The beginning of the end of the early Muddy settlements came in a letter
from the Church Presidency, dated December 14, 1870, addressed to James
Leithead, in charge. It referred to the Nevada survey, placing the
settlements within the jurisdiction of that State, the onerous taxes,
license and stamp duties imposed, the isolation from the market, the high
rate at which property is assessed in Nevada, the unscrupulous character
of many officials, all as combining to render conditions upon the Muddy
matters of grave consideration, even though the country occupied might be
desirable. The settlers, it was said, had done a noble work, making and
sustaining their outposts of Zion against many difficulties, amid
exposure and toil. It was advised that the settlers petition the Nevada
Legislature for an abatement of back taxes and for a new county, but,
"if the majority of the Saints in council determine that it is better to
leave the State, whose burdens and laws are so oppressive, let it be so
done." There was suggestion that if the authorities of Lincoln County,
Nevada, chose to enforce tax collections, it might be well to forestall
the seizure of property, to remove it out of the jurisdiction of the
State.