G. S. L. City 30 Sep. 1856

Editor of the Mormon

Dr Sir,

The hand cart company's of Saints under
Elders Ed. Ellsworth and D. D. M^cArthur arrived here on the
evening of Friday Sep. 26 Inst. having been about 9 weeks from Florence,
to this point; the few ox teams and wagons they had along, retarded
their progress considerably, not being able to keep up with them.

Prests. B. Young, and H. C. Kimball with a detachment of Lancers,
the Brass band, and many citizens went up into the Kanyon to
meet the companies. The feelings which the Brethren had on meeting
them I will not attempt to pourtray, to behold a company of men
women and children amounting to nearly 500 souls, drawing 486 100 hand
carts, entering into the city of Great Salt Lake, dancing with joy as
they passed along, only complaining that they had been encumbered with
a few ox teams for which they had to wait several hours almost
daily, otherwise they would have been with us ten days sooner, and
then to realize that this company had walked some 1400 miles,
drawing their hand carts the whole distance; these things presented
to our eyes, at the same time reflecting upon the future results— filled
our hearts with joy unspeakable, and caused our bosoms to swell
with thanksgiving to God. we felt that the flood gate of deliverance
was hoisted to the oppressed millions, and we could say in confidence
to the poor and honest in heart "come home to Zion," for the way is
opened up. Prest. Kimball said his heart felt as big as a two bushel
basket, yes our hearts were so swollen that we were speechless not
with sorrow, but with joy. Elders Ellsworth and M^cArthur have
earned honor and glory to themselves in the leading of these companies

G. S. L. City 30 Sep. 1856

Editor of the Mormon

Dr Sir,

The hand cart company's of Saints under Elders Ed. Ellsworth and D. D. McArthur arrived here on the evening of Friday Sep. 26 Inst. having been about 9 weeks from Florence, to this point; the few ox teams and wagons they had along, retarded their progress considerably, not being able to keep up with them.

Prests. B. Young, and H. C. Kimball with a detachment of Lancers, the Brass band, and many citizens went up into the Kanyon to meet the companies. The feelings which the Brethren had on meeting them I will not attempt to pourtray, to behold a company of men women and children amounting to nearly 500 souls, drawing 100 hand carts, entering into the city of Great Salt Lake, dancing with joy as they passed along, only complaining that they had been encumbered with a few ox teams for which they had to wait several hours almost daily, otherwise they would have been with us ten days sooner, and then to realize that this company had walked some 1400 miles, drawing their hand carts the whole distance; these things presented to our eyes, at the same time reflecting upon the future results— filled our hearts with joy unspeakable, and caused our bosoms to swell with thanksgiving to God. we felt that the flood gate of deliverance was hoisted to the oppressed millions, and we could say in confidence to the poor and honest in heart "come home to Zion," for the way is opened up. Prest. Kimball said his heart felt as big as a two bushel basket, yes our hearts were so swollen that we were speechless not with sorrow, but with joy. Elders Ellsworth and McArthur have earned honor and glory to themselves in the leading of these companies