One bright, clear day, the 14th of July, 1853, our men were nearly all
on the lake at their work. A watch was kept every day by our people from
the high hill near us, where the lake could be seen for many miles.
Father and Captain Morrison were on duty this day, taking turns in
watching. The men on the lake also keeping a close watch toward the
island. Sometime in the forenoon of that day two small dark objects
could be seen upon the calm water in the direction of Beaver Island.
Captain Morrison took a powerful field glass and soon made out the
objects were fish boats coming from the island. The boats were being
rowed and seemed to come slow, keeping very close together. We watched
their approach with anxious hearts, fearing our men would not see them
in time to reach shore as soon as the boats came. It so happened on that
day nearly all the women were together at a quilting party given by Mrs.
Morrison. When they learned the Mormons were coming they became greatly
excited at first, knowing their husbands had made up their minds to
fight if necessary. Father and the captain began to prepare everything
for battle. Thinking there might not be bullets enough the lead was
melted and father said to me, "Here Elizabeth, take these moulds and run
the bullets," which I did. We had notified Uncle Alva Cable and he, too,
was preparing. The boats came along, steadily nearing the shore. At one
time all took them to be Indians, but as they came nearer it was plain
they were white people. A short time before they landed we saw the white
sails of our fishing fleet hoisted nearly all at one time. Then we were
sure they had seen the strange boats coming. A light breeze sprang up
fair for our boats and they came sailing in to land. The fishermen's
boats would land over by the south point from the river, as that made
the best landing. This was some little distance, a mile or more by land.
Captain Morrison went round by the path back from the beach so that he
would not be seen by the Mormons. He was to notify the men to come as
soon as possible.