In 1834 Joseph Smith lead an army of 200 men on a 1000 mile march from Kirtland Ohio to Western Missouri to help restore the saints to their homes in Jackson County. They had the support of the governor of Missouri.
George A. Smith, a cousin to Joseph, was the youngest in this Zion's camp army at 16 years old. He did not have good self confidence; he was big and awkward. He would compare himself to his cousin and he felt like he was lacking. If you saw him, you would understand how he could feel that way. He showed up to camp with striped pants his mother made him from mattress fabric and a checkered nap sack made from apron material. His dad gave him a new pair of boots and an old musket. After a few days of marching, his boots had worn bloody blisters on his feet; his pants were shredded; and he had sat on his straw hat making it look like a birds nest sitting on his head. He really didn't look much like a warrior.
They marched 25 to 40 miles per day, had poor food, and couldn't sleep well at night because of all the hot humid weather with lots of flies and mosquitoes. George said that the prairie water had "wigglers" in it that he learned to sift through his teeth when he drank...
When they arrived at their destination Joseph found out that the Governor had withdrawn his support from their venture, and as a result the mission's purpose was frustrated. Some of the men were angry and turned against Joseph. He was concerned that if they were not faithful something bad might happen. Cholera broke out and 68 people were taken ill and 14 died. Among those that died was Jesse Smith a cousin to both Joseph and George. George didn't think he could ever live up to the kind of man that Jesse was...
The trip was not wasted, because those like George who were loyal despite the hardships gained strength and leadership. Less than five years later at the age of 21 George A. Smith was ordained an apostle and spent the rest of his life as a loyal and faithful leader.
From Gospel Principals Manual- When we have charity we are loyal, we believe the best of others, and we are kind to them.
From Aaronic Priesthood manual 3- Sacrificing for Heavenly Father shows our willingness to be obedient and loyal to him at all costs.
From Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood- We should be loyal to our own country and people and do all we can to help... meet the needs of the people
A scout is Loyal!
