"The Utah War"
1856-1858
Political Changes
Chief Justice Lazarus H. Reed, after a short stay in Utah, resigned
because of ill-health, and returned to the East where he died in the
spring of 1855. He was succeeded as chief justice by John F. Kinney, of
Iowa, in 1854. After the close of the term of Judge Zerubbabel Snow,
William W. Drummond, of Illinois, was appointed associate justice.
Judge Leonidas Shaver died suddenly in Salt Lake City in June, 1855,
due to an abscess on the brain, and he was succeeded by George P.
Stiles.
Character of the Federal Judges
Chief Justice Kinney was a gentleman, and performed his duty faithfully
without partiality. The appointment of the two associate justices was
a calamity. Drummond was dishonest and licentious. He left his wife
and family in Illinois without means for their support, and brought
with him to the territory a common courtesan, whom he introduced as
his wife. This woman he honored with a place by his side while he sat
in court dispensing advice to the "Mormons" on morality. Judge Stiles
had been a member of the Church, but was excommunicated for immoral
conduct. Like most characters of that class, he became very abusive and
a bitter enemy of the Church. The corruption of Judge Drummond coming
to light, that individual left the territory in disgrace.
Falsehoods of Drummond and Stiles
March 30, 1857, Judge Drummond wrote a letter to the attorney general
of the United States, making false charges against Governor Young
and the "Mormon" people. He went to Carson County to hold court,
and then continued on to the coast never to return to Utah. In his
communication he declared that the records of the supreme court of Utah
had been destroyed; that Brigham Young had given his approval to this
treasonable deed, and with his knowledge it was done; that Brigham
Young, as governor, had pardoned "Mormon" criminals and imprisoned
innocent "Gentiles;" he had insulted federal judges; the American
Government had been traduced and men "insulted, harrassed and murdered
for doing their duty." He accused the "Mormon" people of the murder
of Almon W. Babbitt; of perpetrating the Gunnison massacre,[1] and of
the death of Judge Shaver, who died a natural death. He placed the
responsibility of these alleged crimes at the door of the authorities
of the Church.
Judge Stiles also filed an affidavit at Washington, affirming much
that Judge Drummond had said, and emphasizing the statement that the
court records and papers had been destroyed. Others also added to the
unrighteous accusations with the evil thought of bringing the Church
into disrepute. Among them were Indian Agent Garland Hurt, and W. M.
Magraw. The latter having been disappointed in losing the contract
to carry mail across the plains, which contract was awarded to Hiram
Kimball, a "Mormon," sought revenge by circulating falsehoods. He
stated that the civil laws of the territory were "overshadowed and
neutralized by the so-styled ecclesiastical organization, as despotic,
dangerous and damnable" as ever existed. Other, and even more serious
accusations, he forwarded in a communication to President Buchanan in
October, 1856.
Denial of False Charges
Curtis E. Bolton, deputy clerk of the supreme court of Utah, made
denial in his official capacity, of the Drummond charges. He stated
that the records and papers of the court were all intact. This denial
was speedily forwarded to the attorney general of the United States,
but was ignored in the face of the various statements of the lying
officials.
The Conspirators Demand Governor Young's Removal
At the time these falsehoods were sent to Washington, Governor Brigham
Young was serving his second term. At the close of his first term
as governor, Col. Edward J. Steptoe of the United States Army, was
appointed to that position. He declined, and with Chief Justice Kinney,
headed a petition, which bore the names of the federal officials,
army officers and prominent citizens in the territory, asking for the
reappointment of Governor Young. The petition bore fruit and President
Franklin Pierce continued Brigham Young in office. These conspirators
now endeavored to have him removed, and this desire was very largely
the underlying cause in their evil accusations.
"Buchanan's Blunder"
Accepting at their face value, without any investigation, the
inflammatory and lying charges of the enemies of Utah, President James
Buchanan determined on changing the governor, and also appointed
new judges. He further directed that an army must accompany the new
appointees, as a posse comitatus, to sustain the authority of these
officers, and suppress "rebellion" among the "Mormon" people.
It was announced through the war department that the "Mormons"
"implicitly obey their prophet from whose decrees there is no appeal."
Moreover, that they had aimed from the beginning to secede from the
Union, and had not "preserved even the semblance of obedience to
authority, only as it would benefit themselves." Such was the ignorance
of the authorities at Washington regarding Latter-day Saint affairs,
so soon after the loyal and remarkable feat performed by the Mormon
Battalion in the war which made their territory a part of the United
States. Such was to be the reward of this loyal people who would
sacrifice five hundred of their most capable men in the hour of their
greatest distress, at the call of their country. These expressions
from Washington were made in the face of the constant appeals by the
"Mormon" people for a form of government under the Stars and Stripes,
in spite of the evil treatment they had constantly received within
the borders of the United States; and, too, after their appeal to
the general government for redress of grievances was answered from
Washington, that their cause was just, but nothing could be done for
them.
When appealing to Washington for redress, while they resided in
Illinois, they were advised by governors and leading statesmen to move
to Oregon, where they could set up a government of their own, free and
independent of all other earthly powers. Their reply to such advice
was, that they were American citizens, and where they went they would
take the flag of their country with them.
It appears from this distant date, that there were other motives
prompting the President of the United States in sending the flower of
the army into the "Mormon" country, ostensibly to suppress a rebellion
which did not exist, and aid in a rebellion soon to occur, which was
destined to divide the nation asunder. What-ever the motive, the army
was sent, and was kept in Utah for a number of years at the beginning
of a critical period of the nation's history.
Call of the Army
May 28, 1857, orders were issued from the war department for the
assembling of an army at Fort Leavenworth, to march to Utah as soon as
possible. All mail toward Utah had been stopped, and for some reason
the government conducted its campaign against that territory with great
secrecy. It was practically a declaration of war by the United States
against one of her dependent units, without investigation or just
cause--a thing without a parallel in the annals of our country. "It is
probable," states Bancroft, "that no expedition was ever dispatched by
the United States better equipped and provisioned than was the army of
Utah, of which the portion now under orders mustered about twenty-five
hundred men." Then he argues that the expedition was conducted in the
interests of the contractors. The men who secured the flour contract
netted in a single year the sum of one hundred and seventy thousand
dollars.
How the Saints Learned of the Expedition
While all these warlike preparations were going on, the Saints in the
Rocky Mountains, dwelling in peace, were innocent of any threatened
invasion. The first information of such an expedition was received by
Elders Feramorz Little and Ephraim K. Hanks in February, 1857. They
had just arrived at Independence with mail, where they heard from
several parties who desired to secure contracts from the government
for handling the supply trains, that a movement was on foot against
Utah. They could hardly believe the rumors and reports that came to
their ears. Later Elder Abraham O. Smoot, on his way east with mail,
met Elder Little at Fort Laramie, from whom he heard the rumors.
Proceeding on his way, Elder Smoot met some troops and several trains
of government supplies. From his inquiries he received no satisfactory
answer as to their destination, only that they were bound for a
western post and that the supplies belonged to William H. Russell.
At Independence he learned from Mr. Russell that the destination of
the trains was Salt Lake City, and that government troops would soon
follow. He was also informed that Brigham Young had been superseded
as governor and that new federal officers had been appointed for
Utah. Gaining all the information he could, Elder Smoot commenced his
homeward journey, traveling leisurely at first, for fear of arousing
suspicion, but increasing his speed as he neared his destination. A
short distance east of Fort Laramie he met Orrin Porter Rockwell with
the east bound mail. To him he told his story and together they, and
Judson L. Stoddard, returned to the Salt Lake Valley, arriving on the
evening of July 23.
The 24th of July Celebration
When these brethren arrived they learned that President Brigham Young
and about twenty-six hundred people had gone to Silver Lake, at the
head of Big Cottonwood Canyon. There they expected to celebrate the
twenty-fourth--the tenth anniversary of the arrival of the pioneers
in Salt Lake Valley. On the morning of the 24th, Mayor Smoot of Salt
Lake City, Judson L. Stoddard, Judge Elias Smith and Orrin P. Rockwell,
started for the scene of the celebration. They arrived in the afternoon
in the midst of the ceremonies and the first view to attract their gaze
was the Stars and Stripes unfurled from two lofty peaks and some of the
tallest trees. With grave countenances these messengers bearing evil
tidings approached Governor Young and told their story. A council of
the brethren was called and the situation discussed. That evening the
assembly was informed by General Daniel H. Wells of the militia, that
an army was on its way to Utah. He gave instructions as to the manner
of the departure from the camp on the following morning. Early the next
day (25th) the people, so happy the day before, returned to their homes
with bowed heads and hearts filled with sadness.
The Decision of the Council
Twice in Missouri and once in Illinois had the Saints been driven from
their homes at the point of the bayonet, and that, too, by aid of state
authority. Their Prophet and Patriarch had been foully murdered by a
mob while under the pledge of protection of a governor of Illinois.
The Saints had been murdered and robbed while the nation looked on
without interference. And now there was coming to their distant home,
a body of troops organized and equipped by the President of the United
States. They were coming without warning and without valid excuse. Was
it not natural under all the circumstances for this people to feel that
once again they were to be butchered, robbed and driven--where, no one
could tell! Naturally they were aroused. Their backs were against the
wall. They must make a stand, and if to fight was the intention of
the troops, then fight it should be. They were determined to maintain
their inherent and constitutional rights. Conquered, they should not
be; if they were driven they should leave the land as desolate as they
found it. If the government of the United States desired to install
new officers, they could come in peace, and welcome. Such had always
been the attitude of the Latter-day Saints. They could only judge by
the experiences of the past what the designs of the army might be, for
no word had been sent them of its purpose. "Liars have reported that
this people have committed treason, and upon their misrepresentations
the President has ordered out troops to assist in officering the
territory," said President Young. "We have transgressed no law, neither
do we intend to do so; but as for any nation coming to destroy this
people, God Almighty being my helper, it shall not be." Such was the
decision of the councils of the Church. And where is the patriot whose
blood would not burn within his veins; whose heart would not beat for
freedom; who would not stand as this band of humble worshipers of the
Lord and Savior of mankind proposed to stand, if driven to the extreme?
Captain Van Vliet
In advance of the army there came to Utah Captain Stewart Van Vliet of
the commissary department. His object was to discover if forage and
fuel could be obtained for the troops while in the territory. As soon
as he arrived he obtained an interview with Governor Young. He was
treated with the greatest kindness and hospitality, and so he reported
to his superiors. However, he was informed that no hostile force would
be permitted to enter the Salt Lake Valley; there was an abundance of
every thing the troops would need, but not one thing would be sold to
them. Federal officers could come, if they came in peace, and would be
kindly and courteously received; but they could not bring an hostile
army.
Captain Van Vliet's Report
In his report Captain Van Vliet said:
"In the course of my conversation with the Governor and the
influential men of the Territory, I told them plainly and frankly
what I conceived would be the result of their present course. I
told them that they might prevent the small military force now
approaching Utah from getting through the narrow defiles and rugged
passes of the mountains this year, but that next season the United
States Government would send troops sufficient to overcome all
opposition. The answer to this was invariably the same: 'We are
aware that such will be the case; but when those troops arrive they
will find Utah a desert. Every house will be burned to the ground,
every tree cut down, and every field laid waste. We have three
years' provisions on hand, which we will cache, and then take to
the mountains and bid defiance to all the powers of the Government.'
"I attended their services on Sunday, and, in course of a sermon
delivered by Elder Taylor, he referred to the approach of the
troops and declared they should not enter the Territory. He then
referred to the probability of an overpowering force being sent
against them, and desired all present who would apply the torch to
their buildings, cut down their trees, and lay waste their fields,
to hold up their hands. Every hand, in an audience numbering over
four thousand persons, was raised at the same moment. During my
stay in the city I visited several families, and all with whom
I was thrown, looked upon the present movement of the troops
towards their Territory as the commencement of another religious
persecution, and expressed a fixed determination to sustain
Governor Young in any measure he might adopt."
Good Resulting from the Visit
The sympathy of Captain Van Vliet was drawn out toward the people. He
admired their stand although careful of his expression as he was under
orders from the government. He was convinced that the people had been
misrepresented and lied about, and it is said he declared that if the
government made war upon the Saints, he would withdraw from the army.
However, he thought the government would send to Utah an investigating
committee. "I believe," said Governor Young, "God sent you here, and
that good will grow out of it. I was glad when I heard you were coming.
If we can keep the peace this winter, I feel sure that something will
occur to prevent the shedding of blood." The captain returned to
Washington and made his report to the secretary of war.
Johnston in Command
When the army was ordered to Utah the command was given to General W.
S. Harney, who was at the time in charge at Fort Leavenworth. Captain
Van Vliet called on him when returning to Washington after his visit
in Utah. The captain informed General Harney of the attitude of the
"Mormon" people and the conditions as they existed in the territory.
The general replied: "I am ordered there, and I will winter in the
valley, or in hell." Late in the summer the command was given to
Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, with the rank of brevet brigadier
general.
The Start for Utah
The vanguard of the troops, under Colonel E. B. Alexander, started from
Fort Leavenworth in July. 1857. With them traveled Alfred Cumming, of
Georgia, the newly appointed governor, and other federal appointees
for Utah. As the troops reached the South Pass, they were met by
Captain Van Vliet, who advised them not to attempt to enter the Salt
Lake Valley that winter, as no arrangements could be made for supplies
and they would have to fight their way through. Some of the young
officers, who were in advance, ignored the warning, and expressed the
thought that they were sufficiently able to force their way to Salt
Lake City--"that they could whip all Utah." The second regiment he met
was commanded by old officers, who considered the matter seriously and
expressed the thought that it was an imposition that they should be
sent out west "as a political movement to kill innocent people, or to
get killed.[2]"
Martial Law Proclaimed
After the departure of Captain Van Vliet from Salt Lake City, and while
the army was near the border of Utah, Governor Young proclaimed martial
law throughout the territory and notified Colonel Alexander of this
action. The militia was ordered to be held in readiness to repel any
attempted invasion, but instructions were given that no blood should
be shed, unless it was absolutely unavoidable. These instructions were
carefully followed and only once during the campaign were shots fired
with intent to kill, and these were fired by the government forces at a
detachment under command of Major Lot Smith, who had been sent out to
destroy their trains. When fired upon there was no retaliation by the
members of the militia.
General Wells in Echo Canyon
Following the proclamation of Governor Young, Lieutenant General
Daniel H. Wells of the Nauvoo Legion--the name by which the militia
was known--established headquarters at "The Narrows" in Echo Canyon, a
defile, rugged and steep, where a few men could hold an army. To this
point about twelve hundred and fifty men, from several companies of the
militia, were ordered to report, and maintain the pass by force of arms
against any attempted invasion.
Governor Young's Ultimatum
Colonel Alexander continued his march, as it was fully expected that
he would, and crossed the border of the territory. September 29,
General Wells forwarded to Colonel Alexander copies of Governor Young's
proclamation, a copy of the laws of Utah, and a letter from Governor
Young addressed to "The Officer commanding the forces now invading Utah
Territory." In this letter the following occurs:
"By virtue of the authority vested in me, I have issued, and
forwarded you a copy of my proclamation forbidding the entrance
of armed forces into this Territory. This you have disregarded. I
now further direct that you retire forthwith from the Territory,
by the same route you entered. Should you deem this impracticable,
and prefer to remain until spring in the vicinity of your present
encampment, Black's Fork,[3] or Green River, you can do so in
peace and unmolested on condition that you deposit your arms
and ammunition with Lewis Robison, quartermaster general of the
Territory, and leave in the spring, as soon as the condition of
the roads will permit you to march; and should you fall short of
provisions, they can be furnished you, upon making the proper
applications therefor. General D. H. Wells will forward this, and
receive any communication you may have to make."
In forwarding these communications General Wells declared that he was
determined to carry out Governor Young's instructions.
Colonel Alexander's Reply
Colonel Alexander made the only reply possible which was to the effect
that he would submit the communications to his superior officers and
"in the meantime," he added, "I have only to say that these troops are
here by order of the President of the United States, and their future
movements will depend entirely upon orders issued by competent military
authority.[4]
Guerrilla Warfare
Following this correspondence General Wells determined on carrying out
his instructions. He ordered Major Joseph Taylor and others under his
command to annoy the troops; stampede their cattle; 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; but must
avoid strictly the taking of life. These instructions were faithfully
followed and Major Lot Smith with a company of mounted rangers
destroyed trains, ran off cattle and burned the grass, and otherwise
inflicted damage, but no blood was shed.
Arrival of General Johnston
Early in November, 1857, General Albert Sidney Johnston, with
additional troops and supplies, overtook the main body of the army on
Black's Fork. He was a capable and popular officer and soon enthused
the troops who had become dispirited because of their many reverses.
Their journey had not been a pleasant one, the Indians had run off
many of their cattle, and the "Mormon" mountaineers had harassed them,
had burned their trains of supplies, and destroyed the grass on which
their teams and cattle were dependent. But their troubles were only
beginning. Their haughty commander ordered a forward movement toward
Fort Bridger, disdaining to turn from the direct route through the
mountains.
If "the stars in their courses fought against Sisera," in the days
of ancient Israel, surely the elements fought against Johnston's
army in the days of modern Israel. From their camp to Fort Bridger
was less than forty miles, but it was a barren desert. They found no
shelter from the winter winds, there was no fuel, except the sage, and
very little pasture for their animals. They commenced on the 6th of
November, and their trains, extending for many miles, were forced to
face the snow and sleet of the most severe winter weather. Their teams
were goaded until they dropped dead in their traces. Fifteen days they
were on the journey. Their cattle died for lack of food and exposure to
freezing weather. When they arrived they found that Bridger and also
Fort Supply, twelve miles away, had been burned by the militia.
The Forward March Abandoned
It became apparent that it would be impossible to reach the Salt Lake
Valley before the coming spring. With great reluctance and injured
pride the commander gave orders that the troops go into winter quarters
on Black's Fork. During the winter months Chief Justice Eckles, who
with other federal officers dwelt in the camp, organized a court,
without waiting to qualify, and indicted the leading men in Utah for
treason and rebellion.
Proclamation of Governor Cumming
Governor Cumming issued a proclamation to the people of the territory
in which he said: "I come among you with no prejudice or enmities,
and by the exercise of a just and firm administration I hope to
command your confidence. Freedom of conscience and the use of your
own peculiar mode of serving God are sacred rights, the exercise of
which is guaranteed by the Constitution, and with which it is not the
province of the government or the disposition of its representatives in
the territory to interfere." Let it be said to his credit that these
sentiments were sincere, and when he was established in his office
he was brave enough to execute justice as he saw it. He commanded
all armed bodies in the territory to disband and return to their
homes stating that disobedience would "subject the offenders to the
punishment due to traitors."
There was no disposition on the part of the militia to disband. Too
often had they been despoiled by mobs under guise of lawful troops.
They had stood enough and were determined to defend their homes, no
matter what were the accusations made against them.
The Mediation of Colonel Kane
At the beginning of the difficulties Governor Young sent a
communication to Colonel Thomas L. Kane, explaining the motives
in declaring martial law in Utah, and asking him to intercede at
Washington. This loyal friend of the "Mormons" did not fail. He
interviewed the President and offered his services as mediator between
the government and the people of Utah. His services were accepted and
he crossed the Isthmus of Panama, sailing from New York, and proceeded
from California to Utah, where he arrived in February, 1858. At the
time Congress was preparing to send reinforcements and money to carry
on the "war." Colonel Kane arrived, delicate in health, and wishing to
test the "Mormon" people appeared in Salt Lake City in disguise as "Dr.
Osborne." He received hospitable treatment and was welcomed warmly when
he became known. He reported the nature of his visit and reported that
Captain Van Vliet had proved himself a friend of the "Mormons" on his
return to Washington.
After a few days' rest Colonel Kane departed for the army camp on
Black's Fork to interview Governor Cumming. After severe trials and
adventures he arrived at the camp. Governor Cumming received him
cordially and agreed to place himself under his direction and go to
Salt Lake City without military aid. Such a step was strongly opposed
by General Johnston, who attempted to arrest Colonel Kane as a spy.
Governor Cumming felt insulted at the indignity offered and demanded
an explanation, which the commanding officer failed to give in a
satisfactory manner. The incident almost precipitated a duel between
General Johnston and Colonel Kane.
Governor Cumming Enters Salt Lake City--His Reception
Accompanied by Colonel Kane and two servants, Governor Cumming set
out for Salt Lake City. On the way they were met by an escort of Utah
cavalry. Arriving in the city he was received with a cordial reception
and was conducted to the home of William C. Staines, the territorial
librarian. President Young called on him and bid him welcome saying,
every facility that he might require for the efficient performance
of his administrative duties, would be at his command. The governor
wrote to General Johnston saying: "I have been everywhere recognized
as Governor of Utah; and so far from having encountered insults or
indignities, I am satisfied in being able to state to you, that in
passing 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."
The Governor's Report to Secretary Cass
After a thorough examination, and finding all the records of the courts
in perfect order, Governor Cumming wrote to Secretary of State Lewis
M. Cass informing him of the true conditions in the territory and of
the false reports which had stood as a foundation for the sending of an
army.
The Exodus Toward the South
When Governor Cumming arrived in the city he discovered that many of
the inhabitants of that place and the settlements to the north, had
left their homes. Others were journeying toward the south. Where they
were bound he could not learn more than that they were "going south"
and driving their flocks and herds before them. He expressed the
belief to the government that the destiny of these people was Sonora
in northern Mexico. He regretted greatly that they felt it necessary
to move, but he could do nothing to persuade them to remain as long
as they were menaced by an army. Their experience in the past was too
bitter in this regard, and could not be forgotten.
"Our military force could overwhelm most of these poor people," wrote
the governor, "involving men, women, and children in a common fate,
but there are among the 'Mormons' brave men, accustomed to arms and
horses; men who could fight desperately as guerrillas: and who, 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.'"
The Governor's Wife Pleads for the People
In the middle of May, Governor Cumming returned to Camp Scott, where
the troops were quartered. When he returned, his wife was with him. She
gazed upon the deserted homes--for the people had departed, leaving
only a guard to fire their property should the troops arrive in hostile
attitude. The good woman wept and pleaded with her husband to do
something to bring back the people. "Rest assured madam," said he, "I
shall do all I can. I only wish I could be in Washington for two hours;
I am sure I could convince the government that we have no need of
troops."
The Peace Commission
Through the good services of faithful friends--among whom Colonel
Thomas L. Kane stands out in bold relief--the government was persuaded
to send peace commissioners to Utah. These gentlemen were Governor
L. W. Powell of Kentucky and Major Ben McCullock of Texas. With them
came Jacob Forney, Indian Superintendent for Utah. They met with
Governor Cumming, Brigham Young and other prominent men, when the
whole situation was discussed. It was agreed that there should be no
opposition to Johnston's army passing through the city providing they
were not permitted to stop, but should pass on to make their camp at
least forty miles away.
Their Epistle to Johnston
An agreement having been reached, the commissioners addressed a
communication to General Johnston advising him of what had been done
and requesting him to make proclamation among his troops. The commander
was surprised at the decision, stating that the army would not trespass
upon the rights or property of the peaceable citizens. His men, many
of them, were greatly disappointed, for they were to be denied the
privilege of plunder for which they hoped and talked about as they
marched upon their way.
The Arrival of the Troops
June 26, 1858, the army under command of General Johnston, entered
the Salt Lake Valley through Emigration Canyon. They passed through
the city, now almost without inhabitants, and camped on the opposite
side of Jordan river. Colonel Cooke, as he rode through the streets of
the city, bared his head in honor of the valiant and loyal men of the
Mormon Battalion. Three days after their arrival the troops passed on
to the southwest and camped in Cedar Valley where they founded Camp
Floyd, named after the Secretary of War, and here was to be their scene
of action for several years to come.
The President's "Pardon"
On the 6th of April, President Buchanan signed a proclamation,
"offering to the inhabitants of Utah, who shall submit to the laws,
a free pardon for the seditions and treasons heretofore by them
committed; warning those who still persist, after notice of this
proclamation in the present rebellion against the United States, that
they must expect no further lenity." This document, which is quite
lengthy, was brought to Utah with the commissioners. The authorities
of the Church denied that they had been disloyal, and disputed the
statements in the President's proclamation. Nevertheless, they accepted
his pardon for driving off the cattle and burning the army trains,
which they stoutly maintained was done in self-defense; but the other
charges they fully denied.
The fact is that President Buchanan had been roundly scored in the
press, and by statesmen in our own country and abroad. The easiest
way out of it, for he had committed a great blunder, was to issue a
proclamation exonerating himself, and pardoning the "culprits" who
dared to maintain their rights against such overwhelming odds.
Notes
1. Captain John W. Gunnison, in charge of a party of topographical
engineers, was murdered by Indians, with a number of his party, near
Sevier Lake, in October 1853. The massacre was in revenge for the
killing of one Indian and the wounding of two others, by a company of
emigrants on their way to California. According to Indian practice the
next company that came along was attacked as a reprisal. At the time
of this deed of blood the Indians under Chief Walker were waging war
on the inhabitants of Utah, that event is known in historical annals
as "The Walker War." Captain Gunnison and companions were buried at
Fillmore, with respect and honor. The tragedy cast a gloom over all
the "Mormon" settlements, for the leader of this company of government
representatives was respected by all the people for his kindness and
friendly feeling.
2. Colonel Alexander, the ranking officer of the advance troops was a
kindly officer inclined towards establishing peace. Captain Van Vliet
had come in contact with the Latter-day Saints at Winter Quarters,
when they were on the plains. Another officer with these troops whose
sympathy and good will went out toward the "Mormons" was Colonel Philip
St. George Cooke, who led the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War.
General Johnston was from the South, proud and haughty. He looked upon
the "Mormons" and spoke of them as "rebels" and was inclined to treat
them as such.
The spirit also prevailed among the troops that the "Mormons" were
their common prey, and they constantly, while on the march, boasted
with ribald jests, of what they would do when they arrived in Salt Lake
City. "We were well informed as to the object of the coming of the
army," said Elder John Taylor to Vice-President Schuyler Colfax, in
1869. "We had men in all their camps, and knew what was intended. There
was a continual boast among the men and officers, even before they left
the Missouri River, of what they intended to do with the 'Mormons.' The
houses were picked out that certain persons were to inhabit; farms,
property, and women were to be distributed. 'Beauty and Booty' were
their watchword. We were to have another grand 'Mormon' conquest, and
our houses, gardens, orchards, vineyards fields, wives and daughters
were to be the spoils."
3. Black's Fork and Green River mentioned here were at that time within
the borders of Utah, they are now in Wyoming, the corner in which they
are located having been severed from Utah in 1863 and 1868.
4. The question might be raised as to why Brigham Young would forward
a communication as governor, when another had been appointed. Governor
Young had not been notified that his successor had been appointed and
that successor had not qualified as governor.