OCR Text |
Show 1 nviu 1 nivui r t rahittivM'- ' " - t t - - y-i i-Mf-- -i PRACTICAL STATESMANSHIP The prophetic vision of Joseph Smith, who predicted his people would yet be' great and mighty in the midst of the Rocky Mountains, Moun-tains, was now about to be realized under the leadership of Brigham Young, one of the greatest colonizers of the West. With the prescient pre-scient eyes of inspiration lie envisioned an empire in the Great !?alt Lake Basin. The vision in the Nauvoo temple reinforced by all available information had given definite direction and a clear cut objective to the Mormon wanderings. The call of the Mormon battalion, though a godsend to the Saints at the time, involved a great sacrifice to the men who were called to the colors. Many of them were scattered in various parts of Iowa, attempting to provide for their families. For them it was, of course, a severe trial to leave their families on such an errand, but the objective sought was in accord with that of the Saints who were now facing with faith and assurance this western wilderness for a future home. At this juncture Brigham Young showed his frontier ttates?-manship ttates?-manship and practical wisdom in organizing to make the advance trip chose the North Platte route to escape contact with their old enemies, some of whom were on the way to Oregon. The story of this famous band has been too often told to need repetition here. Some incidents are, however, of particular significance, signi-ficance, as indicative of Brigham Young's continued interest in seeking further information concerning the destiny of his people. -Among those who were met on the way were Moses Harris. Pegleg (Thomas L.) Smith, Jim Bridger, and Samuel Brannan, who w-as returning from California. Answers to the questions asked were both favorable and unfavorable. Mose Hassis' account of Bear River valley was in marked contrast to the favorable account ot Ashby, Fremont and Wyeth, and the extravagant praise of Father De- Smet. However, he agreed with De Smet regarding the fertile soil and productive possibilitis of Cache valley. According to Eras tus Snow, Pegleg Smith gave a like glowing report of Cache valley-Jim valley-Jim Bridger (See Clayton Journal) gave a rather detailed account of Bear valley, Utah valley and various other parts of the Great: Basin. On the whole his report was favorable and really flattering as-regards as-regards Utah Lake region and the country south of the desert. In fact he said he had seen wheat and corn south as good as any grown, in old Kentucky. He attested to the richness of the soil ln Bear River valley, but feared corn would not ripen there because of the cold nights. Samuel Brannan tried to persuade the company to go to California, Cal-ifornia, but Brigham Young with resolute purpose pushed on ti Salt Lake valley, the land of his dreams. |