Stationed At South Pass

After helping the Willie company get back on their way, Reddick was instructed to return to his station at South Pass and wait for the Martin company.  At this time, the Martin company had not yet been found.  How long Reddick would need to wait was unknown, but he returned to South Pass to wait.  For three incredibly long weeks, Reddick waited at the South Pass station, experiencing freezing temperatures, hunger, and now illness.  Many men abandoned their assignment and returned to the Valley claiming that either all of Martin’s company was dead, or they as rescuers would die waiting for them.  Prior to abandoning their duty, the men asked Reddick to seek the Lord’s will to know what to do.  Reddick said, ‘To this I objected as the Lord already said what he would have us do’.

Reddick Allred refused to budge.  Brigham had sent them out, and as their priesthood leader had told him to wait there.  When the others abandoned their duty, they took several wagons and much need supplies with them.  Even more tragic, they encouraged each rescue wagon they met on the way back to Salt Lake to likewise turn around.  They turned back 77 rescue wagons!

President Eyring said in General Conference, “Those with the faith of Reddick Allred will keep offering friendship even when it seems not to be needed or to have no effect.  They will persist.  When someone reaches the point of spiritual exhaustion, they will be there offering kind words and fellowship.  They will then feel the same divine approval Brother Allred felt when he saw those handcart pioneers struggling toward him, knowing he could offer them safety because he had followed counsel when it was hard to do.”

Finally, on November 19, 1856, the Martin company arrived at South Pass.  Reddick Allred was there, waiting to offer life saving support to those in such desperate need.  Had Reddick Allred returned prior to fulfilling his duty, hundreds of lives certainly would have been lost.  Captain Grant, leader of the rescue party, greeted Reddick with a cheer:  “Hurrah for the Bulldog.  Good for hanging on.”