We encamped on Emigration Square for the night, and it was a very sad night to me, as I expected to fall into the hands of the "Mormons" on the following morning, and then I could not conceive what my fate would be. I expected, however, it would be something awful, and dreaded it the more as I thought of my early teachings.
About breakfast time next morning an unexpected visitor—Sister Tuft—called to see me, for the purpose of urging me to go and see my father, though I never knew her reason.
Shortly afterwards Lewis Robison called, having learned that I had arrived. He was anxious to know if I was going to see my father. I carelessly remarked that I did not know.
He said he would call in a little while, and accompany me.
Towards noon Spicer came to me, and said:
"Abe, what are you going to do? Are you going to stop with your father, or go with me?"
I told him I did not know, but thought I had better stop, for if I went on they would take me prisoner and bring me back, and I thought I would surrender. They might treat me better and not be so severe as they would if I tried to escape.
He thought the same as I did, but said if I was not suited, and could get away, I should find him at Camp Floyd, where he would winter; and if I came there he would give me a home as long as he had one.
We bade each other good by, both shedding tears, as we parted.
If I had been called upon to mount the gallows I should not have done so with greater reluctance than I then manifested as I went forth to meet my father.