A potential western expedition had gained increased urgency in recent days. Church leaders had discussed the subject on 28 and 31 August 1845. (Clayton, Journal, 28 and 31 Aug. 1845; Richards, Journal, 28 and 31 Aug. 1845.)

Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

Richards, Willard. Journals, 1836–1853. Willard Richards, Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490, boxes 1–2.

Young’s statement was likely based on the recent publication of John C. Frémont’s report of his 1843–1844 exploration of Upper California and Oregon territory, which included surveying the area around the Great Salt Lake. In summarizing his report, the Nauvoo Neighbor similarly recorded that “the Rocky Mountains are shown to be not the formidable barriers supposed. Capt. F[rémont] crossed them at four different places—instead of being desolate and impassable they are shown to have many excellent passes, of which the South pass is the finest, and so embosom beautiful valleys, rivers, and parks, with lakes and mineral springs, rivalling and surpassing the most enchanting parts of the Alpine regions in Switzerland.” (“Western Mountains and Rivers on the Route to Oregon,” Nauvoo Neighbor, 17 Sept. 1845, [1].)

Nauvoo Neighbor. Nauvoo, IL. 1843–1845.