The Echo Canyon War--An Invading Foe--Plans for checking its
Progress--Peace declared--Pardon granted--The true Cause of the
Trouble--I work at Saddlery--The unjustifiable Killing of Yates--Visit
from Indians.
I will not attempt to give a full account of the Echo Canyon war but
will give only sufficient to connect this history.
Word reached Utah on the twenty-fourth of July, 1857, while the people
were celebrating Pioneer day in Big Cottonwood canyon that U. S. troops
were on the road to Utah. As soon as this report was confirmed, and
the intentions of the invaders fully learned--which were to place the
Territory under martial law, on the pretext that the "Mormons" were in
a state of rebellion--Brigham Young, both as President of the Church,
and Governor of the Territory, commenced to advise and issue orders
to meet the situation. The far-off settlements, San Bernardino in
Lower California and Carson valley, Nevada, both thrifty, prosperous
places, were broken up and the people called home to Utah. There was a
determined spirit manifested by both leaders and people to be ready to
meet in the best possible way whatever might come. No fear nor timidity
was shown. Neither was there lack of counsel, but everything that was
required to be done was promptly directed and as promptly executed.
A few companies of cavalry militia were sent out to reconnoiter.
Nothing official could be done by Governor Young on rumor. Finally
an armed force not officially known to him was found invading the
Territory of Utah. As soon as this was reported. The Governor ordered
General Wells to interrupt them and hinder their approach, and protect
the people of the Territory from the invading foe.
The question may be asked, did not President Young and the people know
that these were government troops? President Young and the people knew
it was a political mob; Governor Young, not being notified officially
of their coming, only knew them as an armed enemy entering the
Territory. He was appointed by the President of the United States to
govern under the laws common in the country. According to his oath of
office, he could do no less than try to protect his Territory. Governor
Young had no more right to know this army than had the sentinel on duty
to know his captain unless the captain gives the counter sign. This
Johnston at first refused to give, but as the sequel shows, never got
in until he "hollowed turkey."
This force continued to advance. The troops ordered out by General
Wells did what they could to hinder their progress toward the valleys.
The situation finally became so serious that companies were ordered
from Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties to fortify Echo canyon. I went
with the regiment from Utah under Colonal Pace, and had charge of a few
picked riflemen. We remained in Echo during the winter fortifying the
place.
The boys on the plains made it very disagreeable for the advancing army
nightly, running off their beef herd, burning their provision trains
and the grass, and in every way possible impeding their progress.
Finally, winter set in with severity, catching them in the mountains at
Fort Bridger, where they were obliged to stay for the winter. They were
short of supplies and had a hard time wintering. Albert Sidney Johnston
was in command.
After this army was fully settled in their quarters, part of the Utah
army returned home, leaving only enough to watch the moves at Bridger.
This was a winter of business for the "Mormon" people. There was no
thought of submission, everything was fully arranged for the spring
work.
As soon as the weather moderated in the spring of 1858, the people
commenced to move from Salt Lake City and more northern settlements,
south as far as Utah county. Every house in Salt Lake City was
abandoned, not a family remaining. Men were detailed to set fire to and
burn everything that could be burned. The people really manifested joy
in these moves. No one appeared down-hearted at the sacrifices. All was
life and energy.
What was known as the standing army of Utah was organized, intending to
make guerrilla warfare on our enemies and hinder their progress, while
the people moved _en masse_ further and further south. There had been
good crops raised previous to this year; the country was full of bread
stuff and fat cattle. Provisions were prepared for future use. Not much
planting was done this season, particularly in the north.
A few troops were kept in Echo and along the road. I had charge of a
company at Lost Spring near the head of the canyon. In the latter part
of May we received orders to break up camp and come in; that peace had
been made. (The part Col. Kane took in bringing about a settlement
is a part of written history.) Ex-Governor Powell, of Kentucky, and
McCullough, of Texas, were sent to arrange peace. They brought printed
posters declaring the people all pardoned and notifying them to return
to their houses. Thus we conquered a great army and nation without
bloodshed.
The whole of this move was brought about by a charge made against the
"Mormons" by Judge Drummond, who had been appointed from the state of
Illinois. He had left his wife and family at home and brought here
with him a fancy lady (?) who sat beside him in court. This coming to
the knowledge of the public, Drummond was severely criticized by the
"Mormon" press. At this he took offense, and laid his plans for deep
revenge. He locked up his office, with the records in it, and arranged
with a party to set fire to and burn up the whole. He then left the
city in a hurry, pretending to be afraid for his life. Went back to
Washington and reported the "Mormons" in a state of rebellion, stating
that all the United States records were burned, and that he, a United
States judge, had barely escaped with his life.
It is commonly understood that Secretary Floyd and his party took this
report kindly, it giving grounds for a move by the army to the far
west, thus weakening the power of the Federal Government financially,
and moving much of the armament and military supplies, and giving the
rebellion a better chance to get a good start before the necessary
force could be put in the field by the government. So Drummond's report
was acted upon without any enquiry whatever being made to find out
whether it was true or not.
No moves back were made until the army had passed through the city.
This was a sorrowful day for the soldiers. I afterwards traveled and
became well acquainted with many of the commissioned officers. As is
common with the army officers, they were real gentlemen, and were in no
way responsible for these moves. Many of them told me they shed tears
while passing through the streets of Salt Lake to see pleasant homes
deserted and everything a waste; that it could only be compared to a
city of the dead; and that to think they were the instruments used to
cause all this made them ashamed of their calling.
The army agreed to fix their quarters not less than forty miles of Salt
Lake City. This agreement was kept.
During the winter Col. Marcy went through to New Mexico to buy mules
and such supplies as could be obtained sooner than from the east. Quite
a number of my old acquaintances from New Mexico came through in the
spring. One Lewis Simmons, son-in-law of Kit Carson, came in charge of
several thousand head of sheep. I obtained permission, of him to shear
the wool from as many as I wished. This was quite a privilege, as wool
was valuable.
My old friends and acquaintances were much surprised to find me in
Utah and a "Mormon" but they all treated me kindly, and as often as I
have met them do so to this day. Not many are now alive. I went to New
Mexico when quite young, and most of my early acquaintances were older
than myself; few of them but lived differently to what I have, so at
the present day I am almost the only one living of the pioneers of New
Mexico.
While the standing army, formerly spoken of, was fitting up, I
commenced working at the saddler's trade. This I had partly learned in
St. Louis before going to Mexico; had worked in the city of Chihuahua,
learning something of the Mexican style of work. Sortie of my friends
from Santa Fe wanted saddles of my make, as they had seen some good
work of mine in Mexico. I made and sold quite a number of saddles to
them. I now commenced to make this my business. And as "Dan Jones, the
saddler," is well known, I will let this answer on that subject.
The coming of Johnston's army has generally been considered a
money-making affair to this community. To me it has always been a
question, for it cost a great deal to bring them. However, we made the
most we could of a bad bargain, and got what we could out of the forced
speculation.
There is one circumstance connected with my experience while in Echo
Canyon service which I wish to put on record--the killing of Yates
by Bill Hickman. This Mr. Yates was a personal friend of mine, a
kindhearted, liberal man of whom I had received many kindnesses, and
his being murdered did not agree with my feelings, but I knew of no
way to mend the matter, for I knew nothing of the killing till he was
buried.
I was camped with a small party about four miles west of the Weber
valley and ten or twelve miles from Echo. One very cold morning about
sunrise, Hickman and two others came to my camp. They seemed almost
frozen, shaking and trembling in an unusual manner. Hickman asked me if
I had any whisky. I told him I had not. He then asked if we had coffee.
I replied that we had. "Then make us a good strong cup." While the
coffee was being made, he took me outside and asked me if I knew Yates.
I told him I did. "Well, we have just buried him."
He then told about Yates being taken prisoner for tampering with
Indians. And after talking quite excitedly, he said, "We have got away
with him. What do you think the Old Boss," (meaning Brigham) "will say?"
Now if Yates had been killed as Hickman related in his book he would
not have manifested so much interest in what President Young would say.
He tried hard to draw an approval from me of what he had done. I told
him I knew nothing about such modes and did not know what Brother Young
would say about it.
Hickman killed Yates for his money and horse the same as any other
thief and murderer would have done, and then excused himself by telling
that he was counseled to do these things. I know positively that
Governor Young's orders were to avoid bloodshed in every way possible.
I was continually acting and around in places and under circumstances
that gave me the best of opportunities to know.
During the time that Johnston's army was at Bridger, there was an
effort made to turn the Indians against the Mormons. This partially
succeeded, but did not last long. As they soon got tired of the
treatment received from their new friends.
While in camp near the head of Echo Canyon in May, 1858, a number of
Weber and Goshutes came and camped on Yellow creek not far from our
location. A few of us visited them. They expressed a desire to be
peaceable with the Mormons. A meeting was appointed, they agreeing to
come to our camp and talk over affairs and make satisfaction for some
things they admitted having done. At this conference A. Miner presided,
Abram Conover and myself acting as interpreters. I do not remember all
that was said at the time. The Indians acknowledged having committed
various thefts, at the same time giving their reasons for having done
so.