|
This Week in
1847…
By July 2, the Mormon pioneers were only weeks away from the Great
Salt Lake Valley. But many were afflicted with “mountain sickness”
that was sweeping the camp. Erastus Snow described it as “a severe
cold producing soreness in the flesh and pains in the head and all parts of
the body.” Many believed this sickness was caused by a drastic change
in temperature as daily temperatures rose dramatically. Corn was planted
for later companies traveling the trail. Sam Brannan tried to
convince Brigham Young to take the wagon train to California, and became
frustrated when Brigham didn’t want to discuss the idea much.
The next day a lightning storm hit as the last wagon crossed the
Green River. They circled their wagons but unfortunately the campsite
was in “an army of mosquitoes.”
On Sunday, July 4, Wilford Woodruff recorded in his journal: “I
must stop writing. Mosquitoes have filled my carriage like a cloud
and have fallen on me as though they intend to devour me. I never saw
an insect more troublesome.”
Thirty-six miles were covered during the next 2 days. On July
7, they arrived at Ft. Bridger, Wyoming. It was here that some of the
men tracked down a horse thief who was responsible for the loss of 12
horses in Pueblo, CO, although 11 were eventually recovered. No
record was given as to what was said at this meeting! On July 8,
Wilford Woodruff made history. According to his journal he went trout
fishing with an “artificial fly”, and it is believed that he was the first
artificial fly fisherman west of the Missouri River.
|
JULY
9th - 12th
Trek Photo Album
|
|
