During the crusade, I suffered my family to become scattered. It was one of the errors of my life. The principle of plural marriage came from God; and when honestly lived up to, it purifies the life and enlarges the soul. On the same reasoning, since the Manifesto was adopted, it should be honored, because it came from God, for the temporal salvation of his people. And now that plural marriage is barred by law, that does not justify men, when in power, in being cruel and oppressive, as some of the judges and many of the marshals were. The intent of the law is to render justice, tempered with mercy; but in this suppression of polygamy in Utah, the Roman idea, that to the "victor belongs the spoil" was adopted; and I felt then, as I do now, that it was unjust and cruel. Chapter 35. Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Salt Lake Valley, as it lay in eighteen forty-seven, Was a desert desolate. Its parched wastes were given As a play ground for the hot winds that in whirlpools Sent clouds of alkali dust whirling through the air, Poisoning with its white breath the scant vegetation existing there. And in the summer, from the grey, sunburned bench lands, Looking westward, the glimmering lake, and the glistening sands Of the great American desert, met the traveler's view. Forming a horizon, beyond which no white man knew. Only the red man whispered, "Not many moons ago A train of white men's wagons passed along the southern shore, Vanished in the murky mirage, and were seen no more; Save one, who with tattered clothes, emaciate, and footsore, Came to our camps, and with feverish greed-- Snatched our cricket meal, and wild grass seed; By signs explained that all his friends were dead, That he alone was left, the backward trail to tread." No more was learned, and this gruesome view Was magnified by Bridger, to the exiles of Nauvoo. The pioneer camp was silent, no boisterous laughter there; Each step was still and careful, each word a whispered prayer. In Wilford Woodruff's carriage, the Prophet Brigham lay Burning with mountain fever, no skill of theirs could stay. O Father, spare thy servant--we need his helping hand To guide Thy people's footsteps, till they reach the promised land. No power but Thine can save him. Shall thy people plead in vain? Stay Thou, the burning fever that is racking him with pain. They were camped in Echo Canyon, between those massive walls That send back an echo to the thunder's pealing calls. But the very voice of nature seemed hushed upon that day And the peace of God came to them; a peace that came to stay. Again the voice of Brigham, like Joseph's, rings out clear; 'Tis firm, bold, and decisive, banishing doubt and fear; "Let Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow move on with half the train, And when you reach the Valley, go northward o'er the plain Till you strike a mountain brooklet; then camp and sow your grain, And you shall reap a harvest. Push on, and do not doubt--