What “Mormonism” Stands For

INCIDENTS OF THE "MORMON" EXODUS. 827

nothing be wasted. The grass was excellent and the teams in good condition. The cattle were never for a moment left un- guarded. There were two divisions, the cattle-guard and the camp-guard, under their respective sergeants. Usually the camp was made about 5 p. m. The corral was formed by placing the wagons in the form of two half moons, or circles, leaving an open- ing at either end. No fires were allowed inside the corral. Ex- pert ox-teamsters were highly prized. Cruelty to animals was not tolerated. There was no profanity, no unkindness. Milch-cows submitted to the yoke, yielding their milk for the children also. The march on Saturday was a short one, the camp was made early washing, cleaning, repairing and baking were in order. The black- smith forge was set up, a small pit of charcoal burned, the greatest activity prevailed, hunting and fishing parties went out. Under ordi- nary circumstances, the bugle sounded the call to prayer at 9 p. m. There was a solemn hush, then the murmur of thanksgiving arose from each family circle, when all sought repose for the night. On Sunday, divine service was held, the day was kept as a day of rest for man and beast.The camp was not moved unless ur- gent necessity existed. Yet the people were not long-faced, nor solemn. Jokes were plentiful, and sometimes, when bridge-build- ing or other cause occasioned delay, and two or more fifties were together, the young people would dance by the light of the moon, or of bonfires. The Pawnees were the first Indians we saw; afterwards we met various bands of plains Indians, mostly Sioux. They were friendly, they seemed to sympathize with us; they seemed to under- stand that, like them, we had been driven from our homes from toward the rising sun. They exchanged their buffalo robes for patch-work quilts. We were told not to trade them any amuni- tion. Sometimes there were games in camp, horse-races, foot- races, and target practice, in which the elders freely joined. Occasionally, we saw a little box on a post, by the roadside, labeled "Post-Office," inside would be found letters from the advance com- pany of pioneers, containing directions about the journey. When we encountered high, steep hills, a halt was called and the teams were doubled; when we came to sandy stretches, everybody walked to relieve the toiling teams.