Show 172 wasteland is difficult to understand they were However soon meeting west bound the n ew trail pioneers and encouraging them to use True most of the travelers followed the of such men as Joseph Walker and James Clyman advised them not to attempt a wagon crossing of the Salt sage advice who Desert About the time Hastings and Hudspeth stationed them- trail to intercept travelers a large company formerly under the direction of William H Russell came over Three different groups of these pioneers were South Pass selves on the induced to try the new Edwin Bryant to cut-o- ff whom we are indebted for an excellent expedition6 and eight companions already abandoned wagons in favor of pack mules account of the Hastings and Hudspeth on Black’s Pork July 16 who had camped 1846 with Although states that he was not favorably impressed with either the small group Hastings or his description of the cut-o- ff Bryant finally decided to attempt the new trail Because Hudspeth consented to accompany them as far as the edge of the salt plain this group is known as the Hudspeth party Chiefly because of the hardships encountered in the mountains earlier in the year Hudspeth led the party down Weber canyon instead of following the route over the divide into Salt Lake valley 6 Bryant What I Saw in California 131-6- 3 |