The Robert S. Bliss Journal

THE ROBERT S. BLISS JOURNAL

Edited by Everett L. Cooley

INTRODUCTION

In December, 1958, the records of the Mormon Battalion Monument Commission and the records of the State Society Daughters of the Mormon Battalion were transferred to the Utah State Archives. Found in these records were thirty-three pages of a handwritten journal. They were written in both brown and blue ink on ruled sheets, four by six inches in size.

The journal itself offers no positive clue to the identity of its writer. It does reveal the fact that he had served with the Mormon Battalion. He had now returned to Salt Lake City and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of good weather so that he with other Battalion members could journey eastward to Winter Quarters, Nebraska, to meet the families they had left in July, 1846, at the beginning of the famous Battalion march.

Although the journal fails to identify the author, correspondence among the records of the Daughters of the Mormon Battalion reveals that the author was Robert S. Bliss, private in Company "B," Mormon Battalion. The - correspondence also throws considerable light on the circumstances surrounding the whereabouts and publication of the larger portion of the Bliss journal which appeared in this magazine in 1931. This previously published portion gives an excellent account of the march of the Battalion from Kansas via Santa Fe to San Diego, It contains interesting details of garrison duty in San Diego, the march northward through central California, the climb over Donner's Summit, and the discovery of the unburied remains of the ill-fated Donner party. A description of the route Bliss's party followed eastward along the Marys River (the Humboldt) to Fort Hall, then southward into the Valley of the Great Salt Lake in October, 1847, is of real interest. However, the journal ends abruptly in the middle of an entry, January 13, 1848, in the middle of a sentence and the middle of a word, "the people are making extensive prepa" ....

At the time of its appearance in 1931, Editor J. Cecil Alter wrote an introduction, which says in part:

Here is presented another valuable day-by-day journal written by a member of the Mormon Battalion,...

But little is known concerning the previous or subsequent history of this journalist. Through the Latter-day Saints temple archives it is learned that Robert S. Bliss, in taking his endowments at Nauvoo on January 29, 1846, gave his birth date as August 1, 1805; and that he was a member of the Seventies organization of the Church. Mary Ann Bliss, presumably his wife, took her endowments on the same date and at the same place, giving her birth date as March 23, 1811.

The original of this journal is now in the files of the Historical Society at San Diego, California, presented by Mrs. Mary J. Clawson, 124 Second Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah, who also furnished for publication in this Quarterly, the journal of her father, Nathaniel V. Jones. Mrs. Clawson relates that the Bliss manuscript journal came to her in a rather mysterious manner, the sender still unidentified, while she was publishing a weekly story in the Deseret News several years ago of the week-by-week movements of the Battalion.

At that time Mrs. Clawson had organized and was promoting the interests of the State Society, Daughters of the Mormon Battalion (and of which she is still the historian), which organization after ten years of labor, finally turned over to the state of Utah the project which resulted in the magnificent Mormon Battalion Monument on the Utah State Capitol grounds in Salt Lake City.

The Bliss journal, as it came to Mrs. Clawson having been carried throughout the Battalion's long march to California, back again to the Missouri River, and thence again to Utah, was of course pretty badly dilapidated, dirty and dog-eared, though still perfectly legible, and complete as originally written down each day. The journal begins abruptly as shown herewith, on August 18, 1846, as if the storekeeper's leatherbound, rough-paper daybook had not been obtained until the Battalion had been on the march four weeks, and had just crossed the Kaw or Kansas River and reached Spring Creek, where the first journal entry indicates some of the Bliss laundering was done. Possibly the previous diary was on other paper, lost long ago.

Some of the original entries were made in blue ink, though most of them were in black ink, indicating variable sources of writing materials. One section of the journal, consisting of several pages, was written in a mysterious red ink, being a portion in the midst of the work, at a time when and a place where ordinary inks were doubtless unobtainable.

Mrs. Clawson mentioned the Bliss journal in a general way to Mrs. Oliver G. Workman, on one occasion, and Mrs. Workman replied with some enthusiasm: "Why that is the journal that was written in blood. The writer ran out of ink, and pricked his arm with a pin to obtain his writing fluid." Questioned as to the origin of the information, Mrs. Workman explained that her husband, a mess mate in Company B with Mr. Bliss, had seen the ink so produced and used, and had often spoken of the circumstances to Mrs. Workman. (J.C.A.)

Following the last entry of the journal, the editor then added a terminal statement:

Here the journal ends as unceremoniously as it began, in the midst of interesting entries. . . .

Unfortunately no more of the Bliss Journal has been found; and the only intimation of his future movements is contained in the following brief entry in the Documentary History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for 1848, page 35, in the Church Historian's Office in Salt Lake City.

"Wednesday, May 3, 1848. Capt. Gardner, accompanied by Samuel Lewis, Alva C. Calkins, William Garner, Ami Jackman, David Stewart, Robert S. Bliss, and Abner Blackman, arrived at Winter Quarters from the Valley, bringing many letters." Winter Quarters were at the Omaha-Council Bluffs frontier settlements; "The Valley" refers of course to the Salt Lake Valley.

The discovery of this last portion of the Robert S. Bliss journal contradicts the final statement of the editor, for the entry of January 13, 1848, is completed, and the journal continues through May 2, 1848, with Bliss within one day's travel of Winter Quarters.

Of interest to this writer is, how did the journal become separated? Why is the original of the first portion located in the San Diego Historical Society? Why was the original of the last portion found among the records of the Daughters of the Mormon Battalion? And why was Editor Alter not shown the last portion of the journal in 1931?

The apparent answers are these. Some time prior to 1915, Mrs. Mary J. Clawson came into possession of the complete Bliss journal. Being of a generous nature, Mrs. Clawson removed that portion of the journal concerning Bliss's service in San Diego and his journey from that point to Salt Lake City. This she sent to Margaret V. Allen in San Diego. The journal was there placed on display as part of the "Old San Diego exhibit" in the Gallery of California History at the Panama-California Exposition.

At the close of the exposition, the portion of the Bliss journal in San Diego became the property of the San Diego Pioneer Society. Here it reposed, as far as we know, ! unmolested and unnoticed, until 1927 when George I. Putnam became interested in it. "A note affixed to the corner of the journal" directed Mr. Putnam's attention to the Daughters of the Mormon Battalion. Mrs. Mary J. Clawson, historian of the Daughters, replied to Mr. Putnam's inquiry in the following words:

Your letter of Oct 11 referring to the Robert Bliss diary or the portion in the Historical Society at San Diego was interesting. We have never had a typed copy made. Realizing the important contribution it has made to western history, it must be made complete. We gave to San Diego the portion referring to that Town, from sheer sympathy on finding how little history they possessed of that period, and we possessed so much that was vital. The journal never should have been separated. However, you might have a copy made of the part in San Diego. I will have one made of the part we have. In that way it will be complete, and we can make the exchange. If the historical society will permit you to do this, let us hear later.

There then followed an exchange of correspondence between Mr. Putnam and Mrs. Clawson which apparently resulted in Mrs. Clawson's sending another portion of the original Bliss journal to Mr. Putnam. Mr. Putnam then turned the journal over to the San Diego Pioneer Society.

A letter from the "head" of the Society, Miss Louise Verlaque to Mrs. Clawson, gives still further information on the later gift of a portion of the Bliss journal:

I have just received from Mr. George I. Putnam of San Diego the portion of the Robert S. Bliss Diary which he informed us you have presented to the Pioneer Society of San Diego. We had the other portion of the Diary which I believe was presented to us also by the Daughters of the Mormon Battalion. We do indeed feel very grateful to you for the completion of the Diary.

Mr. Putnam has been very interested in it and has also presented us his copy — so we are fortunate in being able to keep the original and circulate his copy.

Thanking you and yours — in the name of the Pioneer Society of San Diego.

From this it appears that in 1928 Mrs. Clawson presented, through Mr. Putnam, the remainder of the Bliss journal to the San Diego Pioneer Society. If this is so, when and how did it get back into the files of the Daughters of the Mormon Battalion and finally into the Utah State Archives in 1958?

One possible answer is that there were two portions of the Bliss journal which were not given to the San Diego Pioneer Society in 1915, but were retained by the Daughters of the Mormon Battalion. The first gift was the middle portion which was displayed at the Panama-California Exposition. A later gift to the San Diego Pioneer Society in 1928 was the first portion (August 18, 1846, to March 15, 1847) of the Bliss journal. The original of the last portion (January 13, 1848, to May 2, 1848) was possibly never sent to California. Mr. Putnam probably had access to a copy of this portion only.

If this is the answer to the question of how the Bliss journal was found in the records of the Daughters of the Mormon Battalion, it still does not answer the question why it was not made available to Mr. Alter when he edited and published the Robert Bliss journal in the Utah Historical Quarterly in 1931. Certainly Mrs. Clawson and Mr. Putnam were familiar with the complete journal.

Whatever the answer, here is presented the final chapter of the Bliss journal.

JOURNAL

January 13, 1848 —May 2, 1848

[Jan 13th yesterday removed my lodgings to Bro Drakes last night had some rain the People are making extensive prepa] rations for Gardens Plowing &c &c the Weather is warm like Spring & the grass is growing fine so that cattle & horses have plenty of green grass; the atmosphere is pure & there has been no sickness as yet among us to speak of

From 13 to 16th fine weather like summer days; some Frost nights; we are in hopes of starting for the States in about four weeks if the weather continues as it is now there is some 4 or 5 sawmills building one Grist Mill in operation & one or 2 more building besides other machinery in progress; the streams in this valley are good for all kinds of machinery as I ever saw in any country

Jan 19th for the last few days have been in the mts cutting timber I find more timber than I expected [to] find among the mts. the snow is melting fast & I hope soon to be on the road for my family; I learn Onions Lettuce & Tomatoes are comeing up here the weather is like summer in the valley although we have some frost nights All are pleased with Climate &c &c

Sun 23 d I am to day at the ringing of the Bell assembled to meeting Eld Taylor Preached to us & gave us good instrution; the Weather is fine & uniform Pleasant days & cool nights; to day a company starts for Fort Bridger & soon a company starts for the Pacific Ocean to explore a new rout for the Saints to come to this valley; the longer I stay in this place the more I am pleased with the Location climate &c

Jan 27th 1848 two weeks from to day we expect to start for the states; the weather continues warm as usual

Jan 28th Warm & Pleasant like summer I am reminded of the words of Sister Webb "Where the sky is serene & the Pure Waters flow; where the Climate is healthy, O there let me go" this is truly the finest climate I ever was in with the exception of the Pacific Coast, there is but little sickness here & those that complain their diseases were brought on by other Climates. There are some disadvantages we labour under here our Timber & wood has to be brought from the mts & there are many deep springs in this valley which are dangerous at present for cattle an[d] also the wolves kill some cattle; but the springs will be drained & the wolves will be killed in a few years indeed we have cought & killed more than 300 wolves this winter already the People are busy & doing all they can for the general good of the Settlement with a verry few exceptions & they appear to be self willed &c I am pleased with the Officers who are left to Preside here in the absence of the 12 Apostles; no man will do wrong if he will adhere to there Counsil for they are good men; & men of God & I feel to Bless them in my heart all the day long & I want to be blessed of my Heavenly Father under the hands of such men & hope I may live & assist such men in their work for the Last time though it be through much tribulation

Artist's drawing of early sawmill operations. Whipsaws were used in the early mills. A saw pit was built, and an upright saw was operated by two men, one standing above the log and the other below it. The log was anchored over the pit and the men drew a large saw with handles on each end up and down to cut the desired widths.

Historical Society Collection

Sun Jan 30th 1848 Yesterday & to day some snow fell the Wind is in the North & it is some cooler than usual; one more sabbath is all I expect to spend in this valley untill I go for my beloved Family whose anxiety & concern for my wellfare must be Great after more than 18 months absence through an Enemys Land of Deserts & mountains. Suffering more than Death by hunger thirst & fatigue While I think of the trials Privations & exposures my family must have endured in my absence being left on the naked Prairie with only a covered wagon for their shelter from the elements destitute of many of the comforts of Life[,] I can hardly wait with Patience for the time to arrive which is set for our departure

Mon 3 It Jan snowed some & appears some cooler than usual

Tues Feb It to day some snow on the mts & in the valley some fill at night

Wed Feb 2d 1848 Warm & Pleasant through the day

From 2d Feb to the 6th Warm & pleasant days with Frost nights to day Sun 6th attended Publick meeting in the Old Fort & listened to a good discourse from Eld P. P. Pratt on the subject of the Gospel which immediately concerned us as a People; the People are well & enjoy the best health here that they ever enjoyed before & we conclude this is as healthy as any part of the World for there are some from different parts of the World, the longer I live here the more I am Pleased with the Location & Wisdom of the 12 in leading this People to this little World of Blessings; here is the Great Salt Lake answering to the Ocean with all the Rivers & Streams of the Great Bacin flowing into it & having no communication with any Part of the World; & surrounded by a chain of Everlasting mountains to enclose us we hope from mobs & the heavy hand of Percicution that has hithto followed us

Feb 9th the weather continues warm & pleasant I have seen Grasshoppers & butterflies & outher insects to day Sporting in the sunbeams & the Geese are coming back to Salt lake from the South

Sat. Feb 12th 1848 the weather continues warm; a company has just returned from Fort Bridger with Beef cattle they report the mts passable for Pack Animals but the snow is in places 8 or 10 ft deep we expect to start the fore part of next week for Winter Quarters with letters &c for the Church; we learn that the company that started the 12th of Jan are at Bridger waiting for us to come up before they go any farther Last night about 9 O'Clock Bishop [Jacob] Fouts died of a Fit of Apoplexy but few Deaths have occurred here & those of Diseases of other climates

Sun 13th Feb assembled for meeting & partook of the Sacrement &c we can see to day the snow falling on the mts & the Council thinks we had better wait another week before we go to Winter Quarters as some of the men were frozen badly who came from Fort Bridger. My anxiety is so great to see my family I would freely endure almost any privation or hardship to get to them

Mon 14th we can see some snow fell on the mts last night & we are under the direction of the Council to go as soon as they think we can go in safety as they have important letters to send; which must be carryed in safety & they think we should not start for winter [Quarters] untill there is a prospect of our Animals as well as ourselves subsisting among the cold mts we are to pass over the company that returned from fort Bridger some of them were badly frozen & the snow & cold winds was verry severe on them; although here in the valley it is warm & pleasant & no snow; horses and Cattle are doing well for Grass is fine on the benches of the mts and wheat is coming up in short this is one of the most beautiful locations I ever saw as to health pure water & mill Privileges excelent. Soil Salt &c the atmosphere is so pure we can see 20 or 25 miles as plain as we can see 5 or 6 miles in Illinois or the eastern States; & I have seen cattle pla[i]n feeding near Salt lake at least 18 or 20 miles of[f] when the sun was nearly setting I could not believe such storys myself if I had not traveled so much in the valley & [k]new the distance. I have often seen mts ahead in my travels which seemed to be only 18 or 20 miles off which has taken 3 day hard travel to reach

Tues 15th 1848 Visited a canion of the mts & saw some fine trout in the stream that run from the mt there is also flowers in bloom in the canions I also saw Green Grass 3 in high my horses are doing well &c

Wed 16tb fine day

Thur 17th last night we had a fine shower which will probably cause the Wheat to come up & the Grass to grow finely; the inhabitants were just agoing to water their wheat ground but the shower was in time; so it saves much work; although the rain fell here in the valley it snowed on the mts so as to cover many mts that were bare before

Frid Feb 18th 1848 Last night about 4 In snow fell in the valley & about one foot deep on the mts & to day it snows some though it thaws as fast as it falls & the weather is warm

Sat 19th warm but cloudy & some snow storms around us on the mts; some cattle have been killed by the wolves lately; how soon we shall be able to start for Winter Quarters I know not for there has much snow fell lately on the mts which will put us back for some time yet Last night Mrs Allen died in this place of consumption

Sun 20th 1848 Last night froze some but to day it is warm & pleasant & the snow is dsappearing fast & from every appearane I hope we shall be able to start for our families soon; I have been about 17 months from my family & have not heard from them for more than 8 months no one knows my anxiety to see them unless they have been in like circumstances & possessed of like refined feelings of home & the joys of domestic life But I am thankful to my Heavenly Father that I am with kind Brothring & Friends who administer to my necessities & am not under Tyranical U S Officers suffering hunger thirst sickness & fatigue on trackless deserts & mountains crowned with snow as formely & hope I may never [see] such times again

Mon 2It & Tues 22d good weather the snow that fell a few days ago is nearly off in the valley; Yesterday two Gentfiles ?] arived from Fort Bridger on their way to California they report the road passable over the mts which makes me hope we shass [shall] start soon on our Journey to winter Quarters to day there was a Wolf Hunt which proved fatal to 1 man by the mane [sic] of Shade he dug & eat a Root which proved to be musquass & only lived a few minutes after he returned home

Wed 23 d Last night the wind was in the North East & it froze as hard as any night this winter but to day it is more moderate & thaws some

Thurs 24th to day the weather is fine as usual

Frid 25th four months to day since I arrived in this valley; the time seems long since I parted with my Family & friends at Council Bliffs [sic] but I hope the Council will let us go soon to our families I am sure if they had been as long from their Familes they would feel different but it is all right they do not want us to go untill we can go safe & not endanger our lives & those of our Animals among the cold bleak mts we have to cross over; to day the weather has been warm although we can see the snow falling on the mts around us

Sat 26th Feb 1848. Last night Prest Levi Hancock visitet us & sung some of his Excelent songs composed while on our Journey to California accompanyed by the violin; the description of our Sufferings and Hardships brought vividly to my mind scenes I hope never to see again; Prest Hancock is one of our best men; his counsel on all occasions was good I have been with him in many trying circumstances & always found him faithful & True; I hope I may so live that I may never forfeit the friendship of such men; I have Just returned from a visit to the warm Springs the Ensign Peak & a bed of Red paint on the side of the mt the Springs are a curiosity & have effected cures & probably will yet be a resort of Thousands; my ^eart is full of Gratitude to my Heavenly Father when I think of His Mercy & Goodness to this People; our situation in this valley is delightful here I breath a pure & free Air not contaminated with foul Spirit of Mobocracy & misrule & trust here we can sit under our own vine & fig tree

Sun Feb 27th 1848. —This morning is pleasant & beautiful & appears like Spring weather; last night we had some frost but the Grass in places is 5 or 6 inches high especially on the benches of the mts at 12 O Clock to day Prest L. Hancock called the 70's together on some business concerning the erecting some houses for Prest Joseph Young &c while we were assembled a boy of Mr. Oakee was killed in a moment by the rooling of a sawlog from the top of a saw pit to see the sorrow & anguish of the Parents was Lamentable some men for the lack of Cautiousness involve many in Sorow & Destruction this axident has involved us all with a feeling of simpathy & sorrow

Mon 28th the weather is still warm & the appearance is we shall soon start for winter Quarters

Tues 29th Is the Last day of Winter; to day Prest L Hancock called us together who are going to Winter Quarters to fix on a day to start; the Council decided last night we might go when Prest L. Hancock thought best & it was agreed unanimously we start next Monday; which is a great relief to my mind after an abscene of nearly one year & eight months from my Family; Last night it rained all night & to day is a lowry misty day if the weather should clear off pleasant Grass & wheat would grow finely; the Indians around us in this valley are Singular beings; they took some Indian Prisenors from another tribe soon after our People came here & killed them after trying to sell them to us with the exception of one a female & soon as our People saw they killed their Prisenors they bought the Squaw & clothed her & she is now living in town & learning our Language fast a few days ago the Indians agreed to go on a hunting Expedition they had one lame Indian among them who was unable to go with them or get a living they therefore for fear he would fall into the hands of their Enemies decided he should the he was accordingly killed; we frequently saw the poor fellow in Town & did not know they had killed him untill a few days ago

March 1st 1848 commences another Spring which is the seccond Spring I have seen since I parted with my Family & friends at Council Bluffs to day is one of the Pleasantest & warmest days we have had since last fall and from every appearance we shall have a tolable good time to cross the mts

Thurs 2d March To day 40 men started against a tribe of Utah Indians who have killed some of our Cattle & drove others away; fine day warm as usual &c

Frid 3d March 1848 Yesterday I saw wild Geese returning from the South which indicates Spring I also see the Salmon are coming from their Winter Quarters to the stream in the valley I saw some fine ones in Mill Creek the other day they are an excelent Fish their flesh is yellow & sweet eating; this is the warmest day we have had this spring & I trust we shall have a good time in crossing the mts the time has come for spring crops some are plowing some sowing & others are making Gardens fencing &c the Wheat is coming up & Grass is now fine for stock &c

Sat 4th March 1848 The boy that was killed last Sun I have since learned the particulars of an Indian was the cause of the log rooling on the boy I saw a number of Indians at the time running for home when the axident took place; he reported the affair to his Chief; the Chief told him to take one of his children a little boy & go & deliver him to the man who lost the Child to kill or adopt in his family as he saw fit & to the astonishment of the Parent the Indian came with his boy & offered him in sacrifice to atone for his supposed Crime Mr Oakee gave him to> understan we had no> such customs among us he therefore could take his boy home This morning has ushered in fine as usual I think Spring Weather is farely commenced; at all events the People mean to have it so by their diligence & Industry in Gardening fencing plowing &c

Sun 5 th March This morning the troops came in to Town that went out the 2d March; they found the Indians had stolen 17 head of cattle & one horse they took one Gun from them & caused some to be Whiped & they promised not to do the like again So they left them; To day is a beautiful day warm like summer; while the People assembled for meeting at the Stand Prest L. W. Hancock myself & others met at Father John Smith [']s to receive his Benediction & Blessing we found him in Excelent Spirits and were Blessed with a Blessing indeed He said we should be prosperd on our Journey our Animals also we should enjoy Health be preserved from our enemies & go safely through & find our families Well &c &c. & I felt truly it would be so inasmuch as we were faithful to our God & Each other; it is truly gratifying to me & I rejoice we have men in this Church whose Words are the Word of the Lord & whose faith Prayers & Blessings Prevail with the mighty God of Jacob in our behalf & I know the Lord has sustained us in time past as the Prophet told us & verily he will again

Mon 6th March 1848 The long wished for day has at last come when we were to start for our famileys & friends at winter Quarters we were supplyed by the Liverality of the Saints with Provisions for our Journey; came 6 miles from town to the mouth of the canion & encamped to wait for for some to find their horses at night we were exposed to a severe shower of rain which ended with a snow storm towards morning

Tues 7th March lay by for the boys to come up

Wed 8th March our boys came this morning & reported that Prest L. W. Hancock had concluded to stay So we chose Bro Wm Garner for our Capt & R S Bliss Historian & forth with packed up & started for the mts soon after we started it commenced snowing & continued snowing severe untill we camped which was after passing over one mt. about 19 miles from the valley near Willow Springs

Thurs 9 passed up the mt we soon found the snow to increase in depth after taking the waggon some 3 miles we was obliged to leave it; we continued to progress slowly untill we came within a mile of the top we laboured hard to brake down the snow untill night & were obliged to camp in the snow & our horses had nothing to eat all night Snowed all day

Frid 10th 1848 March this morning some went back to the waggon to get letters &c while others went to brak roads & examine the mt we soon assertained it was impossible to go over the mt in this pass So we had to go back came as far as willow Springs & encamped on our old camping Ground; the snow was from 2 to' 10 ft deep & perhaps more our animals as well as ourselves have had a hart time we assended a mt with our animals untill we were enveloped in the cloud that had rained and snowed all day on us & it was so thick & dark we coud not see each other only a few rods apart

Sat 11th to day came down the Canion to the Valley & encamped on Red Butte] Creek to wait for some to arrange their baggag for packing as we shall leave the Waggon & go up the Weaver [Weber] River some 30 or 40 miles North of here

Sun 12th March this morning some of our animals strayed away & it took us untill late to find them started however earley enough to reach the City Plot about noon where some of our friends met us from town & bid us good-By again came this afternoon about 10 m & encamped hoping some more will Join us here there being but 7 now in company 4 having left us on account of the waggon being left behind. Their Baggage could not be carried

Mon 13 th 1848 This morning started in good season & traveled to the mouth of the Weaver & encamped we observed a variety to entertain us to day[,] Wild Geese Sand bill Cranes Spring Birds Butterflies & a variety of insects Flowers of various hues & was cheered by the Peeping of the frogs in many places just as we camped we saw 13 mt Sheep

Tues 14th Last night was a cool Windy night but to day is again fine weather passed up the weaver through a difficult pass through among the Rocks & Sides of the mt which opened into a fine valley some 2 miles wide with considerable timber on the streams came to the upper end of the valley & encamped near Some Indian lodges lately deserted this valey would afford great advantages for a settlement

Wed 15th March continued our Journey up the weaver & crossed it some 16 times within ten miles; we came to' the waggon road about 2 O'Clock P.M. & traveled some 5 miles farther & encamped by some mts of rocks resembling Ancient Castles making about 20 miles to day we are now 45 miles from Salt Lake

Thur 16th Last night it rained nearly all night soon after we started it commenced raining again & continued to rain by Squalls untill about noon then snowed untill we camped which made it verry disagreeable traveling we made 26 or 28 miles to day

Frid 17th Snowed all night but we started for Bear River that our Animals might find some grass to sustain them for they found none last night to day is cold & Windy we found some difficulty in going through snow banks & fording the streams reached Bear River about 10 or 12 miles & forded it & camped on the East Bank found plenty of wood which we were destitute of last night Excepting a few willows

Sat 18th March Last night it snowed & this morning the mts & valleys were covered with a mantle of snow the weather is cold we had frequent snow squalls through the day & some difficulty in getting our Animals through the snow drifts for the last few days our Animals were frequently down & it was by much exercion they could extricate themselves from the drifts of snow came some 18 miles to day and encamped on a stream called Muddy

Sun 19th March 1848 Last night was cold with some snow traveled 14 miles & reached Fort Bridger here we encamped to buy meat &c for our journey here Bro Armstrong left us who had accompaned us from the valley here we were joined by a Gentleman who wished to go with us to the states to day is a cold raw day with snow squalls

Mon 20th March 1848 Left Fort Bridger this morning & crossed a number of streams on the Ice which were verry difficult to cross to day is also cold & snows some occasionaly; had some sport to day with a herd of Antelope they were hemed in between two creeks & they had to run by us before they could get out of our reach we fired one shot at them but they were to far of[f] to take effect we came about 18 miles & camped on Blacks Fork

Tues 21t March Last night was the coldest night we have had but today has been pleasant there is no snow on the ground here & has been none since we left Fort Bridger saw many Antelope today & some Sage hens they are a fine fowl much larger than the Prairie hen of Illinoiss; came 19 miles to day & camped on Hams-Fork a fine stream this is comparatively a level country though upon the height of the mts we have been some 5 or 6 days traveling on verry elevated ground & expect it will take some four or five days more to' pass to the other side of the mt

Wed 22d This morning left Hams Fork & traveled 18 miles to Green River a tributary to the Old Colerado which we crossed near the Gulf of California we crossed after comeing up the West Bank 5 mil by fording it this is a fine River & plenty of Cotton Wood growing on either side continued our Journey 6 miles farther to Big Sandy which runs into Green River below the ford making 29 miles to day saw many herds of Antelope to day there is no snow here but we can see the Wind River mts white with snow far to the North east of us

Thur 23d to day came about 28 miles & camped on little Sandy from Big Sandy to the ford of the same is about 18 miles & from the crossing to little Sandy 10 miles making 28 miles to day saw many fresh signs of Buffalo this afternoon also saw many Antelope to day but they are verry Wild having been hunted so much by the Indians

Frid 24th Came 30 miles over the Pass or divide & camped on to Sweet Water; Last night had some snow & to day frequent snow squalls & verry cold colder than we have seen this winter this afternoon the snow difficult to pass & injurous to our Animals feet on account of the crust

Sat. 25th March 1848 to day came 12 or 14 miles down sweet water & camped on camp creek verry cold & disagreeable found considerable snow in drifts which was hard enought to bear our animals in some places; saw some herds of Antelope on our way to day & signs of Buffalo

Sun 26th this morning was to cold to think of traveling & as we were in a good place & plenty of grass we called it Camp creek & concluded to lay by & rest ourselves & animals over Sabbath

Mon 27th March came about 16 miles & camped on Sweet water through a snow storm all the way; we are now probably one hundred feet lower than our last camp & it is much warmer soon after we camped we found two of our boys who' left the 15 Jan last they were in a deplorable condition one had froze his feet so he was unable to travel & they had killed their only horse to subsist upon & had eaten the most of it the day before we found them they killed an Antelope & 2 Geese which was better than horse Beef we took them & their effects with us the next day

Tues 28th March the snow fell several inches deep last night we came 25 miles to day after leaving camp crossed some high hills over to Sweet Water 10 miles crossed then struck across the Plains 15 miles & camped snowed all day made a most disagreeable camp in the snow & storm

Wed 29th Last night it continued to snow nearly all night the snow loaded down the tent so that it fell upon us in the night had a most disagreeable time in making a fire of Buffalo Chips to cook our breakfast; came some 20 miles & encamped; snowed occasionaly through the day; had to make our beds on the snow again to night

Thur 30th Snowed again last night continued our journey but made only about 16 miles to day on account of the depth of snow saw many antelope to day & where 2 Bear had crossed our Road

Frid 3 It Cold night & clear cold day made only 16 miles to day passed a place called Hell Gate where Sweet water river cuts its way through a mt of Rocks & camped at Independence Rock named by Mr Sublet many years ago who celebrated the 4th of July on the top of it

April It 1848 Cold night & to day is cool & fair after we had come this morning some 4 or 5 miles we discovered a number of herds of Buffalo & concluded to lay by & kill some meat as we were nearly out of meat; came about 12 miles to Sage creek & camped about one hour after we had encamped one of our boys came in & reported he had killed a Buffalo we immediately took 6 Animals & dressed & packed it into Camp

Sun April 2d 1848 this morning packed our meat & started for Willow Springs 12 miles from our last camp here we dried our meat ready to start on the morrow to day was one of the most Windy days I ever saw we could hardly keep our feet saw many Buffalo to day; they have eat all the Grass in this country or left but little for our Animals

Mon 3d Last night the snow fell on us about 2 Inches came 28 miles to Plattfe] River on our way passed Poison Springs & a good spring for emgrants to water at also saw thousands of Buffalo' & killed 1 sage hen for supper

Tues 4th April crossed the River & continued down the same 16 or 17 miles & camped on account of one of our Animals giving out the Grass is so poor our horses & mules can barely subsist the Spring Grass is just beginning to start out of the Ground & there is but little dry feed; last night verry Windy

Wed 5th April After we camped yesterday a herd of fine Buffalo came near our Camp & we shot one & took the tallow & some of the best meat the Grass is so poor we came only 12 miles to deer creek & camped Deer Creek is a fine clear stream With much timber for this country saw some fine herds of Buffalo to day they are verry tame any number could be killed with ease here & on Sweet Water is a fine place for Emigrants to lay in for meat for Journying West this is one of the finest days we have seen sine we left the valley while walking about I discovered a fine bed of stone coal near our camp

Thur 6th April 1848. Came 5 miles then struck over the Blk hills passed a number of clear streams of water & camped on a creek near to Arch Bridge we killed one Antelope to day; about sun down our boys killed a Buffalo & brought some of the choicest meat & tallow into camp came 18 miles to day

Top: independence Rock, famous landmark of the Western trail, has been called the "Register of the Desert." It is near Wyoming State Highway 220 approximately seventy miles north and east of Rawlins. The print here reproduced is from a sketch by Frederick Piercy printed in Route from Liverpool to Great Salt Lake Valley, james Linforth, ed. (Liverpool, 1855).

Bottom: This print of a buffalo hunt on the plains is reproduced from a sketch by Frederick Piercy and first printed as a steel-engraving in Route from Liverpool to Great Salt Lake Valley, James Linforth, ed. (Liverpool, 1855).

Frid 7th 1848 came 19 miles to day; saw many Buffalo Elk & Antelope our Animals are failing the Grass is so poor they cannot find enough to eat

Sat 8th April came 18 miles over the most rough road among the Blk Hills we found no water the whole distance only from melted snow passed some Pine to day the buffalo are not so plenty here & the Grass is better camped at Kimball Spring

Sun 9th April 1848 —Last night soon after dark the wind commenced blowing & soon it commenced snowing from this time untill Sunday night the wind blew & the snow came from the North west without cessasion one of the most severe storms we have experiencd; conciquently we had to Lay by all day

Mon 10th April 1848 came about 15 miles to Bitter Wood creek & encamped to let our animals feed as they were kept tied all day Sunday

Tues 11th April came 15 miles to Warm Springs & drank of its waters & continued our Journey 15 miles farther to Fort John & encamped the weather appears to be settled yet we have cool nights with Frost with the wind in the North

Wed 12th left Fort John this morning & continued down the Piatt about 12 miles & came [to] a traders Lodge where through the acquaintane of Mr Wheatley who accompanied us from fort Bridger; we obtained 50 or 60 lb of fine dried Buffalo meat which was generously given us by the Gentleman of the Post this afternoon continued our Journey some 10 miles farther making about 22 miles

Thur 13 th traveled about 28 miles to day & camped in sight of Scotts Bluffs

Frid 14th Started without Breakfast & traveled 10 miles for Breakfast opposite Scotts Bluffs continued on Journey 12 miles farther making 22 miles to day

Sat 15th the weather has been fine since last Sundays storm & Grass is growing & the elements seems to rest from their War we experienced among the mts Started soon after sun rise & came 14 miles before we took breakfast past chimney rock to day it resembles a light house some 300 ft high from the bed of the River saw herds of Buffalo this afternoon we have now entered the Buffalo country again came 25 miles to day

Sun 16th April 1848 Started at Sun Rise & came about 12 miles to Breakfast then continued our Journey about 13 miles making 25 miles

Mon 17th April came 22 miles to day Buffalo crossed the River almost into our camp

Last night a herd of

Tues 18th came 4 or 5 miles to ash hollow here we left one of our animals which gave out supplied ourselves with some flour & Buffalo meat for a few days & continued our journey Some 10 miles & encamped

[There follows three (3) pages of illegible writing. However, some of the entries have been recopied on the following four (4) pages.]

Wed 19th April continued down the platte about 10 miles and encamped saw a herd of Buffalo feeding not far off we soon killed one took about 100 lb of the best of the meat & dryed it for packing for our use on the road here we also kill a goose & Prairie Chicking

Thursday 20th Started early saw many herds of Buffalo feeding killed one that was laying in our road he was to poor for our use came 25 miles

Fri 21t came about 16 miles & camped on an Island to obtain wood to dry our Buffalo meat for our Journey the remainder of the way fo[r] we expect soon to be beyond game of any kind crossed Buffalo creek to day a fine stream saw a herd of Buffalo feeding sent one of our men to kill one he soon gave us a signal that he had killed one went to him & found he had killed one two years old we got him in camp about sundown & set up nearly all night to Jerk it in order to start early the next morning

22 Sat Started about noon to day we was delayed in conciquence of our meat not being dry enough came 14 miles to day & camped

Sun 23d came about 28 m & encamped in a grove of timber one of our men did not come into camp as soon as we expected him we sent back after him but could not find him we made signals by fire & Guns but he did not come up we spent an anxious night for him while the wolves growled & snapped there teeth around us all night we was fearful he had fell in with Indians & killed

24th after looking some time this morning for the lost man started on our way came a few miles & found one of the horses our lost man had left & soon found him he had missed our camp & gone some 5 miles below our [camp] camped alone he said he did not sleep much on account of the wolves

[The entries for April 25 through 29 are illegible.] Started again & made 30 miles & camped without fire to elude the Indians

Mon May It 1848 Started before sun Rise & came 18 miles before breakfast continued our Journey 12 miles farther making 30 miles & camped on the Piatt below the Forks

Tues 2d May started Early & traveled 10 miles for Breakfast to the liberty pole when we came in sight of it we gave a Shout for Joy knowing we were only 16 miles from the Horn & 42 from Winter Quarters where we hope our Family & friends are we have not seen for nearly 2 years after breakfast continued our Journey crossed the Horn by Swimming ourselves & animals over; then traveled 8 miles & camped to avoid a band of Pawnees who were verry saucy and impident to us stoping our Pack animals & holding our horses by the bits till they had took whatever they fancied

Here the journal ends, but we know that Bliss and his companions reached Winter Quarters. The Manuscript History of Brigham Young (p. 35) and the Hosea Stout Journal both give the account of the arrival of the party from Utah. What we do not know is when and under what circumstances Robert Bliss met his family. A search of the records in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Historian's Library and the files of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers has produced no additional information about the Bliss family coming to Utah. however, a Bliss genealogy published in 1881 has this to say of the journalist.

Robert Stanton [Bliss], of Cold Springs, Cal., (son of Capt. John Bliss and Lucretia Bishop, of Avon, NY.,) was born in Montville, Conn., Aug. 1, 1805, and married in 1833, to Mary Payne. He was in the Mexican War in 1846-7, after which he went to California as a pilot or guide, with the first company of golddiggers, and died at Cold Springs, in 1851.

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