Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

1873

Monday, June 23, 1873—We are packed for our journey.... My husband and I had a season of prayer together before taking the cars. We took the cars about six o'clock. We were fortunate in getting a sleeping car.... It was a very warm night. 3MR 159.3

Wednesday, June 25, 1873—We did not get to Denver till about thirty minutes past seven o'clock. We hired an express wagon and were taken to my niece, Louise Walling's. We were well received and were very weary and glad to get to rest. 3MR 159.4

(Denver,) Friday, June 27, 1873—Another beautiful day. We walked one mile and back from the city stores. We ordered mattresses made of white hair and a couple of pillows. 3MR 160.1

(Colorado,) Sunday, June 29, 1873—We rode about three miles and stopped for breakfast. We purchased milk and had a very good breakfast. The scenery is very grand. Large mountains of rocks stretching toward heaven, tower one above another.... 3MR 160.2

We turned out for an ox team and were obliged to go up an embankment. In descending, one of the horses refused to obey the rein. My husband saw that the carriage was tipping over. He jumped out, but was thrown under the wheel and the wheel ran over him. Sister Hall and myself sprang from the carriage to obtain the lines. I looked to see how badly my husband was hurt. He was bruised, but no bones were broken. We felt gratitude to God for His preservation. 3MR 160.3

(Colorado,) Monday, June 30, 1873—We arrived at the Mills late in the afternoon.... We went to the old mill and commenced housekeeping.... We cleaned two rooms.... Mr. Walling came with a load of furniture and things he thought we needed. We have all been very busy and cheerful in our work. We had a praying season in the woods. We prayed to God to let His blessing rest upon us as we were settling in the mountains that we might have strength and retirement to write.—Manuscript 8, 1873 3MR 160.4

(Colorado,) Tuesday, July 1, 1873—It is stormy. We see from the window it is snowing.... The hills are covered with snow. We are thankful to have a good fire to keep us warm. We cleaned house again. I find it new business to scrub, but I enjoy it. It cleared off beautifully about noon. The clouds lifted from the snowy range and we had a most beautiful view of the mountains, not merely capped with snow but covered completely with snow. 3MR 161.1

(Colorado,) Friday, July 4, 1873—We washed and cleaned the parlor. Brought wood from the mountain back of the house, in our arms. We worked hard all day. We took the lounge apart and found four dead mice in it.... We feel grateful that a day of rest is before us. 3MR 161.2

(Colorado,) Monday, July 21, 1873—We spent the day principally in writing. In the evening we rode up the hill about two miles and gathered several quarts of berries. We received quite a number of letters, papers, and books.... Very many Indians passed with ponies, mules, and American horses. 3MR 161.3

(Colorado,) Wednesday, July 23, 1873—Hundreds of Indians have passed here this morning and yesterday. They are going over in Middle Park to hunt and to fish.... We all went out between sunset and dark and gathered about two quarts of strawberries. We had splendid showers part of the day. Prepared matter for Instructor.—Manuscript 9, 1873 3MR 161.4

(Colorado,) Wednesday, August6, 1873—I devoted much time to arranging my room; tacked down carpet, put curtain around my rough pine table.... We got four loads of broken wood. I helped them pick it up.... We had two very precious seasons of prayer in the forest of pines. 3MR 161.5

(Colorado,) Thursday, August7, 1873—I wrote five letters.... The clouds looked dark. My husband, Elder Canright, and Willie went for a load of wood. They had but just unhitched the horses after their return when it commenced raining, then hailing. We had both rain and hail in great quantities. The hail was as large as hazel nuts. The water rushed down from the mountain and came into our sleeping room close by the floor. Two were engaged in mopping and bailing up water with dust pan. The kitchen leaked and flooded the floor. The dining room leaked badly. This has been a broken day.... 3MR 162.1

(Colorado,) Friday, August8, 1873—It is quite cool this morning after the storm yesterday. Our carpet seems very comfortable on the floor.... We spent a short time in the strawberry field. The hail had beaten off most of the strawberries. 3MR 162.2

(Colorado,) Friday, August15, 1873—We have a morning dark and foggy.... We had written in one day about twenty-eight pages to different individuals.... We had a special season of prayer in the log shanty, [its] being too wet in the grove.—Manuscript 10, 1873 3MR 162.3

(Colorado,) Sabbath, September 6, 1873—We had a rainy day. About nine o'clock a gentleman on horseback inquired if we had seen two men pass. I had seen them about midnight going by our house. They stopped to drink at the spring and then started up the hill on the road to Black Hawk upon the run. These men had been stealing, and the authorities were in search of them. Mr. Walling and an officer rode up to the door. Mr. Walling ate a lunch, changed horses, and drove on. 3MR 162.4

(Colorado,) Sunday, September 7, 1873—Sister Hall and I did a large two weeks’ washing.... I made an entire sheet by hand, hemmed three ends of sheet, made a pair of pillow cases. This was my day's work. 3MR 163.1

Sunday, September 14, 1873—Mr. Walling unexpectedly drove up and said he was ready to go over in the Park. He hurried us all up, and we were all packed about ready to start at eleven o'clock. We drove out about six miles and took dinner. We spread our table by the side of a stream, built a fire, and had some warm food. We enjoyed it much. We rested one hour and then drove on. We made good time through the woods, and we thought that we might have time to pass the range by daylight. We ascended the range slowly.... We had to move very slowly. We did not get to timber land, the other side of the range, until after dark. We made camp about nine o'clock and did not get to rest until about midnight. We had a flaming campfire which was very gratifying after sitting some time in the wagon waiting for a good camping spot to be found. I was sick and could not sleep at night. 3MR 163.2

(In the Mountains, Colo,) Monday, September 15, 1873—We took breakfast and then packed our bedding to move on. My husband, Willie, and myself were seated on our horses. My husband and I rode on. Mr. Walling and Sister Hall were in the wagon. We left our spring wagon because the road was so rough we could go no farther. We rode about two miles, when Willie called us to come back. Mr. Walling had broken down. We rode back and saw that the wagon was broken, and we must make camp where we were. We rested awhile and Mr. Walling took his three horses and the spring wagon back and was to send us the axletree or bring it Wednesday. We made us a very comfortable camp and had plenty of bedding. The nights are very cold. There is ice on the water and the ground nearly freezes nights. 3MR 163.3

(Colorado,) Tuesday, September 16, 1873—We are very tired and lame today ... We took cold, which makes us feel as though we could scarcely move.... We should have enjoyed the scenery had we been less weary. Our camp is in a grove of heavy pines. There is a small open space of ground, with grass for horses. On the south rises a high mountain of rocks. Trees seem to grow out of the very rocks. They tower up high but seem to cling or lean upon the rocky mountain sides. East, west, and north are gigantic evergreens. Through these thick trees is our road to the Central Park. 3MR 164.1

Wednesday, September 17, 1873—We have some wind which draws down the canyon. We have to move our little stove several times in the day as the wind changes from one end of the tent to the other.... Travelers came by with wagon and men on foot driving sheep. They said there were thirteen hundred in the flock. They have taken up land in the Park and will spend the winter there and feed their sheep. Two other travelers passed. 3MR 164.2

Thursday, September 18, 1873—We have had a good season of prayer in the woods, my husband and I. Two travelers and one horse returning from the Park came by our camp. We gave them bread as they said they had nothing to eat but squirrels and pork. They brought some fine specimens [of ore] and curiosities from Willow Creek. 3MR 164.3

Sabbath, Sept, 20, 1873—The sun shone out beautifully in the morning, but it soon became cloudy and snowed very fast, covering the ground and lodging upon the trees. It looks like winter. All around us is white. Here we are just this side of the range in our tent, while the earth is sheeted with snow.... We feel deeply our need of the grace of God.... Shall I ever learn to be perfectly patient under minor trials? ... My earnest prayer to God daily is for divine grace to do His will. 3MR 164.4

Sunday, September 21, 1873—My husband and myself went up upon a high hill where it was warmed by the rays of the sun, and in full view of the snow-covered mountains we prayed to God for His blessing.... We both wept before the Lord and felt deeply humbled before Him. 3MR 165.1

Monday, September 22, 1873—Willie started over the range today to either get supplies or get the axletree of the wagon Walling is making. We cannot either move on or return to our home at the Mills without our wagon.... There is very poor feed for the horses. Their grain is being used up. The nights are cold. Our stock of provisions is fast decreasing.... Willie and Brother Glover returned today. Brother Glover was on his way with the new axletree when Willie met him.... We were glad to see them and made preparations to start the next morning for Grand Lake in Middle Park. We had a cold night, but our noble bonfire of big logs and our little stove in the tent kept us comfortable. 3MR 165.2

Tuesday, September 23, 1873—We rose early and packed up bedding and provisions for a start on our journey.... The road was so rough for about six miles, Sister Hall and myself decided to walk. My husband rode a pony. Willie walked. Brother Glover drove the horses.... We had to walk over streams and gulches, on stones and upon logs. We gathered some gum from the trees as we passed along. 3MR 165.3

After six or eight miles’ travel on foot it was a good rest to climb up upon the bedding and ride. The scenery in the Park was very grand. Our hearts were cheerful, although we were very tired. We could trace the wonders of God's work in the grand towering mountains and rocks, in the beautiful plains and in the groves of pines. The variegated trees, showing the marks of autumn, were interspersed among the living-green pines, presenting ... a picture of great loveliness and beauty. It was the dying glories of summer. We camped for the night in a plain surrounding a cluster of willows. We cut plenty of grass for our beds. 3MR 166.1

Wednesday, September 24, 1873—We had most beautiful scenery most of the way. Autumn's glory is seen in the variegated golden and scarlet trees among the dark evergreens. The towering mountains are all around us.... We stopped at Grand River for dinner. We had some difficulty in finding a carriage road, but after some delay, and one on horseback searching carefully, we could pass on. We had a very rough road. We arrived at Grand Lake about five o'clock. Pitched our tent in a good dry spot and were tired enough to rest that night. 3MR 166.2

Grand Lake, Colorado, Thursday, September 25, 1873—We worked busily nearly all the day in getting settled.... I have two ticks [mattress coverings] made of woolen blankets which we filled with hay and made very nice beds. We have boards arranged for shelves, and we look very cozy here.—Manuscript 11, 1873. 3MR 166.3

Grand Lake, Colo., September 28, 1873—Here we are, camped by a beautiful lake, surrounded by pines which shelter us from winds and storms. Very high mountains rise surrounding the lake except on one side.... The lake is the most beautiful body of water I ever looked upon.... Fishermen come in here to fish and take out their fish packed in boxes upon the backs of donkeys.... 3MR 166.4

On our way here we met thirteen mules from the lake, two men, one horse, and two donkeys loaded with two hundred sixty pounds of lake fish.... There are a few log cabins here but only one that is fit to live in and that has no floor. We came here for father's health. He has been better since we came.... 3MR 167.1

Our provisions are getting low.... We cannot get away from here till Brother Glover returns and sends Walling with horses and ponies. We have two horses and one pony here. In coming, for want of ponies, Lucinda and I walked about six miles over the roughest road. We cannot do this in returning, for it is mostly up rocky mountains. 3MR 167.2

We spent the time very profitably on this side of the range. We tried to make it a business to seek God earnestly.—Letter 13, 1873. (To Edson and Emma White.) 3MR 167.3

Monday, September 29, 1873—We improved a portion of the day in getting hay for horses. My husband swung the scythe. Willie pitched the hay into the wagon and Lucinda and I trod it down. My husband and Willie worked diligently to make a warm stable of an old house nearby, and in securing hay for horses. 3MR 167.4

Tuesday, September 30, 1873—Mr. Westcott killed a wolf this morning. It was a large, savage-looking beast. He was caught in a trap and was howling half the night, which seemed very dismal. The fur of the wolf was very fine and thick.—Manuscript 11, 1873. 3MR 167.5

Wednesday, October 1, 1873—I spent nearly all day in writing. Willie went out upon the water in the afternoon. My husband and Willie and Sister Hall went after a load of hay to keep the horses. Their feed is nearly done. 3MR 168.1

Thursday, October 2, 1873—I took my writings out under a tree and wrote, until noon. After dinner we went in a boat across the lake and scrambled over rocks and mountains, trees, and brush one mile or more. We saw large poplar trees that the beavers had taken off as nicely as though they had been cut with a knife. The instincts and habits of these animals are truly wonderful. We took the boat again. As it was hard rowing, Willie ran along on the sandy beach and with a long rope drew the boat after him, which was a much easier as well as a more rapid way of getting along, for the boat was clumsy and the oars were very poor. We spent some time upon the water.... There is now only one man at the lake besides ourselves. 3MR 168.2

Friday, October 3, 1873—The horse called Parson was very sick. We feared he would die. We doctored him as well as we could, putting hot flannel blankets around him. He was relieved after several applications. We learned that hydrotherapy is for animals as well as for human beings. 3MR 168.3

Sunday, October 5, 1873—Another beautiful day has come. The sun shines so pleasantly, but no relief comes to us. Our provisions have been very low for some days. Many of our supplies have gone—no butter, no sauce of any kind, no corn meal or graham flour. We have a little fine flour and that is all. We expected supplies three days ago.... 3MR 168.4

As we were thinking what we could do if no help came that day, Mr. Walling rode up. He brought us butter, and fine flour he had left upon the road, hidden back where he had left two horses barefooted for us to use over the rough road. We were rejoiced to see him. 3MR 169.1

Monday, October 6, 1873—We arose early and commenced preparations for our homeward journey. We packed all things on the wagon, and Sister Hall, my husband, and myself rose and walked a little until we had traveled about twelve miles over very rough road, through woods of fallen timber. Willie rode an Indian pony. We halted to take dinner, but as we began to search for the bag of provisions we found by some means it had left us and we had no dinner except a pie and a small loaf of bread. We sent Willie back to find our bag of supplies, fearful he might have to return the entire distance. 3MR 169.2

We passed on, for we could not have our dinner until we should come to the horses.... The flour and some potatoes were hidden there for our use as we returned. We set up our little stove, cooked white gems in our gem pans.... and had a very good dinner. Here my husband and Sister Hall took two horses and rode the remainder of that day's journey. We drove on and on and did not camp until nine o'clock at night. It took about two hours to pitch tent and take care of the horses for the night. 3MR 169.3

I could not sleep for thinking of Willie alone on the road and having twenty miles’ extra travel; but about twelve o'clock Willie came to camp, all safe, with the lost provisions. We felt very thankful that we had passed over many miles of the road in safety without accident or harm.... We were a tired company and some slept soundly, but I was too weary to sleep much. 3MR 169.4

Tuesday, October 7, 1873—We ascended the steep rocky hills—up, up, up as fast as our horses could climb. We passed through brooks and gulches, up hill and down for about six miles. 3MR 170.1

This brought us to the foot of the range. We there consulted what we should do—press on, or take a warm cooked dinner. We left it all with Mr. Walling. His decision was for us to eat a hasty meal and, with as little delay as possible, hurry over the range. We did so, and did not regret it.... There was no wind. The sun shone pleasantly upon us.... The works of God in nature as viewed by us on this journey were indeed wonderful.... 3MR 170.2

We had passed the range but a couple of hours when ... thick clouds began to gather, and we hastened on as fast as our team could carry us. Before we reached home the clouds were very dark. The wind blew dust and dirt, and blinded us so that we could not see. The lightnings flashed and we were threatened with a fearful storm. However, we arrived safely at home [before the storm broke]. It was a storm of wind and rain and snow.... We were very thankful we were in our comfortable home and not in camp on the other side of the range. 3MR 170.3

Wallings Mills, Colo., Wednesday, October 8, 1873—It was quite a luxury to rest upon a bed, for we had not done this for twenty-three nights. We feel very thankful that we are at home. There is a severe storm of wind, uprooting trees and even tumbling over outhouses. The sand and gravel are carried by the wind against the windows, and are coming in at the crevices covering bed and bedding, furniture and floors.... This morning we see the mountain range is covered with snow. 3MR 170.4

Wallings Mills, Friday, October 10, 1873—I wrote a long letter.... Wrote some upon temptation of Christ.... My husband and I rode out just before the Sabbath. 3MR 171.1

Wallings Mills, Colo., Sabbath, October 11, 1873—It is the holy Sabbath. A portion of the day we devoted to prayer and to writing. 3MR 171.2

Wallings Mills, Colo., Sunday, October 12, 1873—Willie left us for Michigan today to attend school. His father and I took him in spring wagon to Black Hawk. We felt sad to part with him. 3MR 171.3

Wallings Mills, Monday, October 13, 1873—It seems lonely without Willie.... We returned with the (Walling) children about dark. May sang all the way home. She was very happy. 3MR 171.4

Wallings Mills, Sat., October 18, 1873—We walked out and prayed in the grove.... I read some to the children. It is rather difficult for them to keep quiet. We had a very precious season of prayer at the close of the Sabbath. 3MR 171.5

Wallings Mills, Colo., Monday, October 20, 1873—We had some important writing to do, which kept my husband busily at it until time to take his seat in the wagon. We took Sister Hall and Addie and May Walling with us. We ate our dinner on the way to Black Hawk. The day was very mild and the children enjoyed the ride very much. We traded some in Black Hawk and in Central [City]. We did not get home until after sundown.... My husband wrote letters after he returned home. Sat up quite late answering letters. 3MR 171.6

Wallings Mills, Colo., Tuesday, October 21, 1873—We had a good season of prayer as usual, then commenced our day's labor. I washed the dishes and then sudsed out, rinsed, and hung upon the line a large washing. I feel desirous that my heart should be cleansed from all iniquity. 3MR 171.7

Wallings Mills, Thursday, October 23, 1873—We decided to go to Black Hawk to send a telegram to Battle Creek.... We took our dinner to Sister Bental's. We had hot water to drink with our cold crackers.... As we were returning it was very cold and commenced snowing. 3MR 172.1

Wallings Mills, Friday, October 27, 1873—At the commencement of the Sabbath we had a most precious season of prayer.... We believe He will hear our prayers. The blessing of God came to us as we were praying.... We feel like trusting in God. 3MR 172.2

Wallings Mills, Sunday, October 26, 1873—It continues to snow and blow. This is a most terrible storm.... A gentleman who was traveling called. He wanted to stay all night. He said he had not seen such a storm for twenty years. In the evening a traveler called, blinded and benumbed by cold and wind. He was on foot and nearly perished coming over Dory Hill. He swore roundly about the weather.—Manuscript 12, 1873. 3MR 172.3

Golden City, Colo., Wednesday, November 5, 1873—We are at Golden City. We leave this morning. Our visit here has been very pleasant.... Mr. Lasley takes us down in the wagon to Denver.—Manuscript 13, 1873. 3MR 172.4

Released November 2, 1964