The Colony Guard: To California in '49

Utah Historical Quarterly

Vol. 51, 1983, No. 1

The Colony Guard: To California in '49

BY BRIGHAM D. MADSEN

IN MAY 1980 THE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS division of the University of Utah's Marriott Library acquired twelve letters and fourteen sketches produced by a young Englishman named John Hudson who had left his home in Birmingham, England, in August 1848 to become the agent for an uncle's import business in New York City. Hudson, an artist and the second son of a well-to-do, middle-class English family, had a good education and an eye for the picturesque and interesting in the sights and scenes of the New World. His letters describing the New York City area and his later travels from there across the plains to Salt Lake City as a member of the Colony Guard, a gold-hunting expedition destined for the new mines in California, constitute a refreshing look at conditions in America during the 1849 gold rush. The letters and a journal kept by Hudson when he worked as the artist for the Capt. Howard Stansbury exploration and survey of the Great Salt Lake in 1850 were published in April 1982 by the University of Utah as number eleven of the series Utah, the Mormons, and the West: Brigham D. Madsen, ed.,A Forty-niner in Utah: Letters and Journal of John Hudson (Salt Lake City: University of Utah Library, Tanner Trust Fund, 1982), 227 pp.

As described in A Forty-niner in Utah, Hudson's attempt to establish an agency for his uncle's business in New York failed due to an economic downturn, and the lure of gold on the American River in California led him to join the Colony Guard, a group of twenty-five young gentlemen who banded together to seek their fortunes in the new diggings. The adventurers adopted a printed constitution outlining the duties and the expected benefits of the company before departing New York City for the West in March 1849. In several letters dated from March to October of that year Hudson describes for his family in England the preparations for his transcontinental journey and the actual travel from New York by way of Philadelphia, and by steamboat down the Ohio River to St. Louis, and then up the Missouri to Kansas Landing which became the jumping-off place for his wagon trip across the plains. He indicated in one letter that he was keeping a journal describing his experiences on the trip, but the diary has evidently been lost, leaving us with only the brief descriptions in his letters of his travels to the West.

That, at least, was the state of affairs during the writing and publication of A Forty-niner in Utah and before one of those strange happenstances that occasionally occur during the research for a book. About ten days before the volume was scheduled to appear for sale in the bookstores as a finished product, the editor gave a talk to the Andrew Jenson Club, sponsored by the LDS church's Historical Department, an informal group that meets monthly in a luncheon session to discuss historical subjects of interest to the members. My subject was the forthcoming book on the letters and journal of John Hudson. After the meeting, Richard Jensen, one of the LDS historians present, informed me that he had recently come across a document in the LDS archives that had. some connection with the Colony Guard. Immediately following up on his suggestion, I discovered to my amazement that in a large leather-bound account book of the obvious vintage of about 1849, the first thirty-one pages were devoted to the minutes of the meetings of the Colony Guard from January 17, 1849, to the last entry dated "Prairie," May 10, 1849. The document was catalogued as part of the records of the Perpetual Emigration Fund of the LDS church because most of the remaining pages in the book had been utilized to keep the financial accounts of the fund established by Brigham Young to help new converts to the church emigrate to Salt Lake City. The journal had evidently been carried across the plains by the Colony Guard and had then been left in Salt Lake City as excess baggage as the gold hunters hurried on to California. A prudent and thrifty Mormon official had apparently come into possession of the book and had wisely decided to accept this manna from heaven to help keep his records.

Through a trade negotiated by the librarians at the LDS archives and the University of Utah, the original Colony Guard's minutes now are a part of the John Hudson Papers at the Marriott Library while the Perpetual Emigration Fund records repose in the LDS library. The leather-bound book is thinner by thirty-one pages, but both the librarians and the editor are convinced that this operation would have had the sanction of Solomon.

Convinced that the minutes of the Colony Guard should be published as a special account of the travels of a gold-hunting company of 1849, the editor offered it to the Utah Historical Quarterly. The document is presented here as one of those lost treasures of history that can now be added to our western heritage.

JANUARY 17TH. 1849.

Minutes of Meeting of the Colony Guards at 154 Greenwich St. New York On motion Mr. Saml. R. Fanshaw was called to the chair and Thos. L. Parker Secretary.

Reports of Committees being called for, Dr. McNulty stated that the Printing Committee had not had time to transact.

The Constitution was read for the benefit of those that had not heard it before. Motioned by Mr. Peeler that Monday evening of each week be appointed as the regular meeting Night of the Company Motioned by Dr. McNulty that a Committee be appointed to ascertain the safest and most practicable mode of depositing the funds.

On motion the Company adjourned till the following Monday.

THOS. L. PARKER JR. SEC PRO-TEM

JANUARY 22ND. 1849. On motion Mr S. R. Fanshaw was called to the chair and Mr Washburn appointed Secretary

Dr. McNulty presented the Constitution as prepared by the Committee which was read and on motion received, the Committee was discharged

On motion the Constitution was read and adopted by Sections with the following amendments. over

JANUARY 22ND. CONTINUED

In Sec. 9. Art. 3, after the word priviledge in the first line insert "of Course" and "right of

In Art. 6 in the first line after the word Company insert Accumulated in any manner in the 4th. line after the words "from the" insert "arrival at the mines" in the 7th line after the word "him" insert "up to the time of the first general distribution" — In Art. 8 in the 2nd. line after the words "from the" insert "the arrival at the mines" — with these alterations — the Constitution was adopted unanimously.

On motion the Committee on the Constitution was reappointed and a Committee on Printing composed of the following gentlemen Dr. Glynnes, Dr. McNulty, Mr. McKay and Mr. Cheney

On motion a Committee of Seven was appointed to make out a list of estimates for the different articles needed by this association — The following gentlemen were appointed to serve S. Hoes, T. F. Bank, N. Pelham, N. Peelor, D. W. Bucklin, S. K. Fanshaw and T. L. Parker.

On motion the meeting adjourned to meet on Wednesday Evening at 7 O.clock

H. A. WASHBURNSECRETARY

JANUARY 29TH. 1849

Mr. S. R. Fanshaw in the chair — T. L. Parker Secretary — Minutes read and approved

Report of Printing Committee accepted and bill ordered to be paid by assessment.

Report of Committee on Estimates read and accepted with the following amendments — The number of Red Flannel Shirts raised from 100 to 150 the Hicory shirts from 50 to 100 and 35 bbls. instead of 45 bbls. of navy beef were substituted

Report of Committee on Enquiry was called for and H. A. Washburn called upon Dr McNulty for the same - He stated that Mess. Spofford and Tileston 48 South St. a house of undoubted responsibility had agreed to take the agency - would receive the deposites of the Members and give a Receipt for the same and transact such other business as the Company might direct - the Report accepted.

Dr. McNulty moved that a Committee to receive signatures to the Constitution be appointed, motion carried and Mess. Winans Hudson McNulty Burrill and Parker were appointed to act as said Committee

Notice was then given that the Constitution would be in readiness the following day at 12 O.clock and the Committee would be in attendance to receive the signatures from that time til the 15th. of February. over

JANUARY 29TH. CONTINUED

On motion by Dr. McNulty Mess. Cheney Robinson & Hudson were appointed to obtain and empowered to hire a room for the future meetings of the Company

On motion the meeting adjourned till Monday Evening Feb. 5th. at whatever place the Committee should appoint.

FEBRUARY 5TH 1849.

THOS. L. PARKER JR.SEC. PRO. TEM.

Meeting called to order by S. R. Fanshaw chairman — Report of Committee to furnish room called for — Mr. Cheney stated that they had obtained the room formerly used by Dr. McNulty, and it would be for the future the general headquarters of the Company Report accepted.

Dr. McNulty stated that he had an interview with James Roach of Albany who represented a company of men of that place who had chosen a Sea route and bought about $400. worth of Provissions Lead & Powder — they proposed that if the Colony Guards would accept them and their goods at the prices they paid for for them they would join the Company whereupon it was moved they be accepted and the Secretary notify them of the same = Carried

Proposed by Dr. McNulty that the Secretary call the Roll and ask each person the following Questions - If he has the money on hand? — Can he get it by Feb. 15th.? — By the 20th? — By first of March? If at all?

FEBRUARY STH CONTINUED

To the first question 5 persons ans. Yea " _ second " 16 _ " " _ third 3 " _ " " _ fourth 1 _ " " _ fifth 1 _ "

Mr. Winans requested a list of the members be made out with their Trades and Professions affixed — it was accordingly made out and read to the meeting

The following persons volunteered to act as a Committee to be in attendance at the Office of the Colony Guards, and correspond with persons to obtain every information for the Company Mess. Van Ranst Hudson Parker Burrill Rourke 5 Glynne and Hayes

Dr. McNulty resigned his office as Treasurer Pro. Tern, and Dr. Glynne appointed instead.

An extra assessment was imposed on the members to defray the incidental expenses of the Company

The meeting adjourned till next Thursday Evening Feb Sth.

THOS. L. PARKERSEC. PRO. TEM.

FEBRUARY 13TH. 1849

Meeting called to order by Saml. R. Fanshaw as chairman On motion it was resolved to give increased publicity to the proceedings of the Colony Guards through the Daily Papers over

FEBRUARY 13TH. Continued A suitable advertisement was determined upon to appear 3 days in the Herald and the following 3 Days in the Tribune.

Proposed by Mr. Cheney that the Company purchase such articles as Beads Cheap Handkercheifs Blankets Silver trinkets and so forth to use for traficking with the Indians — Motion by C. D. Burrill that an appropriation be made for buying Spy Glass, Scales and Weights to be taken across the Country — Laid upon the Table.

Moved that Flour be sent round the Horn and Carried — Also 10 or 15 galls, of Oil and 3 Lanterns Also a Solar Lamp the above resolution was carried.

Dr. J. S. Burrill made a motion that an assessment be made to defray the expense for Room and Boy's wages An assessment of 60 1/2 cts was accordingly made and paid by the following persons Mess. Jones Hendell Griff Robinson Glynne W. and J. Rourke Peelor Conklin Hays Sands Hudson Winans Cheney Fowler Patterson Fanshaw and Ludlow.

The meeting tendered thanks to Mr. Parker on his resignation of Secretary for his assiduity in promoting the interests of the Company, Mr. John Hudson was appointed instead

Dr. Glynne resigned as Treasurer which was accepted and a vote of thanks offered by the Company - C. D. Burrill was appointed Treasurerinstead Meeting adjourned till Thursday evening -

T. L. PARKER SEC. PRO. TEM.

FEBRUARY 19TH 1849.

S. R. Fanshaw chairman — Minutes of the last meeting read by J. Hudson Secretary and approved.

Moved and carried that the Company meet on Monday and Thursday evenings — C. D. Burrill moved that the 2nd. Clause in the Constitution be reconsidered Carried

J. Hudson proposed as a substitution in place of the 2nd. Article. "The members of this Company shall be those that have deposited $400 in Bank to the credit of the Colony Guards & shall have signed the Constitution." The Colony Guard shall be composed of all those that have signed the Constitution by the first of March after which time the list shall be closed.

The Committee shall be empowered to purchase the Articles provided for the members of the Company for the Number that have become members according to the above regulations. Also if before the 1st. of March there should be 25 signatures the Finance Committee shall be elected and empowered to commence their purchases

The above was unanimously carried — Moved that 12 Colts Revolving Pistols be ordered at $35.37 each Carried & N. Pelham instructed to deliver the order over

Moved that a Committee be appointed to examine arms Also

The following gentlemen volunteered to examine Estimates Viz. For Clothing C. Burrill — Hardware J. Hudson — Provissions J. Winans — Meeting Adjourned till Thursday evening 22nd. February

FEBRUARY 22ND. 1849.

JOHN HUDSONSEC. PRO. TEM.

Saml. R. Fanshaw chairman Minutes of last meeting read and approved

Moved by Dr. McNulty that the members of the Colony Guard be notified of a meeting on Saturday evening convened for the Election of Officers and that only those who have signed the Constitution be entitled to vote, this motion seconded by Mr. Peelor and carried

The following Committee was appointed to examine Gold Washers Mess. McNulty Robinson and Griff.

Dr. McNulty moved that Serjeant Allsop be considered as a member furnishing him with Mules Provissions and Revolver on consideration of his services of orderly Serjeant until arrival at California when a further arrangement shall be entered into

Meeting adjourned till Saturday eve. for the Election of Officers

JOHN HUDSON SEC PRO. TEM.

FEBRUARY 24TH. 1849.

Mr. John Hudson was appointed Chairman and Wm. Rourke Secretary. Proposed that those persons morally sure of being one of the Colony

Guard may have the priviledge of voting and that the voters be all eligible to office.

Dr. McNulty proposed that the Constitution reading "No member holding two offices at the same time" be repealed this was seconded and carried

Moved and carried that the Officers be elected by Ballot The following officers were Elected

For Captain John McNulty, First Lieutenant M. H. Fowler, Second do James Glynne, Orderly Sergeant John C. Allsop, Surgeon John McNulty, Judge S.R. Fanshaw, Secretary Wm. Sands, Treasurer John Hudson, Chaplain John Hudson, Key Member Wm. Rourke

Finance Committee Chairman Saml. S. Abbott, Chas, D. Burrill, Noah Peelor, M.H. Fowler

Members of the Colony Guards John McNulty, John Hudson, Wm. Rourke, John Rourke, Levi M. Ludlow, Noah Peelor, Wm. Sands, Wm. J. Robinson, James A. Van Ranst, John Griff, Chas. A. Conkling, M.H. Fowler, Nathaniel Pelham, Saml. S. Abbott, Chas. D. Burrill, Saml. R. Fanshaw, John C. Winans, Edward Coker, Wm. H. Shearman, Jacob Hendel, Daniel W. Bucklin, James A. Patterson, C. Theodore Jacobus, W.S. Ball, Alanson Riker, James A. Glynne

FEBRUARY 26TH. 1849

At a meeting of the Colony Guard the regularly elected Chairman and Secretary filled their offices.

The Roll was called and the Estimates for each man read before the meeting it was then proposed & carried, that each man find his own knives and forks.

Moved by Sergeant Allsop and Seconded by that the Company travel in two messes instead of three and correct the Estimates accordingly. Also that they take 2 tents instead of 3 — Carried

Suggested that that the Company use the water-tight waggon in place of a Boat. Also that the following articles in the Estimates be abolished - Iron Chest, Blacksmith Bellows, and Beef intended for Shipping — Carried

Moved and carried that Mr. Colt be requested to furnish the required number of Revolvers by the first of April and that one of the Members remain to forward them

Moved by Mr. C. D. Burrill that $1.75 be the limit for a Knife — carried

Moved by Mr. Burrill seconded by Mr. Hudson that 9 1/2 lbs. be the minimum weight for Rifles — Carried

The following gentlemen were appointed Committee of Arms viz. Messrs McNulty Glynne and Allsop. over

FEBRUARY 26TH. 1849. CONTINUED

Moved by Mr. Burrill that the Government Over Coat with cape be substituted for the one first Considered also that 2 hickory shirts be allowed each man, both propositions carried.

Moved by Mr. Burrill seconded by Dr. McNulty that 4 dollars be apropriated for one pair Mackinaw Blankets for each man carried

Moved by Mr Ludlow that the Finance Committee procure Cider instead of Vinegar for Shipping — carried

Also moved and carried that wheels already tired be shipped instead of taking Barrows & that 2 Kegs of Cut Nails with 1 Keg of Wrought be sent.

Moved and Carried that 40 mules be purchased by Mess. Abbott & Pelham also 3 Baggage Waggons with Harness, 49 Also that they purchase necessaries for the Company beyond St. Louis according to the Colony Guards instructions.

Moved by Dr. McNulty that $ 1000. be given Messrs Abbott & Pelham to make purchases

It was decided to order from Mr. Dickenson 2 Pea Jackes 2 Pants and one over coat as agreed upon

Proposed and carried that an Advertisment be put in the Herald and that the Finance Committee purchase Books for the Company — The meeting then adjourned till next Thursday Evening

WM SANDS SECRETARY,

THURSDAY MARCH 1ST. 1849.

The meeting called to order by Captain McNulty — Minutes of last meeting read and accepted with corrections concerning nails it should have read 2 Kegs assorted cut nails and 25 lbs. wrought.

S. R. Fanshaw and E. Cocker signed the Constitution to the great satisfaction of the Company

Moved by E. Cocker seconded by Capt. Mc. Nulty that Screws, Screw drivers, and hinges be classed with the estimate of Locks & Keys — Carried

Moved by Mr. Fanshaw and seconded by Mr. Coker that 1 adze be added to the Estimates — Carried The list of Estimates was then read and corrected Mr. Abbott reported of the Finance Committee having bought Knives

Glazed Caps and made an agreement for Rifles for the Company

Mr. Peelor then stated that the above Committee had purchased provissions and saved nearly $125. according to the estimates — The Treasurer than reported the Expenses of the Colony Guards thus far.

Moved and carried that the expense of the Captain's going to Hartford to negociate for Revolvers, come out of the general fund of the Company

Suggested by C. D. Burrill that the already taxed members for $1.50 do not require the same refunded also that all who

over

MARCH 1ST. 1849.CONTINUED

joined the company afterwards invest the same amount— Motion made & carried.

Moved by Mr. Burrill seconded by Mr. Fowler that an additional $500 be given to Mess. Abbott & Pelham to facilitate their purchases for the Company making the amount given them $3000. Carried.

Moved by Mr. Coker, seconded by Mr. Hendell that each member may take an extra pair of pants, vest, cravats, pocket hdkfs, and 2 Extra Shirts if so inclined — Carried.

An Estimate of the Articles, each man's required to carry across the country was read — Moved by Mr. Peelor seconded by Mr. Hendell that the Captain, First and Second Lieutenant wear some distinguishing mark of Costume in the way of band on shoulder. Mr. Hudson moved that the Captain also wear a sash — both propositions carried.

The Treasurer then offered an amendment to the 2nd. Article of the Constitution, to be given to Mess. Spofford Tileston & Co. The meeting was adjourned till the following Saturday Evening

WM. SANDSSECRETARY

SATURDAY EVENING MARCH 3D. 1849

Minutes of last meeting read and accepted — Moved by Mr. Fowler seconded by Mr. Coker that each member take with him two towels on the Route — Carried

Moved by Mr. Hudson seconded by Mr. Fowler that a correct estimate of the articles on the Route for each individual be made out and that the weight do not exceed 4 pounds of said Estimate — Carried

Mr. Wm. H. Sherman then signed the Constitution of the Colony Guards and was cordially received by the Members.

Mr. Peelor in behalf of the Finance Committee reported the Articles purchased for the Company since the last meeting including some additional articles not before considered but thought very necessary by the Committee, the articles were approved of by the Company

Proposed and carried that the Bark Horatio be chosen for the first Shipment of the Company.

The meeting then adjourned till the following Monday Evening at 7 1/2 o clock

WM. SANDSSECRETARY

MONDAY EVENING MARCH 5TH. 1849

Roll called — Minutes of last meeting read and accepted — A distribution of clothing was made as far as practicable.

It was decided to keep the Red Flannel Shirts purchased from Wakemans

Mr. Patterson was proposed as a Member voted for by Ballot without a dissenting voice.

The purchases since last meeting were considered by the Company among which was a fine Gold Washer for $65.56

The Treasurer then reported having disbursed 3,931 dollars for the benefit of the Colony Guards.

Sand Spectacles were then considered as an individual article and Mr. Sherman deputed to make arrangements for them — Proposed by Mr. Coker that Taps and Dye be taken as part of the necessaries Motion made and Carried.

The Meeting was adjourned till the following Friday Evening at 7

O.clock

WM. SANDS SECRETARY

MARCH 5TH. 1849. NEW YORK

Invoice of Goods from Doremus & Nixon in bale to be Shipped for Independence via St. Louis. *

MARCH 5TH

Invoice of Mds. from Seaman & Bowne Shipped on board the Bark Horatio from San Francisco

Marked Colony Guard — 9 Barrels Beans

MARCH 5TH

Invoice of Mdz. from Miles & Gillman 60 Shipped on board the Bark Horatio for San Francisco.

Marked Colony Guards — 1 Roll Leather

MARCH 6TH.

Invoice of Mdz from Otis & Woodward 01 Shipped on board of the Bark Horatio for San Francisco

Marked Colony Guard — 1 Keg Lead

MARCH 6.

Invoice of Mdz. from Allen & Paxton Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Francisco

Marked Colony Guard — 10 bbls. Rich. City Mills 03 S. Fine Flour

MARCH 6.

Invoice of Mdz. from Rufus Park 04 Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Francisco

Marked Colony Guards

3 bbls. Cider 1 Keg Ginger

NEW YORK MARCH 6 — 1849. Invoice of Goods from Wetmore & Co. Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Francisco

Marked C.G.

12 Bars Iron 5 Bundles Iron 3 Crowbars 1 Bar. Steel 1 Vise 1 Case Goods 2 Cask Nails 1 Box Axes 2 Bundle Shovels

MARCH 6. Invoice of Mdz. from Victor Bishop 00 Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Francisco. Marked

Colony Guard — 2 Cases containing 1 Gold washer 1. & 2.

MARCH 6.

Invoice of Mdz. from Ephre Treadwell's Son 07 Shipped on Bark Horatio for San Francisco.

Marked Colony Guards — 6 hhds. Navy Bread

MARCH 6.

Invoice of Mdz. from J. S. Beams & Co. 08 Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Francisco

Marked Colony Guards

MARCH 6. 1849.

2 bbls. Sugar 2 bags Coffee 2 bbls. Rice 1 box Soap V2 chest Soucheng Tea

NEW YORK

Invoice of Goods from Miller & Parsons 09 Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Franciso.

Marked Colony Guards - One barrel - Fruit

MARCH 6.

Invoice of Mdz. from J. H. Ransen & Co. 70 Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Francisco.

Marked Colony Guards — 2 Cases — Boots

MARCH 7.

Invoice of Goods from Wetmore & Co. Shipped on board Bark Horatio for San Francisco

Marked C G

1 Bellows 3 Ps. Sheet Iron 1 Bundle Dye

FRIDAY EVENING MARCH 9TH. 1849.

After the reading of the minutes of last evening the Invoices of Shipments for San Francisco were read to the Company. The Treasurer then Reported the Financial accounts.

Capt. McNulty proposed the Company travel in the 2nd. class Cars to Philadelphia. Motion made and carried

Chas. A. Conkling was elected by Ballot as substitute for John Griffby Unanimous vote

Wm. S. Ball was then proposed as a member by the Captain — voted for by ballot and accepted.

Mr. Conkling then erased John Griffs name on the Constitution and substituted his own — The meeting was adjourned till Monday evening 7 O clock.

WM. SANDSSECRETARY

MONDAY EVENING MARCH 12TH. 1849

Roll called — Minute of last meeting read and accepted with the amendment of Charles A. Conkling joining the Company "in place" of John Griff instead of going as Mr. Griffs substitute.

Motion was made by Mr. Hudson amended Mr. Burrill seconded by Mr. Fanshaw that a Telegraphic communication be given to Mr. Colt requesting a punctual fullfillment of his contract concerning Revolvers with an additional 3.

Resolved that if the Pistols are not delivered by the 26th. to telegraph to Mr. Colt for the reason of the delay and also

FRIDAY EVENING MARCH 9TH.CONTINUED

telegraph the answer to St Louis informing the Company and wait for further instructions Mr Fanshaw was deputed to transact the above.

Sample Rifles from Blunt & Simms were inspected by the Company and objected to on account of being too light in weight. Motion was made and carried in favor of useing hair triggers Rifles Proposed by Mr Fanshaw and seconded by Mr. Peelor that a Committee of 3 be appointed to purchase the best Rifle for 15 dollars for the use of the Company. The Captain appointed Serjeant Allsop Mr. Bucklin and Mr. Robinson to act.

The meeting was then adjourned till the following WednesdayEvening —

WM. SANDS SECRETARY

WEDNESDAY EVENING MARCH 14TH. The minutes of last meeting were read and amended by adding the Captain on the Committee for purchasing the Rifles — The Captain then reported that the United States Rifles were the most judicious they could procure and that they had purchased them with some extra articles necessary with the armes The purchases were approved of by the Company.

Motion was then made by the Judge seconded by Mr. Hendel and amended by the Captain that the members that do not start at the time ordered and

WEDNESDAY EVENING MARCH 14TH. CONTINUED

appointed be expected to pay their own expenses to Independence Carried unanimously.

Mess. Hendell Shearman Fanshaw Ball Winans and Titus volunteered to do the packing for the overland route after which the Meeting adjourned sine die

WM SANDSSECRETARY

SATURDAY EVENING MARCH 24TH. 1849. Meeting called to order by the Captain in the Pilot's Room on board the Steamboat Hindoo

After reading the minutes of the last meeting Mr. Wm. Rourke was renominated and elected as Key Member

The Treasurer then reported the account of the finances of the Company —the disbursments for travelling and necessaries of the Company had been so much more than anticipated that it was thought advisable to draw the balance of the funds in the keeping of Spofford & Tileston and to abandon the second shipment of provisions to San Francisco — Moved by Mr. Coker and seconded by Mr. Hendel that the Treasurer send an order from Cincinnati to Spofford Tileston & Co. for the balance of Money belonging to the Colony Guards — Carried

A gold test purchased by Mr. Ludlow was discussed and thought necessary for the Company who agreed to pay Ten Dollars being the price paid for it by Mr. Ludlow It was also agreed to buy a Spy Glass from Mr. Burrill at the price the Captain of the Hindoo should assess and that the Glass be for the use of the Company. The Meeting was then adjourned —

WM SANDS - SECRETARY

WYANDOTT IND SUB AGENCYAPRIL 11TH 1849

To the Colony Guards

You are hereby permitted to buy for reasonable consideration of any person belonging to Wyandott Nation of Indians any property which they may wish to Dispose of, this to be in force for the term of thirty days and no longer.

YOURS MOST RESPECTFULLY RICHARD HEWITT IND SUB AGENT FOR WYANDOTTS

KANSAS SATURDAY EVENING

APRIL 21 - 1849 After the reading of the Minutes and calling the Roll the Constitution with its amendments were read.

John C. Winans then signed the Constitution in place of Saml. R. Fanshaw — Mr. Winans then stated that the agreement between Mr. Fanshaw and himself was that they share equally the benefits of one Member of the Company and that the Treasurer send an order to Mr. Fanshaw reading thus-

The Treasurer of the Colony Guard will pay to the order of Saml. R. Fanshaw half the profits of my share at the expiration of the One Year after the arrival at the Mines.

Moved by Mr. Hudson and seconded by Mr. Bucklin that Levi M. Ludlow fill the office of Key Member for the following Month

Moved and seconded that the Article in the Constitution requesting an immediate election in case of a vacancy in office be suspended pro-tem. the Meeting then adjourned.

PRAIRIE SATURDAY EVENING

WM. SANDSSECRETARY

APRIL 28. 1849

After the usual preliminaries of the meeting the Captain made some well timed remarks respecting the Company's being all together and well with the hope that they may long remain so.

Moved by Mr. Patterson Sec. by Mr. Winans that Mr. Wm. J. Robinson be elected to fill the vacancy of Judge, expected to be filled by Mr. Fanshaw and the article in the Constitution concerning elections by ballot was suspended and Mr. Robinson elected Judge of the Colony Guard unanimously by acclamation. over

SATURDAY, APRIL 28TH - CONTINUED A lively discussion concerning the Members doing their share of necessary work then followed and elicited a few side-wipes and unpleasant retorts.

The Captain made a motion that any member who felt an inclination have the priviledge of taking an average Mule and the Companies Armes & Clothes and leaving the Company this motion was seconded by Mr. Abbott and carried unanimously

Resolution was then carried that the Members apprise the Captain or officer in command in case he leaves the camp on Private business

The Treasurer then gave the Meeting a statement of his Cash act. The Meeting adjourned till next Monday Evening-

These

MONDAY EVENING

WM SANDSSECRETARY

APRIL 30TH. 1849 After the reading of last meetings minutes the Company's finances were considered and a motion carried that 25 dollars be given to the finance committee in order to purchase some necessaries there being nothing else of importance the Meeting adjourned.

WM SANDS SECRETARY

PRAIRIE THURSDAY MORNING

MAY 10 - 1849

The Meeting was convened by the Captain who related some conversation of the previous evening between two of the Members tending to the disparagement of the Company and the Captain who accused Mr. Robinson of having talked of and treated him disrespectfully also questioning the Captains integrity by his having private designs on the company to further his own interests - As the accused was the Judge his resignation was tendered and accepted —

THURSDAY MAY 10. 1849 Charles A. Conkling was Nominated and regularly elected by ballot to fill the vacancy of this office of Judge of the Colony Guard the following Members were drawn as Jurors to try the charges against Wm. J. Robinson Viz. D. W. Bucklin. C. D. Burrill. S. S. Abbott. J. A. Van Ranst. N. Pelham. A Riker N. Peelor. J. A. Glynne W. L. Ball. L. M. Ludlow J. Rourke. J. A. Patterson.

Mr. Bucklin was sworn as witness for the plaintiff and related some conversation between Mr. Robinson & Mr. Coker asserting their beleif [,s?c] that the Company must disband and otherwise agreeing with part of the accusation.

Mess. Pellor and Abbott were next sworn in and corroborated the Statement made by Mr. Bucklin.

Edward Coker was then sworn in to relate the conversation referred to between himself and Mr. Robinson Mr. Coker allowed that they did say the company would separate and talked of the Medicine Chest having cost $300 and the Captain having it at the disposition of the Company's stock.

Mr. Riker was sworn and said he had frequently heard the accused assert that he did not care a dam for what the Captain said and when at Liberty Mr. Robinson neglected branding the Mules, thinking it unnecessary although urged by Mr. Riker to have it done.

Mr Pelham was next called for as evidence and said that Mr. Robinson thought the Captain had too much power also that the accused had electioneered and figured for the office of Judge that he had talked of leaving the Company at times spoken well of the Captain at others disrespectfully

THURSDAY MAY 10. 1849 Mr. Hendel was sworn and affirmed that he urged Mr Robinson to brand the Mules at Liberty but Mr. Robinson did not do so.

Mr. Robinson then chose Mr. Patterson as a witness who said that the accused had electioneered for beingjudge and that in case he could get the Captaincy he would correct some of the features of the Company abolishing the drilling that Mr. Robinson and himself were both opposed to branding the Mules on Sunday also that the accused often spoke well of the Captain but had heard when in New York that Dr. McNulty was a little rascal. Mr. Peelor questioned Mr. Patterson regarding Mr. Robinson's views when in California, but elicited nothing.

Mr. Robinson then questioned Mr. Patterson about thier [sic] conversations with Mr. Pelham but the only new evidence was the probability of the Captains superintending the Melting of Gold in California

Mr. Pelham was cross examined and said that during the accused figuring he had stated of doing away with the Sunday Service and therby gaining the good will of some of the non-professional

The Judge then called on the accused who said he had nothing further to state in his behalf

The Captain made a few remarks requesting the Jury to not consider the matter personally that from the things Mr. Robinson had said he did not like to travel with such a man and he certainly heard the accused say that the party must seperate [sic]

Mr. Robinson said that he had uniformly spoken well of the Captain and only otherwise when in an excited or provoked mood.

Mr. Fowler was proposed by Mr. Peelor and Mr. Peelor proposed Mr. Fowler as First Lieutenant but as Mr. Peelor decidedly declined Mr. Fowler was elected. Mr. Glynne was nominated and elected as Second Lieutenant. Mr. Hendell was elected for Sergeant. Mr. Glynne moved that a vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Hudson for his satisfactory Treasuryship Mr. Peelor was proposed as Treasurer and elected. Chas. A. Conkling was unanimously elected as Judge Dr. McNulty as Surgeon. Mr. Ball was

elected as Substitute for Mr. Peelor in the finance Committee the balance of the Committee remained unaltered.

Mr Hudson was retained as Chaplain Mr Wm. Rourke was elected as Key Member.

Mr Conkling proposed the propriety of rations being given out for the balance of the Journey, the Company agreed to try % lb of Bread stuffs per day The meeting was adjourned pro. tem.

WM. SANDS SECRETARY

Table**

These Men left Fort Laramie 19th. July with Rifle Dragoon Saddles and Bridles and four Government Horses One large Bay. One large chestnut sorrel. One Bay and a stout built Iron Grey all branded on the left fore shoulder thus MER - Also a small letter E in the left fore hoof.

The May 10 entry was the last of the recorded minutes of the meetings of the Colony Guard, probably because so many of them became seriously ill with cholera that the chief concern became to get the party to Salt Lake City and possible help instead of following the original plan to travel by way of Fort Hall. After a short stay in Salt Lake Valley about ten of the healthy members of the company continued across the Nevada deserts under the leadership of John McNulty and apparently arrived at the diggings without any uncommon suffering.

The other travelers, thirteen in number and with the exception of John Hudson, regained their health sufficiently to join a caravan of 107 wagons under the guidance of a Mormon frontiersman, Jefferson Hunt, who started from the Utah settlements on October 2 to take the southern route to Los Angeles. At a point near Mountain Meadow in southern Utah, a portion of the company split off to take a "shortcut" to California under the leadership of a man named O. K. Smith. Meeting almost impassable mountains and canyons, most returned to the main trail to follow Hunt and reached Los Angeles without too much difficulty. Five of these were former Colony Guard members: C. D. Burrill, W. S. Sands, W. H. Shearman, J. Hendel, and D. W. Bucklin. Edward C. Coker chose to go with the Smith group, part of which finally traversed the area known since then as Death Valley.

The only other member of the Colony Guard whose fate has been recorded as he journeyed to California was William Robinson. Independent as ever, he followed O. K. Smith, finally traveling through Panamint Valley and after suffering intensely from lack of water, reached a spring in Antelope Valley where, on about February 1, 1850, he was brought "into camp in an exhausted condition . . . and, when he drank too much water, died."

As for John Hudson whose letters to his family in Birmingham, England, have left us a rich description of life in frontier Utah, he was nursed back to health and strength by a countryman, W. W. Major, a convert to Mormonism. Hudson then spent the winter of 1849-50 as the school teacher at Fort Utah, now Provo, Utah, but then a log stockade built for security from Indian attacks. In late February young Hudson finished his pedagogical duties just in time to participate in a sanguinary two-day battle with the local tribe of Ute Indians. Returning then to Salt Lake City he was hired by Capt. Howard Stansbury as the artist member of the expedition that explored and surveyed the Great Salt Lake during the spring and early summer of 1850. Hudson's journal, along with those of Stansbury, Lt. John W. Gunnison, and Albert Carrington, constitutes one of the very interesting reports of western exploration by a government party. The sketches of scenes around Great Salt Lake that appeared in the official Stansbury report were by Hudson, who also left fourteen heretofore unpublished drawings in the collection that was sent to his family in Birmingham. The fourteen sketches have been reproduced in A Forty-niner in Utah.

After the stint with Stansbury, Hudson hired out as the secretary for one of the Mormon justices of the peace for a summer of litigation involving contentious gold emigrants who wished to end their trail contracts and divide their possessions before continuing their journey to California. Sometime during his year among the Mormons, Hudson joined the Saints' church although he did not reveal the fact to his relatives in England. In September 1850 he was "called" by Brigham Young as part of a group of one hundred men and families to help strengthen a new settlement in Sanpete Valley, over a hundred miles south of Salt Lake City. In December he contracted pneumonia while residing at Sanpete and died on the fourteenth of that month. Two of the Mormon officials at Sanpete wrote his father the distressing news, and apparently his old friend W. W. Major carried Hudson's last effects, including the fourteen sketches of western scenes, to the family in Birmingham when he went on a proselyting mission to England two years after Hudson's death. Hudson was buried in an unmarked grave in Manti, Utah, a victim of the physical debilitation he had suffered from cholera during his trip across the plains.

Although the recently discovered minutes of the meetings of the Colony Guard should have been a part of the book, A Forty-niner in Utah, it was a historian's fate to discover the existence of the document only after the book was already in print. But then, one can take the Pollyanna view that except for a chance talk before a group of LDS historians, the minutes might never have been brought to light at all. They are a significant contribution to the history of western travel during the gold rush and especially of a unique group of New York "gentlemen" who, as the Colony Guard, sought their fortunes in the golden mines of California.

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