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Show 369 the fact. Johnson claimed that after leaving the Pahranagat Valley, they went west "to wher [sic] Rhylite [[Rhyolite, Nevada] now stands." This Is doubtless the source for Jenson's claim the "Bro. Johnson led some of the party as far west as Death Valley." (L.D.S. Biographical Encyclopedia, 3:131.) Rhyolite, now a ghost town, is near Death Valley, far from Pahranagat Valley. Johnson was obviously in error, however, as there was not sufficient time for him to deviate that far from his direct course, a distance of 200 miles in seven days. The contemporary accounts and maps of the expedition also Indicate only a direct course. It is probable that Johnson did not know the location of Rhyolite (built many years after the White Mountain Expedition) in relation to his own explorations, just as Bean mistook Steptoe Valley for Ruby Valley. 26. Dame, "Guide for the Desert Camp," p. 3. Also see William H. Dame to Brigham Young, 26 toy I858, Brigham Young Papers, L.D.S. Archives. 27. Dame, "Guide for the Desert Camp," p. 3. 28. tortineau's maps do not accurately portray the depth of Johnson's southern penetration. Since tortineau was not a member of Johnson's exploring party, he could only attempt to reconstruct the route from the reports he received. |
