This is a painting of the men who went out in search of the Willie and Martin Handcart companies. They were the first sign of rescue to the wearied travelers. The urgency of the situation is portrayed in the speed of the horses and expressions of the riders. Joseph A. Young is portrayed as the rider on the far left.
I had the opportunity to stand on the snowy ground where this event took place. It was during a re-enactment of the rescue. As I saw the wearied people struggle through the snow for merely minutes, I visualized what it must have been like for the faithful pioneers. I wanted to run to help them. This painting is a representation of that feeling.
