Heritage Gateways

Brigham Young Journals

April 24, 1847

Summary: Difficulties fording a river with quicksand.

Journal entry: Saturday. The "Revenue Cutter" was brought into requisition and some boated their loads over the river.

The horses and cattle were driven back and forth loose across the river to pack the quicksand. Stakes were planted at intervals across the river as a guide for the Teamsters.

The brethren continued rowing the boat over the river carrying goods, while the lightly loaded wagons continued crossing at the ford, which soon became packed and more solid.

One of the rafts floated down the river just before the last team crossed. The Company proceeded four miles and encamped.

Prof. O. Pratt took an observation.