Letter to the Editor of American Heritage Magazine
in response to David Roberts article, The Awful March of the Saints
8/23/2008
Edwin S. Grosvenor
American Heritage
Editor@americanheritage.com
Ref. The Awful March of the Saints, Fall 2008 by David Roberts
Dear Sir,
I am amazed and disappointed that your publication would allow such an undocumented, prejudicial and inaccurate account of a tragic episode that occurred years ago. It was indeed a tragedy and did concern the lives of a group of innocent people who were fleeing from the religious intolerance of the European nations to the new world, which was founded on the basis of religious freedom for the individual.
Mr. Grosvenor, you must realize that an untruthful and biased retelling of the tragedy would not only bring untold sorrow to many of your readers, but would dishonor the names of those who gave their lives in seeking for the promise.
I point with pride to the life of my little Danish grandmother, who though not of this ill-fated company, nevertheless at the tender age of 15 was a member of an earlier group, who helped push and pull and walk the entire distance. She, of course, was one of the poor working-class of Europe that Mr. Roberts referred to. But had he been a learned journalist, he would have known that Mr. Charles Dickens, yes the famous Dickens himself, who after visiting an immigrant ship in London Harbor, filled with Mormon Saints as they were called, declared that the fruit and flower of England were leaving it's shores bound for America.
That his words were prophetic is illustrated by the numerous settlements, the majestic buildings, the talents and achievements that were needful in the building of the West and the beautification of the desert. Surely Mr. Roberts is aware that the leader of this band of illiterates, President Brigham Young, has been referred to as the Modern Day Moses, and the epic journeys of the Latter-day Saints have been favorably compared to the earlier-day Israelites in their forty year sojourn in the wilderness. I am sure that Mr. Roberts, in all of his journalistic research, would be able to ridicule that great leader and his illiterate band of fanatics as well.
As to Mr. Robert's "dig" at Brigham Young for riding in a fast, light, well-made carriage, this again reveals his lack of research as well as his ignorance on the subject. It is well known that President Young made several trips back and forth on his 1300 mile journey in overseeing the wellbeing of the Saints. I am sure he must have enjoyed every single mile in this air conditioned set of wheels.
As to President Young's referring to the handcart method of crossing the plains as a "divine scheme," I am wondering where Mr. Roberts came up with that assertion. I am 85 years old, well read in church history, lived for a time with my grandmother who experienced the ordeal personally, and I can't recall hearing or reading the phrase. Perhaps it is somewhere in his notes or the words of his single source of information, one Mrs. Loader? He gives no details, but is gracious enough to reveal that she lived to the ripe old age of 95, a well known and popular pillar of her community. Apparently, she was not one of the many who deserted the faith and became embittered by their life harrowing experience.
I am aware that there were and are today former members of the church who for one reason or another have left the church. (I think this is common to most denominations.) However, I am not aware of a single member of the Martin Handcart Company who denied their faith or even complained about the ordeal. To the contrary, there is a well documented account of a brother member of the group, who after listening to a group of his peers give their opinions, both pro and con on the subject, arose to his feet and quietly told those who had not been a part of the ordeal to be quiet, that none present understood. He concluded by saying it was during the terrifying ordeal that he had found his God. I feel that Mr. Roberts wouldn't be able to fathom what that brother considered sacred.
I am equally certain that in his lofty search for the truth, Mr. Roberts is also unaware that the ill-fated group, in their zeal to gather with their people in the Great Basin, disregarded the counsel of other leaders, who cautioned them about the lateness of the season. Nor is he aware that in their impatient zeal, the only lumber they could procure to build their carts was green and not well-seasoned. Thus the axles and other working parts began to break down on the plains, further delaying their journey. Of course, they should have been aware of the coming early winter and made arrangements to forestall it for an indefinite time. As to the weather, I am sure that Mr. Roberts has our global warming well in hand.
Mr. Roberts' intelligent research should have alerted him to the fact that the handcart method of getting people economically and swiftly from point A to Z was indeed a time-tested mode of travel. After all, oxen or even the much sought after horse teams were not known to break any speed records. Mr. Roberts should also have been aware that in addition to the 17 lbs of freight allowed per cart, each company had an accompanying covered wagon with additional provisions. Of course his story is better if he omits such unnecessary details.
Regarding the fording of the Sweetwater River in the dead of winter, many regard the efforts of the young men who carried women and children and the infirm across on their shoulders as the ultimate sacrifice. This task was so terrible that some of these young men never fully recovered from the effects of the icy water. One of those men, a great-grandfather of my wife, is looked upon in our family circles with awe and reverence.
It should also be apparent to Mr. Roberts that the long and treacherous journey was not without forethought and careful consideration. Crops were planted by earlier travelers to be harvested by those who would follow.
It would also be most interesting if Mr. Roberts were to write about another equally dangerous Mormon trek across the continent. It is not as well publicized but generally known by recognized journalists as the Mormon Battalion, an entire unit of the United Sates Army, all volunteers in answer to the President's call to help protect our nation in what is now known as the Mexican War.
Yes, it is true that there were two Mormon armies simultaneously crossing the country, one consisting of loyal soldiers to their beloved nation, the other their counterparts, some 20,000 exiled citizens of the same nation, who gave their all for the love of their country. Mr. Roberts should be ashamed to refer to these patriots as merely “a break away theocracy? Perhaps, he should consider the words of the Savior: "By their fruits ye shall know them."
Enough said, though much more could and should be said, i.e. the Johnson Army facade & etc., but I shall conclude by simply saying, Mr. Grosvenor, that your magazine does not measure up to its noble aim as "Our American Heritage"
You should also be aware that when you look over your list of new subscribers, that my name and I think many others, will be conspicuously absent. I also intend to include my notes in my personal blog, which might make others aware of your poor editorship. If you will do it to one you will do it to others. As one final suggestion, I think that Mr. Roberts, after first donning the dunce cap, standing in the corner, and missing recess on the playground, should then sharpen up his journalistic skills and offer a public apology to you and to those whom he has maligned.
Sincerely yours,
Max H. Rammell
Additional note sent to Edwin Grosvenor, Editor of American Heritage, to correct errors I made in my previous letter.
Dear Sir,
With your permission I am correcting a misstatement in my previous letter to you on the above subject. It concerns the issue of the Saints fording the Platt river. My memory was faulty as a little further research on my part has revealed. They indeed had to ford the Platt and other streams several times, especially in the early months of the exodus. Later, however, many if not all of the dangerous and deep waters were circumvented with ferries. Here are a few diary entries printed in the "Daughters of the Utah Pioneers" in Salt Lake City, last edition 1983, under title of "The Mormons, Their Westward Trek."
On 11 April 1847... the main body reached Elk Horn River. It was crossed over by means of a raft...built by some of earlier arrivals and etc. Later on 15 April they had constructed a ferry.
On 22... Looking glass Creek and Beaver Creek were forded.
On 23... Dangerous Loup Ford of the Platte forded by some of the train. It was later decided to build a raft at Tarleton. Lewis was named as Construction Superintendent.
On May 11... They were at the junctions of the N and S Fork of the Platte. Decided to follow N Fork to Fort Laramie.
On May 13... Crossed the North Bluff Creek.
On June 2... It was necessary to cross the Platt at Fort Laramie & determined that following the North Platt was impracticable. Arrangements were made by Pres. Young to ferry the train on a large flat boat which was engaged for $15.
On June 12... Last crossing of the Platt. They paid $l.50 for each wagon with flour at $2.50 per hundred.
On June 19... A permanent ferry was made at the point near Red Butte.
Now Mr. Grosvenor, with this and my previous letter you know the rest of the story. As to Pres. Young trading dollars for the lives of people, we should remember that they came of their own free will and choice to the West. The government of the US forbade them to live in the states. As to the handcarts, it was a practical and safe way to travel. My grandmother reported that in the evenings around the camp fires, the folks would sing and dance and etc. Later, Pres. Young devised the "The Perpetual Immigration Plan" where people without means to immigrate could receive money, interest free, and pay it back later as they were able, so others could be helped (ingenious). It was of course a blessing when the railroads crossed the nation.
In closing, may I say that perhaps I owe you, Mr. Grosvenor, my apology for some of my bitter and sarcastic words. My premise was and is sound but a soft answer turneth away wrath. I wish you only the best.
Sincerely,
Max H. Rammell, 1662 Country Spring Lane, Bountiful, Utah 84010
Email response from Editor of American Heritage
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008
Subject: RE Tragedy
From: editor @americanheritage,com
To: rammell2512@msn.com
Dear Mr. Rammell
Thank you very much for your insightful comments. It is good to hear a Mormon perspective on the matter, and the editorial team is very impressed. We were thinking of posting some of your comments on our blog section, and I am writing to ask your permission. Would you let us post your feedback with your name accompanying it so other readers can see what you have to say? Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
My followup to email from the Editor of American Heritage
Dear Editor,
Thank you for writing and you do have my permission, provided you will include my additional note apologizing for the harshness of my words. Will you please acknowledge that you received my previous e-mail. Perhaps it is impossible, but the letter shouldn't be printed out of context.
Thanks.
Max H. Rammell