It was undoubtedly safer than the northern mountain route at this season of the year.

It seemed at least to be a new venture for west-bound emigrant trains, at least as to ultimate success, for we had no knowledge of any that had gone through safely.
Some western people remembered the history of the Mormons in Illinois and Missouri, and their doings there, feared somewhat for their own safety now that they were so completely under their power, for they knew the Mormons to be revengeful and it was considered very unsafe for any traveler to acknowledge he was from Missouri.

Many a one who had been born there, and lived there all his life, would promptly claim some other state as his native place.

I heard one Mormon say that there were some Missourians on the plains that would never reach California.

"They used us bad," said he, and his face took on a really murderous look.
These Mormons at Salt Lake were situated as if on an island in the sea, and no enemy could reach any adjoining state or territory if Brigham Young's band of destroying angels were only warned to look after them.
At a late hour that night we lay down to sleep, and morning came clear and bright.