24. Samuel H. Rogers, 1819-1886

Journal account of the enlistment of the Mormon Battalion.

Transcription

1846 June, July Samuel H. Rogers, p. 52-53

Wed. Jul 1. Seth Dodge started for the Bluffs. Father, myself and aunt's boys were preparing to go to the settlements to work for corn, when we heard that Bro. P. P. Pratt had come from the leading Camps with a message, so we stopped to hear it. It was a call of from 300 to 500 men to start tomorrow to go over the mountains, I volunteered as one. Thur. 2. Our Company of 36 men started for the bluffs in the afternoon. Breaking a wagon tongue we only traveled 5 miles. Fri. 3. 25 miles 4. 16 miles. Rained at night. Sun. 5. Traveled 12 miles and overtook lott's and Perkins' Company the latter gave some of us our breakfast. Presidents Young and Kimball and E. T. Benson came to us, the first named said that we would have to go to California under the direction of United States officers, there would be from 300 to 500 of us, that we would receive $7.50 per month, and found [food?]. He said it was like a ram caught in a thicket, and that it would be better to sacrifice the ram than to have Isaac die. Reflection upon the subject, it came to my mind that Isaac, in the figure, represented the Church of which I was a member, and for the saving of its life I was willing to go on this expedition, and that in my circumstances I could as well be spared as any one, (p. 75) for having no family of my own, none were depending upon me, and should I die there would be none left to grieve for me. Drove 2 miles further. Wed. 8. Weather very warm. Day before yesterday we passed the Indian villaage which is very pleasantly situated. The Country is fine with good soil. Some of our oxen were overdriven yesterday Lay by today until evening on account of the heat. Fri. 10. Came in sight of Council Bluffs. Sat. 11. Reached the main Camp. P. P. Pratt came and informed us of the conditions of the army going to California. Sun. 12. Attended meeting, instructions by the Twelve, a vote was taken that the 500 men should be raised, and that we would go ourselves if they could not be raised without. After meeeting I volunteered t go. Saw Colonel Kane who had been sent from Washington to do some business with the Church. Mon. 13. It rained this mroning. W. Johnston and myself cut a liberty pole, which was raised and a flag hoisted. Some speeches were made b the Twelve and by Capt Allen a U. S. officer. Meantime father arrived from Pisgah with aunt and her family. After the speeches 3 companies of 73 men each were organized and some of the fourth enrolled. I joined the second company. The band then played some music ad there was

1846 Jul Samuel H. Rogers, p.53-54

dancing by the Twelve and others. Tues. 14. Enough men were raised to fill 4 Companies f 100 men each. Music and dancing in the evening. Wed. 15. A meeting was called for the purpose of organizing the 5th company but met with poor success. Thur. 16. Four companies marched to the Missouri river river (sic) 8 miles. Here we received blankets, the price $3. - each to be deducted from our pay at the first payment. Fri. 17. The second (p. 76) Company paraded and was inspected by Colonel Allen who assumed command. One man was rejected. The Company to be under pay from this date. In the p.m. the Battalion paraded, two of the Colonel's orders were read, appointing G. P. Dykes, Adjutant and J. H. Glines, Sergeant Major, of the Mormon Battalion as it was called. Sat. 18. Had a concert and dance where some of the Twelve were present. The 5th Company arrived and participated in the dance. Sun. 19. I went back to the Camp of the Saints and heard the Twelve preach. Also heard that all of the Saints and those who favored their cause were driven from Nauvoo. Returned to the camp of the Volunteers. Our Company paraded, we promised to send back [most] of our pay to help the Saints in Camp. I signed to Furnish $50. - Wed. 22. The Battalion paraded and was addressed by Elder Little. We then took up our line of March Bro. Lawson went back for a team and wagon to haul baggage for

our company.