The enemy, however, did not honor their promise to allow the Saints to leave Nauvoo peacefully during the spring. Threats of mob violence had become so great and persecution so intense that the Saints knew they could stay longer only at the peril of their lives. So on February 7, 1846, just two months after the Temple had opened its doors, they were closed.
On February 4 the first group of Saints, ill-prepared due to the urgency, had left the city in freezing stormy weather, being ferried across the mighty Mississippi River. Nine babies were born during the stormy night of that terrible expulsion, with little shelter from the fierce cold wind and snow. Two temporary camps were made six or seven miles into Iowa, called Sugar Creek, and Montrose. Other wagons followed in the ensuing days.43 (See Map 6)
Brigham Young was acutely aware of the indigent condition of the Saints in Nauvoo. How could they survive with so little food and supplies, and no money to buy more? How could they make a journey halfway across the continent, without more wagons, tents, horses, oxen, and other provisions? It was a long way to the unbroken western territory.
Another problem weighed on Brigham’s mind. When they reached the western borders of Iowa, and crossed the Missouri river, they would be camping and traveling illegally on Indian territory, and their situation would be fraught with much danger. They were forced to start without these two problems being solved—starting on an uncertain trek to—where? The only answer at that time was, “God knows.” What faith these outstanding leaders and Saints had in the continuing guidance of their Lord and Savior.
43- Truth Restored, p. 81 - Saints flee from Nauvoo
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