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Show 173 would require eight days to cross-for the Indians had informed him that there way only one small spring on their course, and it might be dry. Dame thought it was now time to contact Brigham Young and relieve him of some of the anxiety which he had manifested before they departed on April 7. As the two Indian guides obtained on Shoal Creek were anxious to return home, a communication could be sent into the settlements with them. Dame wrote a lengthy letter to Young describing the organization of his company and its movements up to the present. He also included a description of the country they had traveled through. After discussing the possible merits of Meadow Valley, he announced the discovery of the high range saying they were "supposed to be the White Mountains." "The prospects are bright before us," he exclaimed. "All feel anxious to reach the Big Snow Mountain; and they desire to fill the mission assigned them. All feel to thank tbe Lord for the strong hills and t i l deserts. Tomorrow morning if all is well we proceed on our journey.... This letter took sixteen days to reach Brigham Young. Notwithstanding p its positive tone, Young expressed disatisfaction with Dame's report. The reason for this is still unclear unless it was that things were not progressing fast enough to meet the urgency of the situation. Several of the company took the opportunity to send messages with the "Indian express," as it was called. Dame sent a letter to his family which began: "Affectionate Wives, One hundred and fifty miles from you on the side of a big mountain, by these springs, I find myself, all well and hope you are well." Dame continued: I have just come down from the top of a big mountain looked hard to see you, but alas: the distance to great, though felt you were well and had not forgot to pray for me, I then looked west and saw the White Mountains about 125 miles off, one small spring from here to them, we shall start |