Book Description

The little-known story of the Mormon Battalion is one of faith and fortitude. After being driven from their homes multiple times and being denied protection from their country's government, 500 men from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enlisted in the United States Army at the request of their country. Their 2,000-mile march across hostile territory during the Mexican-American War became the single longest march in United States Military History. This book recounts the events of that march through the eyes of Benjamin Franklin Royal, a fictious character, who relates the experiences of dealing with Native American tribes, Missourians who had previously persecuted members of their church, a doctor who seemed intent upon poisoning the battalion, starvation, dehydration, angry bulls and building a road that would be used by travelers for years to come. As you read this book you will also learn about the role of members of the Mormon Battalion in the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill, their escort of John C. Fremont for his court martial, and their discovery of the remains of members of the Donner Party. While a handful of characters are fictious, the events are real.