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Show 14 NATIONAL WAGON ROAD GUIDE. steamer, as that another party of etnjgrants, by the plains, will become the victims of a like tragedy. We do not believe that the same unjustifiable conduct towards the Mormons, would be sufficient, alone, to induce them to permit even their Indian allies to re-enact so fearful a butchery, knowing, as well they ·must, the consequences that would inevitably result from it. The Mormons have really secured, whether by arti- .. :flee, pretended or real friendship, it matters not, an almost absolute control over the entire body of th~ Indians of Utah Territory ; and as little or no danger need be apprehended from Indians, except at the instance of Mormon instigation and guidance, we believe that every apprehension that a like calamity may oceur again, can be laid aside. That there are a few small bands of Indians, miserable beings at best, along some portion of .the route, ever ready, and seeking every opportunity to steal the stock of the emigrant, there is not a doubt, and that diligence and watchfulness are necessary to prosecute the journey successfully, we do not deny ; but, to twenty resolute men in a company, exercising due diligence, and minding their own business onlv, while in,the .I t>-( Mormon country, that there is any real danger to be feared from Indians, we do not believe, and therefore should not hesitate a moment in choosing this route, to or fron1, the Eastern States, in preference to any other. By due d·iligence, we ~ean the exercise of proper dis·.. cretion in the choice of camping grounds, the disposition m·ade of stocl: during the night, and the care and watch- . NATIONAL WAGON ROAD GUIDE. 15 fulness to be constantly observed throughout the entire • JOUrney. In regard to camping grounds, never make a night ca1np in a canon, or narrow gorge between hills or mountains, when it can possibly be avoided ; and by giving attention to the guide herein contained, it always can be. Never camp in the immediate vicinity, or within arrow range of inaccessible bluffs, or near extensive tracts of '\\rillows, that border in many places the streams along the route; for it is a common practice, when op- . portunity offers, for the Indians to wound the emigrants' stock~ causing death if possible, though afraid to appear, or avail themselves of their dead booty, till after the train has passed on; so that when it is pos~ible always make choice of open ground for camping. But should the emigrant, desirous of making the journey to California overland, asK for an ad_ditional reason why w.e can see no danger from Indians or 1\Iormons, as likely to befall future emigration by this route, we offer the one based upon the certain security afforded by the · presenee of bodies of United States troops, passing-as · they most assuredly 'vill be in future-in one or both directions, during the season of emigration, or stationed at numerous posts along the route. IS IT A PL.E. ASURE TRIP? There are those who speak of making the passage of the plains a pleasure trip, from beginning to end. Don't I |