(Zion's Camp) They cross a 16-mile prairie. They have to strain the "wigglers" out of their water before they can drink it. They finally come to a well of water, for which they all rejoice. They camp a mile west of the Embarras River. Joseph Smith tells the men not to hurt the rattlesnakes they find, stating that "men must become harmless, before the brute creation; when men lose their vicious dispositions and cease to destroy the animal race, the lion and the lamb can dwell together, and the sucking child can play with the serpent in safety." Brethren carry the snakes out on sticks. Joseph tells them not to kill any animal on the trip unless it is absolutely necessary for food. Joseph then shoots a squirrel. The brethren decide to cook it and eat it so that it will not be wasted, and Joseph is glad they listened to his precept more than his example, "which was right." Parley P. Pratt and Amasa Lyman return to the group bringing twelve new men.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
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