History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

ARRIVAL OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. 261
creek. 17 On the 23d the camp moved some two or
three miles northward, the site chosen being near the
two or three dwarf cotton-woods, 18 which were the only
trees within sight, and on the bank of a stream of pure
water now termed City Creek, overgrown with high
grass and willows. Pratt called the men together,
dedicated the land to the Lord, and prayed for his
blessing on the seeds about to be planted and on the
labors of the saints. Before noon a committee returned
a report that they had staked off land suitable
for crops; that the soil was friable, and composed
of loam and gravel. The first furrow was thereupon
turned by William Carter, and through the afternoon
three ploughs and one harrow were at work. A dam
was commenced and trenches cut to convey water to
the fields. Toward evening their energetic labors
were interrupted by a thunder-storm. 19 The ground
was so dry that they found it necessary to irrigate it
before ploughing, some ploughs having been broken;
and it was not until after the arrival of Brigham that
planting was begun.
The coming of the leader had been impatiently
awaited, although in their ambition to have as much
as possible accomplished, the time quickly passed.
Brigham was slowly following with the remainder of
the company, and was still so weak as to be obliged
to be carried on a bed in Wilford WordrufFs carriage.
As they reached a point on Big Mountain where the
view was unbroken, the carriage was turned into
proper position, and Brigham arose from his bed and
surveyed the country. He says: "The spirit of light
rested upon me and hovered over the valley, and I
felt that there the saints would find protection and
17 Parley was always quite popular among the brethren, though his judg-
ment was not always the best.
18 ' My poor mother was heart-broken because there were no trees to be seen;
I don't remember a tree that could be called a tree.' Clara Young's Experiences,
MS., 5.
19 'July '23d, 9G° Fah. A company commenced mowing the grass and pre-
paring a turnip-patch.' Hist. B. Young, MS., 1S-17, 99.