My father went down the shore to meet the Mormons. They landed on the
south side of the river, and the boats were landed side by side. The
head man of the boats was one of the Pierce brothers. Father asked him
his business. He said, "We have come to take the two men that are here
with you. Our orders are to bring them dead or alive." Father said. "Why
do you want these men? They have left you and will do you no harm. Why
not let them go when they do not want to stay with you? And I warn you
now, Mr. Pierce, our people have made up their minds to give these men
their protection and it will not be best to try to force them to give
them up. If you do try to take them there will be trouble, so you had
better go." He answered, "I will never leave this shore until we have
these men, and we will make you all as humble as mice, and your blood
shall mingle with these waters if you attempt to resist us," and many
more boastful threats, which he made while he kept walking about
swinging his arms. Father talked to him quietly, but he would not be
quieted. He grew more fierce every moment. After a time the youngest of
the men they came after walked down to the boat, telling Pierce himself
he would not be taken back by them. He and the leader had many hot words
together pertaining to their own troubles which they had had together
before he left them. He had been a member of Pierce's crew and becoming
tired of the life had quit them. This they did not like, as they knew
he knew too many of their secrets. Soon Captain Morrison came back and
walked down to the boats, telling them not to persist in taking the men.
Pierce was more furious than ever. Father and the two others walked away
from them towards the house. The Mormons talked a few minutes together.
One boat captain seemed to want to push off his boat and go. But Pierce
would not let him. I stood looking out of a small window from Captain
Morrison's house. I could see directly on to both boats and was but a
short distance from them. I could hear almost every word spoken by the
leader, as he spoke in a loud, deep voice.