The Protecting Hand of the Lord

Agnes Caldwell and Mary Hurren

Some emigrant children made friend during the western migrations. Children played, explored, and often engaged in mischief. Two handcart pioneers, Mary Hurren (7) and Agnes Caldwell (9) were inseparable. They would figure out some sort of game, stories, or songs to keep their minds occupied and busy. Agnes Caldwell told of the monotony of the journey and a dangerous game she played with her friend one day:

I can yet close my eyes and see everything in panoramic precision before me. The ceaseless walking, walking, ever to remain in my memory. Many times, I would become so tired, and childlike would hang on the cart, only to be gently pushed away. Then I would throw myself by the side of the road and cry. Then realizing they were all passing me by, I would jump to my feet and make and extra run to catch up…One day we came to a section inhabited by rattlesnakes. Two of us, my friend Mary Hurren and I, would hold hands and jump. It seemed to me we were jumping for more than a mile. Due to the protecting hand of the Lord, we were not harmed.