Kt ^/,.;? "<■ -•= ■V.^\\^ vX^^ •^'^ v. .-?>'' ><■- '*-, 'O^^/ta^H. 7/c ' .UASms-lit^ THE \r\ r\ H ^ ji rn AND ITS FOl'NDERS. / BY EDWARD W. TULLIDGE, INCORPORATING A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PIONEERS OF UTAH WITH STEEL PORTRAITS OF REPRESENTATIVE MEN ; TOGETHER WITH A CAREFULLY AKRANCKD INDEX AND AN ELABORATE APPENDIX. affy authority of the City Council and under xuj/errision o/' its f'oniniittee on A'erixion. i-i ' REVISING CO M M 1 TIE E : lOIIN R WINDER. Chairman. R T. HLRTON ..EORGK A MEICARS S. |. lONASSO.N. GEORCiK RKVNt)l,ns, Sf.ckkiahv. EDWARD W. TULLIDGE. I'LHIJSHKR AND I'ROI'RIK FOR. '^Ar.i 13 1887,';)) SAM LAKI-: llTY, LTAII. \ A .V <\ s '} ./ ^ INDEX, CHAITlik I. Prefalon- Review of the People wlio Founded Salt t«ike City. Gr^nd Colonization Desigt\ of the Mormon Prophet 3 CHAPTER U. GoTemor Ford urges the Migration of the Mormons to California. Compact of the Removal. Address to the President of the United States. The Exodus. Mormon Life on the Journey. A Sensation from the United States Government 8 CHAITER III. The Call for the Mormon Battalion, Interviews with President Polk. The Apostles Enlisting Soldien from their People for the Ser\'ice of the Nation. The Battalion on the March, . , 04 CHAPTER IV. The Mormons Settle on Indian Lands. A Grand Council held between the Elders and Indian Chiefs. .\ Covenant is m.ide between them, and land granted by the Indians to their Mormon Brothers, Characteristic Speeches of famous Indian Chicfe. Winter Quarters Organized. The Journey of the Pioneers to the Rocky Mouni.ains 3a CHAPTER V. The First Siibbaih in the Valley. The Pioneers apply the Prophecies to themselves and their U>cation. Zion has gone up into the Mountains, lliey locate the Temple and lay off the " City of the Great .Sail I-ake." Tlie I^caders return to vVintcr Quarters to gather the Body of the Church 44 CHAPTER VI. Progress of the Colony. Destruction of the Crops by Crickets. Description of Great Salt Lake City .' . -SI CHAPTER VII The Primitive Government of the Colony. Provisional Slate of Descrel organized. Passage of ihe Gold Seekers through the Valley 56 CHAPTER VIII. Arrival of Captain Stansbury. His Inler\'iew with Governor Young. Government Survey of the Lakes, Commencement of Indian Uifhcullies 63 CHAPTER IX. Incorporation of Grc^it Salt Lnkc City. Its Original Charter, The First City Council and Mimitipiil Officers. Organization of the IVrritory, Arrival of the news of Governor Vi Mng's Appointment. Dissolution of the State of Descrel, Governor s Proclamalion. I,egalizing Ihe I,aws p.-Lsscd bv the Provisional Government, Correspondence between Colonel Kane and President Fillmore. Stansbury s Voucher for Drigham Young, ... 7a CHAPTER X. Arriv,il of the F'- ' - ' ' ■ ' ■'^. Fini appearance of the I'niied Slates Officials before the cit- izens at a S i-nce. Judge Hrocchus ass.aulis the Community. Public Indig- n,ilion. ( ' e between J uilge Hrocchu-. ami Governor Young The "Runa- way" Judges and Si!cri'tary, Daniel Welisler. S<-creiary of .State, sustains Governor Young and removes the ofTending officials. First United Slates Court. The new Federal Officers, Arrival of Colonel Sicploe. Re-ap)>olntment of Urigham Young. Judge Shaver Found de;id. Judges Drummond and Stiles 85 CHAPTER XI, Sodological Exposition Sources of our Population. Emigration. Polygamy 97 INDEX. CHAPTER XII. Pictures of Mormon Society in the Founding of Utah. Life among the Saints. Their Social and Religious Peculiarities and Customs. Ecstasy of the Gold-hnntcrs when they came upon' Zion. Views by Stansburv. Gunnison, and noted English Travelers of the Mor- mons and their Institutions. Petitions for a Railroad. General Events. . . ' 102 CHAPTER XIV. Carson Colony. The Great Famine in Utah. The Hand-cart Companies. Constitutional Convention. Death of J. M. Grant, Mayor of Great Salt Lake City. Biographical "*^ "3 CHAPTER XV. Exposition of the causes and Circumstances of the Utah War. General Scotfs Circular and Instructions to the Army. Magraw's Letter to the President. Drummond's Charges. Ihe Republican Party .'\ssociates Utah with the South. The " Irrepressible Conflict." Fremont and Douglas. . j2, CHAPTER XVI. Review of Judge Drummond's Course in Utah. He assaults the Probate Courts and de- nounces the Legislature at the Capitol. Judge Snow's Review of the Courts of the Ter- ritory. His Letter to the Comptroller of the Treasury. Judge Drummond leaves Utah and commences his Crusade. 'Hie Conspiracy to work up the " Utah War." The Con- tractors. Charges of Indian Agent Twiss. The Postal Service. Contract awarded to Mr. Hyrum Kimball. Governor Young organizes an Express .and Carrying Company. New Postal Service. War against Utah. The Post Office Department repudiates its Contract. " Troops .are on the way to inv.ade Zion ! " 144. CHAPTER XVII. The Pioneer Jubilee. Celebration of their Tenth Anniversan'. Arrival of Messengers with the News of the Coining of an Invading Army. The day of Jubilee changed to a dav of In- dependence Captain Van Vliet anil the Mormon People', .' . . . 157 CHAPTER XVIII. GoveiTior Young places the Territory under Martial Law. The Militia ordered out. The Seat of War. Correspondence between Governor Young and Colonel Alexander Burnin" r, u ,,°^'''''"'"^"' Trains. Lot Smith's Story. Congress declares Utah in a state o'f Rebellion ,, , CHAPTER XIX. Correspondence between Governor Young .md Colonel Alexander. Unflinching Attitude of both sides. Exchange of Courtesies. The Governor invites a peaceful visit of the Officers to the City. A remarkable Letter from Apostle John Taylor to Captain Marcy 176 CHAPTER XX. Review of the Expedition. Kansas Troubles. General Harney relieved of the Command General Persifer F. Smith appointed in his stead. He dies and Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston is appointed. Disastrous March of the Second Dragoons to Utah. Scene of the .^rmy in Winter Quarters ig- CHAPTER XXI. The Nauvoo Legion ordered in for the Winter. Picket Guard Posted. March of the Legion to Great Salt Lake City: received with Songs ot Triumph, A Jubilant Winter in zion. Summary of (Jovernnu-nt Movements for the Spring Camp.ai.gn, '....■ 197 CHAPTER XXII. Buchanan Coerced by Public Sentiment into sending a Commission of Investigation. He sends Colonel Kane with a Special Mission to the Mormons. Arrival of the Colonel in S.alt Lake City. His First Interview with the Mormon Leaders. Incidents of his Sojourn. He goes to meet Governor Cumming, and is placed under Arrest bv General Johnston. His Challenge to thai Ofticer. He brings in the New Governor in Triumph. Rolurn of Colonel Kane 201 CHAPTER XXIII. Report of Governor Cumming to the Government. The Government Reconls found not Hurned, as reported by Drummond. The Mormon Leailcrs justifii'd bv the f.icts, and the People Loyal. Graphic and Thrilling Description of the Mormons in their Second Ex- odus. The Governor brings his Family to Salt Lake City. His wife is moved to tears at witnessing the Heroic .^ttitude of the People 207 INDEX CHAPTEK XXIV. III. The Arrival of Peace Commissioners. Kittr.ior.lin.-in Council between ihem and the Mormon Lcadere. A Singular Scene in the Council. Arrival of a Courier with Dispatches. "Stop that .\rmv ! or we break up the Conference." "Brother Dunbar. sifjB Zion! " The Peace Commissioners Marvel, but at last find a Happy Issue, kctrospoctive v^ew of the Mormon Army "* CHAPTER XXV. Reflections upon the '• L'lali War. The Rc;iction. Current Opinion, as exprcs.s«l by the Leadrng Journals of Kurope and .America. Governur Cumming pleads with the Samts. They return to their homes. Tbeludijes. Cr.idleUiughs Court. He calls for troops. Prove City invaded bv the army Conspiracy to arrest Brigham Young. Oovcmor Gum- ming otHer^ outtheUl.ah Militia to rc|>el invasion Timely .irrival of a dispatch from Gov. ,\s the conflict. .\tlornev-Gcneral HIacks rebuke to the Judges, tiencral loll 1, demand the removal'ol Govcn.or Cumming. The situation recovered by tl u of niom.is I,. Kane. Division in the Cabinet. Parallel of the Blane remimience of Ier« S. Black. Judge Cradlebaugh Discharges the Grand Jury and tuiTis Society over to Uiwless Rule. Ihe Indians Enc.mr.iged to Depredations on the Settle- ments' .\ Dark Picture of Salt L-ike Society. Why Governor Cumming did not Investi- gate the Mountain Meadow Massacre *3 CHAPTER XXVI I. After the ft.ah War. Celebration of the Fourth ..f |ulv. Benefits of Camp Kloyd to the Community Trade with the Camp. The Pony Kxpress. The Bulk of the 1 roops march for New Mexico and Arizona. )ohnslon leaves for Washington. Ihe Departure of Governor Cumming. The Remnant of the Army ordered to the Sl.iles. SalMof Camp Flovd. Goods worth Four Milium Dollars sold for One Hundred Thousand De- struction of Arms and Ammunition. Lincoln's New .Appointments for Ct.ah. Comple- tion of the Telegraph Line. First Mcss.ige from ex-ti..vcrnor Young— " l'l.ah has not Seceded." The Governor to President Lincoln ..ml lii^ k.M...iis.-. Cl.ih s Manifesto on the Civil War ^"^ CHAPTER XXVI II. Mormon Service on the Overland Mail Line. President Lincoln calls on Brigham Young for Help. The ex-Governors Response. Ben Holladay thanks Brigham. Lot Smith s Command. Report of the Scrs-ice. General Craig Compliments the Mormon Troops. . 253 CHAPTER XXIX. Utah again asks Admission into the Union as a Stale. The Histor>- and Passage of the anti- Polygamic Bill in the Hou.se and Senate. The Bill signed by Abraham Lincoln. Presen- tation to Congress of Ihe Constitution of the "State of Deserei." . . 259 * CHAPTER XXX. Fourth of lulv Proclamation by Ihe City Council. The City's l.oyalty. The Two Governors. Great Speech of Governor Harditig. The City honors the California Senator. Thanks- giving Proclamation. A cliange in Governor's Harding's Conduct 367 CHAPTER XXXI. The California Volunteers Ordered to Utah Sketch of General Connor. His First Military Order. I nten-slint' Letter from the Comm.and. Petition of the Volunteers to go to Ihe Potomac. March from Fort Crittenden to Salt Uike. Preparations for Battle at the Jor- dan. Zion at Peace. Surprise of the Troops. The Hall al the Goremor's Mansion. His Address to the Troops. Camp Douglas 373 CHAPTER XXXIl. B.ittlc of Bear River. Connor's Report to the Depirtmenl. History of the Battle. Congratu- lations of the Colonel to his Troops. Burial of the De.id. Our Citiiens at the Funeral. The Battle as Recorded in the Miliury History of Cache Valley. ... 283 CHAPTER XXXIII. Gre.at Miiss Meeting of the Citiiens 10 Protest against the conduct of Governor Harding and Judges W.aile and Drake. The Reading of his Message to Ihe Legislature. Deep In- dignation of Ihe People. Stirring Dcnunciatiims by the I.eaders of llie People. Resolu- tions. Petition to .\brim Lincoln for the Removal of ihe Gf.vemor and Judges. A Committee Appointetl 10 Wait upon them and ask their Resignation in the Name of Ihe People. The Committee's Report 39' /NDEX. CHAPTER XXXIV. ^ ^c'lrnn'Tj""'!'"" ^"u ^^"'P ^"'^'*' '° '''■«'• Lincoln. Impending Conflict between 1 1 m o? n^'h,' iir ^^ S"'',- •^.^"'•I'"^«' Conspiracy to Arrest Brigham Yodng and run is ri^, ■!■ ,^ f ■, •'"''*-r ^^^""••' ■■*"'' "^'^'^ '>°'d Unlawful Courts in Judge Kinnevs iistnct ll,c Chief Jusl.ce Interposes with a Writ to Arrest lirigham Young for Poly'g- '"voeci ■ \ r'" ^'"^ "^^- ^'"•'''••'' '"^"^••"^ °f " ^'"''«0' I'osse. The City in Arms. m'oo mi *^of ,. " '^'?"A "^'""P '^""S'«s- The Warning Voice of California heard. Ahrm Vlm^^/""'." n'''"^'!,.'^°;iSlasnt Midnight. The Ci.v again In Anns. False Alarm. Connor created Brigadier-General . 312 CHAPTER XXXV. '^''""I.r'nJ h"'?-"''""/- ■'^'""'"'^'^ Of '1»^ Prisoners. Thev arc immediateiy Pardoned by Gov- \Z7j.^ZJ"f' i'°'"" "'r^'^" Extraor.linary Pardons. The Grand )ury declares the CensZ "t/^? iTf'-""''??'",".'''' "^'"''"gi" ">«= Third U. S. District Court for Judici.al Censure, rhc.r History of the Morrisite Disturbance. The Court sustains the Censure, 318 CHAPTER XXXVI. Remov.a| of Governor Harding, Secretary Fuller, and Chief Justice Kinney. Lincoln's Policy Mines MMlMr^v n°"' ■^'°"^- Starting of the C/^ion Va,tU. Opening of the LItah MniLs. Miht.iry Documents. Creation of a Provost Marshal of Gr4t Salt Uke City, 325 CHAPTER .XXXVH. "''"of t'i;iSi,;"b'v',^"vr 'n' '"--'^f ".">« C"y ""d 'he Camp Grand Inauguntl Celebration Massis of ,hZ V '"2 "'V^ '^'""-•"'- '■"""'"■ g'-''-^"y "'o^"^^ ''V ">= I^valtv of the hoi or of r,n!r,l ;'"""" ^^t" ^ ""-' ''^'"<'"'=' ^" "'eh>- The Citizens give a Ball in IWnl?, r w-;,"""'"-- ^"-' ^">' '" Mourning over the Assassination of President Lincoln. Funcnil Obsctjuies at the Tabernacle 331 CHAPTER XXXVIII. ^''".hen'"n'''°^''Jav'lL'h T ". 'f'^''?-'- .'' '^'''^''"" ''''"' "^-^ ^"'"'"P^' Council me ,s Fntrance into Z Ci i ™'""-;°f "'« C.tys Hospit.dities. They Accept the Welcome. Ro'-kTMoun in ^l f" ^"i""''- f ""»>^i^»*'» '^f ">« Party over the Beauties of the 01 Sal\ ilSie cu" , •. ^'"•'"'^ ^'^■<="ade and Speeches. Forecast of the Great Suture CHAI'TER XXXIX. """ House','nUl ' r' "T ''^'^/V'" 'he Great Salt Lake. Meeting of the Speaker o. the Pread,;, in "."^ .'•.''":«'" "f ^''^h J^'" ^'■''''"' '^'"'^^ "•'"' ">- Church. Ae President V h hs I'nlni^v .n''""''i''' ^1'.'^'' "^''T'^^of ""^ Speaker, who in turn treats the Saints Moinonyionn .,"/'?■"='' '^^'" ■'k'^''"^- '^'"^ '^^^'f^'^ Closet Views. Adieu to' thi . TerrUorU . . Governor Doty. A Talk on Polygamy with the Chairman on CHAPTER XL. Beginning of the Anti-Mormon Crusade. The Change in the Colfax Views Initial of the «r.l7TM,li'tta. '.'.'''':'"■ ""'^'"^ '"^ Administration. Coi^e.ed Viels e-- CHAPTER XLI. "" cTnm r)o„.";Hff ^'^"f!"'. "'<' ^^" ■''^5, 1866. and ,867. The Governor calls upon U 1 'm h> 'f fnr , -^i -^S-""^' ''"^ ■"'"'"'• ^"' '" '■'^f"'^''- T'"^ Government orders the ( ' w .rn-^Ll' • r^ t ^-""=%. Secretary Rawlins Submits the Report to Congress. The Governments Debt to our Citizens of over a Million Doll.irs for Military- ServicU Un- CHAPTKK XLII. Wades Bin Contemplated Reconstruction of the Militia. Absolute Power in Civil and Mil- nZ-^,iZ'^ \,'' -^"■''" '? ""= Governor, The Mormon Church to be disqualified from Proo lJ?.ii' i^-yV'''?'', C«'-«™""'«- Acknowledgement of Plural .Marriage sufficient TruleinTr 7 ^""'^'""u"^ ••^'""."" ""•' Church Property and Tre.tury. The 1 rustce-in- 1 rust to be Under the Governor s Thumb .... CHAPTER Xmi. Opemng of the Firet Commercial Period. Reminiscences of the Earliest Merchants. Camp tloyd. The Second Commercial Period. Utah Obuiins an Historical Importance in die Commercial World. Orgiinization of Z. C. M. I. 378 337 350 358 363 373 INDEX. *• CHAPTER XLIV. Political Significance lo Tlah of the Klfcli.m of CmnI and Colfax. T he ••Fathers of the Church Sprak to ihc N.inon on ilu- S.. : P..lyi;..my. Colfrix s Ilisap- iwinlmenl ami Ire. A Dcli'Kalion of ( Vimi Sat I-ikc on the comple- tion of Ok- U, I'. K. R.; aUu Uiilinguisl.. i;rigliam \ wung s I-amous Con- vcrsiiiion with Senator Trumbull Council "I the Chicago Merchants. Statesmen and Ct.ih C;entilc<> held at llie House of I. R. \V.ilker. Trumbull relates the Conversiition with Unghani. A General War Talk. I he .Second Visit of Colfax to Salt Lake City, . 391 CHAPTER XI.V. The Vice-President Arranging for War on the Saints. He is let into the Secret of the Projected Godbeite Schism and Encourages it His Qucstion-'Will Hrigham Young Fight?" Out- burst of the Schism. The New York Htnitd ienAs oa a SpecinI Agent with InslrucUons lo Support the Seccders S?" CHAPTER XLVI. Famous Discussion Between Vice-President Colfax and Apostle John Taylor. Speech of the \ice-Presideni at Salt Lake City. Apostle Taylor s Reply and Answer to the Colfax Letter *°i CHAPTER XLVII. Birth of the Utah Liberal Party. P0litic.1l Coalition of Gentiles and Mormon Schismatics. Contest at the Municip.1l Election of 1870. Report of the First Central Committee of the Liberal Party 428 CHAPTER XLVII I. Passage of the Woman's Suffrage Bill. Grand Mass Meeting of the "Sisters" Protesting Against the Cullom Bill, then before the Congress. Extraordinary Resolutions and Heroic Speeches of the Women of Mormondom 433 CHAPTER XLIX. Brief Re%-iew of Utah in Congress, from its organization to the passage of the Cullom Bill. Great Speech of Delegate Hooper in Congress against the Bill, in which he Reviews the Colonizing Woik of the Mormons in the West, and Justifies his Polygamous Constituents, 439 CHAPTER L. Passage of the Cullom Bill in the House. Salt Lake City excited by the news. Mass'Meeting at the Tabernacle. Memorial to Congress from the Mormon Community, affirming Poly- gamy as a Divine Law to them, and Reviewing llic Unconstitutional Features of the Bill. Resolutions. A Rare Puritanic Spectacle 458 CHAPTER l.I. Conservative C^ntiles of Salt Like Cilv and the Seceding Mormon Elders hold Meetings to Petition for a Modification of the Cullom Bill. They mainl.tin the Integrity of Mormon Families. Federal Officers .ind Radical Gentiles oppose the Petition, and favor the Dill with Military force, to execute it. Mr. Godbc goes lo Washington to invoke forbearance. Interviews with Grant and Cullom 404 CHAPTER Lll. Dr. Newman's Evangelical Crusade against Mormon Polygamy. He arrives in Salt Lake City. Correspondence lietwecn the Chaplain of the Scn.itc and the President of the Mor- mon Church. Newman accepts the Challenge. Brigham denies the ChallenRe. but invites the D Je M.iim. Gener.il Wells avoids a colll>i..n. Correspondence between the Lieut. (Jeneral and the (iovernor, 479 CHAPTER LIV. Contest for the Delegate's Sent in Congrc«. Call of the I.il»Tnl Central (■..mmittee, Corinne chosen for their Convention. The Convention in S-vsion. Rev>liition to uphold Gov- ■ ' ■• Nomination of Maxwell N.aming of the Party. The Liberals shamefully .ed to semi their "Delegate"" lo Congress, he Iwing chosen for the pur- iig the Seal 49" VI. INDEX. CHAPTER LV. The "^Wooden Gun Rebellion." Arrest of Miliiia Officers for assembling their Comnanv rhey are held Prisoners at Camp Douglas; examined before Judge Hawlev for Treason - committed to the Grand Jur\' for Treason and placed under" Bonds. The Grand lur^ Ignores the case. The serious face behind the extravaganza of the "Wooden Gun KebeUion 492 CHAPTER LVI. The Two Celebrations of the Fourth of July, 1871. Resolutions of the Gentile Committee addressed to the City Council. Answer of the Mayor. The Rapture Grand weiiar- ations on both sides. Proclamation of Acting-Governor Black, forbidding Militia Com- No"tS' o°f "he' Grand Da ''""■ ^''"'"''^ °'' Trobriand with his TroSps ordered out. o es o e ran ay ^^ CHAPTER LVn. Local Politics. Campaign .of 1871. J. R. Walker heads the Liberal Ticket. Fair Pro^cts for the Liberals. Their Ratification Meeting. 1 he Sudden Cloud. Bre.Tk-uD tjthe Meeting. Split in the Liberal Party. Kelseys Protest. Withdrawal from the Ticket. i he Coalition Party buned at the Election, . . _ 50s CHAPTER LVIH. History of the Judicial Administration of James B. McKe.in as reviewed bv U S District Attorney Bates. The Chief Justice harangues the Grand and Petit Juries on "the "Hrgh Pr^sthood of the so-called Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," and sends VhS> home for lack of funds A Remark^nble Document. The Press of the Country on t1^ anomalous condiuon of McKean s Court . v-"u,...j un i„c 512 CHAPTER LIX. The U. S. Marshal preparing to receive prisoners. Action against the Warden of the Peniten- bary and the Terntonal Marshal Hearing of the Case before Judge Hawlev. Fitch and nf^?.w- J^^ • w"°!i"''-'' P''^'"", '^^ ,?"■;' °^ ^^'"P 0°"gl^ 'o 'he 'eilious process diem!"«»» the Court in consternation calls 522 CH.APTER LX. Opening of McKean's Court in September, 1871. Selecting the Grand Jurv. Arrests of Brigham Young and Daniel H. "W-ells. General expectation in the States t'hat the Mor' Sn^^t.'i^r -H'^ 'A,"?''. '°.'"'"' 'i''^''' ^r''"^L ^"Sham Young in Court. A touching Spectacle. The Chief Justice proclaims from the Bench that " a svstem "-" Polvgami! Theocracy —is on trial in the person of Brigham Young ; . . -26 CHAPTER LXL Mass Meeting called by the Mayor of Salt Lake City to assist the sufferers of the Chicago Fire Response of Mormon and Gcnlile. Donations led by Brigham Young and the City" "One touch of Nature." The Telegraph ,0 Pioche completed. Con^tulat ons and Thanks of Connor and others to Brigham Young .u.ai.ui.a aim CHAPTER LXn. The Hawkins- Trial. His polygamy construed into the crime of adultery. Found guilty and sentenced for three years to the Penitentiary. A characteristic sentence. The American Press on the Polygamous trials. . . . .^...^..i^i 540 CHAPTER LXIV. President Young returns and confounds his enemies. His presence in Court Judge McKean refuses S500.000 bail. Brigham a prisoner. Important correspondence between the Dis- trict Attorney and the Attorney-General. Suspension of Criminal Trials, . . . . 55, CHAPTER LXV. Great Political Movenaents in the City in the spring of .872. Governor Woods vetoes the State Cotjvention Bdl. fhe people elects their Delegates notwithstanding. Salt Lake County elects nine Gentiles and ten Mormons to the Convention. S. .Sh.arDe Walker de G^d rei^t^ls y/\VeTm"b^!:'"''='^^^- '""' ^"^ "^''^ ''<'-«'= '" "^^ ^n^cien. Empire. 557 CHAPTER LXVI. The State Convention at work The Constitution of Nevada preferred as a basis. Gen- eral Connor declines his election as delegate. Judge Havdon opposes the State and mov'cs tliat the Convention adjourn «»,• Jit. Hon. Thomai Fitch s remarkable speech for the State, in which he rehearses the history of the Judicial Proceedings in the U. S. Courts of the Territory of that period, and .-.ppcals to his Mormon Colle.agues to abolish ' INDEX. vn. CHAPTKR LXVII. The discussion for ihe State continued. H.iydon and Bainuin culof;ize the Chief Justice. Filch challenges the Record and is unanswered. Motion to adjourn Irsl, and business resumed. Deserel or t'tah ? The name of Dcseret prevails. The all impi)rt.Tnt slruRKlc over the Fifth Section of the Ordinance inviting Congress to put in its I'lank. Orson Pratts leads the opposition, (jeorge Q. Cannon the memliers for the Section. The Fifth Section prevails. (jr;tnd points of the Mosition of the formation of Society in Salt Lake City. 6ji CHAPTER LXXVI. Organization of Society in Salt Lake City. The Uind Rights, Views and incidents of the rarly days 640 CHAPTER LXXVIIl. Origin of the British Emigration to S.alt Lake City, lis circumstantial hislor)'. The P, E. Fund Company. .Arrival of the first British Emigrants. Grand reception by the citizens. Mode of Conducting the Emigration, Dickens' Graphic Description of " My Emigrant Ship, " 646 INDEX. CHAPTER XXXIX. Eearly resources of our Territory. Emigrant trains laden with British homes. The Church Agent mal',j, JM),treiar - HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CITY. xj vent it Irom falling into the hands of wicked men. You will liear from me again on the day of sailing, if it is the Lord's will, amen. " Your's truly, a friend and brother in God's kingdom. S. Brannan." The contract in question was signed by Samuel Brannan and A. G. Benson, and witnessed by W. I. •A.ppleby. To it is this postscript : " This is only a copy of the original, which I have filled out. It is no gam- mon, but will be carried through, if you say, amen. It was drawn up by Ken- dall's own hand ; but no person must be known but Mr. Benson." The following simple minute, in Brigham Young's private journal, is a fine set-off to these documents: "Samuel Brannan urged upon the council the signing of the document. The council considered the subject, and concluded that as our trust was in God, and that, as we looked to him for protection, we would not sign any such unjust and oppressive agreement. This was a plan of political demagogues to rob the Latter-day Saints of millions, and compel them to submit to it by threats of federal bayonets." No matter what view the reader may take of the Mormons and their leaders relative to the intrinsic value to the world of their social and theological prob- lems, no intelligent mind can help being struck with the towering superiority of men trusting in their God, in the supremest hour of trial, compared with the foremost politicians in the country, including a President of the United States, as illustrated in the above example. It is charitably to be hoped, however, that President Polk was a very "silent party" to this scheme, and that his name was merely used to give potency to the promise of protection, and to the threat that the General Government would intercept the Mormons in their exodus. Little did the political demagogues of the time, and these land speculators, un- derstand the Mormon people, and still less the character of the men who were lead- ing them; nor did "Elder Brannan" know them much better. From the beginning the Mormons never gave up an inch of their chosen ground, never, as a people, consented to a compromise, nor allowed themselves to be turned aside from their purposes, nor wavered in their fidelity to their faith. They would suffer expul- sion, or make an exodus if need be, yet ever, as in this case, have they answered, "Our trust is in God. We look to Him for protection." So far "Elder Brannan" understood them; hence his profession of faith that the Lord would overrule and break the "covenant with death." But these men did wiser and better. They never made the covenant, but calmly defied the consequences, which they knew too well might soon follow. Not even as much as to reply to Messrs. Benson, Kendall & Co. did they descend from the pinnacle of their integrity. But, be it not for a moment thought that the Mormon leaders did not fully comprehend their critical position in all its aspects. A homely anecdote of the apostle George A. Smith will illustrate those times. At a council in Nauvoo, of the men who were to act as the captains of the people in that famous exodus, one after the other brought up difficulties in their path until the prospect was without jS history of salt lake c/ty. one poor speck of da) light. The good nature of "George A." was provoked at last, when he sprang up and observed with his quaint humor that had now a touch of the grand in it, " If there is no God in Israel we are a 'sucked in ' set of fel- lows. But I am going to take my family and cross the river, and the Lord will open the way." He was one of the first to set out on that miraculous journey to the Rocky Mountains. Having resolved to trust in their God and themselves, quietly setting aside the politicians, Brigham Young and several of the Twelve left the Camp of Israel for a few days, and returned to bid farewell to their beloved Nauvoo, and hold a parting service in the Temj)le. This was the last time Brigham Young ever saw that sacred monument of the Mormons' devotion. The Pioneers had now been a month on Sugar Crsek, and during the time had, of course, consumed a vast amount of the provisions; indeed, nearly all, which had been gathered up for their j uirney. Their condition, however, was not without its compensation ; for it checked the movements of the mob, among whom the opinion prevailed that the outfit of the Pioneers was so utterly insuffi- cient that, in a short time, they would break in pieces and scatter. Moreover, it was mid-winter. Up to the date of their starting from this first camping ground, detachments continued to join them, crossing the Mississippi, from Nauvoo, on the ice; but before starting they addressed the following memorial : ' ' To His Excellency Governor of the Territory of lozva : Honored Sir : The time is at hand in which several thousand I'ree citizens of this great Republic are to be driven from their peaceful homes and firesides, their property and farms, and their dearest constitutional rights, to wander in the barren plains and sterile mountains ot western wilds, and linger out their lives in wretched exile, far beyond the pale of professed civilization, or else be extermi- nated upon their own lands by the people and authorities of the State of Illinois. "As life is sweet, we have chosen banishment rather than death, but, sir, the terms of our banishment are so rigid, that we have not sufficient time allotted us to make the necessary preparations to encounter the hardships and difficulties of these dreary and uninhabited regions. We have noc time allowed us to dispose of our property, dwellings and farms, consequently many of us will have to leave them unsold, without the means of procuring the necessary provisions, clothing, teams, etc., to sustain us but a short distance beyond the settlements; hence our persecutors have placed us in very unpleasant circumstances. " To stay is death by ' fire and sword ;' to go into banishment unprepared is death by starvation. But yet, under these heartrending circumstances, several hundred ol us have started upon our dreary journey, and are now encamped in Lee County, Iowa, suffering much from the intensity of the cold. Some of us are already without food, and others have barely sufficient to last a few weeks : hundreds of others must shortly follow us in the same unhappy condition, therefore : "We, the presiding authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as a committee in behalf of several thousand suffering exiles, humbly ask Your Excellency to shield and protect us in our constitutional rights, while we are passing through the Territory over which you have jurisdiction. And, should HIS TOR Y OF SAL T LAKE Cn\ '. /p any of the exiles be under the necessity of stopping in this Territory for a time, either in settled or unsettled parts, for the puri)ose of raising crops, by renting farms or upon public lands, or to make the necessary preparations for their exile in any lawful way, we humbly petition Your Excellency to use an influence and power in our behalf, and thus i^reserve thousands of American citizens, together with their wives and children, from intense sufferings, starvation and death. And your petitioners will ever pray." In the diary of the President is a sort of valedictory, written before starting on their journey from Sugar Creek, which concludes thus: " Our homes, gar- dens, orchards, farms, streets, bridges, mills, public halls, magnificent temple, and other public improvements we leave as a monument of our patriotism, indus- try, economy, uprightness of purpose, and integrity of heart, and as a living testimony of the falsehood and wickedness of those who charge us with disloyalty to the Constitution of our country, idleness and dishonesty." The Mormons were setting out under their leaders, from the borders of civil- ization, with their wives and their children, in broad daylight, before the very eyes of ten thousand of their enemies, who would have preferred their utter de- struction to their " flight," notwithstanding they had enforced it by treaties out- rageous beyond description, inasmuch as the exiles were nearly all American born, many of I hem tracing their ancestors to the very founders of the nation. They had to make a journey of fifteen hundred miles over trackless prairies, sandy deserts and rocky mountains, through bands of warlike Indians, who had been driven, exasjjerated, towards the West; and at last, to seek out and build up their Zion in valleys then unfruitful, in a solitary region where the foot of the wiiite man had scarcely trod. These, too, were to be followed by the aged, the halt, the sick and the blind, the poor, who were to be helped by their little less destitute brethren, and the delicate young mother with her new-born babe at her breast, and still worse, for they were not only threatened with the extermination of the poor remnant at Nauvoo, but news had arrived that the parent-government de- signed to pursue their pioneers with troops, take from them their arms, and scat- ter them, that they might perish by the way, and leave their bones bleaching in the wilderness. Yet did Brigham Young deal with the exodus of the Mormon people as sim- ply in its opening as he did in his daily record of it. So, indeed, did the entire Mormon community. They all seemed as oblivious of the stupendous meaning of an exodus, as did the first workers on railroads of the vast meaning to civiliza- tion of that wonder of the age. A people trusting in their God, the Mormons were, in their mission, superior to the greatest human trials, and in their child- like faith equal to almost superhuman undertakings. To-day, however, with the astonishing change which has come over the sjiirit of the scene, on the whole Pacific Slope, since the Mormons pioneered our nation towards the setting sun, the picture of a modern Israel in their exodus has almost faded from the popular mind; but, in the centuries hence, when the passing events of this age shall have each taken their proper place, the historian will point back to that exodus in the New World of the West, as one quite worthy to rank with the immortal exodus of the children of Israel. 20 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. At about noon, on the ist of March, 1846, the "Camp of Israel" began to move, and at four o'clock nearly four hundred wagons were on the the way, travel- ing in a north-westerly direction. At night, they camped again on Sugar Creek, having advanced five miles. Scraping away the snow, they pitched their tents upon the hard frozen ground; and after building large fires in front, they made themselves as comfortable as possible under the circumbtances. Indeed, it is questionable whether any other people in the world could have cozened them- selves into a happy state of mind amid such surroundings, with such a past, fresh and bleeding in their memories, and with such a prospect as was before both themselves and the remnant of their brethren left in Nauvoo to the tender mer- cies of the mob. In his diary Apostle Orson Pratt wrote that night, " Notwith- standing our sufferings, hardships and privations, we are cheerful, and rejoice that we have the privilege of passing through tribulation for the truth's sake." These Mormon pilgrims, who took much consolation on their journey in likening themselves to the pilgrim fathers and mothers of this nation, whose de- scendants many of them actually were, that night made their beds upon the frozen earth. "After bowing before our great Creator," wrote Apostle Pratt, "and offering up praise and thanksgiving to him, and imploring his protection, we resigned ourselves to the slumbers of the night." But the weather was more moderate that night than it had been for several weeks previous. At their first encampment the thermometer, at one time, fell twenty degrees below zero, freezing over the great Mississippi. The survivors of that journey will tell you they never suffered so much from the cold in their lives as they did on Sugar Creek. And what of the Mormon women? Around them circles an almost tragic romance. . Fancy may find abundant subject for graphic story of the devotion, the suffering, the matchless heroism of the "Sisters," in the telling incident that nine children were born to them the first night they camped out on Sugar Creek, February 5th, 1S46. That day they wept their farewells over their beloved city, or in the sanctuary of the Temple, in which they had hoped to worship till the end of life, but which they left, never to see again; that night suffering nature administered to them the mixed cup of woman's supremest joy and pain. But it was not prayer alone that sustained these pilgrims. The practical philosophy of their great leader, daily and hourly applied to the exigencies of their case, did almost as much as their own matchless faith to sustain them from the commencement to the end of their journey. With that leader had very properly come to the "Camp of Israel" several of the Twelve and the chief bishops of the Church, but he also brought with tiim a quorum humble in pre- tensions, yet useful as high priests to the Saints in those spirit saddening days. It was Captain Pitt's brass band. That night the President had the "brethren and sisters" out in the dance, and the music was as glad as at a merry-making. Several gentlemen from Iowa gathered to witness the strange interesting scene. They could scarcely believe their own senses when they were told that these were the Mormons in their " flight from civilization," bound they knew not whither, «xcept where God should lead them by the "hand of his servant." Thus in the song and (lie dance the Saints praised the Lord. Wlien the HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 21 nigln was fine, and supper, which consisted of the most primitive fare, was over, some of the men would clear away the snow, while others bore large logs to thi camp fires in anticipation of the jubilee of the evening. Soon, in a sheltered place, the blazing fires would roar, and fifty couples, old and young, would join, in the merriest spirit, to the music of the band or the rival revelry of the soli- tary fiddle. As they journeyed along, too, strangers constantly visited their camps, and great was their wonderment to see the order, unity and good feeling that prevailed in the midst of the people. By the camp fires they would linger, listening to the music and song; and they fain had taken part in the merriment had not those scenes been as sacred worship in the exodus of a God-fearing peo- ple. To fully understand the incidents here narrated, the reader must couple in his mind the idea of an exodus with the idea of an Israelitish jubilee; for it was a jubilee to the Mormons to be delivered from their enemies at any price. The sagacious reader will readily appreciate the wise method pursued by Brigham Young. Prayers availed much. The hymn and the prayer were never forgotten at the close of the dance, before they dispersed, to make their bed within the shelter of the wagon, or under it, exposed to the cold of those bitter nights. But the dance and the song kept the Mormon pilgrims cheerful and healthy in mind, whereas, had a spirit of gloomy fanaticism been encouraged, such as one might have expected, most likely there would soon have been murmur- ing in the congregation against their Moses, and the people would have been sighing for the flesh-pots of Egypt. The patriarchal care of Brigham Young over the migrating thousands was also something uncommon. It was extended to every family, every soul ; even the very animals had the master friend near to ease and succor them. A thousand anecdotes could be told of that journey to illustrate this. When traveling, or in camp, he was ever looking after the wel- fare of all. No poor horse or ox even had a tight collar or a bow too small but his eye would see it. Many times did he get out of his vehicle and see that some suffering animal was relieved. There can be no doubt that the industrious habits of tlie Mormons, and the semi-communistic character of their camps, enabled them to accomplish on their journey what otherwise would have been impossible. They were almost destitute at the start, but they created resources on the way. Their pioneers and able- bodied men generally took work on farms, split rails, cleared the timber for the new settlers, fenced their lands, built barns and husked their corn. Each night brought them some employment ; and, if they laid over for a day or two at their encampment, the country around was busy with their industry. They also scattered for work, some of them going even into Missouri among their ancient enemies to turn to the smiter the "other cheek," while they were earning sup- port for their families. At one of their first camping grounds, on a ten-acre lot which the pioneer liad cleared of timber, they made the acquaintance of its owner, a Dr. Jewett- The worthy doctor was an enthusiast over mesmerism and animal magnetism, so he sought to convert the Mormon leaders to his views. Brigham Young replied, "I perfectly understand it, Doctor. We believe in the Lord's magnetizing. He magnetized Belshazzar so that he saw the hand-writing on the wall." The 22 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. Mormons, too, had seen the hand-writing on the wall, and were hastening to the mountains. The citizens of Farmington came over to invite the Nauvoo Band, under Captain Pitt, to come to their village for a concert. There was some music left in the " brethren." They had not forgotten how to sing the " Songs of Zion," so they made the good folks of Farmington merry, and for a time forgot their own sorrows. As soon as the "Camp of Israel" was fairly on the march, the leader, with the Twelve and the captains, divided it into companies of hundreds, nfties, and tens ; and then the companies took up their line in order, Brigham Young direct- ing the whole, and bringing up the main body, with the chief care of the families. The weather was still intensely cold. The Pioneers moved in the face of keen- edged northwest winds ; they broke the ice to give their cattle drink ; they made their beds on the soaked prairie lands ; heavy rains and snow by day, and frost at night, rendered their situation anything but pleasant. The bark and limbs of trees were the principal food of their animals, and after doubling their teams all day, wading through the deep mud, they would find themselves at night only a few miles on their journey. They grew sick of this at last, and for three weeks rested on the head waters of the Chariton, waiting for the freshets to subside. These incidents of travel were varied by an occasional birth in camp. There was also the death of a lamented lady early on the journey. She was a gentle, intelligent wife of a famous Mormon missionary, Orson Spencer, once a Baptist minister of excellent standing. She had requested the brethren to take her with them. She would not be lelt behind. Life was too far exhausted by the perse- cutions to survive the exodus, but she could yet have the honor of dying in that immortal circumstance of her people. Several others of the sisters also died at the verv starting. .A.h, who shall fitly picture the lofty heroism of the Mormon women ! It was near the Chariton that the organization of the " Camp of Israel " was perfected, on the 27th of March, when Brigham Young was formally chosen as the President ; and captains of hundreds, fifties, and tens were appointed. Thus the Twelve became relieved of their mere secular commands, and were placed at the heads of divisions, in their more apostolic character, as presidents. The provisioning of the camp was also equally brought under organic man- agement. Henry G. Sherwood was appointed contracting commissary for the first fifty ; David D. Yearsley for the second ; W. H. Edwards for the third ; Peter Haws for the fourth ; Samuel GuUey for the fifth : Joseph Warburton for the sixth. Henry G, Sherwood ranked as acting commissary-general. There were also distributing commissaries appointed. Their duties, says the President's diary, "are to make a righteous distribution of grain and provisions, and such articles as shall be furnished for the use of the camp, among their respec- tive fifties." Thus it will be seen that the "Camp of Israel" now partook very much of a military character, with all of an army's organic efficiency. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 23 Towards the end of April the camp came to a place the leaders named Gar- den Grove. Here they determined to form a small settlement, open farms, and make a temporary gathering place for "the poor," while the better prepared were to push on the way and make other settlements. On the morning of the 27th of April the bugle sounded at Garden Grove, and all the men assembled to organize for labor. Immediately hundreds of men were at work cutting trees, splitting rails, making fences, cutting logs for houses, building bridges, digging wells, making plows, and herding cattle. Quite a num- ber were sent into tlie Missouri settlements to exchange horses for oxen, valuable feather beds and the like for provisions and articles most needed in the camp, and the remainder engaged in plowing and planting. Messengers were also dis- patched to call in the bands of pioneers scattered over the country seeking work, with instructions to hasten them up to hel]) form the new settlements before the season had i)assed ; so that, in a scarcely conceivable time, at Garden Grove and Mount Pisgah, industrious settlements sprang up almost as if by magic. The main body also hurried on towards old Council Bluffs, under the President and his chief men, to locate winter quarters, and to send on a picked company of pioneers that year to the Rocky Mountains. Reaching the Missouri River, they were welcomed by the Pottowatomie and Omaha Indians. By this time Apostle Orson Hyde had arrived at headquarters from Nauvoo, and .\postle Woodruff, home from his mission to England, was at Mount Pisgah. To this place an express from the President at Council Bluffs came to raise one hundred men for the expedition to the mountains. Apostle Woodruff called for the mounted volunteers, and sixty at once followed him out into the line ; but the next day an event occurred which caused the postponement of the journey to the mountains till the following year. It was on the 26th of June when the camp at Mount Pisgah was tlirown into consternation by the cry, "The United States troops are upon us! " But soon afterwards. Captain James Allen arriving with only three dragoons, the excite- ment subsided. The High Council was called, and Captain Allen laid before it his business, which is set forth in the following ' ' Circular to the Mormons : I have come ainong you, instructed by Col. S. F. Kearney, of the U. S. Army, now commat^ding the Army of the West, to visit the Mormon camp, and to accept the service for twelve months of four or five comiJanies of Mormon men who may be willing to serve their country for that period in our present war with Mexico ; this force to unite with the Army of the West at Santa Fe, and be marched thence to California, where they will be discharged. "They will receive pay and rations, and other allowances, such as other volunteers or regular soldiers receive, from the day they shall be mustered into the service, and will be entitled to all comforts and benefits of regular soldiers of the army, and when discharged, as contemplated, at California, they will be given gratis their arms and accoutrements, with which they will be fully equipped at Fort Leavenworth. This is offered to the Mormon people now. This year an opportunity of sending a portion of their young and intelligent men to the ulti- mate destination of their whole people, and entirely at the expense of the United 2i HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. States, and this advanced party can thus pave the way and look out the land for their brethren to come after them. " Those of the Mormons who are desirous of serving their country on the conditions here enumerated, are requested to meet me without delay at their principal camp at the Council Bluffs, whither I am now going to consult with their principal men, and to receive and organize the force contemplated to be raised . " I will receive all healthy, able-bodied men of from eighteen to forty-five years of age. J. Allen, Capt. ist Dragoons. "Camp of the Mormons at Mount Pisgah, Ij8 miles east of Council Blufft, June 26th, 1846. " Note. — I hope to complete the organization of this battalion in six days after my reaching Council Bluffs, or within nine days from this time." The High Council of Mount Pisgah treated the military envoy with studied courtesy, but the matter was of too great importance for even an opinion to be hazarded in the absence of the master mind ; so Captain Allen was furnished with a letter of introduction to Brigham Young and the authorities at headquar- ters, and a special messenger was dispatched by Apostle Woodruff to prepare the President for the business of the government agent. CHAPTER III. THE CALL FOR THE MORMON BATIALION. INTERVIEWS WITH PRESIDENT POLK. THE APOSTLES ENLISTING SOLDIERS FROM THEIR PEOPLE FOR THE SERVICE OF THE NATION. THE B.^TTALION ON THE MARCH. We now come to a subject in Mormon history of which two opposite views have been taken, neither of which, perhaps, are unqualifiedly correct. It is that of the calling of a Mormon battalion to serve the nation in lis war with Mexico, as set forth in the circular already given. One view is that the Government, prompted by such men as Senator Benton of Missouri, sought to destroy, or at least to cripple the Mormons, by taking from them five hundred of their best men, in an Indian country, and in their exodus; while the other view is that the Government designed their good and honor. The truth is that a few honorable gentlemen like Colonel Thomas L. Kane did so design ; but it is equally true that the great majority heartily wished for their utter extinction ; while Senator Douglass and many other politicians, seeing in this vast migration of the Mor- mons towards the Pacific the ready and most efficient means to wrest California from Mexico, favored the calling of the battalion for national conquest, without caring what afterwards became of those heroic men who left their families and HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 2f people in the " wilderness," or whether those families perished by the way or not. Moreover, the Mormon leaders are in possession of what appears to be very positive evidence that, after President Polk issued the " call," Senator Thomas Benton obtained from him the pledge that, should the Mormons refuje to re- spond, United States troops should pursue, cut off their route, and disperse them. Such a covenant was villainous beyond expression ; for, to have dispersed the Mor- mon pilgrims at that moment would have been to have devoted a whole people to the cruelest martyrdom. In any view of the case, it shows that the Mormons were an essentially loyal and patriotic people ; and, if we take the darkest view, which be it em- phatically affirmed was the one of that hour, then does the masterly policy of Brigham Youi.g, and the conduct of the Mormons, stand out sublime and far- seeing beyond most of the examples of history. The reader has noted Mr. Bran- nan's letter, received by the leaders before starting on their journey; they looked upon this "call" for, from five hundred to a thousand, of the flower of their camps as the fulfillment of the "threat." The excuse to annihilate them they believed was sought; even the General Government dared not disperse and dis- arm them without an excuse. At the best an extraordinary test of their loyalty was asked of them, under circumstances that would have required the thrice hardening of a Pharaoh's heart to have exacted. Here it will only be just to both sides to give Colonel Kane's statement, in his historical discourse on the Mormons, delivered before the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, as that gentleman sustained in the case very much the character of a special agent of the Administration to the Mormons. He said: ".\t the commencement of the Mexican war, the President considered it de- sirable to march a body of reliable infantry to California, at as early a period as practicable, and the known hardihood and habits of discipline of the Mormons were supposed peculiarly to fit them for this service. As California was supposed also to be their ultimate destination, the long march might cost them less than other citizens. They were accordingly invited to furnish a battalion of volun- teers early in the month of July. " The call could hardly have been more inconveniently timed. The young and those who could best have been spared, were then away from the main body, either with pioneer companies in the van, or, their faith unannounced, seeking work and food about the north-western settlements, to support them till the re- turn of the season for commencing emigration. The force was, therefore, to be recruited from among the fathers of families, and others, whose presence it was most desirable to retain. "There were some, too, who could not view the invitation without distrust; they had twice been persuaded by Government authorities in Illinois and Mis- souri, to give up their arms on some special a[)peals to their patriotic confidence, and had then been left to the malice of their enemies. And now they were asked, tn the midst of the Indian country, to surrender over five hundred of their best men for a war march of thousands of miles to California, without the hope of return till after the conquest of that country. Could they view such a propo- sition with favor? 4 26 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. "But the feeling of country triumphed; the Union had never wronged them. 'You shall have your battalion at once, if it has to be a class of elders,' said one, himself a ruling elder. A central mass-meeting for council, some har- angues at the more remotely scattered camps, an American flig brought out from the storehouse of things rescued, and hoisted to the top of a tree-mast, and, in three days, the force was reported, mustered, organized and ready to march." The foregoing is a graphic summary, but the reader will ask for something more of detail of this one of the chief episodes of the Pioneer history. On the first of July Captain Allen wdA in council at the Bluffs with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, VVillard Richards, George A. Smith, John Taylor, John Smith and Levi Richards. At head-quarters they liad not nearly sufficient force to raise the battalion. Yet they lost not a moment. In the character of recruiting sergeants Brigham, Heber and Willard at once set out for Mount Pisgah, a distance of 130 miles, on the back track. Here they met Elder Jesse C. Little, home from Washington, having had interviews with President Polk and other members of the Government. A condensation of Elder Little's report will, at least, give to the public the original plan of the Govern- ment in the call of the battalion : ' ' To JPresiifent Brigham Young and the Council of tlic Twelve Apostles: "Brethren: In your letter of appointment to me dated Temple of God, Nauvoo, January 26th, 1846, you suggested, ' If our Government should offer facilities for emigrating to the western coast, embrace those facilities if possible. As a wise and faithful man, take every honorable advantage of the times you can. Be thou a savior and deliverer of the people, and let virtue, integrity and truth be your motto — salvation and glory the prize for which you contend.' In ac- cordance with my instructions, I felt an an.xious desire for the deliverance of the Saints, and resolved upon visiting James K. Polk, President of the United States, to lay the situation of my persecuted brethren before him, and ask him, as the representative of our country, to stretch forth the Federal arm in their be- half. Accordingly, I called upon Governor Steele, of New Hampshire, with whom I had been acquainted from my youth, and other philanthropic gentlemen to obtain letters of recommendation to the heads of the departments." Governor Steele gave to Elder Little a letter of introduction to Mr. Ban- croft, Secretary of the Navy, in which the Governor said : " Mr. Little visits Washington, if I understand it correctly, for the purpose of procuring, or endeavoring to procure, the freight of any provisions or naval stores which the Government may be de.sirous of sending to Oregon, or to any portion of the Pacific. He is thus desirous of obtaining freight tor the ])uri50se of lessening the expense of chartering vessels to convey him and his followers to California, where they intend going and making a permanent settlement the present summer. Yours truly, John Steele." From Colonel Thomas L. Rane, Elder Little received a letter of introduc- HISTORY OF SAF.T LAKE CITY. 27 tion to the Hon. George M. Dallas, Vice-President of the United State?, in which the writer said : "This gentleman visits Washington, with no other object than the laudable one of desiring aid of Government for his people, who, forced by persecution to found a new commonwealth in the Sacramento Valley, still retain American hearts, and would not willingly sell themselves to the foreigner, or forget the old commonwealth they leave behind." Armed with these and other letters, Mr. Little started to Washington from Philadelphia, where he had enlisted, for his afflicted people, the zealous friend- ship of the patriotic brother of the great Arctic explorer ; and, soon after his arrival at the capital, he obtained an introduction to President Polk, through Ex- Postmaster- General Amos Kendall. The Elder was favorably received by Mr. Polk, which emboldened him to address a formal petition to the President, which he closed as follows : " From twelve to fifteen thousand Mormons have already left Nauvoo for Cali- fornia, and many others are making ready to go ; some have gone around Cape Horn, and I trust, before this time, have landed at the Bay of San Francisco. We have about forty thousand in the British Isles, all determined to gather to this land, and thousands will sail this fall. There are also many thousands scattered through the States, besides the great number in and around Nauvoo, who will go to California as soon as possible, but many of them are destitute of money to pay their passage either by sea or land. "We are true-hearted Americans, true to our native country, true to its laws, true to its glorious institutions; and we have a desire to go under the out- stretched wings of the American Eagle; we would disdain to receive assistance from a foreign power, although it should be proffered, unless our Government should turn us off in this great crisis, and compel us to be foreigners. "If you will assist us in this crisis, I hereby pledge my honor, as the repre- sentative of this people, that the whole body will stand ready at your call, and act as one man in the land to which we are going ; and should our Territory be in- vaded, we will hold ourselves ready to enter the field of battle, and then, like our patriotic fathers, make the battlefield our grave, or gain our liberty." There were present at the first interview between the Mormon Elder and the President of the United States, Gen. Sam. Houston, just from Texas, upon Mex- ican affairs, and other distinguished men. A singula; circumstance in American history is here connected ; for at that important juncture in the history of our nation, as well as the Mormons, Washington was thrown into great excitement by the news that General Taylor had fought two battles with the Mexicans. This important event was directly bearing on the affairs of the Mormons, as much as upon those of the nation at large. The news of the actual commencement of the war between the two rival republics came in the very nick ol time. Had Elder Little arrived in Washington six months before, or six months later, there would have been a marked variation from that which came to i)ass. We know not what the exact difference would have been, but it is most certain that President Polk would not then have de.signed to possess California by the help of these State- 2S HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. founding Saints, nor would their sliovels have turned up the gold at Sutter's Mill, nor would General Stephen F. Kearney have had at his back the Mormon Battalion as his chief force, when he made himself master of the land of precious metals, and put his rival, Fremont, under arrest. The day alter his first interview with President Polk, Elder Little called again upon ex-Postmaster-General Kendall, who informed him that the President had determined to take possession of California; that he designed to use the Mormons for this purpose, and that they would receive orders to push through to fortify the country. This induced the Elder to address the petition already quoted. The President now laid the matter before the Cabinet. The plan offered to his colleagues was for the Elder to go direct to the Mormon camp, to raise from among them "one thousand picked men, to make a dash into California and take possession of it in the name of the United States." The Battalion was to be officered by their own men, excepting the commanding officer, who was to be appointed by President Polk, and to take cannon and everything necessary for the defence of the country. One thousand more of the Mormons from the East- ern States were proposed to be sent by way of Cape Horn, in a U. S. transport, for the same service. This was the original plan which President Polk laid before his Cabinet. After this Elder Little had his second interview with President Polk, who told the Elder that he " had no prejudices against the Saints, but that he believed them to be good citizens; " that he "was willing to do them all the good in his power consistently ; " that " they should be protected ; '" and that he had "read the petition with interest." He further emphatically observed that he had " confidence in the Mormons as true American citizens, or he would not make such propositions as those he designed." This interview lasted three hours, so filled was the President with his plan of possessing California by the aid of the Mormons. But this generous design was afterwards changed through the influ- ence of Senator Benton. Before his departure west, Elder Little had another special interview with the President, who further said that he had " received the Mormon suffrages," that " they should be remembered ; " and that he had " instructed the Secretary of War to make out dispatclies to Colonel Kearney, commander of the Army of the West, relative to the Mormon Battalion." On the 1 2th of June, Elder Little, in company with Colonel Thomas L. Kane, started for the West, the Colonel bearing special dispatches from the Gov- ernment to General Kearney, who was at Fort Leavenworth. Judge Kane jour- neyed with his son as far as St. Louis. The following is the order under which the Battalion was mustered into service : " Headquarters, Army of the West, Fort Leavenworth, June 19, 1846. " Sir : It is understood that there is a large body of Mormons who are de- sirous of emigrating to California, for the purpose of settling in that country, and I have therclore to direct that you will proceed to their camps and endeavor HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 2g to raise from amongst them four or five companies of volunteers, to join me in my expedition to that country, each company to consist of any number between 73 and 109, the officers of each company will be a captain, first lieu- tenant, and second lieutenant, who will be elected by the privates, and subject to your approval, and the captains then to appoint the non-commissioned officers, also subject to your approval. The companies, upon being thus organized, will be mustered by you into the service of the United States, and from that day will commence to receive the pay, rations, and other allowances given to the other infantry volunteers, each according to his rank. You will, upon mustering into service the fourth company, be considered as having the rank, pay, and emolu- ments of a lieutenant-colonel of infantry, and are authorized to appoint an adju- tant, sergeant-major, and quartermaster-sergeant for the battalion. "The companies, after being organized, will be marched to this post, where they will be armed and prepared for the field, after which they will, under your command, follow on my trail in the direction of Santa Fe, and where you will receive further orders from me. "You will, upon organizing the companies, require provisions, wagons, horses, mules, etc. You must purchase everything that is necessary, and give the necessary drafts upon the quartermaster and commissary departments at this post, which drafts will be paid upon presentation. "You will have the Mormons distinctly to understand that I wish to have them as volunteers for twelve months ; that they will be marched to California, receiving pay and allowances during the above time, and at its expiration they will be discharged, and allowed to retain, as their private property, the guns and accoutrements furnished to them at this post. '• Each company will be allowed four women as laundresses, who will travel with the company, receiving rations and other allowances given to the laun- dresses of our army. " With the foregoing conditions, which are hereby pledged to the Mormons, and which will be faithfully kept by me and other officers in behalf of the Gov- ernment of the United States, I cannot doubt but that you will in a few days be able to raise five hundred young and efficient men for this expedition. " Very respectfully your obedient servant, (Signed) S. F. Keaknev, Col. of First Dragoons. Per Capt. James Allen, First. Reg. Dragoons, Fort Leavenworth." The following from important documents sent from the War Office a quarter of a century later, to aid this author in his investigation of the call of the Mormon Battalion is presented here to perfect the view : "Adjutant Genkral's Oittce. "Sir: I send herewith such papers as I have been able to find relating to the way the Mormon B.Utalion was received into service during the Mexican war. Your obedient servant, E. D. TowNSEND, Adjutant- General." "Hon. W. L. Marcy, Secretary of War, in a letter to General Kearney, dated Jure 3, 1846, states that it is known that a large body of Mormon cmi- of HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. grants are in route to California, for the purpose of settling in that country, de- sires the General to use all proper means to have a good understanding with them, to the end that the United States may have their cooperation in taking posses- sion of and holding the country; authorizes the General to muster into service such as can be induced to volunteer, not, however, to a number exceeding one- third of his entire force. Should they enter the service they were to be paid as other volunteers ; to be allowed to designate, as far as it could be properly done, the persons to act as officers. " This appears to be the authority under which General Kearney mustered the Mormon Battalion into service. " The command was mustered out of service in California, in 1847, and one company was again mustered in immediately after to serve for twelve months. This company was mustered out in 1848 at San Diego." The other document of this Battalion history, furnished by the Adjutant- General, is General Kearney's order under which the Battalion was mustered into service. It will be seen from the above abstract of Secretary Marcy's letter to Gen- eral Kearney, that there exists in the War Office to-day positive proof that the United States did design to colonize California by the aid of the Mormons. Extraordinary was the wording, that the United States Government " desires the General to use all proper means to have a good understanding with them, to the etui that the United States may have tJieir co-operation in taliing possession of and holding the country.''' We return to the Pioneer narrative : It will be remembered that Brigham Young, while believing the Battalion call to be a test of loyalty, hastened with Heber C. Kimball and Willard Richards to Mount Pisgah, 130 miles, to execute the "demand," as they deemed it, for a battalion of their picked men 'to serve their country. They immediately sent messengers, with official dispatches from their High Council to Nauvoo, Garden Grove, and the regions around, calling to headquarters their old men and able- bodied boys to supply the place of their picked men going for the service of their country. Returning to Council Bluffs, the Twelve gathered the " Camp of Israel " to enrol the companies of volunteers. While Major Hunt, of the volunteers, was calling out the first company, Brigham Young conversed with Colonel Kane in Woodruff's carriage about the affairs of the nation, and told him the time would come when the Mormons would "have to save the Government of the United States, or it would crumble to atoms." Forty minutes after twelve of the same day, July 15, the Elders and the people assembled in the Bowery. President Young then delivered to the congre- gation a simple but earnest speech, in which he told the lirethren, with a touch of subdued pathos, " not to mention families to-day;" that they had "not time to reason now." "We want," he said, " to conform to the reciuisition made upon us, and we will do nothing else until we accomplish this thing. If we want the privilege of going where we can worship God according to the dictates of HlSTOR\ OF SALT LAKE CLTY. jr our consciences, we must raise the Battalion. I say, it is right; and who cares for sacrificing our comfort for a few years? " Nobly did the Mormons respond to this call of their country. The Apostles acted as recruiting sergeants; nor did they wait for their reinforcements, but moved as though they intended to apply their leader's closing sentence literally; he said : ''After we get through talking, we will call out the companies ; and if there are not young men ertough we will taice the old men, and if they are not enough we will take the women. I want to say to every man, the Constitution , of the United States, as framed by our fathers, was dictated, was revealed, was put into their hearts by the Almighty, who sits enthroned in the midst of the heavens; although unknown to them it was dictated by the revelations of Jesus Christ, and I tell you, in the name of Jesus Christ, it is as good as ever I could ask for. I say unto you. magnify the laws. There is no law in the United States, or in the Constitution, but I am ready to make honorable." "There was no sentimental affectation at their leave-taking," said Thomas L. Kane, in relating the story to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. " The af- ternoon before their march was devoted to a farewell ball ; and a more merry rout I have never seen, though the company went without refreshments, and their ball was of the most primitive. It was the custom, whenever the larger camps rested for a few days together, to make great arbors, or boweries, as they called them, of poles, and brush, and wattling, as places of shelter for their meetings of devotion or conference. In one of these, where the ground had been trodden firm and hard by the worshippers, of the popular Father Taylor's precinct, was gathered now the mirth and beauty of the Mormon Israel. " If anything told that the Mormons had been bred to other lives, it was the appearance of the women as they assembled here. Before their flight they had sold their watches and trinkets as the most available recourse for raising ready money ; and hence like their partners, who wore waistcoats cut with useless watch pockets, they, although their ears were pierced and bore the marks of re- jected pendants, were without earrings, chains or broaches. Except such orna- ments, however, they lacked nothing most becoming the attire of decorous maidens. The neatly- darned white stockings, and clean white petticoat, the clear-starched collar and chemisette, the something faded, only because too-well washed lawn or gingham gown, that fitted modishly to the waist of its pretty wearer — these, if any of them spoke of poverty, spoke of a poverty that had known better days. "With the rest attended the elders of the Church within call, including nearly all the chiefs of the High Council, with their wives and children. They, the bravest and most trouble-worn, seemed the most an.xious of any to throw off the burden of heavy thoughts. Their leading off the dance in a double cotillion was the signal which bade the festivity to commence. To the canto of debonnair violins, the cheer of horns, the jingle of sleigh bells, and the jovial snoring of the tambourines, they did dance! None of your minuets or other mortuary pos- sessions of gentles in etiquette, tight shoes and pincliing gloves, but the s[)irited and scientific displays of our venerated and merry grandparents, wiio were not above following the fiddle to the lively fox-chase, French fours, Coi)enhagen jigs. 32 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. Virginia reels, and the like forgotten figures, executed with the spirit of people too happy to be slow, or bashful, or constrained. Light hearts, lithe figures, and light feet had it their own way from an early hour till after the sun had dipped behind the sharp sky-line of the Omaha hills. Silence was then called, and a well-cultivated mezzo-soprano voice, belonging to a young lady with fair face and dark eyes, gave with quartette acccompaniment, a little song, the notes of which I have been unsuccessful in repeated efforts to obtain since — a version of the text touching to all earthly wanderers: ■ By the rivers of Babylon we sat down and wept ; We wept when we remembered Zion. "There was danger of some expression of feeling when the song was over, for it had begun to draw tears, but, breaking the (juiet with his hard voice, an elder asked the blessing of heaven on all who, with purity of heart and brother- hood of spirit, had mingled in that society, and then all dispersed, hastening to cover from the falling dews." CH.APTER IV. THE MORMONS SETTLE ON INDI.AN L.\NDS. A GR.AND COUNCIL HELD BE- TWEEN THE ELDERS .'\ND INDIAN CHIEFS. A COVENANT IS MADE BETWEEN THEM. AND LAND GRANTED BY THE INDIANS TO THEIR MOR- MON BROTHERS. CHARACTERISTIC SPEECHES OF FAMOUS INDIAN CHIEFS. Wl.NTER QUARTERS ORGANIZED. THE lOURNEY OF THE PION- EERS TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS. With the departure of the Battalion, the flower of their strength, vanished all expectation of going to the Rocky Mountains that year, and the elders immediately set to work to locate and build their winter quarters. Ever exact to the organic genius of their community, their first business was to organize the High Council of a "Traveling Stake of Zion." This was done at Council Bluffs, July 21st, with Father Morley at the head of an incorporated council of twelve high priests. The Indians welcomed their " Mormon brothers " with a touch of dramatic ]jathos. "They would have been pleased," said Colonel Kane, "with any whites who would not cheat them, nor sell them whiskey, nor whip them lor their poor gipsy habits, nor bear themselves indecently toward their women, many of whom among the Pottowatomies, especially those of nearly unmixed French descent, are singularly comely, and some of them educated. But all Indians have something like 3 sentiment of reverence for the insane, and admire those who sacrifice, without apparent motive, their worldly welfare to the triumph of an idea. They understand the meaning of what they call a great vow, and think it is the duty of the right-minded to lighten the votary's penance under it. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 33 To this feeling they united the sympathy of fellow sufTerers for those who could talk to them of their own Illinois, and tell the story how from it they also had been ruthlessly expelled. , "Their hospitality was sincere, almost delicate. Fanny Le Clerc, the spoiled child of the great brave, Pied Riche, interpreter of the nation, would have the pale face. Miss Divine, learn duets with her to the guitar; and the daughter of substantial Joseph La Framboise, the interpreter of the United States (she died of the fever that summer) welcomed all the nicest young Mor- mon Kitties and Lizzies and Jennies and Susans, to a coffee feast at her father's house, which was probably the best cabin in the river village. They made the Mormons at home there and elsewhere- Upon all they formally gave them leave to tarry just so long as it suited their own good pleasure. "The affair, of course, furnished material for a solemn council. Under the auspices of an officer of the United States, their chiefs were summoned, in the- form befitting great occasions, to meet in the dirty yard of one Mr. P. A. Sarpy's log trading house, at their village; they came in grand toilet, moving in their fantastic attire with so much aplomb and genteel measure, that the stranger found it difficult not to believe them high-born gentlemen attending a costumed ball. When the red men had indulged to satiety in tobacco smoke from their peace pipes, and in what they love still better, their peculiar metaphoric rodo- montade, which, beginning with celestial bodies, and coursing downwards over the grandest sublunary objects, always managed to alight at last on their great Father Polk, and the tenderness of him for liis affectionate colored children; all the solemn lunny fellows present, who played the part of chiefs, signed formal articles of convention with their unpronounceable names. "The renowned chief, Pied Riche (he was surnamed Le Clerc on account of his remarkable scholarship) then rose and said: " ' My Mormon Brethren: The Pottowatomie came sad and tired into this unhealthy Missouri bottom, not many years back, when he was taken from his beautiful country beyond the Mississippi, which had abundant game and timber, and clear water everywhere. Now you are driven away the same from your lodges and your lands there, and the graves of your people. So we have both suffered. We must keep one another and the Great Spirit will keep us both. You are now free to cut and use all the wood you may wish. You can make your improvements and live on any part of our actual land not occupied by us. Be- cause one suffers and does not deserve it, it is no reason he should suffer always. I say, we may live to see all right yet. However, if we do not, our children will. Bon jour! '" And thus ended the pageant. But the Mormons had most to do with the Omaha Indians, for they located their camps on both the east and west sides of the Missouri River. Winter Quarters proper was on the west side, five miles above the Omaha of to-day. There, on a pretty [jlateau, overlooking the river, they built, in a few months, over seven hundred houses, neatly laid out with highways and by-ways, and fortified with breastwork, stockade, and block-houses. It had, too, its place of worship, "tabernacle of the congregation;" for in everythig they 5 34 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. did they kept up the character of the modern Israel. The industrial character of the people also typed itself on their city in the wilderness, which sprang up as by magic, for it could boast«of large workshops, and mills and factories provided with water power. They staled it a "Stake of Zion." It was the principal stake, too; several others, such as Garden Grove and Mount Pisgah having al- ready been established on the route. The settlement of headquarters brought the Mormons into peculiar relation- ship with the Omahas. A grand council was also held between their chiefs and the Elders. Big Elk made a characteristic speech fur the occasion, yet not so distinguished in its Indian eloquence as that of Le Clerc. Big Elk said, in re- sponse to President Young: " My son, thou hast spoken well. I have all thou hast said in my heart. I ,have much I want to say. We are poor. When we go to hunt game in one place, we meet an enemy, and so in another place our enemies kill us. We do not kill them. I hope we will be friends. You may stay on these lands two years or more. Our young men may watch your cattle. We would be glad to have you trade with us. We will warn you of danger from other Indians." The council closed with an excellent feeling; the pauper Omahas were treated to a feast, very gracious even to the princely appetite of Big Elk; and then they returned to their wigwams, satisfied for the time with the dispensation of the Great Spirit, who had sent their " Mormon brethren " into their country to care for and protect them from their enemies — the warlike Sioux. The Omahas were ready to solicit as a favor the residence of white protec- tors among them. The Mormons harvested and stored away for them their crops of maize ; with all their own poverty they spared them food enough be- sides, from lime to time, to save them from absolutely starving; and their en- trenched camp to the north of the Omaha villages, served as a sort of a break- water between them and the destroying rush of the Siou.\. But the Mormons were as careful in their settlement on the Indian lands as they had been in the Battalion case, to make their conduct irreproachable in the e)es of the General Government, and to do nothing, even in their direst necessi- ties, that would not force the sanction of the nation. They were, therefore, particular in obtaining covenants from the Indians and forwarding them to the President of the United States. Here is the covenant of the Omahas: " West Side of the Missouri River, Near Council Bluffs, August 31, 1S46. " We, the undersigned chiefs and braves, representatives of the Omaha nation of Indians, do hereby grant to the Mormon people the privilege of tarry- ing upon our lands for two years or more, or as long as may suit their conven- ience for the purpose of making the necessary preparations to prosecute their journey west of the Rocky Mountains, provided that our great father, the Pres- ident of the United States, shall not counsel us to the contrary. And we also do grant unto them the privilege of using all the wood and limber they shall recjiiire. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 35 And furthermore agree that we will not molest or take from them their cattle, horses, sheep, or any other property. Big Elk, his x mark. Standing Elk, his x mark, Little Chief, his x mark." On this matter Brigham Young wrote to the President in behalf of his people : Near Council Bluffs, Butler's Park, Omaha Nation, Sept. 7, 1846. "Sir: Since our communication of the 9th ult. to Your Excellency, the Omaha Indians have returned from their Summer hunt, and we have had an in- terview in general council with their chiefs and braves, who expressed a willing- ness that we should tarry on their lands, and use what wood and timber would be necessary for our convenience, while we were preparing to prosecute our journey, as may be seen by a duplicate of theirs to us of the 21st of August, which will be presented by Col. Kane. "In council they were much more specific than in their writings, and Big Elk, in behalf of his nation requested us to lend them teams to draw their corn at harvest, and help keep it after it was deposited, to assist them in building houses, making fields, doing some blacksmithing, etc., and to teach some of their young men to do the same, and also keep some goods, and trade with them while we tarried among them. We responded to all their wishes in the same spirit of kindness manifested by them, and told them we would do them all the good we could, with the same proviso they made — if the President is willing; and this is why we write. Hitherto we have kept aloof from all intercourse except in councils, as re- ferred to, and giving them a few beeves when hungry, but we have the means of doing thera a favor by instructing them in agricultural and mechanical arts, if it is desirable. Jt might subject us to some inconvenience in our impoverished situation, to procure goods for their accommodation, and yet, if we can do it, we might re- ceive in return as many skins and furs as would prove a valuable tempo- rary substitute for worn-out clothing and tents in our camp, which would be no small blessing. "A small division of our camp is some two or three hundred miles west of this, on the rush bottoms, among the Puncaws, where similar feelings are mani- fested towards our people. " Should Your Excellency consider the requests of the Indians for instruc- tion, etc., reasonable, and signifying the same to us, we will give them all the information in mechanism and farming the nature of the case will admit, which will give us the opportunity of getting the assistance of their men to help us herd and labor, which we have much needed since the organization of the Battalion. "A license, giving us permission to trade with the Indians while we are tar- rying on or passing through their lands, made out in the name of Newel K. Whitney, our agent in camp, would be a favor to our people and our red neigh- j6 HISTOR y OF SAL T LAKE CIl Y. bors. All of which is submitted to Your Excellency's consideration and the confidence of Colonel Kane. "Done in behalf of the council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, at the time and place before mentioned, and Camp of Israel. Most respectfully, Brigham Young, President, \ViLL\RD Richards, Clerk." "To James K. Polk, President V. S." Out of an absolute destitution, and in spite of their expulsion, the Mormons had flourished and increased in the wilderness, so that at the end of the year 1846, Winter Quarters had grown into twenty-two wards, with a bishop over each. As the spring opened, they began to prepare for their journey to the moun- tains, which at that day was almost appalling to the imagination. They had still over a thousand miles to the valley of the Salt Like, and so little was known of the country any more than its name implied — the Great American Desert — that the Mormons could not look forward to much of a land of promise to repay them ibr all the past. Yet sang their poet, Eliza R. Snow, who has ever on their great occasions fired them with her Hebraic inspiration : "The time of winter now is o'er. There's verdure on the plain ; We leave our shelt'ring roofs once more. And to our tents ag.iin. Chorus ; — O Camp of Israel, onward move, O, Jacob, rise and sing ; Ye Saints the world's salvation prove. All hail to Zion's King ! " The pioneer song (as it was called) was, like their journey, quite lengthy. But the pioneers sang it with a will. It told them of their past ; told them in exultation, that they were leaving the "mobbing Gentile race, who thirsted for their blood, to rest in Jacob's hiding place," and it told of the future, in pro- phetic strains. The word and will of the Lord concerning the Camp of Israel in its journey- ings to the West, was published from head-quarters, (5n the 14th of January, 1847. A.S it is the first 7vritten revelation ever sent out to thi Church by President Young, the following passages from it will be read with interest : "Let all the people of the Church of Jesus Christ of Lattter-day Saints and those who journey with them, be organized into companies, with a covenant and promise to keep all the commandments and statutes of the Lord our God. Let the companies be organized with captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, with a president and councilor at their head, under the di- rection of the Twelve Apostles; and this shall be our covenant, that we will walk in all the ordinances of the Lord. " Let each company provide itself with all tiie teams, wagons, provisions and all other necessaries for the journey that they ran. When the companies are organized, let them go to with all their might, to prepare for those who are to HfSTORy OF SALT LAKE CITY. 37 tarry. Let each company, with their captains and presidents, decide how many can go next spring; then choose out a sufficient number of able-bodied and ex- pert men to take teams, seed, and farming utensils to go as pioneers to prepare for putting in the spring crops. Let each company bear an equal proportion, according to the dividend of their property, in taking the poor, the widows, and the fatherless, and the families of those who have gone with the army, that the cries of the widow and the fatherless come not up into the ears of the Lord against his people. " Let each company prepare houses, and fields for raising corn for those who are to remain behind this season ; and this is the will of the Lord concerning thi.s people." "Let every man use all his influence and property to remove this people to the place where the Lord shall locate a Stake of Zion; and if ye do this with a pure heart, with all faithfulness, ye shall be blessed in your flocks, and in your herds, and in your fields, and in your houses, and in your families." * * On the 7th of April, 1847, the day after the general conference, the pion- eers started from Winter Quarters, As soon as they got fairly on the journey, they were organized as a military body, into companies of hundreds, fifties and tens. The following order of the officers will illustrate : Brigham Young, Lieutenant-General ; Stephen Markham, Colonel; John Pack, ist Major; Shadrach Roundy, 2d Major; Captains of hundreds, Stei)heii Markham and .'\. P. Rockwood. Captain of Company i, Wilford VVoodruff; Company 2, Ezra T. Benson ; Company 3, Phineas H. Young; Company 4, Luke Johnson; Company 5, Stephen H. Goddard ; Company 6, Charles Shumway; Company 7, James Case: Conipany 8, Seth Taft ; Company 9, Howard Egan ; Company 10, Appleton M. Harmon; Company 11, John Higbie; Company 12, Norton Jacobs; Company 13, John Brown ; Company 14, Joseph Mathews. The camp consisted of 73 wagons ; 143 men, 3 women and 2 children — 148 souls. Nothing cculd better illustrate the perfection of Mormon organization than this example of the pioneers, for they were apostles and picked elders of minute companies, and under strict discipline. Lieutenant-General Young is-sued general orders to the regiment. The men were ordered to travel in a compact body, being in an Indian country : every man to carry his gun loaded, the locks to be shut on a piece of buckskin, with caps ready in case of attack ; flint locks, with cotton and powder flask handy, and every man to walk by the side of his wagon, under orders not to leave it, unless sent by the officer in command, and the wagons to be formed two abreast, where practicable, on the march. At the call of the bugle in the mornin", at five o'clock, the pioneers were to arise, assemble for prayers, get breakfast, and be ready to start at the second call of the bugle at seven. At night, at half-past eight, at the command from the bugle, each was to retire for prayer in his own wagon, and to bed at nine o'clock. Tents were to be pitched on Saturday nights and the Sabbath kept. S8 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. The course of the pioneers was up the north bank of the Platte, along which they traveled flowly. They crossed Elk Horn on a raft, forded the Loup Fork with considerable danger in consequence of the quicksands, and reached Grand Island about the ist of May. This was the day on which the pioneers had their first buffalo hunt. There was much exciting interest in the scene, for scarcely one of the hunters had chased a buffalo before. They killed four cows, three bulls, and five calves. While on a hunt, several days after, the hunters were called in, a party of four hundred Indian warriors near by having shown signs of an attack. The Indians had previously been threatening, and were setting fire to the prairie on the north side of the Platte. The pioneers fired their cannon twice to warn the Indians that they were on the watch. A council was now held to consider whether or not it were wise to cross the river and strike the old road to Laramie, there being good grass on that side, while the Indians were burning it on the north. In view, however, of the thou- sands who would follow in their track, it was concluded to continue as before, braving the Indians and the burning prairies; for, said the pioneers: " A new road will thus be made, which shall stand as a permament route for the Saints." Thus the |)ioneers broke a new road across the plains, over which tens of thousands of their people have since traveled, and which was famous as the "old Mormon road," till the railway came to blot almost from memory the toils and dangers of a journey of more than a thousand miles, by ox teams, to the valleys of Utah. (It is a curious fact that for several hundred miles the grade of the great trans-continental railway is made exactly upon the old Mormon road). The pioneers were wary. Colonel Markhara drilled his men in good mili- tary style, and the cannon was put on wheels. William Clayton, formerly the scribe of the Prophet, and, in the pioneer journey, scribe to President Young, and Willard Richards, the Church historian, invented a machine to measure the distance. General Young himself marked the entire route, going in advance daily with liis staff. This service was deemed most important, as their emigrations would follow almost in the very footprints of the pioneers. Those were days for the buffalo hunt, scarcely to be imagined, when cross- ing the plains a quarter of a century later. Some days they saw as many as fifty thousand buffalo. They came to the hunting ground of the Sioux, where, a few days before, five hundred lodges had stood. Nearly a thousand warriors had encamped there. 'I'hey had been on a hunting expedition. ,\cres of ground were covered with buffalo wool and other remains of the slaughter. No wonder the Indian of the plains bemoans his hunting grounds, now lost to him forever. Several days later there were again fears of an Indian attack, and the cannon was got ready. The pioneers were within view of Chimney rock on Sunday, the 23d of May. Here they held their usual Sabbath service. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. jg On the first of June they were opposite Laramie. Here they were joined by a small company of Mormons from Mississippi, who had been at Pueblo during the winter. They reported news of a detachment of the battalion at Pueblo that expected to start for Laramie about the first of June, and follow the pioneer track. This addition to the camp consisted of a brother Crow and his family (fourteen souls, with seven wagons). The next day President Young and others visited Fort Laramie, then occu- pied by thirty-eight persons, mostly French, who had married the Sioux. Mr. Burdow, the principal man at the Fort, was a Frenchman. He cor- dially received General Young and his staff, invited them into his sitting-room, gave them information of the route, and furnished them with a flat-bottom boat on reasonable terms, to assist them in ferrying the Platte. Ex-Governor Boggs, who had recently passed with his company, had said much against the Mor- mons, cautioning Mr. Burdow to take care of his horses and cattle. Boggs and his company were quarreling, many having deserted him ; so Burdow told the ex-Governor that, let the Mormons be what they might, they could not be worse than himself and his men. It is not a little singular that this exterminating Governor of Missouri should have been crossing the Plains at the same tune with the Pioneers. They were going to carve out for their people a greater destiny than they could have reached either in Missouri or Illinois — he to pass away, leaving nothing but a transitory name. It was decided to send Amasa Lyman, with several other brethren, to Pueblo, to meet the detachment of the Battalion, and hurry them on to Laramie to fol- low the track. At the old Fort they set up blacksmith shops, and did some necessary work for the camp. Then commenced the ascent of the Black Hills, on the- 4th of June. Fifteen miles from Laramie, at the Springs, a company of Missouri emi- grants came up. The pioneers ke[)t the Sabbath the next day ; the Missourians journeyed. Another company of Missourians appeared and passed on. A party of traders, direct from Santa Fe, overtook the Pioneers, and gave information of the detachment of the battalion, at Santa Fe, under Captain Brown. The two Missouri companies kept up a warfare between themselves on the route. They were a suggestive example to the Mormons. After they had traveled near each other for a week, on the Sunday following. President Young made this the subject of his discourse. He said of the two Missourian companies: "They curse, swear, rip and tear, and are trying to swallow up the earth ; but though they do not wish us to have a i)lace on it, the earth might as well open and swallow them up; for they will go to the land of forgetful ness, while the Saints; though they suffer some privations here, if faithful, will ultimately in- herit the earth, and increase in power, dominion and glory." General Young called together the officers, to consult on a plan for crossing the river. He directed them to go immediately to the mountains with teams, to get poles. They were then to lash from two to four wagons abreast, to keep them 40 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. from turning over, and float them across the river with boats and ropes; so a company of horsemen started to the mountains with teams. The "brethren" had previously ferried over the Missourians, who paid them $1.50 for each wagon and load, and paid it in flour at $2.50; yet flour was worth ten dollars per cwt., at least, at that point. They divided their earnings among the camp equally. It amounted to five and a half pounds of flour each, two pounds of meal, and a small piece of bacon. "It looked," says Wilford Woodruff, "as much of a miracle to me to see our flour and meal bags replenished in the Black Hills as it did to have the Chil- dren of Israel fed with manna in the wilderness. But the Lord had been truly with us on our journey, and had wonderfully preserved and blessed us." These little stores of flour were supposed to have saved the lives of some of the pioneers, for they were by this time entirely destitute of the " staff of life." The pioneers were seven days crossing the river at this point. While here they established a ferry, and selected nine men to leave in charge of it, with in- structions to divide the means accumulated equally, to be careful of the lives and property of those they ferried, to "forget not their prayers," and "to come on with the next company of Saints." They reached Independence Rock on the 21st of June, and the South Pass on the 26th. Several days later they met Major Harris, who had traveled through Oregon and California for twenty-five years. He spoke unfavorably of the Salt Lake country for a settlement. Next day Col. Bridger came up. He desired to go into council with the Mormon leaders. The apostles held the council with the colonel. He spoke more favorably of the great basin ; but thought it not prudent to continue emi- gration there until they ascertained whether grain would grow there or not. He said lie would give a thousand dollars for the first bushel of wheat raised in the valley of the Salt Lake. At Green River they were met by Elder Samuel Brannan from the Bay of San Francisco. He came to give an account of the Mormon company that sailed with him in the ship Brooklyn. They had established themselves two hundred miles up the river, were building up a city, and he had already started a news- paper. They were several days fording Green River. Here the pioneers kept tht- 4th of July. The Mormon battalion now began to reinforce the pioneers. Thirteen of these soldiers, returning from the service of their country, joined them at Green River, and reported that a whole detachment of 140 were within seven days' drive. As the pioneers approached the valley of the Great Salt Lake, the interest became intense. The gold-finders of California, and the founders of the Pacific States and Territories generally, had but a fever for precious metals, or were im- pelled westward by the migrating spirit of the American people; but these Mor- mon pioneers were seeking' the "Pearl of Great Price," and their thoughts and HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 41 emotions, as they drew near the Salt Lake Valley were akin to those of the Pil- grim Fathers as they came in sight of Plymouth Rock. During the last days of the journey, President Young was laid iiji with the "mountain fever," from which he did not fully recover till on the return trip to Winter Quarters. After passing Bear River, a council of the whole was called, and it was re- solved that Apostle Orson Pratt should take a company of about twenty wagons, with forty men, to go forward and make a road. Twenty-three wagons started the next morning. For awhile we will follow the journal of Orson Pratt : "July 2isf — We resumed our journey, traveled two and a hall miles, and ascended a mountain for one and a half miles; descended upon the west side one mile; came upon a swilt running creek, where we halted for noon : we called this Last Creek. Brother Erastus Snow (having overtaken our cam]) from the other camp, which he said was but a few miles in the rear,) and myself proceeded in advance of the camp down Last Creek four and a half miles, to where it passes through a canyon and issues into a broad open valley below. To avoid the can- yon the wagons last season had passed over an exceedingly steep and dangerous hill. Mr. Snow and myself ascended this hill, from the top of which a broad open valley, about twenty miles wide and thirty long, lay stretched out before us, at the north end of which the broad waters of the Great Salt Lake glistened in the sunbeams, containing high mountainous islands from twenty-five to thirty miles in extent. After issuing from the mountains among which we had been shut up for many days, and beholding in a moment such an extensive scenery open before us, we could not refrain from a shout of joy vvhich almost involun- tarily escaped from our lips the moment this grand ahd lovely scenery was within our view. We immediately descended very gradually into thelower parts of the valley, and although we had but one horse between us, yet we traversed a circuit of about twelve miles before we left the valley to return to our camp, which we found encamped one and a half miles up the ravine from the valley, and three miles in advance of their noon halt. It was about nine o'clock in the evening when we got into camp. The main body of the pioneers who were in the rear were encamped only one and a half miles up the creek from us, with the excep- tion of some wagons containing some who were sick, who were still b.-hind. "July 22(1. — This morning George A. Smith and myself, accompanied by seven others, rode into the valley to explore, leaving the camp to follow on and work the road, which here required considerable labor, for we found that the canyon at the entrance of the valley, by cutting out the thick timber and under- brush, connected with some spading and digging, could be made far more prefer- able than the route over the steep hill niL-ntioned above. We accordingly left a 'written note to that effect, and passed on. After going down into the valley about five miles, we turned our course to the north, down towards the Salt Lake. For three 01 four miles north we found the soil of a most excellent quality. Streams from the mountains and springs were very abundant, the water excellent, and generally with gravel bottoms. A great variety of green grass, and very luxuriant, covered the bottoms for miles where the soil was sufficiently damp, but in other places, although the soil was good, vet the grass had nearly dried up for 6 42 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. want of moisture. We found the drier places swarming with very large crickets, about the size of a man's thumb. This valley is surrounded with mountains, ex- cept on the north, the tops of some of the highest being covered with snow. Every one or two miles streams were emptying into it from the mountains on the east, many of which were sufificiently large to carry mills and other machinery. As we proceeded towards the Salt Lake the soil began to assume a more sterile appearance, being probably at some seasons of the year overflowed with water. We found as we proceeded on, great numbers of hot springs issuing from near the base of the mountains. These springs were highly impregnated with salt and sulphur: the temperature of some was nearly raised to the boiling point. We traveled for about fifteen miles down after coming into the valley, the latter parts of the distance the soil bemg unfit for agricultural purposes. We returned and found our wagons encamped in the valley, about five and one-fourth miles from where they left the canyon. "July 2jti. — This morning we despatched two persons to President Young, and the wagons which were still behind, informing them of our discoveries and explorations. The camp removed its position two miles to the north, where we encamped near the bank of a beautiful creek of pure cold water. This stream is sufficiently large for mill sites and other machinery. Here we called the camp to- gether, and it fell to my lot to offer up prayer and thanksgiving in behalf of our company, all of whom had been preserved from the Missouri river to this point; and, after dedicating ourselves and the land unto the Lord, and imploring His blessings upon our labors, we appointed various committees to attend to different branches of business, preparatory to putting in crops, and in about two hours after our arrival we began tc i^low, and the same afternoon built a dam to irri- gate the soil, which at the spot where we were plowing was exceedingly dry. Towards evening we were visited by a thunder shower from the west ; not quite enough rain to lay the dust. Our two messengers returned, bringing us word that the remainder of the wagons belonging to the pioneer company were only a few miles distant, and would arrive the next day. At 3 p. m. the thermometer stood at 96°." Returning to the main body of the Pioneers, a few simple but graphic pas- sages from the diary of .Apostle Wilford Woodruff will illustrate their entrance into the valleys of Utah better than an author's imagination. " y^iily 20th. — VVe started early this morning, and stopped for breakfast after a five miles' drive. I carried Brother Brigham in my carriage. The fever was still on him, but he stood the journey well. After breakfast we travelled over ten miles of the worst road of the whole journey. " jfuly 21 St. — We are compelled to lay over in consequence of the sick. "'yu/y 22d. — Continued our journey. "yuly 2jd. — We left East Canyon; reached the summit of the mountain, and descended six miles through a thick-timbered grove. We nooned at a beau- tiful spring in a small birch grove. Here we were met by Brothers Pack and Mathews from the advance camps. They brought us a dispatch. They had ex- plored the Great Salt Lake Valley as far as possible, and made choice of a spot to put in crops. HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CITY. 43 "'yu/y 24II1. — This is one of the most important days of my life, and in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "After traveling six miles through a deep ravine ending with the canyon, we came in full view of the valley of the Great Salt Lake; the land of promise, held in reserve by God, as a resting place for his Saints. "We gazed in wonder and admiration upon the vast valley before us, with the waters of the Great Salt Lake glistening in the sun, mountains towering to the skies, and streams of pure water running through the beautiful valley. It was the grandest view we had ever seen till this moment. Pleasant thoughts ran through our minds at the prospect that, not many years hence, the house of God would be established in the mountains and exalted above the hills; while the valleys would be converted int!0 orchards, vineyards, and fruitful fields, cities erected to the name of the Lord, and the standarcj of Zion unfurled for the gath- ering of the nations. " President Young expressed his entire satisfaction at the appearance of the valley as a resting place for the Saints, and felt amply repaid for his journey. While lying upon his bed, in my carriage, gazing upon the scene before us, many things of the future, concerning the valley, were shown to him in vision. "After gazing awhile upon this scenery, we moved four miles across the table land into the valley, to the encampment of our brethren who had arrived two days before us. They had pitched upon the banks of two small streams of pure water and had commenced plowing. On our arrival they had already broken five acres of land, and had begun planting potatoes in the valley of the Great Salt Lake. "As soon as our encampment was formed, before taking my dinner, having half a bushel of potatoes, I went to the plowed field and planted them, hoping, with the blessing of God, to save at least the seed for another year. " The brethren had damned up one of the creeks and dug a trench, and by night nearly the whole ground, which was found very dry, was irrigated. "Towards evening, Brothers Kimball, Smith, Benson and myself rode sev- eral miles up the creek (City Creek) into the mountain, to look for timber and see the country. "There was a thunder shower, and it rained over nearly the whole valley; it also rained a little in the forepart of the night. We felt thankful for this, as it was the generally conceived opinion that it did not rain in the valley during the summer season." How well this arrival of the Pioneers into their "Land of Promise" illus- trates the character of the Mormon people. Empire founding on the first day ; planting their fields before rest or dinner. Rain on the day of Brigham Young's arrival — to them a miracle of promise ! Already had his vision begun to be fulfilled ! HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. CHAPTER V. THE FIRST SABBATH IX THE VALLEY. THE PIONEERS APPLY THE PROPH- ECIES TO THEMSELVES AND THEIR LOCATION. ZION HAS GONE UP INTO THE MOUNTAINS. THEY LOCATE THE TEMPLE AND LAY OFF THE" CITY OF THE GREAT SALT LAKE." THE LEADERS RETURN TO WINTER QUAR- TERS TO G.\THER THE BODY OF THE CHURCH. I The arrival of the main body of the Pioneers in the valley of the Great Salt Lake was on a Saturday. The next day to them was a Sabbath indeed. "We shaved and cleaned up," says Apostle Woodruff, in his graphic story of the Pioneers, "and met in the circle of the encampment." In the afternoon the whole " Congregation of Israel" partook of the Sacra- ment of the Lord's Supper. Then the valleys rang with the exultant themes of the Hebrew Prophets, and the "everlasting hills" reverberated to the hosannas of the Saints. Orson Pratt was the preacher of the great subject, which, to the ardent faith of those Pioneers, never lived in fulfillment till that moment. The sublime flights of the matchless Isaiah gave the principal theme. " O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountains ! " But Isaiah is not alone in the culminating inspiration. There is such a grand unity among the Hebrew prophets, when touching this subject of a Latter-day Zion, that undoubtedly, it was the burden of the divine epic to which the He- braic genius soared. Notwithstanding the mental diversity of these poet- prophets, in this crowning theme they gave us, not poetic fragments, but a glori- ous continued composition, as from a manifold genius. " Thy watchmen shall lift up their voice ; with the voice together shall they sing; and they shall see eye to eye when they Lord shall bring again Zions: yet si.xty days on the road were passed before the first settlement was reached. The men went with pack animals. In crossing the desert they had often to turn back and re-take uj) their march in some other direction, which made the journey very long and severe, killing nearly all of their animals, so that the last three hundred and fifty miles were mostly performed on foot. But it was a fine company of men, and they were enabled fo survive one of the hardest journeys ever made to the State of California. CHAPTER VIII. ARRIV.-\L OF CAPTAIN STANSBURY. HIS I.NTERVlIiW WITH GOVERNOR YOUNG GOVERNMENT SURVEY OF THE LaKES. COMMENCEMENT OF INDIAN DIFFICULTIES. In August of that year (1849) Captain Howard Stansbury, of the United States Army Topographical Engineers, with his assistants, arrived in the valley for the purpose of making a government survey of the lakes. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Gunnison who was, like Captain Stansbury, one of the earliest and most intelligent writers upon the Utah community. Of his arrival. Captain Stansbury thus reports to the chief of his department : " Before re.iching Great Salt Lake City, I had heard from various sources that much uneasiness was felt by the Mormon community at my anticijiated coming among them. I was told that they would never permit any survey of their country to be made; while it was darkly hinted that if I persevered in attemi)t- ing to carry it on, my life would scarce be safe. Utterly disregarding, indeed, giving not the least credence to these insinuations, I at once called upon Brigham Young, the President of the Mormon Church and the Governor of the Common- wealth, stated to him what I had heard, explained to him the views of (he Gov- ernment in directing an exploration and survey of the lake, assuring him that these were the sole objects of the expedition. He replied, that he did not hesi- tate to say that both he and the people whom he presided over had been very much disturbed and surprised that the Goverument should ;:end out a party into their country so soon after they had made their settlement; that he had heard of the expedition from time to time, since its onset from Fort Leavenworth ; and 64 HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CL7 Y. that the whole community were extremely anxious as to what could be the design of the Government in such a movement. It appeared, too, that their alarm had been increased by the indiscreet and totally unauthorized boasting of an attache of General Wilson, the newly appointed Indian agent for California, whose train on its way thither had reached the city a k\\ days before I myself arrived. This person, as I understood, had declared openly that General Wilson had come clothed with authority from the President of the United States to expel the Mormons from the lands which they occupied, and that he would do so if he thought proper. The Mormons very naturally supposed from such a declaration that there must be some understanding or connection between General Wilson and myself; and that the arrival of the two parties so nearly together was the result of a concerted and combined movement for the ulterior purpose of break- ing up and destroying their colony. The impression was that a survey was to be made of their country in the same manner that other public lands are surveyed, for the purpose of dividmg into townships and sections, and of thus establishing and recording the claims of the Government to it, and thereby anticipating any claim the Mormons might set up from their previous occupation. However un- reasonable such a suspicion may be considered, yet it must be remembered that these people are exasperated and rendered almost desperate by the wrongs and persecutions they had previovsly suffered in Illinois and Missouri ; that they had left the confines of civilization and fled to the.se far distant wilds, that they might enjoy undisturbed the religious liberty which had been practically denied them : and that now they supposed themselves to be followed up by the General Govern- ment with the view of driving them out from even this solitary spot, where they had hoped they should at length be permitted to set up their habitation in peace. "Upon all these points I undeceived Governor Young to his entire satisfac- tion. I was induced to pursue this conciliatory course, not only in justice to the Government, but also because I knew, from the peculiar organization of this sin- gular community, that, unless the ' President' was fully satisfied that no evil was intended to his people, it would be useless for me to attempt to carry out my in- structions. He was not only civil Governor, but the President of the whole Church of Latter-day Saints upon the earth, their prophet and their priest, re- ceiving, as they all firmly believed, direct revelations of the Divine will, which, according to their creed, form the law of the Church. He is, consequently, profoundly revered by all, and possesses unbounded influence and almost un- limited power. I did not anticipate open resistance ; but I was fully aware that if the President continued to view the expedition with distrust, nothing could be more natural than that every possible obstruction should be thrown in our way by a 'masterly inactivity.' Provisions would not be furnished; information wonld not be afforded ; labor could not be procured ; and no means would be left untried, short of open opposition, to prevent the success of a measure by them deemed fatal to their interests and safety. So soon, however, as the true object of the expedition was fully understood, the President laid the subject- matter before the council called for that purpose, and I was informed, as the re- sult of their deliberations, that the authorities were much pleased that the explora- HISTORY OF SAL 2 LAKE CITY. 65 tion was to be made ; that they had themselves contemplated something of the kind, but did not yet feel able to incur the ex])ense; but that any assistance they could render to facilitate our operations would be most cheerfully furnished to the extent of their ability. This pledge, thus heartily given, was as faithfully redeemed ; and it gives me pleasure here to acknowledge the warm interest mani- fested and efficient aid rendered, as well by the President as by all the leading men of the community, both in our personal welfare and in the successful prose- cution of the work. "Matters being thus satisfactorily adjusted, as the provisions which had been laid in at the beginning of the journey were nearly exhausted, I left the city on the 1 2th of September, with teams and pack- mules, for Fort Hall, to procure the supplies for the party which had been forwarded to that post by the supply train attached to Colonel Loring's command ; and at the same time to carry out that portion of my instructions which directed me to explore a route for a road from the head of Salt Lake to Fort Hall. The main party was left under the command of Lieutenant Gunnison, with instructions to commence the survey upon the basis already laid down." Returning from his exploration of a route from Great Salt Lake City to Fort Hall, and reconnoissance of Cache Valley, Captain Stansbury continues a narra- tive intimately connected with the early history of this city. He says: " Upon my arrival at Salt Lake City, I found that the camp, under Lieuten- ant Gunnison, was then about sixty miles to the southward, upon Utah Lake. I accordingly joined him as soon as possible. The work, during my absence, had been carried forward by that officer with energy, industry and judgment. " I had hoped, from the representations which had b;en made to me of the mildness of the two previous winters, that we should be able to keep the field the greater part, if not the whole of the season ; but, in the latter part of November, the winter set in with great and unusual severity, accompanied by deep snows, which rendered any farther prosecution of the work impracticable. I was therefore compelled to break up my camp, and to seek for winter quarters in the city. These were not obtained without some difficulty, as the tide of emigration had been so great that houses were very scarce, and not a small portion of the inhabi- tants, among whom was the president himself, were forced to lodge |)ortions of their families in wagons. "Upon terminating the field-work for the season, I despatched three men, one of whom was my guide and interpreter, with a small invoice of goods, to trade for horses among the Uintah Utahs, with directions to await my orders at Fort Bridger. Reports afterward reached us that a bloody fight had taken place between the Sioux and the Yampah Utahs, which latter tribe reside in the vicinity of the Uintahs, and great fears were entertained that the little party had been cut off by one or the other of the contending tribes. Such a calamity, aside from the loss of life, would have been of serious consequence to the expedition, as the horses I expected to obtain were almost indispensable to the return of the party to the States, the number of our animals having been much diminished by death and robbery. "It may as well be mentioned here, that the party thus despatched subse- 9 66 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. quently joined me in the spring, as soon as the melting of the snows rendered communication with Fort Bridger practicable, bringing with them a drove of twenty-five horses. They had met with very rough usage from the Indians, hav- ing been robbed of a number of their horses, besides the whole of what remained of their goods and narrowly escaped with their lives. "From the report by Lieutenant Gunnison of his operations during my ab- sence, I make the following synopsis. "A thorough exploration was made, with the view of ascertaining the points for such a base line as would best develop a system of triangles embracing both the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys. " A line was selected, and carefully measured by rods constructed for the purpose, and tripod stations erected over the termini, which were marked by metal points set in wooden posts sunk flush with the surface of the ground. The length of the base is thirty-one thousand six hundred and eighty feet. "Fourteen principal triangulation stations were erected, consisting of large pyramidal timber tripods, strongly framed, to be covered, when required for use, by cotton cloth of different colors, according to the background. The triangles extended to the south shore of Utah Lake, and embraced an area of about eighty by twenty-five miles. "A survey and sounding had been made of the Utah Lake, and also of the river connecting it with Salt Lake : this operation requiring a line to be run of one hundred and twenty-six miles, principally by the back angle, with the theodolite. " Although such a result, from less than two months' labor, would be en- tirely satisfactory under ordinary circumstances anywhere, and would reflect credit on the energy and capacity of the officer in charge of the work, yet it may be remarked that it would be very unfair to judge of it by a comparison with similar results obtained in the Eastern States. There, all the accessories to such a work, especially water and timber, are abundant, and generally at a convenient distance: here, on the contrary, both are very scarce and hard to be obtained. All the water, for instance, used both for cooking and drinking, that was con- sumed on the base line, (requiring seven days of incessant labor in its measure- ment,) had to be transported upon mules from the river, whicli lay a mile east of its eastern terminus; and the force employed in the erection of most of the tri- angulation stations had to be supplied in a like manner. But the principal diffi- culty was the scarcity of timber. Wood grows nowhere on the plains; all the wood used for cooking in camp, and all the timber, both for posts on the base line and for the construction of the stations, had to be hauled from the moun- tains in many cases fifteen or twenty miles distant, over a rough country without roads. Almost every stick used for this purpose cost from twenty to thirty miles travel of a six-mule team. This, together with the delays of getting into the canyons, where alone the timber can be procured, cutting down the trees, and hauling them down the gorges by hand to the nearest spots accessible to the teams, involved an amount of time and labor which must be experienced before it can be appreciated. All this had to be done, however, or the prosecution of the work would have been impracticable. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 67 "Before leaving the Salt Like City lor Wnl Hall, 1 had engaged the services of Albert Carrington, Esq., a member of the Mormon community, who was to act as an assistant on the survey. He was without experience in the use of in- struments; but, being a gentleman of liberal education, he soon acquired, under instruction, the requisite skill, and, by his zeal, industry, and practical good sense, materially aided us in our subsequent operations. He continued with the party until the termination of the survey, accompanied it to this city, [Washington] and has since returned to his mountain home, carrying with liim the respect and kind wishes of all with whom he was associated. "The winter season in the valley was long and severe. The vicinity of so many high mountains rendered the weather extremely variable ; snows fell con- stantly upon them, and frequently to the depth of ten inches in the plains. In many of the canyons it accumulated to the depth of fifty feet, filling up the passes so rapidly that, in more than one instance, emigrants who had been belated in starting from the States, were overtaken by the storms in the mountain gorges, and forced to abandon every thing, and escape on loot, leaving even their ani- mals to perish in the snows. All communication with the world beyond was thus effectually cut off; and, as the winter advanced, the gorges became more and more impassable, owing to the drifting of the snow into them from the project- ing peaks. " We remained thus shut up until the 3d of April. Our quarters consisted of a small unfurnished house of unburnt brick or adobe, unplastered, and roofed with boards loosely nailed on, which, every time it stormed, admitted so much water as called into requisition all the pans and buckets in the establishment to receive the numerous little streams which came trickling down from every crack and knot hole. During this season of comparative inaction, we received from the authorities and citizens of the community every kindness that the most warm- hearted hospitality could dictate: and no effort was spared to render us comfort- able as their own limited means would admit. Indeed, we were much better lodged than many of our neighbors; for, as has been previously observed, very many families were obliged still to lodge wholly or in part in their wagons, which, being covered, served, when taken off from the wheels and set upon the ground, to make bedrooms, of limited dimensions it is true, but yet exceedingly comfor- table. Many of these were comparatively large and commodious, and, when car- peted and furnished with a little stove, formed an additional apartment or back building to the small cabin, with which they frequently communicated by a door. It certainly argued a high tone of morals and an habitual observance of good order and decorum, to find women and children thus securely slumbering in the midst of a large city, with no protection from midnight molestation other than a wagon- cover of linen and the xgis of the law. In the very next enclosure to that occu- pied by our party, a whole family of children had no other shelter than one of these wagons, where they slept all the winter, literally out of doors, there being no communication whatever with the inside of their parents' hou.se." Stansbury's report to the Government also supplies the initial pages of the Indian history of Utah. He says: 68 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. "The native tribes with whom we came in contact in the valley were the raost degraded and lowest in the scale of being of any I had ever seen. They consisted of tlie ' root-diggers,' a class of Indians which seemed to be composed of outcasts from their respective tribes, subsisting chiefly upon roots dug from the ground, and the seeds of various plants indigenous to the soil, which they grind into a kind of flour between two flat stones. Lizards and crickets also form a portion of their food. At certain seasons of the year they obtain from the trib- utaries of both the Salt Lake and Lake Utah, a considerable quantity of fish, which they take in weirs or traps, constructed of willow bushes. Those that we saw were branches of the Shoshones or Snakes, and from the large and warlike tribe of Utahs, which latter inhabit a large tract of country to the southward. They are known among the traders by the designation of 'snake-diggers,' and ' Utes ; ' those of the latter tribe, which inhabit the vicinity of the lakes and streams and live chiefly on fish, being distinguished by the name of ' Pah Utahs,' or 'Pah Utes,' — the word Pah, in their language, signifying water. " While engaged in the survey of the Utah Valley, we were no little annoyed by numbers of the latter tribe, who hung around the camp, crowding around the cook-fires, more like hungry dogs than human beings, eagerly watching for the least scraj) that might be thrown away, which they devoured with avidity and without the least preparation. The herdsmen also complained that their cattle were fre- (piently scattered, and that notwithstanding their utmost vigilance, several of them had unaccountably disappeared and were lost. One morning, a fine fat ox came into camp with an arrow buried in his side, which perfectly accounted for the dis- appearance of the others. "After the jiarty left Lake Utah for winter quarters in Salt Lake City, the Indians became more insolent, boasting of what they had done— driving off the stock of the inhabitants of the southern settlements, resisting all attempts to re- cover them, and finally firing upon the people themselves as they issued from their little stockade to attend to their ordinary occupations. Under these circumstances, the settlers in the Utah Valley applied to the supreme government, at Salt Lake City, for counsel as to the proper course of action. The President was at first extremely aver.se to the adoption of harsh measures; but, after several conciliatory overtures had been resorted to in vain, he very properly determined to put a stop, by force, to further aggressions, which, if not resisted, could only end in the total destruction of the colony. Before coming to this decision, the authorities called upon me to consult as to the policy of the measure, and to request the ex- pression of my opinion as to what view the (Government of the United States might be expected to take of it. Knowing, as I did, most of the circumstances, and feeling convinced that some action of the kind would ultimately have to be resorted to, as the forbearance already shown had been only attributed to weak- ness and cowardice, and had served but to encorage further and bolder outrages, I did not hesitate to say to them that, in my judgment, the contemplated expe- dition against these savage marauders was a measure not only of good iiolicy.but one of absolute necessity and self-preservation. I knew the leader of the Indians to be a crafty and blood-thirsty savage, who had been already guilty of several murders, and had openly threatened that he would kill every white man that he HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 6g found alone upon tlie prairies. In addition to this, I was convinced that the completion of the yet unfinished survey of tiie Utah Valley, the coming season, must otherwise be attended with serious difficulty, if not actual hazard, and would involve the necessity of a largely increased and armed escort for its pro- tection. Such being the circumstances, the course proposed could not but meet my entire approval. •■ .\ force of one hundred men was accordingly organized, and, upon the ap- plication of President Young, leave was given to Lieutenant Howland, of the Mounted Rifles, then on duty with my command, to accompany the expedition as its adjutant: such a.ssistance also was furnished as it was in my power to afford, consisting of arms, tents, camp-ele have suffered so much from every kind of official that they will endure it no longer. It is not with them an idle phantom, but a stern reality. It is not, .is some suppose, the voice of Brighani only, but the universal, deep-settled feeling of the whole community. Their cry HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 187 is, ' Give us our Constitutional rights; give us liberty or death ! ' A strange cry in our boasted model republic, but a truth deeply and indelibly graven on the hearts of 100,000 American citizens by a series of twenty-seven _ years' unmiti- gated and unprovoked, yet unrequited wrongs. Having told you of this, you will not be surprised that when fifty have been called to assist in repelling our ag- gressors, a hundred have volunteered, and, when a hundred have been called, the number has been more than doubled; the only feeling is 'don't let us be over- looked or forgotten.' And here let me inform you thit I have seen thousands of hands raised simultaneously, voting to burn our property rather than let it fall into the hands of our enemies. They have been so frequently robbed and de- si)oiled without redress, that they have solemnly decreed that, if they cannot enjoy their own property, nobody else shall. You will see by this that it would be literally madness for your small force to attempt to come into the settlements. It would only be courting destruction. But, say you, have you counted the cost? have you considered the wealth and power of the United States and the fearful odds against you? Yes; and here let me inform you that, if necessitated, we would as soon meet 100,000 as 1,000, and, if driven to the necessity, will burn every house, tree, shrub, rail, every patch of grass and stack of straw and hay, and flee to the mountains. You will then obtain a barren, desolate wilderness, but will not have conquered the people, and the same principle in regard to other property will be carried out. If this people have to burn their property to save it from the hands of legalized mobs, they will see to it that their enemies shall be without fuel ; they will haunt them by day and by night. Such is, in part, our plan. The three hundred thousand dollars' worth of our property destroyed already in Green River County is only a faint sample of what will be done throughout the Territory. We have been twice driven, by tamely submitting to the authority of corrupt officials, and left our houses and homes for others to in- habit, but are now determined that, if we are again robbed of our possessions, our enemies shall also feel how pleasant it is to be houseless at least for once, and be permitted, as they have sought to do to us, 'to dig their own dark graves, creep into them, and die.' "You see we are not backward in showing our hands. Is it not strange to what lengths the human family may be goaded by a continued series of oppres- sions? The administration may yet find leisure to pause over the consequences of their acts, and it may yet become a question for them to solve whether they have blood and treasure enougli to crush out the sacred principles of liberty from the bosoms of 100,000 freemen, and make them bow in craven servility to the mendacious acts of a perjured, degraded tyrant. You may have learned already that it is anything but pleasant for even a small army to contend with the chilling blasts of this inhospitable climate. How a large army would fare without re- sources you can picture to yourself We have weighed those matters; it is for the administration to post their own accounts. It may not be amiss, however, here to state that, if they continue to prosecute this inhuman fratricidal war, and our Nero would light the fires and, sitting in his chair of state, laugh at burning Rome, there is a day of reckoning even for Neros. There are generally two sides to a question. As I before said, we wish for peace, but that we are deter- i88 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. mined on having it if we have to fight for it. We will not have officers forced upon us who are so degraded as to submit to be sustained by the bayonet's point. We cannot be dragooned into servile obedience to any man. "These things settled, Captain, and all the like preliminaries of etiquette are easily arranged ; and permit me here to state, that no man will be more courteous and civil than Governor Young, and nowhere could you find in your capacity of an officer of the United States a more generous and hearty welcome than at the hands of his excellency. But when, instead of battling with the enemies of our country, you come (though probably reluctantly) to make war upon my family and friends, our civilities are naturally cooled, and we instinctively grasp the sword; Minie rifles, Colt's revolvers, sabres, and cannon may display very good workmanship and great artistic skill, but we very much object to having their temper and capabilities tried upon us. We may admire the capabilities, gentle- manly deportment, heroism and patriotism of United States officers; but in an official capacity of enemies, we would rather see their backs than their faces. The guillotine may be a very pretty instrument, and show great artistic skill, but I don't like to try my neck in it. " Now, Captain, notwithstanding all this, I shall be very happy to see you if circumstances should so transpire as to make it convenient for you to come, and to extend to you the courtesies of our city, for I am sure you are not our personal enemy. I shall be happy to render you any information in my power in regard to your contemplated explorations. "I am heartily sorry that things are so unpleasant at the present time, and I cannot but realize the awkwardness of your position, and that of your com- patriots, and let me here say that anything that lays in my power compatible with the conduct of a gentleman you can command. If you have leisure, I should be most happy to hear from you. You will, 1 am sure, excuse me, if I disclaim the prefix of reverend to my name ; address John Taylor, Great Salt Lake City. "I need not here assure you that personally there can be no feelings ol enmity between us and your officers. We regard you as the agents of the administration in the discharge of a probably unpleasant duty, and very likely ignorant of the ultimate designs of the administration. As I left the East this summer, you will excuse me when I say I am probably better posted in some of these matters than you are, having been one of a delegation from the citizens of this Territory to apply for admission into tlie Union. I can only regret that it is not our real enemies that are here instead of you. We do not wish to harm you or any of the command to which you belong, and I can assure you that in any other capacity than the one you now occupy, you would be received as civilly and treated as courteously as in any other portion of our Union. "On my departure from the States, the fluctuating tide of popular ojjinion against us seemed to be on the wave. By this time there may be quite a reaction in the public mind. If so, it may probably affect materially the jiosition of the administration, and tend to more constitutional, pacific and humane measures. In such an event our relative positions would be materially changed, and instead of meeting as enemies, we could meet, as all Americans should, friends to each other, and united against our legitimate enemies only. Such an issue is devoutly HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CIl V. 189 to be desired, and I can assure you that no one would more appreciate so happy a result to our present awkward and unpleasant position, than yours truly, JOHN TAYLOR. Captain Marcy. Headquarters Army of Utah, Black's Fork, 16 miles from Fori Bridger, en roule lo Sail Lake City, November jlk. iS^j. Official: F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant General. CHAPTER XX. REVIEW OF THE EXPEDITION, KANSAS TROUBLES. GENERAL HARNEY RELIEVED OF THE COM.MAND. GENERAL PERSIFER F. S.MITH APPOINTED IN HIS STEAD. HE DIES AND COLONEL ALBERT SIDNEY JOHNSTON IS APPOINTED. DISASTROUS MARCH OF THE SECOND DRAGOONS TO UTAH. SCENE OF THE ARMY IN WINTER QUARTERS. At this point must be given a circumstantial review of the history ot the Expedition from the issuing of General Scott's circular to the close of the winter of i8i7-8, so bitter in its experience to the ill-fated troops who composed the army sent to invade the Rocky Mountain Zion. The force consisted of two regiments of infantry — the Fifth and Tenth; one regiment of cavalry — the old Second Dragoons; and two batteries of artillery — Reno's and Phelps'. Of the equipments, it may be said there was nothing forgotten and nothing grudged, to make the Expedition a splendid and thorough success. "So well is the nature of this service appreciated," wrote the commander- in-chief to General Harney, by the pen of his aid de camp, "and so deeply are the honor and interests of the United States involved in its success, that I am authorized to say that the government will hesitate at no expense requisite to complete the efficiency of your little army, and to insure health and comfort to it, as far as attainable. Hence, in addition to the liberal orders for its supply here- tofore given — and it is known that ample measures, with every confidence of suc- cess, have been dictated by the chiefs of staff departments here — a large discretion will be made over to you in the general orders for the movement. The employment of spies, guides, interpreters or laborers may be made to any reasonable extent you may think desirable." .■\nd the officers were as eminent as the amplitude of the supplies and effi- I go HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CITY. ciency of the equipments. The chief officers were gentlemen of thorough mili- tary education. There were names connected with that army, which rank to day in tlie national galaxy of America's great generals. There was General Harney, who at that period held the reputation of being the greatest Indian fighter of all the commanding officers of the American army; and for that reason he was probably singled out at the onset for this campaign against the Mormons, which in a mountainous country must necessarily have partaken much of the guerilla warfare, if it came to the action. There was General Persifier F. Smith, a dis- tinguished officer; Captain Van Vliet, afterwards a Major-General ; Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, also afterwards a Major General, and of before time the honored commander of the Mormon Battalion ; Captain Marcy a distin- guished officer and father- in-law of General McClellen ; Colonel Alexander who himself was able to command an expedition ; and greater than all besides Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, the brilliant soldier who afterwards commanded the Confederate army ot the battle of Shiloh, and fell as one of the laurelled heroes of Southern rebeldom, but in 1S57 he was sent as the commander to put down Mormon rebeldom. What a strange fatality ! and what a parallel ! It was the flower of the American army that was sent to Utah, and its his- tory is more remaikable from that very fact. When the order was given for the march of the troops, no one of that command could have divined that such ter- rible disasters were in store as befel them before the close of the year. The prospect appeared auspicious at the commencement of the march. Writing from Fort Kearney, August loth, Colonel Alexander reported all well. " The men are in good health and condition, and have surprised me by the endurance they exhibited from the commencement. The march from Fort Leavenworth here occupied nineteen days, giving an average of fifteen and a half miles per day." Writing from Fort Laramie, September •^d, he congratulates with the following passage : "On the 5th the march to Utah will be resumed, and although the accounts of the road as regards grass makes it much more difficult than anything we have yet experienced, I hope to give as favorable a report upon my arrival at the Salt Lake City. " I may be excused from expressing the pride I feel in the successful accom- plishment by my regiment of so much of its first arduous duty, and I confidently express the belief that unless some very unforeseen accident occurs, I will reach the Territory of Utah in a condition of perfect efficiency and discipline." Meantime a change had come in the disposition of the Expedition, that the Mormons might well consider as fated, both to themselves and the troops; for had that expedition under General Harney reached the Great Salt Lake Valley that year, it certainly must have been after a desperate battle or two with the " Nauvoo Legion" under General Wells; then if the word of Brigham Young had been kept, as faithfully as the burning of the government trains indicated, General Harney, even though a victor, would have found Great Salt Lake City in ashes; and, in his spring campaign, every city in Utah would have shared HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. igi the same fate, or that United States army would have been baptized in its own blood. But no sooner had Colonel Alexander started with his advance troops than the Kansas troubles revived. " Bleeding Kansas" had for several years been the national sensation, and "Border Ruffianism " was a real terror to the American mind, while Mormon rebellion was much of a myth, and at its worst was no sub. ject of political terrorism to the nation. The presence of General Harney and the Second Dragoons was now needed in Kansas by this new development of affairs. His supposed fitness, above other generals to command the Utah Expe- dition, made him more abundantly fit now to grajjple with Kansas. Captain Van Vliet sensed the strange fatality of this new development when he said to Brig- ham Young : ''I am anxious to get back to Washington as soon as I can. I have heard officially that General Harney has been recalled to Kansas, to offitiate as Governor." Thus the General who, from his experience in Indian warfare, was supposed to be sufficient to put down the Indians and Mormons combined — that being one of the suppositions of this war — ^never took command of this expedition, and the Qragoons weie, therefore, absent from the Plains when they were most required. General Persifer F. Smith was assigned to the command in the place of General Harney, but he fell ill and died at Fort Leavenworth. The infantry and artillery, with all the quartermaster and commissary stores, were then on the plains, and the command of the expedition, by seniority of rank, devolved upon Colonel Alexander, of the Tenth Infantry. The expedition was, therefore, with- out any instructions from the Government; all that its commander, Colonel Alexander, knew was its destipation. The next link of the strange history is found in the following military order : "Washington, August 28th, 1857, " Colonel: In anticipation of the orders to be issued placing you in com- mand of the Utah expedition, the general- in-chief directs you to repair, without delay, to Fort Leavenworth, and apply to Brevet Brigadier General Harney for all the orders and instructions he has received as commander of that expedition, which you will consider addressed to yourself, and by which you will be governed accordingly. You will make your arrangements to set out from Fort Leaven- worth at as early a day as practicable. Six companies of the 2d Dragoons will be detached by General Harney to escort you and the civil authorities to Utah, to remain as part of your command instead of the companies of the ist Cavalry, as heretofore ordered. Brevet Major T. J. Porter, assistant adjutant general, will be ordered to report to you for duty before you leave Fort Leavenworth. "I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, iRViN McDowell, Assistant Adjutant General. " Colonel Albert S. Johnston, 2il Cavalry, Washington, D C. 192 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CIT\. As the army passed the boundary line of Utah, Governor Young's Proclama- tion was forwarded, with his order to arrest the advance of " the forces now in- vading Utah Territory." This was the juncture when either General Harney or Colonel Johnston should have been on the spot, with the entire force, to have opened the campaign, but at that very moment Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston wasstill at Fort Leavenworth, a thousand miles from the army to which he had been appointed, while Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, commanding 2d Dragoons, and Colonel C. F. Smith commanding Battalion loth Infantry were also far away from the seat of action. Colonel Cooke in command of six com- panies 2d Dragoons commenced his march from Fort Leavenworth, on the 17th of September, and arrived at Fort Bridger November 19. Of his onset he has thus reported : " The regiment has been hastily recalled from service in the field and al- lowed three or four days only, by my then commanding officer, to prepare for a march of eleven hundred miles over an uninhabited and mountain wilderness ; in that time the six companies of the regiment who were to compose the expedi- tion were re-organized; one hundred and ten transfers necessarily made from and to other companies; horses to be condemned and many obtained; the com- panies paid, and about fifty desertions occured ; the commanders of four of them changed. To these principle duties and obstacles, implying a great mass of writ- ing, were to be added every exertion of experience and foresight to provide for a line of operation of almost of unexampled length and mostly beyond communi- cation. On the evening of the i6th, at the commencement of a rain-storm, an inspector general made a hurried inspection by companies, which could not have been very satisfactory to him or others — the company commanders, amid the confusion of Fort Leavenworth, presenting their new men, raw recruits, whom they had yet scarcely found or seen, under the effects usually following the pay- table." Governor Gumming, also, who should have been at the seat of war to have met Governor Young's proclamation with a counter proclamation, giving to Col- onel Alexander the power to act as \\\s posse commitatus, befove the winter set in, was under the escort of Colonel Cooke, and did not issue his proclamation before the 2ist of November. Brigham and the Mormons alone were prepared for the issue, notwithstand- ing the Government had taken every precaution to prevent the news of the projected expedition reaching Utah in advance, by cutting off the postal com- munication. (It is so charged by Governor Young.) In six days after the news reached the Pioneers of the coming of the army, the Utah militia is ordered out ; in twenty-one days the first detachment of the Mormon Life Guards has taken the field, under Colonel Burton; in one month and eleven days Lot Smith has burnt the supply trains of the Expedition. In May, General Scott's circular was issued for the march of the army; in the latter part of November Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston and Governor Alfred Gumming were at headquarters. Gamp Scott, powerless to act, locked out from Salt Lake Valley by the commanding general of the year — inexorable winter. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. ipj General Sam Houston had said to the Government at the onset: "If you make war upon the Mormons you will get awfully whipped ! " which, when it was told to Brigham Young, he said, " General Sam Houston had it right." Hearing nothing from his commander, without instructions and fearing everything, Colonel Alexander concentrated his forces at Ham's Fork, until some course should be resolved upon by a council of the officers. It was then the latter part of September ; winter was approaching, the stock of forage was rapidly decreasing, and the country was altogether unfitted for winter-quarters. Every day's delay was disastrous, and threatened the very existence of the ex- pedition, for the mountains were already covered with snow and the daring Mor- mon cavalry were constantly harassing the supply trains and running off the animals. The troops began to show signs of demorilization; they were in a bleak and barren desert, with an enemy surrounding them that knew every inch of the ground, and who, to all appearance, could easily destroy them without shed- ding a drop of their own blood. On the loth of October the officers of the Expedition held a council of war and determined that the army should advance from Ham's Fork, but to change the route of travel and make Salt Lake Valley, if they could, z'ia Soda Springs, a distance of nearly three hundred miles, and at least a hundred and fifty miles farther than the route through Echo Canyon. The order was issued, and next day the troops commenced a dreary march. "Early in the morning," says Stenhouse, in his "Rocky Mountain Saints," "the sky was surcharged with dark, threatening clouds, and as they started the snow fell heavily. A few supply-trains were kept together and guarded by the infantry, but the travel was slow, vexatious and discouraging. The beasts of burden were suffering from want of forage, as, in anticipation of this movement, the grass had been burned all along that route. The animals were completely exhausted, and, before they were a week on the new route, three miles a day was all the distance that could be made. " Another council of war was held, but the only topics of discussion were the sulTering, disaster, and heavy losses of the company. The soldiers were mur- muring, and dissatisfaction reigned everywhere. Some gallant officers were desir- ous of forcing an issue with the Mormons, cutting their way through the canyons, and taking their chances of what might come. This course might have afforded some gratification to individuals, but to the company at large it was impracticable : every efTort was necessary to save the Expedition from total ruin." In explanation of the unprecedented slow march, it should be stated that every movement was really a military manouvre. Colonel R. T. Burton, with a force of about 200 Mormon soldiers was., constantly harassing the army, which in return resorted to every strategy to deceive the Mormon soldiers in regard to their real intent. Every diy they moved a short distance, but realizing that their movements were constantly watched by the Mormon soldiery, Colonel Alexander was in doubt as to what course to pursue, as while moving north, every means of annoy- ance without actual warfare was employed by this little body of defenders of their Utah homes. Finally, as the result of this continued vigilance, on the 11 ig4 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. part of the little army of Mormons, Colonel Alexander retraced his steps and counter-marched down stream and went into Winter Quarters. "In this forlorn condition the new commander was heard from, and the troops were instantly inspired with new life. Colonel Johnston comprehended the situation and ordered the Expedition to retrace its steps. The snow was six inches deep, the grass all covered, the animals starving. The advance had been slow, the retreat was simply crawling. On the 3rd of November they reached the point of rendezvous, and next day Colonel Johnston joined them with a small reinforcement and the remainder of the supply-trains. "The morale of the army was restored by the presence of an efficient com- mander with instructions in his pocket, butthe difficulties of the Expedition were increasing every hour. The supply-trains were strung out about six miles in length, the animals worrying along till, thoroughly exhausted, they would fall in their tracks and die. " All this long line of wagons and beef cattle had to be guarded to prevent surprise and the stampede of the animals. The snow was deep on the ground and the weather was bitterly cold. Many of the men were fatally rrost-bitten, and the catte and mules perished by the score. In Colonel Philip St. George Cooke's command fifty-seven head of horses and mules froze to death in one night on the Sweetwater, and from there to Fort Bridger, where the Expedition finally wintered, the road was literally strewn with dead animals. The camp on Black's Fork, thirty miles from Fort Bridger, was named 'The Camp of Death.' Five hundred animals perished around the camp on the night of the 6th of November. Fifteen oxen were found huddled together in one heap, frozen stiff. " In this perilous situation the expeditionary army to Utah made the distance to Bridger — thirty-five miles — in fifteen days! Often the advance had arrived at camp before the end of the train left. On the 16th of November, the army reached their winter-quarters, Camp Scott, two miles from the site of Fort Bridger and one hundred and fifteen from Salt Lake City." The official repoit of Colonel Philip St. George Cooke is still more desolate. The experience of several days, as noted by the Colonel, will illustrate his report of the march of the Second Dragoons from Fort Leavenworth to Camp Scott: " November 6th, we found the ground once more white and the snow fall- ing, but then very moderately; I marched as usual. On a four-mile hill the north wind and drifting snow became severe; the air seemed turned to frozen fog ; nothing could be seen; we were struggling in a freezing cloud. The lofty wall at 'Three Crossings' was a happy relief; but the guide, who had lately passed there, was relentless in pronouncing that there was no grass. The idea of find- ing and feeding upon grass, in that wintry btorm, under the deep snow, was hard to entertain ; but as he promised grass and other shelter two miles further, we marched on, crossing twice more the rocky stream, half choked with snow and ice; finally he led us behind a great granite rock, but all too small for the promised shelter. Only a part of the regiment could huddle there in the deep snow; whilst, the long night through, the storm continued, and in feiful eddies from above, before, behind, drove the falling and drifting snow. Thus exposed HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CIT\. /pj for the hope of grass, the poor animals were driven, with great devotion, by the men, once more across the stream and three-quarters of a mile beyond, to the base of a granite ridge, but which almost faced the storm ; there the famished mules, crying piteously, did not seek to eat, but desperately gathered in a mass, and some horses, escaping the guard, went back to the ford, where the lofty pre- cipice first gave us so pleasant relief and shelter. "Thus morning light had nothing cheering to reveal ; the air still filled with driven snow; the animals soon came driven in, and, mingled in confusion with men, went crunching the snow in the confined and wretched camp, tramping all things in their way. It was not a time to dwell on the fact that from that moun- tain desert there was no retreat, nor any shelter near; but a time for action. No murmurs, not a complaint was heard, and certainly none saw in their com- mander's face a doubt or clouds ; but with cheerful manner he gave orders as usual for the march. "November 10. The northeast wind continued fiercely, enveloping us in a cloud which froze and fell all day. Few could have faced that wind. The herders left to bring up the rear with extra, bat nearly all broken down mules, could not force them from the dead bushes of the little valley; and they re- mained there all day and night, bringing on the next day the fourth part that had not frozen. Thirteen mules were marched, and the camp was made four miles from the top of the pass. A wagon that day cut partly through the ice of a branch, and there froze so fast eight mules could not move it empty. Nearly all the tent pins were broken in the last camp; a few of iron were here substi- tuted. Nine trooper horses were left freezing and dying on the road that day, and a number of soldiers and teamsters had been frost-bitten. It was a desper- ately cold night. The thermometers were broken, but, by comparison, must have marked twenty-five degrees below zero. A bottle of sherry wine froze in a trunk. Having lost about fifty mules in thirty-six hours, the morning of the eleventh, on the report of the quartermaster, I felt bound to leave a wagon in the bushes, filled with seventy-four extra saddles and bridles, and some sabres. Two other wagons at the last moment he was obliged to leave, but empty. The Sharp's carbines were then issued to mounted as well as dismounted men. "November ii. The fast growing company of dismounted men were marched together as a se])arate command by day ; the morning of the 12th, a number of them were frost-bitten from not being in motion, although standing by fires. "November ij. The sick report had rapidly run up from four or five to forty-two; thirty-six soldiers and teamsters having been frosted. " YoKX B^iuoKS., November ig. I have one hundred and forty- four horses, and have lost one hundred and thirty-four. Most of the loss has occurred much this side of South Pass, in comparatively moderate weather. It has been of starvation; the earth has a no more lifeless, treeless, grassless desert; it contains scarcely a wolf to glut itself on the hundreds of dead and frozen animals, which for thirty miles nearly block the road ; with abandoned and shattered property, they mark, perhaps, beyond example in history, the steps of an advancing army with the horrors of a disastrous retreat." ig6 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. The winter experience of the troops after their arrival at Camp Scott was quite in keeping with the march to Utah as described by Colonel Cooke. Rations were short, and many articles of daily necessity were altogether unattainable. Whiskey sold at $12 a gallon; tobacco $3 a pound, and sugar and coffee about the same rate. Flour for a time was a luxury at a very high figure ; -'and the possession of a good supply with no other protection than the covering of a tent was as dangerous to its owner as a well-filled purse is to a pedestrian in a first- class city after sunset." The cattle, too, were miserably poor, but their hides furnished mocassins for the soldiers. Every day, all through the winter, bands of fifteen or twenty men might be seen hitched to wagons, trailing for five or six miles to the mountain sides to get loads of fuel for the use of the camp. But the greatest privation of all was caused by the lack of salt. Learning of this distress of the soldiers, and knowing that with poor meat and no vegetables, the craving for salt to season the dish must be almost as intolerable as the burnmg thirst for water in the desert, Brigham sent a load of salt to Colonel Johnston, accompanied with a letter of gift, which forms one of the Government documents. (See appendix.) But Colonel -Johnston ordered the messengers from his camp with every expression of contempt for Brigham Young, the great Mormon "rebel." " How mutable are human affairs!" comments Stenhouse, noting this incident. "Five years later, that same Colonel Johnston was himself designated a 'rebel,' and became one of the most distinguished generals in the Confederate army. The Colonel Johnston of Utah became the General Albert Sidney Johnston of Shiloh!" The salt, however, by indirect means was returned to the camp. Johnston's army, after all, did eat Brigham Young's salt; and the soldiers knew it, but the high-spirited commander shared it not. The Indians, however, soon furnished a supply for the Colonel and his officers, and hurried through the snow with their packs of salt and sold it at $5 per pound, but the increase of the supply reduced the price. Probably Colonel Johnston thought that Brigham Young was wantonly tantalizing the high spirit of himself and officers with a realization of their con- dition; but, if he had read the following entry in Apostle Woodruff's diary, at a later date, he would probably have revised that opinion. "I spent the evening at President Young's office (at Provo). He said, 'I am sorry for the army; and thought of sending word to the brethren in Great Salt Lake City to sell vegetables to them. I have also had it in my heart, when peace is established, to take all the cattle, horses and mules, which we have taken from the army, and return them to the officers.'" Here is another similar entry of a later date : "Colonel Alexander called yesterday and had a short interview; and it was very agreeable. President Young said, 'I was much pleased with him, and am satisfied that, if he had the sole command of the army, and I could have had three hours' conversation with him, all would have been right, and they could have come in last fall as well as now.' " With this couple Colonel Alexander's statement in his letter, "I have only to repeat my assurance that no harm would have happened to any citizen of HISTOR Y OF SALT LAKE CIl Y. igj Utah, through the instrumentality of the army of the United States in the per- formance of Its legitimate duties without molestation. Together, these simple notes combine a volume of historical explanations. The people of Utah regarded it as an unhallowed crusade not a United States army that they were resisting. CHAPTER XXI. THE NAUVOO LEGION ORDERED IX FOR THE WINTER. PICKET GUARD POSTED, MARCH OF THE LEGION TO GREAT S.ALT LAKE CITY: RE- CEIVED WITH SONGS OF TRIUMPH. A JUBILANT WINTER IN ZION. SUMMARY OF GOVERNMENT MOVEMENTS FOR THE SPRING CAMPAIGN. The army having gone into Winter Quarters at "Old Fort Bridger " and " Henry's Fork," the Nauvoo Legion was called in and concentrated at Camp Weber, situated at the mouth of Echo Canyon. As soon as the Territorial troops had all arrived, provisions were made for a picket-guard, consisting of fifty picked men under the command of Captain John R. Winder, to remain at Camp Weber during the winter, and the following order was issued : " Head Quarters Eastern Expedition, Camp Weber, December 4th, 1857. " Capt.John R. Winder. "Dear Bro: You are appointed to take charge of the guard detailed to remain and watch the movements of the invaders. You will keep ten men at the lookout station on the heights of Yellow Creek. Keep a constant watch from the highest point during daylight, and a camp guard at night, also a horse guard out with the horses which should be kept out on good grass all day, and grained with two quarts of feed per day. This advance will occasionally trail out towards Fort Bridger, and look at our enemies from the high butte near that place. You will relieve this guard once a week. Keep open and travel the trail down to the head of Echo, instead of the road. Teamsters or deserters must not be permitted to come to your lookout station. Let them pass with merely knowing who and what they are, to your station on the Weber and into the city. F officers or others undertake to come in, keep them prisoners until you receive further ad- ' vices from the city. Especially and in no case let any of the would be civil officers pass. These are, as far as I know, as follows: A. Cumming (governor), Eckels (chief justice), Dotson (marshal), Forney (superintendent of Indian affairs), Hockaday (district attorney). At your station on the Weber you will also keep a lookout, and guard the road at night, also keep a camp and horse guard. Keep the men employed making improvements, when not on other duty. Build a good horse corral, and prepare stables. Remove the houses into a fort 198 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. line and then picket in the remainder. Keep a trail open down the Weber to the citizen's road. Be strict in the issue of rations and feed. Practice economy both in your supplies and time and see that there is no waste of either. Dry a portion of the beef and use the bones in soup with the hard bread, which, as it will not j^eep eqial with the flour, it is desirable to have first used so far as practicable. " Instruct each mess to save their grease and ashes, and make soap, and wash their own clothes. Dig out trouughs to save the soap, and learn to be saving in all things. If your lookout party discover any movement of the enemy in this direction, let them send two men to your camp on the Weber, and the remainder continue to watch their movements, and not all leave their statiop, unless it should prove a large party, but keep you timely advised so that you can meet them at the defences in Echo, or if necessary render them assistance. Where you can do so at an advantage, take all such parties prisoners, if you can without shooting, but if you cannot, you are at liberty to attack them as no such party must be permitted to come into the city. Should the party be two strong and you aie compelled to retreat, do so after safely cacheing all supplies; in all cases giving us prompt information by express, that we may be able to meet them be- tween here and the city. Send into the city every week all the information you can obtain, and send whether you have any news from the enemy or not, that we may know of your welfare, kind of weather, depth of snow, etc. " The boys at the lookout station should not make any trail down to the road, nor expose themselves to view, but keep concealed as much as possible, as it is for that purpose that that position has been chosen. No person without a permit must be allowed to pass from this way to the enemy's camp. Be careful about this. Be vigilant, active and energetic and observe good order, discipline and wisdom in all your works, that good may be the result. Remember that to you is entrusted for the time being the duty of standing between Israel and their foes, and as you would like to repose in peace and safety while others are on the watchtower, so now while in the performance of this duty do you observe the same care, vigilance and activity, which you would desire of others when they come to take your place. Do not let any inaction on the part of the enemy lull you into a false security and cause any neglect on your part. "Praying the Lord to bless and preserve you in life, health and strength, and wisdom and power to accomplish every duty incumbent upon you and bring peace to Israel to the utter confusion and overthrow of her enemies. "I remain, your brother in the Gospel of Christ, [Signed,] DAN'L H. WELLS, Lieut- Genrl. ComdngV "P. S. Be careful to prevent fire being kindled in or near the commissary storehouse." The guard having been selected, the Legion marched to Great Salt Lake City and on arriving there was greeted by the enthusiastic citizens with songs of victory. The poetess, Eliza R. Snow, saluted with her war son^', which the fol- lowing lines will illustrate : HISTOR Y OF SAL T LAKE CITY. igg " Strong in the power of Brigham's God, Your name's a terror to our foes ; Ye were a barrier strong and broad As our high mountains crowned with snows. * * * Then welcome ! sons of light and truth. Heroes alike in age and youth." In about two weeks Captain Winder reported to Governor Young that a deep snow had fallen in the mountains and he was instructed to release all but ten men. This guard was continued during the winter. There was no need of scouts or spies to keep the city well posted relative to the army, for all through that winter, so cheerless to the Expedition, deserters and army teamsters were constantly arriving from Bridger, in many instances in a starving and destitute condition. They were kindly treated by the Mormon guard, provided with food and passed on to Great Salt Lake City. Through this channel, Governor Young and General Wells were kept well informed of the condition and contemplated movements of the army. In December the Utah Legislature met in Great Salt Lake City, and Gover- nor Young delivered his annual message, in which he reviewed the conduct of the Administration towards Utah, and at great length expounded the funda- mental principles of the .\merican Confederation. It is a remarkable document, and will be read a century hence with deep interest, [See Appendix.] On the 2oth of December the Legislature unanimously passed resolutions ap- proving of Governor Young's course, and each member, signing his name to the document, pledged himself to maintain the rights and liberties of the people of Utah. Notwithstanding that Governor Young and the chief men of the community had been indicted for high treason, in the self-constituted court of Chief Justice Eckels, held at Camp Scott; notwithstanding that Governor Cumming had also issued his prftclamation to nullify that of Governor Young; and notwithstand- ing that the prospects were that before the close of the coming year the cities of Utah would be in ashes, and the Mormon women and children have fled to the "chambers of the mountains," while their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers would be doing battle with a re-inforced army ; yet the winter of 1857-8 is to this day spoken of as the "gayest winter ever known in Utah." One of the literati of Salt Lake City, writing to a brother scribe in New York City, said : " Peace is enjoyed throughout this Territory by the citizens, from north to south, and every heart beats with the love of liberty — relig- ious, political and social. During the winter festivities were very prevalent, and entertainments of various kinds were enjoyed. Dramatic and literary associations were attended to overflovving; balls and parties were frequent and numerously filled, and every amusement suitable for an enlightened and refined people was a source of profit to the caterer and pleasure and benefit to the patronizers. Indeed, had you seen the manner in which they enjoyed themselves, you would never have surmised for one moment that within a few miles of us there was an army — repug- nant to every feeling of the people — who were only waiting to kill, corrupt and debase an innocent and virtuous community." 200 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. There is the great sagacity and remarkable common-sense leadership of Brigham Young seen in all this jubilee. He was preparing to make his second exodus, if necessary, and did not intend to play his Moses to a dispirited Israel. Early in the Spring a large number of the soldiers of the Nauvoo Legion were again in the field, occupying their old camping grounds, where they con- tinued until peace was proclaimed. Of the state of affairs on the government side Stenhouse thus summarizes : " Notwithstanding the difficulty experienced at that time of traveling across the plains in winter, an express occasionally carried to the Government the un- welcome news of the disaster that had befallen the expedition and the sufferings and privations that ensued. At one time there were grave fears of its ultimate success, but brave men and the unlimited resources of the Government were destined to overcome every obstacle. Captain Marcy with a company of picked men undertook a perilous journey from Fort Bridger to Taos, New Mexico, to obtain provisions, cattle and mules, for the relief of the expedition, and after most terrible suffering and heavy loss of animals, and many disabled men, he reached the point of supply, and was eminently successful. " The misfortunes that had befallen the troops aroused the Government to a realization of the necessity of rendering every aid, both in men and material, to save the expedition and make it successful. Lieut. -Gen. Scott was summoned to Washington to consult with the Secretary of War, and at one time the project of entering Utah from the west was seriously entertained. The intimation that two regiments of volunteers would probably be called for in the spring met with a ready response from all parts of the Union. It was very evident that the nation was thoroughly dissatisfied with the state of affairs in Utah, and wanted to bring the Mormons to a settlement. "Ready to take advantage of anything which promised wealth, there were multitudes of solicitous contractors seeking to supply the army in the West; and with a prodigality beyond all precedent, the War Department, was perfectly reck- less. The Sixth and Seventh regiments of infantry, together with the First Cavalry, and two batteries of artillery — about three thousand in all — were ordered to Utah, and every arrangement made for speedy and colossal warfare with the Prophet. Political writers charged to the administration of Mr. Buchanan an utter recklessness of expenditure, intended more for the support of political favorites and for the attainment of political purposes in Kansas than for the over- throw of the dynasty of Brigham. It was estimated in Washiugton that forty- five hundred wagons would be required to transport munitions of war and pro- visions for the troops for a period of from twelve to eighteen months, besides fifty thousand oxen, four thousand mules, and an army of teamsters, wagon-mas- ters, and employees, at least five thousand strong. It was very evident that the Government was playing with a loose hand, and the consideration of cost to the national treasury was the last thing thought of. The transportation item for 1858, provided for the expenditure of no less than four and a half millions, and that contract was accorded to a firm in western Missouri, without public announce- ment or competition. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 201 While all this was occupying the attention of the public, and the Govern- ment seemed determined that the war against the Mormons should be carried out with vigor, there was another influence at work to bring " the Utah rebellion " to a peaceful termination. CHAPTER XXII. BUCHANAN COERCED BY PUBLIC SENTIMENT INTO SENDING A COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION. HE SENDS COLONEL KANE WITH A SPECIAL MIS- SION TO THE MORMONS. ARRIVAL OF THE COLONEL IN SALT LAKE CITY. HIS FIRST INTERVIEW WITH THE MORMON LEADERS. INCI- DENTS OF HIS SOJOURN. HE GOES TO MEEI' GOVERNOR GUMMING, AND IS PLACED UNDER ARREST BY GENERAL JOHNSTON. HIS CHAL- LENGE TO IHAT OFFICER. HE BRING> IN THE NEW GOVERNOR IN TRIUMPH. RETURN OF COLONEL KANE. The reaction came. The leading pipers, both of America and England, declared that President Buchanan had committed a great and palpable blunder. He had sent an army, before a committee of investigation, and had made war upon one of our Territories for rejecting (?) a new Governor before that Gov- ernor had been sent. Brighara Young had clearly a constitutional advantage over the President of the United States— for in those days the rights of the citi- zen, and the rights of a State or Territory, had some meaning in the national mind. The idea of " Buchanan's blunder" once started, it soon became uni- versal in the public mind. The Mormons were not in rebellion, as they them- selves stoutly maintained. They were ready to receive the new Governor with becoming loyalty, but not willing to have him forced upon them by bayonets. There was nothing more to be said in the case, excepting that by the common law of nature, a man may hold off the hand at his throat to say in good old scriptural language, "Come let us reason together." All America, and all Europe, "perceived the error," and a storm of con- demnation and ridicule fell upon the devoted head of the President. Peace com- missioners alone could help him out of the trouble. At this critical juncture Colonel Kane sought the President and offered his services as mediator. Buchanan wisely recognized his potency and fitness, and without a moment's loss of time the Colonel set out on his self-imposed mission, although in such feeble health that any consideration short of the noble impulse that actuated him at the time would have deterred him from making the attempt. The undert.iking was as delicate as it was important. Its 202 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. success alone could make it acceptable, either to the Mormons or to the nation. For prudential reasons he registered himself as " Dr. Osborne'" among the passengers on board the California steamer, which left New York in the first week of January, 1858. On reaching the Pacific coast, he hastened, overland, to Southern California, there overtaking the Mormons who had just broken up their colony at San Bernardino, re-gathering to Utah for the common defense. An escort was immediately furnished him, and he reached Salt Lake City in the fol- lowing February. Governor Young called a council of the Presidency and Twelve, at his house, on the evening of the day of Colonel Kane's arrival, and at 8 o'clock the " mes- senger from Washington" was introduced by Joseph A. Young, as "Dr. Osborne." The introduction was very formal. The Colonel had a peculiar mission to fulfill, and was evidently desirous to maintain the dignity of the Government. Moreover, it was more than eleven years since he had met his friends of Winter Quarters. They had, with their people, become as a little nation, and the United States was making war upon them as an independent power. Notwithstanding that his great love for them had prompted him to undertake the long journey which he had just accomplished, at first he must have felt the uncertainty of his mission, and some misgivings as to the regard in which they would hold his mediation. But perhaps no other man in the nation at that critical moment would have been received by the Mormon leaders with such perfect confidence. The Colonel was very pale, being worn down with travel by day and night. An easy chair was placed for him. A profound silence of some moments reigned. The council waited to hear the mind of the Government, for the coming of Colonel Kane had put a new aspect on affairs, though what it was to be remained to be shaped from that night. With great difficulty in speaking he addressed the council as follows : "Governor Young and Gentlemen: I come as an ambassador from the chief executive of our nation, and am prepared and duly authorized to lay before you, most fully and definitely, the feelings and views of the citizens of our com- mon country, and of the executive towards you, relative to the present position of this Territory, and relative to the army of the United States now upon your borders. "After giving you the most satisfactory evidence in relation to matters con- cernmg you, now pending, I shall then call your attention, and wish to enlist your sympathies, in behalf of the poor soldiers who are now suffering in the cold and snow of the mountains. I shall request you to render them aid and com- fort, and to assist them to come here, and to bid them a hearty welcome into your hospitable valley. "Governor Young, may I be permitted to ask a private interview for a few moments with you? Gentlemen, excuse my formality." They were gone about thirty minutes, when they returned to the room. Colonel Kane then informed the council that Captain Van Vliet had made a good report of them at Washington, and had used his influence to have the army stop east of Bridger. He had done a great deal in their behalf HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 203 "You all look very well," said the Colonel, " you have built up quite an empire here in a short time." He spoke upon the prosperity of the people, instancing some of its phases ; and then the enquiry came from some one present: " Did Dr. Bernhisel take his seat? " No news whatever of the Utah delegate had yet reached them. "Yes," he answered, "Delegate Bernhisel took his seat. He was opposed by the Arkansas member and a few others, but they were treated as fools by more sagacious members; for, if the delegate had been refused his seat it would have been tantamount to a delaration of war." Speaking of the conduct of the Mormons, he faid : "You have borne your part manfully in this contest. I was pleased to see how patiently your people took it." " How was the President's message received?" asked Governor Young. " The message was received as usual. In his appointments he had been cruelly impartial. So far he has made an excellent President. He has an able cabinet. They are more united, and work together better than some of our former cabinets have done." "I suppose," observed Governor Young, caustically, "they are united in putting down Utah?" " I think not," replied the Colonel. Then came conversations on the affairs of the nation — of Spain, Kansas, the Black Warrior affair, financial pressure, etc. By this time all restraint between the brethren and their noble friend was gone. "I wish you knew how much I feel at home," he observed. "I hope I shall have the privilege of ' breaking bread with these, my friends.' " " I want to take good care of you," returned Governor Young warmly. " I want to tell you one thing, and that is, the men you see here do not look old. The reason is, they are doing right, and are in the service of God. If men would do right they would live to a great age. There are but few in the world who have the amount of labor to do which I have. I have to meet men every hour in the day. It is said of me that I do more business in an hour than any Presi- dent, King or Emperor has to perform in a day ; and that I think for the people constantly. You can endure more now than you could ten years ago. If you had done as some men have done you would have been in your grave before now.'' The Colonel replied, "I fear that I can endure more than I could ten years ago. The present life doesn't pay, and I feel like going away as soon as it is the will of God to take me." "I know, to take this life as it is, and as men make it," answered President Young, "it does not appear worth living, but I can tell you that, when you see things as they are, you will find life is worth preserving, and blessings will follow our living in this life, if wc do right." " Now," continued the President, warming with his subject, " if God should say, I will let you live in this world without any pain or sorrow, we might feel life was worth living, for. But this is not in his economy. We have to partake 204 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. of sorrow, affliction and death; and if we pass through this affliction patiently, and do right, we shall have a greater reward in the world to come. I have been robbed several times of my all in this life, and my property has gone into the hands of my enemies; but as to property, I care no more about it than about the dirt in the streets, only to use it as God wishes. But I think a good deal of a friend — a true friend. An honest man is truly the noblest work of God. It is not in the power of the United States to destroy this people, for they are in the hands of God. If we do right. He will preserve us. The Lord does many things which we would count as small things. For instance, a poor man once came into my office; I felt by the spirit that he needed assistance; I took five dollars out of my pocket and gave to him. I soon after found a five-dollar gold piece in my pocket, which I did not put there. Soon I found another. Many think that the Loro has nothing to do with gold ; but he has charge of that as well as every other element. Brother Kimball said in Nauvoo, 'if we have to leave our houses we will go to the mountains, and in a few years we will have a better city than we have here.' This is fulfilled. He also said, ' We shall have gold, and coin twenty- dollar gold pieces.' We came here, founded ii. z\\.y , and coined the first twenty- dollar gold pieces in the United States. Seeing the brethren poorly clad, soon after we came here, he said, ' It will not be three years before we can buy cloth- ing cheaper in Salt Lake Valley than in the States.' Before the time was out, the gold-diggers brought loads of clothing, and sold them in our city at a wanton price. "Friend Thomas," concluded Governor Young, "the Lord sent you here, and he will not let you die — no, you cannot die till your work is done. I want to have your name live to all eternity. You have done a great work, and )ou will do a greater work still." The council then broke up, and the brethren went to their homes. The straightforward, noble simplicity of what was thus done and said between Thomas L. Kane and Brigham Young, in the presence of the apostles, cannot but strike the attention of the intelligent investigator. After the council had ended, word was sent to Elder Wm. C. Staines that a Dr. Oaborne, traveling with the company from California, was sick, and desired accommodation at his house; and late in the evening "Dr. Osborne" was duly introduced to, and cordially welcomed by. Elder Staines. The elder had no idea (hat his guest was other than the person represented, for when Colonel Kane was at Winter Quarters, he (Staines) was among the Indians, with Bishop Miller's camp. However, in a (ew days Elder Staines learned who his guest was, and, as a favorable opportunity presented itself, said to him : "Colonel Kane, why did you wish to be introduced to me as Dr. Osborne?" "My dear friend," replied the Colonel, "I was once treated so kindly at winter quarters that I am sensitive over its memories. I knew you to be a good people then ; but since, I have heard so many hard things about you, that I thought I would like to convince myself whether or not the people possessed the same humane and hospitable spirit which I found in them once. I thought, if I go to the house of any of my great friends of Winter Quarters, they will treat me as Thomas L, Kane, with a remembrance of some services which I may have HISTOR V OF SAL T LAKE CIl V. 20s rendered them. So I requested to be sent to some stranger's house, as ' Dr. Osborne,' that I might know how the Mormon people would treat a stranger at such a moment as this, without knowing whether I might not turn out to be either an enemy or a spy. And now, Mr. Staines, I want to know if you could have treated Thomas L. Kane better than you have treated Dr. Osborne." "No, Colonel," replied Elder Staines, "I could not.'' "And thus, my friend." added 'Dr. Osborne,' "I have proved that the Mormons will treat the stranger in Salt Lake City, as they once did Thomas L. Kane at Winter Quarters." In a few days, under the inspiring spirit and affectionate nursing of his host. Colonel Kane was sufficiently recovered to carry out his design of proceeding to the head quarters of the army (Fort Bridger, then called Camp Scottj. Governor Young's policy had changed it nought, excepting in that which was consistent with the improved situation. The Mormons would receive their new Governor loyally, but would not have him accompanied by an array into their capital; neither would they allow an army to be quartered in any of their cities. The agent of the administration could ask no more nor desire more. It was the basis of a fair compromise, which would give to President Buchanan a plausible out-come, and at the same time maintain the Mormon dignity. The visit of Colonel Kane to Camp Scott was attended with a chain of cir- cumstances that give to the narration of it a decidedly dramatic cast. At the worst season of the year, in delicate health, he made his way through the almost impassable snows of the mountains, a distance of 113 miles Arrived on the loth of March, in the vicinity of the army outposts, he insisted, out of consid- ation for the safety of his friendly escort, on entering the lines unaccompanied. Reaching the nearest picket post, the over-zealous sentry challenged him, and at the same time fired at him. In return, the Colonel broke the stock of his rifle over the sentry's head. The post being now full arroused and greatly e.vcited. Colonel Kane, with characteristic politeness as well as diplomacy, requested to be conducted to the tent of Governor Gumming. The Governor received him cordially. The Colonel's diplomacy in seeking the Governor, instead of General John- ston, is evident. His business was not directly with the commander, but with the civil chief, whose /cj-j-^ commifatus the troops were. The compromise which Buchanan had to effect, with the utmost delicacy, could only be through the new Governor, and that, too, by his heading off the army sent to occupy Utah. The General was chagrined. Here was Buchanan withdrawing from a ser- ious blunder as gracefully as possible; but where was Albert Sidney Johnston to achieve either glory or honor out of the Utah war? Affecting to treat Colonel Kane as a spy, an orderly was sent to arrest him. It was afterwards converted into a blundering execution of the General's invita- tion to him to dine at head-quarters. The blunder was no doubt an intentional one. Colonel Kane replied by sending a format challenge to General Johnston. Governor Gumming could do nothing less than espouse the cause of the "ambassador," who was there in the execution of a mission entrusted to him by the President of the United States. The affair of honor also touched himself. 2o6 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. He resented it with great spirit, extended his official protection to his guest, and from that moment there was an impassable breach between the executive and the military chief. The duel, however, was prevented by the interferance of Chief Justice Eckels, who threatened to arrest all concerned in it if it proceeded further. The conduct of General Johnston was looked upon by the Mormon leader as very like a bit of providential diplomacy interposed in behalf of his people. With the Governor and the commander of the army at swords' points, the issues of the "war" were practically in the hands of Brigham Young. From that moment he knew that he was master of the situation ; and the extraordinary moves that he made thereupon, culminating with the second exodus, shows what a consummate strategist he was, and how complex were his methods of mastering men. He was now not only in command of his own people, who at the lifting of his finger would move with him to the ends of the earth, but substantially dic- tator both to the Governor and the army. Johnston could only move at the call of the Governor, and was hedged about by the new policy of the President, while this shaping of affairs converted the Mormon militia, then under arms, into the Governor's/cjJ'^ cotnmitaius, instead of the regular troops. The mission of Colonel Kane to the seat of war was to induce the Governor to trust himself through the Mormon lines, under a Mormon escort of honor that would be furnished at a proper point, and to enter immediately upon his guberna- torial duties. The officers remonstrated with the Governor against going to the city without the army, predicting that the Mormons would poison him, or put him out of the way by some other wicked ingenuity ; but the camp was now no longer the place for him, and with a high temper and a humane spirit, he trusted himself to the guidance of Colonel Kane. The Governor left Camp Scott on the 5th of April, en route for Salt Lake City, accompanied by Colonel Kane and two servants. As soon as he had passed the Federal lines, he was met by an escort of the Mormon militia, and welcomed as Governor of the Territory with military honors. On the 12 of April they entered Salt Lake City in good health and spirits, escorted by the mayor, marshal and aldermen, and many other distinguished citizens. Arrived at the residende of Elder Staines, Governor Young promptly and frankly called upon his successor at the earliest possible moment ; and they were introduced to each other by Colonel Kane. "Governor Gumming, I am glad to meet you!" observed Brigham, with unostentatious dignity, and that quiet heartiness peculiar to him. "Governor Young, I am happy to meet you, sir! " responded His Excel- lency warmly, at once impressed by the presence and spirit of the remarkable man before him. " Well, Governor," said Elder Staines, after the interview was ended, " what do you think of President Young? Does he appear to you a tyrant, as repre- sented? " " No, sir. No tyrant ever had a head on his shoulders like Mr. Young. He HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 207 is naturally a very good man. I doubt whether many of your people sufficiently appreciate him as a leader." The brethern were apprised of the fact that the officers at Camp Scott had warned the Governor that the Mormons would poison him, so it was contrived that Elder Staines and Howard Egan should cat at the same table with him and partake of the same food. Of course he understood the delicate assurance that "death was not in the pot." Three days after his entrance into the city, Governor Gumming officially notified General Johnston that he had been properly recognized by the peoi)le ; that he was in full discharge of his office, and that he did not require the presence of troops. On his part, ex-Governor Young set the public example, and on the Sunday following introduced him to a large assembly as the Governor of Utah. Thus successfully ended the mission of Col. Kane, who shortly thereafter re- turned to Washington, to report in person to the President. Journeying by the overland route, a body-guard of Mormon scouts accompanied him to the Mis- souii River. It is no more than simple justice to here testify of him, that a more gentle and noble man has rarely been lound, and for his disinterested kindness toward the Mormon people they will ever hold his name in honorable and affec- tionate remembrance. CH.APTER XXllI. REPORT OF GOVERNOR GUMMING TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT RECORDS FOUND NOT BURNED, AS REPORTED BY DRUMMOND. THE MORMON LEADERS JUSTIFIED BY THE FACTS, AND THE PEOPLE LOYAL. GRAPHIC AND THRILLING DESCRIPTION OF THE MORMONS IN THEIR SECOND E.XODUS. THE GOVERNOR BRINGS HIS FAMILY TO SALT LAKE CITY. HIS WIFE IS MOVED TO TEARS AT WITNESSING THE HEROIC ATTITUDE OF THE PEOPLE. Governor Cumming immediately reported the condition of affairs in Utah, and the re-action that it caused in the public mind, both in America and Europe, can well be imagined. It was a new revelation, to the age, of Mormon character and Mormon sincerity. The peculiar people were never understood till then, notwithstanding their previous exodus, for only Missouri and Illinois seemed con- cerned in their early history and doings; but now that the United States Gov- ernment was a party in the action, all the world became interested in the extra- Iraordinary spectacle of a peculiar, little, unconquerable people, braving the wrath of a mighty nation. The current events of those days, in( lading the "second exodus," which 2oS HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. was begun in anticipation of a breach of faith, on the part of the United States authorities, in this instance, as in the previous case of the State authorities at Nauvoo, are well recounted in the following report of Governor Curnming, ad- dressed to Geneial Cass, then Secretary of State: "Executive Office, Salt Lake City, U. T., May 2d, 1858. "Sir: You are aware that my contemplated journey was postponed in con- sequence of the snow upon the mountains, and in the canyons between Fort Bridger and this city. In accordance with the determination communicated in former notes, I left camp on the 5th, and arrived here on the 12th ult. " Some of the incidents of my journey are related in the annexed note, ad- dressed by me to General A. S. Johnston, on the 15th ult :" "Executive Office, Salt Lake City, U. T., April 15th, 1858. "Sir: I left camp on the 5fh, en route to this city, in accordance with a determination communicated to you on the 3d inst, accompanied by Colonel Kane as my guide, and two servants. Arriving in the vicinity of the sprtng, which is on this side of the "Quaking Asp" hill, after night, Indian camp fires were discerned on the rocks overhanging the valley. We proceeded to the spring, and after disposing of the animals, retired from the trail beyond the mountain. We had reason to congratulate ourselves upon having taken this precaution, as we subsequently ascertained that the country lying between your outposts and the ' Yellow Creek ' is infested by hostile renegades and outlaws from various tribes." "I was escorted from Bear River Valley to the western end of Echo Canyon. The journey through the canyon being performed, for the most part, after night, it was about 11 o'clock p. m., when I arrived at Weber Station. I have been everywhere recognized as Governor of Utah; and, so far from- having encount- ered insults or indignitie.^, I am gratified in being able to state to you that, in pas- sing through the settlements, I have been universally greeted with such respectful attentions as are due to the representative authority of the United States in the Territory. "Near the Warm Springs, at the line dividing Great Salt Lake and Davis counties, I was honored with a formal and respectful reception by many gentle- men including the mayor and other municipal officers of the city, and by them escorted to lodgings previously provided, the mayor occupying a seat in my car- riage. " Ex-Governor Brigham Young paid me a call of ceremony as soon as I was sufficiently relieved from the fatigue of my mountain journey to receive company. In subsequent interviews with the ex-Governor, he has evinced a willingness to afford me every facility I may require for the efficient performance of my adminis- trative duties. His course in this respect meets, I fancy, with tlie approval of a majority of this community. The Territorial seal, with other public property, has been tendered me by William H. Hooper, Esq., late Secretary //-^^ tern. "1 have not yet eximined the subject critically, but apprehend that the records of the United States C 'urts, Territori^il Library, and other public prop- erty, remain unimpaired. 12 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CJ7Y. 2og "Having entered upon the performance of my official duties in this city, it is probable that I will be detained for some days in this part of the Territory. " I respectfully call your attention to a matter which demands our serious consideration. Many acts of depredation have been recently committed by the Indians upon the property of the inhabitants — one in the immediate vicinity of this city. Believing that the Indians will endeavor to sell the stolen property at or near your camp, I herewith inclose the Brand Book (incomplete) and memor- anda (in part) of stock lost by citizens of Utah since February 25th, 1S58, which may enable you to secure the property and punish the thieves. " With feelings of profound regret I have learned that Agent Hart is charged with having incited to acts of hostility the Indians in Uinta Valley. I hope that Agent Hart will be able to vindicate himself from the charges contained in the inclosed letter from William H. Hooper, late Secretary /rc> tt-m., yet they demand a thorough investigation. " I shall probably be compelled to make a requisition upon you for a sufB- cient force to chastise the Indians alluded to, since I desire to avoid being compelled to call out the militia for that purpose. "The gentlemen who are intrusted with this note, Mr. John B. Kimball and Mr. Fay Worthen, are engaged in mercantile pursuits here, and are represented to be gentlemen of the highest respectability, and have no connection with the Church here. Should you deem it advisable or necessary, you will please send any communication intended for me by them. I beg leave to commend them to your confidence and courtesy. They will probably return to the city in a few days. They are well known to Messrs. Gilbert, Perry and Burr, with whom you will please communicate. Very respectfully, )Our obedient servant, A. GUMMING, Governor Utah Territory. To A. S. Johnston, commanding Army of Utah, Camp Scott, U. T. "The note omits to state that I met parties of armed men at Lost Creek and Yellow Creek, as well as at Echo Canyon. At every point, however, I was recognized as the Governor of Utah, and received with a military salute. When it was arranged with the Mormon officers in command of my escort that I should pass through Echo Canyon at night, I inferred that it was with the object of con- cealing the barricades and other defenses. I was, therefore, agreeably surprised by an illumination in honor of me. The bonfires kindled by the soldiers from the base to the summits of the walls of the canyon, completely illuminated the valley, and disclosed the snow-colored mountains which surrounded us. When I arrived at the next station, I found the ' Eiriigrant Road' over the 'Big Moun- tain' still impassable. I was able to make my way, however, down ' Weber Can- yon.' Since my arrival, I have been employed in examining the records of the Supreme and District Courts, which I am now prepared to report as being per- fect and unimpaired. This will doubtless be accejjtable information to those who have entertained an impression to the contrary. " I have also examined the Legislative Records, and other books belonging to the Secretary or State, which are in perfect preservation. The property re- 13 210 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. turn, though not made up in proper form, exhibits the public property for which W. H. Hooper, late Secretary of State //-^ tern., is responsible. It is, in part, the same for which the estate of A. W. Babbitt is liable, that individual having died whilst in the office of Secretary of State for Utah. " I believe that the books and charts, stationery and other property apper- taining to the Surveyor-General's office will, upon examination, be found in the proper place, except some instruments, which are supposed to have been disposed of by a man temporarily in charge of the office. I examined the property, but can- not verify the matter in consequence of not having at my command a schedule or property return. " The condition of the large and valuable Territorial library has also com- manded my attention, and I am pleased in being able to report that Mr. AV. C. Staines, the librarian, has kept the books and records in the most excellent con- dition. I will, at an early day, transmit a catalogue of this library, and a schedule of the other public property, with certified copies of the records of the Supreme and District Courts, exhibiting the character and amount of the public business last transacted in them. " On the 2ist inst. I left Salt Lake City, and visited Tooele and Rush Val- leys, in the latter of which lies the military reserve selected by Colonel Steptoe, and endeavored to trace the lines upon the ground, from field-notes which are in the Surveyor-General's office. An accurate plan of the reserve, as it has been measured off, will be found accompanying a communication, which I shall address to the Secretary of War, upon the subject. "On the morning of the z6th inst., information was communicated to me that a number of persons who were desirous of leaving the Territory were unable to do so, and considered, themselves to be unlawfully restrained of their liberties. However desirous of conciliating public opinion, I felt it incumbent upon me to adopt the most energetic measures to ascertain the truth or falsehood of this statement. Postponing, therefore, a journey of importance which I had in con- templation to one of the settlements of Utah County, I caused public notice to be given immediately of my readiness to relieve all persons who were, or deemed themselves to be, aggrieved, and on the ensuing day, which was Sunday, requested a notice to the same effect to be read, in my presence, to the people in the tab- ernacle. "I have since kept my office open at all hours of the day and night, and have registered no less than 56 men, 38 women and 71 children, as desirous of my pro- tection and assistance in proceeding to the States. The large majority of these people are of English birth, and state that they leave the congregation from a desire to improve their circumstances, and realize elsewhere more money for their labor. Certain leading men among the Mormons have promised them flour, and to assist them in leaving the country. " My presence at the meeting in the tabernacle will be remembered by me as an occasion of interest. Between three and four thousand persons were assem- bled for the purpose of public worship; the hall was crowded to overflowing; but the most profound quiet was observed when I appeared. President Brigham Young introduced me by name as the Governor of Utah, and I addressed the HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 211 audience from 'the stand.' 1 informed them that I had come among them to vindicate the national sovereignty; that it was my duty to secure the supremacy of the constitution and the laws; that I had taken my oath of office to exact an unconditional submission on their part to the dictates of the law. I was not in- terrupted. In a discourse of about thirty minutes' duration, I touched (as I thought best) boldly upon all the leading questions at issue between them and the General Government. I remembered that I had to deal with men embittered by the remembrance and recital of many real and imaginary wrongs, but did not thin.k it wise to withhold from them the entire truth. They listened respectfully to all I had to say — approvingly, even, I fancied — when I explained to them what I intended should be the character of my administration. In fact, the whole character of the people was calm, betokening no consciousness of having done wrong, but rather, as it were, indicating a conviction that they had done their duty to their religion and to their country. I have observed that the Mor- mons profess to view the constitution as the work of inspired men, and respond with readiness to appeals for its support. "Thus the meeting might have ended; but, after closing my remarks, I rose and stated that I would be glad to hear from any who might be inclined to address me upon topics of interest to the community. This invitation brought forth in succession several powerful speakers, who evidently exercised great influence over the masses of the people. They harangued on the subject of the assassination of Joseph Smith, Jun., and his friends, the services rendered by the Mormon Bat- talion to an ungrateful country, their sufferings on ' the Plains' during their dreary pilgrimage to their mountain home, etc. The congregation became greatly excited, and joined the speakers in their intemperate remarks, exhibited more frenzy than I had expected to witness among a people who habitually exercise great self-control. A speaker now represented the Federal Government as desir- ous of needlessly introducing the national troops into the Territory, 'whether a necessity existed for their employment to support the authority of the civil offi- cers or not; ' and the wildest uproar ensued. I was fully confiimed in the opin- ion that this people, with their extraordinary religion and customs, would gladly encounter certain death rather than be taxed with a submission to the military power, which they considered to involve a loss of honor. "In my first address I informed them that they were entitled to a trial by their peers; that I had no intention of stationing the army in immediate contact with their settlements, and that the militaryposse would not be resorted to until other means of arrest had been tried and failed. I found the greatest difficulty in explaining these points, so great was the excitement. Eventually, however, the efforts of Brigham Young were successful in calming the tumult and restoring order before the adjournment of the meeting. It is proper that I should add that more than one speaker has since expressed his regret at having been betrayed into intemperance of language in my presence. The President and the Amer- ican people will learn with gratification the auspicious issue of our difficulties here. I regret the necessity, however, which compels me to mingle with my congratulations, the announcement of a fact that will occasion great concern. "The people, including the inhabitants of this city, are moving from every 212 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. settlement in the northern part of the Territory. The roads are everywhere filled with wagons loaded with provisions and household furniture, the women and cliildren often without shoes or hats, driving tlieir flocks they know not where. They seem not only resigned but cheerful. 'It is tlie will of the Lord,' and they rejoice to exchange the comforts of home for the trials of the wilder- ness. Their ultimate destination is not, I presume, definitely fixed upon. ' Go- ing south,' seems sufficiently definite for the most of them, but many believe that their ultimate destination is Sonera. "Young, Kimball and most of the influential men have left their com modious mansions, without apparent regret, to lengthen the long train of wan- derers. The masses everywhere announce to me that the torch will be applied to every house indiscriminately throughout the country, so soon as the troops at- tempt to cross the mountains. I shall follow these people and try to rally them. "Our military force could overwhelm most of these poor people, involving men, women and children in a common fate; but there are among the Mormons many brave men, accustomed to arms and horses; men who could fight desper- ately as guerrillas; and if the settlements are destroyed, will subject the country to an expensive and protracted war, without any compensating results. They will, I am sure, submit to 'trial by their peers,' but they will not brook the idea of trials by 'juries' composed of 'teamsters and followers of the camp,' nor of an army encamped in their cities or dense settlements. " I have adopted means to recall the few Mormons remaining in arms, who have not yet, it is said, complied with my request to withdraw from the canyons and eastern frontiers. I have also taken measures to protect the buildings which have been vacated in the northern settlements. I am sanguine that I will save a great part of the valuable improvements there. " I shall leave this city for the South to-morrow. After I have finished my business there, I shall return as soon as possible to the army, to complete the arrangements which will enable me before long, I trust, to announce that the road between California and Missouri may be traveled with perfect security by trains and emigrants of every description. "I shall restrain all operations of the military for the present, which will probably enable me to receive from the President additional instructions, if he deems it necessary to give them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. GUMMING, Governor of Utah. To Hon. Leivis Cass, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. " To the Senate and Home of Representatives: " I transmit the copy of a dispatch from Governor Gumming to the Secre- tary of State, dated at Great Salt Lake City on the 2d of May, and received at the Department of State yesterday. From this there is reason to believe that our difficulties with the Territory of Utah have terminated, and the reign of the Constitution and laws has been restored. I congratulate you on this auspicious event. HISTOR Y OF SAL T LAKE CIl K 2 13 " I lost no time in communicating this information and in expressing the opinion that there will be no occasion to make any appropriations for the purpose of calling into service the two regiments of volunteers authorized by the Act of Congress approved on the 7th of April last, ' for the purpose of quelling disturbances in the Territory of Utah, for the protection of supply and emigrant trains and the suppression of Indian hostilities on the frontier.' " I am the more gratified at this satisfactory intelligence from Utah, because it will afford some relief to the treasury at a time demanding from us the strictest economy ; and when the question which now arises upon every appropriation is, whether it be of a character so important and urgent as to brook no delay, and to justify and require a loan, and most probably a tax upon the people to raise the money necessary for its payment. " In regard to the regiment of volunteers autliorized by the same act of Con- gress to be called into service for the defence of the frontier of Texas against In- dian hostilities, I desire to leave this question to Congress, observing, at the same time, that in my opinion, this State can be defended for the present by the regu- lar troops, which have not yet been withdrawn from its limits. JAMES BUCHANAN. Washington City, June 10, 1858. On t^e 13th of May, Gov. Cumming started for Camp Scott, for the pur- pose of moving his family to Salt Lake City. Meanwhile the "exodus" had been quietly going forward, and when the Governor returned he only found a few men who had been left in the city to burn it in case the army attempted to quarter there. The Governor and his wife proceeded to the residence of Elder Staines, whom they found in waiting with a plentiful cold lunch. His family had gone south, and in his garden were significantly heaped up several loads of straw. The Governor's wife inquired their meaning, and the cause of the silence that pervaded the city. Elder Staines informed her of their resolve to burn the town in case the army attempted to occupy it. " How terrible ! " she exclaimed. " What a sight this is ! I never shall forget it'! It has the appearance of a city that has been afflicted with a plague. Every house looks like a tomb ot the dead ! For two miles I have seen but one man in it. Poor creatures! And so all have left their hard-earned homes?" Here she burst into tears. " Oh ! Alfred (to her husband), something must be done to bring them back ! Do not permit the army to stay in the city. Can't you do something for them?" " Yes, madam," said he, " I shall do all I can, rest assured. I only wish I could be in Washington for two hours ; I am persuaded that I could convince the Government that we have no need for troops." 214 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE C/Ti . CHAPTER XXIV. THE ARRIVAL OF PEACE COMMISSIONERS. EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL BE- TWEEN THEM AND THE MORMON LEADERS. A SINGULAR SCENE IN THE COUNCIL. ARRIVAL OF A COURIER WITH DISPATCHES. "STOP THAT ARMY! OR WE BREAK UP THE CONFERENCE." "BROTHER DUN- BAR, SING ZION! ■ THE PEACE COMMISSIONERS MARVEL, BUT AT LAST FIND A HAPPY ISSUE. RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE MORMON ARMY. The honorable course of Van Vliet, in protesting against an exterminating war upon a religious people, coupled with the guarantee which Colonel Kane had personally given to the Government for the essential loyalty of the Mormons, made the sending of peace commissioners imperative. An example of the right course once set by the noble Kane, President Buchanan hastened to send Gov- ernor L. W. Powell, of Kentucky, and Major Ben MtCullough, of Texas, to negotiate a peace. They arrived in the city in June, 1858. Wilford Woodruff's Journal contains the following minute of their first council with th% Mormon leaders: " yune nth. The Presidency and many others met with the Peace Com- missioners in the Council Hoube. Governor Powell, a Senator-elect from Ken- tucky, and Major McCullough, from Te.xas, were then introduced to the assembly, as the Peace Commissioners sent by President Buchanan. Governor Powell spoke to the people, and informed us what the President wished at our hands. President Buchanan has sent by them a proclamation, accusing us of treason and some fifty other crimes, all of which charges are false. Yet he pardons us for all these offenses, if we will be subject to the constitution and laws of the United States, and if we will let his troops quarter in our Territory. He pledged him- self that they should not interfere with our people, nor infringe upon any city, and said that he had no right to interfere with our religion, faith or practice. "The Peace Commissioners confirmed the same. They did not wish to en- quire into the past at all, but wished to let it all go and talk about the present and the future. ^'Reflections. President Buchanan had made war upon us, and wished 10 destroy us because of our religion, thinking that it would be popular, but he found that Congress would not sustain him in it. He has got into a bad scrape, and wishes to get out of it the best he can. Now he wants peace, because he is in the wrong, and has met with a strong resistance from a high-minded people in these mountains, which he did not expect to meet. We are willing to give him peace upon any terms that are honorable ; but not upon terms which are dishonor- able to us. We have our rights and dare maintain them, trusting in God for victory. The Lord has heard our prayers, and the President of the United States has been obliged to ask for peace." HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 215 The naivete of Apostle Woodruff, in his idea of giving peace to James Buchanan, is something amusing, yet is there a severe democratic philosophy in it. '' He wants peace because he is in the wrong and has met with a strong resistance from a high-minded people," is a passage that any President of the United States might profitably lay under his official pillow, whether in his administration towards a Utah or a Louisiana. But Brother WoodrufTs emphatic view that the Mormons could only consent to a peace on honorable terms; with his brave assertion that, "we have our rights, and dare maintain them, trusting in God for victory," has in it a touch of sublimity. That day also witnessed a striking example of Governor Young's tact and reso- lution : The Peace Commissioners had laid their message before the council. Brig- ham had spoken, as well as the Peace Commissioners. The aspect of affairs was favorable. Presently, however, a well-known character, O. P. Rockwell, was seen to enter, approach the ex-Governor and whisper to him. He was from the Mormon army. There was at once a sensation, for it was appreciated that he brought some unexpected and important news. Brigham arose; his manner self-possessed, but severe. "Governor Powell, are you aware, sir, that those troops are on the move towards the city?" "It cannot be! " exclaimed Powell, surprised, for we were promised by the General that they should not move till after this meeting." "I have received a dispatch that they are on the march for this city. My messenger would not deceive me." It was like a thunderclap to the Peace Commissioners : they could offer no explanation. " Is Brother Dunbar present ?" inquired Brigham. "Yes, sir," responded the one called. What was coming now? " Brother Dunbar, sing Zion." The Scotch songster came forward and sang the following soul-stirring lines, by Chas. W. Penrose : O ye mountains high, where the clear blue sky Arches over the vales of the free ; Where the pure breezes blow, And the clear streamlets flow, How I've longed to your bosom to fiee. O Zi on ! dear Zion ! land of the free. My own mountain home, now to thee I have come. All my fond hopes are centered in thee. Though the great and the wise all thy beauties despise. To the humble and pure thou art dear; Though the haughty may smile And the wicked revile, Yet we love thy glad tidings to hear. O Zion ! dear Zion ! home of the free ; Thou wert forced to fly to thy chambers on higli. Yet we'll share joy or sorrow with thee. 2 lb HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CIT\. In thy mountain retreat, God will strengthen thy feet; On the necks of thy foes thou shalt tread. And their silver and gold. As their prophets have told. Shall be brought to adorn thy fair head. O Zion ! dear Zion ! home of the free ; Soon thy towers shall shine with a splendor divine, And eternal thy glory shall be. Here our voices we'll raise, and we'll sing to thy praise. Sacred home of the prophets of God ; Thy deliverance is nigh. Thy oppressors shall die. And the gentiles shall bow 'neath thy rod. O Zion ! dear Zion ! home of the free ; In thy temples we'll bend, all thy rights we'll defend. And our home shall be ever with thee. The action of Brigham had been very simple in the case, but there was a world of meaning in it. Interpreted it meant — "Gentlemen, we have heard what President Buchanan and yourselves have said about pardoning us for stand- ing up for our constitutional rights, and defending our lives and liberties. We will consent to a peace on honorable terms ; but you must keep faith with us. Stop that army ! or our peace conference is ended. Brethren, sing Zion. Gen- tlemen, you have our ultimatum ! " With the theme before him, the reader will fully appreciate what the singing of " Zion " meant. There have been times when the singing of that hymn by the thousands of saints has been almost as potent as that revolutionary hymn of France — the Marsellaise. This was such a time. After the meeting McCullough and Governor Gumming took a stroll together for the purpose of chatting upon the affairs of the morning. "What will you do with such a people?" .asked the Governor, with a mix- ture of admiration and concern. "D n them ! I would fight them if I had iny way," answered McCul- lough. " Fight them, would you? You might fight them but you would never whip them. They would never know when they were whipped ! Did you notice the snap in those men's eyes to-day? No, sir; they would never know when they were whipped ! " At night the Peace Commissioners and the Mormon leaders were again in council, in private session, until ten o'clock. Next morning, at nine o'clock, the conference again convened, and the doors were thrown open to the public. Elders John Taylor, George A. Smith and Adjt.-Gen. James Ferguson gave expression to their views and feelings, and then President Young spoke at some length, with a will and a purpose in every word. Woodruff, in his journal, says: "Then the Peace Commissioners heard the roar of the " lion of the Lord." The following brief synopsis of his speech, furnished by one jirescnt, will give the reader an idea of what the " roar of the lion of the Lord" was at that criti- cal moment, when the issue of peace or war was pending: HISTOR V OF SAL T LAKE CIl Y. 217 President Young arose. He said : " I have listened very attentively to the commissioners, and will say; as far as I am concerned, I thank President Buchanan for forgiving me, but I really cannot tell what I have done. I know one thing, and that is, that the people called ' Mormons ' are a loyal and a law-abiding people, and have ever been. Neither President Buchanan nor any one else can contradict the statement. It is true, Lot Smith burned some wagons containing Government supplies for the army. This was an overt act, and if it is for this we are to be pardoned, I accept the pardon. The burning of a few U. S. wagons is but a small item, yet for this, combined with false reports, the whole Mormon people are to be destroyed. "What has the United States Government permitted mobs to do to us? Gentlemen, you cannot answer that question ! I can, however, and so can thou- sands of my brethren. We have been whipped and plundered ; our houses burned, our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children butchered and mur- dered by the scores. We have been driven from our homes time and time again ; but have troops ever been sent to stay or punish those mobs for their crimes ? No ! Have we ever received a dollar for the property we have been compelled to leave behind? Not a dollar! Let the Government treat us as we deserve; this is all we ask of them. We have always been loyal, and expect to so continue; but, hands off.' Do not send your armed mobs into our midst. If you do, we will fight you, as the Lord lives! Do not threaten us with what the United States can do, for we ask no odds of them or their troops. We have the God of Israel — the God of battles — on our side ; and let me tell you, gentlemen, we fear not your armies. I can take a few of the boys here and, with the help of the Lord can whip the whole of the United States. These, my brethren, put their trust in the God of Israel, and have no fears. We have proven him, and he is our friend. Boys, how do you feel? Are you afraid of the United States? (Great demonstration among the brethren.) No! No! We are not afraid of man, nor of what he can do. "The United States are going to destruction as fast as they can go. If you do not believe it, gentlemen, you will soon see it to your sorrow. It will be with them like a broken potsherd. Yes, it will be like water spilled on the ground ; no more to be picked up. " Now let me say to you Peace Commissioners, we are willing those troops should come into our country, but not to stay in our city. They may pass through it, if needs be, but must not quarter less than forty miles from us. " If you bring your troops here to disturb this people, you have got a bigger job than you or President Buchanan have any idea of. Before the troops reach here, this city will be in ashes, every tree and shrub will be cut to the ground, and every blade of grass that will burn shall be burned. . "Our wives and children will go to the canyons, and take shelter in the mountains; while their husbands and sons will fight you; and, as God lives, we will hunt you by night and by day, until your armies are wasted away. No mob can live in the homes we have built in these mountains. That's the programme, gentlemen, whether you like it or not. If you want war you can have it; but, if you wish peace, peace it is; we shall be glad of it." 14 2i8 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE Cn\. The Commissioners "wished peice;" and the result of their negotiations was embodied in the following note to General Johnston: "Great Salt Lake Citv, Utah Ter., June 1 2th, 1858. " Dear Sir: We have the pleasure of informing you that after a full and free conference with the chief men of the Territory, we are informed by them that they will yield obedience to the Constitution and laws of the United States ; that they will not resist the execution of the laws in the Territory of Utah; that they cheerfully consent that the civil officers of the Territory shall enter upon the discharge of their respective duties, and that they will make no resistance to the army of the United States in its march to the valley of Salt Like or elsewhere. We have their assurance that no resistance shall be mide to the officers, civil or military, of the United States, in the exercise of their various functions in the Territory of Utah. " The houses, fields and gardens of the people of this Territory, particularly in and about Salt Lake City, are very insecure. The animals of your army would cause great destruction of property if the greatest care should not be observed in the march and the selection of camps. The people of the Territory are some- what uneasy for fear the army, when it shall reach the valley, will not properly respect their persons and property. We have assured them that neither their per- sons nor property will be injured or molested by the army under your command. " We would respectfully suggest, in consequence of the feeling of uneasiness, that you issue a proclamation to the people of Utah, stating that the army under your command will not trespass upon the rights or property of peaceable citizens during their sojourn in or march through the Territory. Such a proclamation would greatly allay the existing anxiety and fears of the people, and cause those who have abandoned their homes to return to their houses and farms. " We have made inquiry about grass, wood, etc., necessary for the subsist- ence and convenience of your army. We have conversed with Mr. Ficklin [U. S. deputy marshal] fully on this subject, and given him all the information we have, which he will impart to you. " We respectfully suggest that you march to the valley as soon as it is con- venient for you to do so. " We have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servants, L. W. POWELL, BEN McCULLOUGH, Commissioners to Utah. " To General A. S Johnston, commanding Army of Utah, Camp Scott, U. 7." To this came the following reply: " Headquarters, Department of Utah, Camp on Bear River, June 14th, 1858. "Gentlemen : Your communication from Salt Lake City was received to- day. The accomplishment of the object of your mission entirely in accordance with the instructions of the President, and the wisdom and forbearance which you HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 2ip have so ably displayed to the people of the Territory, will, I hope, lead to a more just appreciation of their relations to "the General Government, and the establish- ment of the supremacy of the laws. I learn with surprise that uneasiness is felt by the people as to the treatment they may receive from the army. Acting under the two-fold obligations of citizens and soldiers, we may be supposed to compre- hend the rights of the people, and to be sufficiently mindful of the obligations of our oaths, not to disregard the laws which govern us as a military body. A refer- ence to them will show with what jealous care the General Government has guarded the rights of citizens against any encroachments. The army has duties to per- form here in execution of the orders of the Department of War, which, from the nature of them, cannot lead to interterence with the people in their varied pur- suits; and if no obstruction is presented to the discharge of those duties, there need not be the slightest apprehension that any person whatever will have any cause of complaint. "The army will continue its march from this position on Thursday, 17th instant, and reach the valley in five days. I desire to encamp beyond the Jordan on the day of arrival in the valley. With great respect, your obedient servant, A. S. JOHNSTON, " Colonel Second Cavalry and Brevet Brigadier- General United States Army, Commanding. " To the Hon. L. IV. Powell and Major- General McCullough. United States Com- missioners to Utak.^' Although a minute statement of the Mormon military force and the methods by which it was turned to good account in the " Utah war," might be of interest to many, it will doubtless satisfy the general reader to simply know that only so much of that force was used as was necessary to effectively carry out President Young's policy, /'. e., to harass and retard the advance of tin; U. S. army until a more peaceful solution of the ipiestion at issue could be reached. In the execu- tion of that policy an effective body of scouts was sent forward, with orders of which the following is a sample, which orders were scrupulously obeyed and executed with precisely the results desired : "On ascertaining the locality or route of the troops, proceed at once to annoy them in every possible way. Use every exertion to stampede their animals, and set fire to their trains. Burn the whole country before them and on their flanks. Keep them from sleeping by night surprises. Blockade the road by fell- ing trees, or destroying the fords when you can. Watch for opportunities to set fire to the grass on their windward, so as, if possible, to envelop their trains. Leave no grass before them that can be burned. Keep your men concealed as much as possfble, and guard against surprise." They were also ordered to not "shed blood" if it could possibly be avoided, and then only and strictly in self-defence. Although often fired upon by the soldiers, in no single instance did they return the fire. 220 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. CHAPTER XXV. REFLECTIONS UPON THE "UTAH WAR." THE REACTION. CURRENT OPIN- ION, AS EXPRESSED BY THE LEADING JOURNALS OF EUROPE AND AMERICA. That the Mormons would have fought; that they would, in the language of their leader, have made a "Moscow of Utah, and a Potter's Field oT every can- yon," had the United States pushed the issue to extermination, there can be little doubt, knowing how terribly so large a number as 75,000 or 80,000 earnest re- ligionists could have avenged themselves, at that day, in those far-off mountains and valleys. But the opinion expressed to Van Vliet, relative to the reaction which would come in the public mind over Utah affairs, and his fixed resolve, if possible, to prevent the shedding of blood, as declared in that conversation, and still more emphatically pronounced in all his orders to Lieut. -Gen. Wells, best denote what was Brigham's policy and first desire. True, it had been as much as he could do to keep his people from fighting the "enemy," notwithstanding the "enemy" was the United States. A quarter of a century's injustice had fired them with an indignation that made them feel a superhuman strength. But though the founder of Utah had resolved to conquer the issue, he had no wish to lose the nucleus of a nationality which his people had evolved in their isolation. Why then this second exodus? Why! It was the very backbone of Brig- ham's triumph. As great a triumph was in that exodus as in any battle the great Napoleon ever fought. It was in fact the exodus which forced the "reaction." It carried such an overwhelming power that it became like an irresistible impulse in the public mind. Not only was this so with the American people, but it was so with every nation in Europe. Deep sympathy, blended with a mighty admir- ation, was felt for a people who could at once dare a war with the United States, in defence of their religious cause, and rise to such a towering heroism as to sanc- tify their act by a universal offering of their homes for sacrifice. This was no common rebellion. These were no unworthy rebels. No rude defiers of " the powers that be " were they : their act placed them on a level with tlie men who won the independence of America: their women were fitting mates of the mothers, daughters and sisters of the revolution. The Loiuhni Times called the Mormons a nation of heroes. It said : "The intelligence from Utah is confirmatory of the news that came by the last steamer. This strange people are again in motion for a new home, and all the efforts of Governor Gumming to induce the men to remain and limit them- selves to the ordinary quota of wives have been fruitless. We are told that they have left a deserted town and deserted fields behind them, and have embarked for a voyage, over 500 miles of untracked desert, to a home, the locality of HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 221 which is unknown to any but their chiefs. Does it not seem incredible that, at the very moment when the marine of Great Britain and the United States are jointly engaged in the grandest scientific experiments that the world has yet seen, 30,000 or 40,000 natives of these countries, many of them of industrious and temperate habits, should be the victims of such arrant imposition? Does it not seem impossible that men and women, brought up under British and American civilization, can abandon it for the wilderness and Mormonism? There is much that is noble in their devotion to their delusions. They step into the waves of the great basin with as much reliance on their leaders as the descendants of Jacob felt when they stepped between the walls of water in the Red Sea. The ancient world had individual Curiatii, Horalii, and other examples of heroism and devo- tion ; but these western peasants seem to be a nalion of heroes, ready to sacrifice everything rather than surrender one of their wives, or a letter from Joe Smith's golden plates." The following from the New York Times will give a specimen of what the American press generally said upon the subject : " Whatever our opinions may be of Mormon morals, or Mormon manners, there can be no question that this voluntary abandonment by 40,000 people of homes created by wonderful industry, in the midst of trackless wastes, alter years of hardships and persecution, is something from which no one who has a particle of sympathy with pluck, fortitude and constancy can withhold his admiration. Right or wrong, sincerity thus attested is not a thing to be sneered at. True or false, a faith to which so many men and women prove their loyalty, by such sac- rifices, is a force in the world. After this last demonstration of what fanaticism can do, we think it would be most unwise to treat Mormonism as a nuisance to be abated by a posse commitatus. It is no longer a social excresence to be cut off by the sword; it is a power to be combated only by the most skillful political and moral treatment. When people abandon their homes to plunge with women and children into a wilderness, to seek new settlements, they know not where, they give a higher proof of courage than if they fought for them. When the Dutch submerged Holland, to save it from invaders, they had heartier plaudits showered upon them than if they had fertilized its soil with their blood. We have certainly the satisfaction of knowing that we have to deal with foemen worthy of our steel. * * =;; jf f),g conduct of the recent operations has had the effect of strengthening their fanaticism, by the appearance of perse- cution, without convincing them of our good faith and good intentions, and worse still, has been the means of driving away 50,000 of our fellow-citizens from fields which their labor had reclaimed and cultivated, and around which their affections were clustered, we have something serious to answer for. Were we not guilty of a culpable oversight in confounding their persistent devotion with the insubordination of ribald license, and applying to the one the same harsh treat- ment which the law intends for the latter alone? Was it right to send troops composed of the wildest and most rebellious men of the community, commanded by men like Harney and Johnston, to deal out fire and sword upon people whose faults even were the result of honest religious convictions? Was it right lo allow 222 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. Johnston to address letters to Brigham Young, and through him to his people, couched in the tone of an implacable conqueror towards ruthless savages? Were the eriors which mistaken zeal generates ever cured by such means as these? And have bayonets ever been used against the poorest and weakest sect that ever crouched beyond a wall to pray or weep, without rendering their faith more in- tense, and investing the paltriest discomforts with the dignity of sacrifice? * * * We stand on the vantage ground of higher knowledge, ])urer faith and acknowledged strength. We can afford to be merciful. At all events, the world looks to us now for an example of political wisdom such as few people, nott'-a-days, are called on to display. Posterity must not have to ac- knowledge with shame that our indiscretion, or ignorance, or intolerance drove the population of a whole State from house and home, to seek religious liberty and immunity from the presence of mercenary troops, in any part of the conti- nent to which our rule was never likely to extend." Reynolds' Newspaper, in an editorial written specially to represent the British Republicans, views of the Mormon community in their great struggle for their re- ligious and social liberties, gave the following strong passages: " It may be that Mormonism has originated in imposture, and that many, if not all, of its peculiar rites and customs are the 'abomination of desolation.' Let this point, though not yet proved, be conceded ; still, the social and political problem is by no means solved. ."Vfter we have demonstrated the fabulousnt-i-s of the gold tablets, convicted Joseph Smith of all sorts of possible and impossible scoundrelisms, and proved his followers to be a mixed multitude of the gravest knaves and idiots that ever walked the earth, Mormonism still remains a great human fact — perhaps the greatest — certainly the most wonderful fact of this nineteenth century. As such, it is entitled to our earnest and respectful consid- eration. "There can be no doubt that, in one thing at least, Mormonism has been eminently successful. It has, in the great majority of instances, really improved the earthly condition of those who have embraced it. More than this, it has inspired with hope and with courage thousands of despairing and heart broken wretches, who, prior to their conversion, seemed abandoned of God and man. This new faith has, .so to speak, created a soul under the ribs of death. It has given to thousands of once destitute and despised Englishmen something to live for, to fight for, and, if need be, to die for. On this ground, then, were it for nothing else, the Mormons, not as fanatics or sectaries, but as heavily- oppressed, long-suffering, and earnestly struggling men, are entitled to the sympathy of the enslaved classes throughout the world. "But they have a claim to something more than sympathy. Their heroic endurance and marvellous achievements entitle them to the respect and admira- tion of their fellow-creatures. Twice were the Mormons driven from their settle- ments in the United States before they had resolved upon their stupendous pilgrimage to the Valley of the Salt Lake. How that gigantic journey was ac- complished; how a thousand miles of untrodden desert — untrodden, save by the HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 223 wild beast or wilder Indian, where death in a hundred forms had to be ^coun- tered and defied — had to be traversed; how the ])oor, hungered, and toil-worn. but still dauntless pilgrims reached their destination; how they built a cit)', founded a civil and ecclesiastical polity; how law and order were established; how skill and industry converted barren wastes into fruitful fields, howling forests into smiling gardens, until, under the talismanic wand of Labor, the wilderness was made to blossom as the rose , how their missionaries were employed with startling success in every European country ; and how many thousands of the down-trodden and penury-stricken victims of European tyranny were leaving the land of their birth, in order to find in the Mormon territory, that hope and en- couragement denied to them in their native countries; — how all this has been accomplished by the reviled followers of Joseph Smith, all Ecrope and America have heard, and, though hating, admired." The famous African exjilorer. Captain Burton, of the British army, closing his description of the great man who took his people successfully through that crisis, gives us the following suggestive passage in his "City of the Saints: " " Such is His Excellency, President Brigham Young, ' Painter and Glazier ' (his earliest craft), prophet, revelator, translator and seer; the man who is revered as king or kaiser, pope or pontiff, never was; who, like the old man of the moun- tain, by holding up his right hand could cause the death of any man within his reach ; who, governing as well as reigning, long stood up to fight with the sword of the Lord, and with his few hundred guerrillas, against the then mighty power of the United States; who has outwitted all diplomacy opposed to him; and, finally, who made a treaty of peace with the President of the great Republic, as though he had wielded the combined power of France, Russia and England." Substantially, the word of Brigham Young was fulfilled, in that he had said an invading army should not enter the city. General Johnston and his army came not as conquerers into Zion. The entire chain of circumstances, from the start of their expedition, had been most humiliating to the brave men who deserved better service. Their march had been but a series of disasters and failures. They were merely permitted to pass through the streets of Salt Lake City on their way to a location in the Territory well removed from the Mormon people. Zion was a forsaken city that day. The Saints were still south with their great leader. If faith was not kept with them they did not intend to return, and war would have been re-opened in deadly earnest. It was a sad spectacle to see a community of earnest religionists who could not trust in the parent jiower, even after the jiroclamation of the President. But the history of the Mormons in their minds to this hour shows a constant justifica- tion of this lack of confidence. On the 13th of June, the army commenced its movement towards the city I and, on the morning of the 26th, it might have been seen advancing from the mouth of Emigration Canyon to make what once was expected to have been a triumphal entrance into conquered Zion, with all " the poir.p and circumstance 224 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. of glorious war." Here is a picture of it as it was, from the pen of an aimy correspondent : " It was one of the most extraordinary scenes that have occurred in Ameri can history. All day long, from dawn until after sunset, the troops and trains poured through the city, the utter silence of the streets being broken only by the music of the military bands, the monotonous tramp of the regiments, and the rattle of the baggage wagons. Early in the morning, the Mormon guards had forced all their fellow religionists into the houses, and ordered them not to make their appearance during the day. The numerous flags that had been flying from staffs on the public buildings during the previous week were all struck. The only visible groups of spectators were on the corners near Brigham Young's residence, and consisted almost entirely of Gentile civilians. The stillness was so profound that during the intervals between the passage of the columns, the monotonous gurgle of the City Creek struck on every ear. The Commissioners rode with the General's staff. The troops crossed the Jordan and encamped two miles from the city, on a dusty meadow by the river bank." But the army correspondent did not properly construe the death-like stillness and desertion of the city, when he says the Mormon guard had " forced all their fellow religionists into their houses." They were not in their houses, but in the second exodus. It is estimated that there were no less than 30,000 of the Mormon people from the city and northern settlements in " the move south." They took with them their flocks and herds, their chattels and furniture. When that army marched through the streets of Zion, grass was growing on the side walks, and there were only a few of " the boys " left on the watch in the city, to see that the people were not betrayed. Some of the officers were deeply moved by the scene and the circumstances. Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, who had commanded the Mormon battalion in the Mexican war, rode through the city with uncovered head, leading the troops, but forgetting not his respect for the brave Mormon soldiers who had so nobly served with him in their country's cause. Cedar Valley, forty miles west of the city, was chosen as their permanent camping place, which was named Camp Floyd, in honor of the then Secretary of War. HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CITY 225 CHAPTER XXV. GOVERNOR CL'MMl.NG I'I.EADS \VHH IHl-: SAr.NTS. THEY KICTURN TO THF.IR HOMES. THE JUDGES, CRADI.EBAUGHS COURT. HE CALLS FOR TROOl'S. I'KOVO CITY INVADED BY THE ARMY. CONSPIRACY TO .A.RREST BRIG- HAM YOUNG. GOVERNOR CUMMI.NG ORDERS OUT THE UTAH MILITLV TO REPEL INVASION. TI.MELY ARRIVAL OK A DISPATCH FROM GOVERN- MENT STAYS THE CONFLICT. ATTORNEY-GENERAL BL.\CKS REBUKE TO THE JUDGES. GENERAL JOHNSTONS FRIENDS DEMAND THE REMOVAL OF GOVERNOR GUMMING. THE SITUATION RECOVERED BY THE PATRI- OTISM OF THOMAS L. KANE, DIVISION IN THE CABINET. PARALLEL OF THE BLAINE REMINISCENCE OF JERE .S. BL.-VCK. Return we now to the Saints in their flight. It had taxed their faith and their means to an absolute consecration of their all, and called forth as much re- ligious heroism as did their first exodus from Nauvoo. Gallant old Governor Gumming was almost distracted over this Mormon episode. He was not used to the self-sacrifices and devotion of the peculiar people whom he had taken under his official guardianship. They were more familiar than he with this part of their eventful drama. Familiarity had bred in them a kind of contempt for their own sufferings and privations. So they witnessed their new Governor's concern for them with a stoical humor. They were, indeed, grateful, but amused. They could not feel to deserve his pity, yet were they thankful for his sympathy. They sang psalms by the wayside. He felt like strewing their path with tears. He followed them fifty miles south, praying them, as would a father his wayward children, to turn back. But the fiither whom tiiey knew better was leading them on. "There is no longer danger. General Johnston and tlie army will keep faith with the Mormons. Every one concerned in this hap[)y settlement will hold sacred the amnesty and pardon of the President of the United States! By G d, sirs, Yes." Such was the style of Governor Cumming's pleadings with the " misguided " Mormons. But Brigham replied with a quiet fixedness of purpose : "We know all about it, Governor. We remember the martyrdoms of the past ! We have, on just such occasions, seen our disarmed men hewn down in cold blood, our virgin daughters violated, our wives ravished to death before our eyes. We know all about it. Governor Gumming." It was a terrible logic that thus met the brave meditation of the fine old Georgian successor of Governor Young, who coupled patriotism with humanity, and believed in the primitive faith that .\merican citizens and .American homes must he held sacred. 1 226 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. Brigham Young alone could turn the tidal wave, and lead back the Mormon people to their homes. Had he continued onward to Sonora, Central America, anywhere — to the ends of the earth — this people would have followed him. The Mormon leaders, with the body of the Church, were at Provo on the evening of the 4th of July ; General Johnston and his army being about to take up their quarters at Camp Floyd. It was on that evening that Governor Cam- ming informed his predecessor that he should publish a proclamation to the Mor- mons for their return to their homes. "Do as you please, Governor Gumming," replied Brigham, with a quiet smile. "To-morrow I shall get upon the tongue of my wagon, and tell the people that /am going home, and they can do as they please." On the morning of the 5th, Brigham announced to the people that he was going to start for Salt Lake City; they were at liberty to follow him to their various settlements, as they pleased. In a few hours nearly all were on their homeward march. But scarcely had the people returned to their homes, ere they had abundant proof how much they could have trusted a united Federal power, in an anti-Mor- mon crusade, with an army at its service to subvert the civil and religious liberties of the i)eople. The machinery of the Federal power was soon set in motion. Chief Justice Eckles took up his quarters at Camp Floyd; Associate Justice Sinclair was as- signed to the district embracing Salt Lake City; and Associate Justice Cradle- baugh was assigned to the judicial supervision of all the southern settlements ; and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Jacob Forney, and .\le.\ander Wilson, U.S. District Attorney, entered upon the discharge of their duties. The Governor from the beginning assumed a pacific attitude, in which he was seconded by Superintendent Forney and District-Attorney Wilson. But the three Judges, in concert with the Marshal, united in the prosecution of past offences that had naturally arisen out of the condition of the hostility, just brought to a ha[)py and peaceful issue. Judge Sinclair convened the First, now the Third Judicial District Court in Great Salt Lake City in November, 1S58, and in his charge to the Grand Jury he urged the prosecution of the leading men of the Territory for treason, for intimi- dation of the courts, and for polygamy. President Buchanan's pardon, the Judge admitted, was "a public fact in the history of the country," but "like any other deed, it ought to be bro\ight judicially by plea, motion or otherwise." In fine, Judge Sinclair wanted to bring before his court ex-Governor Young, Lieut. -General Daniel H. Wells, and the leading Mormons generally, especially the Apostles, "to make them admit that they had been guilty of treason, and make them humbly accept from him the President's clemency." So explains Mr. Stenhouse. But it was something more radical and serious than a vainglorious effort to humble Utah to the footstool of a Federal Judge. It was an attempt to reopen in the courts the entire conflict which had so nearly come to the issue of war. U. S. District .\ttorney Wilson, however, would not present to the jury bills of indictment for treason, pleading that the Commissioners had presented HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CITY. 227 the pardon, and the people had accepted it, and tlie C.ovcriior had prorlainicd that peace was restored to the Territory. "But the young Judge," relates Mr. Stcnhouse, " was more successful in his efforts lo bring forward the charge of intimidating the courts. It could not be expected that the charge to the jury on j)olyganiy would secure much attention. It was regarded little better than a grand farce to ask a Mormon jury to find indictments against their brethren for polygamy. The term of Judge Sinclair's judicial service was a failure, only memorable for one thing — he sentenced the first white man who was ever hanged in Utah, and he was a Gentile, to be executed on a Sunday! Of course, the day had to be changed." But the most extraordinary judicial action, and that which continues the historical thread of those times, was in the important district assigned to Judge Cradlebaugh. The criminal cases which he sought to investigate were those com- monly known as the Potter and Parrish murders at Springville, and the Mountain Meadows Massacre in Southern Utah. On the Sth of March, 1859, at Provo, Judge Cradlebaugh delivered an extraordinary address to the Grand Jury, and commenced extraordinary proceedings, which in their sequel nearly made Salt Lake City the seat of actual war between Johnston's troops and the Utah militia under Governor Gumming, and which was barely prevented by the timely inter- ference of the General Government. The history of Salt Lake City, however, cannot follow in detail the entire history of Utah, only so far as its subject and action find therein its proper centre of unity. Suffice here to mark that Judge Cradlebaugh in his investigations and prosecutions aimed chiefly to implicate the leaders of the Mormon Church in all the criminal offenses and deeds of violence done within the Territory. In summing up the evidence in the case of the murders at Springville, the Judge concluded with the following address: "Until I commenced the examination of the testimony in this case, I always supposed that I lived in a land of civil and religious liberty, in which we were secured by the Constitution of our country the right to remove at pleasure from one portion of our domain to another, and also that we enjoyed the privilege of worshipping God according to the dictates of our own conscience. But I re- gret to say, that the evidence in this case clearly proves that, so far as Utah is concerned, I have been mistaken in such supposition. Men are murdered here : coolly, deliberately, premediatatedly murdered — their murder is deliberated and determined upon by the church council-meetings, and that, too, for no other reason than that they had apostatized from your church, and were striving to leave the Territory. " You are the tools, the dupes, the instruments of a tyrannical church des- potism. The heads of your church order and direct you. You are taught to obey their orders and commit these horrid murders. Deprived of your liberty you have lost your manhood, and become the willing instruments of bad men. "I say to you it will be my earnest effort, while with you, to knock off your ecclesiastical shackles and set you free." It is easily to be seen that with such a grand jury, charged in this manner by such a judge, it was impossible to acconi[)lish the ends of justice; — equally im- 228 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. possible whether they had been " the willing instruments" of a "tyrannical church," or a grand jury of honest, innocent men. In the course of one of these prosecutions. Judge Cradlebaugh made a requi- sition upon General Johnston for troops to act as protection to certain witnesses, and also, in the absence of a jail, to serve as a guard over the prisoners. The mayor of Provo (Kimball Bullock) protested that the presence of the military was an infringement upon the liberties of his fellow-citizens; but the judge answered that he had well considered the request before he had made it. A pe- tition was sent to Governor Cuniming, and he asked General Johnston to with- draw the troops, asserting that the court had no authority to call for the aid of the military, except through him. The judges interpreted General Johnston's in- structions from the War Department adversely to the statement of the Governor, and the troops were continued at Provo. On the 27th of March (1859), the Governor issued a proclamation protesting against the continuance of the troops at Provo, taking open ground against the action of the military commander. About this time was concocted a conspiracy to arrest Brigham Young. It was proposed that a writ be issued for his apprehension. The oiificers entrusted with its execution presented themselves at the Governor's office, to request his co-operation. But Governor Gumming stoutly resisted the attempted outrage. He himself afterwards thus related this conspiracy to arrest his predecessor: "Tliey had 'got the dead wood on Brigham Young this time,' so they said, as they unfolded to me their plans. If Brigham resisted, General Johnston's artillery was to make a breach in the wall surrounding his premises, and they would take him by force and carry him to Camp Floyd. "I listened to them, sir, as gravely as I could, and examined tlieir papers. They rubbed their hands and were jubilant; they 'had got the dead wood on Brigham Young ! ' I was indignant, sir, and told them, 'by G — d, gentlemen, you can't do it ! When you have a right to take Brigham Young, gentlemen, vou shall have him without creeping through walls. You shall enter through his door with heads erect as become representatives of your government. But till that time, gentlemen, you can't touch Brigham Young while I live, by G — d ! '" "Such was the story," says Stenhouse, "told by the Governor to the author a few years later, and as he related it all the fire of his nature was depicted on his countenance and told unmistakably that lie would have made good every word with his life." The officers returned to Camp Floyd discomfited, and immediately the news was circulated that General Johnston would send two regiments of troops and a battery of artillery to enforce the writ for the apprehension of Brigham. The New York Hi-rald of date May 25, 1S59, gave to the country a graphic jMcture of affiirs in Utah at that moment: OUR SALT LAKE CITY CORRESPONDENCE. "Great Salt Lake City, U. T., April 23, 1859. "In my last letter I informed you of the threat of Judge Sinclair that he would hold court in this city during May, with three-fourths of the army now at HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 22g Camp Floyd, quartered in Union Square, ready to carry out his orders. The apprehension of a collision which that threat insj)ired measurably died away in the bosoms of the people generally, and the youthful judge was beginning to get credit for idle braggadocia, and his tongue was regarded as having only divulged what was in his heart to do, if he only could get the chance; but, alas! the day after the departure of the last mail from here, rumors of his intentions were in circulation at Camp Floyd, which leaves us no reason to doubt that his threat was no idle boast, but is in reality the fixed determination of his heart, to lead to a collision between the citizens and the troops. Of this Governor Gumming is ap- parently fully convinced, as also the other officials outside of the judicial clique. By the departure of the next mail, plans will be better developed, if not even then carried into execution, or at least attempted; and should you then hear of the eagerly-sought-for collision having taken jjlace, it can be witnessed that we have not sought it, but that it is the deep-laid scheme of sutlers, degraded judges, and disappointed officers of our great republican army, for the sake of perishable gold, gratification of personal revenge, and the empty glory of swords to be crimsoned with the blood of fellow-citizens, who so love the liberty bequeathed to them by illustrious sires that they will fight for its maintenance, though their homes should be made desolate and their wives and children left without protectors in the land of freemen's inheritance. " An express from Camp Floyd arrived here on Sunday night with the intelli- gence that two regiments were coming to the city to make arrests, and it was ex- pected that they would have orders for forced marches, to come in upon us un- awares. Immediately on Governor Cumtning being made acquainted with the re. port and circumstances, uieut. Rawlins handed over to Captain Harmon. " I have had frequent interviews with Col. Collins and officers ; they have behaved very gentlemanly, and expressed themselves much pleased with our ex- ertions, and seemed disposed to render us every assistance to contribute to our comfort. "Col. Collins is decidedly against killing Indians indiscriminately, and will not take any general measures, save on the defensive, until he can ascertain satis- factorily by whom the depredations have been committed, and then not resort to killing until he is satified that peaceable measures have failed. "Col. Collins and officers all allow we are best suited to guard this road, both men and horses ; they are anxious to return, and if they have any influence, I imagine they will try to get rccalletl and recommend to Utah to furnish the necessary guard. The Colonel has just left our camp, he has sent for Washakie, chief of the Snakes, with a view to make tix'aty or obtain information. No 258 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. sickness at all in camp at present. We are attached to Col. Collins' regiment. Gen. Craig's division, and furnish our muster, descriptive and other returns to that command. Should General Wells require duplicates, we will forward them. I am sir, yours respectfully, LOT SMITH." " Deer Creek, May 16, 1862. " Governor Fuller — My detachment arrived here yesterday at 3 p.m., en- ccuntering no difficulty, save that caused by the mud, snow, etc. We have seen no Indians on the route; found all the mail stations from Green River to this point deserted, all stock having been stolen or removed, and other property abandoned to the mercy of the Indians or white men. We found at the Ice Spring station, which had been robbed on the night of the 27th, a large lock mail — twenty-six sacks, a great portion of which had been cut open and scattered over the prairie. Letters had been opened and pillaged, showing conclusively that some renegade whites were connected with the Indians in the robbery. The mail matter, after being carefully collected and placed in the sacks, I have con- veyed to this point, also ten other sacks of lock mail, from the Three Crossings: all of which will be turned over to the mail agent at Lapariel. Twenty miles from this, we will meet men from the East for this purpose. The United States troops from the East will be in this vicinity to-morrow ; and, unless otherwise directed by yourself or General Wells, I will return immediately, halting on the Sweet Water to investigate still further the causes of the difficulty, as I have not been able to learn who or what Indians positively have been engaged in the mat- ter ; but suppose it to be about thirty renegade Snakes and Bannacks from the north. Some of the party spoke English plainly, and one the German language. Hon. W. H. Hooper and Mr. C. W. West will take passage in the coach that comes for the mail. R. T. BURTON, Commanding:' General Burton supplements this with the following : "This year (1862) will be remembered as the season of the highest water ever experienced in the mountains ; as a consequence travel (over the mountains) was almost impossible. Some idea may be formed of this matter from the fact that it took this command, with all their energy and exertion, nine days to go to Fort Bridger, a distance of only 113 miles from Salt Lake. Most of our wagons had to be dispensed with at Fort Bridger, at which point we proceeded mainly with pack animals. It is proper, also, to state that we received from the Govern- ment officers stationed at the military fort at Fort Bridger, provisions, tents, camp equipage, etc., all that was within their power to grant. From this point (Fort Bridger) all the mail stations were abandoned, many of them burned, some of the coaches still standing upon the road riddled with bullet holes from the attack made by the Indians at the time the drivers and passengers were killed. In some of the mail stations west of the Devil's Gate we found large numbers of mail sacks which had been cut open by Indians and the contents scattered over the ground, which were carefully picked up by my company and carried on to the HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CITY. 2S9 North Platte and turned over to the mail contractor at that point. The coaches were enabled to come west as far as Lapariel Station, a distance of some thirty miles east of the Platte. "The expedition was one of the most hazardous and toilsome we were ever called upon to perform, but succeeded admirably without the loss of a man or animal. Returned to Salt Lake City thirty days from the time of starting and were mustered out of service by Governor Fuller." CHAPTER XXIX. fTAH AGAIN .\SKS ADMISSIO.N INTO THE UNION AS A ST.XTE. THE HISTORY AND PASSAGE OF THE ANTI-POLYGAMIC BILL IN THE HOUSE AND SEN- .\TE. THE BILL SIGNED BY ABRAHAM LINCOLN. PRESENTATION TO CONGRESS OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE "STATE OF DESERET." At this juncture, in the spring of 1862, it is worthy of special notice .that Utah was again asking admission into the Union, The Legislature of the pro- posed "State of Deseret " was then in session. Hons. Wm. H. Hooper and George Q. Cannon were elected senators; the former with the memorial and con- stitution, went east under the escort of Colonel Burton and his troop; and a des- patch was sent to Apostle Cannon, who was then in England, requesting him to join Mr. Hooper in Washington early in June, which he did. The senators-elect labored diligently in Washington during the remainder of that session of Con- gress, and, notwithstanding that Utah was not admitted to statehood, she pro- voked much respect from members of Congress over her conduct at that moment, when it was thought by no inconsiderable portion of the world that the issues of the war would be won by the South. It was universally understood at that time that the sympathies of France and England were with the Southern Confederacy. It is due to the history to here affirm something of the political views of Utah relative to the Union. Delegate Hooper, December i6th, i860, in a letter to Apostle George Q. Cannon, said: " I think three-quarters of the Republicans of the House would vote for our admission; but I may be mistaken. Many say they would gladly 'swap' the Gulf States for Utah. I tell them that we show our loyalty by trying to get in, while others are trying to get out, notwithstanding our grievances, which are far greater than any of the seceding States; but that I consider we can redress our grievances better in the Union than out of it," Now it was with just this view before them that the people of Utah again sought admission into the Union as a State in the spring and summer of 1862. 26o HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. Ex-Governor Young and his compeers who were proud that so many of their sires were among the men who founded this nation, and then, in a later generation, won for it independence, held, as we see in every view, that the South committed a grave error in seceding. They affirmed that the Southern States should have fought out their issue inside the Union, and under the sanction of the Constitu- tion. They did wrong, the people of Utah thought, in setting up a new confed- eracy, and firing upon the old flag, thus tarnishing the bright integrity of their cause. The Mormon view of the great national controversy then, was, that the Southern States should have done precisely what Utah did, and placed themselves on the defensive ground of their rights and institutions, as old as the Union. And it is worthy of special note in the political record of Utah that her Delegate ad- vocated the Union doctrine at the capitol and condemned secession, during the term of the last Congress preceding the dissolution, offering Utah as a political example with words that deserve to be imperishable in history: "We can redress our grievances better in the Union than out of it." In the House of Representatives, A])ril 8, 1862, Mr. Morrill, of Vermont, by unanimous consent, introduced a bill to punish and prevent the practice of polyg- amy in the Territories of the United States, and for other purposes, and to disap- prove and annul certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah ; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Ter- ritories. April 28. — Mr. Ashlev, from the Committee on Territories, reported back, with a recommendation that it do pass, a bill (H. R. No. 391 ) to punish and pre- vent the practice of polygamy in the Territories of the United States and other places, and disapproving and annulling certain acts of the Territorial Legislature of Utah. The bill was read. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I desire to say to the House that this is the iden- tical bill passed about two years ago, when there was an elaborate report made by a gentleman from Tennessee, Mr. Nelson, and when it received the almost unani- mous support of the House. The only difference between the two bills is this : that bill excepted from its provisions the District of Columbia, and that excep- tion is stricken out in this bill. I presume there is no member of the House who is desirous to discuss this measure, and I move the previous question. Mr. Maynard. I ask the gentleman from Vermont to allow me to suggest a single verbal amendment, rather a matter of taste than otherwise. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I will hear the suggestion. Mr. Maynard. It is to strike out the word "nevertheless" in the provi.so lo the first section. It has no business there; it is sur])lusage. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. Well, if the gentleman from Tennessee says that " nevertheless" hxs no business there, I presume he is right ; and I have no ob- jection to the amendment. Air. Maynard. I offer the amendment. I have no speech to make about it. The amendment was agreed to. HISTORY OF SAL T LAKE CLTY. ^6i Mr. CradUhaugh. I ;uk the gentleman from Vermont to allow me to offer an amendment. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I prefer to have the bill pass as it is. Mr. CradUbaugh. I think if the gentleman understood the character of the amendment he would not object. It is merely to correct the bill, and not for tiie purpose of throwing any impediments in the way of its passage. The bill, in its present shape, does not amount to anything. The Speaker. Does the gentleman withdraw the demand for the previous question ? Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I decline to do so. The previous question was seconded, and the main question ordered. The bill was ordered to be engrossed, and read a third time; and being en- grossed, it was accordingly read the third time. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I move the previous (juestion on the passage of the bill. Mr. Biddle. Is all debate necessarily cut off at this time? The Speaker. It will be if the previous question is sustained. Mr. Biddle. There are some of us who would like to hear debate, if not to participate in it. The Speaker. Does the gentleman withdraw the demand for the previous question ? Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I decline to do so, and call for tellers. Tellers were ordered; and Messrs. Cox and Chamberlain were appointed. The House divided ; and the tellers reported — ayes sixty-five, noes not counted. So the previous question was seconded. The main question was ordered to be put; and being put, the bill was passed. In the Senate, June 3d — Mr. Bayard. I move to take up House bill No. 391. It was re])orted back from the Committee on the Judiciary, with amendments, about three weeks ago. It is a bill that ought to be acted upon. The motion was agreed to ; and the bill (H. F. No. 391 ) to punish the practice of polygamy in the Territories of the United States, and other j)laces, and disap- proving and annulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah, was considered as in committee of the Whole. The amendment of the Committee on Judiciary was to strike out all after the enacting clause, and insert, a.s a substitute: That every person having a husband or wife living, who shall marry any other person, whether married or single, in a Territory of the United States, or other place over which the United States have exclusive jurisdiction, shall, except in the cases s])erificd in the proviso to this section, be adjudged guilty of bigamy, and upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500, and by im. prisonment for a term not exceeding five years: Provided nevertheless, 'YhaX this section shall not extend to any person by reason of any former marriage \vhose husKind or wife by such marriage shall have been absent for five successive years without Ijeing 262 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CIT\. known to such person within that time to be living; nor to any person by reason of any former marriage which shall have been dissolved by the decree of a compe- tent court ; nor to any person by reason of any former marriage which shall have been annulled or pronounced void by the sentence or decree of a competent court on the ground of nullity of the marriage contract. Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That the following ordinance of the pro- visional government of the State of Deseret, so called, namely: "An ordinance incorporating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," passed February 8, in the year 1851, and adopted, re-enacted, and made valid by the Governor and Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah, by an act passed January 19, in the year 1855, entitled, "An act in relation to the compilation and revision of the laws and resolutions in force in Utah Territory, their publication and distribu- tion," and all other acts and parts of acts heretofore passed by the said Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah, which establish, support, maintain, shield, or countenance polygamy, be, and the same hereby are, disapproved and annulled : Provided, That this act shall be so limited and construed as not to affect or inter- fere with the right of property legally acquired under the ordinance heretofore mentioned, nor with the right " to worship God according to the dictates of con- science," but only to annul all acts and laws which establish, maintain, protect, or countenance the practice of polygamy, evasively called spiritual marriage, however disguised by legal or ecclesiastical solemnities, sacraments, ceremonies, consecra- tions, or other contrivances. Sec. 3. And be it further enacted. That it shall not be lawful for any cor- poration or association for religious or charitable purposes to acquire or hold real estate in any Territory of the United States during the existence of the Terri- torial government of a greater value than J 100, 000 ; and all real estate acquired or held by any such corporation or association contrary to the provisions of this act, shall be forfeited and escheat to the United States : Provided, That existing vested rights in real estate shall not be impaired by the provisions of this section. Mr. Bayard. I will state, very briefly, the difference between the bill as proposed to be amended by the Judiciary Committee, and the bill as passed by the House of Representatives. The bill of the House is intended to punish the crime of polygamy, or bigamy ])roperly speaking, when committed in any Territory of the United States ; but, in point of fact, it goes beyond that — it punishes cohabita- tion without marriage. The committee, in their amendments, have so altered the > first section as to provide for the punishment of the crime of bigamy, leaving the punishment for a similar offense, where marriage had been contracted elsewhere, to the State where it was contracted. We thought that clearly preferable, and that it would be of no utility to carry the act beyond the evil intended to be remedied, which was to put down polygamy, as a part of the recognized legal institutions of Utah. There is a mistake in printing as to the second section. The second section of the bill is not altered at all; we leave it precisely the same .as it was in the original bill. It repeals the ordinance of Utah, commonly called " .An ordinance incorporating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." It is precisely in HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 263 words like the second section of the House bill, which is not altered in any respect. The third section is an amendment of the committee, and it is in the nature oi a mortmain law. The object is to prevent the accumulation of real estate in the hands of ecclesiastical corporations in Utah. Though that Territory is large, the value of real estate is not of large amount ; and the object of the section is to pre- vent the accumulation of the property and wealth of the community in the hands of what may be called theocratic institutions, inconsistent with our form of govern- ment. In my own judgment it would be wiser to limit the amount of real estate that could be held by any corporation of that character in a Territory, to the value of $50,000, I think $100,000 is too much. I am satisfied that there is great danger in that Territory, under its present government, that the ecclesiastical institutions which prevail there will ultimately become the owners in perpetuity of all the valuable land in that Territory, and so afford a nucleus for the permanence of their general institutions unless a stop be put to it by act of Congress. I have now stated the provisions of the amendment as proposed by the com- mittee. The first section of the bill is altered so as to punish the crime of bigamy, but leaving the (question of cohabitation or mere adultery apart from the crime of bigamy, without reference to any action of Congress. The second section is e.x- actly the same as the section in the House bill. The third section is a new one, the object of which is to operate in the nature of a mortmain law, to prevent the en- tire property of that Territory being accumulated in perpetuity in the hands of a species of theocratic institutions. The amendment was agreed to. Mr. Hale. I shall probably vote lor the bill ; but I should like to know from the chairman of the committee if its provisions are not inconsistent with Mr. Bayard. I move to strike out "$100,000" and insert "$50,000," in the third section. Mr. Hale. I will wait until that is decided. Mr. Bayard. I make that motion. The Vice President. The Senator's motion is not now in order, the amend- ment of the committee having been adopted. It will be in order when the bill shall have been reported to the Senate. Mr. Hale. I was only going to say that I had been looking at a decision of the Supreme Court in which the rights of Congress over the Territories are exam- ined with some care, and it occurred to me that possibly the provisions of this bill might be inconsistent with some of the doctrines and dogmas of that decision. I refer to a case decided in the Supreme Court at the December term of 1856, entitled, " Dred Scott vs. Sandford," and the doctrine was pretty thoroughly gone over in that decision as to how far the powers of Congress e.\tended over the Terri- tories It strikes me that by analogy this bill infringes upon that decision, for I remember that one of the exponents of the ttue faith on this floor used to illus- trate this dogma at least as often as once a month by saying that the same law prevailed as to the regulation of the relations of husband and wife, parent and child, and master and servant. I think at least once a month for years that was proclaimed to be the law. If the national Legislature have no more power 264 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. over the relations of husband and wife — and that seems to be the one touched here — than over master and slave, it seems to me that if we mean to maintain that respect which is due to so august a tribunal as the Supreme Court of the United States, we ought to read the Dred Scott decision over again, and see if we are not in danger of running counter to it. It strikes me decidedly that we are ; and at this time when there is so much necessity for invoking all the reverence there is in the covmtry for the tribunals of the country, it seems to me we ought to tread delicately when we trench upon things that have been so solemnly decided by the Supreme Court as this has. But, as the gentleman who reports the bill is a mem- ber of the Judiciary Committee, if it is clearly his opinion that we can pass this bill without trenching upon the doctrine of tne Dred Scott decision, I shall inter pose no objection. Mr. Bayard. I will not be drawn into any argument. It is sufficient to siy that I have read the decision to which the honorable Senator alludes, I think with some care, and in my judgment this bill is entirely within its principles as well as within the decision itself. I cannot see the contrariety. I shall not enter into the argument now. To me it is very palpable that the bill is within the power of Congress and is necessary legislation. The bill was reported to the Senate. Mr. Bayard. I propose now in the fifth line of the third section to strike out "one hundred" and insert "fifty," so as to make the limitation of real estate held by an ecclesiastical corporation, $50,000. The amendment to the amendment was agreed to. The amendment made as in the Committee of the Whole, as amended, was concurred in. Mr. McDougall. It may not be considereed a very judicious thing to object to this measure here, but I feel called upon to do it. There is no Senator, I think, who objects more strongly than I do to the vicious practice that obtains in the Territory of Utah ; but I think we have just at this time trouble enough on our hands without invoking further trouble. We have had our communication with California cut off by the Indians on the line of communication. We have already had a Utah war that cost the Government a large amoimt of money. We are to have a controversy with them as to their admission as a State. They are clamoring for that now. In my judgment, no particular good is to be accomplished by the passage of this bill at present. When the time does come that our communication across the continent is complete, then we can take jurisdiction where we have power, and can employ power for the purpose of correcting these abuses. I sug- gest to gentlemen, in the first place, that they cut off most likely the communica- tion across the continent to our possessions on the Pacific by a measure of legisla- tion of this kind, which will be well calculated to invite, certainly will invite, great hostility, and interfere with the general interests of the coimtry. It will cost the Government a large amount if communication is interfered with, and do no substan- tial good. I do not think the measure at this time is well advised. It is understood its provisions will be a dead letter upon our statute-book. Its provisions will be either ignored or avoided. If Senators will look the question fairly in the face, and consider how imi)ortant it is that we should have no difficulties now on our HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 26s western frontier between us and the Pacific, how poorly we can afford to go into the expenditure of a large amount of money to overcome difficulties that will be threatened on the passage of this bill, and then consider the little amount of sub- stantial good which will result from it, I think they will hesitate before tliey pass it. The impolicy of its present passage will cause my colleague and self, after con- sultation, to vote against the bill. The amendirxnt wa.s ordered to be engrossed, and the bill to be read a third time. Air. Hoioard. 1 ask for the yeas and nays on the passage of the bill. Mr. Sumner. I was about to make the same request. The yeas and nays were ordered, and being taken, resulted — yeas 37, nays 2: as follows : yfa.f— Messrs. Anthony, Bayard, Browning, Chandler, CoUamer, Cowan, Davis, Di.xon, Doolittle, Fessenden, Foot, Fo.ster, Grimes, Hale, Harlan, Harris, Howard, Howe, King, Lane of Indiana, Lane of Kansas, Morrill, Rice, Sauls- bury, Sherman, Simmons, Stark, Sumner, Ten Eyck, Thomson, Trumbull, Wade, Wilkinson, Willey, Wilmot, Wilson of Massachusetts, and Wright — 37. Nays — Messrs. Latham and McDougall — 2. So the bill was passed. The title was amended so as to read, "A bill to punish and i)revent the practice of polygamy in the Territories of the United States and other places, and disapproving and annulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah." In the House of Representatives, June 5, 1862 — Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I ask the unamimous consent of the House to take up and consider at this time the amendments of the Senate to an act (H. R No. 391) to punish and prevent the practice of polygamy in the Territories of the United States and other places, and annulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah. Objection was made. Mr. Moorhead. I ask the unanimous consent of the House to introduce a resolution of inquiry. Mr. Wkkliffe. I object. Mr. Bingham. I call for the regular order of business. In the House of Representatives, June 17, i868 — The Speaker laid before the House bill of House (No. 391) to punish and prevent the practice of polygiimy in the Territories of the United States and other places, disapproving and annulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah— reported from the Senate with amendments. 'W^ Speaker. The bill and amendments will be referred to the Committee on Territories. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I object to these bills being taken up for relcr- ence. There is no necessity for the reference of this bill. The Speaker. The order has been made. 266 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I move to reconsider the vote b)' which the order was made ; and on that motion I demand tellers. Tellers were ordered ; and Messrs. Morrill, of Vermont, and Olin were ap- pointed. The tellers reported — ayes sixty-eight, noes not counted. So the motion to reconsider was agreed to. In the House cf Representatives, June 17 — The next bill taken up was (H. R. No. 391) to punish the practice of po- lygamy in the Territories of the United States and other places, and disapproving and annulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah, with Senate amendments. The amendments were read. Air. Phelps, of Missouri. I think, Mr. Speaker, that this is rather hasty legislation. I should not be at all surprised if it were ascertained that the Catholic Church in the city of Santa Fe owns real estate to the amount of more than fifty thousand dollars under grants made by the Mexican Government. I was about to submit a motion that the bill be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. I recollect very well that, in the hurry and haste of legislation, a bill passed the House to prohibit polygamy in the Territories, which indirectly sanctioned it within the District of Columbia, or inflicted no punishment for it here. I desire that this matter shall be critically examined, and therefore I think it should be referred to the Judiciary Committee. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I am perfectly willing that the bill shall be passed over informally until the gentleman from Missouri can inform himself on the subject. Mr. Phelps, of Missouri. I have no objection to letting the bill remain on the Speaker's table. Let the amendments be printed, and let us know what we are legislating upon. Mr. Morrill, of Vermont. I have no objection to that. It was so ordered. In the House of Representatives, June 24, 1862 — An act, (H. R. No. 391) to punish the i)ractice of polygamy in the Terri- tories of the United States and other places, and disapproving and annulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah, with Senate amendments thereon. Mr. Alorrill, of Vermont. I desire to .say, in reference to the objection made by the gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Phelps] last week, to one of the pro- visions of this bill, that I understand the Roman Catholic church at Santa Fe has property exceeding 550,000 in amount, but that is protected under treaty stipu- lations. His objection, therefore, is not valid. I now move the previous ques- tion on concurring with the Senate amendments. The previous question was seconded, and the main question ordered. The amendments were read. The amendments of the Senate were concurred in. HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CFTY. 267 Mr. Morrill of Vermont moved to reconsider the vote by which the amend- ments were concurred in ; and also moved to lay the motion to reconsider on the table. The latter motion was agreed to. In the House of Representatives, June 30, 1862 — Mr. Granger, from the Committee on Enrolled Bills, reported as a truly en- rolled bill an act (H. R. No. 391) to punish and prevent the practice of jjolygamy in the Territories of the United States and other places, and disapproving and an- nulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah. In the House of Representatives, July 2, 1862 — A message was received from the President of the United States, informing the House that he had approved and signed an act (H. R. 391) to punish and prevent the practice of polygamy in the Territories of the United States and other jilaces, and disapproving and annulling certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah. In the House of Representatives, on the 9th of June, 1862, Hon. J. M. Bern- hisel, Delegate from Utah, presented the Constitution of the State of Deseret and the memorial accompanying it, a.sking for admission into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, which were received and referred to the Committee on Territories. On the loth the Vice-President presented the same in the Senate, when Mr. Latham, of California, moved to print the con.stitution and memorial, and to admit the senators-elect, Mes.srs. W. H. Hoojjer and George Q. Cannon to the floor of the Senate, which motion was referred to the committee on Territories, in that branch of the National Legislature. The next day Mr. Latham offered a resolution to admit Messrs. Hooper and Cannon, claiming to be senators from Des- eret, to the floor of the Senate, which was laid over. CHAPTER XXX. FOURTH OK JLI.V PROCLAM.VIION BY THK CTTV COL'iNCII.. THE CITY'S LOY- ALTY. THE TWO GOVl'.KNOkS. (JRKAT SPICICCH OF GOVliRNOR HAKIJ- INX;. THE CITY HONORS THE CALIFORNLX SENATOR. THANKSGIVINC! I'ROCI.AM.VTION. A CHANGE IN GOVERNOR HARDING'S CONDUCT. Great Salt Lake City this year deemed it a duty to make special call for the Fourth of July, wherea.s, formerly, either the Governor of the Territory, or the Lieutenant-General of the militia, made proclamation and gave the order of the day. It signified that Salt Lake City was, with well-considered for- mality, making a record that it upheld the I'nion as an everlasting covenant of the 268 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. American States. The following Preamble and Resolutions were passed by the CityfCouncil of Salt Lake City, June 28th, 1862 : " Whereas, While we lament the deplorable condition of our once happy country, the independence of which was purchased by the best blood of our sires, we hail with pleasure the approaching anniversary of the birthday of the Nation, and in view of perpetuating our free and liberal institutions which have for so long a time inspired the patriotism of every true American citizen, and the strangers of other climes, who have sought an asylum under the protecting aegis of our glorious Constitution ; therefore, ^^ Resolved, That we will celebrate the eighty-sixth anniversary of our National independence. "Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed, in behalf of the City Coun- cil, to arrange the programme and order of celebration. " Resolved, That Lieutenant-General Wells and staff be respectfully solicited to co-operate in the celebration of the day, with such of the military of the district, and the several bands, as may be deemed proper. "Resolved, That the State, Federal, Territorial and Coimty officers be invited to take part in the celebration and join in the procession, and that the invitation be extended to strangers and citizens generally, to participate in the ceremonies at the Bowery. "The following appointments for the occasion were then made, viz : "Committee of Arrangements: Messrs. Wm. Clayton, J. C. Little, Theodore McKean, Enoch Reese, and Nathaniel H. Felt. "Furnishing Committee: Alonzo H. Raleigh, Elijah F. Sheets, and Isaac Groo. "Marshals of the Day: Col. Robert T. Burton and Majors John Sharp and .Andrew Cunningham. ROBERT CAMPBELL, City Recorder.'' On the 7th of July Stephen S. Harding of Indiana, the new Governor of Utah Territory, arrived in the city and received a hearty welcome ; Judges Waite and Drake arrived a few days later. The Pioneer Day of this year was celebrated with a grand pageantry and ex- traordinary enthusiasm. The procession halted in front of ex-Governor Young's mansion, where with his counselors, H. C. Kimball and Daniel H. Wells, he joined it, accompanied by Governor Harding, Secretary Fuller, Judges Waite and Drake, Superintendent Doty, Mr. Fred Cook, assistant treasurer of the Over- land Mail Co., Mr. James Street, of the U. P. Telegraph Co., and H. S. Rum- field, Esq. It may be said that the " forces of the Gentiles " united this year to celebrate the anniversary of the Utah Pioneers. It was computed that there were under the branches of the "Old Bowery" five thousand persons, besides the thousands congregated outside. The most unique feature of the day was the in- troduction and speech of Governor Harding. Governor Young invited Governor Harding to address the people; and on the two Governors taking the stand, there was a perfect stillness in the vast assembly, but, on Governor Yoimg saying, "I h.ive the pleasure of presenting HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. 269 Governor Harding, who will make a speech," the stillness of the multitude was broken and the Governor was greeted with cheering. SPEECH OF GOVERNOR HARDINC. "Fellow Citizens — And in that word, I mean all of you, of all ages, sexes and conditions — I am pleased at being with yon to-day, and of being introduced in the agreeable manner you have just witnessed. I have desired the opportunity of looking upon such a vast concourse of the people of Utah, at one time; and, as such an occasion now presents itself, it i-s right and proper that I should say a few things to you. "You have doubtless been informed before now that the President of the United States, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, has appointed me to the office of Governor of this Territory. I have come amongst you to en- ter upon the discharge of the high and important duties that have devolved upon me, and when I greatly distrust my own ability, yet I cannot but hope that, with your assistance, I shall be able to discharge those duties to your satisfaction, and with strict fidelity to the Government, whose servant I am. "If I know my own heart, I come amongst you a messenger of peace and good will. I have no wrongs — either real or imaginary, to complain of, and no religious prejudices to overcome — [applause]. Believing, as I do, that the Con- stitution of the United States secures to every citizen the right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience; and holding, further, that the Constitution itself is dependent for its support and maintenance on the preserva- tion of that sacred right, it follows, as a coroUory, that, under no pretext what- ever, will I consent to its violation in this particular, by any official act of mine, whilst Governor of this Territory — [tremendous applause.] "In a Government like ours, based upon the freest exercise of conscience, religion is a matter between man and his Maker, and not between man and the Government, and for the honest exercise of duties inculcated by his religious faith and conscience, so long as he does not infringe upon the rights of others, equally as sacred as his own, he is not responsible to any human tribunal, other than that which is found in the universil judgment of mankind [h2ar hear]. If the right of conscience of the minority depended upon the will of the majority, then, in a government like ours, that same minority in a future day might control the conscience of the majority of to-day — when by superior cunning and finesse a political canvass had been won in its favor, and thus alternately would it be in the power of either when elevated to the seat of the law-makers to impose a despot ism upon the conscience of its adversary only equalled by the ' Index Expurga- toris' against which the Protestant world so justly complained [applause]. " It has long been a maxim and accepted as true by our people, 'That it is safe to tolerate error, so long as truth is left free to combat it.' Who are in error, and in what tliat error consists in matters of speculative theology, are questions only cognizable at the bar of heaven. It has been the fate of pro- pogandists of new ideas and religious dogmas, without regard to their truth or falsity, to meet with opposition, often ending in the most cruel persecution. Hoary-headed error, claiming for itself the immunity of ages, glares with jaun- 270 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. diced eyes upon all new ideas, which refuse to pay to it its accustomed homage. I know of no law of the human mind that makes this age an exception to the rule. Nevertheless, he who founds his ideas and theories on truth, correlative with his physical and spiritual being, and consequently in harmony with the law of nature, must ultimately succeed; whilst he who builds upon falsehood must share the fate of him who built his house upon the sand. This is not only a declara- tion of divine truth, but is in accordance with all human experience. The great highway of man's civilization and progress is strewn with the wrecks of a thou- sand systems — once the hope of their founders and challenging the confidence of mankind [hear, hear]. But I must limit this dissertation, and will sum up in a few words what I have intended to say on this branch of the subject. "The founders of our Constitution fully comprehended these ideas which I have so briefly glanced at, and they clothed the citizen with absolute immunity in the exercise of his rights of conscience, and thence the protecting shield of the Constitution around him, and over him, in all the diverging paths that lead the enquirer in his researches after truth in the dim unknown of speculative theology. "But I must not detain you, I leave this part of the subject, and address myself to the occasion that has called together this mighty multitude. "On every hand I behold a miracle of labor. Fifteen years ago to-day, and your Pioneers, by their heroism and devotion to a principle, consecrated this valley to a civilization wonderful 'to the stranger within your gates,' and in the developments of which a new era will be stamped not only upon the history of our own country, but on the world. You have indeed ' caused the desert to blossom as the rose.' Waving fields of gold; gardens containing all that is necessary for the comfort of civilized man; 'shrubberies that a Shenstone might have envied;' orchards bending beneath the promise of most luscious fruit, — now beautify the fields which your industry has filled with new life, and where but fifteen years ago the genius of solitude, from yon snowcapped peak, stood marking on her rocky tablets the centuries of desolation and death that rested on these same fields, since the upheaval force of nature formed the mighty zone that separates the two oceans that wash the shores of our continent. "Wonderful progress! wonderful people! If you shall be content, as I doubt not you will be, to enjoy the blessings with which you are surrounded, and abide your time, and enjoy your privileges under a benign and just government, 'Impetium in Imperio' and not attempt to reverse this order of things absolutely necessary under our form of government ; and above all things, if you will act up to the line of your duty contained in that one grand article of your faith, ' We believe in being honest, true, chaste, temperate, benevolent, virtuous and up- right, and in doing ^ood to all men,'' you cannot fail to obtain that ultimate suc- cess [applause] which is the great desideratum ol your hopes. Honestly conform to the standard of your creed and faith, and though you may for a time be ' cast down,' you cannot be destroyed [great applause] ; for the power of the Eternal One will be in your midst, though no mortal eye may behold the ' pillar of cloud and of fire' [applause]. As the Great Master of sculpture gathered and com- bined all the perfections of the human face into one divine model, so you, in HISTORY OF SAL r LAKE CITY. 271 that one grand article, have bound into one gfolden sheaf, all the Christian vir- tues that underlie our civilization. "But this must suffice. I, perhaps, have said more than I ought to have said, and yet I cannot see how I could have said less. If my words shall be as kindly received by you as they have been honestly and frankly uttered by me, and we will act accordingly, my mission among you cannot fail of being alike profitable to you and to the government that I represent [hear, hear]. "This is the hour when your loyalty to our common country is most ac- ceptable and grateful to the heart of every patriot. Be but content and abide your time, and your reward will be as great as it is certain. Duty to ourselves, to our God and our country calls upon us to cast aside every prejudice and to rally around the Constitution and the flag of our fathers, and if need be, to bap- tize them anew with our own blood. The Constitution will not perish, that flag will not trail in the dust, but they will both come out of the present fiery ordeal, redeemed, regenerated, and disenthralled, by the genius of universal liberty and justice [great applause]." In view of Governor Harding's subsequent course the foregoing speech will presently assume the character of a page of Utah history. Senator Milton S. Latham, of California, passed through the city early in November on his way to Washington. The City Council in its session on the evening preceding his arrival, adopted a preamble and resolutions tendering him the hospitality of the city during his sojourn here. The Senator was waited upon by Coimcilors Little, Felt and Groo, to whom he returned his thanks for the complimentary resolutions of the Council, but his short stay prevented his ac- ceptance. Latham and McDougall, California's two Senators, were the only ones who voted "nay" on the passage of the anti-polygamic bill of 1862. The honor shown to Senator Latham signified that Great Salt Lake City was returning thanks to California for her minority vote in protest of the bill. Towards the close of the year 1862, an entire change of feeling came over Governor Harding towards "his Mormon people," especially those of the leaders; and singularly enough it began with his following THANKSGIVINC PROCLAMATION: "Man, in all ages of the world, in the development of his moral nature, has demonstrated that he is not less a religious than a social being. " Whether we study his attributes at the shrine of Isis in her ancient tem- ples ; at the rude altar of the wandering Hebrew amidst his flocks and herds ; in the fierce games of the warlike Greek and Roman, or in that simple and more touching act of the Hindoo husbandman, as he lays a portion of his harvest at the feet of his rude idol, still do all these acts of devotion, rude and unseemly as they may appear to us, demonstrate his character as a devotional being — that his spiritual nature cannot be satisfied 'with bread alone,' but requires 'that manna of consolation that comes down from above.' " That without this, the soul is ever crying out like a wandering outcast, " ' Oh. F.iiher of Life, withhold not thy mercies from me.' " If these manifestations have been in all ages of the world, ere the shep- 2J2 HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY. herds of Gallilee heard the song' of ' Peace and good will to men,' ntiuch more should we feel it to be our duty, as a Christian people, to inculcate even a higher spirit of devotion, and manifest by our acts, our dependence upon God, the God of our fathers, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, from whose bounteous hand^ ' proceed every good and perfect gift.' "He has kept the people here, guarded by His eternal ramparts, as in the ' hollow of His hand.' He has said Peace, Peace, and the troubled elements be- came still. The angel of his mercy has stretched out her burning scepter, and the elements became purified; disease and mildew and blight vanished to their silent caves, and Plenty poured out upon you from her abundant horn. Your granaries are full to overflowing; no scourge has fallen upon you, but the God of Peace has reigned triumphantly in your midst, while in other and fairer portions of the land, the Demon of Civil War has driven his blood-stained chariot over desolated fields and deserted cities— the plowshare has been beaten into a sword, and the pruning-hook into the murderous knife, and waving harvests, ready fcr the reaper, have not been gathered into barns, but ' plowed under ' ■' ' By gory felloes of the cannon's wheels. ' " It is meet that at such a time as this, that the good people of this Terri- tory, following, not only the examples of their fathers, but a precedent set by its first Governor, should dedicate, and set apart at least one day in the year, for thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God for the manifold mercies and blessings that he has vouchsafed unto us, and that He will continue his mercies. That He will put it into the hearts of our rulers to rule in righteousness, and that ' Judg- ment may not be turned aside in the streets.' That peace may again return to our bleeding country, and that the institutions of our fathers may come forth purified from the sins which have weighed down a nation, and brought the keen displeasure and wrath of God upon us. "Therefore, I, Stephen S. Harding, Governor of the Territory of Utah, do hereby set apart Thursday, the first day of January, proximo, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to Almighty God, for all His mercies to us as a people, and recommend and request a general observance of it to that end, that here, on the threshhold of a New Year, we may manifest in a proper spirit our dependence on Him, and supplicate His Omnipotent Power to continue to pro- tect and guard us from future evils, as a nation and people. "In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused [L.S.] the seal of said Territory to be afiiixed. "Done at Great Salt Lake City, in the Territory of Utah, this second day of December, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two. (^Signed) STEPHEN S. HARDING. "By the Governor, Frank Fuller, Secretary." This proclamation, which greeted Great Salt Lake City with a classic swell, was passed unheeded, not only by our city, but by the entire Territory. Gov- ernor Harding took the non-response of the citizens, not only as marked per- sonal slight to himself, but also as a scoff at the Federal power embodied in his 'J