We Meet Leading Brethren in Arizona--Arrival Home--Incorrect Reports
Concerning Me--My Horse "Tex"--Meeting With President Young--He Accepts
Our Labors.
We found the road from the Gila to Camp Apache to be most of the
way about the roughest any of us had ever seen. It was all we could
possibly do to get over some of the rough places, but finally made the
trip without break or accident.
The country in and around Camp Apache is quite picturesque. Grass,
timber, small streams and springs were quite plentiful from here to
Cooley's ranch, and the country is pleasant to travel through.
At Cooley's we were hospitably entertained and given much useful
information. From him we learned the condition of the new settlements
being made on the Little Colorado, under the leadership of Lot
Smith and Brothers Allen, Lake and Ballinger. We now felt somewhat
satisfied with our trip, realizing that we had been the most successful
prospectors into the land of Arizona, our reports having been received
and acted upon.
The greater portion of the settlements in Arizona, New Mexico and Old
Mexico are on lands explored by our party on this trip. From Cooley's
ranch we followed down the country to Stinson's farm, now Snowflake.
Mr. Stinson had also visited the Mormon camps and spoke highly of their
labors. It was now June. As we neared the settlements we felt a feeling
of joy at the thought of meeting friends from home.
On arriving at Allen's camp we met Prest. Wells, Apostles E. Snow and
B. Young with several others, just from the settlements of Utah. Here
we learned of the death of Bishop Roundy by drowning. I was glad to
meet the brethren. Brothers Stewart, Pratt and Ivins had expressed a
desire to return home. I had intended to go with my son Wiley to where
we supposed Brothers Smith and Tenney were still laboring, but here
learned that they had gone home.
Prest. Wells advised me to go home. I told him I hated to return just
then, saying that I did not feel as though I had filled my mission. He
addressed me a little sharply, speaking as though he did not believe
me and telling me I had better go in with his company. Whether Brother
Wells believed me or not I was willing to stay if left to follow my own
feelings, but I did as he advised.
On the way I noticed a disposition to treat me rather coolly, many
times being snubbed when offering some information about our trip. I
could not understand this very well at the time.
On arriving at Lot Smith's camp I met my daughter, Mary, and her
husband, J. Jordan. They had been called to assist in settling this
country. My son, Wiley, remained a short time with them, then came on
to Fairview, our home. The trip in from the Little Colorado was not
very pleasant to me; the mode of travel was so different from what I
had been accustomed to that I was continually out of humor. My mode
of traveling was and still is to watch and take care of my stock, and
give it all the advantages possible. I have always been able to go
over country successfully with a common outfit, while I have heard of
others, much better fitted up, failing.
We had made a trip of near four thousand miles and were now returning
with the same animals we started with, some of them in better condition
than when we left. Instead of getting credit for this, I learned,
afterwards, that reports had been circulated to the effect that I was
tyrannical and unjust, and these statements, doubtless, had their
influence upon my friends. Nothing was said to me on the road about
these reports, but I could see that something was "out of joint" from
the treatment I received, which could not be particularly defined, but
just such as would indicate indifference to me. Finally, it became
so disagreeable that I concluded to travel alone; so I came on the
last two days without a bite to eat, rather than be subject to the
annoyances in the company with which I was then traveling. I got in
thirty-six hours ahead of the rest.
The last day, crossing the Buckskin Mountain, I got quite hungry and
thirsty. I had about a quart of corn that I intended to eat, but saved
and fed it to my faithful little horse, "Tex," that had carried his
rider, my son Wiley, already some three thousand five hundred miles.
"Tex" was in good condition and I had taken him to ride in from Little
Colorado home. I would not do justice unless I mentioned this horse for
he was the most reliable animal I ever knew. I gave him all the corn. I
had a three pint canteen of water, when I was taking a drink "Tex" came
up and licked the canteen and looked at me as though he wanted a taste.
I set my hat on the ground, sinking the crown so as to form a dish then
poured a little water in, then the horse would sup it up. I gave him
the last drop although I was then dry and had a big half day's ride yet
to make before getting to Johnston's settlement.
After baiting I saddled up, arriving at Navajo Wells about one hour by
sun. There was some squaws watering their horses. I got them to give
"Tex" a little water, but it was too filthy for me to drink. There I
again baited half an hour then got on my horse telling him how hungry
and thirsty I was and that I had given him all the advantage and now it
was but fair for him to take me in twelve miles in a hurry. This he did
in fine style scarcely breaking the gallop all the way.
I met President Young at Kanab. He was glad to see me and hear
the report from Mexico. Brother Young was a true friend to me and
understood my disposition. He never allowed anyone to speak against
me; he knew my faults, also some of my virtues. One that he always,
appreciated was my stubbornness; when I started on a trip, I had always
stuck to it. I said nothing to him about my annoyances.
Brother Brigham expressed himself well satisfied with the results
of our trip; said it was an opening for a greater work. I reported
all the brethren good and faithful, doing honor to those we
represented. I never knew until coming to Salt Lake that there was
any dissatisfaction. I knew we had differed in our opinions sometimes
about standing guard, but as I always took my turn and sometimes more,
I never dreamed of anyone holding ill-feelings for being required to
stand guard.
I think that these reports, and what grew out of them, have affected
that mission and do to this day. Time will bring all things right. Many
strange things are permitted that we cannot see any use in at the time,
that afterwards turn to be a blessing.