Description

We All Felt That We Should Thank God!

George Cunningham

The Willie Handcart Company was on the high plains of Wyoming between the fifth and sixth crossings of the Sweetwater when the storms of winter came. It was October 19, 1856. Already on short rations, the sufferings of the people intensified, even unto death for some. It was in the middle of this terrible struggle forward that a remarkable event occurred. 

Sixteen year-old George Cunningham was from Fifeshire, Scotland, and traveling in that company. In the midst of all this trial and affliction, George records this: 

“I lay down one night and fell asleep. I dreamed a dream that morning had come, the storm had subsided some and that we had started out on the road. I thought that I saw two men coming toward us on horseback. They were riding very swiftly and soon came up to us. They said that they had volunteered to come to our rescue and that they would go on further east to meet a company which was still behind us and that on the morrow, we could meet a number of wagons loaded with provisions for us. 

“They were dressed in blue soldier overcoats and had Spanish saddles on their horses. I examined them, particularly the saddles as they were new to me. I also could discern every expression of their countenance. They seemed to rejoice and be exceedingly glad that they had come to our relief and saved us. 

“At last, morning came, it had cleared somewhat and I think that the snow was eighteen inches deep on the level where we were. The weather was very cold. We made some very large fires with willows which were abundant around the place, and everyone stood around the fires with gloomy faces. The thought of my dream would be fulfilled for it was my promise in my blessings to dream dreams and see things come to pass. We therefore set out and to our great pleasure, every word of my dream was fulfilled. 

“I can recall that I was on the lead of the group, feeling somewhat inspired by what I had dreamed the previous night. The day was rather blustery with alternate snow storms blowing from the North, mixed with clear spells which lasted sometimes for nearly half an hour. During one of the clear spells I spotted two persons that I had dreamed of the night before, riding fast towards us. I called the fact to the attention of the crowd, being quite a distance off. 

“I roared out, ‘Here they come, see them coming over that hill.’ They told me that I was a true dreamer, and we all felt that we should thank God. We met the wagons with the provisions on the following day. We were very well treated by the brethren who came to meet us.” 

The gifts of the spirit are given to us by God for the benefit and blessing of ourselves and others. And all of us—all of us–-that are living by our covenants are blessed with gifts of the Spirit by which we can assist in the work of the Lord and bless others. A mere teenager brought cheer and comfort to the afflicted in the Willie Handcart Company. His dream was a witness and assurance that the Lord was with them and had not forgotten them. You have gifts given by God and more yet to be discovered that will bring joy to you and those you serve! 

Sources: 

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/KW6D-KZF