History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

136 THE STORY OF MORMONISM.
over one hundred and thirty families are on the west
bank of the Mississippi unable to cross the river,
which is full of floating ice. There they wait and
suffer; they scour the country for food and clothing
for the destitute; many sicken and die.
Finally they reach Quincy, and are kindly received.
Not only the saints but others are there who have
human hearts and human sympathies. Indeed, upon
the expulsion of the Mormons from Missouri the
Settlements in Illinois.
people of Illinois took a stand in their favor. The
citizens of Quincy, in particular, offered their warmest
sympathy and aid, on the ground of humanity. A select
committee, appointed to ascertain the facts in the case,
reported, on the 27th of February, 1839, "that the
thousand souls, been driven from houses and lands and reduced to poverty,
and had removed to another state, during one short winter and part of a
spring. The sacrifice of property was immense.' Pratt's Autobiography, 245.