Food and Supplies Prophesied and Provided by the Coming of the Gold Rush Travelers

“We had been in the valley about a year, and had suffered much for the want of food, clothing, and tools. Many of the brethren were almost destitute of clothing, and we had to use raw hides for many purposes, and even for moccasins. We were told by the authorities of the Church, that we should have plenty of food, and that the gold-diggers would bring it to us, and sell it cheap. This seemed very strange to many, as we were in a barren wilderness, far from any other settlement, and the gold-diggers were then in California, or on their way there. But the word of the Lord was fulfilled to the very letter. The gold-diggers, on their way to the mines, passed through our valley in great numbers, and, finding they had too much loading for their teams, they were glad to sell their flour, bacon, sugar, coffee, tea, clothing, tools, and, in fact, almost everything we needed, at a very low price, and often for a mere trifle, to lighten their wagons, that they might travel faster. Thus we were supplied with the very things we most needed, and that, too, in the most unexpected manner, and at the very time we were in the most destitute condition.”

— Benjamin Brown, Testimonies for the Truth