George Reynolds's Protection from Indians During Journey to Salt Lake City

In May 1865, George Reynolds was released from his clerical duties in the Liverpool office to emigrate to Zion. He traveled alongside Elders W. S. Godbe and William H. Shearman, arriving in Salt Lake City on July 5, 1865. The journey took place during the height of the Sioux War, and the stage company refused to transport the missionaries, necessitating that Elder Godbe purchase their own outfit to complete the trip. During their passage, Reynolds recorded that they were miraculously preserved through several dangerous encounters. Near Cooper's Creek, they crossed a location where, only five minutes after they had passed, Indians ran off 25 head of horses and killed other travelers. At another point, their small party was allowed to leave Fort Halleck only in the company of the stagecoach. Because they possessed only one span of mules, they could struggle to keep pace with the coach, often having to traverse 80 miles of territory at night. On one such occasion, while they were trailing about one mile behind, the brethren observed two Indians following them, but they successfully urged the team forward to reach the safety of Sulphur Springs. Reynolds attributed their narrow escapes and eventual safe arrival in Salt Lake City to their constant trust in the Lord's protection.