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Show and there was only one week's supply of flour left. People tried to travel on to meet the rescue party, but fresh snow and weakened oxen created an impossible situation. Most of the people had walked much of the way, if not all. Great distress existed with inadequate clothing in rags-and makeshift, icy coverings on their bruised and bleeding feet. As evenings approached, mud froze on their feet and clothing, Many people begged to rest but it was necessary to shake or otherwise abuse them--to compel them to keep moving and avoid freezing. They reached Devil's Gate, Wyoming, about 1 November- There were around twelve hundred persons in the combined companies. Most of their belongings were unloaded and stored there in a stockade. Then they tried to move on with lighter loads, but more snow fell and was drifted deep by cold winds. It was an impossible situation, and for several days the companies were compelled to remain snowbound, suffering in their hunger, while being exposed to the cold. They did not see the sun for days, and temperatures were far below zero. LARS FAILS AND DIES It was while they were encamped at Devil's Gate that Lars Madsen died on one of the first days of November. The exact date was not recorded as too many people were dying for others to give full attention to recording details. A search in the Church Historians Office has failed to produce such a record. 18 |
