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Show Nettie, Page 26 scarcely detracted from her excitement. A big campfire roared not too near the wagons and the pioneers sat on wagon tongues or on the ground or on buckboards and listened while Elder Woodruff introduced the newcomers, the Peterson family, and spoke for a few minutes. Only one or two more families were expected to round out Company Two and it was expected they would move out within the next day or so. Apostle Woodruff then called on the company's captain, George Taggart to speak. Nettie and Becky, Capt. Taggart's daughers, had a guitar and while one played, the other led the group in singing. They sang only a couple of songs, a favorite hymn, and a fun song, then the company's chaplain, John Simmons stepped forward and all bowed their heads in prayer. "Father in Heaven, we assembled here give thanks for the opportunity which is ours. We give thanks to thee for the gospel and for the fellowship and love we feel for one another. We pray for thy guiding hand through these next weeks, Father. We pray for a spirit of harmony to prevail in this company and for thy protection and guidance in all that we do. Protect our families and loved ones, our livestock and wagons as well, that we may arrive at the destination thou would have us reach, in Jesus' name. Amen." Nettie hated to see the evening come to an end. She was still wide awake, and the company of the other members was a stimulus to her imagination. But she said her goodbyes obediently when Mama called it was time to go and started walking toward the wagon. While waiting for the other families to round out their company, the Saints spent their time checking gear, mending harnesses, greasing |