Pg. 20 Pioneers of July 24 – 1847. Of the first company of pioneers who arrived in Salt Lake valley on July 24 – 1847, at least two were early residents of Morgan County – Jesse C. Little and Roswell Stevens, and of the companies which came later in 1847 there were several who made their homes here. Mr. Little and Mr. Stevens were both prominent characters in the journey across the plains. Early in 1846 – a year before the exodus to the Rocky Mountains – Mr. Little, at the suggestion of Brigham Young, visited Washington for the purpose of soliciting government aid for his people. No money was asked for, but it was thought that the national authorities might wish to employ the Mormons in freighting provisions to Oregon and other points on the Pacific Coast. Pres. Polk treated Mr. Little very well and promised to give his request consideration. However, nothing was done. But in a short time after the government called for five hundred volunteers to form a portion of General Kearney’s forces to invade New Mexico and California. This is known in history as the Mormon Battalion Pg. 21 Mr. Little was one of an advance party of nine were to explore Salt Lake valley on July 22 – before the main company reached the valley. He also explored Utah and Cache valleys in August, 1847, along with other explorers. Roswell Stevens was chosen one of the hunters, who supplied the people with meat on the trip. When the pioneers reached Fort Laramie it was reported to Brigham Young that a company of saints from Mississippi had wintered at Pueblo with Captain Brown’s detachment of the Mormon Battalion. They were waiting the coming of the pioneers that they might go on with them to the West. Roswell Stevens, Awasa Lyman and two other men were sent to Pueblo to assist these people and hurry them on to catch the main camp. This was considered a very dangerous trip at that time. They did not overtake the camp, however, but arrived in the valley a few days later.