On and on.  Independence Rock, Sweet Water, and Devil’s Gate were passed.  Members of our train had observed two men who traveled with us, yet held themselves aloof.  They appeared to prefer their own company, and while they traveled along with us, probably for protection, they always camped by themselves.  Some said they were Mormons, while others asserted they were merely a selfish pair.  One day one of the men was missing.  The other on being questioned gave evasive and very unsatisfactory replies.  His actions excited the suspicions of our men.  He appeared anxious to get ahead and left us, making a long night drive.  It was then determined to make an investigation.  Two of our party mounted good horses and started back on the trail.  Each camp was carefully examined until they were rewarded by finding the body of a murdered man beneath the ashes of a camp fire, buried in a shallow grave.  By riding all night they overtook the train, before starting back burying the body of the unfortunate traveler.  The news spread rapidly and a party followed the murderer.  He was soon overtaken and halted at the muzzles of rifles.  When the train came up a council was held.  Probably a hundred wagons were halted.  It was determined to give the man a trial.  The evidence was conclusive, and after conviction the miserable wretch confessed all, but begged for mercy.  He said the murdered man had picked him up out of pity and was taking him through for his company and his help.  There being no trees, three wagons were run together, the wagon tongues being raised to form a tripod and to answer for a gallows.  To the center of the tripod a rope was attached with the other end around the neck of the trembling, writhing, begging wretch.  But he had committed a cruel, cold-blooded murder and his crime could not be condoned.  He was stood on the back of a horse, and a sharp cut being given the animal the wretch was swung into eternity.  A grave had been dug and into this the body of the murderer was placed.  The property of the murdered man was taken through to the settlements.  His relatives were communicated with, the property sold and the proceeds sent to the proper owners.  Such was the swift but terrible justice administered on the plains.  Without law or officers of the law, there was no other course to pursue consistent with safety to the living.

July 4th, 1852, we reached Green river.  Traders had established six ferry boats at the crossing.  In order to keep down competition, five of the boats were tied up and the sum of $18 was demanded for each and every wagon ferried over the stream.  They had formed a kind of “trust,” as it were, even in that day.  The rate was pronounced exorbitant, unfair, outrageous, and beyond the ability of many to pay.  Train after train had been blocked until a city of tents had been formed.  On the morning of the 4th a meeting of immigrants was called to discuss the situation.  A few counseled moderation, compromise,