. The last one to leave him was Kailihune, the Elder who

had been left to preside over the place of gathering on Lanai.

He finally rejoined the Church. All the plans of Mr. Gibson were

completely frustrated. He is a prominent example of the nothingness of

man, when he attempts to battle against the kingdom of God.

When the Elders were called home, in 1858, there had not been time

to do much in gathering the Saints. As Mr. Gibson had succeeded in

obtaining a personal title to the land leased for that purpose, on

the island of Lanai, brothers Benson and Snow advised the Elders who

remained, to notice in their travels what appeared to them the best

places for this purpose, that, when the time came for it, a good

selection might be made.

On the island of Oahu, and near the sea shore, lived a white man by the

name of Doharty. He did not belong to the Church, but was friendly to

the Saints, and the Elders frequently shared his hospitality. Between

his house and the sea beach was a piece of ground, where grew a very

dense thicket of a large shrub of a peculiar growth. Through this were

paths made by the people and their domestic animals. Into this thicket

the Elders when there were in the habit of daily retiring to pray.

One day when I was walking along one of these paths, I saw President

Young approach me. Said he "This is the place to gather the native

Saints to." He seemed to fully comprehend the surroundings, and in that

easy, familiar way, so characteristic of him, indicated the advantages

afforded for a settlement. No matter what my bodily condition might

have been at that time, the apparent meeting was in the open air and

the broad light of day. It was as real to me as any fact of my life.

I saw the facilities of the place as he represented them, and ever

afterwards, that appeared to me the best place on the islands for the

gathering of the Saints.

We remained on the islands about six months before other Elders arrived

from Utah, and we were released to return home. When we arrived in

San Francisco, we met Elders F. A. Hammond, and George Nebeker, on

their way to the Sandwich Islands. They had instructions to visit, and

carefully examine all the islands, and make the best possible location

that could be made available, to establish a place for the gathering of

the Saints.

I was afterwards informed, that they faithfully carried out their

instructions, and at last decided that the place to which I have

referred on the island of Oahu, was the best for the purpose. It was

purchased, and many of the Saints are now gathered there.

They have an extensive sugar plantation, where labor is provided for

them, and every possible facility is afforded for their advancement.

A PROPHECY FULFILLED.

AN INCIDENT OF MISSIONARY EXPERIENCE.

BY B. F. JOHNSON.

CALLED ON A MISSION TO THE SANDWICH ISLANDS--JOURNEY BY THE

SOUTHERN ROUTE--A PROPHECY--FEAR AFTER UTTERING IT--RESIDENCE

IN HONOLULU--POLITICAL AND RELIGIOUS CONFLICT--THE KINGDOM IN

JEOPARDY--DISSATISFACTION AMONG THE PEOPLE--LETTER TO THE KING

FAVORABLY CONSIDERED--A DREAM--A PRINCE SENT BY THE KING TO ASK COUNSEL

OF LATTER-DAY SAINT ELDERS--ADVICE ACCEPTED, AND THE KINGDOM SAVED--THE

DREAM AND PROPHECY FULFILED TOGETHER.

With eight other Elders I was called by the General October Conference

of 1852, on a mission to the Sandwich Islands. We went by what was then

known as the Southern route to California, in order to sail from San

Francisco.

In passing through the southern settlements of Utah, we were everywhere

treated with kindness and respect. We were often invited to preach

where we stopped for the night, or to spend the Sabbath. We were in

company with many other Elders who were called to go on missions to

China, Australia, Hindostan, Ceylon, and other places.

We all, alike, took part in the meetings, and shared the hospitality of

the Saints. At Parowan we had an unusually good time, in a meeting of

the Saints. The Spirit of the Lord rested greatly upon both hearers and

speakers.

I was the last Elder called upon to speak, and only a few minutes were

left for me to occupy. Being full of the good feeling and spirit of the

meeting, I commenced, not only to bear my testimony to the truth, but

to prophesy of the future of some of the sons of Zion who were then

going forth as her ministers.

I predicted that, through faithfulness, the wisdom of heaven would

increase with us; that while the wicked became weaker, the Elders of

Israel would grow wiser; that the nations of the earth would begin to

look towards Zion for counselors and statesmen, and that, if the Elders

now going forth to the ends of the earth were true to their calling,

they would not all fill their missions until some of them would be

called upon to give counsel to some of the rulers of the lands to which

they were sent.

After closing my prophecy and remarks, and I had time to ponder on what

I had said, I began to doubt the possibility of my predictions being

fulfilled, and began to be troubled in mind.

For a time I could not divest myself of the feeling, that my prediction

was ill-timed and not by the spirit of the gospel. I would sometimes

query if the brethren did not regard me as a false prophet, or, at

least, as an enthusiast.

When we arrived on the Sandwich Islands, we found the work of the

Lord progressing. The Elders who had been laboring there were greatly

rejoiced to see us.

After a general mission conference, most of the brethren left Honolulu

for their fields of labor on the different islands. I was left at this

capital city, in charge of the foreign interests of the mission, to

preside over a small branch of Saints, which had been gathered from

the foreign residents on the islands, and to preach to the people as

I might find opportunity. I also assisted Elders Lewis and Cannon, in

raising funds for publishing the Book of Mormon in the native language.

Owing to the conflicting interests of political and religious parties

in the Hawaiian kingdom, it was in a weak condition. The various

missionary interests had nearly changed into political ones. Dr. Judd,

one of the missionaries sent out by the American Board of Foreign

Missions, had long been the king's prime minister. Another missionary,

by the name of Armstrong, was Minister of Public Instruction, and other

Americans filled the offices of Minister of Foreign Relations, Chief

Justice, Attorney General, etc.

This missionary-political power began to cause great jealousy,

especially in the case of Dr. Judd. Through his political advantages he

had acquired much wealth, and, apparently by its use, raised himself up

to be a power behind the throne, greater than the throne itself.

King Kamehameha III., like George the III., of England, had not reached

a high standard of virtue, or political economy. It was said that, for

money borrowed of Dr. Judd, he had given a mortgage on the royal palace.

As he had no children of his own he had adopted as next in succession,

two sons of his sister, who were princes of the realm. About this

time two projects were deeply agitating the public mind. One was the

annexation of the islands to the United States, the other, a British

protectorate over them. Neither of these projects suited the interests

of the young princes, or pleased the majority of the people.

There appeared to be but one thing upon which nearly all the

natives could agree, that was opposition to Dr. Judd as the king's

prime minister. He was, of course, sustained by some of his fellow

missionaries, but appeared to be detested by the majority of those

around him. Petition after petition was sent to the king, asking for,

and even demanding, his removal. The court house and other large halls

were crowded with indignation meetings, to protest against his being

retained in office.

It seemed, at times, as though the people would break out in tumult and

insurrection, yet the king made no move to give them satisfaction, and,

for many days, no answer was given to their petitions.

All this time I had been a careful observer, and had attended their

meetings. I had previously written a lengthy letter to the king,

explaining the gospel as now revealed and the object of our mission to

the islands.

This letter he had caused to be published in the government journal,

both in the English and Hawaiian languages. Such was the impression

the reading of it made on his mind, that he sent, through the Minister

of Foreign Relations, to say that he would give us an audience at his

earliest convenience. Up to the time of which I am writing, he had not

found the convenient opportunity.

In the midst of this political commotion, I, one night, dreamed that

I stood upon an eminence near a large mountain. I saw below me upon

the bank of a small, but rapid stream, a large and rudely constructed

frame building, apparently designed for machinery. It was not yet fully

enclosed.

As I looked, I saw a dense smoke arise from the building, and heard the

cry of fire from a large number of people.

It seemed that the wind blew strong from the mountain towards the

building. The people came up on the opposite side of the building,

to put out the fire, and they were blinded by the smoke which blew

in their faces. I thought how foolish they were, to thus stay on the

opposite side from the wind, to be blinded with the smoke.

Looking, I saw a bucket with a rope attached on a flume through which

the water ran. I quickly took it up, drew it full of water, looked for

the center of the fire, dashed it in, and, all at once, the flame was

extinguished.

I thought a multitude of people came crowding into the building,

wondering by whom the fire had been extinguished. Although I was with

them, they appeared to comprehend nothing of my agency in the matter.

I thought they were almost wild with joy, that the building, although

somewhat charred and damaged, had been saved. They calculated that the

damage the building had sustained was about fifty thousand dollars.

I awoke in the morning, strangely impressed with the dream. I related

it to Brother Nathan Tanner, who was then with me. I told him I thought

we should see its interpretation.

That morning, Brother Tanner called on one of the native Saints, who

was living with Halalea, one of the highest native chiefs. He was

a special friend of, and a counselor to, the king, and the man who

carried him my letter.

He told Brother Tanner that the king had appointed him to come with

Prince Rehoreho, to meet us that night at our rooms, lay before us the

king's great political trouble, and get our counsel.

It came plainly to me, then, that therein would be the fulfillment

of my dream. About ten o'clock the same evening, they called on us.

They said the king was greatly exercised in his mind over the troubled

condition of his government, and that he was not decided as to what was

best to do.

He said that he could not trust to the counsel of his ministers, nor to

the advice of the ministers of other nations then at his court, for all

had some point to gain. Dr. Judd, in his past troubles, had been his

adviser, and, in times of need, had supplied him with money.

It pained him, then, to turn out of office one who had so long been his

friend, and, upon this subject, he wished us to give him our wisest

counsel.

While Halalea and the prince were delivering their message, I was

continually praying in my heart that the Lord would give us wisdom to

say such things as would do honor to His cause, for I felt very small

for such an important occasion.

After they delivered the king's message in full, I arose and told

them that we were not sent to meddle with governments, nor to teach

political science, but to preach the gospel of Christ as now revealed.

But, inasmuch as the king was our friend, and desired counsel of us, we

would give him such as the Lord would put in our hearts.

I told them the Bible said, that "when the wicked rule the people

mourn;" that if Dr. Judd was really a good man and a true friend to

the king, as the king had believed him to be, he would not now allow

the king to be in such great trouble on his account, but, like a true

friend, would resign his office for the sake of peace between the king

and his subjects.

The fact that he was disposed to hold on to his office, at the

expense of peace to the king's realm, showed, conclusively, that he

was influenced by other motives than the peace and welfare of the

kingdom. "We feel," said I, "that the present great political trouble

and mourning is owing to Dr. Judd not being a good man, but wickedly

holding a grasp upon the government office against the wishes of the

people, for which there is no necessity, as the king has many true

subjects of more than equal ability, any one of whom he could appoint

as Dr. Judd's successor."

When I ceased speaking, the king's messengers clasped my hands and

said: "The things you have told us we had not thought of, and they are

true. The king will be glad when we tell him what you have said, for

we can see it plainly, now. We will assure you that, at ten o'clock

to-morrow, you will hear the king's herald proclaiming through the

streets of the city that Dr. Judd is removed from office."

They left us with the warmest feelings of gratitude and friendship.

The next morning at ten o'clock, the heralds were heard proclaiming the

dismissal of Dr. Judd. The news created wonder and astonishment among

the people, and they hurried together with public demonstrations of

joy. They greatly marveled and queried by what agency, or through whose

influence this long delayed, though most desirable object had been

attained.

As I had dreamed, so I saw the people greatly rejoicing, and, although

I was daily among them, they had no thought that a Latter-day Saint

could have had any agency in so important a matter.

At night the city was brilliantly illuminated. There were few windows

in it that did not have, at least, one candle to each pane of glass.

In a settlement with Dr. Judd, as I had dreamed, the government found

that it had lost fifty thousand dollars.

Thus my prophecy and my dream were fulfilled together, and peace

returned to the people. Joy came to our hearts that the Lord, through

the inspiration of His Holy Spirit, had made us, His humble Elders, the

means of giving saving counsel to princes.

SPECIAL PROVIDENCES.

CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH THE EARLY TEMPLES WERE BUILT--HOW THE WORKMEN

WERE ENCOURAGED--ARRIVAL OF BROTHER L--IN NAUVOO--HIS WILLINGNESS TO

WORK WITHOUT PAY--HIS EXTREME WANT--APPEALS TO GOD FOR HELP--MONEY

MIRACULOUSLY PROVIDED--PRAYER FOR FOOD ANSWERED--PROVIDENTIAL FINDING

OF A PAIR OF SHOES ON THE PLAINS--A CRIPPLED SHOULDER RESTORED WHILE

DEFENDING THE CHARACTER OF JOSEPH SMITH.

If a record had been kept of all the facts connected with the building

of the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples, it would tell a curious story of

poverty, self-denial, dependence upon God and wants providentially

supplied.

No doubt such a record has been kept, but not here on earth. We have

not access to it. But many, very many of those who had the privilege

of aiding in the work of building those temples have gone to meet that

record. Some doubtless will meet it with satisfaction, with joy untold;

others with remorse and self-reproach.

Could the Saints of the present day peruse that record, it would put

many of them to the blush to think they had done so little in aid of

such works. They would see that, though they have enjoyed peace and

plenty, they have done almost nothing towards the temples in our day,

compared with what the poor Saints did in building those earlier houses

of God.

The Kirtland Temple was built when the Saints were few in number and

in great poverty, and though comparatively small in size, the erection

of such a building by the tithes and voluntary donations of those who

were faithful, was a very great undertaking. That it was finished in

so short a time was remarkable, and this fact speaks volumes for the

devotion of the Saints of that early day.

When the Nauvoo Temple was commenced, the Saints had increased

considerably in numbers, but were, as a rule, even poorer than in the

days of Kirtland. They had been persecuted by their enemies, driven

from their homes and plundered of their property. Finding a temporary

rest in a bend of the Mississippi river, a locality noted for its

insalubrity, they had struggled in the midst of malarial sickness and

severe privations to establish new homes, and had only just begun to

gather a few comforts around them when they were required by revelation

from the Lord to build a temple to His name.

Upon that temple, many of the Saints labored month after month, with

an energy and interest that only religious zeal can impart. They had

learned something of the use and importance of temples, before that

building was commenced, but as the work advanced more light was given

them from time to time. The Prophet of God would visit the workmen and

instruct and encourage them in their labors personally, frequently

pronouncing blessings upon their heads for their diligence and

faithfulness, and when persecution became so strong that he was obliged

to hide from his enemies, he sent the written word to stimulate them in

their labors, and explained the doctrine of baptism for the dead, then

newly revealed.

While living thus in seclusion, he wrote to the Saints in Nauvoo, on

the 1st of September, 1842: "And again, verily thus saith the Lord,

let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed

unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and

your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you

shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of hosts. And if they

persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that

were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven."

Again, on the 6th of the same month, he wrote additional words of

encouragement, unfolding still farther that glorious saving principle

as it had been revealed to him, and roused the workmen to action by

this stirring appeal: "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a

cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to

the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceeding glad. Let the

earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of

eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained before the world

was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for

the prisoners shall go free."

Being thus encouraged, and knowing that the time allowed for building

the house was limited, the men worked with a will and determination

that made success certain. Though they had to stand guard at night to

prevent their enemies from surprising the city during the darkness and

slaying its defenseless inhabitants, they did not cease their exertions

during the daytime to erect the house of God. Though they went on

short rations till some of them actually fainted beside their work,

from sheer hunger and exhaustion, still they persevered. Though the

mechanics employed upon the temple had tempting offers of abundant work

and ready pay if they would go outside of Nauvoo and labor, many of

them preferred to remain and work without pecuniary reward in rearing

that sacred structure.

The case of one of those workmen will serve to illustrate the

self-sacrificing disposition manifested by many of those who labored

upon that building, as well as the way their simple wants were

sometimes supplied by the Almighty.

Brother L--arrived in Nauvoo from England, his native country, in

March, 1844. He was an excellent mechanic, had held good situations and

been in good circumstances in the "old country," and his skill as a

workman was such as to command ready employment and high wages in any

of the large cities of America, had such been his object.

But he had embraced the gospel and received a testimony of its truth,

and afterwards the spirit of gathering with the Saints, which enabled

him to brook the taunts and ridicule heaped upon him by friends and

relatives for his unpopular faith, and resist the pleading of aged

parents, who were loath to part with him.

His faith and zeal were such that he had left friends and property and

all that he had formerly held dear, and come to America that he might

be with the chosen people of God and assist in building up Zion.

He was ambitious to labor upon the temple, and applied for work

immediately upon his arrival in Nauvoo. When informed that there was

plenty of work but nothing to pay with, he replied that pay was no

consideration.

He took hold with a determination, and worked with all the energy with

which the young, strong and enthusiastic nature was capable from that

time until the work upon the temple ceased, upwards of two years, and

during that time only received in cash for his services the small

amount of fifty cents.

Many a time he felt the pangs of hunger, and went to his work fasting

rather than join with his family in eating the last ration of food in

their possession, but the Lord sustained him by His Spirit, gave him

joy in his labors and provided a way for more food to be obtained to

sustain the lives of himself and family.

He and his young wife had a habit of appealing to the Almighty in

prayer when in an extremity, and they invariably found comfort in so

doing, and generally had their prayers answered.

Upon one occasion, their infant child was dangerously sick, and they

felt the want of twenty-five cents to procure some medicine with. Where

to get it they did not know, and so, as usual, they prayed to the Lord

to open their way to obtain it. They felt an assurance on arising from

their knees that their prayer would be answered, but they knew not

how. Soon afterwards the husband happened to feel some hard substance

in the waistband of his pants, and called his wife's attention to it,

wondering what it could be. The pants were almost new. They had been

made to order for him only a short time before. There was no hole

in the band, and it seemed that, whatever it was, it must have been

inserted between the pieces of cloth when the pants were being made,

and yet he thought it strange that he had not discovered it before.

To solve the mystery, a few stitches were cut, and the waistband

opened, when, lo! there were two new ten cent pieces and one five cent

piece--just the amount of money they required to buy medicine with.

Lest the money might have been lost by the tailor who made the pants, a

very poor man who lived neighbor to them, he took it to him and asked

him, but that impecunious individual said he knew it could not be his,

for he had never had a cent of money in his possession for months.

They accepted it as a gift from the Lord, bought the medicine their

child needed and he was soon well.

When the work on the temple was nearing completion, the food supply for

the family became entirely exhausted, and there seemed no prospect of

obtaining any more without quitting the work on the temple and going

elsewhere for employment. That, of course, Brother L--was averse to

doing, and in this, as in other cases of extremity, he and his wife

retired to their bedroom to lay the matter before the Lord. They had

scarcely finished their prayer when a knock was heard at the door. On

opening it, they found a man there who said he desired a particular job

of work done, which he did not feel like entrusting to anyone else but

Brother L--. However, he was in no particular hurry for it, it need

not be done till the work on the temple was completed, but he wanted

to arrange and pay for it then, as he was going on a foreign mission.

"But," said he, "I have nothing to pay you for it but wheat; can you

use that?"

It was the very thing the family stood most in need of; it was

gratefully accepted and regarded as a direct answer to their prayer,

and within a short time the wheat was ground and a good supply of flour

returned from it.

When the Saints were preparing to leave Nauvoo, wagons for the journey

were in great demand, and every person among them who had ever worked

at wagon-making, and very many also who never had, set to work making

them. Good timber was tolerably plentiful, but iron cost cash, and that

was a scarce article. All sorts of nonedescript vehicles were hastily

improvised, many of them so rude in their construction as to put the

veriest bungler of a wheelwright to the blush for their appearance. Yet

under the blessing of God they did good service. Some of them, for the

want of iron, were made almost entirely of wood. In some extreme cases

they were even made without the usual iron tires, strips of rawhide

being nailed on the felloes as a substitute. One, at least, of the

wagons made in this fashion stood the trip across the plains, and was

used for several years after its arrival in Salt Lake Valley.

Brother L--had been fortunate enough to get the wood work of a wagon

made, but how to procure the iron was a question which greatly

perplexed him. However, he knew that he was engaged in the Lord's

service, and he felt that he had a claim upon His mercy and blessings.

Accordingly, he and his wife made their want a subject of earnest

prayer, and then went on about their duties, trusting in the Lord to

answer their petition.

Soon afterwards Brother L--had occasion to go out on the prairie in

search of his cow, which had strayed off, and during his absence

encountered a drenching shower, so that when he returned home he found

it necessary to change his clothing. He hung his wet clothes before

a fire in the open fireplace to dry, and as he did so a bright gold

sovereign, a ten and a five cent piece dropped to the floor, apparently

from his pocket. He knew, however, that he had no money previously, and

he could account for its presence there only by its having been sent by

the Lord. It was the exact amount required to purchase the iron for his

wagon, and it was soon obtained and the wagon finished.

With such manifestations as these of God's goodness, he was encouraged

to continue in his labors upon the temple of God, and when it was so

far completed that the holy ordinances for which it was designed could

be performed in it, he felt repaid in the blessings which he therein

received for all his efforts towards its construction.

A rather remarkable case of special providence occurred when Brother

L--was crossing the plains, coming to Salt Lake Valley. His shoes gave

out, and his feet became very sore from having to walk so much while

driving his ox-team, etc. Early one morning, when he, in company with

another brother, were out hunting for their cattle, he exclaimed to his

companion as he limped and hobbled over the rocky ground, "Oh! I do

wish the Lord would send me a pair of shoes!"

He had not walked many rods after expressing this wish when he saw

something lying a short distance ahead of him, and called the attention

of his companion to it, who remarked that it must be the bell and strap

lost off one of the oxen, but to the inexpressible joy of Brother L--,

he found, on approaching the object, that it was a new pair of shoes,

which had evidently never been worn, and which he found, on trying them

on, to fit him as well as if they had been made for him. He thanked the

Lord for them, for he felt that it was through His merciful providence

that they had been left there, and went on his way rejoicing. The shoes

did him good service.

While alluding to Brother L--, another incident may be related from his

experience to illustrate the manner in which the Almighty sustains and

blesses those who are valiant in defending His cause and the character

of His anointed servants.

At an early period in the settlement of Salt Lake Valley, Brother

L--had a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism and bilious fever,

from which he suffered a long time, and which drew his shoulder out of

place and left him in a very helpless condition. He was in that fix

for about six months--able to walk about, but unable to make any use

whatever of one arm. He could not even dress himself. Surgeons examined

his shoulder, and assured him that it was out of joint, and urged him

to have it set. He, however, declined accepting their advice, as he had

faith that the Lord would make him whole in answer to his prayer.

Living neighbor to him in Salt Lake City, and holding an office to

which he had been appointed by the vote of the members of the Ward, was

a man by the name of Gallup, who was a rank apostate at heart, although

he had a standing in the Church.

In conversation with Brother L--one day, this man Gallup advocated the

doctrines of a certain man named Cladden Bishop, who had once belonged

to the Church but who had apostatized and attempted to start a church

of his own.

Brother L--became so disgusted with his false reasoning and bitter,

malignant spirit that he went to the Bishop of the Ward and made

complaint about such a man as Gallup being allowed to hold an office in

the Ward or even a membership in the Church.

The result was, a Priesthood meeting was called and Mr. Gallup was

cited to appear and state his views upon the subject of religion.

In the course of his speech he declared: "Joseph Smith was a wicked and

adulterous man; he ate and drank with the drunkard, his lot was cast

with the hypocrite and unbeliever, and he has gone to hell."

This was too much for Brother L--to stand, even in his crippled

condition. He could not tamely submit to hear the character of a man

assailed whom he loved dearer than his life. Jumping to his feet and

springing over the benches that stood between him and Mr. Gallup, he

made for him with the intention of administering summary vengeance.

Several persons immediately interposed to prevent him from inflicting

any bodily injury upon Gallup, and it was noticed that he made use

of his crippled arm, and when the excitement subsided he discovered

himself that his shoulder had assumed its natural position and that he

was as well as he ever had been.

Gallup, of course, was cut off from the Church, and thought himself

fortunate, no doubt, in escaping a castigation, and Brother L--went

home rejoicing, and entered his house swinging his arm which had been

so long useless and shouting for joy, while his wife wept tears of

gratitude for the goodness of God in bringing about his restoration to

health and soundness.

INCIDENTS ON THE PLAINS.

BY A. M. C.

CHAPTER I.

ARMY SENT TO UTAH--MISSIONARIES CALLED HOME--LARGE NUMBER ASSEMBLE

AT FLORENCE--DANGERS OF THE TRIP--COUNCIL TO DECIDE UPON COURSE OF

ACTION--FORTUNATE FOG--PROVIDENTIAL STORM.

IN 1857, James Buchanan, who was then President of the United States,

sent an army to this Territory, for the purpose, it was said, of

punishing the "Mormons" for breaking the laws and doing violence to the

Judges who had been sent here.

This was the excuse given for the army being sent; but the people of

the Territory had not violated the laws nor done any injury to any of

the officers of the Government; they were then, as they ever have been,

peaceable and law abiding.

The real object for sending the troops here, was to crush out what the

world called "Mormonism."

The principal men who urged the sending of troops here, were traitors

in their hearts against the Government, and they hoped by taking these

steps to divert the attention of the country from their own wicked

schemes; and also to get the army of the United States out of the way

by having it sent to this distant region. By accomplishing this, they

thought they could operate to advantage in bringing about their own

designs.

The army was kept out at Fort Bridger all that winter and many of the

officers and soldiers were very angry because they could not come into

our cities and enjoy themselves at our expense.

When it was found that the army was marching here, and there was likely

to be trouble, the Elders in Europe and in the United States were

re-called; but feelings ran so high in the United States against our

people that it was somewhat dangerous for a man to travel and be known

as a Mormon. On the plains there were men on the watch for every one

bearing the name of Latter-day Saint.

It was under these circumstances that the Elders assembled at the

frontiers to return home. One hundred and ten of them crossed the

Missouri river in the beginning of May, 1858, at the point formerly

known as Winter Quarters; at present it is called Florence.

They were anxious to get home, some of them having been absent a year

and others for three or four years.

There were, in reality, two companies; one composed of Elders returning

from the United States and Canada, Elder David Brinton being their

captain, and the Elders returning from Europe, who had Elder John W.

Berry as their captain. It was deemed advisable, however, in view of

the troubled and uncertain state of affairs, for both companies to

travel together.

The writer was in the company of Elders returning from the United

States, where he had been on a mission for upwards of three years.

We had heard of several of our brethren being taken by the army and

held under threats, and we knew not what our fate would be were the

soldiers to get us in their power; for they accused every Latter-day

Saint of treachery to the Government while they themselves were in

reality the traitors as the subsequent careers of many of them fully

proved.

Many thought that, as the roads were all blocked, and carefully watched

by the troops, when we came in the vicinity of the army we would be

under the necessity of burning or abandoning our wagons and everything

that we could not pack on our animals.

Among the brethren was a man whose name was Pope; he had a wife and

two or three small children. They were very anxious to accompany us,

and, although the perils we were about to encounter were of a serious

nature, they could not be induced by anything that could be said to

them to remain behind. A council of the Elders was held upon their

case, and it was agreed to permit Brother Pope to accompany us, as well

as four brethren who proposed walking the entire distance to the Valley.

It was a time that required faith to be exercised, for the affairs of

the Saints were in a critical condition. We knew, however, that God had

delivered us when we had relied upon Him, and we united with great zeal

in imploring His blessing, that He might overrule everything in such a

manner that we could return in safety to the society of our families

and friends.

After leaving Winter Quarters we traveled on without interruption until

we drew near to Fort Kearny. Our road was on the north side of the

Platte, and Fort Kearney was on the south side. There were troops at

the Fort and they were on the alert to prevent companies of men or any

kind of aid passing over the road to help the "Mormons" in Utah; for

they pretended to look upon our people as public enemies.

It was our custom at such times to hold a council, and take into

consideration the best course to pursue. The Elders all came together

and we prayed to the Lord, and asked Him to bestow upon us His Holy

Spirit and to lead and guide us in our operations. When we unitedly

decided in council upon pursuing a certain course we always felt that

that was the mind and will of the Lord unto us.

It was decided at this council that we should avoid attracting the

attention of the people of the Fort by passing it in the night.

Unfortunately, as it seemed at the time, it rained heavily that evening

and we were only able to travel until a little past midnight. By that

time ourselves and our animals were so thoroughly fatigued and the

night was so dark that we were compelled to stop and tie up for the

night.

Our reflections were not very pleasant, because we felt sure that when

morning dawned upon us we would be in full sight of the fort, and

undoubtedly would receive a visit from the officers and troops.

We awoke with the dawn of day, and instead of being able to see

the fort, or its occupants being able to see us, we found our camp

enveloped in a fog, the mist being so dense that it was with difficulty

we could see each other. We traveled on in the fog until afternoon, by

which time we were out of sight of the fort.

After leaving this point we had plenty of game, buffalo, antelope,

etc., and we were able to obtain an abundance of fresh meat, which made

this part of the journey exceedingly pleasant; for though in an Indian

country, we had not the fear of the wild and savage red men that we had

of those of our own color, who professed to be the loyal citizens of

our government.

As we approached the junction of the North and South Platte, a herd

of mules passed us. They were being driven in the direction of Fort

Laramie and were traveling at a much faster gait than we were going.

The men who were driving them saw us, and we fully expected they would

carry the intelligence to the fort of our being close by. It was known

that "Mormon" Elders were returning to the Valley, and the military

were prepared to stop them, or to otherwise interfere with them.

When within half a day's travel of Fort Laramie, another council was

called to take into consideration the best course to pursue. We settled

the matter by determining to rest on Sunday, rise early the following

morning and pass the fort in daylight, as we felt satisfied the troops

were informed of our approach by the men who had just passed us.

Monday was a beautiful day; we traveled on without interruption until

we came in sight of the fort, which was about one o'clock, when one of

the severest hailstorms any of us had ever seen broke upon us. The hail

fell so rapidly that our animals could scarcely travel on account of

their feet balling up with it. Our train had been seen from the fort

and parties had started to meet us; but when the storm broke upon them,

they were compelled to retreat to their quarters. The storm was too

severe for them to remain out in it.

I learned afterwards that when the storm ceased a company of men had

been sent from Fort Laramie to overtake us. They followed us as far as

the North Platte bridge, and not being able to reach us at this point,

they deemed it best to return again to the fort. We were not aware of

this at the time; but having traveled leisurely from Kearny to Laramie,

our animals were in much better condition than when we started; and

fearing that the people at Laramie might make some attempt to stop

us, we made forced drives until we reached Independence Rock on the

Sweetwater. Thus the Lord again delivered us from the hands of our

enemies in a most providential manner; for had it not been for this

hailstorm it is altogether likely we would have been stopped.

CHAPTER II.

APOSTATES MET--THE CHAPLAIN SEPARATES FROM THE COMPANY TO MEET SOME

APOSTATES--AN ADVENTUROUS TRIP--DISCHACHARGED GOVERNMENT TEAMSTERS

INDIGNANT AT "MORMONS"--PLOT TO STEAL THE CHAPLAIN'S HORSE--ADVICE TO

THE APOSTATES TO LOOK TO THEIR OWN SAFETY--MR. STOUT'S COMPASSION FOR

THE HATCHET-FACED MISSOURIAN--HOW HIS CONFIDENCE WAS REWARDED--MEET

CAPTAIN HATCH--NEWS OF BUCHANAN'S AMNESTY PROCLAMATION--EVADE THE ARMY,

AND REACH THE VALLEY SAFELY.

At the Three Crossings of the Sweetwater we met a company of apostates,

who were in full retreat from the Valley, unwilling to trust God's

providence to screen them from the wrath of our enemies, and anxious to

get back to the States.

The night following we encamped at the eastern end of what is known as

the Seminole cut-off. The company intended to travel on this cut-off in

the morning.

That evening the chaplain of our company, a young Elder who had a

fondness for adventure, proposed that he should travel on the old

route, for the purpose of meeting a man for whom he had transacted

some business in the States, and who, he was informed, was returning

in a company of apostates. Captains Berry and Brinton thought he ought

not to attempt to go by that route alone; at this, one of the other

Elders volunteered to accompany him. But when morning came the latter

had changed his mind; for it had stormed during the night, snow had

fallen and it still snowed very hard, and he thought the weather too

disagreeable for so lonely a trip.

Mr. Chaplain, however, in opposition to all remonstrances, was resolved

to go, and he started out alone, on horseback, taking with him some

blankets and a few crackers. It was the eleventh day of June--a strange

time, you would think, for snow to fall, yet it continued to descend

until the middle of the afternoon, and was so deep that when he came

to a place on the Sweetwater, called the Rocky Ridge, he was obliged

to dismount and lead his pony. It was a lonely trip which he took, and

through a wild, desolate country; it was with considerable pleasure,

therefore, that he came in sight of the camp which he sought just as

the sun was going down.

It was encamped on what is known as Quaking-Aspen Creek. The man whom

he expected to meet was not in the company; but he found others whom he

had known, persons who did not love the gospel sufficiently to endure

the trials promised to the Saints; but were desirous to return to that

Babylon from which they had been gathered.

When the chaplain rejoined his companions, the Elders, he related

the incidents of this trip and I was permitted to take the following

account from his journal:

"I had just staked my animal to feed upon the brush in the

neighborhood of the camp, when a company of discharged Government

teamsters passed by on their way east, under the guidance of George

Merrick. On account of the hardships they had endured the previous

winter, they were very indignant at everybody called "Mormon."

They had calculated on enjoying themselves at our people's expense

in the Valley; but instead of that, they had been kept out in the

mountains all winter, and they were disappointed. An hour later one

Ephraim Thornton, a young man who, when a boy, in Nauvoo, had been

a schoolmate of mine, but who was now an apostate, took me aside

and informed me of a plan which had been arranged to rob me of my

horse. A discharged Government teamster had sworn to take it, or

die in the attempt.

"I thanked Mr. Thornton for the information; but I advised him to

have the camp look to their own affairs, and I would conduct mine,

adding that I did not fear that teamster's threats, as 'barking

dogs seldom bite.'

"There was one Mr. Stout in this company, with whom I conversed.

He was bound for the States, and was accompanied by his wife. He

told me that he had been successful in raising stock in Cedar

Valley, and had sold them for the gold to the army he had just

passed at Fort Bridger. He pointed out to me a young hatchet-faced

Missourian, with long hair and snake-like appearance, whom he

represented as a Government teamster, a poor fellow for whom he

felt compassion and whom he was carrying to his home. It was vain

for me to advise him not to trust Mr. Hatchet-face too far. He had

confidence in him; I had none; I would not have trusted him out of

my sight. My views in relation to him received speedy confirmation;

for while standing with my back to the fire looking in the

direction of my pony, I heard Mr. Stout swear very hard at his wife

for leaving the wagon. His sack of gold, amounting to $1.500 had

disappeared. An investigation revealed the fact that not only was

the gold missing, but crackers, blankets, several watches and other

things, besides a race mare belonging to one Joseph Greenwood, were

all gone, and with them the poor fellow, the Missourian, for whom

Mr. Stout had felt so much compassion! It afterwards transpired

that he had been making his arrangements for flight for several

days. My advice to Mr. Thornton for the camp to look to their own

affairs was very timely, as this transaction proved.

"That my horse might not be stolen I made my bed upon the snow,

holding the bridle in my hand, and my pistols ready for use in my

belt. But I was undisturbed. I arose in the morning and left the

camp and its misery to continue my journey towards the home of

our people. As I left the last crossing of the Sweetwater and was

ascending the South Pass, I met a company of our brethren, under

Captain Abram Hatch, going to the North Platte on business. It

was fortunate that I took this route, for they had word for our

company which, had I not met them, we would not have received. Upon

learning where the Elders were, they turned and accompanied me. We

found the company on the cut-off, five miles from its junction with

the old road."

Our chaplain seemed happy at rejoining us, and from his wearied looks

and blistered face, we judged he would not soon go again in search of

apostates. But, as he said in his journal, it was fortunate that he

had taken that route. The providence of the Lord was in it, and it was

overruled for our good by his meeting Captain Hatch and companions.

They brought us President Buchanan's amnesty proclamation, which

was read, also the intelligence of our people's move South: also

instructions from President Young to the effect that unless otherwise

instructed, we were to take the Sublet cut-off to the north until we

struck Bear river, and then travel on the trail which would lead us to

the head of Echo Canyon.

From Captain Hatch, also, we learned that it was the intention of Col.

Albert Sidney Johnson, the commander of the army, to leave Fort Bridger

the following Monday for the Valley.

But little remains to be said of our journey home after parting with

Captain Abram Hatch and companions. We had reached the Big Bend on the

Sandy, when we found that we had passed the Sublet cut-off and were

where the Kinney cut-off led north. It was decided in council to travel

on that route.

We soon struck Green river, and as if Providence had arranged affairs

for us, we found a fine ferry boat tied at the river side, upon which

we crossed. We continued to travel by this route from this point

to Bear river, which we crossed in our wagon boxes, there being no

boat, and swam our horses. Bear river not being very wide, we had no

difficulty in crossing by this means.

We came into Echo canyon twelve miles west of Yellow Creek. From

mountaineers whom some of the Elders met, and who were going east with

supplies to meet the army, we learned that Johnson and the army were

encamped that night on Yellow Creek. They also informed the brethren

that a company of two hundred and fifty sappers and miners were ahead

of us, repairing the road and removing obstructions before the advance

of the army.

We overtook this company next morning. Had they suspected that we had

not been seen by the main army, they would very likely have stopped us.

But they had no idea that we had come by any other route, and therefore

after asking us how far back the command was, the order was given,

"Clear the road, boys, and let them pass." From this point we traveled

on until we reached Salt Lake City without meeting any incident worthy

of note.