Myself and two Companions sent to Search for Missing Companies--We
find Them--Our Cool Reception at One Camp--Apathy Manifested--Terrible
Sufferings.
Having seen the sufferings of Brother Willie's company, we more fully
realized the danger the others were in. The Elders who had just
returned from England having many dear friends with these companies,
suffered great anxiety, some of them feeling more or less the
responsibility resting upon them for allowing these people to start so
late in the season across the plains. At first we were at a loss what
to do for we did not expect to have to go further than Devil's Gate. We
decided to make camp and send on an express to find where the people
were and not to return until they were found.
Joseph A. Young, Abe Garr and I were selected. (Some histories give
other names, but I was there myself and am not mistaken). With picked
saddle horses and a pack mule we started out.
The first night we camped, our horses followed a band of buffaloes
several miles; it was near noon the next day when we returned with
them. We determined to get even with them so rode at full gallop
wherever the the road would permit. After riding about twelve miles
we saw a white man's shoe track in the road. Bro. Young called out,
"Here they are." We put our animals to their utmost speed and soon came
in sight of the camp at Red Bluff. This was Brother Edward Martin's
hand-cart company and Ben Horgett's wagon company. There was still
another wagon company down near the Platte crossing.
This company was in almost as bad a condition as the first one. They
had nearly given up hope. Their provisions were about exhausted and
many of them worn out and sick. When we rode in, there was a general
rush to shake hands. I took no part in the ceremony. Many declared we
were angels from heaven. I told them I thought we were better than
angels for this occasion, as we were good strong men come to help
them into the valley, and that our company, and wagons loaded with
provisions, were not far away. I thought this the best consolation
under the circumstances. Brother Young told the people to gather "up"
and move on at once as the only salvation was to travel a little every
day. This was right and no doubt saved many lives for we, among so
many, (some twelve hundred) could do but little, and there was danger
of starvation before help could arrive unless the people made some
head-way toward the valley.
After talking to and encouraging the people, they agreed to start on
the next morning. We then started full gallop for John Hunt's camp
fifteen miles further. On arriving no one noticed us or appeared
to care who we were. Their tents were pitched in good shape, wood
was plentiful, and no one seemed concerned. Joseph A. Young became
offended, not expecting such a cool reception and remarked, "Well it
appears we are not needed here." So we went down into the bottom and
made camp for ourselves. After a while some one sauntered down our
way, thinking probably we were mountaineers. These recognized Brother
Young and made a rush for camp, giving the word; soon we were literally
carried in and a special tent was pitched for our use. Everything
was done to make "amends" for the previous neglect. I never could
see where the amends came in, for no one happened to know us when we
first arrived, and strangers were often passing, this being near where
several camps of old traders were located.
About the time we were settled in our tent, Captain Hunt and Gilbert
Van Schoonhoven, his assistant, arrived from the Platte bridge, also
Captain Ben Horgett. They were rejoiced to meet us. Here I first
met "Gib Spencer" and formed a friendly acquaintance with him which
continues to this day.
These people were just on the eve of suffering, but as yet had not.
Quite a number of their cattle had died during the snow storm which had
now been on them for nine days.
Next morning Brother Young and others went to Platte bridge, leaving
Brother Garr and I to get the company started according to agreement
made the evening before. There was a spirit of apathy among the people,
instead of going for their teams at once, several began to quarrel
about who should go. This made us feel like leaving them to take care
of themselves. We saddled up to do so. The clouds were gathering
thickly for storm, and just as we were about to start it commenced
snowing very hard. The heavens were obscured by clouds, excepting a
small place about the shape of the gable end of a house. This opening
was in the direction of the valley and the sun seemed to shine through
with great brightness. We mounted our mules; Brother Garr, pointing
to the bright spot in the heavens, said, "Do you see that hole? You
had better all get out of here before that closes up, for it is your
opening to the valley. We are going." The people, I believe, took this
for a warning and soon started for their cattle.
Next morning they moved on. Brother Garr and I went back to where E.
Martin's camp had been. They had rolled out and Captain Horgetts wagon
company were just starting.
We continued on, overtaking the hand-cart company ascending a long
muddy hill. A condition of distress here met my eyes that I never saw
before or since. The train was strung out for three or four miles.
There were old men pulling and tugging their carts, sometimes loaded
with a sick wife or children--women pulling along sick husbands--little
children six to eight years old struggling through the mud and snow.
As night came on the mud would freeze on their clothes and feet. There
were two of us and hundreds needing help. What could we do? We gathered
on to some of the most helpless with our riatas tied to the carts, and
helped as many as we could into camp on Avenue hill.
This was a bitter, cold night and we had no fuel except very small sage
brush. Several died that night.
Next morning, Brother Young having come up, we three started for our
camp near Devil's Gate. All were rejoiced to get the news that we
had found the emigrants. The following morning most of the company
moved down, meeting the hand-cart company at Greasewood creek. Such
assistance as we could give was rendered to all until they finally
arrived at Devil's Gate fort about the 1st of November. There were some
twelve hundred in all, about one-half with hand-carts and the other
half with teams.