170 years ago today - Jul 12, 1847

On the pioneer trail William Clayton writes: "Elder [Heber C.] Kimball proposed that a company start from the camp with Elder [Orson] Pratt to proceed on to the Weber River Canyon and ascertain if we can pass through safely if not to try and find a pass over the mountains. He reported that President Young is a little better this morning, but last evening was insensible and raving." Pratt leads a vanguard company ahead of the main body of Pioneers for the purpose of making a road into the Salt Lake valley.