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*M - •
35TH CONGRESS, \ HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. ( Ex. Doc.
1st Session, ( No. 71.
THE UTAH EXPEDITION.
_* 03
MESSAGE
FROM THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
TRANSMITTING
Reports from the Secretaries of State, of War, of the Interior, and of the
Attorney General, relative to t/ie military expedition ordered into the
Territory of Utah.
FEBRUARY 26, 1858.— Referred to the Committee on Territories.
2t) the House of Representatives :
I herewith transmit to the House of Representatives the reports of
the Secretaries of State, of War, of the Interior, and of the Attorney
(reneral, containing the information called for by a resolution of the
House, of the 27th ultimo, requesting "the President, if not incom-
patible with the public interest, to communicate to the House of Rep-
resentatives the information which gave rise to the military expedi-
tions ordered to Utah Territory, the instructions to the army officers
in connexion with the same, and all correspondence which has taken
place with said army officers, with Brigham Young and his followers,
or with others, throwing light upon the question as to how far said
Brigham Young and his followers are in a state of rebellion or resist-
ance to the government of the United States."
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON CITY, February 26, 1858.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
Washington, February 3, 1858.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred the resolution of the
House of Representatives, of the 2*7 th ultimo, requesting "the Presi-
dent, if not incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to
the House of Representatives the information which gave rise to the
military expedition ordered to Utah Territory, the instructions to the
^ UTAH EXPEDITION.
army officers in connexion with the same, and all correspondence
which has taken place with said army officers, with Brigham Young
and his followers, or with others, throwing light upon the question
as to how far said Brigham Young and his followers are in a state of
rebellion or resistance to the government of the United States," has
the honor to report that the only document on record or on file in this
department, touching the subject of the resolution, is the letter of Mr.
W. M. F. Magraw to the President, of the 3d of October last, a copy
of which is hereunto annexed.
Kespectfully submitted.
LEWIS CASS.
The PRESIDENT OP THE UNITED STATES.
Mr. Magraw to the President.
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI, October 3, 1856.
Mr. PRESIDENT: I feel it incumbent upon me as a personal and
political friend, to lay before you some information relative to the
present political aud social condition of the Territory of Utah, which
may be of importance.
There is no disguising the fact, that there is left no vestige of law
and order, no protection for life or property ; the civil laws of the
Territory are overshadowed and neutralized by a so-styled ecclesiastical
organization, as despotic, dangerous and damnable, as has ever been
known to exist in any country, and which is ruining not only those
who do not subscribe to their religious code, but is driving the mode-
rate and more orderly of the Mormon community to desperation.
Formerly, violence committed upon the rights of persons and property
were attempted to be justified by some pretext manufactured for the
occasion, under color of law as it exists in that country. The victims
were usually of that class whose obscurity and want of information
necessary to insure proper investigation and redress of their wrongs
were sufficient to guarantee to the perpetrators freedom from punish-
ment. Emboldened by the success which attended their first attempts
at lawlessness, no pretext or apology seems now to be deemed requisite,
nor is any class exempt from outrage ; all alike are set upon by the
self constituted theocracy, whose laws, or rather whose conspiracies,
are framed in dark corners, promulgated from the stand of tabernacle
or church, and executed at midnight, or upon the highways, by an
organized band of bravos and assassins, whose masters compel an
outraged community to tolerate in their midst. The result is that a
considerable and highly respectable portion of the community, known
from the Atlantic to the Pacific, whose enterprise is stimulated by a
laudable desire to improve their fortunes by honorable exertions, are
left helpless victims to outrage and oppression, liable at any moment
to be stripped of their property or deprived of life, without the ability
to put themselves under the protection of law, since all the courts that
exist there at present are converted into engines and instruments of
injustice.
UTAH EXPEDITION, 3
For want of time I am compelled thus to generalize, but particular
cases,, with all the attendant circumstances, names of parties and local-
ities are not wanting to swell the calendar of crime and outrage to
limits that will, when published, startle the conservative people of the
States, and create a clamor which will not be readily quelled ; and I
have no doubt that the time is near at hand, and the elements rapidly
combining to bring about a state of affairs which will result in indis-
criminate bloodshed, robbery and rapine, and which in a brief space
of time will reduce that country to the condition of a howling wilder-
ness.
There are hundreds of good men in the country, who have for years
endured every privations from the comforts and enjoyments of civilized
life, to confront every description of danger for the purpose of im-
proving their fortunes. These men have suffered repeated wrong and
injustice, which they have endeavored to repair by renewed exertions,
patiently awaiting the correction of outrage by that government which
it is their pride to claim citizenship under, and whose protection they
have a right to expect; but they now see themselves liable, at any
moment, to be stripped of their hard earned means, the lives of them-
selves and their colleagues threatened and taken ; ignominy and abuse,
heaped upon them day after day, if resented, is followed by murder.
Many of the inhabitants of the Territory possess passions and
elements of character calculated to drive them to extremes, and have
the ability to conceive and the courage to carry out the boldest meas-
ures for redress, and I know that they will be at no loss for a leader.
When such as these are driven by their wrongs to vindicate, not only
their rights as citizens, but their pride of manhood, the question of
disparity in numerical force is not considered among their difficulties,
and I am satisfied that a recital of their grievances would form an
apology, if not a sufficient justification, for the violation on their part
of the usages of civilized communities.
In addressing you, I have endeavored to discard all feelings arising
from my personal annoyances in the Mormon country, but have
desired to lay before you the actual condition of affairs, and to prevent,
if possible, scenes of lawlessness which, I fear, will be inevitable unless
speedy and powerful preventives are applied. I have felt free to thus
address you, from the fact that some slight requests made of me when
I last left Washington, on the subject of the affairs of Kansas, justified
me in believing that you had confidence in my integrity, and that
what influence I could exert would not be wanting to terminate the
unfortunate difficulties in that Territory; I have the pleasure of assur-
ing you that my efforts were not spared.
With regard to the affairs and proceedings of the probate court, the
only existing tribunal in the Territory of Utah?: there being but one of
the three federal judges now in the Territory, I will refer you to its
records, and to the evidence of gentlemen whose assertions cannot be
questioned ; as to the treatment of myself, I will leave that to the
representation of others ; at all events, the object I have in view, the
end I wish to accomplish for the general good, will preclude my
wearying you with a recital of them at present.
I have the honor to be very truly yours-, &c.
W. M. F. MAGRAW.
4 UTAH EXPEDITION.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, February 15, 1858.
SIR : I have the honor to transmit, herewith, copies of the corres-
pondence called for by a resolution of the House of Kepresentatives of
the 27th January last, requesting the President to furnish that hody
with the information which gave rise to the military expeditions
ordered to Utah Territory. The instructions to the army officers in
connexion with the same, and all correspondence which has taken
place with said army officers, with Brigham Young and his followers,
or with others, throwing light upon the question as to how far said
Brigham Young and his followers are in a state of rebellion or resis-
tance to the government of the United States, so far as the same is
afforded by the files of this department.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
CIRCULAR.
To the Adjutant General, Quartermaster General, Commissary General)
Surgeon General^ Paymaster General, and Chief of Ordnance.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
May 28, 1857.
Orders having been dispatched in haste for the assemblage of a
body of troops at Fort Leavenworth, to march thence to Utah as soon
as assembled. The general-in -chief, in concert with the War De-
partment, issues the following instructions, to be executed by the chiefs
of the respective staff departments, in connexion with his general
orders of this date :
1. The force — 2d dragoons, 5th infantry, 10th infantry and Phelps'
battery of the 4th artillery — to be provided with transportation
and supplies, will be estimated at not less than 2,500 men.
2. The Adjutant General will, in concert with the chiefs of the
respective departments, issue the necessary orders for assigning to this
force a full complement of disbursing and medical officers, an officer
of ordnance and an Assistant Adjutant General, if the latter be
required.
He will relieve Captains Phelps' 4th artillery and Hawes' 2d
dragoons from special duty, and order them to join their companies.
He will also give the necessary orders for the movement of any availa-
ble officers, whose services may be desired by the Quartermaster Gene-
ral or Commissary General in making purchases. Lieutenant Col.
Taylor and Brevet Major Waggaman will be ordered to exchange
stations.
All available recruits are to be assigned to the above named regi-
ments up to the time of departure.
3. About 2,000 head of beef cattle must be procured and driven to
Utah.
UTAH EXPEDITION 5
Six months' supply of bacon (for two days in the week) must be
sent — desiccated vegetables in sufficient quantity to guard the health
of the troops for the coming winter.
4. Arrangements will be made for the concentration and temporary
halt of the 5th infantry at Jefferson Barracks.
The squadron of dragoons at Fort Randall taking their horse
equipments with them will leave their horses at that post, and a re-
mount must be provided for them at Fort Leavenworth. Also, horses
must be sent out to the squadron at Fort Kearny, and the whole
regiment, as also Phelps' battery, brought to the highest point of
efficiency.
Besides the necessary trains and supplies, the quartermaster's de-
partment will procure for the expedition 250 tents of Sibley's pattern,
to provide for the case that the troops shall not be able to hut them-
selves the ensuing winter. Storage tents are needed for the like
reason. Stoves enough to provide,, at least, for the sick, must accom-
pany the tents.
5. The Surgeon General will cause the necessary medical supplies to
be provided, and requisition made for the means of transporting them
with the expedition.
6. The chief of ordnance will take measures immediately to put
in position for the use of this force, three travelling forges and a full
supply of ammunition, and will make requisition for the necessary
transportation of the same.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
[Quadruplicate for the information of the Adjutant General.]
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, June 29, 1857.
The 5th infantry is ordered to proceed immediately to join you
from Jefferson barracks. As soon as it, and the body of the 10th
arrive, proceed to your destination without unnecessary delay.
A letter of instructions to you goes by to-day's mail, and the general
order for the movement will follow immediately.
By command of Brevet Lieutenant General Scott.
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Brigadier General W. S. HARNEY,
Commanding, dec., at Fort Leavenworth.
(To be sent to western Missouri.)
A duplicate to be sent to St. Louis, Missouri, to the care of Lieuten-
ant Colonel Grossman, deputy quartermaster general.
Triplicate by mail.
6 UTAH EXPEDITION.
[Triplicate for the information of the Adjutant General. J
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, June 29, 1857.
The 5th infantry will proceed without delay to Fort Leaven worth.
See that the telegraphs of to-day to General Harney and to the com-
mander of the 5th infantry, sent to your care, are immediately sent to
them.
By command of Brevet Lieutenant General Scott.
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieutenant Colonel G. H. GROSSMAN,
Deputy Quartermaster General, U. S. A., St. Louis, Missouri.
Duplicate by mail.
[Triplicate for the information of the Adjutant General ]
HEADQUARTERS OP THE ARMY,
New York, June 29, 1857.
Proceed with the 5th infantry without delay to Fort Leavenworth.
By command of Brevet Lieutenant General Scott.
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
The COMMANDER OF THE 5TH INFANTRY,
Jefferson Barracks, care of Lieutenant Colonel G. H Grossman,
Deputy Quartermaster General, St. Louis, Missouri.
Duplicate hy mail.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, June 29, 1857.
SIR : By direction of the general-in-chief the following postscript
was added to the letter of instructions this day despatched to Brigadier
General Harney, and is respectfully communicated for the information
of the War Department.
P. S. " The general-in-chief (in my letter of the 26th instant) has
already conveyed to you as a suggestion, not an order nor even a
recommendation, that it might be well to send forward in advance a
part of your horse to Fort Laramie, there to halt and he recruited in
strength by rest and by grain before the main body comes up.
" Respectfully,
"G. W. LAY,
"Lieutenant Colonel, A. D. C."
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. LAY.
Lieutenant Colonel, A. D. C.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant General.
UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, June 29, 1857.
SIR : The letter which I addressed to you in the name of the
general-in- chief, on the 28th ultimo; his circular to the chiefs of staff
departments, same date ; his general orders No. 8, current series, and
another now in press, have indicated your assignment to the com-
mand of an expedition to Utah Territory, and the preparatory
measures to be taken.
The general-in-chief desires me to add in his name the following
instructions, prepared in concert with the War Department, and
sanctioned by its authority, whenever required.
The community and, in part, the civil government of Utah Terri-
tory are in a state of substantial rebellion against the laws and
authority of the United States. A new civil governor is about to be
designated, and to be charged with the establishment and maintenance
of law and order. Your able and energetic aid, with that of the troops
to be placed under your command, is relied to insure the success of
his mission.
The principles by which you should be guided have been already
indicated in a somewhat similar case, and are here substantially re-
peated.
If the governor of the Territory, finding the ordinary course of
judicial proceedings of the power vested in the United States' mar-
shals and other proper officers inadequate for the preservation of the
public peace and the due execution of the laws, should make requisi-
tion upon you for a military force to aid him as a posse comitatus in
the performance of that official duty, you are hereby directed to employ
for that purpose the whole or such part of your command as may be
required ; or should the governor, the judges, or marshals of the Ter-
ritory find it necessary directly to summon a part of your troops, to
aid either in the performance of his duties, you will take care that the
summons be promptly obeyed. And in no case will you, your officers
or men, attack any body of citizens whatever, except on such requisi-
tion or summons, or in sheer self-defence,
In executing this delicate function of the military power of the
United States the civil responsibility will be upon the governor, the
judges and marshals of the Territory. While you are not to be, and
cannot be subjected to the orders, strictly speaking, of the governor,
you will be responsible for a jealous, harmonious and thorough co-
operation with him, or frequent and full consultation, and will con-
form your action to his requests and views in all cases where your
military judgment and prudence do not forbid, nor compel you to
modify, in execution, the movements he may suggest. No doubt is
entertained that your conduct will fully meet the moral and pro-
fessional responsibilities of your trust, and justify the high confidence
already reposed in you by the government.
The lateness of the season, the dispersed condition of the troops,
and the smallness of the numbers available, ha've seemed to present
elements of difficulty, if not hazard, in this expedition. But it is
believed that these may be compensated by unusual care in its outfit,
8 UTAH EXPEDITION.
and great prudence in its conduct. All disposable recruits have been
reserved for it.
So well is the nature of this service appreciated, and so deeply are
the honor and interests of the United States involved in its success,
that I am authorized to say 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 heretofore given — and it is known
that ample measures, with every confidence of success, 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.
The prudence expected of you requires that you should anticipate
resistance, general, organized and formidable, at the threshold, and
shape your movements as if they were certain, keeping the troops well
massed and in hand when approaching expected resistance. Your
army will be equipped, for a time, at least, as a self sustaining
machine. Detachments will, therefore, not be lightly hazarded, and
you are warned not to be betrayed into premature security or over
confidence.
A small but sufficient force must, however, move separately from the
main column, guarding the beef cattle and such other supplies as you
may think would too much encumber the march of the main body.
The cattle may require to be marched more slowly than the troops, so
as to arrive in Salt Lake valley in good condition, or they may not
survive the inclemency and scanty sustenance of the winter. This
detachment, though afterwards to become the rear guard, may, it is
hoped, be put in route before the main body, to gain as much time as
possible before the latter passes it
The general -in-chief suggests that feeble animals, of draught and
cavalry, should be left ten or twelve days behind the main column, at
Fort Laramie, to recruit and follow.
It should be a primary object on arriving in the valley, if the con-
dition of things permit, to procure not only fuel, but materials for
hutting the troops. Should it be too late for the latter purpose, or
should such employment of the troops be unsafe or impracticable, the
tents (of Sibley's paltern) furnished will, it is hoped, afford a suffi-
cient shelter.
It is not doubted that a surplus of provisions and forage, beyond
the wants of the resident population, will be found in the valley of
Utah ; and that the inhabitants, if assured by energy and justice, will
be ready to sell them to the troops. Hence no instructions are given
you for the extreme event of the troops being in absolute need of such
supplies and their being withheld by the inhabitants. The necessi-
ties of such an occasion would furnish the law for your guidance.
Besides the stated reports required by regulations, special reports
will be expected from you, at the headquarters of the army, as oppor-
tunity may offer
UTAH EXPEDITION. 9
The general-in-chief desires to express his best wishes, official and
personal, for your complete success and added reputation.
I have the honor to he, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
GEOKGE W. LAY,
Lieutenant Colonel Aid-de-Camp.
Brevet Brigadier General W. S. HARNEY,
Commanding, <&c., Fort Levenwortli, K. T.
P. S. — The general-in-chief (in my letter of the 26th instant) has
already conveyed to you a suggestion — not an order, r,or even a recom-
mendation— that it might be well to send forward in advance a part of
your horse to Fort Laramie, there to halt and be recruited in strength,
by rest and by grain, before the main body comes up.
Kespectfullv,
G. W. L.,
Lt. Col., Aid-de-Camp.
[By telegraph. 1
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, July 1, 1857.
General orders issued yesterday embrace the following paragraphs :
" 4. The armament and equipment deemed most suitable for the
service of the battery of artillery will be selected, and, if necessary,
extended in guns and horses by the commander of the expedition,
consulting with Captain Phelps.
"5. In addition to instructions already given, it is further directed
that all requisitions which the commander of the expedition for Utah
may, in his discretion, address to the departments of supply, be
promptly complied with, without reference to higher authority."
Kespectfully,
L. THOMAS,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brigadier General HARNEY,
Fort Leavenworth, K. T.
HEADQUARTERS or THE ARMY,
New York, July 1, 1857.
Copy respectfully furnished to the adjutant general, for the infor-
mation of the War Department.
By order:
Assistant Adjutant General.
10 UTAH EXPEDITION.
[By telegraph.]
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, N. Y., July 14, 1857.
Your letter of July 3 is received. I have made the calculations and
expect your rear guard to be in full inarch by this day week. Captain
Neil will overtake you with forty well instructed recruits for the bat-
tery. Order headquarters and band to Fort Leavenworth.
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Brigadier General HARNEY,
Fort Leavenworth, K. T.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, N. Y., July 14, 1857.
Official copy respectfully furnished for the information of the Adju-
tant General.
IRWIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, New York, July 22, 1857.
COLONEL: The instructions of the War Department of the 14th in-
stant to Brevet Brigadier General Harney, placing Forts Laramie
and Kearney under his orders as indispensable to the success of the
movements to Utah, and keeping there the two companies of the 6th
infantry, conflicts with general orders No. 11, ordering these compa-
nies to be relieved by the two companies of the 7th from Fort Smith,
and ordering Fort Kearney to be abandoned.
At the close of the season the 1st cavalry and four companies of the
6th infantry will come in from the plains, and will, with the com-
pany of the 6th, now at Fort Riley, make fifteen companies for the
garrison of the posts of Forts Riley and Leavenworth, without count-
ing the 2d dragoons and Phelps' battery, and should the latter not
go to Utah this year there will be twenty- six companies.
The general-in-chief directs me to make this statement and inquire
what shall be done with the companies of the 7th before mentioned.
If the movement of the companies of the 6th from Forts Laramie and
Kearney to Jefferson barracks is to remain suspended, as would seem
to be the case from the telegraphic orders which place them under the
commander of the Utah expedition, the companies of the 7th will not
be needed on the Platte.
Shall they be ordered back to their former station ?
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Ajutant General.
Colonel SAMUEL COOPER,
Adjutant General, U. S. A., Washington, D. C.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 11
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, New York, July 23, 1857.
COLONEL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the trip-
licate of your telegraph of the 21st, to General Harney, furnished for
the information of the general-in-chief, and am directed by the latter
to say that the second paragraph gives him no information, as General
Harney 's suggestion — to which it is a response — was not made through
him, nor was any copy of it furnished him by the writer.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
IRYIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant General, Washington, D. G.
[Duplicate by mail— general-in-chief, triplicate.]
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
July 21, 1857.
The light battery at Fort Snelling has been ordered to take post at
?ort Leavenworth.
You are authorized to send a discreet staff officer to Salt Lake City
n advance of the troops, for the purposes suggested by you.
SAM'L COOPER,
Adjutant General.
Brig. General W. S. HARNEY, U. S. A.,
Care of Captain Pleasonton, U. S. A.,
Planters' House, St. Louis, Missouri.
[Duplicate, for the information of the Adjutant General.]
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, N. T., July 25, 1857.
GENERAL : The general-in-chief has, in paragraph III, special orders
o. 92, of this date, made the transfer of private Adam Torden, or-
[ered in your special order No. 26, of the 10th instant, and he instructs
me to call your attention to paragraph 141 of the regulations, and to
iesire that you will please conform thereto in future cases.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Brig. Gen. W. S. HARNEY,
Commanding, &c., Fort Leavemvorth, K. T.
12
UTAH EXPEDITION.
[Triplicate, for the information of the Adjutant General. — Per Telegraph.]
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, N. Y., July 30, 1857.
Telegraphic orders have been this day sent to Minnesota for the two
companies of tenth infantry to proceed without delay to Fort Leaven-
worth, and to follow their regiment.
By order: IBVIN McDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Brig. Gen. W. S. HARNEY,
Commanding ', &c., Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Duplicate sent by mail.
[Triplicate, for the information of the Adjutant General. — Per Telegraph.]
HEAD QUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, N. Y., July 30, 1857.
The general-in- chief directs the two companies of the tenth infantry
to proceed to Fort Leavenworth, without delay, and to follow their
regiment. Communicate this order immediately to both companies,
wherever they may be, if not already en route for Fort Leavenworth.
By order: IRV1N McDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
The COMMANDING OFFICER,
Fort Snelling, Minnesota, (by Dubuque, Iowa.)
Duplicate by mail. Copy to General Harney.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
West Point, N. Y., August 19; 1857.
SIR: In forwarding yesterday the communication of General Har-
ney, respecting the loss of a large number of beef cattle for the Utah
expedition, on which paper I endorsed my remarks, I omitted to refer
you to my instructions, issued June 29th to the commander of that
expedition.
I now beg your attention to the extract given below, from my letter
of that date to General Harney, from which it will be seen that the
loss in question resulted from a neglect of my orders in the case.
[Extract.]
A small huts ufficient force must, however, move separately form
the main column, guarding the beef cattle and such other supplies as
you may think would £00 much encumber the march of the main body.
The cattle may require to be marched more slowly than the troops, so
UTAH EXPEDITION. 13
as to arrive in Salt Lake valley in good condition, or they may not
survive the inclemency and scanty sustenance of the winter.
This detachment, though afterwards to become the rear guard, may,
it is hoped, he put en route before the main body, to gain as much
time as possible before the latter passes it.
I have the honor to be, with high respect, your obedient servant,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
Hon. J. B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.
WASHINGTON, August 28, 1857.
COLONEL : In anticipation of the orders to be issued placing you in
command 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 ad-
dressed to yourself, and by which you will be governed accordingly.
You will make your arrangements to set out from Fort Leavenworth
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 au-
thorities to Utah, to remain as part of your command instead of the
companies of the 1st 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 obe-
dient servant,
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Col. ALBERT S. JOHNSTON,
2d Cavalry, Washington, D. G.
WASHINGTON, August 29, 1857.
GENERAL : I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of the in-
structions of yesterday to Colonel Albert S. Johnston, 2d cavalry.
The general-in- chief directs you govern yourself accordingly, and
afford Colonel Johnston every facility, and all the aid in your power
in the execution of the duty with which he is charged.
As the troops under Colonel Suraner, those under Lieutenant Colonel
J. E. Johnston, 1st cavalry, and those with Captain Francis J. Bryan,
topographical engineers, will soon be coming in from the plains, it is
desirable to know at what points in Kansas they will be required, and
you are requested by the general to report what disposition you judge
should be made of them.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient
servant, 1RVIN McDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Brig. Gen. WM. S. HARNEY,
Colonel second dragoons, commanding troops
in Kansas, Fort Leavenworth, K. T.
14 UTAH EXPEDITION.
[Duplicate. — Original sent by telegraph.]
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, November 16 , 1857.
Important despatches received this morning from Colonel Johnston.
Brigharn Young has issued his proclamation declaring war upon
the United States forces, and placing Utah under martial law.
Report of Mormons having burned three trains continued.
Mormons were at Fort Bridger ; Colonel Alexander, with the 5th
and 10th infantry, and Phelps' and Reno's batteries at Ham's fork.
Colonel Johnston seventy-eight miles from South Pass. He will
wait, with Colonel C. F. Smith, at Pacific Spring, till the arrival of
Lieutenant Smith with two hundred men escorting remaining supply
trains, and will then push on with them to join the army.
Colonel Alexander ordered by Brigham Young to evacuate Utah
forthwith, but is informed he may remain where he is if he will sur-
render his arms and promise to retire next spring ! Colonel Alex-
ander reports his intention to go up Bear river to Soda spring.
The despatches go forward by to-day's mail.
IRYIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
[Duplicate. — Original sent by telegraph.]
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, December 10, 1857.
Despatches received this morning from Colonel Johnston, dated at
South Pass, October eighteenth. Expects soon to join Colonel Alex-
ander at Fontenelle creek, and then move down to Henry's fork for
the winter. All well, but losing animals from the weather, which
was clear and cold. Colonel Alexander lost some animals by Mor-
mons. No blood shed. Despatches by mail to night.
IRYIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel SAMUEL COOPER,
Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, January 23, 1858.
SIR: The gen eral-in- chief has received from Colonel Johnston,
commanding the army of Utah, a copy of that officer's letter to you of
November 25, 1857. The request therein conveyed to you for aid and
support to Captain Marcy, in carrying out the purposes of his expedi-
tion, is approved, and you are desired to lend the assistance asked for,
as far as within your power.
The general-in-chief directs that you furnish, from the regiment
UTAH EXPEDITION. 15
of mounted riflemen, as a return escort for Captain Marcy, four com-
panies, if so large a force be desired and can be afforded.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. LAY,
Lieutenant Colonel, A. D. C.
Bvt. Brig. Gen'l JNO. GARLAND,
Commanding Department of New Mexico.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, February 5, 1858.
Official copy for information of the Adjutant General.
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS OP THE ARMY,
Washington, January 23, 1858.
SIR : The general-in-chief directs me to acknowledge the receipt of
your despatches, with copies of orders, &c., to November 30, 185*7,
inclusive ; and to add in his name as follows :
Your conduct in command, as set forth in the reports, meets with
full and hearty approval, united with sympathy for those difficulties
which you have so manfully conquered, and which, it is clearly per-
ceived, no act or omission of yours had any part in creating.
The general-in-chief desires likewise to tender, through you, to the
officers and men of your expedition the expression of his high appre-
ciation of the noble energy, patience and spirit which they have dis-
played. The achievement of Colonel Cooke in bringing up his regi-
ment to join you,, in such comparatively good condition, at so late a sea-
son, appears specially worthy of commendation.
In this tribute to yourself and to the troops the War Department
cordially concurs.
. The adjutant general will communicate to you the formal approval,
by the War Department, of your orders to Captain Marcy, for pur-
chase of animals, &c., and also of your mustering volunteers into the
service.
General Garland will be instructed to afford the aid and support
asked for in your letter to him of November 25, 1857, including a
return escort for Captain Marcy 's expedition. He will be directed to
furnish, from the regiment of mounted riflemen, for this purpose, a
force not exceeding four companies.
Ample measures are in progress for your reinforcement at the
earliest possible period of the spring.
The general-in-chief himself will set sail for the Pacific coast in
the steamer of the 5th proximo, clothed with full powers for an effec-
tive diversion or co-operation in your favor from that quarter. It is
16 UTAH EXPEDITION.
not desired, however, that this information shall modify the instructions
heretofore given you in any degree, or delay your movements.
I anx, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. LAY,
Lieutenant Colonel, A. D. C.
Colonel A. S. JOHNSTON,
2d Cavalry } Commanding Army of Utah.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, February 5, 1858.
Official copy for information of the Adjutant General.
IBVIN MCDOWELL, A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
Washington, February 4, 1858.
SIR : I am desired by the general-in-chief to inform you that it is
no longer probable that he will go to the Pacific coast, or that any
expedition against or towards Utah will be despatched from that
quarter.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEORGE W. LAY,
Lieutenant Colonel, A. D. C.
Colonel A. S. JOHNSTON,
Commanding department of Utah.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, February 5, 1858.
Official copy for the information of the Adjutant General.
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, September 26, 1857.
SIR: By " special order " No. 132, of September 11, 1857, from
this office, Brevet Captain Jesse L. Reno., first lieutenant Ordnance
Department, attached to the Utah expedition, was assigned to duty
with that command, according to his brevet rank.
The subject having been again called up by the receipt of several
applications for assignment, according to brevet rank, the Secretary of
War, to prevent misapprehension, instructs me to say that the special
assignment of Brevet Captain Reno, Ordnance Department, in the
order above cited, was intended to enable him to exercise command
over the detachment immediately under his charge, while conducting
the same to Utah.
On Captain Reno's turning over the recruits to Phelps' light artil-
lery company, in accordance with General Harney's "special orders"
No. 5, of July 19, the assignment to duty according to his brevet !
rank will cease.
\
UTAH EXPEDITION. 17
It is presumed that, should it be necessary to equip another battery
of artillery for service with the troops under your orders, the command
thereof will be given to an officer of artillery.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient, servant,
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel A. S. JOHNSTON, U. S. A.,
Commanding Utah Expedition, Salt Lake City, U. T.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, January 14, 1858.
SIR : The Secretary of War desires that you will transmit direct to
this office copies of any despatches of more than ordinary importance
you may, from time to time, forward through the headquarters of the
army.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER, Adjutant General
Colonel A. S. JOHNSTON,
First Cavalry, Commanding Department of Utah.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Fort Leavenworth, August 8, 1857.
COLONEL : I have the honor to enclose a copy of a communication
from Lieutenant Marshall, 6th infantry, reporting the loss of 824
head of cattle, en route for Utah, for the use of the army. This
mischief was done by the Cheyenne Indians, and is but the commence-
ment of a series of disasters which will take place upon that route, if
a suitable cavalry force is not placed at both Forts Kearny and
Laramie.
Infantry is useless against mounted Indians. I shall retain the
two companies of the 2d dragoons at Fort Laramie, and have to
request the general-in-chief will cause the two companies of the 1st
cavalry , ordered to this post under Colonel Sumner, to be stopped at
Fort Kearny, to furnish escorts from that place, as I have no disposa-
ble mounted force at my command for this service.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. S. HARNEY,
Col. 2d Dragoons, and Brevet Brig. Gen'l, Commanding.
Lieutenant Colonel L. THOMAS,
Ass't Adj't Gen., Headq'softhe Army, West Point, N. Y.
HEADQUARTERS, FORT KEARNY, N. T.,
August 2, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to state that two herds of beef cattle, destined
for Salt Lake, for beef for the Utah expedition, passed this post yester-
day. The whole number of men, all told, was nineteen. When they
H. Ex. Doc. 71 2
18 UTAH EXPEDITION.
arrived to-day about 28 miles west of this garrison, they were attacked
by a party of about 150 Cheyenne Indians, who run off all the cattle,
(824) and horses, and mules, (20 in number,) excepting two, which
the drovers succeeded in escaping with. The attack was made about
11 o'clock this morning, and the whites lost one man, who was killed on
the ground, and one who was badly wounded in the thigh, with a frac-
ture of the bone, who is now under charge of the surgeon of the post.
The whites arrived here about nine o'clock this evening in a very des-
titute condition, having lost everything but the clothing they hap-
pened to have on, and their arms. I shall send a party to-morrow with
the drovers to bury the man who was killed, and also to try to find some
of the cattle. But the men report that they believe they will not be
able to find any of them, as the last they saw of the cattle they were
being driven off by the Indians, who were all the time shooting them
with arrows, and lancing them with their spears.
The whites report that, without doubt, they must have killed at least
two Indians, and wounded some four or five others.
Allow me again to state that an infantry post in this country is
entirely useless ; that depredations are continually prepetrated by
hostile Indians near this garrison, without ever being able to even
assist those who are so unfortunate as to be attacked by them.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. G. MARSHALL,
1st. Lieut. Qth Infantry, Commanding.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant General U. S. A., Washington, D. C.
A true copy.
E. G. MARSHALL,
1st. Lieut. 6th Infantry, Commanding.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL of Utah Expedition.
(Circular.)
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Fort Leavenworth, August 8, 1857.
The commanders of the different corps of this army will give such
protection as may be necessary to the supply trains on route to Utah,
without permitting these instructions to interfere with the order of
march.
By order of General Harney.
A. PLEASANTON,
Captain 2d Dragoons, A. A. Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH INFANTRY,
Camp near Fort Kearny, August 10, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to transmit herewith a field return of the
battalion under my command. I have been obliged to rule it, as no
UTAH EXPEDITION. 19
printed blanks of the prescribed form have been received. The march
from Fort Leavenworth here occupied nineteen days, giving an aver-
age of fifteen and a half miles per day. The men are in good health
and condition, and have surprised me by the endurance they exhibited
from the commencement. Though raw recruits when we left Fort
Leavenworth, I consider them now fit for any kind of service, and have
no doubt they would do credit to themselves and the army. I would
respectfully suggest the propriety of ordering the officers detached
from the regiment to join their companies as soon as practicable.
If the regiment is to serve long in Utah, it is very desirable to have
all the officers with it.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel Tenth Infantry, Commanding
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant General U. S. A.
HEADQUARTERS TENTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY,
Camp near Fort Laramie, N. T., September 3, 1857".
SIR : I have the honor to transmit herewith a field return of my
command for the month of August. As this is the last place from
which I can depend upon a communication, I respectfully submit the
following remarks upon the march of the eight companies of the tenth
infantry under my command from Fort Leavenworth to this place, a
distance of 625 miles. The battalion marched from Forth Leaven-
worth, July 18, and being composed mainly of recruits, the length
of the march for the first four or five days was inconsiderable, not ex-
ceeding ten or twelve miles. The men, however, became accustomed
to marching very soon, and unless the heat was powerful, very few
fell out. The inarch across the prairie country from Fort Leaven-
worth to the Platte river was made within the time allowed by General
Harney's orders, and was, perhaps, the most exempt from loss and
accident ever known.
With a train of ninety-seven wagons, and over six hundred animals,
but five mules have been lost, one by straying and four by death, and
not a wagon has been broken. The journey along the Platte was
one of great ease, as the road is good, and grass abundant nearly
everywhere, and men and animals improved in health and strength
remarkably.
The sick report has never exceeded twenty, and has averaged twelve.
This in a command of 500 is very small. No serious sickness has
prevailed, though four cases of bilious fever, produced by great alter-
nations of temperature and miasma of the Platte bottom, have occurred,
which the assistant surgeon has recommended to be left at this post.
Colonel Hoffman having kindly consented, I have determined to leave
them until the two companies of the regiment under Colonel Smith
comes up, when they can be brought on. The order of march has
been strictly preserved, and the column marched by platoon fronts,
with regular intervals, at the rate of 96 or 100 steps per minute. The
20 UTAH EXPEDITION.
company arrangements have also been as regular as the ground would
admit, having in view the proper guard over the mules and wagons . I
have adopted the plan of detailing a company of guard, and posting it
in the most convenient place the commander is enabled to post pickets
and sentinels, so as to guard every approach. This plan saves many
details, lessens labor, and excites a spirit of emulation which insures
great vigilance. The officers of the command have attended faithfully
to their several duties, and many have shown great powers of enduring
fatigue,, being on foot all the time. Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Canby
has ably assisted in conducting the march, and much of the good
fortune is due to his constant attention to the duties immediately
devolved upon him.
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
accomplishment 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.
I amy sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel Commanding.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant General U. S. Army.
HEADQUARTERS TROOPS SERVING IN KANSAS,
Fort Leavenworth, Sept. 12, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu-
nication of the 29th ultimo, enclosing a copy of instructions to Colonel
Albert S. Johnston, 2d cavalry, and requesting me to report what
disposition should be made of the troops soon to arrive at this post,
and coming under my command.
In reply, I desire to inform the general-in-chief that the two posts
in this Territory under iny command are capable of quartering six-
teen mounted companies as follows : six companies at Fort Riley and
ten companies at this post. The quarters for officers at this post are
not sufficient for ten companies.
I recommend that six companies of the 1st cavalry, under the com-
mand of the senior officer of the regiment, be placed at Fort Riley ;
the remaining four companies of that regiment, with two companies
of 2d dragoons, and Sherman's battery, to be stationed here. In the
event of a large body of troops being assembled in this Territory this
fall, shelter can easily be constructed at this place for them, provided
the lumber is sent to this post from St. Louis immediately. At this
UTAH EXPEDITION. 21
time a large number of camp women are living in tents, and there is
no prospect of their being better sheltered for the winter.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. S. HAKNEY,
Col. 2d Dragoons, and Brevet Brig. Gen., Commanding.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Headquarters of the Army, West Point, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Leavenworth, September 12, 1857.
SIR : In consequence of the liability of depredations by the Indians
in the vicinity of Fort Kearny, and the necessity of immediate pur-
suit and punishment of the offenders, and of scouting and escorts, I
have the honor to request authority to keep at that post twenty
mounted infantry. Should this application be granted, I respectfully
request that the quartermaster and ordnance departments at this post
may be ordered respectively to furnish the horses and necessary
equipments without any necessity for my action, and that they may
be sent without delay to that post.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. 2d Cavalry, Commanding.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Headquarters of the Army, West Point, N. Y.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Fort Leavemoorth, September 12, 1857.
SIR : I find that no provision has been made for protecting the mail
service between Utah City and this frontier during the ensuing winter;
and as I have no control over a portion of the forces that will be
needed to carry into execution any plan for that purpose, I respect-
fully request that some arrangement may be initiated at the head-
quarters of the army similar to that promulgated in Special Orders,
No. 106, of December 4, 1854, from the headquarters Department of
the West. In case the Post Office Department contracts to have the
mail carried, I deem this precaution essential for its security and
success.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. 2d Cavalry, Commanding.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Headquarters of the Army, West Point, N. Y.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Leavenworth, September 16, 1857.
^ Six companies of the 2d dragoons, under the command of
Lieutenant Colonel Cooke, have been prepared for the march to Utah,
22 UTAH EXPEDITION.
and provided with every requisite to make it successful by Brevet
Brigadier General Harney, agreeably to his instructions from the
headquarters of the army, and have by him been transferred to my
command to-day.
I have ordered Colonel Cooke to put his command immediately
en route for Utah, and charged him with the duty of escorting the
governor (Colonel Cummin gs) and the other civil officers of that Ter-
ritory to Salt Lake City, (see order herewith,) of which Colonel Cum-
mings has been officially notified. From the nature of the service to
be performed, the exercise of great discretion has been necessarily
allowed Colonel Cooke ; but he is a cavalry officer of great experience
and well acquainted with frontier service, and, I do not doubt, will
conduct the march with skill and success. He may be expected to
arrive in the valley of Utah by the 15th or 20th November. Trans-
portation has been provided for a half ration of corn for all his
animals to Fort Kearny, at which place he can renew his supply to
Laramie, and thence through, to guard against the chance of the grass
being covered with snow.
As soon as I see Colonel Cooke' s command on the route, I will also
leave for Salt Lake City, with an escort of 40 men detached from the
dragoons. Arrangements have been made for transporting the men of
the escort, their baggage and subsistence, and forage for the draught
animals in light spring wagons, which will enable me to accomplish
the journey in about thirty-five days ; so that my arrival at the place
of destination may be expected by the 20th of October proximo.
I beg leave here to request the attention of the general-in-chief to
the necessity of an appropriation by Congress, at the next session, for
the building of permanent barracks for the accommodatian of the
troops destined for service in Utah, should there be a peaceable occu-
pation by them of that Territory.
Only approximate estimates of the cost can be made at this time
for that purpose ; but I understand that, after glass, corks, hinges,
nails, &c., shall have been furnished, other materials to be had in
Utah, may be obtained at a rate of cost not greater than that for
material for the building of Fort Riley. The appropriation should
be made in the coming session, so that there may be an early prosecu-
tion of the work next spring, in order that suitable quarters can be
provided for the troops by the ensuing winter.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel ^d Cavalry, Commanding Army of Utah,
Major IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the Army, Neiv York.
FORT KEARNY, September 24, 1857.
MAJOR : I have the honor to report my arrival at this post to-day,
having made the journey from Fort Leavenworth in seven days. Our
march was retarded during the first two or three days by bad roads,
UTAH EXPEDITION. 23
made so by frequent showers of rain during that time. Since it
cleared off there has been an unclouded sky, and the weather is very
fine ; at 6 o'clock this morning the thermometer stood at 54.3, at 11^,
83.0. The grass is fresh and abundant on the route to this place,
and I am informed that it is excellent to Laramie. There is no indica-
tion of an early winter, and I see no reason to apprehend it. Beyond
Laramie, Captain Van Vliet writes from Red Buttes, 150 miles west
of Laramie, that the grass is bad beyond belief. This timely notice
will prevent any delay in the march of the six companies of the 2d
dragoons under Colonel Cooke. I have directed twenty-five strong
teams and wagons to be tured over to Colonel Cooke from the supply
train of Colonel Sumner's command, at the junction of the road from
this place to Fort Kiley, and six wagons and teams at this post on his
arrival. These thirty-one additional wagons will, I think, be sufficient
to enable him to transport the corn for his horses to Utah ; if not, I
understand that more can be supplied at Fort Laramie.
Everything, thus far, encourages the belief that there will be no
failure of any portion of the troops destined for Utah in the accom-
plishment of the march. The 10th infantry, I have heard, was to
leave Laramie on the 5th of September ; the 5th infantry reached
Laramie on the 4th ; Philp's and Rino's batteries on the 6th and
Yth, and Colonel Smith, with his companies of the 10th infantry, has
probably arrived at Laramie by this time. The dragoons should be
here by the 4th or 5th of October, and, with the additional transpor-
tation and the means of replacing animals injured on the route, you
may rely on a rapid march by them from this post to Laramie. I will
leave here to-morrow morning, and suppose I will reach Laramie in
eight days. I will, as soon as possible, join the troops in advance.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding Army of Utah.
Major IRVIN McDoNELL,
Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the Army, New York City.
HEAD QUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
^ North Bank of South Fork of Platte, September 29, 1857.
MAJOR : We have just crossed the south fork of the Platte, and met
here the express with Captain Van Vliet \ report of the result of his
journey to Salt Lake City, which I forward for the information of the
general-in-chief.
When I reach the troops in advance I will proceed at once to exe-
cute the orders I have received, and not delay the march, unless pre-
vented by the destruction of the grass on the route, by cold or the
filling up of the passes by snow. In either event a suitable position
will be taken until it is practicable to advance.
We are making our journey with more despatch than I expected ;
we wi 1 be at Laramie on the 2d of October. The 5th and 10th in-
fantry, with the batteries, inarched from Fort Laramie, as was ex-
24 UTAH EXPEDITION.
pected, with the exception of Reno's battery, which left on the 8th, a day
later. The weather continues mild, and there is an ahundance of
grass on the route. I think there can be no doubt of Colonel Cooke's
arrival at Fort Laramie by the 18th of October. I will travel with
all rapidity practicable till I reach the troops in advance, and will re-
port everything material by every opportunity.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding Army of Utah.
Maj IRVIN MCDOWELL, Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the Army, New York Oily.
HEADUQARIERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Ash Holloiv, en-route to Salt Lake City, September 29, 1857.
Duplicate. Original forwarded by express from north bank of south
fork ofPlatte.
HAM'S FORK, September 16, 1857.
CAPTAIN : I have the honor to report, for the information of the
commanding general, the result of my trip to the Territory of Utah.
In obedience to special instructions, dated headquarters army for
Utah, Fort Leavenworth, July 28, 1857, I left Fort Leavenworth,
July 30, and reached Fort Kearny in nine travelling days, Fort
Laramie in ten, and Great Salt Lake City in thirty- three and a half.
At Fort Kearny I was detained one day by the changes I had to make
and by sickness, and at Fort Laramie three days, as all the animals
were forty miles from the post, and when brought in all had to be shod
before they could take the road. I travelled as rapidly as it is possi-
ble to do with six mule wagons. Several of my teams broke clown,
and at least half of my animals are unserviceable and will remain so
until they recruit. During my progress towards Utah I met many
people from that Territory, and also several mountain men at G-reen
river, and all informed me that I would not be allowed to enter Utah,
and if I did I would run great risk of losing my life. I treated all
this, however, as idle talk, but it induced me to leave my wagons and
escort at Ham's fork, 143 miles this side of the city, and proceed alone.
I reached Great Salt Lake City without molestation, and immediately
upon my arrival I informed Governor Brigham Young that I desired
an interview, which he appointed for the next day. On the evening
of the day of my arrival Governor Young, with many of the leading
men of the city, called upon me at my quarters. The governor re-
ceived me most cordially and treated me during my stay, which con-
tinued some six days, with the greatest hospitality and kindness. In
this interview the governor made known to me his views with regard
to the approach of the United States troops, in plain and unmistake-
able language.
He stated that the Mormons had been persecuted, murdered, and
robbed in Missouri and Illinois both by the mob and State authorities,
and that now the United States were about to pursue the same course,
UTAH EXPEDITION. 25
and that, therefore, he and the people of Utah had determined to
resist all persecution at the commencement, and that the troops now
on the march for Utah should not enter the Great Salt Lake valley. As
he uttered these words all those present concurred most heartily in
what he said.
The next day, as agreed upon, I called upon the governor and de-
livered in person the letter with which I had heen entrusted. In that
interview, and in several subsequent ones, the same determination to
resist to the death the entrance of the troops into the valley was ex-
pressed hy Governor Young and those ahout him.
The governor informed me that there was abundance of everything
I required for the troops, such as lumber, forage, &c., but that none
would be sold to us. In the course of my conversations with the
governor and the influential men in 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: u 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 moun-
tains and bid defiance to all the powers of the government." I attended
their service 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 own buildings, cut down
their trees, and lay waste their fields, to hold up their hands. Every
hand, in an audience numbering over 4,000 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 measures he might adopt. From all these
facts I am forced to the conclusion that Governor Young and the people
of Utah will prevent, if possible, the army for Utah from entering
their Territory this season. This, in my opinion, will not be a difficult
task, owing to the lateness of the season, the smallness of our force,
and the defences that nature has thrown around the valley of the Great
Salt Lake There is but one road running into the valley on the side
which our troops are approaching, and for over fifty miles it passes
through narrow canons and over rugged mountains which a small
force could hold against great odds. I am inclined, however, to believe
that the Mormons will not resort to actual hostilities until the last
moment. Their plan of operations will be, burn the grass, cut up
the roads, and stampede the animals, so as to delay the troops until
snow commences to fall, which will render the road impassable. Snow
falls early in this region ; in fact last night it commenced falling at
Fort Bridger, and this morning the surrounding mountains are clothed
26 UTAH EXPEDITION.
in white. Were it one month earlier in the season, I believe the troops
could force their way in, and they may be able to do so even now; but
the attempt will be fraught with considerable danger, arising from
the filling up of the canons and passes with snow. I do not wish it
to be considered that I am advocating either the one course or the
other. I simply wish to lay the facts before the general, leaving it to
his better judgment to decide upon the proper movements. Notwith-
standing my inability to make the purchases I was ordered to, and
all that Governor Young said in regard to opposing the entrance of
the troops into the valley, I examined the country in the vicinity of
the city with the view of selecting a proper military site. I visited
the military reserve, Kush valley, but found it, in my opinion, entirely
unsuitable for a military station. It contains but little grass and is
very much exposed to the cold winds of winter ; its only advantage
being the close proximity of fine wood. It is too far from the city,
being between forty and forty-five miles, and will require teams four
days to go there and return. I examined another point on the road
to Kush valley, and only about thirty miles from the city, which I
consider a much more eligible position. It is in Tuelle valley, three
miles to the north of Tuelle city, and possesses wood, water, and grass;
but it is occupied by the Mormons, who have some sixty acres under
cultivation, with houses and barns on their land. These persons
would have to be dispossessed or bought out. In fact there is no place
within forty, fifty, or sixty miles of the city, suitable for a military
position, that is not occupied by the inhabitants arid under cultiva-
tion.* On my return I examined the vicinity of Fort Bridger, and
found it a very suitable position for wintering the troops and grazing
the animals, should it be necessary to stop at that point. The Mor-
mons occupy the fort at present, and also have a settlement about ten
miles further up Black's fork, called Fort Supply These two places
contain buildings sufficient to cover nearly half the troops now en
route for Utah ; but I was informed that they would all be laid in
ashes as the army advances. I have thus stated fully the result of
my visit to Utah, and, trusting that my conduct will meet the ap-
proval of the commanding general, I am, very respectfully, your obe-
dient servant,
STEWART VAN VLIET,
Captain, A. Q. M.
Captain PLEASANTON,
A. A. Adj't Gen. Army for Utah, Fort Leavemuorth.
P. S. — I shall starton my return to-morrow, with an escortof ten men.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, ASH HOLLOW,
En route to Salt Lake City, Sept. 29, 1857.
Copy. Original forwarded by express from north bank south fork
of Platte.
Official. STEWART VAN VLIET,
Captain, A. Q. M.
* Finding that I could neither make the purchases ordered to, nor shake the determination
of the people to resist the authority of the United States, I left the city and returned to my
camp on Ham's fork.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 27
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF UTAH,
South Fork of the Platte, North Bank, September 29, 1857.
MAJOR: We have just crossed the south fork of the Platte, and met
here the express with Captain Van Vliet' sreport of the result of his
journey to Salt Lake City, which I forward for the information of the
general-in-chief.
When I reach the troops in advance, I will proceed at once to exe-
cute the orders I have received and not delay the march unless pre-
vented by the destruction of the grass on the route by cold, or the
filling up of the passes by snow. In either event a suitable position
will be taken until it is practicable to advance. We are making our
journey with more despatch than I expected ; we will be at Laramie
on the 2d of October.
The fifth and tenth infantry with the batteries, marched from Lara-
mie, as was expected, with the exception of Reno's battery, which left
on the 8th instant, a day later.
The weather continues mild, and there is an abundance of grass on
the route. I think there can be no doubt of Colonel Cooke's arrival
at Fort Laramie by the 18th October. I will travel with all rapidity
practicable, until I reach the troops in advance, and will report every-
thing material by every opportunity.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. Second Cavalry, Com'g Army of Utah.
Major IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Ass't Adj't Gen., Headquarters of the Army, New York City.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP NEAR SCOTT'S BLUFFS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 2} 1857.
SIR : I am instructed by the colonel commanding to direct you to
return with your command to Fort Laramie, where you will find
orders for your guidance.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN,
Commanding Battalion Sixth Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS, FORT LARAMIE, N. T.,
October 2, 1857.
SIR: I have the honor to report that a detachment of the sixth in-
fantry, under command of Brevet Lieutenant Colonel W. Hoffman,
aggregate (307) left this post this day for Fort Leavenworth, K. T.
A return is enclosed.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. LYNDE,
Major Seventh Infantry, Commanding Post.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Headquarters of the Army, New York.
28
UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Laramie, en route to Salt Lake City, October 4, 1857.
SIR : As the possession of the transportation with your command
is of the highest importance to the colonel commanding, he wishes
you to reach this post to-morrow.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your ohedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Laramie, en route to Salt Lake City, October 5, 1857.
MAJOR : I arrived at this post last night, makirg the journey from
Fort Leavenworth in seventeen days and a half. Our march since we
reached Ash Hollow has heen greatly retarded by the badness of the
road, usually, from that point heavy, on account of sandiness, but, at
the time we passed, made much worse by frequent showers of rain.
On my arrival 1 ordered the two companies of dragoons, " E " and
" H," and a detachment of forty-seven men, left by Colonel Smith to
escort the governor of Utah, to march immediately to join the troops
in advance. I have made such arrangements for transportation of
forage and subsistence as will insure their arrival without delay.
I am greatly disappointed in not finding an abundant supply of
corn at this post. I shall, after taking all at the post, have no more
than barely sufficient for the dragoon horses and draught animals of
the train of that command, and for my own train.
Two trains loaded partly with corn, may, I think, certaiifly be ex-
pected to reach here before the arrival of Colonel Cooke. Should a
sufficient supply for his march be found here, on his arrival he will be
instructed to continue his march until he joins the advance, unless
the indications of the rapid approach of winter shall be such as to
make the risk too great to attempt the passage of the South Pass.
The practicability of doing so must be left to the judgment of the
commander of the dragoons.
At present the weather is mild, and we anticipate a protracted
autumn. Should such anticipation be realized, I do not doubt Colonel
Cooke will accomplish the march. The march of the dragoons will
be somewhat retarded by the state of the roads. Perhaps they will
be a few days longer than estimated in my letter from the south fork
of the Platte.
The tenth infantry on the 21st ultimo was in advance, at Ice Springs,
five miles above the fifth crossing of Sweet Water ; Captain Phelps
a few miles behind. The fifth infantry on the 21st was seven miles
below the third crossing of the same stream, and on the 22d Captain
Reno was ten miles above the first crossing, as I learned from Captain
Van Vliet, who I met on his way to Washington, under instructions
from General Harney.
I met, yesterday, Colonel Hoffman, in command of companies " B"
and UC," sixth infantry, en route to Fort Leavenworth, to whom I
gave instructions to return to this place with the two companies, and
UTAH EXPEDITION. 29
assume command of this post. He arrived this morning, and is now
in command of the post. I did not feel justified, in the present
posture of the affairs of Utah, in allowing the withdrawal of his
force to a point so remote from where they may he needed ; and, be-
sides, the means of transportation he had with him is indispensable
for the advance of the two companies of dragoons and detachment of
infantry which (see order herewith) has been ordered forward. If I
had transportation and corn the two companies of the sixth could go
forward.
If possible, the troops will enter the valley of Utah this fall. This
question must be determined by the facility of concentrating the
troops, and properly securing the supplies for the army.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry, Commanding the Army of Utah.
Major IRVIN McDowELL, Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the Army, Neiv York City.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Laramie, en route to Salt Lake City, October 4, 1857.
SIR : As the possession of the transportion, with your command, is
of the highest importance to the colonel commanding, he wishes you
to reach this post to-morrow.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,
Commanding Battalion 6th Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, .
Camp on the Three Crossings of Sweetwater, October 13, 1857.
MAJOR : To-night two men who lived at Fort Laramie, and who
had been sent on express to Colonel Alexander, arrived at our camp
on their way back. From them I learn that the Mormons having in-
terposed a force in rear of our troops, then encamped at Ham's fork of
Green river, succeeded in burning three supply trains, with their con-
tents. A message from Colonel Alexander was sent by them to
Colonel C. F. Smith, instructing him to protect the trains in the rear,
which contains the clothing, Sibley tents, subsistence, &c.
The orders with regard to the march of the cavalry, and companies
of the 6th , having been countermanded, leaves Colonel Smith
with only 22 men ; 47 men of his command were left at Laramie as
the governor's escort. Lieutenant Smith, of the dragoons, is four
days' march behind us, with two companies of dragoons, the 47 men
of Colonel Smith's command, and 25 dragoons of my escort, who
were left at Laramie to come on with Lieutenant Smith ; his com-
mand will number about 200 men. I have ordered him to hasten
30 UTAH EXPEDITION.
forward and join Colonel Smith's command. We will march in the
morning, and expect to encamp with Colonel Smith to-morrow night.
The express man says Colonel Alexander would attempt to reach
the valley of Salt Lake by the Bear river ; it is much further than by
the usual route, and why he selects it I could not learn, unless from
the probability of the grass being burnt by the Mormons on the di-
rect route. These men say that it is certain that they will burn the
grass on the route they are about to pursue. Under these circum-
stances, if I could communicate with Colonel Alexander, I would di-
rect him to take up a good position for the winter, at Ham's fork. The
road is beset between this and Ham's fork with companies of Mor-
mons, so that it is doubtful whether I shall be able to communicate
with Colonel Alexander.
With great respect, your obdient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding Army of Utah.
Major IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Ass't Adj't Gen' I Headquarters of the Army, New York City.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
28 miles from South Pass, October 15, 1857.
I have read this communication and respectfully refer it to the con-
sideration of the general-in-chiof. I will remain near the Pacific
Springs with Colonel Smith until the arrival of Lieutenant Smith, and
will move on to the army protecting the supply trains.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding Army Utah.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp Winfield, Utah Territory, October 9, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to report that I have assumed command of
the troops of the United States, constituting part of the army for
Utah, which are now encamped at this point. These troops are the
5th regiment of infantry, eight companies of the 10th infantry, and
the batteries of artillery (6 and 12-pounder) commanded by Captain
Phelps, 4th artillery, and Keno, ordnance depot, respectively. This
camp is situated on Ham's fork, a tributary of Black fork, which is
in turn a tributary of Green river, about 15 miles above the junction
of the two forks. Fort Bridger is distant, in a southeast direction,
about 30 miles. The 10th infantry reached here on the 28th of Sep-
tember ; Phelp's battery on the following day ; the 5th infantry
arrived on the 4th of October, and Keno's battery on the same day.
On the 5th instant I assumed command, for reasons which I conceive
to be of the greatest importance to the troops and their supplies, and
UTAH EXPEDITION 31
of which I shall have the honor to make a full report when a safer
and more certain opportunity of sending despatches presents itself.
At present, I can give only a statement of what has occurred since
niy arrival and report the disposition I have determined to make of
the troops.
On the day after reaching Hani's fork, and at the first camp I
made on it, I received the enclosed letters from Governor Young and
Lieutenant General Wells. The propositions they contain, however
absurd they are, showed conclusively that a determined opposition to
the power of the government was intended.
I had met Captain Van Vliet on the 21st of September, returning
from Salt Lake City, and was informed by him, that although the Mor-
mons, or rather Governor Young, were determined to oppose an entrance
into the city, yet he was assured that no armed resistance would be
attempted, if we went no further than Fort Bridger and Fort Supply.
I was still further convinced of this by the circumstance that a train
of more than one hundred contractor's wagons had been packed for
nearly three week on Ham's fork without defence, and had been un-
molested, although they contained provisions and^supplies which would
have been of great use to the Mormons. Upon securing these letters,
I prepared for defence, and to guard the supplies near us until the
nearest troops came up. I replied to Governor Young's letter, a copy
of which I enclose, and have not had any further correspondence with
him. On the morning of the 5th of October, the Mormons burnt two
trains of government stores on Green river, and one on the Big Sandy,
and a few wagons belonging to Mr. Perry, sutler of the 10th infantry,
which were a few miles behind the the latter train. Colonel Waite,
of the 5th, though not anticipating any act of the kind, was preparing
to send back a detachment to these trains from his camp on Black
fork when he received from some teamsters who came in, the intelli-
gence of their being burnt. No doubt now existed that the most de-
termined hostility might be expected on the part of the Mormons,
and it became necessary from the extreme lateness of the season to
adopt some immediate course for winerting the troops and preserving
the supply trains with us. After much deliberation, and assisted by
the counsel of the senior officers, I have determined to move the
troops by the following route :
Up Ham's fork about 18 miles to a road called Sublette's Cut-off,
along that road to Bear river and Soda Spring. On arriving at Soda
spring two routes will be open, one down Bear river valley towards Salt
Lake, and one to the northeast towards the Wind river mountains,
where good valleys for wintering the troops and stock can be found.
The adoption of one of these will be decided by the following circum-
stances : If the force under rny command is sufficient to overcome the
resistance which I expect to meet at Soda spring,! shall endeavor to force
my way into the valley of Bear river and occupy some of the Mormon
villages, because I am under the impression that the Mormons, after
a defeat, will be willing to treat and bring provisions for sale. The
supplies on hand will last six months, and if I can get possession of a
town in Bear river valley, I can easily fortify and hold it all
the winter. There are also several supply trains in the rear to which,
32 UTAH EXPEDITION.
I have communicated, and if they receive my letter in time they will
he saved, and can join us. If the Mormons are too strong for us,
which I do not anticipate, the other road will he adopted, and I will
make the hest of my way to the mountains and hut for the winter. I
desire to impress upon you the fact that I, though not the commander
appointed to this army have adopted this course, because the safety of
the troops absolutely depends upon an immediate effort, and having
information which makes it certain that the commander will not reach
here before the 20th instant, and if we wait until that time we cannot
leave this valley. The information I allude to is to the effect that
Colonel Johnston had relieved General Harney, and had not left Fort
Leavenworth on the 10th of September ; and thirty days is the least
possible time in which he can arrive here. I cannot, for fear of this
being intercepted, tell you the strength of my command or send returns
of it. It is strong enough to defend itself and its supplies ; whether
it is able to assume and sustain an offensive position remains to be seen,
but should the commands which I have heard are in the rear come up
in time, I think we will have sufficient force to carry out an active •
invasion. If we are obliged to winter in the mountains you can perceive,
by a reference to Stansbury's maps, that we will have an open road to
Salt Lake City in the spring, and one which I am told is open early.
By this one attack can be made and attention called from the main
road (that by Fort Bridger) which may then be traversed by troops.
The Bear river route is, however said, to be the best one into the
valley ; the other passes through canons that can be defended by a
handful against thousands, and it is moreover so easily obstructed,
that in a week it could be made utterly impassable. The want of
cavalry is severely felt, and we are powerless on account of this defi-
ciency to effect any chastisement of the marauding bands that are con-
stantly hovering about us. On the 7th instant I detached Captain
Marcy, 5th infantry, with 4 companies to Green river, to collect what
he could find serviceable from the burnt trains and to disperse any
bodies of Mormons he found.
In conclusion, permit me to express the hope that my acts will meet
the approval of the government, and on the first opportunity I will
make a fuller and more detailed report. It is unquestionably the
duty of the government to quell, by overwhelming force, this treason-
able rebellion of the governor and people of Utah ; and I must most
urgently impress upon the War Department the fact that the small
body of troops here will need reinforcements and supplies as soon as
they can possibly be got here next spring. I would further respectfully
suggest that troops should be sent from California and Oregon. It is
said that the road from California to Salt Lake is passable all winter,
and it is certainly so much earlier in the spring than that from the
States.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel Wth Infantry, Commanding.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant General, U. S. A.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 33
FORT BRIDGER,
September 30, 185*7.
SIR : I have the honor to forward you the accompanying letter from
His Excellency Governor Young, together with two copies of his
proclamation and a copy of the laws of Utah, 1856-'57, containing the
organic act of the Territory.
It may be proper to add that I am here to aid in carrying out the
instructions of Governor Young.
General Robison will deliver these papers to you, and receive such
communication as you may wish to make.
Trusting that your answer and actions will he dictated by a proper
respect for the rights and liberties of American citizens.
I remain, very respectfully, &c.,
DANIEL U. WELLS,
Lieutenant General Commanding, Nauvoo Legion.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, UTAH TERRITORY,
Great Salt Lake City, September 29, 1857.
SIR : By reference to the act of Congress passed September 9, 1850,
organizing the Territory of Utah, published in a copy of the Laws of
Utah, herewith forwarded, pp. 146-7, you will find the following :
" SEC. 2. And be it further enacted. That the executive power and
authority in and over said Territory of Utah- shall be vested in a gov-
ernor, who shall hold his office for four years, and until his successor
shall be appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the President
of the United States. The governor shall reside within said Territory,
shall be commander-in-chief of the militia thereof," &c., &c.
I am still the governor and superintendent of Indian affairs for this
Territory, no successor having been appointed and qualified, as pro-
vided by law ; nor have I been removed by the President of the United
States.
By virtue of the authority thus 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, or Green river, you can do so in peace and unmolested, on condi-
tions that you deposit your arms and amunition 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 communications you may have to make.
Very respectfully,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Utah Territory.
The OFFICER COMMANDING the forces now invading Utah Territory.
H. Ex. Doc. 71 3
34 UTAH EXPEDITION
Proclamation by the governor.
CITIZENS OF UTAH : We are invaded by a hostile force, who are
evidently assailing us to accomplish our overthrow and destruction, f
For the last twenty-five years we have trusted officials of the gov-
ernment, from constables and justices to judges, governors, and Presi-
dents, only to be scorned, held in derision, insulted, and betrayed, i
Our houses have been plundered and then burned, our fields laid waste, \
our principal men butchered while under the pledged faith of the gov-
ernment for their safety, and our families driven from their homes to
find that shelter in the barren wilderness, and that protection among
hostile savages, which were denied them in the boasted abodes of
Christianity and civilization.
The Constitution of our common country guarantees unto us all that
we do now, or have ever claimed. If the constitutional rights which
pertain unto us, as American citizens, were extended to Utah, accord*
ing to the spirit and meaning thereof, and fairly and impartially
administered, it is all that we could ask; all that we have ever asked.
Our opponents have availed themselves of prejudice existing against
us, because of our religious faith, to send out a formidable host to
accomplish our destruction. We have had no privilege or opportunity
of defending ourselves from the false, foul, and unjust aspersions against
us before the nation. The government has not condescended to cause
an investigating committee, or other person, to be sent to inquire into
and ascertain the truth, as is customary in such cases. We know
those aspersions to be false; but that avails us nothing. We are con-
demned unheard, and forced to an issue with an armed mercenary
mob, which has been sent against us at the instigation of anonymous
letter writers, ashamed to father the base, slanderous falsehoods, which
they have given to the public ; of corrupt officials, who have brought
false accusations against us to screen themselves in their own infamy ;
and of hireling priests and howling editors, who prostitute the truth '
for filthy lucre's sake.
The issue which has thus been forced upon us compels us to resort
to the great first law of self-preservation, and stand in our own defence,
a right guaranteed to us by the genius of the institutions of our country,
and upon which the government is based. Our duty to ourselves, to
our families, requires us not to tamely submit to be driven and slain, '
without an attempt to preserve ourselves ; our duty to our country,
our holy religion, our God, to freedom and liberty, requires that we
should not quietly stand still and see those fetters forging around us
which are calculated to enslave, and bring us in subjection to an unlaw-
ful military despotism, such as can only emanate, in a country of con-
stitutional law, from usurpation, tyranny, and oppression.
Therefore, I, Brigham Young, governor and superintendent of
Indian affairs for the Territory of Utah, in the name of the people of
the United States, in the Territory of Utah forbid:
First. All armed forces of every description from coining into this
Territory, under any pretence whatever.
Second. That all the forces in said Territory hold themselves in
UTAH EXPEDITION. 35
readiness to march at a moment's notice to repel any and all such
invasion.
Third. Martial law is hereby declared to exist in this Territory from
'ind after the publication of this proclamation, and no person shall be
allowed to pass or repass into or through or from this Territory with-
3ut a permit from the proper officer.
Given under my hand and seal, at Great Salt Lake City, Territory
rf Utah, this fifteenth day of September, A. D. eighteen hundred and
fifty-seven, and of the independence of the United States of America
•the eighty- second.
BRIGHAM YOUNG.
HEADQUARTERS lOm REGIMENT OF INFANTRY,
Camp Winfield, on Ham's Fork, October 2, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu-
aication of September 29, 1857, with two copies of Proclamation and
Dne of " Laws of Utah/' and have given it an attentive consideration.
I am at present the senior and commanding officer of the troops of
the United States at this point, and I will submit your letter to the
general commanding as soon as he arrives here.
In the meantime I have only to say that these troops are here by
the orders of the President of the United States, and their future
movements and operations will depend entirely upon orders issued by
Competent military authority.
I am, sir, very respectfully, &c.,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Col. IQth U. S. Infantry, commanding.
BRIGHAM YOUNG, Esq.,
Governor of Utah Territory.
HEADQUARTERS lOra INFANTRY, October 2, 1857.
Official.
HENRY E. MAYNADIER,
Adjutant IQth Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
South Pass, en route to Salt Lake City, October IS, 1857.
MAJOR : Accompanying this communication I send you two letters
from Colonel Alexander, the commander, at present, of the main body
of the army of Utah. In his letter of the 8th October, Colonel Al-
exander questions, by the hesitation with which he assumes them, his
right to exercise fully all the duties of commander. His authority to
exercise them without restriction is clearly granted by the sixty-second
asticle of war. Moreover, General Orders No. 12, headquarters of
the army, specially directs who shall command in the absence of
General Harney, or, to be inferred, any other named commander, and
sufficiently explains the objects of the expedition ; and no question
36 UTAH EXPEDITION
for the decision of the commander, beyond his ordinary military du-
ties, could arise before the arrival of Governor Gumming.
Misapprehending the authority with which he is invested by law,
and the orders of the general-in- chief, that portion of his letter
respecting command would be, if he was correct in his view of his
own position, a merited reflection upon his superiors, and it is there-
fore that I have adverted to it. Pursuing his design indicated in his
letter of October 8, he, you will learn from his letter of October 14,
(herewith,) has advanced up Ham's fork of Green river thirty-five
miles above the crossing, (see map herewith,) and there directs the
movements to be made by his own immediate command and the troops,
in his rear, to form a junction, which from erroneous suppositions!
would be wholly impracticable. First, he evidently believes that
Colonel Smith, escorting the remainder of the supply trains, (in all
about nine, including three sutler's trains,) is advancing on the
Kenney road, or cut-off, with the force named in General Harney's
order of August 18, and of course he had not received the counter-
mand of that order. He assumes that the command in rear is capable
of a more rapid movement than his own, and, therefore, after waiting
one day at the point indicated, will resume his march ; in this also he
would have been disappointed, as the trains in rear, suffering from
fatigue and scarcity of sustenance, and without rest, which the teams
with him have had, could not, if where he supposed them, overtake
them.
These are the facts, and if known by Colonel Alexander his dispo-
sition, as determined in his letter of October 8, would have been
wholly different. Colonel Smith is here at this camp with fifty men
of his regiment. I overtook him the day before yesterday (16th inst.)
about twenty miles east of this, and have added my escort, fifteen dis-
mounted dragoons, to his force. Lieutenant Smith, in command of a
squadron of dragoons and fifty of the tenth infantry, a force of about
two hundred men, maybe expected here in three or four days. He is
aware of the necessity of promptness, and, I am sure, will lose no
time. Mr. Wm. Magraw, superintendent South Pass wagon road,
with a patriotism highly creditable to him, places at the disposition
of the government as many of his employees as will volunteer. He
thinks fifty or sixty will organize, and I have agreed to accept their
service, and have them mustered in for three or six months, as they
may solicit ; and he has also tendered fifteen good teams of mules and
wagons, which I have also accepted, and directed them to be receipted
for when delivered. Four supply trains, containing clothing, (of
which the troops now in the advance, I am informed, begin to need,)
ordnance, medical and subsistence stores, are still in the rear, and may
be expected in two or three days. The storm of last night may have
destroyed some of their oxen, and on that account there may be more
delay than I estimate. Eleven mules of Colonel Smith's train perished
from cold last night. The thermometer this morning at sunrise was
at V6- T^16 sky ig now clear, and the thermometer at one o'clock
stands at 34°, and the small quantity of snow that fell during the
night is melting, so that the animals can graze freely. I am thus
minute, that the reason for the order transmitted to Colonel Alexan-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 37
cler yesterday morning (herewith) may be fully comprehended. His
intended movements, if met with opposition, would have so retarded
his march as to have made it impracticable, and would so have proba-
bly entangled him in the midst of the deep snow of the valley of Bear
river, which I understand never fails to fall there, and usually early
in the season, as to place him beyond the means of extrication. Our
most potent enemy at present is the snow, and constitutes at present
our chief embarassment.
The movement of Colonel Alexander (for the reasons I have men-
tioned and of which he could not be apprised,) would have separated
him from supplies indispensable to the comfort and safety of the army,
and deprived him of the assistance of the force which will be concen-
trated here in a few days, which, however small, being partly of cavalry,
is of vital importance.
In ordering Colonel Alexander to the mouth of Fontenelle creek, a
position about thirty miles from his camp on Ham's fork, I did
so with the design of making a junction practicable. It is about
seventy miles hence, and he can reach it by a good road and without
any danger of surprise. There is there abundance of grass, and it is
a point from which I can reach the region I intended to occupy this
winter without risking the loss of our animals. As soon as the snow
falls sufficiently on Green river to prevent the burning of the grass,
I will march to Henry's fork and occupy that valley during the winter.
It is a commanding position, and accessible two months earlier for
reinforcements and supplies by Cheyene Pass than any other, and will
enable me to march by Fort Bridger and on the most direct route to
Salt Lake City, as soon as practicable in the spring. At this position,
also, Colonel Cooke can join, which I still entertain the hope he will
be able to do.
I greatly regret that the impossibility of concentrating the troops
destined for this service and their supplies will prevent a forward
movement before spring. It is now manifest that before the force can
be united the autumn will be too far advanced to move with a proba-
bility of success, though not opposed by the Mormons.
You are already apprised by the proclamation of Brigham Young
and his letter to Colonel Alexander, which I transmitted on the 15th
instant, of the political attitude assumed by the Mormons, and the re-
sistance they meditate to the just authority the government desires to
exercise in that territory, and the general-in-chief no doubt has al-
ready considered the necessity of a conquest of those traitorous people,
and has estimated the force necessary to accomplish the object, with a full
view of the whole subject before him his great experience would not
be benefitted by any suggestions of mine. I will, however, mention,
that unless a large force is sent here, from the nature of the country,
that a protracted war on their part is inevitable. The great distance
from our source of supply makes it impracticable to operate with a
small force. It, in fact, requires the employment of such force to guard
numerous trains of the supplies, leaving but a small portion, if any,
for offensive operations. A movement of troops from California,
Oregon, and by this route would terminate a war with the Mormons
38 UTAH EXPEDITION.
speedily and more economically than if attempted by insufficient
means.
In five or six days I think we will have all the force available here
for a forward movement. By that time the trains will all be up ; they
should be here sooner. In twelve days from this time I expect to join
Colonel Alexander at or near Fontenelle creek.
The general may be assured that no retrograde movement will be
made by this force.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding the Army of Utah.
Major IRVIN MCDOWELL,,
Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the Army, New York City.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp on Ham's Fork, October 14, 1857.
SIR : The bearer of this, Eli Dufour, is a trustworthy person whom
I send to obtain information of the position of any trains or bodies of
troops coming this way. If my expresses have been received all troops
and trains should be on Kenney's road, and I will be on that with the
troops under my command by the 17th, or perhaps the 16th, where
that road crosses Ham's fork or near it. I will wait one day and by
that time the forces can be joined ; should this be seen by Colonel
Johnston or Governor dimming, I desire to impress upon them the
necessity of a rapid march to join us. Eli will tell all that has oc-
curred and his statements may be relied on. I wish him sent back to
me as soon as possible with the fullest information concerning the
troops. This column is so encumbered with ox wagons that its march
is very slow, and it will be easy to overtake it.
The Mormons are preparing as I learn to attack us, and it will
require all the troops that can be got up to defend the supplies, and
overcome resistance. I can hold a position, however, against any force,
but the trains will prevent my going on in the face of an attack.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel Commanding.
To any officer of the United States army,
en route to Utah, or GOVERNOR GUMMING.
NOTE. — I am extremely anxious to hear from Colonel Johnston or
the governor, and hope they will join or send me their views. No
expresses have reached us.
E. B. A.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp Winjield, on Ham's Fork, October 8, 1857.
GENTLEMEN: I feel it my duty to address you the following remarks
upon the condition of the troops of the United States, which are now
UTAH EXPEDITION. 39
here, and to, inform you of the disposition to be made of them. The
5th and 10th regiments of infantry, and the hatteries under Captains
Phelps and Reno, have been encamped here for the last eight or ten
days. Seven ox trains have arrived here and are now guarded by the
troops, thus furnishing a supply of provisions for about six months.
The Mormons are committing acts of hostility and depredation, and
have already burnt three trains containing supplies.
The season is late and the time in which military operations can be
effected is very limited ; the total supply of forage will last only
fourteen days, and it is evident that before the expiration of that time
the troops must either be at their wintering place, or from loss of
animals they will be unable to transport supplies to it. No informa-
tion of the position or intentions of the commanding officer has reached
me, and I am in utter ignorance of the objects of the government in
sending troops here, or the instructions given for their conduct after
reaching here. I have had to decide upon the following points :
1st, The necessity of a speedy move to winter quarters. 2d. The se-
lection of a point for wintering, and 3d. The best method of conduct-
ing the troops and supplies to the point selected. In regard to the
first, the question was, "Should I, in virtue of my seniority, and the cir-
cumstances of the case, move the troops on, or await the arrival of the
commander?" I received, about this time, reliable information that
Colonel Johnson was placed in command, and that he had not left
Fort Leavenworth on the 10th of September. I decided to move, as
it would jeopardize everything to wait Colonel Johnson's arrival,
which could not take place before the 20th of October. The selecting
of a wintering place was next to be considered, and of those suggested,
the following were deliberated upon : 1st. The east side of Wind river
mountains, going back to the South Pass. 2d. Henry's fork of Green
river and Brown's hole. 3d. The vicinity of Fort Hall on Beaver
Head mountain. The distances from the present position would be,
respectively, about 110, 90, and 140 miles.
Independent of its being a retrograde movement, the scarcity of
grass, and the uncertainty of finding a wintering place of suitable
character in the Wind river mountains, were sufficient objections to
the first. The second position was accessible and convenient, but the
strong probability that the Mormons would burn the grass, and the
well established fact that it would be very late in the spring before
the troops could leave their winter quarters and become effective,
decided me against this project. The third I have adopted, and I
will move as soon as practicable by the following route : Up Ham's
fork, on which we are now encamped, about eighteen miles, to the
road called Sublette's cut-off, then by that road to Bear river and Soda
spring, thence by the emigrant road to the north and east, where I
am assured good wintering vallies can be easily found. There are
also, in that vicinity, and at Fort Hall, many herds of good cattle
which can be depended upon for subsistence. It is believed, on some
authority, that the Mormons will make a stand at a fortified place
near Soda spring, and if so, an engagement will take place. This, if
successful for us, which I do not doubt, may lead the head of the Mor-
mon church to treat, and by following up a success totally, we may
40 UTAH EXPEDITION.
be enabled to obtain quarters and provisions in Salt Lake valley.
But, in any event, we have good wintering open to us outside of the
Territory of Utah, and abundant supplies of cattle, and in the spring
we will be ready to march down by the broad valley of Bear river to
the great Salt Lake City.
To reach this point commands should take Kenney's cut off from
Green river to Soda spring, a road which runs nearly parallel to Sub-
lette's cut off, and which is said to be better for grass and water. After
searching the South Pass, where all trains have been directed to stop
until they can be overtaken by troops for escort, the road lies nearly
due west, and if any doubts are entertained, persons can be found on
Green river who will point it out. The road from Green river to the
Bear river valley will be passable for three weeks yet, and as soon as
your arrival at Bear river is known, information will be furnished for
your guidance.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel 10th Infantry, Commanding.
To the OFFICERS of the United States army
Commanding forces en route to Utah.
Received, headquarters army of Utah, 8 p. m., IGth October.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp 12 miles east of the South Pass,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 16, 1857.
SIR : Colonel Johnston wishes to concentrate the command, with the
view of wintering in an eligible spot already selected. To effect this,
and not cause suspicion of the intention, he wishes you to proceed by
slow marches, moving your camp short distances, and gradually
working your way by Subletted road to, or near the mouth of Fon-
tenelle creek, so that he can join you, about eleven days hence, with
this command and all the trains now in your rear. The route has
been indicated to the bearer, Dufour.
Although I enclose the order of Colonel Johnston assuming com-
mand, he wishes you to give all necessary orders, and to treat as
enemies all who oppose your march, molest your teams, appear in
arms on your route, or any in manner annoy you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel E. B. ALEXANDER,
Commanding the advance of the army of Utah.
Sent by express 7 a. m. on the 17th.
HEADQUARTERS BATTALION IOTH INFANTRY,
Camp on Sweelwater river, 257§ miles from
Fort Laramie, Utah Territory, October 13, 1857.
SIR : On my march this morning, I met an express from Captain
Marcy, 5th infantry, dated Green river crossing on the 9th instant, a
copy of which I enclose for the commander of the army for Utah.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 41
There were two men accompanying Mr. Deshand, the express, one
of whom, Mr. Laramie, of Fort Laramie, told me he had been en-
trusted by Colonel Alexander, 10th infantry, with letters for me, with
orders to destroy them in case he was overhauled by the Mormons ;
which letters he had destroyed on meeting with a party of the same,
to prevent their falling into hostile hands. This doubtless accounts
for not having particulars of the outrages alluded to by Captain
Marcy. The express man who delivered to me Captain Marcy'snote con-
cealed it in his moccasin, and they only suffered him to pass unsearched
from his having been long a resident of the country, (he is a half-
breed Frenchman,) and on his assurance that he was looking for his
cattle and had no letters.
The information which will meet you on the road by the returning
members of Mr. McGraw's surveying party is unquestionably correct.
Without calling in question the veracity of Mr. Ficklin, one of the
engineers of the party who carried to Mr. McGraw's camp the news
of his being stopped by an armed party of fifty or sixty Mormons, and
of the destruction of three of our supply trains, I must confess that
heretofore I put no faith in the story, thinking it originated in some
mistake, or that he had been qiuzzed by teamsters.
Mr. Deshand, whom I shall employ as a guide in my advance,
could not inform me of the number of Mormons now in the field
operating against us, but he says there may be several hundred, all
mounted, though he has not known of more than eighty being in a
body. They (the Mormons) say no more supplies shall go forward ;
that they will no: shed blood ; but if a Mormon is killed by us they
will utterly exterminate the gentile army. As the threats of their
leaders to Captain Van Vliet, coupled with the burning of our supply
trains — in itself an act of war — is evidence of their treason, I shall
regard them as enemies, and fire upon the scoundrels if they give me
the least opportunity.
There are four supply trains for the army behind me. I shall move
about thirty miles in front, which would bring me to sixty miles from
Green river, and there remain until those trains are up and then serve
as their escort, taking the route by the Big Sandy as recommended
by Colonel Alexander.
The grass is better after you strike the Sweet water than between
that and Fort Laramie. There are not exceeding 20 sacks of corn at
the bridge on the Platte, and about the same quantity at the bridge
on the Sweetwater. We have had snow twice, with quite cold
weather.
Deducting the escort of 50 men, left at Fort Laramie for the gover-
nor of Utah, I have but the remnants of companies A and B, 10th
infantry, say 50 men. One of the sutler's trains (Perry's) near me
can get up 30 rifles. These, with some armed teamsters in the supply
trains, will give a respectable force for the guerilla war promised us.
A cavalry force is the great want ahead.
In haste, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
C. F. SMITH,
Lieutenant Colonel IQth Infantry and Brevet Colonel Commanding.
The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Headquarters Army of Utah, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
42 UTAH EXPEDITION.
[Copy for commander of the army for Utah.]
Captain R.B. Marcyto Colonel C. F. Smith.
GREEN RIVER CROSSING,
October 9, 185T.
I have just arrived here from the camp of the army on Ham's fork of
Green river; it is a fork of Black river. Before my departure Colonel
Alexander desired me to procure an express at this point and send it
to you, with the information that the army would leave its present
position on the 10th or llth instant to go in the direction of Soda
springs, on Bear river. Colonel Alexander will strike up Ham's fork
until he intersects the road to Fort Hall, ("Subletted cut-off.") But
he advises you to come on down the Big Sandy, until you reach
" Kenney's cut-off," upon which you will find a plenty of water,
while upon the other road it is scarce.
I send this by a man who knows the country well, and he has
promised to escort you across to us. I have directed him to stop all the
trains he meets until you reach them, when the colonel wishes you to
take them into your train.
I have learned of four trains of supplies being destroyed, but I am
fearful there are more.
Very sincerely, yours,
R. B. MARCY,
Colonel C. F. SMITH. Captain 5th Infantry.
Official : C. F. SMITH,
Lieut. Col. IQth Infantry, and Brevet Colonel,
Com'g Battalion 10th Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Laramie, en route to Salt Lake City, October 5, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to express the hope that,
on arriving at this post, you will be able to continue your march to
join the troops in advance ; but, to effect this, you must not rely upon
finding corn beyond this point. Two trains loaded with corn will
precede you to this depot. From this supply you will take all you
can carry and push on through the South Pass, permitting nothing
but the rapid approach of winter and an impracticable march delay-
ing you. The weather continues fair, and indications of a long au-
tumn gives assurances that your energy will overcome the obstacles in
your path ; but if forced to halt, atid all probability of joining him is
precluded, the colonel commanding relies upon your judgment to
establish the command in the vicinity of this post so as best to secure
its comfort and safety.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. P. ST. GEO. COOKE,
Commanding 2d Dragoons, en route to Salt Lake City.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 43
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Laramie, en route to Salt Lake City, October 6. 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that the guide (Jeemise) au-
thorized to accompany you be taken as far only as Platte's bridge,
and from thence sent to this post to await the arrival of Colonel Cooke
and report to him.
At Platte bridge you will employ another guide to accompany you
to the end of your march.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
First Lieut. W. D. SMITH,
Commanding Battalion 2d Dragoons, and ~[Qth Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Fort Laramie, en route to Salt Lake City, October 6, 1857.
SIR : On your arrival at this post you will find a guide, (Jeemise,)
who is represented as an excellent man, to point out good camping
grounds and points where grass can be found. Should snow overtake
you beyond this post, he is recommended to you for that purpose, and
the colonel commanding authorizes you to employ him as a guide.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. P. ST. GEORGE COOKE,
Commanding 2d Dragoons.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, PLATTE BRIDGE, N. T.,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 10, 185*7.
SIR : The colonel wishes to hear of your progress, as his move-
ments, in some measure, will be regulated by yours, and he therefore
desires you to send forward by express such information as may be of
advantage to him. The trains (supply) are moving forward very
well ; the grass is not so bad as represented, and is starting again
since the rains.
The bearer of this is your guide.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. P. ST. GEORGE COOKE,
Commanding 2d Dragoons.
44 UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp at the three crossings of the Sweetwater,
October 13, 1857.
SIR : I am directed by the colonel commanding to notify you that
your command will be needed for the protection of the supply trains
now gathering at the head of the Sweet water, and that he wishes
you to hasten your movements and join Brevet Colonel C. F. Smith,
10th infantry, as early as practicable.
After passing Willow springs you will find the grazing very good,
particularly this side of " Devil's Gate" on the Sweetwater, close to the
mountains.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
First Lieut. W. D. SMITH, 2d Dragoons,
Commanding battalion 2d Dragoons and IQth Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp twelve miles east of South Pass,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 16, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding, desirous of obtaining additional
means of transportation for the supplies of this army, requests from
you for the ensuing three months, or till such time as you will require
them for the continuation of your labor, the services of the fifteen
wagons and six mule teams which you offered to place at his disposal
if required.
This means of transportation the colonel wishes delivered to him
in the vicinity of the Pacific springs, as soon as practicable.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
WM. M. F. MAGRAW,
Superintendent South Pass wagon road.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp 12 miles east of the South Pass,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 16, 1857.
SIR : I am directed by the colonel commanding to inform you that
if any of your employes are willing to enter the military service for
three months he will receive them and have them mustered in for
that period as soon as organized, giving them the right to elect their
own officers and non-commissioned officers, in the proportion of one
captain, two lieutenants, two musicians, four sergeants, and four cor-
porals to a company of forty-two privates.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
WM. M. F. MAGRAW,
Superintendent South Pass wagon road.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 45
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
South Pass, en route to Salt Lake City, October 21, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the following
communications from your office since September 1, 1857", viz:
General Orders, Nos. 9 and 12.
Circular, dated August 26, 1857.
Letter, dated September 1, 1857, enclosing copy of instructions for
the government of the commander of the Utah expedition.
Letter, dated September 2, 1857, reporting that books and blanks
have been forwarded to General Harney, &c.
Copies of Army Regulations for 1857, Cross ; Military Laws, Ord-
nance Manual, Ordnance Regulations, Macomb's Practice of Courts
Martial, Cavalry Tactics, Scott's Infantry Tactics, Hardee's Light In-
fantry and Rifle Tactics, Foot and Heavy Artillery Tactics, and forty-
six blank Department Returns.
No other books or blanks from your office have been received or
turned over to me.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, commanding Army of Utah.
To the ADJUTANT GENERAL UNITED STATES ARMY,
Washington city, D. C.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Big Timbers, on Big Sandy,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 30, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding, with a view of securing army sup-
plies, to-day reported as in store at Baptiste's trading station, directs
that, secretly, at two o'clock to-night, you move from this camp, by
the direct route, to that station and take possession of all government
stores you find, until delivered to the proper officers with this com-
mand. The ford at Green river is easy to cross, being not more than
knee deep.
He also directs that you keep your command and the occupants of
the houses concealed, permitting no egress and securing all persons
approaching the station.
' Should any armed mounted men approach your party you will
knock them out of their saddles and capture, if practicable, and treat
as enemies all persons who molest you or appear in arms on your
route.
A non-commissioned officer and four privates will accompany your
command to enable you to communicate, if necessary, with these
headquarters.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Capt. B. E. BEE,
Wth Infantry, Big Timbers, Big Sandy.
46 UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Black's Fork, 3 miles below mouth of Ham's Fork,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 5, 1857.
MAJOR : I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here on the
3d instant. This place I designated in a communication to Colonel
Alexander subsequent to my letter to you from the South Pass of the
18th of October, at which the force (consisting of one squadron of
dragoons,, two companies of the 10th infantry, and one company of
volunteers, in all about 300 men,) under the command of Colonel
C. F. Smith, charged with the duty of protecting the trains of supplies
for the army, could, with the most facility, join the main body.
Colonel Smith, with his command, and the numerous trains guarded
by it, reached here on the 30th instant. The march was slow and
tedious, and effected in eight days, averaging eleven miles per day ;
although the road was excellent and the weather fine, it was not possi-
ble to make any more rapid progress on account of the broken down
condition of the draught animals. Trains, including sutlers and
merchants destined for Salt Lake, (which I would not allow to go on,)
in as close order as they could be made to travel, occupied a space of
five or six miles. No molestation whatever was attempted by the
Mormons, which may be attributed to the presence of the cavalry, and
the judicious dispositions and vigilance of Colonel Smith. Yesterday
and to-day have been occupied in making arrangements necessary for
a forward movement, which my orders (herewith) will explain. To-
morrow I will march upon Fort Bridger and dislodge any force I may
find there, and await the arrival of Colonel Cooke, when, as the
approach of winter is too near to attempt the passage of the Wahsach
range of mountains with a probability of success, I will seize upon the
district mentioned in my letter from South Pass, and occupy it until
an advance is practicable.
The communication of Brigham Young to Colonel Alexander, and
Elder Taylor to Captain Marcy, and the orders of D. Wells, the
commander of the Mormons, (herewith,) and the acts of the legislative
assembly at the last session, show a matured and settled design on the
part of the sect of Mormons to hold and occupy this Territory inde-
pendent of, and irrespective of the authority of the United States.
They have, with premeditation, placed themselves in rebellion against
the Union, and entertain the insane design of establishing a form of
government thoroughly despotic, and utterly repugnant to our ins-titu-
tutions. Occupying, as they do, an attitude of rebellion and open
defiance to the government, connected with numerous overt acts of
treason, (see orders and commission herewith, issued by the leaders,)
I have ordered that wherever they are met in arms, that they be
treated as enemies. In my letter from the South Pass I submitted to
the consideration of the general-in-chief the necessity, on the part of
the government, of prompt and vigorous action. That the time for
any further argument is past, and, in my opinion, the people of the
United States must now act, or submit to an usurpation of their
Territory, and the engrafting upon our institutions a social organiza-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 47
tion and political principles totally incompatible with, our own. Lest
that letter may not have been received, I send herewith a copy.
The state of things now existing has not been brought about by the
movement of troops in this direction, for these people understand the
relation of the military to the civil power of the government as well
as any other portion of the inhabitants of the Union, and that the
arms of our soldiers are designed for the preservation of the peaceful
condition of society, and not for its disturbance. Their conduct, as I
have before stated as my opinion, results from a settled determination
on their part not to submit to the authority of the United States, or
any other outside of their church. Enclosed is a statement by the
chief commissary of the amount of subsistence destroyed under the-
orders of Brigham Young. The loss, although great, is less than I
apprehended. A supply, early in the spring, must be forwarded. It
should reach here by the first of June. The supplies of the con-
tractors, sutlers, &c., for their employes, have been exhausted ; so
long a detention with the army was not anticipated by them. It has
thus become necessary to give them bread, as there is no other source
from which they can obtain it.
Should a long interval intervene without hearing from me, you
need only attribute it to the difficulty of sending expresses across the
mountains in the winter months. The officers and men are in fine
health, and animated with an ardent desire to discharge their duty
faithfully.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding the Army of Utah.
Major IRVIN McDowELL,
Assistant Adjutant General, Headquarters of the Army.
P. S. — We have made one day's march since the date of this, and
are now (November 27) waiting the arrival of trains delayed yesterday
by a storm. Our trains occupy, in as close order as they can travel,
the road for thirteen or fourteen miles ; therefore, the rear cannot
move until late in the day.
A. S. J.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
October 7, 1857.
SIR : Presuming that during a dearth of news from the east and
your home, news from the west might enliven the monotonous routine
of camp life, I have the honor to forward to you two copies each of
the latest numbers of the Deseret News.
Very respectfully,
BRIGHAM YOUNG.
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel Commanding 10th Infantry, U. S. Army.
48 UTAH EXPEDITION.
IN CAMP, NEAR BEAR RIVER,
October 8, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to forward you the accompanying letters
and papers for yourself, Col. Waite and Captain Phelps, sent to my
care, by his Excellency Governor Young.
I remain, sir, very respectfully,
DANIEL H. WELLS,
Lieutenant General, Nauvoo Legion,
Colonel 'E. B. ALEXANDER.
HEADqUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Winfield, October 10, 1857.
SIR : Colonel Alexander, commanding the United States troops,
directs me to acknowledge the receipt by your messengers of packages
of papers for himself, Colonel Waite and Captain Phelps.
He appreciates highly the kind attention and politeness shown to
him and the officers of the army, and begs that you will accept his
thanks.
I am, sir, with high respect, your obedient servant,
HENRY E. MAYNADIER.
His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor of Utah.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.,
October 14, 1857.
COLONEL: In consideration of our relative positions — you acting in
your capacity as commander of the United States forces, and in obe-
dience, as you have stated, to orders from the President of the United
States, and I as governor of this Territory, impelled by every sense
of justice, honor, integrity and patriotism to resist what I consider
to be a direct infringement of the rights of the citizens of Utah, and
an act of usurpation and tyranny unprecedented in the history of the
United States — permit me to address you frankly as a citizen of the
United States, untrammelled by the usages of official dignity or mili-
tary etiquette.
As citizens of the United States, we both, it is presumable, feel
strongly attached to the Constitution and institutions of our common
country ; and, as gentlemen, should probably agree in sustaining the
dear bought liberties bequeathed by our fathers — the position in which
we are individually placed being the only apparent cause of our
present antagonism ; you, as colonel commanding, feeling that you
have a rigid duty to perform in obedience to orders, and I, a still
more important duty to the people of this Territory.
I need not here reiterate what I have already mentioned in my
official proclamation, and what I and the people of this Territory
universally believe firmly to be the object of the administration in the
present expedition against Utah, viz: the destruction, if not the entire
UTAH EXPEDITION. 49
annihilation of the Mormon community, solely upon religious grounds,
and without any pretext whatever ; for the administration do know,
from the most reliable sources, that the base reports circulated by
Drummond, and others of their mean officials, are barefaced calum-
nies. They do, moreover, know that the people of Utah have been
more peacaeble and law abiding than those of any other Territory of
the United States, and have never resisted even the wish of the Presi-
dent of the United States, nor treated with indignity a single indi-
vidual coming to the Territory under his authority, although the
conduct and deportment of many of them have merited, and in any
other State or Territory would have met with summary punishment.
But when the President of the United States so far degrades his high
position, and prostitutes the highest gift of the people as to make use
of the military power (only intended for the protection of the people's
rights) to crush the people's liberties, and compel them to receive
officials so lost to self respect as to accept appointments against the
known and expressed wish of the people, and so craven and degraded
as to need an army to protect them in their position, we feel that we
should be recreant to every principle of self respect, honor, integrity,
and patriotism, to bow tamely to such high handed tyranny, a parallel
for which is only found in the attempts of the British government, in
its most corrupt stages, against the rights, liberties and lives of our
forefathers. Now, colonel, I do not charge you, nor those serving
under you, with the instigation of these enormities. I consider that
you are only the agent made use of by the administration, probably,
unwillingly so, to farther their infamous designs. What high minded
gentleman can feel comfortable in being the mere cat's paw of political
jugglers and hucksters, penny-a-liners, hungry speculators, and dis-
graced officials. Yet it is from the statements of such characters only
that the administration has acted, attaching the official seal to your
movements. Now, I feel that, when such treason is perpetrated, un-
blushingly, in open daylight against the liberties and most sacred
rights of the citizens of this Territory, it is my duty, and the duty of
every lover of his country and her sacred institutions, to resist it, and
maintain inviolate the Constitution of our common country.
Perhaps, colonel, you may feel otherwise ; education and associa-
tions have their influences ; bat I have yet to learn that United States
officers are implicitly bound to obey the dictum of a despotic Presi-
dent, in violating the most sacred constitutional rights of American
citizens.
We have sought diligently for peace. We have sacrificed millions
of dollars worth of property to obtain it, and wandered a thousand
miles from the confines of civilization, severing ourselves from home,
the society of friends, and everything that makes life worth enjoy-
ment. If WQ have war. it is not of our seeking ; we have never gone
nor sought to interfere with the rights of others, but they have come
and sent to interfere with us. We had hoped that,, in this barren
and desolate country, we could have remained unmolested ; but it
would seem that our implacable, blood-thirsty foes envy us even these
barren deserts. Now, if our real enemies, the mobocrats, priests,
editors and politicians, at whose instigation the present storm has
H. Ex. Doc. 71 4
50 UTAH EXPEDITION.
been gathered, had come against us, instead of you and your com-
mand, I should never have addressed them thus. They never would
have heen allowed to reach the South Pass. In you we recognize
only the agents and instruments of the administration, and with you,
personally, have no quarrel. I believe it would have been more con-
sonant with your feelings to have made war upon the enemies of your
country than upon American citizens. But, to us, the end to be ac-
complished is the same, and while I appreciate the unpleasantness of
your position, you must be aware that circumstances compel the
people of Utah to look upon you, in your present belligerent attitude,
as their enemies and the enemies of our common country, and not-
withstanding my most sincere desires to promote amicable relations
with you, I shall feel it my duty, as do the people of the Territory,
universally, to resist to the utmost every attempt to encroach further
upon their rights.
It, therefore, becomes a matter for your serious consideration,
whether it would not be more in accordance with the spirit and insti-
tutions of our country to return with your present force, rather than
force an issue so unpleasant to all, and which must result in much
misery and, perhaps, bloodshed, and, if persisted in, the total destruc-
tion of your army. And, furthermore, does it not become a question
whether it is more patriotic for officers of the United States army to
ward off, by all honorable means, a collision with American citizens,
or to further the precipitate move of an indiscreet-and rash adminis-
tration, in plunging a whole Territory into a horrible, fratricidal and
sanguinary war.
Trusting that the foregoing considerations may be duly weighed by
you, and that the difficulties now impending may be brought to an
amicable adjustment, with sentiments of esteem, I have the honor to
remain, most respectfully, &c.,
BKIGHAM YOUNG.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE,
Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, October 16, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 12th instant, at 8^ this morning, and embrace the earliest op-
portunity to reply, out of courtesy to your position, at this late season
of the year.
As you officially allege it, I acknowledge that you and the forces
have been sent to the Territory by the President of the United States,
but we shall treat you as though you were open enemies, because I
have so many times seen armies in our country, under color of law,
drive this people, commonly styled " Mormons, "Ffrom their homes,
while mobs have followed and plundered at their pleasure, which is
now most obviously the design of the general government, as all candid
thinking men know full well. Were not such the fact, why did not the
government send an army here to protect us against the savages
when we first settled here, and were poor and few in number ? So
UTAH EXPEDITION. 51
contrary to this was their course, that they sent an informal requisi-
tion for five hundred of our most efficient men, (while we were in an
Indian country and striving to leave the borders of the United
States, from which its civilization (?) had expelled us,) with a pre-
concerted view to cripple and destroy us. And do you fancy for a
moment that we do not fully understand the tender (?) mercies and
designs of our government against us? Again, if an army was
ordered here for peaceful purposes, to protect and preserve the rights
and lives of the innocent, why did government send here troops that
were withdrawn from Minnesota, where the Indians were slaughter-
ing men, women, and children, and were banding in large numbers,
threatening to lay waste the country?
You mention that it is alone in my gubernatorial capacity that you
have any business with me, though your commanding officer, Brevet
Brigadier General Harney, addressed his letter by Captain Van Vliet
to Ci President Brigham Young, of the society of Mormons/'
You acknowledge the receipt of my official proclamation, forbidding
your entrance into the Territory of Utah, and upon that point I have
only to again inform you that the matter set forth in that document is
true, and the orders therein contained will be most strictly carried out.
If you came here for peaceful purposes, you have no use for weapons
of war. We wish, and ever have wished for peace, and have ever
sued for it all the day long, as our bitterest enemies know full well ;
and though the wicked, with the administration now at their head,
have determined that we shall have no peace except it be to lie down
in death, in the name of Israel's God we will have peace, even though
we be compelled by our enemies to fight for it.
We have, as yet, studiously avoided the shedding of blood, though
we have resorted to measures to resist our enemies, and through the
operations of those mild measures you can easily perceive that you
and your troops are now at the mercy of the elements, and that we live
in the mountains, and our men are all mountaineers. This the govern-
ment should know, and also give us our rights and then let us alone.
As to the style of those measures, past, present, or future, persons
acting in self-defence have of right a wide scope for choice, and that,
too, without being very careful as to what name their enemies may
see fit to term that choice ; for both we and the Kingdom of God will
be free from all hellish oppressors, the Lord being our helper.
Threatenings to waste and exterminate this people have been sounded
in our ears for more than a score of years, and we yet live. TheZion
of the Lord is here, and wicked men and devils cannot destroy it.
If you persist in your attempt to permanently locate an army in
this Territory, contrary to the wishes and constitutional rights of the
people therein, and with a view to aid the administration in their un-
hallowed efforts to palm their corrupt officials upon us, and to protect
them and blacklegs, black hearted scoundrels, whore-masters, and
murderers, as was the sole intention in sending you and your troops
here, you will have to meet a mode of warfare against which your
tactics furnish you no information.
As to your inference concerning " public and private letters," it
contains an ungentlemanly and false insinuation ; for, so far as I have
52 UTAH EXPEDITION.
any knowledge, the only stopping or detaining of the character you
mention has alone been done by the Post Office Department in Wash-
ington; they having, as you must have known, stopped our mail from
Independence, Missouri, by which it was but fair to presume that you,
as well as we, were measurably curtailed in mail facilities.
In regard to myself and certain others, having placed ourselves " in
a position of rebellion and hostility to the general government of
the United States," I am perfectly aware that we understand our *
true and most loyal position far better than our enemies can inform us.
We, of all people, are endeavoring to preserve and perpetuate the
genius of the Constitution and constitutional laws, while the admin-
istration and the troops they have ordered to Utah are, in fact, them-
selves the rebels, and in hostility to the general government. And if
George Washington was now living, and at the helm of our govern-
ment, he would hang the administration as high as he did Andre, and
that, too, with a far better grace and to a much greater subserving
the best interests of our country.
You write, "It becomes you to look to the consequences, for you
must be aware that so unequal a contest can never be successfully
sustained by the people you govern/' We have counted the cost it
may be to us ; we look for the United States to endeavor to swallow us
up, and we are prepared for the contest, if they wish to forego the Con-
stitution in their insane efforts to crush out all human rights. But
the cost of so suicidal a course to our enemies we have not wasted our
time considering, rightly deeming it more particularly their business
to figure out and arrive at the amount of so immense a sum. It is
now the kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. If God is for
us we will prosper, but if He is for you and against us you will pros-
per, and we will say amen ; let the Lord be God, and Him alone we
will serve.
As to your obeying "orders," my official counsel to you would be
for you to stop and reflect until you know wherein are the just and
right, and then, David Crocket like, go ahead. But if you undertake
to come in here and build forts, rest assured that you will be opposed,
and that you will need all the force now under your command, and
much more. And, in regard to your warning, I have to inform you
that my head has been sought during many years past, not for any
crime on my part, or for so much as even the wish to commit a crime,
but solely for my religious belief, and that, too, in a land of professed
constitutional religious liberty.
Inasmuch as you consider your force amply sufficient to enable you
to jcome to this city, why have you so unwisely dallied so long on
Ham's fork at this late season of the year ?
Carrying out the views of the government, as those views are now
developing themselves, can but result in the utter overthrow of
that Union which we, in common with all American patriots, have
striven to sustain ; and as to our failure in our present efforts to up-
hold rights justly guaranteed to all citizens of the United States, that
can be better told hereafter.
I presume that the " spirit" and tenor of my reply to your letter
will be unsatisfactory to you, for doubtless you are not aware of the
UTAH EXPEDITION. 53
nature and object of the service in which you are now engaged. For
your better information, permit me to inform you that we have a
number of times been compelled to receive and submit to the most
fiendish proposals, made to us by armies virtually belonging to the
United States, our only alternative being to comply therewith. At
the last treaty forced upon us by our enemies, in which we were re-
quired to leave the United States, and with which we, as hitherto, com-
plied, two United States senators were present, and pledged them-
selves, so far as their influence might reach, that we should be no
more pursued by her citizens. That pledge has been broken by our
enemies, as they have ever done when this people were a party, and
we have thus always proven that it is vain for us to seek or expect
protection from the officials of the administrators of our government.
It .is obvious that war upon the saints is all the time determined, and
now we for the first time possess the power to have a voice in the
treatment that we will receive, and we intend to use that power, so far
as the Constitution and justice may warrant, which is all we ask for.
True, in struggling to sustain the Constitution and constitutional
rights belonging to every citizen of our republic, we have no arm nor
power to trust in but that of Jehovah and the strength and ability
that He gives us.
By virtue of my office as governor of the Territory of Utah, I com-
mand you to marshal your troops and leave this Territory, for it can
be of no possible benefit to you to wickedly waste treasures and blood
in prosecuting your course upon the side of a rebellion against the
general government by its administrators. You have had and still
have plenty of time to retire within reach of supplies at the east, or to
go to Fort Hall. Should you conclude to comply with so just a com-
mand and need any assistance to go east, such assistance will be
promptly and cheerfully extended. We do not wish to destroy the
life of any human being, but, on the contrary, we ardently desire to
preserve the lives and liberty of all, so far as it may be in our power.
Neither do we wish for the property of the United States, notwith-
standing they justly owe us millions.
Colonel, should you, or any of the officers with you, wish to
visit this city, unaccompanied by troops, as did Captain Van Vliet,
with a view to personally learn the condition and feelings of this
people, you are at liberty to do so, under my cheerfully proffered
assurance that you will be safely escorted from our outposts to this
city and back, and that during your stay in our midst you will receive
all that courtesy and attention your rank demands. Doubtless you
have supposed that many of the people here would flee to you for pro-
tection upon your arrival, and if there are any such persons they shall
be at once conveyed to your camp in perfect safety, so soon as such
fact can be known.
Were you and your fellow officers as well acquainted with your
soldiers as I am with mine, and did they understand the work they
were now engaged in as well as you may understand it, you must
know that many of them would immediately revolt from all connexion
with so ungodly, illegal, unconstitutional, and hellish a crusade
54
UTAH EXPEDITION.
against an innocent people, and if their blood is shed it shall rest upon
the heads of their commanders.
With us it is the kingdom of God or nothing.
I have the honor to be, your obedient servant,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs U. T.
E..B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel IQth Infantry, U. S. A.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp on Ham's Fork, October 19, 1857.
SIR : I have received by the hands of Lieut. Col. Beatie your letter
cf the 16th instant. It is not necessary for me to argue the points
advanced by you, and I have only to repeat my assurance that no
harm would have happened to any citizen of Utah through the in-
strumentality of the army of the United States, in the performance
of its legitimate duties without molestation. My disposition of the
troops depend upon grave considerations not necessary to enumerate,
and considering your order to leave the Territory illegal and beyond
your authority to issue, or power to enforce, I shall not obey it.
I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel Commanding, 10£/i Infantry U. S. A.
His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor of Utah Territory.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
October 27, 1857.
SIR : At the request of Mr. Wm. A. Hickman, I take the liberty of
stating, from a letter in my possession, signed " Chas. A. Perry/'
dated Weston, Missouri, that he had appointed Mr. Hickman his
agent and attorney for him in this Territory for the collection of
debts, &c. As one of the administrators of the late Colonel A. M.
Babbitt, (who had acted as agent for Perry,) I was in possession of
the papers of Mr. Perry, and refused to deliver them over till more
fully authorized. Mr. Hickman has spoken frequently to me of his
expecting Mr. Perry out this fall, and of his anxiety to see him in
relation to his business ; and doubtless it was to that end that he sent
his brothers to your camp with a letter to Mr. Perry.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,
W. H. HOOPER.
Colonel ALEXANDER.
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE,
Great Salt Lake City, October 28, 1857.
SIR : Having learned that Mrs. Mago, with her infant child, wishes
to join her husband in your camp, also that Mr. Jesse Jones, who
UTAH EXPEDITION. 55
has been in this city a few weeks, was anxious to see Mr. Roup, it has
afforded me pleasure to cause the necessary arrangements to be made
for their comfortable and safe conveyance to your care, under the con-
duct and protection of Messrs. John Harvey, Joseph Sharp, Adam
Sharp, and Thomas J. Hickman, the bearers of this communication.
Mrs. Mago and her infant are conveyed to your camp, in accordance
with my previously often expressed readiness to forward to you such
as might wish to go, and is the only resident of that description in
Utah, as far as I am informed. Her husband made his first appear-
ance here in the capacity of a teamster for Capt. W. H. Hooper. He
was then in very destitute circumstances ; has since been in the em-
ploy of the late United States surveyor general of Utah, and I am not
aware that he has any property or tie of any description in this Ter-
ritory, except the wife and child now conveyed to him in your camp.
Should Colonel Conby and lady wish to partake of the hospitalities
proffered by Mr. Haywood and family, and should Captain K. B.
Marcy desire to favor me with a visit, as I infer from his letter of in-
troduction forwarded and in my possession, or should you or any
other officers in your command wish to indulge in a trip to this city,
you will be kindly welcomed and hospitably entertained, and the
vehicle and escort now sent to your camp are tendered for conveyance
of such as may receive your permission to avail themselves of this
cordial invitation.
It is also presumed that your humane feelings will prompt you, in
case there are any persons who wish to peacefully leave your camp
for this city, to permit them to avail themselves of the protection and
guidance of the escort now sent.
Trusting that this communication will meet your entire approval
and hearty co-operation, I have the honor, sir, to be your obedient
servant,
BRIGHAM Y.OUNG,
Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, II. T.
Colonel E. B. ALEXANDER,
Tenth Infantry A. S. A., Camp Ham's Fork.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
TERRITORY OF UTAH, > gg
(Jreen River county, \ SSm
The United States of America to B. F. Ficklin, marshal pro tern, of
said Territory, greeting :
You are hereby commanded to take Joseph Taylor, and him safely
keep, so that you have his body before the district court of the United
States for the county aforesaid at the next term thereof, hereafter ^to
be holden, then and there to answer to the United States, aforesaid,
on the charge of treason against the same.
And of this writ make due service, and return according to law.]
56 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Witness, Albert G. Brown, jr., clerk pro tern, of said court, with
the adopted seal of said court, at headquarters of the army for
[L. s.] Utah Territory, on Black's fork of Green river, in said county,
on the fourth day of November, in the year eighteen hundred
and fifty-seven.
ALBERT G. BROWN, Jr.,
Clerk pro tern.
HEADQUARTERS &c., CAMP ON HAM'S FORK,
November \3 1857.
SIR : I had the honor to receive your letter to-day, and have to ex"
press my appreciation of your kindnes, and generosity in affording Mrs.
Mago and Mr. Jones safe conduct to this camp.
The persons now in my custody are amenable, for civil offences, to
the civil authority of the Territory ; and I regret that it is not in my
power to release them, without the consent of the civil authorities.
As soon as Governor Gumming arrives, his directions concerning them,
will be obtained, and they will be subject to his order and control.
I can assure you again that every attention will be paid to their wel-
fare and comfort.
Very respectfully, &c.,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel commanding*
jrov. B. YOUNG.
HEADQUARTERS EASTERN EXPEDITION,
Camp near Cache Cave, Oct. 4, 1657.
You will proceed, with all possible despatch, without injuring your
animals, to the Oregon road, near the bend of Bear river, north by
east of this place. Take close and correct observations of the country
on your route. When you approach the road, send scouts ahead, to
ascertain if the invading troops have passed that way. Should they
have passed, take a concealed route, and get ahead of them. Express
to Colonel Benton, who is now on that road and in the vicinity of the
troops, and effect a junction with him, so as to operate in concert. 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 felling trees or destroying river fords;
where you can. Watch for opportunities to set fire to the grass on
their windward, so as if possible to envelope their trains. Leave no
grass before them that can be burned. Keep your men concealed as
much as possible, and guard against surprise. Keep scouts out at all
times, and communications open with Colonel Benton, Major McAl-
lester and 0. P. Rockwell, who are operating in the same way. Keep
UTAH EXPEDITION. 57
me advised daily of your movements, and every step the troops take,
and in which direction.
God bless you, and give you success.
Your brother in Christ.
DANIEL U. WELLS.
P. S. — If the troops have not passed, or have turned in this direc-
tion, follow in their rear, and continue to annoy them, burning any
trains they may leave. Take no life, but destroy their trains, and
stampede or drive away their animals, at every opportunity.
D. U. WELLS.
Major JOSEPH TAYLOR.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Black's Fork, 16 miles from Fort Bridger,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 7, 1857.
A true copy of instructions in the possession of Major Joseph Tay-
lor, when captured.
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, October 21, 1857.
MY DEAR SIR : I embrace this the earliest opportunity of answer-
ing your communication to me, embracing a letter from Mr. Fuller,
New York,, to you, an introductory letter to me, and also one from W.
J. Appleby to Governor Young ; the latter, immediately on its receipt,
I forwarded to his excellency and here let me state, sir, that I sin-
cerely regret that circumstances now existing have hitherto pre-
vented a personal interview.
I can readily believe your statement, that it is very far from your
feelings, and most of the command that are with you, to interfere with
our social habits or religious views. One must naturally suppose that
among gentlemen educated for the army alone, who have been occu-
pied by the study of the art of war, whose pulses have throbbed with
pleasure at the contemplation of the deeds of our venerated fathers,
whose minds have been elated by the recital of the heroic deeds of
other nations, and who have listened almost exclusively to the decla-
mations of patriots and heroes, that there is not much time and less
inclination to listen to the low party bickerings of political dema-
gogues, the interested twaddle of sectional declaimers, or the throes
and contortions of contracted religious bigots. You are supposed to
stand on elevated ground, representing the power and securing the
interests of the whole of a great and mighty nation. That many of
you are thus honorable, I am proud, as an American citizen, to ac-
knowledge ; but you must excuse me, my dear sir, if I cannot concede
with you that all your officials are so high toned, disinterested, hu-
mane, and gentlemanly, as a knowledge of some of their antecedents
expressly demonstrate. However, it is not with the personal charac-
58 UTAH EXPEDITION.
ter, the amiable qualities, high toned feelings, or gentlemanly deport-
ment of the officers in your expedition that we at present have to do.
The question that concerns us is one that is independent of your per-
sonal, generous, friendly and humane feelings, or any individual pre-
dilection of yours ; it is one that involves the dearest rights of
American citizens, strikes at the root of our social and political
existence, if it does not threaten our entire annihilation from the earth.
Excuse me, sir, when I say that you are merely the servants of a
lamentably corrupt administration ; that your primary law is obe-
dience to orders, and that you came here with armed foreigners with
cannon, rifles, bayonets and broadswords, expressly, and for the openly
avowed purpose of " cutting out the loathsome ulcer from the body
politic." I am aware what our friend Fuller says in relation to this
matter, and I entertain no doubt of his generous and humane feelings,
nor do I of yours, sir ; but I do know that he is mistaken in relation
to the rabid tone and false, furious attacks of a venal and corrupt press.
I do know that they are merely the mouthpiece, the tools, the '^ark-
ing dogs of a corrupt administration. I do know that Mr. Buchanan
was well apprised of the nature of the testimony adduced against us
by ex-Judge Drummond and others ; for he was informed of it to my
knowledge by a member of his own cabinet, and I further know, from
personal intercourse with members of the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives of the United States, that there have been various plans
concerted at headquarters for some time past for the overthrow of this
people. Captain, Mr. Fuller informs me that you are a politician ;
if so, you must know that in the last presidential campaign the re-
publican party had opposition to slavery and polygamy as two of the
principal planks in their platform. You may know, sir, that Utah
was picked out, and the only Territory excluded from a participation
in pre-emption rights to land. You may also be aware that bills
were introduced into Congress for the persecution of the Mormons ;
but other business was too pressing at that time for them to receive
attention. You may be aware that measures were also set on foot,
and bills prepared to divide up Utah among the territories of Nebraska,
Kansas, Oregon and New Mexico, (giving a slice to California,) for the
purpose of bringing us into collision with the people of those Territo-
ries, not to say anything about thousands of our letters detained at
the post office at Independence. I might enumerate injuries bv the
score, and if these things are not so, why is it that Utah is so
" knotty a question ?" If people were no more ready to interfere with
us and our institutions than we are with them and theirs, these diffi-
culties would vanish into thin air. Why, again I ask, could Drum-
mond and a host of others, mean scribblers, palm their barefaced lies
with such impunity, and have their infamous slanders swallowed with
such gusto ? Was it not that the administration and their sattelites,
having planed our destruction, were eager to catch at anything to
render specious their contemplated acts of blood? Or, in plain terms,
the democrats advocated strongly popular sovereignty. The repub-
licans tell them, that if they join in maintaining inviolable the do-
mestic institutions of the south, they must also swallow polygamy.
The democrats thought this would not do, as it would interfere with
UTAH EXPEDITION. 59
the religious scruples of many of their supporters, and they looked
about for some means to dispose of the knotty question. Buchanan,
with Douglas, Cass, Thompson and others of his advisers, after failing
to devise legal measures, hit upon the expedient of an armed force
against Utah ; and thus thought, "by the sacrifice of the Mormons, to
untie the knotty question ; do a thousand times worse than the re-
publicans ever meant ; fairly out-Herod Herod, and by religiously
expatriating, destroying, or killing a hundred thousand innocent
American citizens, satisfy a pious, humane, patriotic feeling of their
constituents ; take the wind oat of the sails of the republicans, and
gain to themselves immortal laurels. Captain, I have heard of a
pious Presbyterian doctrine that would inculcate thankfulness to the
all-wise Creator for the privilege of being damned. Now, as we are
not Presbyterians, nor believe in this kind of self abnegation, you
will, I am sure, excuse us for finding fault at being thus summarily
dealt with, no matter how agreeable the excision or expatriation
might be to our political, patriotic, or very pious friends. We have
lived long enough in the world to know that we are a portion of the
body politic, have some rights as well as other people, and that if
others do not respect us, we, at least, have manhood enough to respect
ourselves.
Permit me here to refer to a remark made by our friend Mr. Fuller,
to you, viz : " That he had rendered me certain services in the city
of New York, and that he had no doubt that when you had seen
and known us as he had, that you would report as favorably as he
had unflinchingly done/' Now those favors to which Mr. Fuller
refers were simply telling a few plain matters of fact, that had come
under his own observation during a short sojourn at Salt Lake. This,
of course, I could duly appreciate, for I always admired a man who
dare tell the truth. But,, captain, does it not strike you as humili-
ating to manhood and to the pride of all honorable American citizens,
when among the thousands that have passed through and sojourned
among us, and knew as well as Mr. Fuller did our true social and
moral position, that perhaps one in ten thousand dare state their
honest convictions ; and further, that Mr. Fuller, with his knowledge
of human nature, should look upon you as a rara avis, possessing the
moral courage and integrity to declare the truth in opposition to the
floods of falsehood that have deluged our nation. Surely, we have
fallen on unlucky times, when honesty is avowed to be at so great a
premium.
In regard to our religion it is perhaps unnecessary to say much ;
yet, whatever others feelings may be about it, with us it is honestly a
matter of conscience. This is a right guaranteed to us by the Consti-
tution of our country; yet it is on this ground, and this alone, that
we have suffered a continued series of persecutions, and that this
present crusade is set on foot against us. In regard to this people, I
have travelled extensively in the United States, and through Europe,
yet have never found so moral, chaste, and virtuous a people, nor do
I expect to find them. And, if let alone, they are the most patriotic,
and appreciate more fully the blessings of religious, civil, and politi-
cal freedom than any other portion of the United States. They have,
60 UTAH EXPEDITION.
however, discovered the difference hetween a blind submission to the
caprices of political demagogues and obedience to the Constitution,
laws, and institutions of the United States; nor can they, in the
present instance, be hoodwinked by the cry of " treason." If it be
treason to stand up for our constitutional rights ; if it be treason to
resist the unconstitutional acts of a vitiated and corrupt administra-
tion, who, by a mercenary armed force, would seek to rob us of the
rights of franchise, cut our throats to subserve their party, and seek
to force upon us his corrupt tools, and violently invade the rights of
American citizens ; if it be treason to maintain inviolate our homes,
our firesides, our wives, and our honor, from the corrupting and
withering blight of a debauched soldiery ; if it be treason to keep in-
violate the Constitution and institutions of the United States, when
nearly all the States are seeking to trample them under their feet,
then, indeed, we are guilty of treason. We have carefully considered
all these matters and are prepared to meet the " terrible vengeance"
we have been very politely informed will be the result of our acts. It
is in vain to hide it from you that this people 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, as some
suppose, the voice of Brigham only, but the universal, deep settled
feeling of the whole community. Their cry is, " Give us our Consti-
tutional 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 unmitigated 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 aggressors, a hundred have volun-
teered, and, when a hundred have been called, the number has been
more than doubled; the only feeling is " don't let us be overlooked
or forgotten." And here let me inform you that I have seen thou-
sands 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 despoiled 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 tbe settlements. It would
only be courting destruction. But, say you, have you counted the
cest? 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 prop-
erty 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 $300,000 worth of our prop-
erty destroyed already in Green river county is only a faint sample of
what will be done throughout the Territory. We have been twice
UTAH EXPEDITION. 61
driven, by tamely submitting to the authority of corrupt officials, and
left our houses and homes for others to inhabit, but are now deter-
mined 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 con-
tinued series of oppressions ? 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
enough 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 %vould fare without resources you can picture to your-
self. 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 Neroes. There
are generally two sides to a question. As I before said, we wish for
peace, but that we are determined 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 dra-
gooned 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
would 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 excel-
lency. 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, gentlemanly 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 guil-
lotine 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 explora-
tions.
I am heartily sorry that things are so unpleasant at the present
time, and I cannot but realize the awkwardness of your position, and
62 UTAH EXPEDITION.
that of- your compatriots, 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 he most happy to hear from
you. You will, I am sure, excuse me, if I disclaim the prefix of reve-
rend to my name ; address John Taylor, G-reat Salt Lake City.
I need not here assure you that" personally there can he no feelings
of 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 the 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
opinion 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 position 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 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 Fort Bridger, en route to Salt Lake City,
November 7, 1857.
Official: F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
CAMP ON BLACK'S FORK, GREEN RIVER, UTAH,
November 4, 1857.
MAJOR : For the information of the colonel commanding, I have
the honor to state that, according to my calculations, made from the
bills of lading of the different trains, there are rations for 2,000 men
for seven months in the supply and regimental trains present at
this camp.
To make the calculations accurate, it would be necessary to overhaul
UTAH EXPEDITION. 63
all of the provision trains, in order to discover what has been lost or
stolen therefrom.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. F. CLARKE,
Captain and C's U. IS. Army.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General, U. S. Army,
Head Quarters Army for Utah.
List of subsistence stores in supply teams (Russell & Waddell's) Nos. 5,
9, and 10, burnt by the Mormons at Green river, Utah, in the night
of October 4, 1857.
2,720 pounds ham.
92,700 pounds bacon No. of rations, 115,875
167,900 pounds flour " " 149,244
270 bushelsbeans " " 108,000
8,580 pounds Bio coffee " " - 143,000
330 pounds Java coffee.
1,400 pounds crushed sugar.
2,970 gallons vinegar " " 297,000
800 pounds sperm candles " " 80,000
13,333 pounds soap " " 333,325
84 gallons molasses.
134 bushels dried peaches.
68,832 rations dessicated vegetables.
705 pounds tea " " 52,875
7,781 pounds hard bread " 7,781
6 lanterns.
H. F. CLARKE,
Capt. and C's U. S. A.
Made from bills of lading, October 10, 1857.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
South Pass, en route to Salt Lake City, October 18, 1857.
MAJOR : Accompanying this communication I send you two letters
from Colonel Alexander, the commander at present of the main body
of the army of Utah. In his letter of the 8th October Colonel Alex-
ander questions, by the hesitation with which he assumes them, his
right to exercise fully all the duties of commander. His authority to
exercise them without restriction is clearly granted by the sixty-second
article of war. Moreover, General Orders No. 12, headquarters of
the army., specially directs who shall command in the absence of
General Harney, or, to be inferred, any other named commander, and
sufficiently explains the objects of the expedition ; and no question
64 UTAH EXPEDITION.
for the decision of the commander, beyond his ordinary military du-
ties, could arise before the arrival of Governor Gumming.
Misapprehending the authority with which he is invested by law,
and the orders of the general-in-chief, that portion of his letter
respecting command would be, if he was correct in his view of his
own position, a merited reflection upon his superiors, and it is there-
fore that I have adverted to it. Pursuing his design indicated in his
letter of October 8, he, you will learn from his letter of October 14,
(herewith,) has advanced up Ham's fork, of Green river, thirty- five
miles above the crossing, (see map herewith,) and then directs the
movements to be made by his own immediate command and the troops
in his rear, to form a junction which, from erroneous suppositions,
would be wholly impracticable. First, he evidently believes that
Colonel Smith, escorting the remainder of the supply trains, (in all
about nine, including three sutler's trains,) is advancing on the Kin-
ney road, or cut-off, with the force named in General Harney's order
of August 18, and of course he has not received the countermand of
that order. He assumes that the command in rear is capable of more
rapid movement than his own ; and, therefore, after waiting one day
at the point indicated will resume his march. In this also he would
have been disappointed, as the trains in rear, suffering from fatigue
and scarcity of sustenance, and without rest, which the trains with
him have had, could not, if where he supposed them, overtake him.
These are the facts ; and if known by Colonel Alexander, his dis-
positions, as determined in his letter of October 8, would have been
wholly different. Colonel Smith is here at this camp with fifty men
of his regiment. I overtook him the day before yesterday (16th inst.)
about twenty miles east of this, and have added my escort, fifteen dis-
mounted dragoons, to his force. Lieutenant Smith, in command of a
squadron of dragoons and fifty of the tenth infantry, a force of about
two hundred men, may be expected here in four days. He is aware
of the necessity of promptness, and I am sure will lose no time.
Mr. William Magraw, superintendent South Pass wagon road,
with a patriotism highly creditable to him, places at the disposition
of the government as many of his employees as will volunteer. He
thinks fifty or sixty will organize, and I have agreed to accept their
service and have them mustered in for three or six months, as they
may elect ; and he has also tendered fifteen good teams of mules and
wagons, which I have also accepted, and directed them to be receipted
for when delivered. Four supply trains, containing clothing, (of
which the troops now in the advance, I am informed, begin to need,)
ordnance, medical and subsistence stores, are still in the rear, and
may be expected in two or three days. The storm of last night may
have destroyed some of their oxen, and on that account there may be
more delay than I estimate. Eleven mules of Colonel Smith's train
perished from cold last night. The thermometer this morning at
sunrise was at 16°. The sky is now clear, and the thermometer at
one o'clock stands at 34°, and the small quantity of snow that fell
during the night is melting, so that the animals can graze freely. I
am thus minute, that the reason for the order transmitted to Colonel
Alexander yesterday morning (herewith) maybe fully comprehended.
UTAH EXPEDITION, 65
His intended movements, if met with opposition, would have so
retarded his march as to have made it impracticable ; and would have
so probably entangled him in the midst of the deep snow of the val-
ley of Bear river, which, I understand, never fails to fall there, and
usually early in the season, as to place him beyond the means of ex-
trication. Our most potent enemy at present is the snow, and consti-
tutes at present our chief embarrassment. The movement of Colonel
Alexander, if effected (for the reasons I have mentioned, and of which
he could not be apprised,) would have' separated him from supplies
indispensable to the comfort and safety of the army, and deprived
him of the assistance of the force which will be concentrated here in
a few days, which, however small, being partly of cavalry, is of vital
importance. In ordering Colonel Alexander to the mouth of Fonte-
nelle creek, a position about thirty miles from his camp on Ham's
fork, I did so with the design of making a junction practicable. It
is about seventy miles hence, and he can reach it by a good road, and
without any danger of surprise. There is there abundance of grass,
and it is a point from which I can reach the region I intend to occupy
this winter without risking the loss of our animals. As soon as the
snow falls sufficiently on Green river to prevent the burning of the
grass, I will march to Henry's fork, and occupy that valley during
the winter. It is a commanding position, and accessible two months
earlier for reinforcements and supplies by Cheyenne Pass than by any
other, and will enable me to march by Fort Bridger, and on the most
direct route to Salt Lake City, as soon as practicable in the spring.
At this position, also, Colonel Cooke can join, which I still entertain
the hope he will be able to do.
I greatly regret that the impossibility of concentrating the troops
destined for this service, and their supplies, will prevent a forward
movement before spring. It is now manifest that before the force
can be united that the autumn will be too far advanced to move with
a probability of success, though not opposed by the Mormons.
You are already apprised by the proclamation of Brigham Young,
and his letter to Colonel Alexander, which I transmitted on the 15th
inst., of the political attitude assumed by the Mormons, and the
resistance they meditate to the just authority the government desires
to exercise in that Territory, and the general-in-chief has no doubt
already considered the necessity of a conquest of those traitorous peo-
ple, and has estimated the force necessary to accomplish the object.
With a full view of the whole subject before him, his great experience
would not be benefitted by any suggestions of mine. I will, how-
ever, mention, that unless a large force is sent here, from the nature
of the country, that a protracted war on their part is inevitable.
The great distance from our source of supply makes it impracticable
to operate with a small force. It, in fact, requires the employment
of such force to guard numerous trains of supplies, leaving but a
small portion, if any, for offensive operations. A movement of troops
from California, Oregon, and by this route would terminate a war
with the Mormons speedily, and more economically than if attempted
by insufficient means. In five or six days I think we will have all
the force available here for a forward movement. By that time the
H. Ex. Doc. 11 5
66 UTAH EXPEDITION.
trains will be all up ; they should be here sooner. In twelve days
from this time I expect to join Colonel Alexander at or near Fonte-
nelle creek.
The general may be assured that no retrograde movement will be
made by this force.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. 2d cavalry, Commanding Army of Utah.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, BLACK'S FORK,
16 miles from Fort Bridger, en route to Salt Lake City,
November 7, 1857.
.Official.
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
CAMP ON HAM'S FORK, U. T.,
October 18, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you that there
is no clothing with this command. The soldiers are now nearly des-
titute, as they left Fort Leavenworth with but a limited supply, and
have gotten but little since. It is presumed that there is a large sup-
ply in the trains with you. Please bring up with you a few wagon
loads of socks, flannel drawers and shirts, shoes and blankets. These
articles are indispensable to the comforts of the soldiers.
We have but few medicines with us of any description. If you
have a medical officer with you, direct him to make such a selection
as he may deem proper for the wants of this command, and bring
them with you if possible.
Should the commanding officer of the expedition come on in advance
of you, please inform him of this state of affairs.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN H. DICKERSON,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Colonel C. F. SMITH,
Commanding Battalion 10th Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp on Nam's Fork, October 18, 1857.
COLONEL : In view of the lateness of the season, and the severity
with which the winter has already set in, as well as the deficiency of
supplies of clothing, forage, and provisions, it becomes necessary to
place the troops in winter quarters.
The best available place for this is on Henry's fork, and the column
will march to-day down this stream, (Ham's fork,) towards Fort
Bridger, and thence to Henry's fork. It will require about nine
days to make the journey, and as soon as I can get matters in train
UTAH EXPEDITION. 67
for wintering, I will send you two companies, (about 130 men,) and
such additional transportation as I can furnish to bring your trains
on to us. Use every effort to bring on the trains, as not a wagon can
be spared ; a ad from the nature of that country, (Henry's fork,) we
may have to remain there until May next. Mr. Fickling will tell
you how we are off, and can take you by the best route to Henry's
fork.
Send on first the wagons containing clothing and medicines, which
are much needed. We have provisions for three or four months, but
we still require all that can be got up. If the governor, or General
Harney, or Colonel Johnston are anywhere near you, please commu-
nicate with them, and tell them the disposition to be made of the
troops. Nothing causes me such poignant regret as to be obliged to
give up my design of penetrating to Salt Lake City. But the odds
against me are too powerful, and the lives of all require me to move to
Henry's fork to winter.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel Commanding.
P. S. — When I leave Ham's fork to go to Fort Bridger, I will try
and send a detachment to you to assist in guarding the trains. This
will be about the 23d or 24th. Please keep this, as there is not time
to take a copy.
E. B. A.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 24, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to acknowledge the re-
ceipt of your communications of the 18th and 22d instants, and to
inform you that Lieutenant Smith, 2d dragoons, will reach this point
on Monday, with two companies of his regiment, and a detachment of
the tenth infantry. The next morning this command and all the
supply trains will move on the direct road to the crossing at Ham's
fork, whence the colonel commanding wishes you to march and camp
at some suitable point below the crossing on Black's fork.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS ADVANCE OF THE ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp on Ham's Fork, October 22, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to report that my command is now encamped
on Ham's fork, about 16 miles above the crossing of the Fort Bridger
road, and near the point where the route to Fontenelle creek leaves
this stream and takes across the prairie. When I received your letter
68 UTAH EXPEDITION.
by Eli Dufour, I was already a day's march below the crossing of
Ham's fork by the Sublette road, having been obliged to return to
seek winter quarters.
The road from here to Fontenelle creek will be more, I am afraid,
than my teams can stand, and if it does not interfere with the plans
of the colonel commanding, I would respectfully suggest that they be
spared the travel across, (30 miles.) As long as I am on a stream I
can get along, because, no matter how short the march, I can always
get grass and water ; but to attempt 30 miles with only one watering
place, will, in my opinion, prove fatal to the artillery horses and a
great many of the mules and oxen. I request, therefore, to be in-
formed, as soon as possible, whether I am to await the colonel on this
creek, going slowly down it, or to make the march to Fontenelle
creek at all risks.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel IQth Infantry, Commanding.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, )
Territory of Utah, Green River County, \ ss'
The United States of America to B. F. Ficklin, marshal pro tern, of
said Territory, Greeting:
You are hereby commanded to take William Stowell and him safely
keep, so that you have his body before the district court of the United
States for the county aforesaid, at the next term thereof to be h olden,
then and there to answer to the United States aforesaid on the charge
of treason against the same, and on such other charge or charges as
may be found against him by the grand jury of the county aforesaid,
at the next session thereof hereafter to be holden.
And of this writ make due service and return according to law.
Witness, Albert G. Brown, jr., clerk pro tern, of said court, with
the adopted seal of said court, at headquarters of the army of
[L. s.] Utah, on Black's fork of Green river, in said county, on the
seventh day of November, in the year eighteen hundred and
fifty-seven.
ALBERT G. BROWN, JR.,
Clerk pro tern.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 18, 1857.
SIR : I am directed to inform you that the army of Utah will winter
on Henry's fork of Green river, whence a good practicable road exists
from Black's fork, and where the colonel commanding hopes to see
you and your command.
The opposition to the advance of this army and the injuries com-
OTAH EXPEDITION. 69
mitted to our trains, cause the absence of cavalry to be very much
lamented, while the mounted forces which hang upon our own skirts
promise occupation and distinction to your command.
Upon hearing of your progress, communication will be kept up
with you, and the best route for you to pursue indicated, if there is
any choice. The colonel commanding will be much pleased to hear
of your advance, and promises you a warm welcome on your arrival.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. P. ST. GEORGE COOKE,
Commanding 2d Dragoons, en route to Salt Lake City.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 19, 1857.
SIR : The portion of this army and the supply train not with the
advance under Colonel Alexander, are in the South Pass awaiting
your arrival to join the main body. The bearer of this, John C. Fer-
guson, will inform you of our position. The cplonel commanding
desires you to join him as early as practicable, and to hasten on all
trains loaded with supplies as you overtake them. In the mean time
if you have the means of communicating with us, it is very desirable
you should do so, that the colonel commanding may know when to
expect you, though it is hoped you will reach this point to-morrow.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
First Lieutenant W. D. SMITH,
Commanding 2d Dragoons, &c., en route to Salt Lake City.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 22, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you have thoroughly re-
paired, and each supplied with a four-mule team, harness &c., two of
the light ambulances turned over to the acting assistant quartermaster
at Fort Laramie by Lieutenant Lucius L. Rich, and have them sent
as soon as practicable to Fort Kearny.
The remainder of those ambulances he directs to be kept in readi-
ness and to be employed, when occasion requires, for transporting
the mail, or its escort, or both, to these headquarters and to Fort
Kearny, and for other important occasions requiring small escorts and
despatch.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
COMMANDING OFFICER,
Fort Laramie, N. T.
70 UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you, in reply to
your letter of to-day, that no goods or supplies of any kind will be
permitted to pass this army for Salt Lake City, or other point occu-
pied "by the Mormons, so long as they maintain a hostile attitude to
the government of the United States.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
m F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
J. C. IRWIN, Esq.,
Contractor 'and sub-contractor with Messrs. Livingston & Kin-
cade, and J. & R. Porter, South Pass, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 21, 1857.
GENTLEMEN : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you
that no goods or supplies of any kind will he permitted to pass this
army for Salt Lake City, or other point occupied by the Mormons, and
that he forbids all intercourse whatever with them, so long as they
maintain a hostile feeling to the government of the United States.
I am gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Messrs. WILLIAM GERRICH & Co., or their Agent,
Merchants at Salt Lake City, South Pass, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that a ration of bread and
bacon be issued to fourteen men discharged from the wagon road party,
under the charge of Mr. Wm. M. F. Magraw.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
First Lieutenant J. McNAB, A. A. C. S.,
10th Infantry, South Pass, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 20, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you supply ten days'
rations of hard bread, bacon, coffee, and sugar, to fourteen men dis-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 71
charged from Mr. William F. M. Magraw's South Pass wagon road
party.
These men having been discharged without any provision for the
future, and not heing willing to employ them, under the circumstances,
in the United States service, the colonel commanding supplies them
with provisions to enable them to reach Fort Laramie.
I am, sir. very respectfully, your obedient servant.
F. J. POUTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
First Lieutenant JOHN McNAB, A. A. C. S.,
IQth Infantry, South Pass, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP UTAH, SOUTH PASS,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 20, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you furnish Benjamin F.
Lyda, a discharged man of the South Pass wagon road party, under
the charge of Mr. William M. F. Magraw, rations of hard bread,
bacon, sugar, and coffee, for ten days.
I am, sir, very respectfully,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
First Lieutenant JOHN McNAB, A. A. C. S.,
10th Infantry, South Pass, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, BLACK'S FORK,
3 miles below mouth of Ham's Fork,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 4, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you move, with the com-
mand designated in special orders No. 41, (accompanying,) as soon in
the spring as practicable, availing yourself of the early grass which
will be springing up as you advance.
The supply trains for this army wintering at your post will be pre-
pared and put in motion at the same time and escorted to these head-
quarters. That you may not be tramelled by too large a train, and
draw too heavily on the resources of Fort Laramie, now limited, you
will avail yourself of this means of transportation to convey the regu-
lation allowance of baggage for your command.
As soon as your arrival in this vicinity is reported, communication
will be opened for your advance.
The colonel commanding deems it unnecessary to warn an officer of
your experience and reputation against any outside enemy, but he
wishes to caution you against the employment — the trusting, in any
manner whatever — of any member of the Mormon sect or pretended
apostate from it. No objection exists to their employment on account
of their religious belief, but their political association.
72 UTAH EXPEDITION.
These special instructions are given that your movement may receive
as little publicity as possible.
I am, sir, your obedient servant,
m F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HOFFMAN,
6th Infantry , Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, November 13, 1857.
COLONEL : September the 12th, Colonel Johnston wrote from Fort
Leaven worth, asking that provision be made for protecting the mail
service to and from Utah city. This letter was reforwarded to you
endorsed as follows :
" Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant General, who is requested
to have it referred to the Postmaster General to ascertain what mail
service is to be performed between Fort Leavenworth and Salt Lake
City, and under what circumstances and conditions."
No answer has yet been received. With the last despatches from
Colonel Johnston, came letters from himself and staff to their families,
sent under cover to me as the " only safe means" of transmitting
them. Word was also sent that despatches would reach them if sent
by express from Fort Leavenworth to Colonel Hoffman, commanding
at Fort Laramie? I am instructed by the general-in-chief to call at-
tention to Colonel Johnston's letter and to the endorsement thereon,
and to ask that the subject be pressed upon the Postmaster General ;
for if the mails are not to be sent, the general will have to give
instructions that a military express be kept up at proper intervals
between the frontiers and the army for Utah and he wishes to take
measures one way or the other at once.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
IRVIN MCDOWELL,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel SAMUEL COOPER,
Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF UTAH,
Junction of Smith's Fork and Black's Fork,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.
SIR : The regulations in the case of private Edward Farrell of your
company, reported in your letter of the 18th ultimo, as transferred
to company " A" 6th infantry, not having been complied with, the
colonel commanding, disapproves of the transfer and directs that he
be borne upon the rolls as a member of your company.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 73
You are directed to furnish the commander of your regiment with
a copy of this communication.
I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Captain RENNSALER W. FOOTE,
Commanding company UC," Qth Infantry, Fort Laramie, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Junction of Smith's and Ham's Fork,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you cause to he pushed
forward to these headquarters at Fort Bridger, as soon as practicable,
a train of 30 pack mules loaded with salt. Your knowledge of the
country, and of the persons you will employ, will guide you in the
route to be taken.
In making your preparations for moving in the spring, the colonel
wishes you to take into consideration, the route up the Laramie river,
with the view of reaching this force at the earliest moment with the
supply trains, time being the principal element to consider in your
movement. As soon as Cololonel Gooke arrives, Jeanise, or some
other reliable person, will be sent over that route to report to you the
probabilities of success, the difficulties to be overcome, the advantages
of grass, and to be a guide in case you deem it advisable to move in
that direction. It is hoped you may be able to arrive here a month
earlier than by the Oregon and California route, South Pass, sending
some of your troops in advance to make or repair the road. It is in-
ferred from present information, that a practicable road exists, and that
probably the principal difficulties to overcome will be the cutting
down banks and making bridges. The guide who passes over it will
examine the obstacles.
If you have sufficient information to decide, this route is sug-
gested as one for the pack train, as the grass is very scarce on this, and
on the other it has not been injured.
The colonel commanding also suggests that the animals be not
loaded heavier than one hundred pounds. There is no salt with this
army.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Bv't Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN,
Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.
P. S. — Whichever route you take will require boats or rafts to enable
you to cross the principal streams, the colonel commanding therefore
suggests, that you bring with you wagons of corrogated iron, if you
have them or can procure them in time ; if not, sufficient timber to
make a boat of sufficient dimensions to cross your stores.
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
74 UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,
Near Fort Bridger, en route to Salt Lake City,
November 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs you to take forty good six
mule teams from the train of this army, and proceed to the junction
of Black's and Ham's fork, collecting all abandoned wagons.
Arriving there, you will tender, in his name, (that of government,)
to Messrs. Gerrisli & Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army,
your train to assist in transporting to this camp their most valuable
goods and merchandize, especially those of a perishable nature, and
most serviceable to the Mormons, as clothing, groceries, &c.
I am instiucted to caution you not to permit your wagons to be
heavily loaded, nor to make long marches.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
2d Lieutenant L. L. RICH,
bih Infantry, A. A. Q. M.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,
Near Fort Bridger, U. T. , en route to Salt Lake City,
November 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, with forty men of your
command, supplied with ten days' rations, you proceed to the camp
on or near Ham's fork, about thirty miles distant, of Messrs. Gerrish
& Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army, and escort to this
camp so much of their trains as can be moved. Should you meet a
portion of the moveable train, you will unite the whole of it, and keep
it united, and not permit your command to be divided more than is
necessary to guard the column
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
2d Lieut. HENRY B. LIVINGSTON,
Com'g company E, 2d Dragoons, Camp Scott, U. I.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,
Near Fort Bridger, U. T. , en route to Salt Lake City,
November 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, as medical director,
you have requisitions made upon the assistant quartermaster for the
camp and garrison equipage, &c., to establish hospitals for the differ-
ent regiments and batteries, and that you make the necessary arrange-
ments to establish and complete a general hospital, such as you deem
necessary for the command.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 75
Assistant Surgeon Ridgely has been directed to forward his requsi-
tions to you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. POUTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Surgeon MADISON MILLS,
Medical Director Army of Utah.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,
Near Fort Bridger, U. T., en route to Salt Lake City,
November 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you proceed with your
company, as escort to the train of Lieut. Lucius L. Rich, A. A. Q.
M., charged with collecting all abandoned wagons between this point
and Ham's fork, and bringing to this camp a portion of the goods of
Messrs. Gilbert & Radford.
A copy of Lieut. Rich's instructions are enclosed. You will supply
your men with rations for ten days.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. C. H. TYLER,
Com'g Company H, 2d Dragoons, Camp Scott, U. T.
To the People of Utah Territory.
GREEN RIVER COUNTY, NEAR FORT BRIDGER,
Utah Territory, 2lst November, 1857.
On the llth of July, 1857, the President appointed me to preside
over the executive department of this Territory. I arrived at this
point on the 19th of this month, and shall probably be detained some
time, in consequence of the loss of animals during the recent snow
storm. I will proceed at this point to make the preliminary arrange-
ments for the temporary organization of the territorial government.
Many treasonable acts of violence having been committed by law-
less individuals, supposed to have been countenanced by the late ex-
ecutive, such persons are in a state of rebellion. Proceedings will be
instituted against them in a court organized by Chief Justice Eckels,
held in this county, which will supersede the necessity of appointing
a military commission for the trial of such offenders. It is my duty
to enforce unconditional obedience to the Constitution, to the organic
laws of this Territory, and to all the other laws of Congress applicable
to you. To enable me to effect this object, I will, in the event of re-
sistance, rely, first upon a posse comitatus of the well disposed portion
of the inhabitants of this Territory, and will only resort to a military
posse in case of necessity. I trust that this necessity will not occur.
I come among you with no prejudices or enmities, and, by the exer-
cise of a just and firm administration, I hope to command your con-
76 UTAH EXPEDITION.
fidence. Freedom of conscience, and the use of your own peculiar
mode of serving God, are sacred rights guarantied by the Constitution,
with which it is not the province of the government, or the dispo-
sition of its representatives in this Territory, to interfere.
In virtue of my authority as commander-in-chief of the militia of
this Territory, I hereby command all armed bodies of individuals, by
whomsoever organized, to disband and return to their respective
homes. The penalty of disobedience to this command, will subject
the offenders to the punishment due to traitors.
A. GUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
GREEN EIVER COUNTY, NEAR FORT BRIDGER,
Utah Territory, 2lst November, 1857.
On the llth of July, 1857", I was appointed by the President to be
governor of this Territory. Since my arrival within the limits of the
Territory I regret to have found that many acts of violence have been
committed on the highway, in the destruction and robbery of property
belonging to the United States. These acts, which indicate that the
Territory is in a state of rebellion, are ascribed, how truly I d^> not
know, to yourself. A proclamation purporting to have issued from
you, and papers signed by your authority, found upon the person of
Joseph Taylor, have been submitted to my inspection. The matter
contained in these papers authorizes and commands violent and treason-
able acts ; acts tending to the disruption of the peace of the Terri-
tory, and which subject their actors to the penalties accorded to
traitors. If these papers referred to be not authentic, I trust you
will promptly disavow them. I herewith enclose a copy of my procla-
mation to the people of Utah. You will oblige me by acknowledging
the receipt of this by the returning messengers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
• A. CUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Ex-Governor of Utah Territory.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 30, 185 7.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the following
communications since October 21, 1857, viz :
Special orders, Nos. 131 and 132.
Letters dated September 7, 8, 17, and 18, 1857.
In my letter of October 21st ultimo, an error was committed in
UTAH EXPEDITION. 77
acknowledging the receipt of an ordnance manuel, and an ordnance
regulation. They were not received, and I have to request that copies
of them may be forwarded to me.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry, Commanding*
ADJUTANT GENERAL UNITED STATES ARMY,
Washington , D. C.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,
Near Fort Bridger, Black's Fork, Green river,
November 30, 1857.
MAJOR : Since my last report the troops and all the supply trains
have arrived at this place and will remain here, or in this district,
during the winter. In effecting the march from near the junction of
Ham's and Black's forks of Green river, a distance of only thirty-five
miles, the loss of battery horses, draught mules, and oxen of the con-
tractor has been very great, in consequence of snow storms which were
encountered on the route and intense cold. Our marches each were
necessarily short on account of the extreme coldness and inclemency
of the weather, and because of the great number of miles on the road
occupied by the supply trains and others, and the failing condition of
the draught animals starving from cold and hunger, were resumed
from each camp as soon as the troops in the rear and trains could be
brought up, allowing a day or more at each camp for rest and the
grazing of the animals. Fifteen days were consumed in this tedious
operation. Shelter for our thousands of animals seemed indispensable
for the preservation of life, yet a more rapid advance to attain it
would, we believe, be attended with immense loss. The snow storms
raged with short intermissions after it commenced, for several days
during which time it was exceedingly cold. The thermometer ranged
from ten degrees above to sixteen degrees below zero.
If shelter could have been found, a halt till the storm subsided would
have been ordered ; but there was none. The country between this
and the South Pass, with the exception of the narrow vallies of water
courses, is a great desert, affording no shelter by its conformation or
by woods, or even bushes from the furious blasts of these high regions ;.
and no fuel, except the wild sage or willow bushes. There was no-
alternative but to press forward perseveringly, though slowly making
our route by the frozen horses, mules, and oxen. A sufficient num-
ber of oxen, though poor, have been saved to supply the meat part of
ration six days in the week, and we have on hand bacon for one day
in the week for seven months, and also flour and small rations. — (See-
the report of the chief commissary of subsistence herewith.)
Colonel Cooke, in command of six companies 2d dragoons arrived on
the 19th instant. You will learn from his report (herewith) that the
storm dealt as roughly with his command as it did with the army in
advance. He lost nearly half of his horses, besides a number of mules.
78 UTAH EXPEDITION.
His march, from his report, appears to have been conducted with care
and skill. If a further advance of the army were otherwise practica-
ble and proper at this season of the year, the necessity of appropriating
the remainder of the work oxen for food for the troops would now pre-
vent.
The diminished number and reduced condition of the cavalry and
battery horses and draught mules, makes a remount for the former and
an additional number of mules for the quartermaster's department
indispensable. A further advance cannot be made without them. I
have, therefore, taken measures (see orders to Captain Marcy and esti-
mates of the chief quartermasters' herewith) to supply all deficiencies.
Captain Marcy has been despatched, with a sufficient party suitably
organized and equipped, to New Mexico, as the nearest and most ac-
cessible region from which they can be obtained early in the spring,
with instructions to purchase the number required, and to return as
soon in the spring as he can, having regard to the good condition of
the horses and mules ; and he is authorized to contract for a supply of
salt, of which we have none, and forward it on his arrival. I respect-
fully request the sanction of the general-in-chief to my orders to Cap-
tain Marcy, and that he will give instructions to General Garland, or
commanding officer of the Department of New Mexico, to furnish Cap-
tain Marcy a sufficient escort of the mounted rifles to protect him from
predatory attacks of the Indians on the route back to this place. I
I enclose a copy of my letter to General Garland, making the request.
The Mormons, before they retired, burnt the buildings in and about
Fort Bridger, and also Fort Supply on Smith's fork,, twelve miles
hence, and destroyed the grain, and as far as they could, other crops
at that place. Fort Bridger, so called, is a high, well built, strong
stone wall, enclosing a square of one hundred feet, and has been ap-
propriated for the storage of the supplies for the army. The addition
of two lunettes, now being constructed, one on the southwest corner
and the other on the northeast corner of a stone enclosure adjoining
the main one, but not so high, will make it defensible by a small
force, and a safe place of deposit for the public property that may be
left when the army advances. The herds of mules, battery horses,
and cattle have been sent with herdsmen to Henry's fork to graze
during the winter, and six companies of the 2d dragoons, under the
command of Colonel Cooke, have been ordered to encamp near them,
and guard them and protect the herdsmen. He has with him about
two hundred dragoon horses. Two companies of the same regiment
are stationed here, and have about fifty horses, all feeble, for want of
sufficient sustenance. In the spring the army, with the volunteer
force included, about two thousand strong, will resume their march as
soon as a supply of horses and mules arrive, and the grass on the
mountains shall be found sufficient to sustain them.
Two full companies of volunteers have been mustered into the ser-
vice for nine (9) months, and I expect in a few days that two more
companies will be mustered in. They are young, active, and hardy
men, generally good shots,, and with such instructions as they will
receive, will make most excellent light troops. I have to request that
the emolument of these men may be early made known to the Sec-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 79
retary of War, so that provision may be made, by an appropriation
by Congress for their payment at the expiration of their term of ser-
vice.
The troops have borne the hardships and privations of the march
with patience and cheerfulness, and continue in fine health ; some few
of the different regiments are still suffering from frost bite.
Governor Gumming and family, Judge Eckel, the secretary, attor-
ney general, and marshal of the Territory, and also Dr. Forney, su-
perintendent of Indian affairs, and Dr. Hunt, agent, are encamped
within our lines, and have received every facility and means to make
them comfortable, as much so as can be expected under canvas.
I enclose copies of all orders given by me which will fully acquaint
you with any matter omitted in this communication.
With great respect,, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding.
Maj. I. McDowELL, Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the Army.
P. S. — A field return is transmitted herewith.
I beg leave to ask your attention to the absence of a great number
of officers as exhibited by the return.
Respectfully,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel %d Cavalry, Commanding.
HEADQUARTERS IOTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY,
Camp Winfield, on Ham's Fork, October 2, 1857.
COLONEL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
letter of this day, and in reply, I am directed to inform you that this
regiment is now encamped on Ham's fork of Green river, about 12
miles above the crossing of the fork by the road from Green river to
Fort Bridger.
Captain Phelps' battery is near us, and it is proposed that both re-
main here until the commander arrives. Col. Alexander also directs
me to say, that he advises your coming to this point and camping near
him ; the Mormons are understood to be concentrating at Fort Bridger,
30 miles from here, and might prove disastrous to a scattered force.
There is a large train of supplies here which requires protection, and
the grazing on the valley of this fork is superior to any we have found
since leaving the Sweetwater, being abundant for all your animals, in
addition to those now here for some days to come. Having no infor-
mation of the position of Gen. Harney, it is impossible to say how
long we will remain here, but is presumed that he will soon be here.
I enclose a copy of a letter received to-day from Gov. Young, which,
indicates sufficiently the rebellious and hostile disposition of the Mor-
mons, and makes it probable that an armed resistance to further pro-
gress of the troops will be attempted.
The distance from Green river to the crossing of Ham's fork, is
80 UTAH EXPEDITION.
22 miles, over a good road, and should you decide to come on, that
would be your first days march ; if you will send a guide in advance
when you march from Ham's fork crossing, Col. Alexander will be
happy to send an officer to meet yoo, and conduct you to a good
camping ground in our vicinity. There is no road up the fork except
our wagon trail, and several crossings, but it is smooth and level and
wagons can be got up without difficulty.
I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
HENRY E. MAYNADIER,
First Lieut., and Adjutant Tenth Infantry.
P. S. — Captain Clarke, A. C. S., desires me to say that there are
three supply trains in your rear, and he requests you will give them
such protection as you consider necessary.
Very respectfully,
HENRY E. MAYNADIER,
First Lieut., and Adjutant Tenth Infantry.
HEADQUARTERS K)TH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY,
Camp on Black's Fork, November 17, 1857.
SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my opera-
tions from the time I reached the boundary of the Territory of Utah
until the arrival of Colonel Johnston at Black's fork. After a long
march on the 26th of September, 1857, I encamped, with eight com-
panies of the 10th infantry, at the Big Timbers on Big Sandy, this
being my first camp in Utah. On the 27th, I marched across to
Green river, and camped near the trading house of one Yates, reach-
ing that point about half past eleven a. m., with my troops and trains
very much exhausted by the previous three days' marches, which had
been, of necessity, very long. At 9 o'clock a. m. on the 27th, an ex-
press had been sent to Ham's fork to Lieutenant Deshler, who was
left by Captain Van Vliet at the rendezvous of the supply trains with
a small guard. An answer from Lieutenant Deshler was received at
4^ p. in. on the 27th, stating that he was in no immediate apprehen-
sion of being molested, and thought he could abide the arrival of the
troops, without being immediately reinforced. I felt much relieved
by this statement, but upon further reflection, I determined to fore-
stall any attempt of the Mormons, by a change in the usual hour of
march, thinking that they would count upon my taking two days to
go from Green river to Ham's fork, or at least that I could not reach
there until late in the evening, if I went in one. I accordingly struck
camp at 12 o'clock on the night of the 27th, and set out for Ham's
fork. At 7 a. m. on the 28th I came in sight of the trains, and by
11 the regiment was camped near them, guards and pickets established,
and everything prepared for defence. I have since learned that a
party of Mormons had determined to attack Lieut. Deshler, and destroy
the trains on that day, and were prevented by the arrival of the troops
about seven hours earlier than they anticipated.
A few days after 1 reached Ham's fork, I received a letter from
UTAH EXPEDITION. 81
Brevet Colonel Waite, commanding the 5th infantry, stating that he
was at Green river, and asking advice as to his remaining there or
coming on. I advised him to come to Ham's fork, as the grazing
was very fine, and I knew there was but little at Green river.
Captain Phelps' battery had come up with me on the 29th of Sep-
tember, and on the 5th of October the 5th infantry and Reno's battery
arrived. On the morning of the 5th I received information that three
supply trains, which had been marching in rear some distance, since
leaving Fort Leavenworth, without reference to protection from troops,
had been burnt. On the 7th of October I despatched two companies
under Captain Marcy, 5th infantry, to Green river, to collect and bring
up what was serviceable of the contents of the burnt trains. This
service was well and promptly executed. Having, on the 5th of Octo-
ber, assumed command of the troops near me, I determined to march
up Ham's fork, where I would be in a position to reach Fort Bridger
as near as from the crossing, or to go into the valley of Bear river, and,
by way of Soda Spring and the Malade river, to Salt Lake City. This
route gave me the alternative of choosing at Soda Spring whether I
would continue towards the city or go to Snake river to winter, accord-
ing to what might be learned relative to the power of the Mormons,
the state of my supplies, and the nature of the season. I was under
the impression at this time that Brevet Colonel Smith, who was in
command of the only force I had any knowledge of, could join me on
Bear river by taking Subletted cut-off. I proceeded up Ham's fork,
marching from October 11 to October 19, making about 35 miles, and
reaching a point two miles from the Sublette road. On the 19th I
ordered a return, having heard from Brevet Colonel Smith, who was
so far in the rear, and so much encumbered with supply trains, that it
was not likely he could join me ; I was also actuated in coming to this
decision by hearing that Colonel Johnston was assigned to the com-
mand and was coming up. For convenience of moving and, grazing,
the force was divided into three columns, and, by slow inarches, the
whole reached Black's fork on the 2d of November.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel 10th Infantry, Commanding.
ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Headquarters, Army of Utah.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OP UTAH,
Camp Scott, near Bridger 's Fort,
Black's Fork, November 25, 1857.
GENERAL : A large proportion of cavalry and battery horses as well
as many draught animals of my command, have been starved by the
unprecedented cold weather of the last month and the great scarcity
of grass on our route ; I have therefore ordered Captain R B. Marcy,
5th United States infantry, to proceed to New Mexico to purchase a
remount for the dragoons and batteries and a sufficient number of
H. Ex. Doc. 71 6
82 UTAH EXPEDITION.
draught animals to replace those which have died or heen broken down
on the march.
It is of the greatest importance that he should return to this pi*
as early in the spring as he can, keeping in view the necessity
bringing on the animals in good condition. Assistance,, such as you
have it in your power to give for the promotion of the objects which
it is so desirable that he should accomplish, would very greatly facili-
tate his speedy return.
I have also to request that a squadron of the rifle regiment, or such
force as you may deem requisite, may be ordered to give him protection
on his route back. Captain Marcy will give you the particulars of our
march, &c.
Wit'°. great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, commanding Army Utah.
Brigadier General JOHN GARLAND,
Commanding Department New Mexico, Santa Fe.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DRAGOONS,
Camp at Fort Kearney, October 5, 1857.
SIR: Colonel Johnston, commanding, was well aware that I calcu-
lated for success at finding the depot of corn on Sweet Water, made in
August by Captain Van Vliet, assistant quartermaster, and of renew-
ing it in the almost certain case of its having been used.
I learn now from Lieutenant Green, 2d dragoons, that there was
little corn at Fort Laramie ; but he met a very large train, which will
probably reach the fort about the 16th instant.
I shall reach Fort Laramie the 21st or 22d, and it will be necessary
to 'me that a part of the train go on with at least 60,000 pounds;
100,000 would be much better.
This train, preceding me five or six days, can carry this corn at
least 200 miles before I overtake it ; if circumstances permit, it will do
better for it to keep on until overtaken, so that it do not go over 300
miles.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. ST. GEO. COOKE,
Lieutenant Colonel 2d Dragoons.
To COMMANDING OFFICER of Fort Laramie, JV. T.
HEADQUARTERS SECOND DRAGOONS,
Camp above Fallow's Bluff, S. Platte, October 12, 1857.
MAJOR : I received this morning your letters of October 5th and 6th,
(previously, those of September 24 and 29, .and special orders.) Al-
though I marched three miles from Fort Leavenworth September 17,
I was so detained by the quartermaster department in my outfit that
I was encamped twenty-two miles from Fort Leavenworth the night
of the 21st. In consequence of information received of Lieutenant
UTAH EXPEDITION. 83
Bryan, topographical engineers, that he had not bridged the streams
on the new road, by Fort Riley, I finally took the old route.
I received from Lieutenant Perkins, October 1st, twenty-five not
the "best teams" of the train from whence they came. I took four-
teen wagons and teams and exchanged the other mules. From that
day until this we have had daily rains.
I arrived at Fort Kearney, near noon, the 5th, and left there the
morning of the 7th. Their supply of corn was barely what was needed
for the road to Fort Laramie, and there was a deficiency of above 2,000
rations of hard bread.
I enclose a copy of a letter I wrote by an express to the command-
ing officer of Fort Laramie.
Eleven days of rain, with very bad roads, have had their inevitable
effects upon horses and mules. I find I cannot keep up my attempted
average of twenty-two miles a day ; I shall, perhaps, arrive at Fort
Laramie on the 22d instant, (one day over my ration supply.)
I hope to hear from you there. Captain Van Vliet's information as
to the route was rather startling ; from my knowledge of it, I antici-
pated a possibility of success, with an average condition of the grass.
The question, I fear, in spite of the hopes I had formed, will turn
upon this point: whether it will be more important for the regiment
to reach the front (probably not a theatre of active operations) with
horses ineffective, or attempt at Fort Laramie to preserve them for a
future day.
I write this in anticipation of being passed by the mail — perhaps
to-morrow
I enclose a field return for September ; 77 desertions occurred* after
these companies were organized.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
P. ST, GEO. COOKE,
Lieutenant Colonel 2$ Dragoons, Commanding.
The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL.
ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp near Chimney Rock, October 18*
P. S. — Still anticipating the mail passing, I report that I still ex-
pect to arrive at Fort Laramie on the 22d instant. I passed yesterday
the two corn trains, twenty-two days from Fort Kearney, which the
enclosed letter was written to forward, in part, beyond Fort Laramie.
They have scarce a month's half forage for the animals with me. The
weather is exceedingly cold ; wind northeast, with some rain, yes-
terday; northwest, with three hours snow, to-day, when two horses and
above twenty mules, all three-year olds, gave out.
Very respectfully, P. ST. GEO. COOKE,
Lieutenant Colonel 2d Dragoons.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp on Ham's Fork, October 12, 1857.
SIR : Yesterday two young men, named Hickman, were arrested by
the rear guard of the army, and are now held in confinement. They
^ UTAH EXPEDITION
brought a letter from W. A. Hickinan to Mr. Perry, a sutler of one
of the regiments, but came under none of the privileges of bearers of
despatches, and are, perhaps, liable to be considered and treated as
spies. But I am convinced, from conversation with them, that their
conduct does not merit the serious punishment awarded to persons of
that character, and I have accordingly resolved to release the younger
one, especially in consideration of his having a wife and three children
dependent upon him, and to make him the bearer of this letter. The
elder I shall keep until I know how this communication is received,
and until I receive an answer to it, reserving, even then, the right to
hold him a prisoner, if, in my judgment, circumstances require it. I
need hardly assure you that his life will be protracted, and that he
will receive every comfort and indulgence proper to be afforded him.
I desire now, sir, to set before you the following facts: the forces
under my command are ordered by the President of the United States to
establish a military post at or near Salt Lake City. They set out on
their long and arduous march, anticipating a reception similar to that
which they would receive in any other State or Territory in the Union.
They were met at the boundary of the Territory of which you are the
f over nor, and in which capacity alone I have any business with you,
y a proclamation issued by yourself, forbidding them to come upon
soil belonging to the United States, and calling upon the inhab-
itants to resist them with arms. You have ordered them to return,
and have called upon them to give up their arms in default of obeying
your mandate. You have resorted to open hostilities, and of a kind,
permit me to say, very far beneath the usages of civilized warfare, and
only resorted to by those who are conscious of inability to resist by
more honorable means, by authorizing persons under your control,
some of the very citizens, doubtless, whom you have called to arms,
to burn the grass, apparently with the intention of starving a few
beasts, and hoping that men would starve after them. Citizens of
Utah, acting, I am bound to believe, under your authority, have de-
stroyed trains containing public stores, with a similar humane purpose
of starving the army. I infer also from your communication received
day before yesterday, refering to " a dearth of news from the east and
from home," that you have caused public and private letters to be di-
verted from their proper destination, and this, too, when carried by a
public messenger on a public highway. Itis unnecessary for me to adduce
further instances to show that you have placed yourselt, in your capacity
of governor, and so many of the citizens of the Territory of Utah as
have obeyed your decree, in a position of rebellion and hostility to the
general government of the United States. It becomes you to look to
the consequences, for you must be aware that so unequal a contest can
never be successfully sustained by the people you govern.
It is my duty to inform you that I shall use the force under my
control, and all honorable means in my power, to obey literally and
strictly the orders under which I am acting. If you, or any acting
under your orders, oppose me, I will use force, and I warn you that the
blood that is shed in this contest will be upon your head. My means
I consider ample to overcome any obstacle ; and I assure you that any
idea you may have formed of forcing these troops back, or of prevent-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 85
ing them from carrying out the views of the government, will result in
unnecessary violence and utter failure. Should you reply to this in a
spirit which our relative positions give me a right to demand, I will
he prepared to propose an arrangement with you. I have also the
honor to inform you that all persons found lurking around or in any
of our camps, will he put under guard and held prisoners as long as
circumstances may require.
I remain sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel ~LQth Infantry, Commanding.
His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor of Utah Territory.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,
Camp on Ham's Fork, October 18, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
the 14th instant. I learn "by the hearers that it is not an answer to
one from me sent to you hy Mr. T. J. Hickman. It is not within my
province to disahuse you of the idea that the army of the United States
can ever he used to oppress the citizens of the country, or to perform
any other duty than to protect all law-abiding persons in their pur-
suits and property. I may assert that the acts of which you complain
on the part of certain officials in your Territory, could never have been
committed had there been an officer or a regiment of troops near
enough to prevent it. It is no part of the duty, and still less of the
wishes of any one connected with this force to interfere in any way with
the religion of the people of Utah, whether they are members of the
Mormon church, or worship under the forms of any church. But there
are certain duties incumbent upon every man intrusted with a military
commission and command, and the first is obedience of orders under
all circumstances short of impossibility. I repeat my earnest desire
to avoid violence and bloodshed, and it will require positive resistance
to force me to it. But my troops have the same right of self-defence
that you claim, and it rests entirely with you whether they are driven
to the exercise of it.
In my letter, sent by Mr. Hickman, I set forth fully the position on
which you and the people of Utah, or at least part of them, have be-
come placed, and I stated my willingness to make an arrangement
with you on other terms than those of battle. I await your reply,
and urge you again to stop the treasonable course you are pursuing
before you bring upon yourself, and many otherwise innocent persons,
a vengeance of which you have little idea.
I am, with high respect, your obedient servant,
E. B. ALEXANDER,
Colonel IQth Infantry ', Commanding*
His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor of Utah Territory.
86 UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Big Timbers, on Big Sandy,
En route to Salt Lake City, October 30, 185*7.
SIR : The colonel commanding, with the view of securing army
supplies, to-day reported as in store at Baptiste's trading station, di-
rects that, secretly, at 2 o'clock to-night you move from this camp, by
the direct route to that station, and take possession of all government
stores you find, until delivered to the proper officers with this com-
mand. The ford at G-reen river is easy to cross, heing not more than
knee-deep.
He also directs that you keep your command and the occupants of
the houses concealed, permitting no egress and securing all persons
approaching the station.
Should any armed mounted men approach your party, you will
knock them out of their saddles, and capture, if practicable, and treat
as enemies all persons who molest you, or appear in arms on your
route.
A non-commissioned officer and four privates will accompany your
command to enable you to communicate, if necessary, with these head-
quarters.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Captain B. E. BEE,
Infantry, Big Timbers, Big Sandy.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Black's Fork, 16 miles from Fort Bridger,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 8, 185*7.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that on the delivery to you,
by Eli Dufour and Benjamin Claymoor, of two packages containing
public letters, you will cause the former to be paid $300, (three hun-
dred,) and the latter $200 (two hundred.)
Eli is to be continued in service, and will be returned to these head-
quarters as soon as practicable.
If Claymoor wishes to remain in the employ of the United States,
you can make a new contract and send him with Eli,
The packages enclosed the colonel commanding directs that you
forward, so as to reach their destination as soon as practicable.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Ere vet Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,
Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 87
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp, Junction of Smith's and Ham's Forks,
Ln route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you cause to he pushed
forward to these headquarters, at Fort Bridger, as soon as practicable,
a train of 30 pack mules loaded with salt. Your knowledge of the'
country, and of the persons you will employ, will guide you in the route
to he taken.
In making your preparations for moving in the spring, the colonel
wishes you to take into consideration the route up the Laramie river,
with the view of reaching this force at the earliest moment with the
supply trains, time being the principal element to consider in your
movement. As soon as Colonel Cooke arrives, Jeanise, or some other
reliable person, will be sent over that route to report to you the prob-
abilities of success, the difficulties to be overcome, the advantages of
grass, and to be a guide in case you deem it advisable to move in that
direction. It is hoped that you may be able to arrive here a month
earlier than by the Oregon and California route, South Pass, send-
ing some of your troops in advance to make or repair the road. It
is inferred, from present information, that a practicable road exists,
and that probably the principal difficulties to overcome will be the
cutting down banks and making bridges. The guide who passes over
it will examine the obstacles.
If you have sufficient information to decide you, this route is sug-
gested as one for the pack train, as the grass is very scarce on this,
and on the other it has not been injured.
The colonel commanding also suggests that the animals be not load-
ed heavier than 100 pounds. There is no salt with this army.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,
Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.
P. S. — Whichever route you take,, will require boats or rafts to en-
able you to cross the principal streams. The colonel commanding,
therefore, suggests that you bring with you wagons of corrugated iron,
if you have them, or can procure them in time ; if not, sufficient timber
to make a boat of sufficient dimensions to cross your stores.
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Junction of Smith's and Black's Forks,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding understands that a quantity of arms,
powder, lead and shot, were left at Richard's trading station, either
on Deer creek or at Platte Bridge, by G-rosbeck, the man in charge of
the Mormon wagon train which passed your post about October 6.
He directs you to have a thorough search made for these arms and
88 UTAH EXPEDITION.
munitions, and, if found, have them seized in the name of the govern-
ment. Should an unusual supply be found at the Mormon station on
Deer creek or at Platte Bridge, the colonel wishes you to have it
removed, leaving sufficient for ordinary trading purposes, no matter
who may claim the ownership.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J, POUTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,
Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Junction of Smith's Fork and Slack's Fork,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.
SIR : The regulations in the case of private Edward Farrell, of your
company, reported in your letter of the 18th ultimo, as transferred to
company A, 6th infantry, not having been complied with, the colonel
commanding disapproves of the transfer, and directs that he be borne
upon the rolls as a member of your company.
You are directed to furnish the commander of your regiment with
a copy of this communication.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Captain RENSSELAER W. FOOTE,
Commanding Company C, 6th Infantry, Fort Laramie, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Junction of Smith's and Black's Forks,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that on the delivery to you
of a package containing seven communications, you cause the bearer,
an Indian boy, to be paid the amount of $200 (two hundred dollars)
for services rendered in bearing a despatch to these headquarters from
Lieut. Colonel Cooke, second dragoons.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Lieut. Colonel WM. HOFFMAN,
Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Slack's Fork, six miles from Fort JBridger,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 14, 1857.
SIR : In addition to the compensation designated in my letter of
yesterday, the colonel commanding directs that you pay the bearer
UTAH EXPEDITION.
(Indian boy, Newell,) one hundred dollars, ($100) on delivery to you of
a package to your address, containing the communications referred to.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,
Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Gamp near Fort Bridger,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 18, 185 T.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you that only
a portion of the supply trains will be drawn from your camp to day,
and in consequence of the enfeebled condition of the animals, the oxen
will not be returned until the 20th instant. He therefore directs that
you keep the main portion of your regiment with you in camp, guard-
ing the trains, till all are in motion, sending a sufficient guard with
each train. Two of the companies escorting the trains to-day will
camp, as directed, at Fort Bridger, while the others will come to this
camp, where your regiment will be assembled.
T am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Colonel E. B. ALEXANDER,
Commanding 10th Infantry, Camp Scott, U. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott , near Fort Bridger, U. T. ,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you proceed with your
company, as escort to the train of Lieutenant Lucius L. Rich, A. A.
Q. M., charged with collecting all abandoned wagons between this
point and Ham's fork, and bringing to the camp a portion of the goods
of Messrs. Gilbert & Radford.
A copy of Lieutenant Rich's instructions are enclosed. You will
supply your men with rations for ten days.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieutenant C. H. TYLER,
Commanding Company H., 2d Dragoons, Camp Scott, U. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, U. T. ,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 19, 185*7.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, as medical director, you
have requisitions made upon the assistant quartermaster for the camp
90 UTAH EXPEDITION.
and garrison equipage, &c., to establish hospitals for the different regi-
ments and batteries, and that you make the necessary arrangements
to establish and complete a general hospital, such as you deem neces-
sary for the command.
Assistant Surgeon Ridgely has been directed to forward his requi-
sitions to you.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Surgeon MADISON MILLS,
Medical Director, Army of Utah.
[Circular.]
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, near Fort Sridger, November 19, 185*7.
All persons discharged from the trains accompanying this army, as
well as all other American citizens unemployed, are invited to enrol
themselves into companies for 9 months in the military (volunteer)
serviceof the United States.
The compensation will be that of an infantry soldier, viz : $11
per month and rations and clothing.
The above to be paid when appropriated by Congress.
By order of Colonel Albert S. Johnston.
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, near Fort Sridger,
En route to Salt Lake City, November 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs you to take forty good six-
mule teams from the train of this army, and proceed to the junction of
Black's and Ham's forks, collecting all abandoned wagons.
Arriving there, you will tender, in his name, (that of government)
to Messrs. Gerrish & Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army,
your train to assist in transporting to this camp their most valuable
goods and merchandise, especially those of a perishable nature and
most serviceable to the Mormons, as clothing, groceries, &c.
I am instructed to caution you not to permit your wagons to be
heavily loaded, or to make long marches.
I am. sir, very respectfullv, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Second Lieutenant L. L. RICH,
Fifth Infantry, A. A. Q. M.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 91
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, U. T. ,
En route to Salt Lake City, Nov. 19, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commading directs that, with forty men of your
command, supplied with ten days' rations, you proceed to the camp,
on or near Ham's fork, about 30 miles distant, of Messrs. Garrish
and Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army, and escort to this
camp so much of their trains as can be moved.
Should you meet a portion of the moveable train, you will unite the
whole of it, and keep it united, and not permit your command to be
divided more than is necessary to guard the column.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Second Lieut. HENRY B. LIVINGSTON,
Commanding Company E., Zd Dragoons ,
Camp Scott, U. T.
GREEN RIVER COUNTY,
Fort Bridger, U. T., November 21, 1857.
On the llth of July, 1857, I was appointed by the President to be
governor of this Territory. Since my arrival within the limits of the
Territory, I regret to have found that many acts of violence have been
committed on the highways, in the destruction and robbery of property
belonging to the United States. These acts, which indicate that the
Territory is in a state of rebellion, are ascribed, how truly I do not
know, to yourself.
A proclamation purporting to have issued from you, and a paper
signed with your name, found upon the person of Joseph Taylor,
have been submitted to my inspection. The matter contained in these
papers authorizes and commands violent and treasonable acts — acts
tending to th*e disruption of the peace of the Territory, and which
subject their actors to the penalties awarded to traitors. If these
papers referred to be not authentic, I trust you will promptly disavow
them.
I herewith enclose a copy of my proclamation to the people of
Utah.
You will oblige me by acknowledging the receipt of this by the re-
turning messenger.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, &c.
A. GUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Ex-Governor of Utah Territory.
HEADQUARTEKS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., November 21, 1857.
Official. i1. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
92 UTAH EXPEDITION.
GREEN RIVER COUNTY,
Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, November 21, 1857.
To the People of Utah Territory:
On the llth of July, 1857, the President appointed me to preside
over the executive department of the government of this Territory. I
arrived at this point on the 19th of this month, and shall prohably be de-
tained some time, in consequence of the loss of animals during the recent
snow-storm. I will proceed at this point to make the preliminary
arrangements for the temporary organization of the territorial gov-
ernment, many treasonable acts of violence having recently been
committed by lawless individuals, supposed to have been commanded
by the late executive. Such persons are in a state of rebellion. Pro-
ceedings will be instituted against them in a court organized by Chief
Justice Eckles, held in this county, which court will supersede the
necessity of appointing military commissions for the trial of such
offenders. It is my duty to enforce unconditional obedience to the
Constitution, to the organic law of this Territory, and to all the other
laws of Congress applicable to you. To enable me to effect this ob-
ject, I will, in the event of resistance, rely, first, upon a posse comitatus
of the well-disposed portion of the inhabitants of this Territory, and
will only resort to a military posse in case of necessity. I trust this
necessity will not occur.
I come among you with no prejudices 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 guarantied by the Consti-
tution, with which it is not the province of the government, or the
disposition of its representatives in this Territory, to interfere.
In virtue of my authority, as commander-in-chief of the militia of
this Territory, I hereby command all armed bodies of individuals, by
whomsoever organized, to disband, and return to their respective
homes. The penalty of disobedience to this command will subject
the offender to the punishment due to traitors.
A. CUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., November 21, 1857.
Official. F. J. PORTER, A. A. G.
HEADQUARTERS 2D REGIMENT OP DRAGOONS,
Camp on Black's Fork, Utah Territory, November 21, 1857.
SIR : As required, I Jiave the honor to report that, in obedience to
instructions from the colonel commanding the army for Utah, j
UTAH EXPEDITION. 93
marched, in command of six companies 2d dragoons, three miles from
Fort Leaven worth, and encamped the afternoon of the 17th September.
The regiment had been hastily recalled from service in the field and
allowed 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 expedition were re-organized ; one hundred
and ten transferfl necessarily made from and to other companies ; horses
to be condemned and many obtained ; the companies paid, and about
fifty desertions occurred ; the commanders of four of them changed.
To these principal duties and obstacles, implying a great mass of
writing, were to be added every exertion of experience and foresight
to provide for a line of operation of almost unexampled length and
mostly beyond communication. On the evening of the 16th, 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.
I marched, then, on the 1*7 th ; my preparations, though hurried, were
as complete as was possible ; then it was to be proved that three or
four more days were to be lost in waiting for the quartermaster's de-
partment to supply the absolutely necessary transportation. On the
18th one hundred and seven mules were furnished, which the same
day had arrived from a march of perhaps two thousand miles to and
from Bridger's Pass ; above one hundred of the others were nearly
worthless from want of age, and requiring several hours to harness a
team. On the morning of the 19th twenty-seven teamsters were
wanting, and men were furnished utterly ignorant of the business and
without outfits. I marched late that day fourteen miles, and the last
of the train reached the camp at 12 m. on the next day, the 20th,
eleven wagon tongues having been broken. On the 21st, after a hard
rain, I marched six miles, which on slippery roads was as much as
such a train could well accomplish ; and only that night near half of
one of the companies whom we had met returning to Fort Leavenworth,
from a march of 600 miles, reached my camp.
Half allowance, or six pounds a day of corn for horses and mules,
was the largest item of transportation ; three or four laundresses, with
their children, were with each company.
September 23d I received an application of Governor Gumming
for iorage for his (54) public animals, and was first informed that an
order from the War Department, communicated to the quartermaster's
department at Fort Leavenworth, ordered it furnished.
The weather now for ten days proved very fine ; but there was gen-
erally a deficiency of grass, that was not compensated by the corn
allowance ; this was owing to the many troops and contract trains
which had passed, the camps being on streams running across the
route.
October 1.— On the Little Blue I reached the train of twenty-five
wagons and teams which the colonel commanding had there stopped
94
UTAH EXPEDITION.
from their return from the Cheyenue expedition, to make out my
outfit for the longer marches "beyond assistance. Hard hread for the
whole march to Salt Lake City was to he taken from Fort Kearney.
Such was the condition of the young mules furnished at Fort Leaven-
worth, that only fourteen of these additional wagons were available,
sixty-six mules "being necessarily exchanged. Here, as had been
ordered, Assistant Surgeon Covey joined the regiment, relieving As-
sistant Surgeon Milham.
October 3. — There was so severe a northeast rain-storm that I lay
in camp ; I knew there would be no fuel at the next, on the Platte
river.
October 4. — I marched in the rain, and on the 5th arrived at Fort
Kearney at 10 a. m. ; my rate of marching, after September 21, hav-
ing averaged twenty-one miles a day. There I remained the next
day. I could not increase the number of wagons, but exchanged a
few mules ; nor could the required amount of corn be furnished.
On the fth I marched in the rain, which had continued since the
2d of the month.
Up to the 12th — eleven days — the rainy weather continued, clearing
up with thick ice ; but the marches averaged twenty-one miles. The
grass was very scarce and poor. It was not a season and prospect for
delays. Every care was taken to sustain the horses ; they were led,
at that time, about two hours a day, and grazed on spots of grass
found in the march. The length of the march was also accommodated
to it and diligent search made. That night I was encamped on an
island west of Fallow's bluff. This long rain made the want of fuel
more severe ; it rendered useless the now scarce bois de vache.
After this, repeated hard frosts, with the previous consumption of
grass by the troops, trains, and 60,000 emigrant cattle, almost left us
without this all-important support — I mean of a sort or condition fit
for the support of our animals.
October 15. — I crossed the South Platte, with a very cold northwest
wind. Descended Ash Hollow, and marched a mile or two on the
North Platte in the vain search for any grass. These twenty-two
miles, with the two serious obstacles overcome, were accomplished by
the whole train in good time. This must be attributed to the excel-
lent management of that most efficient officer, First Lieutenant John
Buford, regimental quartermaster.
After this, the horses began to die and be necessarily left on the
road. On the 17th two corn trains were passed, which had left Fort
Kearney twelve days in advance of the regiment. I renewed my de-
ficient supply — relieving them. A northeaster, with sleet, was dis-
tressingly chilling that evening, in camp on " Smith's fork." Next
day there was a snow-storm, falling three or four inches, which the
teams were scarcely forced to face ; and twenty-three mules, all three-
year olds, were relieved from harness, exhausted. Bunch grass
was sought and found that night in the hills, several miles from the
river. Private Whitney, of company ifG," died in that camp, near
Chimney Rock, of lockjaw. He was buried on the bluff with the
honors of war. Next morning, at sunrise, the thermometer was at 33°,
UTAH EXPEDITION. 95
but a fierce wind made the cold excessive ; we found ice floating in
the river.
October 20. — I crossed Scott's bluff by the old (the best and short-
est) road ; snow still neany covering the ground. A mail, which
had been in company for eleven days, did not get up the night of
the 21st.
On the 22d my camp was four miles below Fort Laramie, with
scarcely an appearance of grass, and there was none other for miles.
I had made twenty-one miles a day from Fort Kearney, the road be-
ing pronounced worse than ever remembered by a number of old and
frequent travellers on it.
On the 23d the regiment encamped a half a mile below the fort, on
Laramie river. Mr. Buford, sent the night before, although there
directed elsewhere, had found the only grass a mile and a half higher
up, where the mules were herded during my stay He was now
directed to make a critical examination and report upon all the mules,
and a board of the oldest company officers was ordered to carefully in-
spect and report upon the horses.
Fifty-three were reported, on the 24th, ineffective for active service,
and 278 fit to prosecute the march. The regimental quartermaster
reported his ability to proceed with a diminution of only ten wagons ;
but eleven others of the train only capable of going five or six days,
when their loads of corn would be consumed, if the others were not
lightened. There was but little hay there, and I ordered an issue from
it to the horses during their stay. The corn trains were expected in
a day or two ; it was so absolutely necessary to await their arrival.
I had received your communication of October 5, giving discretionary
authority to winter in the vicinity of Fort Laramie, but that evening
I determined to continue on. I ordered the laundresses to be left ;
Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman stated he could provide for them. Those
too sick to ride were ordered to be left ; of the men dismounted, one
married man to a company, and such others deemed by their company
commanders " ineffective afoot/ ' were authorized to be left. The
allowance of equipage in the general order for the summer march was
greatly reduced, as, in fact, all other baggage, and even too ambulances
brought for the sick were loaded with corn until they might be needed.
I considered it prudent to take rations for thirty days.
On the 26th of October the corn arrived, and was instantly taken
and packed, by great exertions, for the march that afternoon, it be-
ing recommended by the guide, Jeanise. who now joined me, in order
to make camps with grass.
At one o'clock the " general" was sounded ; soon after I received
the despatch of October 18 from South Pass ; this, announcing, in
fact, hostilities in front, the great want of cavalry, and the strong
hope of the colonel to see us with him, I read to the officers assembled
in front of the mounted regiment, adding a few words expressing my
confidence in their every exertion to meet the kindly-announced ex-
pectations of the commander of the army. I had corn for the night
brought to the camp seven miles by two wagons of the fort ; half
allowance for eighteen days was then in camp ; the horses were all
96 UTAH EXPEDITION.
blanketed from that time, and on the march led and mounted alter-
nate hours, "besides dismounting on difficult ground.
October 27. -« Marched twenty miles ; the guide found very good
grass far from the usual road by making a cut-off to the North Plalte.
There I commenced herding the horses till dark, and the mules all
night.
The marches were twenty miles a day until the 30th of October,
when, finding on the river very unusually good grass, after marching
eight miles, the camp was made, and horses and mules herded ; no
corn being issued in that camp, s avea half feed to horses next morning.
Next day there was rain, but we marched twenty miles to the first
grass in the vicinity of Deer creek, two miles west of it. At the
trading house I caused some good hay to be purchased — all there was,
and less than an allowance for the horses. A hunter was there hired ; a
beef procured and slaughtered ; an expressman was also engaged ;
and I wrote to communicate with headquarters, but the man did
not present himself until the next night.
November 1. — Owing to total absence of grass, the march was
prolonged to twenty-three or twenty-four miles, and a camp made
above the bridge. Next morning was very cold. The few tents were
with difficulty folded and packed, having remained frozen from the
sleet two nights before. The old road was taken, leaving the river at
the crossing, and it not having been used by the troops, we were not
disappointed in finding grass for a camp at the first spring — 15 miles.
Five wagons and teams of the worst mules were that morning left in
camp, to return to Fort Laramie after resting a day.
November 3. — Twenty miles were accomplished against an ex-
cessive cold headwind, to a camp on Sage creek. The horses were
mostly led. The fatigue of walking up and over the high hills in the
face of the wind was very great. A bad camp, with poor hill grass,
and a cold rain, was our welcome on Sage creek.
November 4. — The camp was on Sweet Water, a mile above Inde-
pendence Rock. The hunter brought in at night four hundred pounds
of good buffalo meat ; and also, for me, a canteen of petroleum, from
a spring, at the base of one of the small black mountains, not distant
from the road. Five empty wagons and teams were ordered back to
Fort Laramie.
November 5. — We passed Devil's Gate, with a scenery landscape up
the Sweet Water valley. We crossed the little river to within half a
mile of a deep, grassy vale, extending into the mountain masses of naked
granite. There all the animals were loosed for the night, the mouth
of the canon only being guarded.
On the 6th we found the ground once more white and the snow
falling, 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 co;ild 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 finding
and feeding upon grass, in that wintry storm, under the deep snow,
was hard to entertain ; but as he promised grass and other shelter two
UTAH EXPEDITION. 97
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, hut 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 fearful eddies from ahove,
before, behind, drove the falling and drifting snow. Thus exposed
for the hope of grass, the poor animals were driven, with great devo-
tion, 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 precipice 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 con-
fined and wretched camp, tramping all things in their way. It was
not a time to dwell on the fact that from that mountain desert there
was no retreat, nor any shelter near ; but a time for action. No mur-
murs, not a complaint was heard, and certainly none saw in their
commander's face a doubt or clouds ; but with cheerful manner he
gave orders as usual for the march.
And then the sun showed his place in the sky, and my heart, for
one, beat lighter ; but for six hours the frost, or frozen fog, fell
thickly like snow, and again we marched on as in a cloud. The deep
snow drifts impeded us much, and in crossing Sweet water the ice
broke in the middle. Marching ten miles only, I got a better camp,
and herded the horses on the hills. It was a different road, but near
Ice spring, where, a few days before, the bodies of three frozen men
were found.
November 8. — The mercury this morning marked forty-four degrees
below the freezing point. The march was commenced before 8 o'clock,
and soon a high northwest wind arose, which, with the drift, gave
great suffering. Few could ride long ; but, of necessity, eighteen
miles were marched to Bitter creek. The snow was blown deep in
its valley, to which the hills gave little shelter. On them the guide
said there was some grass, but few animals went, and none staid
there, so bitter was the wind. Twenty-three mules had given out,
and five wagons and the harness were ordered to be abandoned at the
camp.
Next day nineteen miles were to be marched ; the road over high
hills and table lands ; the snow was deep and drifted ; the officers
and men leading must break through the drifts in the road, where
the wagons must follow it ; the cloud was still on us, and freezing in
our faces. Seven hours there, and the Sweetwater valley was re-
gained. The wagons arrived at night. The animals were driven
over the ice to herd on the high hills bounding the very narrow valley ;
but in the night a very great wind arose and drove them back from
the scant bunch grass, there freezing to death fifteen. We had there
for fuel, besides the sage, the little bush willow sticks.
November 10. — The northeast wind continued fiercely, enveloping
H. Ex. Doc. 71 7
98 UTAH EXPEDITION.
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 but nearly all
broken down mules, could not force them from the dead bushes of the
little valley ; and they remained there all day and night, bringing
on 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
substituted 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 desperately 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.
The llth, pleasant in the forenoon to men well wrapped and walk-
ing in the sun ; we early surmounted the pass, and marching seven-
teen miles encamped on Dry Sandy. The guide's search resulted in
his reporting : " no grass." There remained but one day's corn after
that night. It proved intensely cold, which must needs be, (seven to
eight thousand feet high,) in winter, in latitude above 42° ; the mules,
for once, were ordered to be tied at the wagons ; they gnawed and
destroyed four wagon tongues, a number of wagon covers, ate their
ropes, and getting loose, ate the sage fuel collected at the tents ; some
of these they also attacked ; nine died.
The fast growing company of dismounted men were marched to-
gether as a separate command by day ; the morning of the 12th, a
number of them were frost-bitten from not being in motion, although
standing by fires.
That day eighteen miles were marched to Big Sandy, where the
guide found grass, and fuel with it, so good, that the 13th was made
a day of rest; the animals all herded at the grass. Fifty horses had
been lost since Laramie. The regiment had retained through its suf-
ferings an excellent spirit.
November 14th was cold, with a dense fog, which caused much
delay and difficulty in collecting the animals. I marched, however,
eighteen miles, to Second Crossing ; there was scarcely any grass.
The weather had now much moderated.
The 15th, I reached and crossed G-reen river ; there was very little
grass, near or far ; the horses were herded at night half a mile from
camp, crossing the river on the ice. The United States October mail,
which preceded me by two days from Fort Laramie, arrived there soon
after me. Nine wagons were left at the house and forty-two mules,
with teamsters to herd them.
The sick report had rapidly run up from four or five to forty-two ;
-six soldiers and teamsters having been frosted.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 99
A man of Green river, named Migette, was authorized to collect and
winter such animals as he might find surviving on the road.
November 16. — We had to face a very severe wind, and to march
too, eighteen miles, before a camp ground could he got on Ham's fork ;
and there was little or no grass. At mid-day my return express, now
sent to Fort Laramie, was met. Twenty horses were abandoned in
that twenty-four hours.
Next day the guide was sent early to look for grass ; we found some,
and I marched, leading the horses six miles, and encamped there on
" Little Muddy" running into Black's fork.
The 18th, thirteen miles were marched, and some very good bunch
grass was found, by careful search, between the barren clay ridges,
within half a mile of which I camped on Black's Fork.
November 19. — Marched leading through the mud and snow, as
yesterday, fourteen miles ; passing the camp of the 10th infantry,
I encamped several miles above them, on Black's fork, and about
three miles below " Fort Bridger."
From there I reported in person yesterday, and one of my com-
panies joined, at the army headquarters, camp Scott. 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 his-
tory, the steps of an advancing army with the horrors of a disastrous
retreat.
A list of the officers is subjoined.
With high respect, your obedient servant,
P. ST. GEO. COOKE,
Lieut. Col. 2d Dragoons.
THE ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Army of Utah, Camp Scott, U. T.
Lieutenant Colonel P. St. Geo. Cooke.
Major M. S. Howe.
First Lieutenant John Buford, regimental quartermaster.
First Lieutenant John Pegram, adjutant.
Assistant Surgeon Edward N. Covey.
Brevet Major H. H. Sibley, commanding company I and squadron.
Captain James M. Hawes, commanding company C and squadron.
First Lieutenant Jonas P. Holliday, commanding company F and
squadron.
First Lieutenant Thomas Hight, commanding company B.
First Lieutenant John B. Villepigue, commanding dismounted
men.
Second Lieutenant George A. Gordon, commanding company A.
Second Lieutenant John Mullens.
100 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Second Lieutenant Ebenezer Gray, commanding company G,
Second Lieutenant John Green.
Second Lieutenant Francis C. Armstrong.
Second Lieutenant George Jackson.
Brevet Second Lieutenant Samuel W. Ferguson.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger,
En route to Salt Lake City. November 22, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to state that your letter of October 27th
ultimo, in the case of Captain Humber, 7th infantry, and enclosing a
medical certificate of ill health, has been laid before the colonel com-
manding, and the following is his endorsement thereon :
" HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
" Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 20, 1857.
" The colonel commanding, by silence, cannot permit the action of
Colonel Hoffman to be a precedent for an officer under his command
to authorize another to go beyond his control.
" The exercise of such a power is not warranted by the regulations;
nor from the nature of the disease, by the urgency of the case, the
only event which will sanction its application.
" Captain Humber will not be recalled, though the application for
a leave of absence was not granted ; but Colonel Hoffman will inform
him of the action of the colonel commanding/'
This endorsement is furnished by direction of the colonel command-
ing.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Brevet Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN,
Commanding fort Laramie, Nebraska Territory.
CAMP SCOTT, U. T.,
November 22, 1857.
SIR : As chief of the quartermaster's department, and thus directly
or indirectly responsible for the transportation of this army, I beg
leave to submit the following report for the consideration of the colonel
commanding :
From the limited observation I have been able to make, and from
all the information I can get in regard to the quantity of grass in this
vicinity, I am confident there is not enough within ten miles to sub-
sist the animals of this command for six weeks. We have now been
here scarcely a week, and in that short period it has all been eaten
off for a mile and a half in each direction. If the attempt is made to
winter them all near here, I ain fearful there will not be any in the
UTAH EXPEDITION. 101
spring fit for draught, if any considerable number of them should
survive. About twelve teams will be necessary for daily service.
These teams could be reduced to four mules to a team. With the
little subsistence these animals can get, they cannot work more than
one day out of three or four. Thus 1*72 mules must be kept in the
vicinity of the camp, and when worked one day in four it is not prob-
able they can be kept serviceable more than a month at a time. By
the end of each month they must be transferred to the general herd,
and replaced by others that have been somewhat recruited. In this
manner they will all be kept worked down and unfit for use in the
spring when they will be most needed.
Henry's fork is the nearest point where, in my opinion, grass can
be found in sufficient quantity to maintain them in working condition
for the next four months. If the troops are to remain in this camp, I
would respectfully suggest, for the consideration of the colonel com-
manding, the propriety of sending to that point, under proper guards,
all the animals under my charge, with the exception of about 350
mules. If the grass on Black's fork above our camp and on Smith's
fork were reserved for these 350 mules, it would subsist them for the
winter. Of this number one-half should be kept distant from the
camp on good grazing, and the other half near us for daily use
Those kf^pt here will get but little to eat, but by changing them, say
every two weeks, with those that are distant, we may get through the
winter without using up more than these 350 mules.
The majority of those sent to Henry's fork that are not now too
much broken down would, with a mild winter, be fit for service early
in the spring.
The reports from the different quartermasters as to the loss of ani-
mals in the march, the number now on hand and their condition,
have not all been sent in yet ; but I think the number to be wintered
will not differ materially from 2,400, including beef cattle.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN H. DICKERSON,
Captain and A. Q. M.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
CAMP SCOTT, U. T., November 24, 185*7.
SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the colonel
commanding, that about 588 mules of this command have died since
leaving Fort Leavenworth. Over nine- tenths of this loss has occurred
within the last month. About half the horses of the two batteries
are dead, and two-thirds of the dragoons are dismounted. The ani-
mals now remaining are leg- weary and without life, and many of
them must die during the winter. I think we cannot count with
safety on having over five hundred serviceable mules and forty battery
horses on the first of next May. The loss of dragoon horses depends
on the amount of duty they have to perform between this and spring,
and no estimate of the loss can be made ; but it is not probable that
102 UTAH EXPEDITION.
any considerable number will be serviceable. Anotber outfit will,
therefore, be required for any movement tbat may be contemplated in
tbe spring. The only animals that can be gotten here are Indian
ponies, and we cannot rely with certainty on getting many of those.
The mass of the animals for the spring outfit must be gotten either
from Fort Leaven worth or from New Mexico. It is of the highest im-
portance that the animals should be gotten here at the earliest period
practicable. They can be gotten under way from fifteen to thirty
days earlier from New Mexico than they can from Fort Leaven worth,
and will be six hundred miles nearer us at the starting point. From
my knowledge of the country, and from the best information I can
get, I am confident as many, both American and Mexican, mules can
be gotten on the upper and lower Rio Grande as will be wanted.
Generally but few American horses can be procured. They are
bought up for mounted corps serving in the country. They have
there, however, a large sized pony, or " half-breed " horse that would
answer admirably well for remounting the dragoons.
The route from here to New Mexico is believed to be entirely prac-
ticable at this season of the year. Herds of sheep have been brought
through in the winter season, or, at least, started sufficiently early to
get to Henry's fork by the last of April. And there does not appear to
be any obstacle to our having animals brought through by the 15th
of May, and arrive here in good condition. There are guides here,
familiar with the route, who are willing to conduct the party, if one
should be sent.
I would respectfully suggest that a commissioned officer, with a
proper escort, be sent through this winter, with a view of bringing
back animals as early as practicable in the spring. I enclose an esti-
mate for four hundred horses and one thousand mules. If horses
cannot be gotten there in sufficient numbers suitable for battery pur-
poses, then two hundred large sized American mules should be gotten,
to take the place of horses in the batteries.
By despatching the party early, it would get through in time to
procure the animals and have them in good condition to start on the
return trip, by the first of March. I have no doubt but a considerable
number of the mules could be procured from the quartermaster's de-
partment. These animals might be packed with light loads, and
travel slowly till the grass becomes good, without destroying their
efficiency, and thus bring through 100,000 pounds of subsistence stores.
Each animal should start with 50 pounds of corn, to be fed to it on
starting out, and when grass is scarce.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. H. DICKERSON,
Captain and Asst. Quartermaster.
Major F. G-. PORTER,
Asst. Adjutant General.
UTAH EXPEDITION, 103
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., November 26, 1857.
Estimate for funds required for purchasing in New Mexico and trans-
porting to the vicinity of Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, four hundred
horses and eight hundred mules, viz :
150 American horses, at $1*75 $26,250
250 large sized Mexican horses, at $85...., 21,250
600 Mexican mules, at $80 48,000
200 American mules, at $125 25,000
10 packmasters for two months, at $75 per month 1,500
280 packers for two months, at $30 per month 16,800
138,800
JNO. H. DICKERSON,
Captain, and Assistant Quartermaster.
I have estimated only for eight hundred mules, relying the other
two hundred from the quartermaster department.
J. H. D., Asst. Quartermaster.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 26, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding is informed of a number of horses
for sale by the Utah Indians, through bands of which tribe you will
pass on your route to New Mexico. He desires you to purchase horses
from them suitable to the wants of this army, and send them, if prac-
ticable, direct to this camp or Lieutenant Colonel Cooke.
As these animals cannot be procured but in exchange for Indian
goods, he authorizes you to purchase such to the value of five hundred
and sixty- three dollars.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Capt. R. B. MARCY,
5th Infantry, Commanding Expedition to New Mexico.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 26, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding has reason to believe Mormons
are lurking in the part of the country you are to occupy, and, there-
fore, warns you that an ample guard, both of foot and horse, may be
assigned to all herds sent from you.
He doubts not you will treat all men as enemies who interfere
with your movements or threaten your charge ; but, lest you should
104 UTAH EXPEDITION.
have doubts of your authority, he wishes you to seize all suspicious
persons who visit your camp ; and should you be convinced of the
proximity of any armed parties of men, large or small, to become
acquainted with their intentions, and, if necessary, to pursue, capture
or rout them.
I am. sir. very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. P. ST. G-EO. COOKE,
Commanding 2d Dragoons,
En route to Henry's Fork.
OFFICE OF THE COMMISSARY OF SUBSISTENCE, ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, U. T., Nov. 28, 185T.
MAJOR : For the information of colonel commanding, I have the
honor to enclose, herewith, a statement of subsistence stores received
from the supply trains of Messrs. Russell & Waddell, contractors for
transportation, and now stored in Fort Bridger, Utah.
In addition to the articles of subsistence stores, enumerated in the
statement, there are, including seven hundred (700) belonging to the
government, about two thousand (2,000) head of cattle in this vicinity,
and that of Henry's fork ; all of which, not now belonging to the
United States, have been, or, it is believed, can be secured by contract
for the use of the troops.
Sufficient coffee, sugar, and soap, to supply deficiencies of those
articles, can be purchased from merchants at this camp. The aggre-
gate number of persons at present dependent on the government sup-
plies for subsistence, as near as can be ascertained, is twenty-four hun-
dred, (2,400,) and that the supplies may be certain to last until others
can be brought forward next year.
I recommend that, for the present, the following arrangement of
the articles mentioned of the ration may be substituted for that estab-
lished by army regulations :
Bacon, including hams, the ration remaining at present to be issued
but once in seven days ;
Two (2) pounds of fresh beef per ration ;
Twelve (12) ounces of flour per ration ;
Beans to be issued thrice in ten days ;
Rice to be issued five times in ten days ;
Desiccated vegetables to be issued twice in ten days ;
Half rations of vinegar, candles, and soap ;
Molasses to be issued twice and dried peaches once in fifteen days —
one gallon of the former and ten pounds of the latter being allowed
to the hundred rations.
And I further recommend that officers, civil and military, in their
purchases for the use of themselves, families, and servants, be limited
to the ration ; and that the issues herein recommended be extended to
UTAH EXPEDITION.
105
the hired employees, as well as to the enlisted men composing this
army.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. F. CLARKE,
Captain and C. S., U. S. Army.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General , Army of Utah.
Statement of subsistence stores received from the supply trains of Hesssrs.
Russell & Waddell, contractors for transportation, and now stored in
Fort Bridger, Utah.
No. of
pounds,&c
Articles.
No. of rations.
No. of days' rations for 2,400
men, under the arrange-
ment established by army
regulations, of each article.
46, 800
5, 000
405, 500
375
26, 100
122, 450
17,250
2, 500
260
60, 000
2,500
3,300
4,480
7,550
1,000
104
Pounds of bacon ....
62,400 )
6, 666 f 69, 066
360, 444
150, 000 )
261, 000 >
122,450 $533,450
287, 500 )
41,666 V
17, 333 > 346, 499
500, 000 (
20, 833 f 520, 833
330, 000
448, 000
188, 750
200, 000
34, 320
28.
150.
222.
144.
217.
137.
186.
78.
83.
14. lOlbs. to the 100 rations.
Pounds of ham ......
Pounds of flour ...... ......
Bushels of beans . . .
Pounds of rice
Rations dessicated vegetables.
Pounds of Rio coffee .... .
Pounds of tea ... ........
Pounds of sugar ...... ......
Pounds of crushed sugar
Gallons of vinegar
Pounds of sperm candles
Pounds of soap
Bushels of dried peaches ....
CAMP SCOTT, NEAR FORT BRIDGER, U. T.,
November 28, 1857.
H. F. CLARKE,
Captain and C. S. , U. S. A.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 30, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding designs sending to Fort Laramie
early to-morrow morning Jeanise, Boiderai, Mr. Bartleson, and a
Spaniard in your employ transferred from Lieutenant Buford, and
wishes the party supplied with five mules, one pack-saddle, and the
necessary equipment, and rations for fourteen days.
Jeanise is to continue in the employ of the United States, and to
return with Colonel Hoifman. He will be charged with three of the
animals, and from the time of arriving at Fort Laramie, will supply
his own horse or mule.
106 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Mr. Bartleson will be supplied with one mule, and on delivering it
to the quartermaster at Fort Laramie, will be paid $5 per day during
the journey.
Boiderai will be employed as a guide. He will supply his own
animal, and be paid $5 per day. Colonel Hoffman will return him
to this camp as soon as practicable.
The Spaniard will have one mule — to be delivered to the quarter-
master— will be retained in service at his present pay, and, at the
discretion of Colonel Hoffman, returned with Boiderai.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Captain J. H. DICKERSON,
Assistant Quartermaster, Army of Utah.
CAMP SCOTT, UTAH TERRITORY,
November 29, 1857.
SIR: I have the honor to report that the following is the amount o^
clothing on hand at this date. The list is taken from the unfinished
proceedings of a board of survey, which completed the examination of
the amount on hand to-day. I have only time to furnish the list as
given by the board of survey, without arranging it in proper form :
190 uniform infantry caps.
370 uniform cavalry hats.
307 uniform cap covers.
94 uniform cap covers and capes.
400 uniform cap pompons, eagles, and rings.
930 uniform infantry coats, (privates.)
8 uniform infantry coats, (musicians.)
29 uniform cavalry jackets, (privates.)
7 uniform cavalry jackets, (musicians.)
32 pairs of sergeants' metallic scales.
108 pairs of privates' metallic scales.
1,392 pairs of privates' metallic scales.
8 sashes.
2,562 uniform trousers, (foot.)
600 uniform trousers, (mounted.)
520 uniform fatigue jackets.
3,905 flannel shirts.
3,290 pairs of drawers.
675 pairs of boots.
148 pairs of bootees.
600 pairs of stockings.
1,190 leather stocks.
588 great coats, (foot.)
20 great coats, (mounted.)
68 great coats, (mounted.)
723 blankets.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 107
3,150 bedsacks, single.
16 pairs uniform sergeants' chevrons, (infantry.)
16 pairs uniform corporals' chevrons, (infantry.)
6 pairs uniform sergeants' chevrons, (cavalry.)
6 pairs uniform corporals' chevrons, (cavalry.)
39 Sibley tents.
6 Sibley tent poles.
12 Sibley tent poles, without tripods.
12 Sibley tent poles, without tripods.
31 hospital tents.
28 hospital tent flies.
452 haversacks.
160 mess pans.
403 tent pins.
93 camp kettles.
23 Sibley stoves.
24 sets hospital tent poles.
5 Sibley tent poles, complete.
638 hospital tent pins, (large.)
1,015 hospital tent pins, (small.)
23 tripods to Sibley tent poles.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNQ. H. DICKERSON,
Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.
Major General THOMAS S. JESUP,
Quartermaster General, United States Army.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., November 30, 185T.
SIR : Special orders No. 41, of tne 4th instant, direct your advance
to this army, and my letter of the 13th instant expressed the inten-
tion of the colonel commanding to have examined, by one or more
reliable persons, the route which may enable you to arrive at the
earliest date with your animals in a condition for further and imme-
diate service. Jeanise and Mr. Bartleson have been charged with
this duty, and are directed to report the result of their observations
to you. You know what confidence to place in the opinion of Jeanise ;
that of Mr. Bartleson, experienced in conducting ox trains, will mate-
rially aid you in forming an opinion of the practicability of the route.
Mr. Bartleson is a man of intelligence and trustworthy. As soon as
you decide which route to move upon, the colonel commanding directs
you to dispatch Boiderai (one of this party) with a report of their ex-
amination and of your decision, and other information you may have
to communicate to him.
All the subsistence of this army at your post is needed at the earliest
date practicable, (I enclose a list of what should be with you.) Shoes
and stockings in large amount, 500 knapsacks and 2,000 caps will
form part of the necessary supplies ; the first two are now wanted.
108 UTAH EXPEDITION
You will not encumber yourself with other articles, which, for want
of transportation will have to be stored here.
Fifty- three horses were left by the 2d dragoons at your post. If
serviceable when you leave, they and all serviceable mules at Fort
Laramie not needed for post purposes will be driven with you to this
point, employing herdsmen if necessary, while the dragoons left at
your post will form an escort.
The colonel commanding, consulting the comfort and convenience
of the women and children left at Fort Laramie, as well as the in-
terests of the service, further enjoins it upon you not to permit any of
them to leave your post, where they should be well provided for, to
come with you. Want of transportation will preclude all possibility
of their advancing, while here they will be left shelterless and com-
fortless. It will be well to leave their husbands with them mr they can
all join at a future period, when they will not be subjected to suffer-
ing.
The colonel commanding wishes to be informed by the return mes-
senger of the amount of clothing and other supplies at your post for
this army, and also directs all official letters and orders directing the
movement of troops to be acknowledged by the first opportunity.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Bvt. Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN,
6th Infantry, Comd'g Fort Laramie, U. T.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, Black's Fork of Green river, Dec. 13, 1857.
MAJOR : I have the honor to report that two additional companies
of voluteers have been mustered into the service of the United States
for nine (9) months, making in all a battalion of four companies of
men for nine months, (with a few exceptions in Captain McGraw's
company,) numbering in the aggregate three hundred and twenty-
five ; a term of six months would be without utility, as, in that case,
the men would be entitled to their discharge in the midst of active
operations. A term of twelve months was objectionable, as it would
bring the period of discharge at so late a season as to make it imprac-
ticable for the men to return to their homes.
They have been organized into a battalion, and having unanimously
elected Captain B. E. Bee, tenth infantry, to command, with the
rank of lieutenant colonel, I have directed him to be placed in com-
mand of the battalion, with the grade which was thus voluntarily
conferred upon him.
The peculiar circumstances attending the organization of this bat-
talion have prevented the formalities prescribed by law from being
observed.
The first company, McGraw's, was received near South Pass, Ne-
braska Territory. These men were needed immediately to aid in
UTAH EXPEDITION. 109
protecting the supplies for the army, and the urgency did not allow
the time for asking authority for their employment, nor to make the
requisition upon the proper civil officers.
Not doubting that additional force will be wanting in the spring,
and knowing that a large portion of the employes of the contractors
and others could not return to their homes this winter, and that they
must be subsisted by the government, as there is no other source from
which they can obtain food, I did not hesitate to authorize the organ-
ization of three other companies of volunteers, and order them to be
mustered into the service of the United States.
By this means I have secured to the government the services of a
body of men who will be well instructed and disciplined, and who,
when required, can render efficient service. In this case, also, from
our remoteness from general headquarters, I was obliged to act with-
out reference to the authority of the general-in-chief ; and if I had
obtained it, no call could have been made, as a state of rebellion was
existing, and still exists, in the Territory. Muster-rolls of the several
companies have been forwarded, as required by regulations.
The sanction of the general-in-chief to the employment of these
men who have thus bound themselves to serve their country is neces-
sary to secure their rights. I have for that reason, as well as on my
own account, to request his approval of my acceptance of their services ;
and, also, that he will recommend to Congress to provide at an early
day by an appropriation for their payment. They are mustered in
with the pay and allowances of infantry.
I learn from an examination of the post return of Fort Laramie that
the commander of that post, Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman, has been
ordered to Fort Leavenworth on a general court-martial by an order
from the headquarters of the department of the west.
I send herewith copies of orders transmitted to Colonel Hoffman,
who I believed to be in command of that post, and who I thought
could not be relieved from his command by any authority but iny own,
except that of the general-in-chief or Secretary of War, which will ac-
quaint you with the anxiety I feel for the certain and safe transit of
supplies for the army in the spring, and how much his experience on
this frontier and energy was relied upon to prevent any delay or dis-
appointment in forwarding them. I have to request that Colonel
Hoffman may be relieved from any duty he may be engaged in, by
virtue of orders from the department of the west, and that he may
be ordered to repair immediately to Fort Laramie to put in progress
the execution of orders for bringing forward supplies for the army of
Utah, which were transmitted to him as commander thereof. I also
request that, if additional force or transportation in his opinion may
be necessary, he may be authorized to call for whatever may be
needed.
The troops are in good health, and very comfortable in their winter
quarters.
I have found it necessary to reduce the flour part of the ration to
thirteen ounces, and have ordered it to be baked at the expense of the
government, and the whole proceeds of the flour, after baking it, to
be issued to the men ; in this way they will receive about the usual
110 UTAH EXPEDITION
amount of bread ; but tbey will be deprived of the improvement of
their bill of fare arising out of the company fund. In this case there
can be none. As a matter of equity, I request that the commissary
of subsistence, after deducting the expense of baking, be required to
pay to each company the value of the five ounces now necessarily
withheld by the government.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. 2d Calvary, Com'g Army of Utah.
Major I. MCDOWELL,
Ass'tAdj't Gen., Headq'rsof the Army, N. T. City.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
Great Salt Lake City, U. T., November 26, 1857.
SIR : Being reliably informed that your command, and the men be-
longing to the merchant trains, are much in need of salt, I have taken
the liberty to at once forward you a load (some eight hundred pounds)
by Messrs. Henry Woodard and Jesse J. Earl. You are perfectly
welcome to the salt now sent ; but should you prefer making any com-
pensation therefor, I have to request that you inform me, under sealed
envelope, of weight received and the amount and kind of compensa-
tion returned. There is no design or wish to spy out your position,
movements, or intentions, through the men now sent to your camp ;
but should you entertain any dubiety upon that point, you are at
perfect liberty to stop and detain them outside your encampment,
during the short time necessary for the delivery of their loading, in
readiness to forthwith start upon their return.
Should any in your command be suspicious that the salt now for-
warded contains any deleterious ingredients other than those combined
in its natural deposition on the shore of Great Salt Lake, Mr. Wood-
ard or Mr. Earl, in charge of its transportation and delivery, or
doubtless Mr. Livingston, Mr. Gerrish, Mr. Perry, or any other per-
son in your camp that is acquainted with us, will freely partake of it
to dispel any groundless suspicions, or your doctors may be able to
test it to your satisfaction.
I have to inform you that the demonstrations which have been made
upon your animals and trains have been made solely with a view to
let you emphatically understand that we are in earnest when we as-
sert, freemen like, that we will not tamely submit to any longer hav-
ing our constitutional and inalienable rights trampled under foot.
And, if you are now within our borders by the orders of the President
of the United States, (of which I have no official notification,) I have
further to inform you that, by ordering you here upon pretexts solely
founded upon lies, all of which have long since been exploded, the
President has no more regard for the Constitution and laws of the
United States, and the welfare of her loyal citizens, than he has for
the constitution, laws, and subjects of the kingdom of Belzebub.
Of the persons reported to be retained by you as prisoners, the two
who are said to have hailed from Oregon are entire strangers to us ;
UTAH EXPEDITION. Ill
Mr. Grow, on his way here from the States, is probably treated by
you in a reasonably humane manner, for which you have my thanks,
as it saves us the expense of his board ; and if you imagine that keep-
ing, mistreating, or killing Mr. Stowell will redound to your credit
or advantage, future experience may add to the stock of your better
judgment.
Colonel Alexander, I am informed that among the mules that have
come into our settlements is a small white one belonging to you, and
a favorite of yours. The mule in question arrived in poor condition,
and, learning that it was a favorite with you, it gives me pleasure to
inform you that I immediately caused the mule to be placed in my
stables, where it is well fed and cared for, and is held subject to your
order ; but should you prefer leaving it in my care during the winter,
it will probably be in better plight for your use upon your return to
the east in the spiing.
Trusting that the bearers of a welcome and frankly proffered gift
will be courteously received, and permitted, with their animals and
wagon, to peaceably start upon their immediate return, I have the
honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
' BEIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor of Utah Territory.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON,
United States Army,
If he has arrived on B lack's Fork, or
Col. B. C. ALEXANDER,
United States Army.
IN CAMP, Nov. 30, 1857.
SIR : Enclosed to me came this day a letter from Gov. Young, for
you or Col. Alexander, accompanied by a load of salt, also destined
for your camp, with directions for me to retain it if I thought it ad-
visable ; but preferring to have it forwarded to you, if the condition
of the road would allow, with a view of gratifying the wishes of the
governor, and as the wagon cannot proceed farther, I have taken
pleasure, though in the midst of a furious snow storm, in fitting up
Messrs. Earl and Woodard with packs and additional men and ani-
mals, in order to ensure its safe delivery. The men I send are Wm,
Carloss, Robert Willson, John Carloss and Franklin Stanley, for all
of whom I ask the courtesies, as requested by his Excellency Gov.
Young, for Messrs. Earl and Woodard, as these are only sent to aid
in the performance of the duty which has been assigned to them. I
also send you one copy of the Deseret News, which, though somewhat
worn, is the latest received by me.
I am, very respectfully,
D4NIEL U. WELLS,
Lieut Gen. Commanding Nauvoo Legion.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON, U. S. A.
112 UTAH EXPEDITION.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T.} December 7, 1857,
SIR : Before arriving in this Territory, I accepted the services of
a company of volunteers, and invited all American citizens unem-
ployed to enroll themselves in companies of the legal standard. Your
absence prevented a call upon you for the militia of the Territory, in
conformity to law, while the rebellion of him who was governor for
invested in me, as commander of an army in the field, and from cir-
the time being debarred all appeal to that source. From the power
cumstances and necessity of the case, I accepted the services of three
other companies of volunteers. I have asked of the government the
confirmation of my course, and that appropriations may be made for
their pay and other incidental expenses ; but as your action may be
necessary to insure full justice to this body of patriotic citizens, I re-
spectfully call your attention to the subject, and invite such action as
may be necessary.
Since your arrival, and the enrolment of these companies, the im-
portance of having a commander cognizant of the rules of service, and
capable of imparting that instruction which will render them service-
able to government and creditable to themselves, is fully appreciated,
and I doubt not will be by you ; and I have the honor to request that
a commission may be conferred by you upon whomsoever they may
elect as their commander.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. 2d Cavalry, commanding.
His Excellency ALFRED GUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., December 7, 1857.
SIR : I have been personally informed by the captains of the four
companies of volunteers enrolled in the military service of the United
States of the unanimous election, by the members of their companies,
of Captain Barnard E. Bee, 10th regiment of infantry, as their com-
mander, and as a lieutenant colonel.
The command, you are well aware, is that of the rank to which
Captain Bee is elected, a rank which the importance of the command
renders desirable should be exercised, but which cannot carry its full
weight without the commission conferred by you. That the officer
chosen is eminently worthy of the position, his past services speak,
and warrant a fulfillment of its duties to the satisfaction of govern-
ment. I have the honor, therefore, to request that he may be ap-
pointed, and, at your convenience, commissioned. In the mean time,
I wish to be authorized to use your name, as expressed in the accom-
panying order.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, commanding.
His Excellency ALFRED GUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 113
CAMP SCOTT, Utah Territory.
SIR : Your several communications of the 7th instant, referring to
your acceptance of the services of companies of volunteers, accompa-
nied by general orders No. 17, were placed in my hands by Major F.
J. Porter, assistant adjutant general.
After a careful examination of the statutes of this Territory, I am
compelled to decline making the appointment of a lieutenant colonel,
to command the volunteer battalion.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. GUMMING,
Governor Utah Territory.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON, Commanding Army of Utah.
CAMP SCOTT, U. T., December 8, 1857.
SIE : I have this day commissioned Captain Barnard E. Bee, 10th
infantry, one of my aides-de-camp, with the rank of lieutenant colonel,
in which capacity you will please recognize him.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. GUMMING,
Governor of Utah.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON, Commanding Army of Utah.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,
Camp Scott, U. T., December 13, 1857.
SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, in anticipation of Brevet
Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman's return to Fort Laramie in February, you
put in progress the arrangements necessary to fulfil the orders and in-
structions relating to supplies for this army, issued November 4, 13,
and 30, from, these headquarters to him, as commanding Fort Laramie.
Should Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman not arrive in time to
command the expedition, you will assign Brevet Major Gatlin to it,
and direct him to carry into effect the instructions and orders referred
to, until relieved by Colonel Hoffman.
The colonel commanding directs you to select four of the mounted
howitzers and carriages, and a full supply of ammunition for them,
and forward them, equipped with harness, &c., if practicable, with
trains escorted by the command.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Major J. LYNDE, or commanding officer Fort Laramie^ N. T.
H. Ex. Doc. 71 8
114 UTAH EXPEDITION.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Washington, February 22, 1858.
SIR : The resolution of the House of Representatives of the United
States, adopted on the 27th ultimo, requesting the President, ccif not
incompatible with the public interest, to communicate to the House
the information which gave rise to the military expedition ordered to
Utah Territory," &c., &c., having been transmitted to this depart-
ment through the Secretary of State, I have the honor to submit to
you herewith a copy of the report of the Commissioner of the General
Land Office, of the 3d instant, with the accompanying papers, and
also a copy of the report of the Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs,
of the 22d instant, and accompanying papers,' which comprise all the
correspondence and information on the files of this department within
the purview of the resolution.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THOMPSON,
Secretary,
The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
GENERAL LAND OFFICE,
February 3, 1858.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of ycur letter of
the 29th ultimo, in which was enclosed a resolution of the House of
Representatives, passed on the 27th ultimo, calling upon the President
for the information which gave rise to the military expeditions ordered
to Utah Territory, and a request made upon this office for the prepara-
tion of copies of all papers and records in its possession, which furnish
information within the purview of this resolution. In reply thereto,
I have the honor to inclose to you seven papers pertaining to the
subject, as follows :
No. 1, marked A, is a copy of a letter from David H. Burr, sur-
veyor general of Utah, dated August 30, 1856, giving information of
a murderous assault committed upon one of his deputies by the
Mormons, and including a letter from Deputy Surveyor C. L. Craig,
speaking of the efforts of the Mormons to prejudice the Indians against
the authorities and people of the United States.
No. 2, marked B^ is a copy of a letter from the same officer, dated
September 20, 1856, representing a depredation committed upon the
property of Deputy Surveyor Charles Mogo by a person supposed to
be high in the councils of the Mormon church, and expressing the
opinion that there is no safety for life or property under the Mormon
rule, except where persons belong to that sect.
No. 3, marked C, is a copy of a letter from the same officer, stating
that the clerk of the United States supreme court, the acting district
attorney, and territorial marshal of Utah, claimed the country as
theirs, and asserted the right to appropriate the public lands to their
use.
No. 4, marked D, is a copy of a letter from the same gentleman,
UTAH EXPEDITION. 115
dated March 28, 1857. stating that the Mormons utterly repudiate the
authorities of the United States in their country, and that they are
in open rebellion against the general government, and relating the
threats made against his office, and some outrages of their perpetrating.
No. 5, marked E, is a copy of a letter from the same officer, dated
June 11, 1857, giving his reasons for leaving the Territory, and repeat-
ing the statements in his letter of February 5, that the Mormons
claimed the Territory as their own, and regarded the officers of the
United States surveying service as mere trespassers.
No. 6, marked F, is a copy of a letter, dated October 19, 1857,
from the same gentleman, repeating his reasons for leaving the Terri-
tory, and enclosing a letter from C. G. Landon, former clerk in the
surveyor general's office, giving an account of the outrages committed
by the Mormons upon a colleague of his, named Wilson, and narrating
the means he (Landon) adopted for making his escape.
No. 7, marked G, is a copy of a letter addressed to the Hon. Geo.
C. Whiting, Acting Commissioner of the General Land Office, on the
30th October, 1855, enclosing a blank form of a deed of trust which
the Mormon church uses in requiring its members to convey to it
their possessions, not only in the city, but in the entire Territory.
The foregoing are all the papers in the possession of this office,
which pertain to the existing rebellion in Utah Territory.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner.
Hon. JACOB THOMPSON,
Secretary of the Interior.
A.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Great Salt Lake City, August, 30, 1856.
SIR : I have the unpleasant duty of informing you that one of my
deputies, Mr. Troskolawski, was assaulted and severely beaten a few
days ago by three men under the direction of one Hickman, a noted
member of the so-called " Danite Band." Mr. Troskolawski was ac-
quainted with Hickman, and they met at the store of Messrs. Hooper
& Williams, a few moments previous, and conversed in a friendly
manner, and no suspicion was excited in the mind of any one that
Hickman had aught against Mr. T. The other three were entire
strangers to him. When he left the store, in the dusk of the evening,
they followed and knocked him down, then kicked him, and beat him
with the butt end of a loaded horsewhip, Hickman assisting and
urging them on to " kill the damned rascal." Messrs. Hooper and
Williams interfered and prevented them from carrying out their
designs.
Hickman asserted that he had high authority for his acts, and sub-
sequent events have confirmed me in the impression that he only
obeyed counsel. The authorities refused or declined to institute crim-
116 UTAH EXPEDITION.
inal proceedings against the offenders ; on the contrary, they justified
the act on the ground that he had heen talking and railing against
their religion. We, " the Gentiles," all feel that we cannot rely upon
the laws for protection, and are only permitted to live here at the
pleasure of the rulers. I think the attack was made upon Mr. Tros-
kolawski, in order to produce a salutary effect upon us " Gentiles,"
and make us afraid to express our opinions.
Mr. Troskolawski was so badly injured, that for several days his
life was despaired of. He is slowly recovering, but probably will never
entirely recover from its effects. I also send herewith enclosed a copy
of a letter from Deputy Surveyor C. L. Craig, which will give you
some idea of the feeling of this people towards us.
I am, very resnectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah .
Hon. THOMAS A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of General Land Office.
Copy of the letter of Deputy Surveyor C. L. Craig, above alluded to.
CAMP IN YOUAB VALLEY,
August 1, 1856.
DEAR SIR : From information derived from the Indian interpreter,
who resides on the farm reservation near this place, it appears that the
Mormons endeavor to create a prejudice in the minds of the Indians,
not only against the Americans, (as they term us who are not Mor-
mons,) but also against the surveyors. The interpreter informed us
that several chiefs had been to him inquiring as to certain stories
which the Mormons had told them concerning our operations. They
said they were told we were measuring out the land in order to take
fossession of it, and would drive away the Mormons and kill the
ndians. The Indians said they did not believe these stories, for the
Mormons talked double ; that they had come to ascertain the true
reason of our proceedings. Some of them also visited my camp, and
told me that the Mormons represented to them that the Americans
were poorer than the Mormons, and had nothing to give them; but
said " they knew the Mormons lied in this, for all the Americans they
met with had plenty to eat and plenty of presents, which they often
shared with the Indians, and that it was the Americans that were
making a farm and raising grain to feed them in winter."
Arapeen, a noted chief of the Ute nation, who has been baptised in
the church, said to me, afterwards, that he "had been told by Mor-
mons, in Salt Lake City, that we intended, after surveying the lands,
to put the Indians in chains, and drive off the Mormons." These
facts, given to us by the Indians themselves, confirm a suspicion which
I have had respecting the policy which the Mormons have been pur-
suing in regard to the Indians, which is, that they have been endeav-
oring in every possible way to establish a difference between Mormons
UTAH EXPEDITION. 117
and Americans, to prejudice them against the latter. Although these
designs have been in some degree prevented by the unceasing efforts
of the efficient Indain agent, Doctor Hunt, who has endeavored to
counteract the impression in the minds of the Indians that there is
any existing difference between us, yet I have been credibly informed
that among those Indians more remote from the settlements the
difference has been established to a degree which may prove prejudicial
to the surveying operations in those districts. I made it a rule, when
they visited my camp, to feed them, treat them kindly, and make them
some presents, and tell them "we are all one people."
Notwithstanding the suggestions made in the Deseret News to the
settlers, that they should prosecute the surveyors in their courts for
trespass upon their lands, we have hitherto met with no difficulty with
them. I have always apprised them of our business and instructions
given by you to deputy surveyors, which instructions I have strictly
adhered to, yet I had a writ served upon me the other day, issued by
the mayor of Payson City, (a small settlement containing some two
hundred and fifty inhabitants,) to answer a charge for damages incurred
by running a line across their fields. I declined to appear, and took
no notice of it, and have not learned anything further about it. My
work has progressed in a satisfactory manner so far, and I am pushing
it on as fast as possible, consistently with that accuracy which is re-
quired. I hope to be able to make returns of my work in the early
part of next month.
I am, very respectfully, yours, &c.,
C. L. CRAIG.
DAVID H. BURR, Esq.,
Surveyor General of Utah.
B.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, September 20, 1856.
SIR : I have made a contract with Charles Mogo for surveying San
Pete valley and the remainder of Youab valley, and he is at present
engaged on the work. * * * *
Mr. Mogo had made all his preparations for leaving the city to com-
mence his work. The night previous to his intended departure ten of
his oxen were stolen from the pasture. He spent several days in fruit-
less search for them, and then was compelled to buy others. He had
all of his cattle in the same pasture, but as some of them had another
man's brand on them, they were supposed not to belong to him, and
consequently were not taken. Suspicion falls upon a noted character
who stands high in the councils of the church ; but to convict or pun-
ish him would be impossible, and it is but another evidence that the
laws here afford no protection to life or property. Two persons
acknowledge having seen some men driving off the cattle, but refuse
118
UTAH EXPEDITION.
to say who they were, knowing full well that their lives would not be
safe if they did so.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. TUGS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of the General Land Office, Washington.
C.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, February 5, 1857.
SIR : About two weeks since I was called upon by Mr. Gumming,
the clerk of the United States supreme court for this Territory, Mr.
Stout, the acting district attorney ; and Mr. McRay, the territorial
marshal. They presented a copy of my letter to the department, of
the 12th May, 1856, in which I notified the department of certain
trespasses on the public lands.
They asked very peremptorily if I wrote the letter. I told them I
did. They did not deny the truth of the charges I had made, but
asserted the right of doing what they did, stating that the country was
theirs , that they would not permit this interference with their rights,
and this writing letters about them would be put a stop to ; tbat " I
need not think I could write without their knowing it ; that I could
not send letters down in " cracker sacks" without their finding them ;
and if I employed persons to carry them, I had better employ those
who would not betray me, &c." The object of the visit I could not
divine, unless it was to intimidate me and prevent my writing.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAYID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah,
Hon. THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of General Land Office.
D.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, March 28; 1857.
SIR : In your letter of 17th of last October, which I received a few
days since, you refer me to the act of 1830 for the remedy against the
opposition that may be made to United States deputy surveyors in the
progress of their work. I hope there will be no serious interference
or interruption to the surveyors ; should there be, that law will afford
no relief, as there is no tribunal here to enforce it. The United States
courts have been broken up and driven from the Territory, and the
UTAH EXPEDITION. 119
Utah courts, with their usurped power, will not recognize the United
States laws, and scarcely their own, when they conflict with their
schemes.
Judge Stiles, the only United States judge remaining here, intends
trying to make his escape from the Territory as soon as it is possible
to get over the mountains, hut he fears attempts will he made to "cut
him off." Knowing that our correspondence through the mails was
examined, he has heen afraid to write an account of affairs here, but
intends reporting in person if he can get away. The fact is, these
people repudiate the authority of the United States in this country, and
are in open rebellion against the general government. I have sent all
of my letters, excepting those relating purely to business matters, by
private hands, and believe that most of them have gone through with-
out being opened. Brigham Young has declared openly that the sur-
veyors shall not be suffered to trespass on their lands as they did the
last season, and threats are frequently made that any party attempting
to survey will be " cut off." In their public meetings the Mormons
have been told not to engage in the service of the surveyors, for they
would be destroyed. They have hitherto failed in their endeavors to
excite the Indians against us, and we think will not succeed here-
after. We have from the beginning had no fear except from the
Mormons.
So strong have been my apprehensions of danger to the surveyors,
that I scarcely deemed it prudent to send any out; but Mr. Mogo,
anxious to be at work, concluded he would venture to make the
attempt. He took twenty-seven men with him, all well armed. Ke-
ports are already coming here that the party have been cut off, but I
am satisfied that the reports are at least premature. If he is vigi-
lant, with the force he has, I think he may avoid an attack.
For the last three months my friends have considered my life in
danger. I have been cursed and denounced in their public meetings,
and the most diabolical threats made against me. I have remained
at my post, partly to protect the office, but more for the reason that I
have been hemmed in by the mountains of snow, and could not get
away. Several houses of " apostate Mormons" have been pulled
down, and at one time an attack was contemplated on the office, to
destroy its contents and " wips me out." I got notice of it in time,
and kegt well guarded. Several friends volunteered to protect me.
I had five or six men in the office for nearly four weeks, and have not
had less than three any time this winter. The Mormons, knowing we
were prepared for defence, hesitated to make an attack, and we have
thus far escaped. Affairs are rather more quiet now.
We are all, ic Gentiles" and Mormons, waiting the arrival of the
next mail from the States with much anxiety. If it should bring us
no tidings or assurance of protection from the United States, every
" Gentile" officer may be compelled to leave the Territory. We find
our position a critical one. We are by no means sure that we would
be permitted to leave, for it is boldly asserted we would not get away
alive. The same threats have been made against disaffected Mor-
mons. We were inclined to think them idle menaces, until a few
days since, when three men were killed at Springville, sixty miles
120 UTAH EXPEDITION.
from this place, for making the attempt. They were shot, their throats
cut, and their bowels ripped open. Another party were fired upon, and
three of them wounded, one of them seriously. These outrages are
perpetrated by Mormons, and we have every reason to helieve by the
orders of Brigham Young. No efforts are made by the authorities
to bring the perpetrators to justice.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. THOMAS A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of the General Land Office.
E.
WASHINGTON, June 11, 185 T.
SIR : Having become satisfied that it was no longer safe for me to
remain in Utah, without the special protection of the general govern-
ment, I determined to leave ; and it becomes my duty to state to the
department the causes which impelled me to do so.
In common with all who do not belong to the Mormon church, I
had, from my first advent among them, been looked upon by the rulers
of that church and people as an alien, an enemy, and an intruder upon
their rights. But while they looked upon my operations there with
no friendly eye, and through their newspapers advised the people to
commence suits against the suveyors for trespass upon their lands, no
open hostility was evinced against me personally, until last February,
when a copy of a letter which I had addressed to the department in
the month of July preceding, charging Brigham Young with exten-
sive depredations upon the public lands, was received there.
This accusation against the head of the church provoked their
special displeasure, and I was waited upon by three prominent men,
namely : Hozen Stout, acting United States district attorney ; James
Cummin gs, clerk of the United States district court, and Alexander
McRay, the territorial marshal, who, after demanding whether I had
written such a letter, and receiving a categorical answer that I did,
told me, in the most peremptory manner, that I would not be permitted
to write such letters, declaring that all my letters would be Examined ;
and if adverse to their views and interests, should never leave the
Territory, saying that I could not send them out clandestinely, for
they would pi event every effort I might make to do so. These threats
were accompanied by asseverations that the country, and all that ap-
pertained to it, belongs to them ; that their exertions had made it
what it was ; that they had earned it, and were determined to keep it,
and would permit no interference with their rights. From that time
forward continued attempts were made to excite the populace against
me. Demonstrations of mob violence and inflammatory appeals by
the leaders to the worst feelings of the people were frequently made,
and I was repeatedly warned by friends that my life was in imminent
danger, and they advised me to seek safety in flight.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 121
A concerted scheme to mob me and destroy the office in the night
was concocted, and only failed to be executed by dissensions among
the leaders of the " Danites."
Unwilling to abandon my post, I remained until I saw that the
laws and authority of the United States had been set aside and repu-
diated, the federal courts broken up, and the judges and other officers
thereof prevented from exercising their functions, and they had, with
nearly all the " Q-entiles," determined to leave the Territory. I hold
myself ready to return to my post as soon as I can do so with safety.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. THOS. A. HENDRICKS,
Commissioner General Land Office.
F.
WASHINGTON, October 19, 1857.
SIR : I have heretofore apprised the department that fears for my
personal safety compelled me to leave Utah Territory in order to seek
protection from the general government.
The following accounts make me apprehensive that the office of the
surveyor general may have been destroyed by order of Brigham Young.
When I left I thought the hostility of the Mormon leaders was
directed against me only, and that neither the office nor the clerks
would be molested during my absence; but it appears I was mistaken.
Some Californians, who passed through Salt Lake City the latter part
of July, reported that, while there, the Mormons went in the night
to the surveyor general's office,, broke it open, and took out Mr.
Wilson, one of the clerks, put a rope around his neck and a pistol to
his head, and, under threats of his life, made him ans <ver questions, (the
nature of the questions I did not learn,) and released him only on a
promise that he would bring Mr. Mogo, one of the deputy surveyors,
to them the next day. They went after Mr. Landon (the other clerk)
at the same time, but he, by jumping out of a second story window,
made his escape, and it was rumored that he had gone south, and had
been killed.
The Californians left the next morning, and did not know how the
matter ended. Mr. Mogo, fearing for his life, left immediately with
them, and came as far as Laramie.
This account is corroborated by the accompanying letter just re-
ceived from Mr. Landon.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR.
Hon. THOS A, HENDRICKS,
Commissioner of General Land Office.
1*22 UTAH EXPEDITION,
PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA,
September 18, 1857.
DEAR SIR : I embrace the earliest opportunity after my arrival here
of transmitting you a few facts that may be of some interest, if not
of importance. I reached here on Saturday, the 12th instant, weary,
worn, footsore, and nearly famished, having walked nearly all the
way from Salt Lake City barefooted and nearly naked ; but I will
confine myself to the statement of a few facts for the present, and the
next mail you may expect my deposition in due form, giving the par-
ticulars of of the Mormon doings and some of their intentions.
On Saturday, the- 25th of July, while engaged in conversation with
some emigrants, I was assaulted by a posse of Mormons, headed by
Dick Pettit and Thompson, who beat me with stones and clubs
most unmercifully. The emigrants were about to rally to my pro-
tection and assistance, but I dissuaded them from their purpose, telling
them that it would only result in the destruction of them all. I made
my way home, and by the time I reached there I was perfectly insensible.
I was then living next door to the office. Matters were quiet enough
until Monday, with the exception that they (Mormons) made an attempt
the same afternoon to stone Mr. Mogo, who was coming to the office. He
had to retreat in a store. On Monday night, the 27th July, about mid-
night, I being awake, trying to soothe the many pains of the wounds
that the Mormons had inflicted upon me, I was startled by hard
knocking at the front and back door of the office. I heard Mr. Wilson
ask from the window above what was wanted. They demanded that he
should come down and give himself up, by the authority of Brigham
Young. The next I heard was a crash, the door being burst open,
and Mr. Wilson in conversation with them. Amid the shrieks and
cries of his wife, begging them not to take him away, they brutally
telling her to keep her mouth shut and stop her noise, or they would
would make her. I heard Mr. Wilson ask where they were going to take
him, and what for? The answer was, " come along, and no fuss, or
we'll d — n soon show you." I was almost powerless from my wounds,
and could form no idea what to do. I was trying to think, when
suddenly my back door was forced open, and in rushed a party of
ruffians and assassins. Among them I was able to distinguish the
voices of Pettit and Thompson, who demanded that I should come
down stairs. I arose and put on my pants and one stocking, when
the thought struck me that, if they secured us both, we would surely
be murdered. I resolved to try my best to escape, and cautiously took
out the window sash, when Pettit called me to make haste and come
down. I told them I was coming ; they made a rush for the stairs.
As they did so, I jumped out of the window and escaped to the house
of a friend, where I remained until daylight. Having procured a
disguise, the next evening I travelled along the banks of the Jordan
and Salt Lake until daylight, when I struck for the mountains. I
had not more than reached a place of concealment, when I saw seven
mounted men in pursuit of me. I escaped narrowly twice. Once,
near Weber canon, they came within ten feet of me. They followed
me to Willow creek, where the Indians were levying a tax of a
UTAH EXPEDITION. 123
blanket and shirt on every emigrant. My pursueis were heard to say,
"let him go, the Indians will get him before he goes far down the
Humboldt."
The Indians have got many a poor fellow on that river this summer.
Men, women, and children, have been slaughtered by wholesale. One
woman was scalped alive, and her child's brains knocked out over the
wagon wheel. The woman is still living. I could tell a dozen such in-
stances, but have not time. I saw on the road the Indian Peter who
used to come to the office. He told me that Brigham Young had sent
him out to get pungo (horses) and carabines (guns.) He knew me,
and said I was wano, (good,) because I had often given him biscope,
red paint, &c. He said "there were heap Indians on the Humboldt,
got heap pungos, heap carbines," &c. I had not left him an hour be-
fore he shot a man with four balls, but the man escaped not much in-
jured. I cannot recount the sufferings I endured while on the road.
I travelled from Carson Valley here with but two biscuits to eat, and
now I am working in a stone quarry, nearly naked and barefooted, for
very little more than my food.
The Mormons are all leaving here and Carson Valley for the pur-
pose of defending Zion.
Your humble servant,
DAVID H. BURR, Esq. C. G. LANDON.
G.
SURVEYOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Salt Lake City, September 30, 1855.
SIR : The accompanying map of Salt Lake City exhibits the extent
to which the streets have been opened and the ground built upon.
The corporate limits extend several miles each way, but there are very
few dwellings outside of the lines exhibited on the map. The out-
lots are used by residents in the city for agricultural purposes.
The Mormon church has called upon its members (and they em-
brace almost the entire population) to convey to it their possessions. I
send herewith a blank form of a deed of trust used in such convey-
ances. Many, if not most, of the people have yielded to the require-
ment, and it is expected that nearly all of them will do it. This
call embraces not only the city property, but that of the entire Terri-
tory.
The provisions of " An act for the relief of the citizens of towns on
the lands of the United States," &c., passed May 2H, 1844, will not
meet the exigencies of the case in this city. It will be seen that the
city proper occupies more than three full sections. Therefore, if the
government should deem it expedient to give the residents (who have
not surrendered their possessions to the church) the right of pre-emp-
tion to the lots they occupy, some special legislation will be necessary.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
DAVID H. BURR,
Surveyor General of Utah.
Hon. G. C. WHITING,
Acting Commissioner General Land Office.
124 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Be it known by these presents, that , of , in the
county of , and Territory of Utah, for and in consideration of
the good will which have to the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints, give and convey unto Brigham Young, trustee, in
trust for said church, his successors in office, and assigns, all -
claim to, and ownership of, the following described property, to wit:
together with all the rights, privileges, and appurtenances thereunto
belonging or appertaining. also covenant and agree that
is the lawful claimant and owner of said property, and will
warrant and forever defend the same, unto the said trustee in trust,
his successors in office, and assigns, against the claims of , heirs,
assigns, or any person whomsoever.
Witnesses :
TERRITORY OF UTAH, County of .
I , of , certify that the signers of the above transfer,
personally known to me, appeared this day of , A. D.
185-, and acknowledged that — • , of own choice, executed
the foregoing transfer.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, February 22, 1858.
SIR : In obedience to your instructions of 30th January, to furnish
you with copies of all papers on file in the Indian office which are
embraced in the resolution of the House of Kepresentatives, dated
January 27, calling for information as to the Utah expedition, &c.,
I have the honor herewith to transmit to you the papers called for, and
numbered in the accompanying schedule from No. 1 to No. 46. The
correspondence being quite voluminous, I beg leave to invite your at-
tention to its more prominent and pertinent parts.
As early as February 10, 1852, complaints reached this office
against Governor Brigham Young and his followers, who are repre-
sented by Agent Holeman, in his letter marked No. 1, as encroaching
upon "the Indians, and making settlements throughout the Territory
on all the most valuable lands ;" that it was generally believed that
all the letters of the "Gentiles" were opened by the Mormon post-
master, and that Brigham Young " made use of his office as superin-
tendent and of the money of the government to promote the interests
of his church."
This statement was confirmed by the report of Sub-Agent H. B.
Day, (marked Xo. 2,) who had left his post, and who gives the rea-
sons for so doing in his letter, marked No. 3.
Agent Holeman, in his letter dated December 28, 1851, marked
No. 4, being at that time the only government officer not a Mormon
left in the Territory, relates a singular instance of how the Mormons
went to the work of annoying him, with the view, no doubt, of in-
ducing him to return to the States.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 125
All the documents herewith presented, from No. 4 to No. 20, in-
clusive, covering the space of two years and a half, gradually develop
the policy pursued by the Mormons, which aimed at the establishment
of an independent Mormon empire.
To effect this they incited the Indians against the " Gentiles," ar-
rogated the eminent domain over the Indian territory, over which the
Indian title was not yet extinguished, and taxed the emigrants pass-
ing through Utah on their way to California and Oregon. For sub-
stantiation of these points, allow me to invite your attention especially
to Nos. 6, 11, 13, and 17. If any doubts, however, had been enter-
tained with regard to the truth of these statements, they were set at
rest by Governor Young in his letter to this office, dated June 26,
1855, in which the following passage occurs : " I do not care a groat
whether the department or the government ever contribute a penny
towards the support of the Indian relations, for the suppression of
Indian hostilities, or any other public purpose or object in or for the
Territory of Utah."
As early as April 10, 1854, this office made a report (marked No.
17) to the department, requesting that immediate steps should be
taken to separate the superintendency of Indian affairs for Utah from
the office of governor of said Territory, which, however, was not ef-
fected until during the last session (the thirty-fourth) of Congress.
In 1855 Colonel Steptoe was appointed governor and ex-officio super-
intendent of Indian affairs in Utah, but he never entered upon duty.
In relation to this matter, I beg leave to invite your attention to Nos.
20£ and 20|.
in May, 1855, information reached this office from Agent Hurt
(No. 22) that the Mormons had resolved to send out a large number
of missionaries to the Indians, with the intent to teach them that the
Indians were the rightful owners of the American soil, that it had
been wrongfully taken from them by the whites, and that the Great
Spirit had sent the Mormons among them to help them recover their
rights.
The letters marked Nos. 25, 26, and 2*7, written August 30 and
October 31, 1856, respectively, show that these statements of Agent
Hurt were not mere assertions.
No. 28 is a letter of Governor Young, dated September 12, 1857,
which was replied to by this office (No. 29) on November 11, 1857.
The documents from Nos. 30 to 46, inclusive, show forth the mea-
sures taken by this office to meet the emergencies created by the trea-
sonable designs of the deluded Mormons and their ambitious leaders,
and display further outrages and indignities of these fanatical men
against the government and its officers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES E. MIX,
Acting Commissioner.
Hon. JACOB THOMPSON,
Secretary of the Interior.
126 UTAH EXPEDITION.
List of documents, numbered 1 to 46, transmitted by the Acting Com-
missioner of Indian Affairs, in obedience to the direction of the Secre-
tary of the Interior, dated January 30, 1858, to furnish copies of all
papers on file in the Indian office, embraced in the resolution of the
House of Representatives, dated January 27, 1858, requesting the
President of the United States ' ' to communicate to the House of Rep-
resentatives the information which gave rise to the military expedition
ordered to Utah Territory," &c., &c.
1. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, November 28, 1851.
2. — Letter from Sub-Agent H. R. Day to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Washington City, January, 2, 1852.
3. — Letter from Sub-Agent H. R. Day to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Washington city, January 93 1852.
4. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, December 28, 1851.
5. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, February 29, 1852.
6. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, March 29, 1852.
7. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, April 29, 1852.
8. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Governor Brigham Young,
dated Great Salt Lake City, April 19, 1852.
9.— Letter from Sub-Agent H. R. Day to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Washington cit}r, June 2, 1852.
10. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 2, 1852.
11. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 8, 1852.
12. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, August 30, 1852.
13. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Fort Bridger,Utah Territory, November 3,1852.
14. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Webber Station, March 5, 185S.
15. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, April 29, 1853.
16. — Letter from Agent J. H. Holeman to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 12, 1853.
17. — Report from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the
Interior, dated April 10, 1854.
18. — Report from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary
of the Interior, dated September 15, 1854.
19. — Letter from Lieutenant H. B. Fleming to Commissioner of In-
dian Affairs, dated Fort Laramie, August 15, 1854.
20. — Letter from John M. Hockaday, esq., to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, June 17, 1854.
UTAH EXPEDITION 127
20 J. — Report from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the
Interior, dated March 21, 1855.
20f. — Letter from Secretary of the Interior to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated March 22, 1855.
21. — Letter from Governor Brigham Young to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, June 26, 1855.
22. — Report from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secre-
tary of the Interior, dated July 10, 1855.
23. — Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, May 2, 1855.
24. — Memoranda for the Secretary of the Interior from Acting Com-
missioner of Indian Affairs, dated August 15, 1855.
24^. — Letter from Brevet Lieutenant Colonel E. J. Steptoe to Com-
missioner of Indian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, April
5, 1855.
25. — Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, August 30, 1856.
26. — Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Governor Brigham Young,
dated Office of Indian Agent, Utah, October 31, 1856.
27. — Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, November 20, 1856.
28. — Letter from Governor Brigham Young to Commissioner of In-
dian Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, September 12, 1857.
29. — Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Governor Brig-
ham Young, dated Washington city, November 11, 1857.
30. — Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Superintendent
J. L. Collins, Santa Fe, dated November 24, 1857.
31. — Letter from Agent and Acting Superintendent S. M. Yost to
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, dated Santa Fe, January 14r
1858.
32. — Report from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary
of the Interior, dated September 22, 1857.
33. — Letter from Agent Thomas S. Twiss to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Agency of the Upper Platte, Raw Hide creek,
July 13, 1857.
34. — Report from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Secretary of the
Interior, dated November 7, 1857.
35. — Letter from Superintendent John Haverty to Commissioner of
Indian Affairs, dated St. Louis, November 2, 1857.
36. — Letter from Agent Thomas S. Twiss to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Agency of the Upper Platte, Raw Ride creek,
September 15, 1857.
37. — Letter from Secretary of the Interior to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated November 9, 1857.
38. — Letter from Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Superintendent
John Haverty, dated November 11, 1857.
39. — Letter from Agent Thomas S. Twiss to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Agency of the Upper Platte, Deer creek, No-
vember 7, 1857.
40. — Letter from Acting Commissioner of Indian Affairs to Agent
Thomas S. Twiss, dated January 11, 1858.
128 UTAH EXPEDITION.
41. — Letter from William Henry Forbes to Major W. J. Cullen,
dated St. Paul, February 2, 1858.
42. — Letter from Superintendent J. Forney to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Camp Scott, December 14, 1857.
43. — Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Superintendent J. Forney,
dated Fort Bridger, December 4, 1857.
44. — Letter from Agent Garland Hurt to Colonel A. S. Johnston,
dated Camp on Sweet Water, October 24, 1857.
45. — Letter from Governor Brigbam Young to Commissioner of Indian
Affairs, dated Great Salt Lake City, October 7, 1857.
46. — Letter from Governor Brigbam Young to Agent Garland Hurt,
dated Great Salt Lake City, September 26, 1857.
Addenda.
47. — Letter from George W. Armstrong to Secretary of tbe Interior,
dated City of Provo, December 1, 1857.
48. — Letter from Brigbam Young to George W. Armstrong, dated
Great Salt Lake City, October 16, 1857.
No. 1.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
Utah Territory, November 28, 1851.
DEAR SIR: I bave, according to instructions, made a report to his
excellency Governor Young, exofficio superintendent of Indian affairs,
in which I have given a statement of my accounts and transactions
•generally. But owing to a difficulty which occurred between the
governor, Judge Brocchus, and other officers of government during my
absence at Laramie, I did not think it prudent to touch on matters
connected with the conduct of the governor, and the Mormons in gen-
eral, in my report, as it had to pass through the hands of the governor.
It was not, however, because I feared that anything I would state
could or would be controverted by the governor, but because I feared
that if I said anything which he might not like in my report that it
would never reach you. The " Gentiles," as we are all called who do
not belong to the Mormon church, have no confidence in the manage-
ment of the post office here. It is believed by many that there is an
examination of all letters coming and going, in order that they may
ascertain what is said of them, and by whom it is said. This opinion
is so strong, that all communications touching their character or con-
duct are either sent to Bridger or Laramie, there to be mailed. I
send this communication,, through a friend, to Laramie, to be there
mailed for the States.
I alluded in my report to the necessity of adopting such measures
by the general government as would protect the Indians in this Ter-
ritory ; they are becoming very much excited by the encroachments of
the Mormons, as they are making settlements throughout the Ter-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 129
ritory on all tlie most valuable lands, extending these settlements for
near three hundred miles from this city. In the first settlement of this
city and the adjoining country "by the Mormons, they at first concili-
ated the Indians "by kind treatment ; but when they once got a foot-
hold,, they began to force, their way ; the consequence was a war with
the Indians, and in many instances, a most brutal butchery. This
they fear will be the result wherever the Mormons may make a settle-
ment. The Indians have been driven from their lands, and their
hunting grounds destroyed, without any compensation therefor. They
are in many instances reduced to a state of suffering bordering on
starvation. In this situation some of the most daring and desperate,
approach the settlements and demand compensation for their lands,
when upon the slightest pretents they are shot down or driven to the
mountains. These scenes frequently occur; but the other day an
Indian was found dead in the vicinity of the city, shot through the
body.
You will be informed, no doubt, by Judge Brocchus, Secretary Har-
ris and others, officers of the government, who have lately returned
from this city to the States, of the conduct and character of Governor
Young, his treatment to them, &c. I was not here at the time ; on
my arrival in the city, I found the governor absent, on an expedition
to the Indians, some 150 miles distant from the city. He had taken
with him sub-Agent S. B. Rose, who is a Mormon, with several hun-
dred dollars' worth of Indian goods as presents, for the purpose, no
doubt, of conciliating the Indians and getting their permission to ex-
tend his settlements, thus making use of his office as superintendent,
and the money of the government to promote the interest of his
church. Therefore it seems to me that no Mormon should, officially,
have anything to do with the Indians. I have no doubt but every
effort will be made by the Mormons to prevent the government from
peaceably extending her laws over the Territory. Since the departure
of the judges, &c., they have levied additional taxes on all classes, of
ten cents on the dollar on all description of property ; this, it is thought,
is for the purpose of preparing to resist the government.
I should be pleased to receive some instructions in relation to my
duties here. I do not know how to act in many cases, and I fear that
in acting from nay judgment, I may transcend my powers, if I have not
done so already. I think it would be advisable to hold a treaty with the
Indians as soon as is convenient ; they are generally friendly disposed
towards the whites. A deputation of some of their principal men to*
visit the States would have a very good effect. They know nothing
of the power of the government, or the number and manner of living,
of our people.
I fear you will think me extravagant in the expenditure of money,
but I assure you things are quite different here from what they are in
the States; every thing here is from three to five hundred per cent.,,
consequently our living, although much more common, is very dear. It
was the first attempt that had been made by the government to estab-
lish friendly relations with the Indians in this Territory, and I thought
that a few dollars \ras a matter of no importance, when compared with:
the effect which would be produced upon their feelings by showing,
H. Ex. Doc. Yl 9
130 UTAH EXPEDITION.
them, that their " Great Father" would be good to them, if they
would treat the whites with kindness, &c.
The Indians are very much scattered in this Territory. We want
a few more sub-agents ; if the pay could be raised we would all be able
to do more good. I will communicate with you again about the last
of December.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA, Commissioner Indian Affairs,
Washington City, I). C.
No. 2.
WASHINGTON CITY, D. C.,
January 2, 1852.
SIR : I have the honor to report that agreeably to instructions from
your department I proceeded to the Territory of Utah, and after a
tedious trip arrived at the city of the Great Salt Lake on the 19th of
July.
On the 21st I officially reported myself to his excellency Brigham
Young, governor and ex officio superintendent of Indian affairs, for
" instructions, location, &c.," as instructed by your department.
After the elapse of a few days I received a note from the governor
locating me in the first or " Parvan district," with verbal instructions
to remain in the city of Great Salt Lake until spring before L perma-
nently established my agency.
The tribes or bands in my agency are composed of the Snake Dig-
gers or Cum-em-bars, which are the desert Indians, inhabiting west
of the Tooele, Yoab, and Sevier valleys.
There is a tribe known as Goships and Wan-Ships band, who in-
habit the northern part of this district, north from the Great Salt
Lake towards the Weber country, west of the Tooele, and east of the
•Shoshones, or Snake nation.
South are the Tin-pan-a-gos, who inhabit Utah valley ; they are
more commonly called the Tinpany or Lake Utes, and are divided
into small bands, each .having a chief Stick-in-the-head-Peteetweet,
And others are known as chiefs.
The next are the San-Petes, who are south of the last named tribes,
•raving through the Yoab and San-Pete valleys, and thence south to
the Sevier river. South of them are the Parvans, which nation ex-
tends to a tribe called the Piedes.
The next and last known tribe composing my district is a roving
band, who roam through the whole of the other nations, and are con-
fi.ned to no particular part of the Territory. They are called Che-
ver-ets, and known as Walker's band.
All the different tribes in this Territory show much deference to
Walker. Connected with him or his band are Arra, Pines, Grose-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 131
Pines, Tab-has, and some others. These bands frequently rove high
up on the Sevier river in search of game, but are generally found in
the neighborhood of San-Pete and Utah valleys.
I held several councils or " talks" with some of the different chiefs
and braves, and explained to them what their Great Father at Wash-
ington desired to do for them, and what he expected of them. They
expressed much pleasure and satisfaction.
I made them several presents, which delighted them exceedingly.
The Indians in this Territory are mostly very poor. Game being
excessively scarce, they are, from necessity, and to prevent starva-
tion often, impelled to steal cattle, horses, mules, &c., for food.
Some of the tribes inhabiting this district are fine looking men, and
apparently quite intelligent Indians. Others of them, viz : the
Snake Diggers or Cum-em-bars, are small in stature, and filthy look-
ing beings; they subsist mostly upon roots, crickets, insects, &c.;
are extremely poor and wild.
All these tribes before mentioned acknowledge Walker as their war
chief, and Sow-er-ette as their head civil chief ; but the majority of
the tribes obey the mandate or counsel of their civil chief, Sow-er-ette,
including Walker. They all expressed a willingness and desire to
cultivate the soil, provided the Mormons would not drive them off
from their lands.
In the latter part of September I sent out to the Snake or Shoshone
nation, and invited Cut-nose, one of the chiefs of that nation, to come
in and hold a council or " talk" with me, promising to protect him.
My object was to make peace between them and the Utah tribes in my
district. He came in, with others, and we held a " talk" of several
hours. I gave him some small presents. He expressed himself much
pleased to hear from their Great Father, and agreed to meet me at
Fort Bridger, one hundred and thirteen miles southeast of Salt Lake
City, on the 1st of October.
I also sent word to Sow-er-ette to meet me there with his warriors,
promising to protect him. Accordingly I repaired to the fort, and
they met me there, as per agreement.
These nations have been at war for many years, and there seemed
to be a deadly hatred between them. After a council of several hours,
during which time they recounted their alleged causes of quarrel, I
told them their Great Father wished them to be at peace with all the
different nations of Indians and with the whites, and that they must
not steal ; which, after smoking the calumet of peace again, they*all
clasped hands and agreed to.
The Indians complained bitterly of the treatment they had received
from the Mormon settlers from the time they first entered the Terri-
tory up to the present, such as driving them off of their lands, stealing
their stock, &c.
I can, perhaps, convey their ideas better by giving you the lan-
guage of the old chief, Sow-er-ette, who, raising himself up to his full
height, said to me : u American good ! Mormon no good t Ameri-
can friend. Mormon kill, steal."
The chiefs said they claimed all the lands upon which were settled
the Mormons, and that they were driving them further every year,
132 UTAH EXPEDITION,
making use of their soil and what little timher there was, and ex-
pressed a wish, if their Great Father was so powerful, that he would
not permit the Mormons to drive them out of the valleys into the
mountains, where they must starve.
Some of these tribes cultivate the soil, raise Indian corn, &c.
Ahout the 9th of August Major Holeman, Indian agent, arrived at
Great Salt Lake City, and the governor, after some consultation with
him and myself, ordered us to attend the treaty at Fort Laramie on
the 1st of September, with a delegation of Indians.
I sent out interpreters among those in my district to prevail upon
the chief to attend the treaty. By the governor's orders, purchased
a carriage, &c., to convey them down privately and in disguise, it
heing his opinion and instructions that they should be conveyed in
that manner to prevent being attacked by other tribes.
Four only of the different bands came in: Gro-se-pene, a chief;
Quon-de-ats, son of Sow-er-ette ; Tomy, sent by Walker ; Sow-er-ette,
sent by Wanship ; and Gro-se-pene' s sister.
The governor thought they could not properly represent the differ-
ent tribes, and ordered me not to make the trip, but to purchase them
a suit of clothes each, knives, tobacco, &c., which I did.
The reasons given me by Sow-er-ette, Walker, and the other chiefs,
why they did not come in and go down was that they believed it to
be a trap set by the Mormons to kill them. They seem to have but
little confidence in anything the Mormon people say to them, and
decidedly stand in much fear of them ; and from all information I
could gather not without good cause.
I am decidedly of opinion that a treaty held of all the different
tribes in the Territory would be of incalculable benefit, and that a
delegation sent to Washington and through the States would add
much to give them an idea of the power of the government, and have
a much greater ten'dency to civilize these Indians than any other
course that could be adopted. They have no conception of the popu-
lation and power of the United States.
Christian missions, other than Mormons, would also do much to
advance these Indians towards civilization.
I am, respectfully, your obedient,
H. R. DAY,
Sub-Indian Agent 1st District, Utah territory.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No. 3.
WASHINGTON, D. C., January 9, 1852.
SIR : In presenting my report to your department a few days since,
I did not then state my reasons for having left the Territory of Utah
and my agency. I deemed it more suitable to make it the subject of
another communication.
My reasons for returning were the public and private abuse of the
UTAH EXPEDITION. 133
government of the United States and its officers, and finding I could
not be of that service to the government and the Indians, which I
deem that duty required, more particularly as long as the present
governor remained superintendent of Indian affairs.
I found it impossible, with due respect to myself and the govern-
ment of the United States, to perform my duties, in consequence of
the open hostility manifested publicly and privately by the governor
and the Mormon community to the government of the United States
and its officers sent out to Utah Territory.
Although instructed by your department to report through Governor
Young, ex-officio superintendent of Indian affairs, I have, under the
peculiar circumstances of my position, thought it the more advisable
and proper course to report to you in person, and knowing the delay
of mail communication, and being satisfied that the government would
wish to take action independent of Mormon influences, I believed I
would be discharging my duty to repair to the seat of government
that I might give such information and explanations as a counter
report from Governor Young might call for, and to give a more full
and detailed account of the difficulties existing between the officers of
the general government and the Mormons.
Thus far I conceive that I am in the discharge of my duty, and
would respectfully ask for further instructions, and of such a nature
as will enable me to act independent of Governor Young and the
Mormons, and am ready "to perform my duties and return to Utah
Territory ; but do not believe that any agent controlled by Governor
Young can fully effect the objects of the government in their relations
with the Indians.
I would also respectfully suggest that the salaries of sub-agents be
raised to such an amount as would enable them to live in a country
where everything in the shape of provisions, &c,, is much higher
than in either California, Oregon, or New Mexico, and in which
countries agents receive much larger salaries.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
HENRY E. DAY.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No. 4.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.
December 28, 1851.
DEAR SIR : Enclosed I send you a document which will give you
some information in relation to the manner they do business in this
city. It commenced, I have no doubt, with the view of producing a
difficulty with me, as I was the only government officer not a Mormon
left in the Territory. It was a transaction with which I had nothing
to do, when consulted upon the subject by Mr. H. B. Day, sub-agent,
and Governor Young. I did not think it my privilege, nor did I un-
dertake to give any instruction to any one, neither did I intend to make
134
UTAH EXPEDITION.
any move in the matter. Subsequently I was called on by Mr. H. R.
Day, who informed me that the governor had directed him to make
an effort, and, if possible, to get some of the chiefs or principal men
of the Utah tribe of Indians, and accompany them to the treaty of
Laramie. He stated, also, that the governor had recommended to him
that he should send some one acquainted with the Indians to visit them
at their villages, and request them to meet him in this city, where,
with his assistance,, they could perhaps prevail on the Indians to ac-
company him to the treaty. Mr. Day, having an interpreter employed,
he was called upon and directed to visit these Indians ; he wished to
have some one to accompany him, and requested Mr. Day to authorize
him to employ one or two men for that purpose. Mr. Day asked my
opinion with regard to his power of employing persons in this capacity.
I told him I could give him no information on the subject, but sup-
posed that the governor could or would advise him what to do, and
that he had better consult him. Shortly after this conversation Mr.
Huntington, the interpreter, called on me, accompanied by this E.
W. Vanetten, to know what would be the pay of Vanetten per day
should he take the trip. I told them I could not inform them ; that
I had nothing to do with the business ; that I was going to leave the
city the next day for Laramie, and, as I could not be here when the
Indians arrived, I again advised them to call on the governor, who
would give them all the necessary information and instruction. They
left me, and in about two hours returned, still urging me to give
them directions and instruct them what to do ; Vanetten stating in
the most positve manner that he would not go unless he knew what
he was to get, and who was to pay him. I told him again that I had
nothing to do with the matter, and that I could not and would not
fix any price for his labor, nor ivould I employ him at any price what-
ever. This was the last conversation I had with either Vanetten or
Huntington upon the subject.
I left the city the next day, and heard nothing further upon the
subject until I returned here from Laramie. On the 10th ultimo Mr.
Vanetten presented his account to me, and in a very peremptory man-
ner demanded payment. I told him that I had not employed him,
that I knew nothing of the services, and that I could not pay the bill.
He replied that he had been directed to present it to me, and if I did
not pay it that he must proceed to collect it. I requested him to see
the governor, and that I had no doubt he would do what was right.
If the services had been rendered the governor knew it, and certainly
would pay him, as he had the control of the whole matter ; that he
well knew that I was not here at the time, and that I had refused to
employ him in any way. He left me, and returned the next day. and
demanded immediate payment, informing me that the governor had
instructed him to present the account to rne, and if I did not pay it to
make me. I stated to him that I did not wish any difficulty either
with him or the governor, but that I could not pay an account that I
had no agency in creating, or for services which I did not know had
ever been rendered ; but, to settle the matter, if he would get the
governor's certificate, with instructions to me to pay it, I would do
so. But without the certificate of the governor I would not.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 135
About twelve o'clock the constable served a warrant on me for an
account against " J. H. Holeman, Indian agent," summoning me to
appear before Squire Snow at three o'clock. Attorney General Blair
appeared as counsel for Yannetten, had me prosecuted, and judgment
rendered against me as a private citizen ; execution issued, and a
carriage wagon, the property of the government, was levied on, and
taken out of my possession on the same day. On the 13th the con-
stable advertised the carriage for sale. Fearing some difficulty,
which might result in the loss of the property, as their law process
was singular and speedy when against a Gentile; and as they can prove
anything they desire, I determined to pay the debt, the receipt for
which is herewith enclosed.
I take the opportunity of again stating to you, as my fixed opinion,
that with Governor Young at the head of the Indian department in
this Territory, it cannot be conducted in such a manner as to meet the
views of, or do justice to, the government. He has been so much in
the habit of exercising his will, which is supreme here, that no one
will dare to oppose anything he may say or do. His power and
influence is so great, that no officer,, either of the Territory or the
government, who is a Mormon, will dare to disobey his will ; there-
fore, these officers are managed and controlled by him as completely
as if all their powers and duties were invested in him alone. His
orders are obeyed without regard to the consequences, and whatever is
to the interest of the Mormons that is done, whether it is according to
law, or to the interest of the government, or not. From all the
circumstances, I feel well assured that he was at the head of this suit
of Yannetten against me. He wished to show to his people that he
was sincere in his expressions of contempt towards the government
and her officers here, by having them annoyed in every possible
manner, in order to force them to leave the Territory, or succumb to
his will. At our first interview, after my return from Laramie, his
conduct was of such a character that I felt it my duty to check him at
once. I assured him of my determination to do all in my power to
promote the interest of the government ; that, so far as he was con-
cerned, I should be happy to cooperate with him in all measures which
had a tendency to effect that object ; but that so far as I was able, and
to the extent of my ability, I intended to discharge my duty to the
government faithfully, without fear, favor, or affection to any one,
and that I wished him distinctly to understand. We separated with-
out much ceremony, and did not meet again for several days. In the
meantime, it was rumored about that I was going out to Fort Bridger,
and the Mormons generally believed that I was about to leave for the
States. This produced a great change ; the governor called on me,
was very polite, and has been quite friendly ever since. I expect an
outbreak between us, because I believe it to be his intention to use
his official station as superintendent of Indian affairs to promote the
interest of his people. He has already been on an excursion with the
Mormon sub-Agent, S. B. Rose, with Indian goods, as presents to the
Indians in a section of the country where they are making a new
settlement, and where, I am informed, the Indians have made objec-
tions to any further encroachments upon their lands by the Mormons.
136 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Their object is to get a foothold, make a settlement peaceably by
purchasing the friendship of the chiefs and headmen with presents
furnished by the government, and then bid defiance both to the
government and to the Indians. They are a people who have no
sympathy or respect for our government or its institutions, and who
are frequently heard cursing and abusing, not only the government,
but all who are American citizens.
Believing it to be my duty, I shall remain here if it should be the
wish of the department, and shall, from time to time, advise you of
all matters connected with the Indian affairs which I may deem of
importance or interest.
As soon as the weather will permit, I shall visit several tribes and
bands who I have not yet seen, when I shall inform you of their
situation and disposition.
I have felt it my duty to make the foregoing statements, and have
forwarded this communication directly to the department, believing
that if I attempted to pass it through, the superintendent, it would
never reach you.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH,
November 10, 1851.
Major J. H. HOLEMAN, United States Indian agent,
To E. W. VANETTEN, DR.
For services of self and borse eight days, on tour to San Pete,
$3 00 $24 00
UTAH TERRITORY, )
Great Salt Lake County, ] ss'
To the sheriff or any constable of said county, greeting :
You are hereby commanded to summon J. H. Holeman to appear
before me, at my office in Great Salt Lake City, on Tuesday, the llth
day of November, A. D. 1851, at three o'clock p. m., then and there
to answer unto E. W. Vanetten in a plea of debt on account, in the
sum of twenty-four dollars. Hereof, fail not, but legal service and
due return make, according to law.
Given under my hand this llth day of November, 1851.
WM. SNOW, J. P.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 137
E. W. VANETTEN vs. J. H. HOLEMAN.
Cost bill. — Plaintiff's cost.
Summons $1 00
Subpoena 50
Swearing witness, (Huntingdon) , 25
Witness 1 00
Kendition of judgment 2 25
Constable's fees 3 00
8 00
Suit brought on account. — Amount $24.
November 11, A. D. 1851. — Summons issued and delivered to Rod-
ney Badger, constable, for appearance of defendant at 3 o'clock p. m.,
of November 11, 1851.
November 11, 1851. — Summons returned endorsed, served by read-
ing to defendant. — Rodney Badger, constable.
Fees, $3.
Half-past three. — Parties appeared, trial had, and it is considered
that plaintiff recover of defendant the sum of $24 and cost, taxed to
eight dollars.
November 11, 1851. — Execution issued against J. H. Holeman, in
favor of E. W. Vanetten, for $24, debt, and $8 cost of suit, placed in
the hands of R. Badger, constable, for collection, together with his
cost, and one dollar for said execution.
Returnable thirty days from date.
I hereby certify the above to be a true copy taken from my docket
in office.
WM. SNOW, J. P.
GKEAT SALT LAKE CITY, November 14, 1851.
E. W. VANNETTEN vs. JACOB H. HOLEMAN.
Judgement rendered by Wm. Snow, justice $24 00
Costs of suit 8 00
Taking a carriage and serving writ in execution..., 3 00
Writing and posting up 4 advertisements for the sale of one
carriage , 4 00
39 00
GKEAT SALT LAKE CITY, November 15, 1851.
Received payment, in full of the above bill, costs, and judgment of
Jacob H. Holeman.
RODNEY BADGER, Constable.
138 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Constable's Sale.
Taken, on execution against John H. Holeman, in favor of E. W.
Vanetten, one carriage and harness, which will be sold at public auc-
tion to the highest bidder, at or near the council house, in Great Salt
Lake City, on Saturday, at 2 o'clock p. m., the 22d day of Novem-
ber, 1851.
RODNEY BADGER,
Constable.
TERRITORY OP UTAH, G. S. L. CITY,
November 13, 1851.
No. 5.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.,
February 29, 1852.
DEAR SIR : You would greatly oblige me by giving me some in-
structions in regard to my duties here, and the wishes of the depart-
ment. I have been, as the saying is, going it blind, pretty much,
and, I fear, I may have acted improperly in some respects. I am
anxious to be informed of the intentions and wishes of the department
in relation to the Indians in this Territory generally. It is expected
here that there will be a considerable emigration from the States to
California and Oregon this spring ; there will be considerable from this
place. As the Indians have been very troublesome on this route, I
think it important that something should be done in that direction
to protect the property and lives of the emigrants. An agency at
Mary's river, some 300 miles from this city, would do much good, and
have a tendancy to quiet the disorderly Indians, if in the hands of a
proper person. I consider it the most important point for operations
this spring. There was such destruction of life and property on this
route, during the last season, that I should like to be instructed to
regulate matters there, before the emigration arrives. I think, by
proper management, the route may be made safe ; not, however, with-
out some expense. If I do not hear from you, and the emigration
should make a move, I shall use all efforts to give them a safe passage,
so far as the Indians are concerned. I shall visit them and endeavor
to conciliate them ; and, if possible, establish friendly relations be-
tween us : at all events, so far as the limits of this Territory extend.
But, as I have before stated to you, I fear that little can be done for
the benefit of the government or the Indians, under the present or-
ganization of the Indian department here. The superintendent and
sub-Agent, Rose, seem disposed to conceal their movements from me ;
they never consult with me, or pay any attention to my opinions.
They have liscensed many traders, some against my wishes, and who
I know to be unworthy ; they are traversing the country in every di-
rection, though they reside in this city. Have I the power to stop
this kind of traffic ? I have pestered you so much with my communi-
cations, that I fear you will think me troublesome ; therefore, I will
make the communication a short one. I wrote to Mr. J. J. Critten-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 139
den, concerning matters here, and should be pleased that you would
gee my letter to him. If you have time, please write me.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent.
Hon. L. LEA, Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No. 6.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
March 29, 1852.
DEAR SIR : On the 28th of November last I addressed you a letter,
containing in substance what you will find in this. Believing it im-
portant that the department should be possessed of some of these
facts, and understanding that there was a failure in the mail of the
1st of December, I have concluded to write you again, as I have now
a safe conveyance by private hand. In my letter above alluded to, I
informed you that I had made a report to his excellency Governor
Young, superintendent of Indian affairs, in which I had given a
statement of my accounts and transactions, generally. But owing to
a difficulty which had occurred between the governor and Judge
Brocchus, and other officers of the government, during my absence to
Laramie, I did not think it prudent to touch on matters connected with
the conduct of the governor, and the Mormons in general, as it had
to pass through the hands of the governor. It was not, however, be-
cause I feared that anything I stated could or would be contradicted
by the governor, but because I apprehended that if I said anything
which he did not like in my report, that it would never reach you.
" The Gentiles," as we are all called, who do not belong to the Mor-
mon church, have no confidence in the management of the post office
here ; it is believed by many that there is an examination of all letters,
coming and going, in order that they may ascertain what is said of
them, and by whom it is said. This opinion is so strong that all
communications touching their character and conduct, are either sent
to Bridger or Laramie, there to be mailed. I send this communica-
tion by a friend to St. Joseph, Missouri, there to be mailed for the
city of Washington.
I alluded, in my report, to the necessity of adopting such measures
by the general government, as will protect the rights of the Indians
in this Territory ; they are becoming very much excited by the en-
croachments of the Mormons, who are making settlements throughout
the Territory on all the most valuable lands, extending these settle-
ments for three hundred miles south from this city, and north to
Mary's river and Carson valley. In the first settlement of this city,
and the adjoining country by the Mormons, they at first conciliated
the Indians by kind treatment, but when they once got foothold, they
began to force their way, the consequence was a war with the Indians,
and in many instances, a most brutal butchery of the Indians. This,
they fear, will again be the result wherever the Mormons may make a
140 UTAH EXPEDITION.
settlement. The Indians having been driven from their lands, and
their hunting ground destroyed without any compensation therefor,
they are, in many instances, reduced to a state of suffering bordering
on starvation. In this situation, some of the most daring and des-
perate approach the settlements, and demand some remuneration or
compensation for their lands, &c., when upon the slightest pretexts,
they are shot down or driven to the mountains. These scenes fre-
quently occur ; but the other day an Indian was found dead in the
vicinity of the city, shot through the body.
You will no doubt be informed by Judge Brocchus, Secretary Har-
ris, and others — officers who have returned from this city to the States
— of the conduct and character of Governor Young, his treatment to
them, &c. I was not here at the time. On my arrival in the city,
from Laramie, I found the governor absent on an expedition to the
Indians, some 150 miles distant. He had taken with him sub-Agent
S. B. Kose, who is a Mormon, with several hundred dollars worth of
Indian goods as presents, for 'the purpose, no doubt, of conciliating
the Indians and getting permission to extend his settlements ; thus
making use of his office as superintendent and the money of the gov-
ernment to promote the interest of his church. Therefore, it seems
to me that no Mormon should officially have anything to do with the
Indians.
From what I can learn here, there is no doubt but every effort will
be made by the Mormons to prevent the government from peaceably
extending her laws over the Territory. Since the departure of the
judges and other officers, they have levied additional taxes on all
classes of ten cents on the dollar's worth of all description and kind
of property. This, it is thought, is for the purpose of preparing for
resistance. It is said, upon good authority, that there is an effort
being made to form an alliance with the Indians to resist the govern-
ment, should it be determined to force authority in the Territory ; and,
from all the circumstances and information I can gather, something
of the kind may be in agitation. It would not surprise me in the
least, as many of the Utah tribe have been baptised in their church,
and feasted upon all occasions, and treated in the kindest manner.
sub-Agent Rose has just returned from another tour, and the governor
will leave again in a few days. Neither have spoken to me on the
subject, nor do they let me know anything of their actings or doings.
I think it would be advisable to hold a treaty with the Indians as
soon as possible. They are generally friendly disposed to the whites.
A deputation of some of their principal men to visit the States would
have a very good effect. They know nothing of the power of the
government, or the number and manner of living of our people.
I have just been informed that the Snake and Utah tribes, who have
been at war with each other, have assembled for the purpose of settling
their differences ; they are now in council. I suggested this course to
both tribes, and have no doubt but it will result in an adjustment of
their difficulties. It will set an example to the other tribes, and will
ultimately, I have no doubt, produce a very good effect. This is the
band of the Snakes who visited Laramie ; they are very friendly to the
whites and have great respect for their Great Father. The Indians
UTAH EXPEDITION. 141
are very much scattered over this Territory ; the tribes are split up
into small bands, ruled by some favorite chief; some of them are very
small. The tribe of Shoshoriies, or Snakes, is very large, and being
divided into many bands, they occupy a large portion of the Territory,
but are all on friendly terms with each other. They have nothing
like a settled residence, but roam the country from the headwaters of
the Platte, near the South Pass, to St. Mary's river, including a por-
tion of the Territory of Oregon. There are two bands of Utahs of
considerable size ; one residing south of the city, and are very friendly
towards the whites ; the other, who are called the " Diggers," reside
north, and range over a porti n of country lying between this and
California ; they are said to be a tribe formed by the poorer classes of
the Utahs, the Snakes, the Pa-nacks, the Crows, and the Flatheads.
They have heretofore been considered as the most worthless and
trifling Indians in the Territory, subsisting on roots principally,
from which they take the name of Diggers. It is said they eat
anything that has life in it, from a cricket to a buffalo. It is princi-
pally in their country that the robberies and murders which have oc-
curred during the past season have been committed. Many are of the
opinion that they have been encouraged and assisted by white men ;
and judging of their past character and their bold and daring conduct
now, it would seem that there is strong grounds for the opinion.
There are many bands of the various tribes above named, of a more
elevated character, who pursue the chase for a living,, and travel the
country in search of game, from the Platte river to California, and
from this city to Oregon. I visited a village of the Snakes about 80
miles north of this city, in January last. It was reported here that
they had information of two white women, who were said to be held
as prisoners by a band of the " White Knives;" all the information I
could gather seemed to justify the belief that they had been killed by
the Indians. The name of White Knife has been given to these
Indians who have been committing the robberies on the California
and Oregon routes, in consequence, they say, of white men being con-
nected with them and their being so completely armed with almost
every description of weapon. The Indians I visited professed great
friendship for the whites, and seemed disposed to enter into any
arrangement with the government which would have a tendency to
secure, permanently, this friendship. I have met with many of the
Utah tribe, who reside south and southeast of this city ; they are also
friendly, and are anxious to make such arrangements, by treaty or
otherwise, as will establish, on a firm footing, their friendly relations
with the whites.
I have suggested, in my previous letters, the necessity of doing
something to protect the route between this and California and Oregon;
the Indians have been very troublesome during the last year ; robberies
and murders of the most brutal character occur with almost every
train. The November mail from California has been cutoff, all killed
by the Indians, near Mary's river ; the mail contractor, Mr. Wood-
ward, among them, and the mail destroyed. The February mail
from the same place arrived here on the 26th instant, after much
suffering ; all their mules and horses were frozen to death, the men
142 UTAH EXPEDITION.
were compelled to lay by 18 days in a snow storm, and travelled 13
days on foot, packing the mail on their hacks, with nothing to eat hut
mule meat, and four days without anything ; they accidently met a
band of the Snake Indians, who fed them, and brought them into the
settlements. Something should be done by the government to aid
this mail route. The December and January mails could not pass
the mountains and return.
It is not, perhaps, any portion of my duty, yet it may not be amiss
to give you some account of the persecution and tyranny of the Mor-
mons towards the gentiles, as all are called who do not belong to the
Mormon church. They have levied a very exorbitant tax on all em-
igrants who have been compelled to winter in this valley ; they col-
lected this tax last fall, and now, when these emigrants are preparing
to leave for California and Oregon, they tax them again. The legis-
lature has passed a law giving licenses to men belonging to their
church,, to establish ferries, and build bridges over all the streams
over which emigration will have to pass, and regulated the toll at
three dollars for each wagon, and fifty cents for each head of loose
cattle, while the citizens of the valley, or members of the church, are
exempted from this tax or toll, one-half of which is to be paid into
the tithing office, for the benefit of the church. Some of the emigrants,
who, from the lateness of the season when they arrived here, were
compelled to remain during the winter ; being good mechanics, they
were employed by some of the heads of the church to labor on their
buildings and public works ; and wishing to leave this spring, have
been turned off without pay, or any satisfaction ; they refused even
to give their notes. Among these men is Willard Richards, who keeps
a harem of some dozen or fifteen women, to all of whom he is wedded.
He is acting secretary of state, and postmaster of the city. Every
description of tyranny that they can invent is made use of to perse-
cute the emigrants. Tbey issue from the tithing office a kind of scrip,
as evidence of the indebtedness of the church, for laborer services per-
formed by individuals. This scrip forms a kind of circulating medium,
and is received from the members in payment of their taxes and tith-
ing ; but when it falls into the hands of a gentile, it will not be re-
ceived from him for his taxes, and he is forced to pay the cash. All
he can do with it is to receive such articles of trade as they may
choose to give him, at from one to four hundred per cent, above the
valley prices for the same article.
They are in the habit of drilling the militia weekly. The com-
manding officer, in impressing upon them the importance of punctu-
ality attending these drills, has been heard to say, " That they were
in the habit of drilling punctually while in Nauvoo, when they had
but one State to oppose them, but now they have the whole United
States, they should be properly drilled and equipped." Others say,
" They do not fear the United States, they have neither respect for
her, or her citizens ; and should they want assistance to defend them-
selves against the government, they can easily get it from England."
They have their missionaries travelling all over the world, almost, col-
lecting men and contributions, to give greater strength to their church.
They calculate upon a large emigration this season to reinforce their
UTAH EXPEDITION. 143
ranks, and are using every effort to prevent their people from leaving
the valley. Many have made preparations for emigrating to Califor-
nia, but Brigham has put his veto against it, and in a great measure,
has put a stop to it.
I could give you thousands of circumstances tending to show their
deadly hostility to the government, and their determination to resist
her authority in all matters which conflict with their notions and
church regulations. They say that " God and the governor commands,"
and they obey no one else.
I mentioned in my previous letters the difficulty attending the route
from this city to California The main route from the States to Cali-
fornia and Oregon passes to the north of this, and intercepts the
road from here at or near the Goose Creek mountains, about 175 miles
from this place. It is then about 130 miles to the head of Hum-
boldt river, where the road strikes it; thence down the river to the
canon is about 60 miles ; making from this to the canon about
365 miles. It is the opinion of the best informed,, with whom I have
conversed, that a post or agency, established at or near this canon,
would afford the best protection to this route. The distance from this
canon to Reese's Station in Carson's valley, is about 360 miles. This
station is in Utah Territory, near the California line, and is about 180
miles from Sacramento city. There is a settlement about this station
of about eighty persons, and extends in the direction to this city, for
near forty miles. Should I receive no instructions to the contrary, I
have concluded to visit this section of the Territory, and should I find
it advantageous to the interest of the government and the Indians, I
shall make arrangements to establish an agency at some point which
will be the best calculated to give the greatest amount of protection,
and at the same time be most convenient for operations with the In-
dians. As the emigration will be leaving this valley about the 20th
of April, I have concluded to leave this city with them. I shall write
you again before I leave, and shall advise you from time to time of
my operations, the prospects of quieting the Indians, and the state of
the country generally,
I fear you will think me extravagant in the expenditure of money,
but I assure you things are quite different here from what they are in
the States ; everything is from two to five hundred per cent, higher
than they are there. Consequently, our living, though much more
common, is quite dear. All my expenditures have been as economical
as possible, particularly my trip to Laramie. It was the first attempt
that had been made by government to establish friendly relations
with the Indians in this Territory, and I thought that a few dollars
was a matter of no importance when compared with the effect which
would be produced upon their feelings, by showing them that their
Great Father, as well as the whites generally, would be good to them
if they would treat the whites with kindness. They returned to their
villages so much pleased with the trip, and the evidences of friendship
they received, that they are using all their influence with the other
tribes, not only to make peace between themselves, but to establish
peace and friendship with the whites.
It may be prudent, perhaps, to keep my name secret in relation to
these statements. If it was known here that I had such a communi-
144 UTAH EXPEDITION.
cation, there is no telling what would be the result. I have heard
them boldly assert that, if Brigham was to tell them to cut any
man's throat, they would do it without hesitation. I make these
remarks to let you know my situation. I do not ftar a contradiction ;
use your judgment on the subject.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA.
No. 7.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
April 29, 1852.
SIR: I have advised you, in my previous communication, of the
difficulty and danger to emigrants who travel tbe Oregon and Cali-
fornia route, and of the necessity of doing something for their pro-
tection I also informed you that, if not instructed otherwise, I
should visit that section of the Territory, and endeavor to make such
arrangements with these Indians as would insure safety to emigra-
tion in future. I have had several conversations with the superin-
tendent upon this subject without coming to any determination or
receiving from him any particular instructions. For the purpose,
therefore, of bringing the matter to a close, and that there should be
action upon the subject, I addressed to him the enclosed letter. He
left this city on the 23d instant on a southern tour, to be absent
several months, without giving me any instructions, or even acknowl-
edging the receipt of my letter. He has been in an ill humor with
me since the receipt of your annual report, in which is a letter I
addressed you from Fort Lararnie and in which I speak of the excite-
ment of the Indians on account of the whites settling their lands,
and more particularly against the Mormons. In order to justify
myself for the statements made in that letter, I have thought it
advisable to give you my authority, as I have been threatened with
denunciation and a contradiction of all nutters concerning the
Mormons.
Mr. James Bridger, who was the interpreter of the Snake Indians
at the treaty of Lararnie, and who is very favorably noticed in the
communication of Colonel D. D. Mitchell, informed me that the Utah
Indians residing in Uwinty valley had frequently expressed their dis-
satisfaction, in the strongest terms, against the Mormons making set-
tlements on their lands ; that they had understood they intended to
do so, and were anxious to know what they should do, or if they had
the right to prevent it. This was stated to me in such a manner that
I could not hesitate to believe it. In addition to this, Mr. Barney
Ward, a Mormon, who was the interpreter of sub-Agent S. B. Rose,
in conversation, frequently stated that the Mormons intended to make
a settlement in Uwinty valley, and that he was going to reside there
as an Indian trader. With this information, believing that if the
settlement was attempted that it would cause an outbreak, and another
" Indian war," for which government would be called upon to derray
'
UTAH EXPEDITION. 145
the expenses, I made the statement in my communication from Laramie ;
not, however, for the purpose of producing unkind feelings towards the
Mormons, but to impress upon the department the necessity of adopt-
ing such measures as would place both the whites and the Indians in
a position to understand their rights and privileges, and thereby pre-
vent further disturbances among them, as there had been, as I con-
ceived, great injustice tdone the Indians already. I subsequently met
a deputation of the Uwinty Utes, sent by their chief Soweates, who
confirmed the information I had before received, and expressed their
decided disapprobation to any settlement being made on their lands
by the whites, and more particularly by the Mormons. This same
deputation was directed by their chief to request that I would send
them some traders, towards whom and the government they pledged
friendship in the strongest terms. I sent them two different compa-
nies of traders — one from Fort Bridger, who they treated with great
kindness and respect; the others went from this city. Upon learning
they were from the Mormon city, the Indians immediately demanded
to know if they were Mormons ; and although one was a Mormon;
they were compelled to deny it. Such was the feeling of hostility
expressed towards the Mormons, that if they had been known to be
so they would have been driven from the village. The Shoshonees,
or Snakes, were equally opposed, and expressed their disapprobation
to the Mormons settling on their lands in the strongest terms.
I thought I was in the discharge of my duty in giving to the depart-
ment this information, as I conceived it of some importance. The In-
dians in this Territory have, in the general, been badly treated; upon
some occasions so much so as to produce resistance. Then, upon the
most trivial occasion, would follow, as the Mormons call it, an " Indian
war," and being better armed and equipped than the Indians a most
brutal butchery would follow. For all these services in all these
<l Indian wars," I understand that there is a petition presented, or
will be presented, to Congress for the government to pay the bill.
Before they do so, however, I hope they will inquire into particulars,
as these people seem more inclined to fleece the government of her
money than to render her any important service or friendship. I have
thought it to be my duty to inform the department of all matters cal-
culated to produce excitement or dissatisfaction among the Indians.
With this view I have made you the several communications relative
to matters and things here. I shall continue to do so as circumstances
may occur ; and while I confine my statements to facts, I feel confident
I shall be sustained by the department.
I shall, in accordance with my previous advices to the department,
leave in a few days for the Humboldt, where, if I find it necessary, I
shall establish an agency, as it is no doubt the most important point
on the route. If it should be necessary and any good can be effected,
I will extend my trip as far as Carson valley, near the line between
this Territory and California. If I should not succeed in establishing
friendly relations with these Indians, I shall on my return have it in
my power to give the department such information as will enable
them to act more advisedly in future. At present but little is known
except that they are murdering and plundering every train that passes
H. Ex. Doc. 71 10
146 UTAH EXPEDITION.
the road. As the treaty of Laramie has given security to emigration
from the States to the country occupied by these Indians, an arrange-
ment with them will open a general highway through all the country,
from Missouri to California, and give security to the numerous and
increasing emigration which is annually passing to California and
Oregon, and which at present is attended with so much danger and
loss of life arid property. The Indians in this. section have had but
little intercourse with the whites, and what they have had has rather
tended to excite them against the whites than to create friendship or
respect. The first were a set of traders and trappers, &c., whose
practice was to cheat them out of what little they possessed, or take
it by force when able to do so ; the second were the Mormons, who
forcibly took possession of their country, drove off their game, and
killed many of the Indians ; the last was the emigration who often
committed depredations on those who were inclined to be friendly,
through the mistaken idea that all Indians were treacherous, and by
this means frequently caused the innocent to suffer. Such transac-
tions have in a great measure brought about the present condition of
things here. Many of the tribes, however, are becoming friendly, and
by a prudent and humane course, which has characterized all the acts
of the government in regard to this unfortunate race, I hope the
balance may be reconciled and the country and the highways be re-
lieved of the distressing scenes which so olten occur.
I mentioned to you in my last communication that the November
mail, from California to this place, had been cut off by the Indians and
the contents destroyed. The remains of Mr. Woodward, the con-
tractor, have since been found some forty miles beyond the settlements
in this valley. We have received information from the Indians near
Fort Hall, that he and his escort, five in number, were attacked by
this marauding band of Indians on the Humboldt, and that four were
killed — the fifth, Woodward, made his escape. It is supposed that he
must have been wounded and died from exhaustion, as his watch and
many valuable papers were found near the remains of his body, which
was almost entirely destroyed by wild beasts; it was identified, how-
ever, by his clothing, watch, papers, &c.
The Snake Indians who attended the treaty at Laramie returned
well pleased with their reception and treatment. They are very
friendly with all who pass through their country, giving them every
assistance in their power, and pledging a continuance of their friend-
ship, on account, as they say, of the kindness of their Great Father
to them. This feeling is diffusing itself throughout many of the
other tribes and bands, who regret that they had not been there also.
In fact, I believe that there is but one tribe in the Territory who are
disposed to molest the emigration, and that is the tribe I contemplate
visiting. I shall be compelled to incur some expense, but shall be as
economical as possible. I shall have to hire some ten or fifteen men,
an interpreter, &c. , to accompany me, and shall make all other ar-
rangements, as far as possible, subject to your advice and instruction,
which I shall expect on my return.
I regret that I have not been able to receive positive instructions in
relation to my duties, and more particularly in regard to expendi-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 147
tares, and the particular kind of expenditures. I fear that I have
already gone too far ; all I can say on this subject is, that in attend-
ing the Snake Indians to the treaty at Laramie, although somewhat
expensive, it has done much good, and will have a very happy effect
upon our Indian operations in future. One thing, however, is cer-
tain, all operations with the Indians cost money, perhaps more in
this Territory than many other places. I have, therefore, thought it
better to incur a little expense for purposes which I deemed of im-
portance to the Indians and to the government than to wait for
instructions so distant and difficult to obtain. Besides, I can see no
use in my remaining idle when there is important work to perform,
particularly as it will have to be done at some time, and perhaps at a
much greater expense.
Will you be so kind as to say to me, on the receipt of this, what
will be the proper allowance to these men who accompany me, either
as their per diem or monthly pay. I fear you will consider me some-
what pestiferous, but you must recollect that I have had no instruc-
tions by which I could form a correct opinion of the extent of my
powers and duties, or the particular wishes of the government. I was
directed to report to the governor, which duty I performed without
delay. He having no instructions, as he informed me, I was left to
act upon your verbal instructions, to take such steps as in my judgment
would best conduce to the interest of the Indians and the government.
I have endeavored so to act, and hope my conduct may meet the
approbation of the department, and that I may hear from you by the
return mail.
I received a communication by the last mail informing me that, in
consequence of my having failed to render my accounts up to the 30th
of September last, I had been reported to the President. I regret
that it was not in my power to make my report at the time alluded
to. I had been in attendance at the treaty at Laramie, with the
Snake Indians, where I was detained much longer than I had antici-
pated when I left this city ; not doubting when I left but that I should
return before the time specified for making niy report? I did not take
with me many papers necessary to enable me to do so. In addition to
this, my horses failed on my return to such an extent as to prevent
my travelling at the usual speed. I had to wait on them or to leave
them. I thought it more prudent to sacrifice my personal comfort
than to leave my animals, which would have been a total loss to the
government, and did not reach this city until the 26th of October, too
late to make a report. I however forwarded my account by the No-
vember mail, which I have no doubt you have received ere this, and
which I hope may be satisfactory to the department.
L have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
P. S. May 1. — Not receiving any communication from you, and
being left to act from my own judgment, I shall proceed to equip ten
148 UTAH EXPEDITION.
men, with an interpreter, and two friendly Indians, and proceed imme-
diately to the Hurnboldt. It is reported here that these marauding
Indians in that station have been making great preparations for their
operations on the emigrants ; and as there is nothing else of any im-
portance for me to do at present, it seems to me that my duty prompts
me to this course. I shall use every effort in my power peaceably to
quiet the Indians on this route, and to get all the information possible
concerning them, their habits, disposition, &c., and the prospects of
doing anything with them in future. I shall use economy and dis-
cretion in all matters, and report the result to the Department on my
return. If I find it necessary to go as far as Carson valley I may be
detained some two or three months. It is unnecessary to take this
trip unless a thorough investigation is made of all matters which may
be of interest to the government or to the Indians, so as to enable the
department to act more advisedly in future. It is very necessary that
something should be done, and as speedily as possible, as the longer
it is delayed the more difficult and expensive it will be to the govern-
ment. I shall be compelled to draw on the department for funds to
defray expenses. I srjall also take with me a few articles to be used
as presents, if I can dispose of them to advantage and effect. The
April mail from the States has just arrived.
Yours, &c.?
J. £. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent.
No. 8.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
April 19, 1852.
SIR: Daring the last summer, the emigration on the route to Cali-
fornia and Oregon was very much annoyed by the Indians ; many
murders were committed, and a vast amount of property destroyed.
These murders and robberies were committed, it is thought, by a
band of Indians called " Diggers," residing in the northern part of
this Territory. I have not been able to get any information which
can be relied on respecting their general character ; it is thought,
however, that the whole band is more or less engaged in these depre-
dations. 1 have thought, therefore, that a visit to 'these Indians
would have a good effect. It is important that something should be
done to protect emigration, and if it should meet your approbation I
will visit them, and, if possible, make such arrangements as will give
security on the route, or get such information as will enable the
government to act in future. I am of the opinion that an agency
established on the Humboldt, or Mary's river, would be calculated to
afford protection to emigration, and, perhaps, be the means of con-
ciliating these Indians. An agency at this point would be the means
of collecting together the whites in sufficient numbers, not only to
protect themselves, but to have great influence with the Indians. It
might be necessary, at the present, to make them a few presents as
an earnest of our friendly disposition towards them. There is already
UTAH EXPEDITION.
149
a settlement in Carson Valley, near the territorial limits, and as this
would be about midway between the settlements, it would, no doubt,
be the best point to make an establishment for future operations with
the Indians and for the protection of the route?
As there will be a considerable emigration from this city to Cali-
fornia and Oregon th:'s spring, and as they will be leaving in a few
days, a small escort to accompany me would be sufficient, particularly
as our object would be of a pacific character, and to establish friendly
intercourse between the whites and Indians.
If you concur with me in any of these views, I would be pleased to
have your advice and instructions.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAIST,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Superintendent Indian Affairs, Utah Territory.
No. 9.
WASHINGTON, D. 0., June 2, 1852.
SIR: Your chief cle*k, Mr. Mix, having this morning shown me a
letter from Major Holeman, Indian agent for Utah Territory, I deem
it proper to state, in justice to myself and that gentleman, that upon
his arrival at Great Salt Lake, at his request, I introduced him to
Governor Young, and that they, upon consultation, agreed that the
attendance of the Indians at the treaty, although not parties thereto,
would be of incalculable benefit to them, as well as for the interest of
the United States government.
Governor Young desired Mr. Holeman to address him a letter con-
taining his views on the subject, and the impressions he had as to
what would meet the wishes of your department, which was done.
This letter was shown to me by Major H., as well as the answer of
Governor Young, in which he (Gov. Young) instructed Mr. H., Mr.
Rose, and myself to make the proper preparations for conveying the
Indians to the treaty ground ; a copy of these letters was promised me
by Mr. Holeman, but has not been received.
The governor pledged himself that the men who might accompany
me as assistants, and in connexion with my interpreter, should receive
a reasonable compensation.
The man Vannettin, of the number, whom Mr. Holeman speaks of
as having sued liim^ refused to serve upon my authority, and I there-
fore went with him to the governor, who assured him that he should
be paid.
It was also the express order of the governor that the Indians should
be conveyed to the treaty ground (those under my charge) in disguise,
and in a private carriage, and furnished with all necessary supplies.
Under his order and authority I purchased the means of conveyance,
anticipating, from his representation and that of the interpreter, that
there would be no reluctance on the part of the Indians to go. But,
150 UTAH EXPEDITION.
as heretofore stated in my report to your department, after all arrange-
ments were made, the Indians (that is, the head chiefs) declined going,
alleging that it was agnere ruse on the part of the Mormons to mas-
sacre them. This was the report of my interpreter and his assistants,
from whom I was necessarily obliged to derive my information.
Thereupon the governor ordered me, in the presence of my interpreter,
to make presents to the few chiefs who had expressed a willingness to
go, which was done, as stated in my report above referred to, which
is accompanied by a certificate of my interpreter and voucher.
I wish to endorse to the fullest extent that portion of Mr. Hole-
man's letter as to the unjustifiable conduct of the Mormon authorities
of Utah, and their seditious and violent expressions with regard to
the government of the United States, and all who do not belong to
their so called religion, whom they term "Gentiles;" and I am still of
the opinion, as expressed in my report to you, and to which I again
beg to refer you, that no officer of the government, other than a Mor-
mon, can reside within that Territory, if officially under the surveil-
lance of Brigham Young, as governor, without compromising his own
self-respect and the honor and dignity of this great republican gov-
ernment.
I also agree in the opinion expressed by Major Holeman of the
present sub Indian agent, J. B. Rose, who is a devoted Mormon, and
as unprincipled as any of the sect. I trust yoli will not consider my
opinions as meaning to be at all intrusive.
Thanking you again for your uniform kindness to me and for the
appointment received at your hands, I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. R. DAY,
Late Sub- Indian Agent for Utah,
No. 10.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,
May 2, 1852.
SIR : The mail did not leave here yesterday ; it was snowing and
storming all day. The snow fell to the depth of six inches. I have
been informed this morning that a Mr. Williams has received a letter
from a friend of his, a Mormon, stating that he is associated with a
company of white men and Indians, who are stationed near Carson
valley, and that their Abject is to plunder and rob the emigrants. He
advises Williams, who is a Mormon also, to paint the horns of his
cattle, so that he may be known, as they do not wish to molest the
brethren. We ought to have troops here. These whites, associated
with the Indians, are committing so many depredations on this route
that something ought to be done. I have not time to write more as
the mail is closed. I have to send this by private hand to be mailed
UTAH EXPEDITION. 151
at Laramie. I will endeavor to ascertain more particularly all these
matters, and inform you by next mail.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. JL HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent.
Hon. L. LEA.
No. 11.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,
May 8, 1852.
SIR : I advised you by letter, dated May 2, that I had received
information of the organization of a band of robbers, whites and In-
dians, who had located themselves on the road leading from this city
to California. I have since learned that the individual who made the
communication to Mr. Williams is a notorious character, by the
name of u Reading," and although he was once a member of the Mor-
mon church, he is now held by them in utter contempt, and looked
upon as a great scoundrel ; but in consequent of some act of personal
friendship which was shown him by Mr. Williams previously, he has
given him the information, thus fulfilling the old adage of " honor
among thieves." lam not, however, to be understood as including
Mr. Williams. From what I can learn, there is no doubt of the ex-
istence of this band, and that their object is to plunder the emigrants
and all who travel that road. The road from this city intersects the
road leading from the States to California, at or near the Humboldt
or Mary's river, beyond which the principal robberies are committed.
I shall leave for the Humboldt to-morrow, with an escort, and shall
use every exertion to reconcile the Indians, and, if possible, prevail on
them to withdraw from the land.
I have expressed the opinion in my previous communication that
white men were the instigators of the disturbances on this route. It
is now reduced to a certainty, as the information just received may be
relied on. I am aware that it would be more proper for me to await
instructions upon this subject. In frequent conversations with Gover-
nor Young relative to the disturbances on this route, and the impor-
tance of doing something for the protection of the emigration and
the travel generally, although he did not give me instructions, yet he
strongly advised it, and requested that I would address him a com-
munication on the subject, as it would " be better for all these matters
to be in writing." I done so, as I have previously informed you, but
received from him no reply. He being absent, and not having it in
my power to confer with him, or to receive any instructions from him,
the distance from Washington, and the delay whicb must occur in
getting advices, the danger of delay, and the necessity for immediate
action, all seem to justify me, if it does not absolutely make it my
duty to take the trip. Besides, delay at present would greatly lessen
the chances for making arrangements and quieting these Indians.
A large emigration has already left, and others are leaving almost
152 UTAH EXPEDITION.
daily ; all expect difficulties with the Indians, and are prepared to
meet them. With such feelings as exist, they may hring on difficul-
ties by imprudent or hasty conduct ; and should this occur the breach
will be widened, and it will be more difficult to do anything with
them. It is my intention to put myself in front of the emigration
and meet these Indians in friendship. They know nothing of the
friendly disposition of the government towards them, of the power of
our people, or the vast resources of our country ; and having been
treated sometimes, no doubt, badly by the white man, with their
general feeling and disposition to revenge, they have become the
enemy of our people. If, by a pacific course and kind treatment, I
can induce them to abandon their practices of plundering and mur-
dering, the whites who are associated with them, and who no doubt
have instigated them to these acts, will be left to their own resources,
and not having the Indians to shield them, they may be easily man-
aged ; but so long as they have the Indians associated with them,
and assume the Indian costume, which I am informed they do, the
Indians of other tribes will take advantage of the prospect for plun-
dering which is thereby afforded, and parties will be frequently found
harrassing the emigration, and keep the road in constant turmoil.
Therefore, situated as 1 am, I have either to "take the responsi-
bility" or remain inactive until I can hear from you. As I consider
it of the utmost importance, from the best information I can get, that
an effort should be made, and that immediately, to give peace and
security to this route, and as I have been left to the exercise of my
own judgment, I have thought it my duty to visit these Indians.
If I can do nothing more, I shall have it in my power to give the
department such information as will enable the government to act ad-
visedly in future, for act she must, sooner or later, and the longer it
is put off the more difficult it will be, and the greater the cost.
As this will be the great thoroughfare for emigration and travel from
the States to California and Oregon, government will be bound to
take such steps as will give security to the road, cost what it may, even
at the point of the bayonet.
Should this or any other course which I have deemed it my duty to
pursue not meet the approbation of the department, you will please
inform me, and give me such instructions as will enable me to comply
with the wishes of the government. It is due to the department, as
well as to myself, that I should be candid. I have no idea, with
Governor Young at the head of the Indian department, that I shall be
able to do anything that can be of service to the government, or to the
Indians, or creditable to myself. Therefore, if Governor Young is
continued as superintendent, I had as well leave, for it must be evident
to the department, from his course recently, that his personal feelings
towards me, or something else, has induced him to neglect the interests
of the government in a matter in which but a short time since he
seemed to be deeply interested, and which he considered of the greatest
importance to the government, to the Indians, and to this Territory.
Whether any other Gentile could succeed better with him than I have
done is extremely doubtful, as I have studiously avoided meddling
with their peculiar notions of religion in any manner, and have en-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 153
deavored to avoid giving them any offence personally. So far as my
public duties have prompted ma to speak of them, I leave to the de-
partment to judge. I have spoken of them and their acts, as I believed
to be my duty ; I have misrepresented them in nothing, for I have
had no personal enmity to gratify.
If I should find it important to the interests of the government and
necessary for future operations with the Indians, I shall establish an
agency at some point on the Humboklt or Mary's river, as it will have
a tendency to protect the route and afford facilities to emigration. If
I shoujd establish this agency, and if it should be the wish of the
department that I remain in this Territory, I would be pleased to
have this agency assigned to me. As nothing can be done here of
much importance during the winter season, I should be gratified, if
it would meet the views of the department, to be ordered to Wash-
ington this fall, and directed to bring with me some of the chiefs and
braves of the several tribes who reside in this Territory. A few of
their principle men, who have an influence with their tribe, could do
more good, by explaining the extent and resources of our government
and people, than could be effected in any other way by the same
amount of trouble and expense.
Since writing the above, we have received .intelligence that an ad-
vance train of emigrants from this place for Oregon, numbering about
thirty men and several women, have been attacked by Indians, and
all the men killed, the women taken prisoners. The information
was brought by Indians who profess to be and who have always been
friendly to the whites. Mr. Bullock, the private secretary of the gov-
ernor, is of the opinion that the information is true, as he has received
it from a source which, he says, can be relied on ; several circum-
stances seem to justify the report. For myself, I cannot believe it, yet
it may be true. I shall, therefore, increase my number of men, if pos-
sible, and proceed without delay to ascertain the facts, and report to
you by next mail, should anything serious have occurred. There is
a great want of certain information relative to the condition and num-
bers of these bands or tribes, which renders it very difficult to form
any opinion of the best course to pursue. From such information as
I can get, they seem to have no fixed location, but assemble on the
road as the season for emigration approaches ; they then infest the
road from the Goose Creek mountains to Carson valley, a distance of
about five hundred miles.
We are in great confusion here ; we want a few troops on this route
very badly. The white Indians, I apprehend, are much more danger-
ous than the red. The renegades, deserters and thieves, who have
had to fly from justice in California, have taken refuge in the moun-
tains, and having associated themselves with the Indians, are more
savage than the Indians themselves ; by their cruelty to the whites,
they nave stimulated the Indians to acts of barbarity which they were
never known to be guilty of before.
It has not been known until recently, although strongly suspected,
that whites were engaged with these Indians, and believing that the
Indians, alone, were the depredators, our people have shown them but
little favor or kindness, often, no doubt, treating the innocent with
154 UTAH EXPEDITION.
severity. This has produced a state of feeling unfriendly to the whites,
generally ; and although it cannot he said that we are really in a state
of war with these Indians, yet the effect upon our people is the same.
These Indians, by their frequent depredations on the whites, are sup-
plying themselves with horses, arms, ammunition, &c., and if not
checked, they will very shortly be able to make a formidable resistance.
The rugged state of the country, and their knowledge of the moun-
tain passes will enable them to flee wherever and whenever they may
wish , this will render it almost impossible to subdue them by waging
war upon them.
The best mode to be pursued, at present, is to conciliate them, if
possible, by kindness. Should this course prove unsuccessful, we shall
then have left no other alternative but force.
The most intelligent of our citizens with whom I have conversed
advised me, and seem anxious that I should make an effort, to quiet
these Indians and give security to this route.
My feelings and judgment prompt me to do so ; yet, having no in-
structions which seem to authorize me, I fear that the department
may not justify me in the course I have taken. But when I look at
the peculiar situation of this route at present — the great number of
emigrants, and the vast amount of property which will pass this road,
it is important that something should be done, and I cannot hesi-
tate. And although the expedition will cost the government some
money, I am clearly of the opinion that the peculiar situation of the
country makes it necessary that the effort should be made.
• I have had no instructions in relation to interpreters. I see, by
your annual report, in your instructions to the agent in Texas, that
you say " each agent will be allowed for the service of an interpreter
within his district at the rate of seven hundred and thirty-three T3o3o
dollars per annum" — while the allowance, as stated in your appendix,
is fixed at $500. I presume the $233 33 is for the purpose of defray
ing the expense of the interpreter. I have in my employment, as in-
terpreter, a man who speaks the Snake and Ute languages. I find
him much more convenient and useful than if he spoke but one lan-
guage. Would it be proper to allow him an addition to the $500 ?
He is very efficient ; has been in the country several years, and is well
acquainted with these tribes. I fear I shall not be able to retain his
services at $500 and he pay his own expenses, as he can engage in no
other business, and living is very dear. Why is it that agents in Cali-
fornia are allowed $3,000 each, and those in Mexico and Utah but
$1,550 ? The labor and expenses are as arduous and as costly in Utah
as in California. Many articles necessary cost more than double the
amount here that they do in California, and the general expenses of
living are higher. I think they should be equal in salary; and, if I
mistake not, I was led to believe that the salary of agent and other
officers in this Territory would be increased.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 155
P. S. May 12. — In consequence of the scarcity of horses and men,
I have been compelled to delay, as I could not get a sufficient escort.
I have been compelled to purchase horses, as the men I could get to
go with me had none of their own. The horses I have purchased will
command the same money if I should be able to return with them in
good order, in which case the department will lose nothing.
I have drawn on the department for the sum of two thousand dol-
lars, in favor of Holliday & Warner, dated May 13, 1852, which is
for outfit and horses, and the equipment of twenty-seven men, all I
can raise.
We received information this evening from Box Elder, seventy
miles north of this city, that two hundred Indians, of the Pa-nack
tribe, had made a move for the Humboldt, for the purpose of joining
in the plunder of the emigrants. This intelligence compels me to
start the force I have already equipped. I shall make an effort to en-
gage more to-morrow, and follow them with all haste, I made thi~
move from the extreme necessity of the case.
There being no one here to give me instructions, I must rely on the
.generosity of the department if I should have transcended my duties,
for I really do not know what they are. I shall spare no pains or
trouble to correct these abuses ; and, should I fail, I shall be able to
give the department such information as will be of importance for fu-
ture operations, with as little expense as possible.
• Yours, &c.,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
No. 12.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
August 30, 1852.
SIR : I addressed you two communications from Carson valley,
dated June 28 and July 19, in which I informed you of my operations
up to that time. I subsequently visited a village of the Pi-Utah
tribe of Indians, who reside in and about that region of country,
numbering about three hundred and fifty, whom I found friendly dis-
posed, but somewhat excited, on account of the frequent abuses which
they had received from the whites. I held a talk with them of several
hours — four of their chiefs and many of their principal men were
present — in all of which they manifested the greatest friendship, and
seemed very much pleased with the idea of being on friendly terms
with the whites, They said they " did not wish to be mad with the
whites, or to war with them ; but that the whites had got mad with
them, and were always at war with them ; that they could not hunt or
catch fish for their squaws and children, for fear of the whites, who
were constantly shooting them ; that the whites would profess friend-
ship, call them to their camp, and shoot them ; that the whites would
steal their horses, and sometimes take them by force/' with many other
charges of an aggravated character. All this they said " they had borne
156 UTAH EXPEDITION.
for a long time ; at length, some of their young men determined to re-
taliate, and that they had killed as many whites as the whites had
killed Indians, and taken as many horses from the whites as they had
taken from them. They were now satisfied, and if the whites would
let them alone, they would disturb the whites no further/' They
said they had " never wished to be at war with the whites; that
they wished peace, and had kept from the road to be out of the way ;
that they could see them passing every day, but had not interrupted
them in any manner, and that they would not, if the whites would
let them alone." The candor with which they talked, and the seem-
ing justice of their course, induced me to put much confidence in their
professions of friendship. That they have been treated badly there
is no doubt. These whites who loaf about the country, pretending to
trade with the emigrants, are principally men of a reckless character,
and care but little what they do ; they even talked of driving me from
the country, because I had manifested a disposition to protect and be-
friend the Indians. These Indians seem to be very poor ; but few of
them have guns ; they use principally the bow and arrow. Two of
the chiefs and six warriors returned with me to my camp. I gave,
them some provisions and a few presents, and sent the other two
chiefs also a present. They were much pleased, and promised me
that none of their men should disturb the whites in future. If the
whites would pursue a friendly course towards these Indians, and
treat them kindly, I do not think there would be any trouble* with
them. I travelled down Carson river to the desert, by slow marches,
expecting to be able to find the whereabouts of another village ; but
they had moved oft', and I could not learn where.
I crossed the desert on the 29th ult , and arrived in this city on the
22d inst. I travelled up the Humboldt, slowly, with the hope of meet-
ing the Indians and their friends whom I had talked with on my trip
out. In this hope I was, to some extent, disappointed. The vast
number of emigrants on the road, and the disposition of some 1o kill
the Indians, had kept the Indians from the road. I occasionally laid
by, sent out my interpreter through the hills, and made every effort
to collect them, but without success. Those I found were in small
parties, very shy, but friendly. They informed me that the Indians
I had seen and conversed with on my outward trip had told them
that the great captain of the whites had sent them word to be friendly
to the whites travelling through their country, and they intended to
do so; and to prevent difficulty, they had moved their lodges far from
the road. They were all much pleased with the kindness of myself
and company, and promised that there should be no disturbance with
the whites by any of their tribe ; and, judging from the fact that there
have been no depredations or attacks on the emigrant trains this sea-
son, during the whole route from the Goose Creek mountain to Car-
son valley, where last season not a train passed without murders and
robberies, it seems they are determined to carry out their professions
of friendship. On my return from Carson valley, along the whole
source of the Humboldt, I met with hundreds of wagons daily, with
many small companies, some on foot, some packing, and frequently a
solitary traveller, and none had been molested, as they informed me,
UTAH EXPEDITION. 157
by the Indians ; many had not even guarded thdr stock at night, yet
they had gone through without any difficulty.
There had been some few robberies, cattle or horses stolen,, but those
who were robbed assured me that it had been done by white men.
In fact, I took the description, brands, &c., of several horses thus
lost, and found two of them in the hands of the traders who had sta-
tioned themselves on the road ; I took them in possession and dis-
posed of them according to the direction of their owners. There has
been a great many outbreaks and difficulties between the emigrants
themselves ; companies have quarreled, killed each other, and broken
up; some, from their bad conduct, have been drivenfrom their companies;
many of these men are scattered over the road without means, living
on the charity of others ; they also steal and commit other depreda-
tions, which they endeavor to lay upon the Indians. The truth is,
this portion of the emigration and these pretended traders are de-
cidedly worse than the In lians, and cause nearly, if not all the troubles
on the road. It is the univeral opinion of the emigrants that the
Indians have been quiet and have acted friendly throughout, and
that all the depredations are the acts of white men ; these, however,
have been few.
In getting up this expedition, as I have previously informed you, I
was advised to do so by Governor Young, who afterwards refused to
render me any assistance whatever. I have also informed you of his
conduct in relation to the whole matter. I have used the utmost
economy in every respect. I was compelled to purchase some horses
for the expedition, but these I shall be able, after recruiting them a
little, to sell at cost, or nearly so. I lost three; one got crippled, which
I had to leave, another gave out, and one failed, so as to be unable to
travel home, and I sold him for little or nothing. To save expense, as
soon as I arrived in Carson valley I discharged as many of my men
as I could* spare, keeping only a sufficient number to answer the pur-
pose of herding and guarding the horses, &c.
Not having time to make a detailed report of my operations by this
mail, I merely write to inform you of my success, and my arrival in
this city. In my September report I shall give you a full account of
all matters, and have no doubt but the success of the expedition, as
well as the expenditures, will meet the approbation of the department;
for, judging from the difficulties which have occurred during the
past two seasons, hundreds of lives and thousands of dollars worth of
property have been saved, to say nothing of the suffering of the emi-
grants themselves ; besides, the government is made acquainted with
facts which will enable her to establish peace and quiet on this
route in future. At present there is no difficulty on the road, so far
as the Indians are concerned; but I fear the conduct of the whites may
excite the Indians, and cause another outbreak. I had great difficulty
in restraining the whites while there. I should have remained there
until the emigrants had ceased passing, but the expense of living in
that country is so great, and all seemed to be quiet, that I concluded
it was best for me to return and discharge my men, as they were under
pay of $25 per month, which was the lowest price at which I could
engage them ; those who furnished their own horses I allowed ten
158 UTAII EXPEDITION.
dollars more, making $35 for the services of man and horse per month.
This was low, considering the price of wages generally throughout
this country.
With great respect, I remain, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, U. T.
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City.
No. 13.
FORT BRIDGER, UTAH TERRITORY,
November 3, 1852.
SIR : During the past summer there has been some excitement with
the Indians and whites in this Territory, in consequence of the estab-
lishment of a ferry and bridge across Green river by the legislature of
Utah Territory. It seems that for several years previous ferries
have been established by the mountaineers for the accommodation of
travellers on the various roads crossing the river. At the last session
of the legislature a charter was granted to a Mr. Moore, (a Mormon,)
giving to him the exclusive privilege of ferrying, and thereby exclud-
ing all others ; a certain portion of the tolls were set apart by this
act for the benefit and use of the Mormon church. A charter was
also granted to a company, (all Mormons,) for the purpose of building
a bridge across this river. These charters, and the occupation of the
country by the Mormons, have produced much excitement among the
Indians, who express their disapprobation in the strongest terms. I
received a few days since the following letter :
"FoRT BRIDGER, October 9, 1852.
11 DEAR SIR : I beg to call your attention to the disturbed state of
the Snake Indians at this moment, in consequence of the occupation
of a part of their country by the Mormon whites. Being an American
citizen, and having the welfare and honor of my country in view, I
believe it is imperative for you, without delay, to allay by all the
means in your authority the present excitement. I saw the chiefs
here in council at this fort, «and heard them assert that they intended
to immediately drive the whites from their lands, and much persua-
sion was used to pacify them for the present time. And now, dear
sir, if you do not use the authority vested in you speedily, I do believe
and fear scenes of destruction and bloodshed will soon ensue.
c i Eespectfully , yours,
"A. WILSON.
" Major J. H. HOLEMAN,
"Indian Agent.11
The above letter is from a gentlemen passing through the country
on his return to the States from California, and who was remaining
at Fort Bridger a few days. I visited immediately the section of
UTAH EXPEDITION. 159
country alluded to, and found that a company of Mormons, under the
charter of the legislature of Utah Territory, had assembled on Green
river, and commenced the construction of a bridge ; but finding so
much opposition on the part of the Indians, they determined to
abandon it for the present, and all have returned to Salt Lake City.
This satisfied the Indians^ who immediately left ; all is quiet. The
Mormons, I understand, intend to resume their efforts to build this
bridge in the spring. The Indians, I also understand, have resolved
that the Mormons shall neither occupy a ferry nor build a bridge on
this river, which is some 160 miles from the settlements in Salt Lake
valley. Both parties, I understand, are determined. Should the
Mormons persist in their determination, a war will be the consequence,
and great distress and suffering must follow, as it is on the main emi-
gration route from and to California and Oregon.
In regard to the occupation of the Indian country under these
charters from the legislature of the Territory, and their authority to
grant them, I should be pleased to have advice and instructions
immediately. Major Hockaday, who will hand you this, is fully
advised of all the circumstances ; I refer you to him for further infor-
mation. In relation to these ferries and bridge, the charter provides
that ten cents in every dollar received as toll shall be paid into the
tithing office for the benefit of the church. This seems to me to be
unconstitutional ; advise me in relation to this matter. I am called
upon almost daily for information and am not able to give it, not
knowing the power of the territorial legislature.
I wish, also, advice in relation to the use of spirituous liquors. On
the route from the States to Salt Lake City there are two establish-
ments for the accommodation of travellers and emigration. I have
given them license as Indian traders, being in the Indian country ;
they keep spirits for the use of the travel, but in no case do they
permit the use of it by the Indians ; they are what may be termed
tavern keepers. If it is improper for me to allow them this privilege,
please advise me.
The Mormon authorities have levied a tax on these mountaineers,
and have collected it in some instances. As the tax is considered extra-
vagant, and partly for the use and benefit of the Mormon church, it is
producing much excitement, and I fear will produce bloodshed. These
men declare their willingness to pay any tax which the government
may demand, but refuse to pay a Mormon tax, as they term it. As I
am frequently called upon for information on these subjects ; I should
like to be fully advised, as it may prevent difficulty and trouble in
future.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory,
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
160 UTAH EXPEDITION.
No. 14.
WEBBER STATION, March 5, 1853.
SIR : I addressed you a hasty note in November last, from Fort
Bridger, in relation to difficulties between the Mormons and the
Indians. I remained on Green river ; had frequent conversations
with the Indians, until all matters were quieted for the present ; but
I fear a disturbance if the country should be settled and occupied by
the Mormons,, or if they should attempt to build bridges and establish
ferries, under the acts of the territorial legislature alluded to in my
note of November last. I am at a loss to know how to act. I have
so frequently asked for information and instructions on various matters
without receiving any, that I fear my communications have not reached
you. I hope, however, that they have not miscarried, and that I
shall receive them by the first mail. We have not had a mail from
the States since October. There has been so much snow that the
mountains and roads have been impassable, except on foot, with snow
shoes. I have been unable to reach Salt Lake. I was compelled to
remain at Bridger until January, when a warm spell dissolved the
snow, and I made an effort, but could get no further than this place,
where I have been compelled to remain ever since — some three months
— living upon the wild game that we could kill. There are three
Mormon families living here. All they have to live on is flour.
They have no meat but such as they can kill. From these we have
been enabled to get bread, and such other accommodations as they
can afford, but at a very high price, and none of the best at that.
They have but a scant supply for themselves. I have remained here
in this predicament on account of my horses, being satisfied that if I
left them they would be lost. I have a hired man with me, and by
our constant attention we have been enabled to save them through the
winter. The snow is disappearing on the south hill sides ; the grass
is commencing to grow ; and I hope to be able in a few days to reach
Salt Lake City, when I will communicate to you more fully. There
being no mails from this Territory to the States since October has
prevented me from writing before. The mail carrier of October was
compelled to leave his horses and part of his mail here, and take the
letter bag to the city on foot. He has just arrived from the city with
the March mail, after a laborious travel of five days, only forty miles,
and will make an effort to reach the States. He reports the mountains
impassable for horses, particularly weak as ours are, but I hope to be
able to leave in a few days. You will please receive this as my ex-
cuse for not communicating to you at the end of each quarter.
My situation with Gov. Young, as superintendent, is rather an un-
pleasant one ; while I feel disposed to treat all parties fairly, and pro-
tect the Indians, so as to prevent difficulties with the whites, he seems
to have no other anxiety but to favor his own church and people. If
things are not changed, I feel satisfied I can be of no great service to
the Indian department. My course is well known to the department;
I have acted from circumstances and to the best of my judgment,
and hope that my conduct has been justified by the department. If
UTAH EXPEDITION. 161
matters are not changed so as to produce a better feeling in the Mor-
mons, towards the government ; or if the authority and laws of the
government are not enforced, if it should be the wishes of the depart-
ment I would like to be called home, as my duty to the government
compels me to act in such a manner as to give offence, frequently, to
the Mormons, who seem to recognize no law but their own self-will.
This is a very unpleasant situation and one that can be productive of
not much service either to the government, to the Indians, or to
myself. They seem desirous to hold all the offices themselves ; and
when a Gentile is appointed, he is never treated with respect, but is
abused, let him do as he will. I have, and do yet, disregard their
abuse, but feel that my efficiency as a government officer, is impaired
by such conduct.
I have heretofore suggested to the department vaiious matters,
having taken some pains to acquire information, and at the expense
of the government, and having formed a friendly acquaintance with
the Indians, and made myself acquainted with the country, if my
suggestions should meet the views of the department, I will, with
pleasure, give them such attention as the department may direct, as
I do not feel disposed to relinquish a duty imposed on me, however
arduous and disagreeable the service may be, particularly having
recommended them.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. LUKE LEA,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
P. S. — I have written in a great hurry, on a board on my knee ;
you will therefore excuse the scrawl.
J. H. H.
No. 15.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
April 29, 1853.
SIR : I addressed, you a hasty note on the 5th inst. from Webber,
informing you of my situation and detention in the mountains by the
snow. I succeeded in crossing the mountain, and, arrived here on the
20th inst., and as the mail will leave on the 1st of next month, I have
thought it important to address you a few lines.
I think it probable we shall have something of a difficulty with a
band of the Utah tribe of Indians, under the command of the cele-
brated chief Walker, who it seems is leagued with a small force of1
Spaniards or Mexicans, some of whom have been arrested, and are ;
now in custody in this city, under the charge of having traded arms
and ammunition to the Indians. The motive of the Indians I have !
not yet been able to learn. I was informed last December, while at*
Fort Bridger, that some threats had been made against the Mormons^
by aifew Spaniards who had been arrested in Salt Lake under the1
charge of purchasing and trading for Indian children in the Territory/
H. Ex. Doco n 11
162 UTAH EXPEDITION.
to be taken to Mexico as slaves. They were tried and convicted, their
property taken from them, and the Indian children, by order of court,
placed in the hands of the whites as apprentices for a term of years,
according to their respective ages, where they will be kindly treated.
It seems that these children were prisoners taken by the Utah tribe
of Indians from other tribes with whom they were at war. They
have been in the habit of capturing or stealing these children for many
years, and carried on a trade with the Spaniards, who purchased them
for slaves. This practice it was thought advisable by the authorities
to put a stop to ; consequently the arrest and the release of the chil-
dren alluded to. Recently the same kind of traffic was being carried
on, with the addition, that arms and ammunition was liberally dis-
tributed among the Indians by the Spaniards. The authorities under-
took to arrest this trade, when they were met by Walker, the chief,
andhis band of Utah Indians, who justified and defended the Spaniards,
and threatened to kill every white man if they again interfered.
There being only about eight of the whites, they were forced to sub-
mit. The governor, however, being on a visit in the neighborhood
of these transactions, very promptly called out the militia, and ordered
other preparations to meet the emergency. Considerable excitement
prevails at present in consequence of the threats of these Spaniards,
and the unfriendly appearance of the Indians. Their conduct, how-
ever, may have been exaggerated ; if so, the fear is that the militia
may go further than the conduct and acts of the Indians should justify.
I hope, however, that they may act with prudence, and not provoke
an unnecessary difficulty with the Indians. I have had no communi-
cation or advice from the governor, and as the transactions are taking
place some two hundred miles from this city, I am unable to give any
further information at present. The governor being in the vicinity,
on what they call an " exploring expedition," he will, no doubt, adopt
such measures as may be in his power to prevent any serious difficulty.
What the result will be I am unable to say. These Spaniards, having
expressed a determination to be revenged on the Mormons, to whom
they attribute their arrest, may cause great distress and trouble in the
more remote settlements, by exciting the Indians against them. Some
of them, being already unfriendly towards the Mormons, for alleged
past injuries, are the more easily excited. If, hc/wever, the excite-
ment should not extend further than Walker's band, it will be easily
allayed ; but should it extend to the various tribes in the Territory,
and the adjoining country, who maybe induced to engage for the sake
of plunder, it is difficult to predict where it will end, or what will be
the result. Should there be a general outbreak, it will be caused by
the whites pushing their settlements over the Indian country against
their wishes or consent. The Indians have complained much on this
subject.
This is another evidence, among many others, which I have pre-
sented to the department, of the importance of holding a treaty with
the Indians in this Territory. It is very necessary, in order to peace
and quiet, that the Indians, as well as the whites, should know their
respective rights and privileges. This cannot be done satisfactorily
without some treaty stipulations.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 163
The Indians are becoming more and more excited as the Mormons
extend their settlements. Some of them complain that they have
been forced to give up their grounds so frequently that they will sub-
mit no longer. I do not allude to the Mormons for the purpose of
exciting a prejudice against them, or to charge them with improper
conduct, it is merely because no other whites are settling the country,
and the Indians, in speaking of these settlements, allude to the Mor-
mons and their conduct in relation to the settlement and occupation
of the region of country about Salt Lake, in which they complain of
great injustice and cruelty at the hands of the Mormons.
This " exploring party," with the governor at its head, may have
hastened these unfriendly demonstrations on the part of the Indians,
as I understand their object to be to search out rich valleys and promi-
nent points for extending their settlements. Considering it import-
ant that the department should be in possession of these matters, I
deem it my duty to make this communication.
I informed you, in my note of the 5th instant, it was not in my
power to make my quarterly reports ior December and March, in con-
sequence of my situation in the mountains ; nothing, however, of im-
portance has occurred of which I have not advised you.
The superintendent being absent, I shall have to defer my report
until June, when I hope to be able to make a satisfactory one. In
the meantime, should anything occur of importance I will inform you.
The mail from the States, the first since October last, is expecr.ed
by the 10th of May, by which I hope to receive some instructions
from the department, and shall be prepared to obey them promptly.
Should I receive none, and I should find it necessary, I shall again
visit the Indians on the Humboldt and Carson rivers. They have been
peaceable and friendly since my last year's visit, and express much
anxiety that I should visit them again. Although a very trouble-
some and disagreeable trip, yet so much good may be effected by a
visit to these Indians that it should not be neglected. I hope that the
disturbances with the Indians in this neighborhood may not prevent
it, should I find it to be necessary.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah Territory.
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No 16.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.,
May 12, 1857,
SIR: Enclosed you will find the application bond and license of
E. L. Barnard, as Indian trader on the Truckie, Walker's, and Carson
rivers in this territory.
164 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Mr. Barnard is a gentleman of correct business habits, and resides
in Carson valley, about thirty miles from the base of the mountain, on
the main travelled road to California, and about 20 miles from the
canon3 at which point there was last year some difficulties with the
Washoes, who are a tribe of mountain Indians who roam though this
section of the Territory, but principally in the mountains which divide
this Territory from California. It is a point at which much may be
done towards conciliating these Indians. As these Indians are of a
roving disposition, have no fixed place of residence, but travel from
one of these rivers to the other, I could not fix a point on either river.
I gave, as you will see in the license, permission to trade on the rivers
at any point at which the Indians may be assembled. I think it im-
portant that a friendly intercourse and association should be established
with the Indians in this section. They have heretofore received much
bad treatment from the whites in California, as well as emigrants and
travellers on the road.
In a previous communication I asked information in relation to
licences to traders : whether it was my duty, or my privilege to charge
for -them, and how I shall regulate my charges. I see in the com-
munication of the agent for California, that charges are made when at
points remote from the city ; I have charged as a fee for issuing licences,
a sum less in amount than would be necessary to pay the expenses of
the individual to this city ; in some cases where the individual was a
man beloved by the Indians, and who would use his influence to pro-
mote the friendship and good feeling of the Indians towards the gov-
ernment, I have made no charges ; those whose object was the profits
of the trade I have charged. Those who have applied to me in my
office I have charged nothing. I have also charged a small fee for
passports ; these duties are frequently attended with some trouble ; in
fact, I have visited the different sections for the purpose of giving these
licenses and passports at my own individual expense ; the individuals
have always expressed a willingness to pay me for that trouble, as it
saved them time and expense ; I have forced none to pay ; they have
however, pledged me that in case there should be an additional amount
required by the department they would pay it. Upon this subject I
would like to be advised.
My course, as agent, does not suit the superintendent or the Mor-
mons. They will, as I am informed, make some charges against me.
If they should, I ask to be heard. Their excitement against me is
occasioned more from the fact that I would not suffer them to drive me
from the Territory, as they have done the other government officers,
than from misconduct in the discharge of my official duties. The
department, however, is acquainted with all my acts, and I hope they
will view them differently from the Mormons. I have acted in all
matters relating to my office from the best of my judgment, desiring
to promote the interest of the government and the Indians in all cases ;
while those who oppose me are for themselves, leaving the government
and the Indians to shift for themselves as they can. How I should like
to see the reins of the general government pulled tight over Utah, and
an obedience and respect for the laws of the United States strictly
UTAH EXPEDITION. 165
observed by tbose self-willed " saints !" Sooner or later, depend upon
it, it will have to be done.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. H. HOLEMAN,
Indian Agent, Utah territory.
Hon. L. LEA,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
No. 17.
Report.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, April 10, 1854.
SIR: In view of the probability that Congress, at its present session,
will make provision, by appropriation, for the negotiation of treaties
with the Indian tribes in the Territory of Utah, and also of the 3d
section of the act of Congress, approved February 27, 1851, entitled
"An act making appropriations for the current and contingent expenses
of the Indian department," which requires all treaties with Indian
tribes to be negotiated by such officers and agents of the Indian depart-
ment as the President of the United States may designate, I have the
honor to suggest that you recommend immediately to Congress that
provision be made by law for the appointment of a superintendent of
Indian affairs in the Territory of Utah, and that so much oi the 2d
section of the act of Congress (U. S. Statutes at Large, vol. 9, page
453) entitled "An act to establish a territorial government for Utah,"
approved September 9, 1850, as requires the governor of that Territory
to perform the duties, and authorizes him to receive the emoluments
of superintendent of Indian affairs therein, be repealed.
It is a public and well known fact that his excellency Brigham
Young, the present governor, is also the head of the church of Latter
Day Saints, and I am informed that the duties of his spiritual office
require a large portion of his time and attention.
I should not. therefore, deem it good policy to superadd to the du-
ties and responsibilities of his official positions as governor and head
of the church the additional duty — one requiring time and delibera-
tion, and tp be performed most properly at points distant from the
the seat of the government of the Territory, and of the spiritual hi-
earchy — of visiting and negotiating treaties with the various Indian
tribes within the limits of the Territory.
As a precedent directly in point, I would respectfully refer to the
legislation of Congress respecting the superintendency of Oregon.
By the 2d section of the act entitled " An act to establish the terri-
torial government of Oregon/' approved August 14, 1848, (U. S.
Statutes axt Large, vol. 9, page 324,) the governor of that Territory
was made ex-officio superintendent of Indian affairs.
When, however, provision was made by Congress for the negotia-
166 UTAH EXPEDITION.
tion of treaties with the Indian trihesin the Territory of Oregon, &c.,
by the act of June 5, 1850, (U. S. Statutes at Large, vol. 9, page 437,)
so much of the act to " establish the territorial government," &c.,
above referred to, as required the governor to perform the duties, and
authorized him to receive the emoluments of superintendent of Indian
affairs, was repealed, and the President was authorized (sec 2, act
June 5, 1850,) by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to
appoint a superintendent of Indian affairs for the Territory.
I would here also remark that by the second section of the act of
27th of February, 1851, herein before referred to, it was provided
" that, from and after the 30th day of June next, all laws or parts of
laws now in force, providing for the appointment or employment of
superintendents of Indian affairs for any of the Indian tribes east of
the Rocky mountains, and north of New Mexico and Texas, shall be
and the same are hereby repealed," &c. , provided (among other things)
" that the governor of Minnesota shall continue to be ex-officio super-
intendent of Indian affairs for that Territory until the President shall
otherwise direct." — (Statutes at Large, L. & B., vol. 9, page 586.)
The legislative department of the United States government has
thus indicated its opinion that a period may arrive, or circumstances
occur in the course of events, when it becomes, or may become,
good policy to separate the office of superintendent of Indian affairs
from that of governor of a territory.
In my opinion, the present is a most proper juncture at which thus
to separate the superintendency of Indian affairs in the Territory of
Utah from the governorship of that Territory.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. MANYPBNNY,
Commissioner.
Hon. R. MCCLELLAND,
Secretary of the Interior.
No. 18.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, September 15, 1854.
SIR : I have the honor herein to enclose copies of communications
from Lieutenant Fleming, commanding at Fort Laramie, and John
M. Hockaday, esq., in which it is stated that the legislature of Utah
has assumed jurisdiction over portions of the Territory to which the
Indian title has never been extinguished, and that by granting ferry
charters and other privileges to certain citizens, much dissatisfaction
exists among the Indians; and that blood has been shed, and much
disturbance created ; and the question is asked, whether the legislature
has the power to grant such charters, and to exercise rights, whether
in counties organized by it or not, over lands to which the title of
the Indians has not been extinguished by treaty.
Upon perusal of the act of Congress, approved the 9th of September,
1850, (see Statutes at Large, vol. IX, p. 453 to 458,) establishing this
UTAH EXPEDITION. 167
Territory, I find no provisions giving to its legislature more authority
over unceded lands than is given to other Territories by the acts for
their establishment ; hut under the circumstances, and the peculiar
organization of its population, I deemed it advisable to lay the subject
before you for your consideration and advice, before replying to the
communications.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES E. MIX,
Acting Commissioner.
Hon. R. MCCLELLAND,
Secretary of tJie Interior.
No. 19.
FORT LAEAMIE, NEBRASKA,
August 15, 1854.
SIR : A copy of a letter has been sent me, requesting me to forward
the same to you for your decision thereon. There has been a great
deal of trouble between the mountain men and the Mormons for some
time past, which has resulted in the death of several persons on both
sides. The mountain men have wives and children among the Snake
Indians, and therefore claim the right to the Grreen river country, in
virtue of the grant given them by the Indians, to whom the country
belongs, as no treaty has yet been made to extinguish their title.
The Mormons, on the other hand, claim jurisdiction over the country,
paramount to all Indian titles, in virtue of its being in Utah Territory.
Now, the question in issue, appears to me this : Since the country
lies in the Territory of Utah, have the Mormons, or have they not, the
right to dispose of the country to settlers, to dispose of its resources,
revenues ; and finally,, everything in the country, or exercise judicial
power over the revenues, before the actual Indian title has been ex-
tinguished.
These questions have been, and are now agitated among the people
of the new Territories, have caused a great deal of trouble, and will
cause more, unless permanently settled by proper authority. Since
the large emigration to Oregon and California, the ferries, bridges,
&c., have been very profitable investments.
Your decision in this case I consider of great importance, as it is
time such things were settled, and unnecessary bloodshed saved by
placing the right where it properly belongs. Both parties contend
for the right, and I might add, I think, both equally honest in their
convictions.
Enclosed, I forward the letter for your decision.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. B. FLEMING,
Second Lieut. 6th Inf. Comd'g Fort Laramie.
Hon. MR. MANYPENNY,
Com. of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.
168 UTAH EXPEDITION.
No. 20.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
Territory of Utah, June 17, 1854.
SIR: Whereas the boundaries of Green River county, in the Terri-
tory of Utah, were defined and attached to Great Salt Lake county,
for "election, revenue, and judicial purposes/' by a special act of the
legislature of said Territory, approved March 3, 1852, and was de-
tached from said Great Salt Lake county, by another act of said legis-
lature, approved January 13, 1854, and is now organized with its
judiciary and officers, and lies in the first judicial district of the United
States courts for said Territory ; and whereas an act was passed by
said legislature, approved January 17, 1853, granting a charter unto
Daniel H. Wells, esq., the right to erect ferries for the conveyance of
stock, wagons, passengers, &c., over Green river, in said county of
Green River, in said Territory, on the lands claimed by the tribe of
Shoshonee Indians, and which said charter or right of erecting ferries
has been transferred by said Wells to others, and at present Captain
W. J. Hanley, James H. Jones and John Kerr, (of the firm of Jones
& Kerr,) Francis M. Russell, and John M. Russell, are proprietors
of said ferries, (the said charter expiring on the 15th day of May, A.
D. 1856;) and
Whereas the Shoshones are displeased with the said granting of such
charter, and being in possession of white men not married into their
nation or tribe, and claim the right and jurisdiction of granting or
giving the land, timber, river, and the right of erecting ferries, to
whom they please, claiming all as belonging to them, on their lands
in said Green River county ; and that they have given the said river
and the right of erecting ferries on the same to the white men that
have married squaws of their tribe, and have children among them ;
and which said ferries, or the right thereof, said white men claim, con-
tending that there has been no treaty made with the Indians, and that
the land, timber, river, &c., legally belong to them, until purchased
of them by treaty with the United States government,, and that the
legislature of the Territory of Utah have no right or authority to grant
such charter on Indian lands ; but are willing to submit the same to
the decision of the legal and constituted authority at Washington city :
Now, in order to allay all excitement or ill feeling that may exist
iu the breasts of said Indians or white men at the present time, in
regard to said ferries, and to conduce to peace now and hereafter, we
send this letter of inquiry to you, that we may have your honorable
opinion or decision of the same : Whether or not the said legislature
of Utah have the grant charters for ferries on Green river, or any
other river or water in said Territory, whether in organized counties
or not, where said river and lands are claimed by the Indians ? If
said legislature have not, we wish to be informed, and have the matter
in dispute settled at the proper department, and an answer returned at
UTAH EXPEDITION. 169
as early a day as possible ; and to which decision all concerned will
cheerfully submit.
With sentiments of respect, I have the honor to be your obedient
servant,
J. M. HOCKADAY,
Selected by the parlies to address you this letter of inquiry.
Hon. Mr. MANYPENNY,
Chief of the Bureau Department of Indian Affairs,
Washington city, D. C.
N. B. — Please direct your answer to the commanding officer at Fort
Laramie.
No. 201.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office of Indian Affairs, March 21_, 1855.
SIR : I have the honor to inform you that, on the 8th of August
last, I addressed a communication to Governor Young, of the Territory
of Utah, informing him that Congress had, on the 31st of July, 1854,
appropriated the sum of " Forty-five thousand dollars for the expenses
of negotiating treaties with, and making presents of goods and pro-
visions to the Indian tribes in the Territory of Utah." I stated to
him that I deemed the sum ample to make treaties with all the tribes
of the Territory, and hoped it would lay the foundation for pacific
and satisfactory relations there. I requested him to inform me, on the
receipt of my communication, of the nature, kind and quantities of goods
and presents that would be necessary for the purpose, not forgetting
that the expenses of transportation of food at the councils, and inci-
dental expenses of making the treaties would have to be deducted
from said appropriation, which must in no event be exceeded. I also-
desired his opinion with regard to sending some implements of hus-
bandry in place of the usual presents, and requested him to send me
a skeleton map of the Territory, showing the tract of country occupied
or claimed by each tribe, the nature of the tenure, and the extent
of each tract in square miles or acres ; and that he would report
all matters of information which might, in his opinion, be useful to
enable the department to furnish instructions as the basis of the con-
templated treaties.
I urged upon him immediate attention to this matter, so that prepa-
rations might be made to send, at an early day in the spring, such
articles as it would be necessary to procure in the States.
On the 30th of September, he replied to this communication that he
would send the information desired by the next mail ; no such infor-
mation, however has been received.
I, therefore, submit for your consideration and advice what course
shall be taken in the premises, in view of the change it is understood
has taken place in the executive of that Territory.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. MANYPENNY,
Commissioner.
Hon. B. McCLELLAND^
Secretary of the Interior.
UTAH EXPEDITION.
No. 20f.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
March 22, 1855.
SIR : I have received your letter of yesterday, informing the depart-
ment of the nature of the instructions which you have forwarded to
Governor Young, of Utah, under date of August 8, 1854, preparatory
to negotiating with the Indian trihes therein, as provided for in the
act of 31st July last ; that Governor Young had replied on the 30th
of September last, that he would forward the information by the next
mail, but that it had not been received at your office, and asking
advice as to " what course shall be taken in the premises, in view of
the change which, it is understood, has taken place in the executive
of that Territory/' and in reply have to say, that 1 do not see that
you can do better than to repeat your instructions I© the newly
appointed governor.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
K. MCCLELLAND,
Secretary.
Hon. GEO. W. MANYPENNY.
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No. 21.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT, U. T.,
Great Salt Lake City, June 26, 1855.
SIR : In reflecting upon the situation of the Indian affairs in this
Territory, and the manner in which I have been treated by the de-
partment as regards the expenditures of this superintendency, I feel
•constrained to lay before you a short synopsis of its history, that your
mind may be refreshed and enabled to perceive things in their true
light.
From the very beginning I sought instructions from the depart-
ment in relation to the policy wished to be adopted and carried out
by the government towards and with the Indians of this Territory.
It was one year after I commenced the discharge of my official duties
before I obtained even an office copy of the laws, regulations, and in-
tercourse with the Indians, and forms were frequently solicited ;
finally, after much solicitation I received a letter from Commissioner
Lea, from which I make the following extract :
" The remoteness of Utah from Washington, and the little that is
known here of the Indians in that Territory, render it necessary that
the management of our Indian affairs in that quarter be left almost
entirely to your discretion and judgment."
This letter is dated February 20, 1852,, and I will say, was the most
definite of any thing that I have ever received from the department
upon that subject. As to forms and Hanks for my accounts, there
UTAH EXPEDITION. 171
has never been any furnished to the office of superintendent. Agent
Holeman and some of the other agents and sub-agents have had
them furnished, but none has ever been allowed to me. I merely
mention these facts, that while the department actually placed the
whole responsibility of dealing and managing with the Indians upon
me, they did not furnish me with either the necessary instructions or
the usual facilities of other Territories to perform this duty, and have ac-
tually refused to pay a clerk to assist me. Here, also, permit me to
remark that the Territory had no agent, and but one sub-agent for
the first two years. The agent did not come until late in the fall of
1852, and he left, being relieved from his office by the appointment
of his successor, Agent E. A. Bedell, in the fall of 1853. Major Be-
dell left early the ensuing spring, intending to return the same fall
with his family, but died on his outward trip
In the winter of 1854 Doctor Garland Hurt, the present incumbent,
arrived, and has since been in the active discharge of his duties. You
will thus perceive, that during the nearly five years of our organiza-
tion, there has been but one agent at the scene of his duties only about
one-half of the time, and only one sub-agent at any time, as Mr. Day
returned the same season that he came, and the office he held abol-
ished. By this statement y m will also perceive that 1 have person-
ally been obliged to travel and attend to the business pertaining to
this snperintendency, which would naturally have devolved upon the
agent and sub-agents, and actually to perform the duties, not only
of my office, but during their absence, those usually assigned to them.
From this statement, it should not appear strange, that my accounts
should be somewhat larger than they otherwise would have been, nor
that they should always have been made out in the proper form, nor
expenditures made in accordance with regulations.
Upon these points I supposed that I had the confidence of the gov-
ernment, having complied with all the requirements that I knew of,
and have been as economical as possible in my expenditures. I con-
sidered myself sustained in this opinion by a letter received from the
department, dated November 15, 1853, from which I make the fol-
lowing extract :
" I am not aware of any delinquency on your part in not observing
all the regulations of the department." I was also informed in this
letter that my accounts up to the 30th of September, inclusive, had
been received ; that my draft would be paid upon presentation, and that
the accounts would be examined, and the proper parties informed of
the result ; this letter is signed by Geo. W. Manypenny, the present
incumbent. It is needless to say, that I had faithfully complied in
making out those accounts with the instructions I had previously re-
ceived from Commissioner Manypenny, as set forth in circular, dated
June 6, 1853, which reads as follows : " All disbursements for travel-
ling expenses, therefore, that may hereafter be made by agents, or
other officers of this department, must be accounted for by the produc-
tion of the receipt of the payee, with the usual certificate of the officer
making such payment, accompanied by an explanation showing on
what account, and why such expense is incurred. But in cases where
it is impracticable for the said disbursing officer to obtain such re-
172 UTAH EXPEDITION.
ceipts from the payee, a memorandum should he made of such expen-
diture, however small or irregular, and a return made thereof, without
the process of aggregating or commuting, and the certificate, on honor,
of its payment, by such officer accompanied hy such explanation as
the propriety and reasonableness of the expenditure as would cover
the case, should he attached to said return."
We are also informed of the good intentions of the department
in the closing article of the same circular, as follows :
Cl The department will endeavor to mete out a determined and even-
handed justice in this matter, and allow no mere charge for expense
of travelling, unless it shall appear to have "been necessarily incurred
in the proper discharge of the duties devolved upon its officers."
My accounts, as before stated, were made out and certified in this
manner, as it also corresponded with the regulations as I understood
them. I am aware this circular was designed to dispense with the
system of commutation by mileage for travelling expenses, which had,
it appears, been practiced by many of the agents to the detriment of
the public interest. As I had never charged for travelling expenses
by mileage, or otherwise, I did not consider that this circular applied
particularly to me ; but I seized upon it, in the absence of any other
instructions upon this subject, as containing some valuable hints
which might be applied to the making out and settlement of my
accounts.
Now, it is possible that you may think, what has all this to do
with you? I answer, simply this : that for the last two years, I have
experienced the greatest difficulty in getting my accounts adjusted at
the department, and when they have finally been so adjusted, that it
has been done by suspending and disallowing a great portion thereof,
as I consider, upon the most flimsy pretexts. It should always be
remembered that never a dollar has been advanced to this Territory
for the use of the Indian department. The superintendent and agents
have been obliged, generally, and in most instances, to assume per-
sonally, and, unfortunately for them, pay any expense which they
have so contracted. This applies more particularly to the superin-
tendent, who has heretofore actually performed much the largest
share of the business.
I will give one instance : Accounts, says the Commissioner, of
issues to the Indians, must be certified to by an interpreter, or person
being present at said issue ; and again, no property return, although
it is well known that no such law or regulation exists requiring
the certificate of an interpreter, nor has the government ever
advanced any funds for the purchase of property. I have only pur-
chased property or articles for presents to Indians when it was abso-
lutely necessary for to do so ; the vouchers exhibit plainly and uni-
formly from whom purchased, and to whom issued ; the purchases
have always been made upon my own responsibility, as I could not
obtaim them upon any draft which I could draw upon the department;
when I did venture to do so they were protested, and I had them to
pay here, until I made an arrangement through our delegate, as agent
to draw the money when it could be obtained, and make my drafts
upon him, which he generally had to let go to protest, or pay them
UTAH EXPEDITION. 173
out of other funds. I finally found it of no use, but to send my drafts
to him, and not attempt to act upon them, or upon any dependence ol
receiving anything from the department. To you this is not strange,
because you know that I have only received for the last two years five
thousand dollars, and you have disallowed and suspended accounts
running back into the time of your predecessor, which had, as I sup-
posed been satisfactory, and were paid by him. i3y this means you
have brought me in debt to the department.
I observe by forms which have been furnished by the department,
and deposited in my office by the agent, that the form of certificate is
made out on honor by the person disbursing either presents or pay-
ment of accounts, and there is no provision for the certificate of an
interpreter. I wish however, for the department to understand that
I do not object to furnishing such certificate, nor indeed any other
which may be required, but I do object to leaving my accounts dis-
allowed and suspended from year to year, when your requirements
have always been strictly complied with. All that has been necessary
at any time to have them so furnished was to let me know what was
wanted ; of this you have been assured time and again, and do know
that your requirements have universally been complied with.
If hereafter you should wish for different, or more extensive evi-
dence, and you should so instruct, and will let those instructions apply
to the future instead of the past, a great deal of trouble might be
avoided.
In regard to service, I have travelled from 800 to 1,000 miles every
year during rny administration, among the Indians, and have never
failed in exercising a very favorable influence upon them. Many are
now employed in raising grain ; many more are intending to turn
their attention to that branch of industry. Many of their children
are living with the inhabitants oi: the Territory ; clothed, fed, and
schooled the same as their own children ; and although such matters
are slow in coming around, yet I can truly say that a very favor-
able impression has been made.
One word more in relation to the evidence of issue to the Indians.
The requirement of having them certified by an interpreter, although
without law, regulation, or instructions, until " disallowances and
suspensions for want of evidence of issue came to hand, was neverthe-
less immediately complied with, and again forwarded. With this com-
pliance I fondly hoped there would be no further difficulty in allowing
my accounts, and that all would have gone off satisfactorily. Vain
hope ! Was again advised of the inadmissibility of the testimony, and
want of evidence of issue to Indians ; it now flashed upon my mind,
that the ' ' to mete out a determined and even-Jianded justice by the de-
partment" consisted in keeping the money and making me pay their
honest debts. I say " it flashed upon my mind/' I will add, it was
practically demonstrated by my having to pay the money.
Why was this ? I am dependent upon oral testimony for what I
now state, though it is from high and unquestionable authority. One
of the interpreters, who had always been present with me, and who
signed those certificates of issue, happened to be Mr. D. B. Hunt*
174 UTAH EXPEDITION.
ington. " Who is he?" inquired the penetrating Commissioner,
while seeking for some other excuse for not paying the accounts.
" Why," says Mr. , " he is a brother-in-law to Governor
Young." " Indeed ! indeed! !" exclaims the sapient Commissioner ;
" that is sufficient. He is not to be credited for a moment." Ac-
cordingly, I again received a note that my accounts must be certified
to by disinterested witnesses, who were present at the issue, and that
Mr. Buntington's testimony was inadmissible, as he did not appear as
an employe, but as a trader. This explains a little to me. It, to-
gether with other circumstances, reveals to me a determined and set-
tled policy, on the part of the department, to mete out nothing at all
to Utah, no matter how much might be done for the Indians, or how
well the papers are made out or certified. Coupled with the actions
of the War Department upon the accounts for the suppression of
Indian hostilities, for which never yet a half dime (has) been paid by
the general government, we have a standard value of complaint —
according to the mode of the United States estimating everything
in dollars and cents — of $39,354 50; which complaint might be sen-
sibly diminished by the prompt payment of that part actually as-
sumed and paid by the Territory, so far as the appropriations are made,
and will justify. I have never asked for anything more, nor do I care
a groat whether the department or the government ever contribute a
penny towards the support of the Indian relations, for the suppression
of Indian hostilities, or any other public purpose or object in or for
the Territory of Utah. If they will only come out boldly, and say
that they do not wish or intend to, instead of eternally thrusting in
the dark, taking shelter behind such trivial, vain subterfuges as
such men as you can hatch up. I have not the confidence to be-
lieve that we could make out a paper that would be satisfactory to
your sceptical brain. Judging from the manner in which these mat-
ters have been treated by the department, I should conclude that you
did not believe there were any Indians in the Territory, or, if there
were, that it was necessary to expend anything to maintain friendly
intercourse with them.
I should also conclude the government did not believe that there
had been any Indian hostilities here. One thing is sure, and your
actions prove it most conclusively, that you either possess the most
regardless indifference, or you most studiously endeavor to " mete out
a determined and even-handed" injustice so far as regards this Ter-
ritory.
I have never failed scrupulously complying with all of your instruc-
tions and requirements, and have always solicited more, and would
have been glad to have received and complied with them, so far as it
was in my power to have done so.
I have always forwarded a report every quarter, accompanying my
accounts, all of which, I find, slumber among the rubbish, only one
of which appeared in your report of 1853, and none at all in 1854.
For this I care nothing, as I am not particularly ambitious of appear-
ing in the accompanying documents. But I give you fair warning,
that if you do not pay those accounts or claims, and act a little more
accommodating in future, that I shall print them myself as I see
UTAH EXPEDITION. 17,f>
proper. It is an old saying, " that enough is as good as a feast/' j
will, therefore, close this communication by merely stating that the
quarterly accounts ending the 30th of this month, together with iny
report, will be forwarded with the July mail.
Not promising but that I may print this also,
I remain, distinguished sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Gov. and ex-officio Sup't Indian Affairs Utah Territory.
Hon. GEORGE W. MANYPENNY,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.
No. 22.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office of Indian Affairs, July 10, 1855.
SIR : I have the honor to transmit herewith for your consideration
a copy of a letter received by this office from Agent Hurt of the 2d of
May last, in which he states that the Mormons, at their last semi-
annual conference, nominated a large number of missionaries to go
among the Indians of Utah Territory for the avowed purpose of
preaching to them ; that these saints have either accidentally or pur-
posely created a distinction in the minds of the Indian tribes of the
Territory between the Mormons and the citizens of the United States
which must prove prejudicial to the interests of the latter. He
recommends that the attention of the superintendent, agents, and
sub-agents be called to this subject, and that the conduct of those mis-
sionaries be subjected to the strictest scrutiny, with a view to the en-
forcement of the act of 1834, to regulate trade and intercourse with
the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontiers.
I deem this a subject of importance, and have to suggest, for the
purpose of obtaining your advice and instruction, whether the recom-
mendation of Mr. Hurt respecting the notification of the superin-
tendents, agents, and sub-agents within the Territories to scrutinize
the conduct of said missionaries should be adopted, or otherwise the
best course, in your opinion, to be pursued in the premises.
In view of the position of Agent Hurt, I would also suggest that
whatever course you may deem proper to pursue be kept confidential,
so that the agent may not incur the ill-will of the Mormons.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHARLES E. MIX,
Acting Commissioner.
Hon. R. MCCLELLAND,
Secretary of the Interior.
176 UTAH EXPEDITION.
No. 23.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.,
May 2, 1855.
SIR : Permit me to call your attention to some facts which I do not
feel myself altogether at liberty to remain silent upon.
At the last semi-annual conference of the Latter Day Saints, a
large numher of missionaries were nominated to go and preach to the
Indians, or Lamonites^ as they are here called. Now, since my
arrival in this Territory, I have become satisfied that these saints
have, either accidentally or purposely, created a distinction, in the
minds of the Indian tribes of this Territory, between the Mormons
and the people of the United States, that cannot act otherwise than
prejudicial to the interests of the latter. And what, sir, may we ex-
pect of these missionaries ? There is perhaps not a tribe on the con-
tinent that will not be visited by one or more of them. I suspect
their first object will be to teach those wretched savages that they
are the rightful owners of the American soil, and that it has been
wrongfully taken from them by the whites, and that the Great Spirit
had sent the Mormons among them to help them recover their rights.
The character of many of those who have been nominated is calcu-
lated to confirm this view of the case. They embrace a class of rude
and lawless young men, such as might be regarded as a curse to any
civilized community. But I do not wish to excite prejudice or en-
courage feelings of hostility against these people. On the contrary,
I think such a course would be unwise and impolitic. They always
have and ever will thrive by persecution. They know well the effect
it has had upon them, and, consequently, crave to be persecuted. It
is due to many of them, however, to say that they are honest in the
belief that they are the only Christians on earth, and that God is
about to redeem the world from sin and establish His millenium.
It is possible, too, that many of them are loyal in their feelings to
the United States, but, perhaps, this cannot be said of many of their
leaders. But time will convince many of them of their errors ; many
of their prophecies must i;ome true in a few years, or doubt will take
the place of sanguine hope, and will do more to relax their energies
and weaken their strength than anything else could do at this time.
My object in writing is to suggest that the attention of all superin-
tendents, agents, and sub-agents, and all other loyal citizens residing
or sojourning in the Indian country, be called to this subject, that
the conduct of these Mormon missionaries be subjected to the strictest
scrutiny, and that the thirteenth and fourteenth sections of the "Act
to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve
pea,ce on the frontiers," be property enforced.
Yery respectfully, &c.,
GARLAND HURT,
Indian Agent for Utah.
Hon. GEO. W. MANYPENNY,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, I}. C.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 177
P. S. — In proof of the facts before stated, I would say that I have
had great difficulty in procuring an interpreter, though there are
many persons in the Territory who speak the Indian language, but
they were all nominated as missionaries, and I was forced to the
humiliating necessity of imploring the clemency of his excellency
Brigham Young to permit one of them to remain with me. I never
saw any people in my life who were so completely under the influence
of one man.
a. H.
No. 24.
Memoranda for Secretary of the Interior.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
August 15, 1855.
In the letter from this office to you of the 10th ultimo, transmitting
a copy of a letter from Agent Hurt, respecting the contemplated
movements of Mormon missionaries among the Indians of Utah, and
the Indian tribes generally, it was my purpose to have made the
subject embrace the Indians generally, although by oversight it was
confined to the tribes in Utah, for the agent states that, " Theie is
perhaps not a tribe on the continent that will not be visited by one or
more of these missionaries."
As the subject was deemed important, it was presented for your
consideration and advice, with a view to the soundness of the policy
of instructing the superintendents, agents, and sub-agents throughout
the Indian country to watch with an eye of vigilance the movements
of the Mormons, and in case their efforts, under the guise of mis-
sionary labors, should tend to create a spirit of insubordination among
the Indians averse to the interests of the government, that they im-
mediately notify the department.
The intercourse act of 1834 provides, section 13, "That if any
citizen or other person residing within the United States or the terri-
tory thereof, shall send any talk, speech, message, or letter to any
Indian nation, tribe, chief, or individual, with an intent to produce a
contravention or infraction of any treaty, or other law of the United
States, or to disturb the peace and tranquility of the United States, he
shall forfeit and pay the sum of two thousand dollars." And the
last clause of section 15 reads as follows, viz : f( or in case any citizen
or other person shall alienate , or attempt to alienate the confidence of any
Indian or Indians from the government of the United States, he shall
forfeit the sum of one thousand dollars." And again it is provided
by the 23d section, " That it shall be lawful for the military force of
the United States to be employed in such manner, and under such
regulations, as the President may direct, in the apprehension of every
person who shall or may be found in the Indian country, in violation
of any of the provisions of this act," &c.
The suspicions which the agent throws upon the character of those
H. Ex. Doc. n 12
178 UTAH EXPEDITION,
Mormons engaged as missionaries are such as may make it necessary as a
precautionary step to preserve the harmony of our relations with the
Indian tribes, to instruct the superintendents, agents, and sub-agents,
to scrutinize the conduct of Mormons and all others suspected of
having a design to interrupt the peace and tranquility between the
Indians and the government.
CHARLES E. MIX,
Acting Commissioner.
No. 24 J.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T.
Aprils, 1855.
SIR : You may be aware that I had instructions from the War De-
partment to demand the surrender of some of Captain Gunnison's
murderers. Discovering that any attempt to seize them would be cer-
tainly resented, I felt it proper, for manifest reasons, to advise with
Governor Young before visiting the Pah-vants. The governor assured
me that he knew the Indians well, and that not one of the criminals could
be obtained, unless by some appeal to the avarice of their chiefs ; and he
advised me to offer to War-kar and Kinosh-a a few ponies, &c , which
I did. Six of the Indians engaged in the massacre were surrendered,
and Dr. Hurt, the Indian agent, kindly redeemed the promise made
by me. Since that event, it seemed to me eminently proper to show
our sense of such remarkably good conduct, and I caused some more
presents (for which the agent also paid) to be given to the tribe. The
whole value of these presents will amount to about $500, which, I
question not, you will, under the peculiar circumstances of the case,
permit to be deducted from sum appropriated by Congress for the
Utahs. In any event please hold me solely responsible. I also found
it necessary to expend some money in aiding the chiefs to get wit-
nesses, &c., before the court ; also to issue provisions for a few days
to many Indians attending the trial ; but in fairness these items
should likewise be deducted ; but of that you can judge best. I will
write on the subject to the quartermaster and commissary generals.
The trial was abortive ; but it will, notwithstanding, have two good
^effects : one upon the savages, the other upon the general government,
which will now understand the undue sympathy felt by the Mormons
for the Indians. I have no idea whatever that the prominent Mormon
authorities would aid or countenance active hostilities by the govern-
ment against the Utahs ; and in my opinion it is a matter requiring
the immediate attention of the Indian Bureau. Permit me to add, in
this connexion, that I do not believe the Indian policy of Governor
Young to be correct ; but of that it is probably best that Dr. Hurt
shall advise you.
These savages have undoubtedly learned from Dr. Hurt and myself,
for the first time, what relation they hold to the government, and that
to it alone they must look for encouragement in well doing, or chas-
tisement for misconduct.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 179
I will take the liberty to invoke your aid of the course Dr. Hurt has re-
solved upon to wards the Indians in his charge, for it seems to me to be the
wisest and most philanthropic possible. One feature, especially should
commend itself to you and to everyone — the encouragement he proposes
to give the Indians to cultivate the soil, and to live upon their own
labor. The Mormons, (to their credit be it said, whatever may have
been their motive,) have done something towards this end ; the agent
wished to exert himself further and more effectually towards the same
end ; and I would earnestly ask the support of the government to his
•consistent and benevolent efforts.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. J. STEPTOE,
Brevet Lieutenant Colonel United States Ar my.
Hon. Gr. W. MANYPENNY,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington City, D. C.
April 15. — Permit to suggest, that as the Pah-vant criminals, re-
cently tried and sentenced to imprisonment have actually escaped, and
so received no punishment at all, it might be good policy to award to
them but a small portion (if any) of the moneys voted by Congress to
the Utahs. This would impress upon them still further the necessity
of future good conduct.
No. 25.
OFFICE INDIAN AGENT, UTAH,
Great Salt Lake City, August 30, 1856.
SIR : As your letter of July 9, and copies of those of November
14 and March 19 were received on the 28th instant, which in-
formed me of the non-acceptance of draft No. 18, I take occasion to
make a brief statement of the motives that prompted me to pursue
the course which I have.
Soon after my arrival in the Territory, (February, 1855,) I became
impressed with the fact that the Indians had made a distinction
between Mormons and Americans, which was calculated to operate to
the prejudice of the interests and policy of government towards them.
I have endeavored to apprise you heretofore of the policy of the Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, of sending missionaries among
these Indians, and of the character of the persons generally chosen.
These facts were embodied in a letter to you, (April 28, 1855.) I de-
termined to counteract these impressions if possible, but in attempting
to do so, a liberal policy was necessary, otherwise their prejudices
towards government, and myself as its agent, might have been con-
firmed. ^A.s the course pursued by his excellency Brigham Young
has been a liberal one in making presents to them, I thought it inex-
pedient to relinquish that policy unless a better and more popular one
could have been adopted immediately in its stead. And in fact, I was
not authorized to deviate from his policy, for in a letter from your
office I had been directed to look to him for all my instructions in the
180 UTAH EXPEDITION.
discharge of my official duties. And I have letters of instruction
from him authorizing all the expenditures that I have made since
entering upon the discharge of the duties of this office. I confess,
however, that the policy of introducing manual labor among them
was suggested by myself ; but even in that I have received his most
cordial approbation. Believing this to be the more judicious policy, it
has been my chief concern to impress this fact upon your notice
through his excellency. Consequently, in all my quarterly communi-
cations I have alluded to this subject with the liveliest feeling of in-
terest. Being fully convinced of the propriety and necessity of this
policy I applied through him, (for I supposed that the proper chan-
nel,) on the 31st of December last, for an appropriation to meet my
expenses in this undertaking. And as necessity required in the pro-
gress of this enterprise I drew for money, and as I was not yet advised
of any other provision having been made to meet my engagements, I
drew upon the fund for incidental expenses. I had used all diligence
to have the necessary provision made ; my engagements were such that
I could not relinquish them. To have done so would have been dis-
astrous in the extreme, blighting at once, and perhaps forever, the
growing confidence which was rising in the minds of the Indians
towards government and its accredited agents ; and it was reasonable
to suppose that his excellency, after having encouraged me in every
way possible in the policy of farming, would have relinquished in
some degree his own peculiar policy, that a larger portion of the funds
appropriated might be applied to that of farming, as he was fully ad-
vised of the course I expected to pursue and had given his sanction to
the same. But, contrary to my expectations, so soon as spring opened
I received a note from him, requesting me to make a visit to the val-
leys of the Humboldt, Carson and Tincky rivers, which he knew
would require an absence of near four months from my farms, after I
had adopted such measures as rendered it impossible for me to retrace
my steps and when the trip could not be made without the expendi-
ture of some five or six thousand dollars of the funds on hand. But
no doubt his excellency saw a necessity for these arrangements, and I
confess it does not become me to speak in terms so plain of a superior
officer. But I am charged in your letter of the 19th March, with neg-
lecting to consult his excellency and Agent Armstrong as to the man-
ner in which the public funds should be taken up. I feel it due to
myself to make these explanations ; and I will say further, that I called
at his office directly after receiving the letter of instructions to visit
Carson, and expressed my fears that there would not be funds enough
to meet our engagements for farming purposes ; that the agency had
been expensive during the winter ; that I had been purchasing stock
and farming implements, breadstuff's,, &c., and that I had fears of
overrunning the appropriation. His only reply was that he had no
doubt but my drafts would all be paid. The policy of giving presents
to the Indians is a popular one with them, but its benefits are of a
transient character, and leaves them disappointed and dissatisfied, or
to remain a burden upon the government and our citi^ns without
any permanent good. Any one conversant with the feelings and pre-
judices which prevailed for some months after my arrival in the Ter-
UTAH EXPEDITION. 181
ritory, will bear me out in the opinion that my policy has been the
best that could have been pursued under the circumstances, and has in
all probability averted some of the most serious calamities that could
have arisen between the two races.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GARLAND HURT,
Indian Agent, Utah.
Hon. GrEo. W. MANYPENNY,
Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D C.
No. 26.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENT, UTAH TERRITORY,
October 31, 1856.
SIR : Having just returned from an excursion in the southern settle-
ments, in company with Surveyor General Burr and Mr. Peltro, late
of the topographical corps, I take the liberty of presenting to your
notice a few incidents of rather mysterious and otherwise unpleasant
character, which occurred to us during the trip. Travelling by way
of the Indian farm in Sanpito county, we reached Fill more on the
morning of the 23d instant ; but learning that Kinosh, the Pah-vante
chief, was very sick, we concluded to go on to the Indian farm at Corn
creek to see him. But we had not proceeded far till we saw, between
us and the base of the mountains, two persons on horseback going in
the direction of the Indian lodges at full speed. I supposed them to
be Indians, but before we reached the Indian settlement we saw them
returning by the same route. When we drew up to the lodges I asked
who they were? the Indians said they were Mormon boys, and on inquir-
ing what they had come down in such a hurry for, they answered,
Nothing ! After some little confusion when we first drove up, the
Indians became quiet, and appeared glad to see us. We remained
with them until the 25th, when, as the weather was becoming more
inclement, we returned to Fillmore, and put up at the house of Mr.
Peter Robinson, where we were received and entertained in a hospi-
table manner. In the evening we were visited by Mr. Edwin Pugh,
who invited two young men of our party, R. W. James and James
White, to accompany him to his house, which they did ; but they had
not been there long till some persons began to stone the house, some
of the rocks passing through the windows and smashing the lights.
Mr. P. ran out and asked what they meant? They asked what he
was doing with those damned Americans about his house? Mr. P.
said they were not Americans, but Mormons. They replied that they
were no better than Americans, or they would not be with them. I
state these facts as they were related to us the next morning by the
young men. Mr. Pugh also informed us that the young men who
went ahead of us in such haste to the Indian camp had been sent "by
the bishop to tell the Indians that the Americans were coming to their
camp to arrest the murderers of Captain G-unnison, and to advise them
to look out. As we were about leaving, I did not investigate the
182 UTAH EXPEDITION.
matter any further. But as the subject came up again in the evening,
after we had camped for the night, I thought to ask Pin-tuts , who had
accompanied us from Spanish fork, if he had heard the Pah-van tes say
anything ahout it ; he said when he reached their camps, some two or
three miles ahead of us, the Pah-vantes were in great confusion, and
some of them were running off. They said that the Mormons had
sent them word that the Americans were coming to tie them,, hut he
told them that they were fools, for we were not tying captains, but
friends, and were coming to give them presents. On the next day
some teamsters, whom we met, asked Pin-tuts who we were ; the
Indian replied that we were Americans. They told him that we were
" cots-at," (not good.) He told them they were fools, and passed on.
Now I am satisfied, sir, that you cannot approve of such conduct, arid
may easily imagine how direful the consequences might have been to
our little party, when we, unsuspectingly, drove up to their village
and camped for the night, had it not been for the interposition of our
faithful friend and guide in behalf of our innocence.
Soon after commencing my labors among the Indians of this Terri-
tory, I learned that they made a distinction between the Mormons and
Americans, which I thought was not altogether compatible with cor-
rect policy, believing that it would ultimately operate to the prejudice
of one or the other party, and I have not been backward in expressing
my views on all suitable occasions, to the people in regard to this
matter, and have almost invariably, as my interpreters will certify,
took occasion in my intercourse with the Indians, to teach them that
there is no distinction between the two classes, but that we were all
the Great Father's people. If they believe me they will accuse the
opposite party with lying and attempting to deceive them, and then
how easy it will be for men to imagine that I am stirring up prejudices
among the Indians against the people, and the foul aspersions of slan-
der will brand me, and I am to be hunted down for crimes of which
they, themselves, are the guilty perpetrators.
I am not unmindful of the delicate position I occupy as a mediator
between the two races in this Territory, yet I am not unwilling that
my official conduct should be subjected to the strictest scrutiny, for I
am satisfied that our prospects for success in the policy which has been
adopted for the civilization of the Indians in this Territory, depends
greatly upon the conduct of those with whom they are daily brought
in contract, and it is to be regretted that men will so far forget them-
selves, and the relations they sustain, both to Indians and to govern-
ment, as to be guilty of gross misrepresentations so fatal to their own
peace and prosperity.
Very respectfully, yours, &c.,
GARLAND HURT,
Indian Agent.
His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor, &c.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 183
No. 27.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENT, UTAH,
Great Salt Lake City, November 20, 1856.
SIR : As a large number of claims against government, for losses of
property in consequence of Indian depredations in Utah, have received
my certificate, I deem it proper to state that I entertained doubts of
the propriety of encouraging them ; but as I had already sanctioned
some of a similar character before I was aware of the amount to be pre-
sented, I have concluded that they would enable you to judge more cor-
rectly of the wisdom of the boasted policy of his excellency Brigham
Young, which has been conducted at the sacrifice of the lives and
property of a deluded populace, who are now groaning in poverty and
distress.
If his excellency's boasted civilization of the Utahs is to be sustained
at such a sacrifice as these claims show, it is difficult to conceive what
advantage has been derived from it ; and I would say further, that if
half the amount that is here presented had been appropriated and
used in a proper manner for the civilization of the Indians during
the last three years, the whole of this same Utah tribe, and all others
in the vicinity of these settlements might, by this time, been happily
located and in the enjoyment of many, if not all, the comforts of
civilized life, and that, too, without the complaint of a single individual
in the Territory for losses.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
GARLAND HURT,
Indian Agent, Utah.
Hon. GEO. W. MANYPENNY,
Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.
No. 28.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Great Salt Lake City, September, 12, 1857.
SIR : Enclosed please find abstract, account current, and vouchers,
from 1 to 35, inclusive, (also abstract of employes) for the current
quarter up to ^his date, as, owing to the stoppage of the mail,, I have
deemed it best to avail myself of the opportunity of sending by private
conveyance, not knowing when I may have another chance. The
expenditure, as you will observe by the papers, amount to $6,411 38,
for which I have drawn my drafts on the department in favor of Hon.
John W. Bernhisel, delegate to Congress from this Territory. You
will also observe that a portion of these expenditures accrued prior to
this quarter, which may need a word of explanation.
Santa Clara is in Washington county, the extreme southern county
of this Territory, and this labor was commenced and partly performed;
seeds, grain, &c., furnished prior to the time that Major Armstrong
visited those parts of the Territory, hence failed to find its way into
his reports, and failed being included in mine because the accounts and
vouchers were not sooner brought in, and hence not settled until re-
cently. But little has been effected in that part of the Territory at
184 UTAH EXPEDITION.
the expense of the government, although much has been done by the
citizens in aiding the Indians with tools, teams_, and instruction in
cultivating the earth. The bands mentioned are part of the Piede
tribe of Indians, who are very numerous, but only in part inhabit this
territory. These Indians are more easily induced to labor than any
others in the Territory, and many of them are now engaged in the
common pursuits of civilized life. Their requirements are constant
for wagons, ploughs, spades, hoes, teams, and harness, &c., to enable
them to work to advantage.
In like manner, the Indians in Cache valley have received but little
at the expense of the government, although a sore tax upon the
people. West and along the line of the Oregon and California travel
they continue to make their contributions, and, I am sorry to add, with
considerable loss of life to the travellers. This is what I have always
sought by all means in my power to avert, but I find it the most
difficult of any portion to control. I have for many years succeeded
better than this. I learn by report that many of the lives of the
emigrants and considerable quantities of property have been taken.
This is principally owing to a company of some three or four hundred
returning Californians, who travelled those roads last spring to the
eastern States, shooting at every Indian they could see — a practice
utterly abhorrent to all good people, yet, I regret to say, one which
has been indulged in to a great extent by travellers to and from the
eastern States and California ; hence the Indians regard all white
men alike their enemies, and kill and plunder whenever they can do
so with impunity, and often the innocent suffer for the deeds of the
guilty. This has always been one of the greatest difficulties that I
have had to contend with in the administration of Indian affairs in
this Territory. It is hard to make an Indian believe that the whites
are their friends, and the Great Father wishes to do them good, when,
perhaps, the very next party which crosses their path shoots them
down like wolves.
This trouble with the Indians only exists along the line of travel
west, and beyond the influence of our settlements. The Shoshones
are not hostile to travellers, so far as they inhabit in this Territory,
except, perhaps, a few called "Snake Diggers," who inhabit, as
before stated, along the line of travel west of the settlements. There
have, however, been more or less depredations the present season
north, and more within the vicinity of the settlements, owing to the
causes above mentioned, and I find it of the utmost difficulty to
restrain them. The sound of war quickens the blood and nerves of
an Indian. The report that troops were wending their way to this
Territory has also had its influence upon them In one or two in-
stances this was the reason assigned why they made the attacks which
they did upon some herds of cattle They seemed to think it was to
be war ; they might as well commence and begin to lay in a supply
of food when they had a chance. If I am to have the direction of the
Indian affairs of this Territory, and am expected to maintain friendly
relations with the Indians, there are a few things that I would most
respectfully suggest to be done :
First. That travellers omit their infamous practice of shooting them
down when they happen to see one. Whenever the citizens of this
UTAH EXPEDITION 185
Territory travels the roads they are in the habit of giving the Indians
food, tobacco, and a few other presents, and the Indians expect some
such trifling favor, and they are emboldened by this practice to come
up to the road with a view of receiving such presents. When, there-
fore, travellers from the States make their appearance they throw
themselves in sight with the same view, and when they are shot at,
some of their number killed, as has frequently been the case, we
cannot but expect them to wreak their vengeance upon the next train.
Secondly. That the government should make more liberal appro-
priations to be expended in presents. I have proven that it is far
cheaper to feed and clothe the Indians than to fight them. I find,
moreover, that after all, when the fighting is over, it is always fol-
lowed by extensive presents, which, improperly distributed in the first
instance, might have averted the fight. In this case, then, the ex-
pense of presents are the same, and it is true in nine-tenths of the
cases that have happened.
Thirdly. The troops must be kept away, for it is a prevalent fact
that, wherever there are the most of these we may expect to find the
greatest amount of hostile Indians and the least security to persons
and property.
If these three items could be complied with, I have no hesitation in
saying that, so far as Utah is concerned, that travellers could go to
and from, pass and repass, and no Indian would disturb or molest
them or their property.
In regard to my drafts, it appears that the department is indis-
posed to pay them ; for what reason I am at a loss to conjecture. I am
aware that Congress separated the office of superintendent of Indian
affairs from that of governor ; that the salary of governor remained
the same for his gubernatorial duties, and that the superintendent's
was fifteen hundred. I do think that, inasmuch as I perform the
duties of both offices, that I am entitled to the pay appropriated for
it, and trust that you will so consider it.
I have drawn again for the expenditure of this present quarter, as
above set forth. Of course you will do as you please about paying, as
you have with the drafts for the two last quarters.
The department has often manifested its approval of the manage-
ment of the Indian affairs in this superintendency, and never its dis-
approval. Why, then, should I be subjected to such annoyance in regard
to obtaining the funds for defraying its expenses? Why should I be
denied my salary ; why should appropriations made for the benefit of
the Indians of this Territory be retained in the treasury and indi-
viduals left unpaid ? These are questions I leave for you to answer
at your leisure, and, meanwhile, submit to such course in relation
thereto as you shall see fit to direct.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor, and ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs,
Utah Territory.
Hon. JAMES W. DENVER,
Commissioner Indian Affairs,
Washington City, D. C.
186 UTAH EXPEDITION.
No. 29.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, Washington, November 11, 1857.
SIR : Your communication of the 12th of last September has been
received, and would not require a formal reply were it not for the
effort you make to place this office in the wrong, when, in fact, what-
ever difficulties exist, have resulted from your own conduct. As the
superintendent of Indian affairs for Utah Territory, it was your duty
to keep a supervisory control over the different agents, and to see that
they did not exceed their authority. It was your duty, also, to notify
them of all things pertaining to their duties, and especially to keep
them, in their expenditures, within the appropiations made for your
superin tendency. Their reports were made to you, and by you trans-
mitted here. You cannot, therefore, plead ignorance of their trans-
actions, knowing then the amount of the appropriations, and being
fully advised of the affairs of the agents, and that money could not be
taken out of the treasury without an act of Congress, you have allowed
the drafts to exceed the appropriation to the amount of $31,380 50 to
the close of the fiscal year, ending 30th June, 1857. When the agents
were notified that their drafts could not be paid in consequence of the
appropriations having been exhausted, and rebuked for exceeding
them, they replied that they had no information from you on the sub-
ject. The^e communications passed through your hands, and yet you
seem to have passed them by unnoticed. With a full knowledge then
of all the facts, you took no steps, so far as this office is informed, to
protect the public interests, or to keep your subordinates within the
proper sphere of their duties. On the contrary you seem to have been
disposed to encourage these things, as is evidenced in your orders to
Agent Hurt, sending him to Carson's valley, at a heavy expense to
the government, when it was well known that the services of an agent
were not required in that quarter ; and again when you fitted out an
expedition yourself, and conducted it northward, out of your superin-
tendency, to give presents to Indians not under your control. From
all this it follows that if your drafts are not paid, you have no right
to complain, because you knew, at the time, that the appropriations
on which they were drawn were exhausted.
But, even if the money was in the treasury ready for the Indian
service in Utah, I do not see how it can be applied to the payment of
your drafts until they shall have first passed through the strictest
scrutiny ; for this department has information from reliable sources,
that, so far from encouraging amicable relations between the Indians
and the people of the United States outside of your own immediate
community, you have studiously endeavored to impress on the minds of
the Indians that there was a difference between your own sect, usually
known as Mornons, and the government and other citizens of the
United States — that the former were their friends and the latter their
enemies.
In addition to this, you have been denouncing this government and
threatening an armed resistance to the authorities sent out by the
UTAH EXPEDITION. 187
President. Indeed, unless you and your coadjutors are most grossly
misrepresented, and your language misquoted, the appearance of those
authorities among you is all that is necessary to prompt you to an
overt act of treason. It could never have been intended, when the
appropriations were made hy Congress, that the money should be used
in arousing the savages to war against our own citizens, or to enable
a subordinate officer to carry on treasonable practices against his gov-
ernment. The rule of this office is to withhold annuities from the
Indians whenever they place themselves in a hostile or antagonistic
attitude towards the government, and I know of no reason why the
same rule should not be applied to you at this time ; but, as the appro-
priation has been exhausted, it is not necessary to consider that ques-
tion now. You say " the troops must be kept away, for it is a prevalent
fact that wherever there are the most of these, we may expect to
find the greatest amount of hostile Indians, and the least security for
persons and property." The troops are under the direction of the
President, and it is fair to presume that he would not send them to
Utah Territory unless there was a necessity for so doing ; and if it be
true that, wherever the greatest number of troops are there are to be
found the greatest number of hostile Indians, it arises from the fact
that the troops are necessary at such places to preserve the peace and
to keep the Indians in subjection. There is no reason why persons
and property should be any the less secure in the neighborhood of the
troops ; nor is there any reason why peaceable citizens should object
to their presence. If it is your intention to preserve peace, the troops
will not interfere with you ; but if you intend otherwise, then it is
necessary that the troops should be on the ground to enforce it.
It is much to be regretted that s,uch a state of affairs should exist,
and it is always with great reluctance that we arrive at the conclu-
sion that Americon citizens should at any time require the strong arm
of power to compel obedience to the laws, or that a subordinate officer
should so far forget his duty as to use his official position to injure
one portion of his fellow-citizens, and to alienate another portion from
loyalty to their government. But, when convinced of the existence of
such facts, the chief executive has no alternative left but to crush out
rebellion ; and for this purpose all the powers of the government are
placed under his control.
Your claim for double salary cannot be allowed, for even it' it did
not come in conflict with the general rule which forbids the payment
of two salaries at the same time to the same persons , yet you could
not be entitled to it, for the reason that you became superintendent of
Indian affairs by virtue of your appointment as governor of the Ter-
ritory ; and although these offices have since been separated, yet you
had not, at the date of your communication, been relieved from the
duties appertaining to them. Your other accounts will be examined
into, and whenever it shall be ascertained that the expenditure was
properly made it will be paid, should Congress make an appropria-
tion for that purpose.
You say ' ' the department has often manifested its approval of the
management of the Indian affairs in this superintendency, and never
its disapproval." The reverse of this is the fact. This office has
188 UTAH EXPEDITION.
often found fault with your conduct, and to prove this it is only
necessary to quote your own language. One extract from your com-
munication to this office, dated " Great Salt Lake City, June 26,
1855," will suffice. You there say, " for the last two years I have
experienced the greatest difficulty in getting my accounts adjusted at
the department; and when they have finally been so adjusted, that it
has been done by suspending and disallowing a great portion thereof."
Many similar extracts might be given, but this is sufficient to estab-
lish the incorrectness of your statement that this office had never
manifested its disapproval of your conduct.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,, your obedient servant,
J. W. DENVER,
Commissioner.
His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Great Salt Lake City, U. T.
No. 30.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office of Indian Affairs, November 24, 1857.
SIR : You are, doubtless, aware of the condition of affairs in the
Territory of Utah, and of the fact that the President has found it ne-
cessary, in consequence of the attitude which the Mormons, so called,
have placed themselves in towards the government, to send a portion
of the army to that country. The department has been advised that
steps have been taken by persons of that sect to endeavor to alienate
some of the tribes of the Upper Platte from their allegiance to the
United States ; and, presuming that it is not improbable that the same
means may be used, or attempted, with the tribes of the Territory of
New Mexico bordering upon Utah, or that they may be excited by the
scenes which may occur between the troops and that misguided people,
it is necessary that every precaution should be taken to keep them
quiet. You are, therefore, instructed to use every endeavor in your
power to effect this object. If it is necessary that you should visit
them in person you are required to do so, and to use all funds in your
hands applicable to such a purpose, if requisite, in making presents,
or otherwise, for the purpose of conciliating them. Indeed, you are
authorized to draw upon this office, if absolutely demanded, for a sum
not exceeding ten or fifteen thousand dollars, which can be so applied.
Yet, all pains should be taken to observe the strictest economy in its
expenditures, taking care to satisfy yourself that strong reasons exist
for every item laid out.
Should you fail in your efforts to keep the Indians in a state of
peace and quiet, then your aim should be to array them against such
other Indians as may be found on the side of the enemies of the gov-
ernment, and to spare no pains to prevent them from attacking the
whites. The object of the government is to keep them quiet, if possi-
ble ; but if that cannot be done, then to control them in such a man-
UTAH EXPEDITION 189
ner as to direct their attacks only against those savages who may take
up arms against our people.
It will be necessary for you to proceed with great caution and deli-
cacy in this matter, so as not to excite the minds of the Indians. By
keeping a vigilant watchfulness over their movements you will he
able to inform yourself whether it may become necessary to take any
steps in the premises, and for this purpose you should notify the
agents of your superintendency to keep you well informed of the tem-
per and intentions of the Indians in their agencies. They should
have every facility afforded them to ascertain the feelings of the In-
dians, and to keep them on good terms with our citizens.
The location of Agent Carson will make his position, in the present
emergency, a very important one, and he, particularly, should be
cautioned to leave nothing undone to carry out the wishes of the gov-
ernment.
Very respectfully,
J. W. DENVER, Commissioner.
J. L. COLLINS, Esq.,
Superintendent, Sante Fe, New Mexico.
No. 31.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Santa Fe, N. Mt) January 14, 1858.
SIR : Your letter of instructions relative to the proper course to be
pursued by the superintendent of Indian Affairs for this Territory,
in the anticipated emergency with the Mormons in Utah Territory,
has been received, and in the absence of the superintendent, such steps
taken as is thought will accomplish the wishes of the government.
Immediately after perusing your instructions an express was des-
patched for agent's Carson and Archutela. They arrived here on the
llth, and I had a full and free conversation with both of them.
Agent Carson informed me that there were evident symptoms of dis-
satisfaction and hostility on the part of one or two bands of the Utahs-
living on Grande river, and in close proximity to the Mormon settle-
ments. He is satisfied that the Mormons have been active in their
efforts to incite these Indians against the whites, and that even now
there are Mormon emissaries (of the Salt Lake Indians) in the vicinity
of the settlements of this Territory. The Tabamuateh and Muateh
Utahs are those bands which it is believed will be most likely first to
become estranged from our government. These bands reside near the
Mormon settlements, and are in constant communication with the
Utahs of Salt Lake, whose language they speak. The country from
Grand river to Salt Lake is an almost continuous settlement of Utah
Indians, and the defection of one band will be very likely to spread
until it includes the whole nation, all of whom are treacherous and
unreliable.
The Capote Utahs are within the agency of Drego Archuleta. Mr.
Archuleta informs me that they have made frequent complaints to
190 UTAH EXPEDITION.
him of their meagre allowances, and taunt him almost daily with a
reiteration of the liberality of the Mormon "lata." They are very
supercilious and insulting.
I have instructed Agent Carson to use the utmost diligence in re-
moving any feeling of hostility that may he growing upon the band
of his agency. To accomplish this object, he has been directed to in-
crease their allowances, especially of meats, by degrees, and to report
to this office the development that may from time to time be made.
He has also been cautioned not to, in any manner, excite the Indians,
and likewise to make no expenditures which will not be calculated to
promote the interest of the government in the present emergency.
Similar instructions have been issued to Agent Archuleta.
Both Messrs. Carson and Archuleta entertain hopes that they will
be able to keep the Indians of their agencies neutral, should the diffi-
culty with Utah Territory ripen into a formal and active war. Mr.
Carson is now en route for the grounds of the Tabamuateh and
Muateh Utahs. His presence in their midst with his known faculty
of winning their confidence and respect, will not fail, I trust, to have
a favorable influence with them.
In this connexion, it is proper to state that I have instructed
Messrs. Carson and Archuleta to forego any efforts at present to recon-
cile the differences between the Utahs and the Navajoes? Were
these difficulties adjusted the Utahs would feel less embarrassed, and
more disposed to contract " entangling alliances " with the Mormons,
and those other Indians who are in known co-operation with Brigham
Young. Hence this course. I shall likewise direct agent Harley to
abate his efforts for the present to bring about a peace between these
two tribes.
Hoping that the action of the undersigned in the present important
emergency will meet with the approbation of the honorable Commis-
sioner, I have the honor to remain yours, &c.,
S. M. YOST,
Indian Agent, and Acting Superintendent Indian Affairs,
Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Hon. J. W. DENVER,
Commissioner Indian Affairs, Washington City, D. C.
No. 32.
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, September 22, 1857.
SIR: A letter, dated the 13th of July, has just been received from
Agent Twiss, of the Upper Platte, stating that a settlement has been
made by the Mormons within the limits of his agency, under the pre-
tence of a contract entered into by the Mormon Church to carry the
mail from Independence to Salt Lake City. They took possession of
the valley of Deer creek on the 25th of May, which lies 100 miles
west of Laramie, where the agent states he had located a band of
UTAH EXPEDITION. 191
Sioux ; have built houses capable of accommodating 500 persons ;
have ploughed and planted 200 acres, and number about 300. The
agent earnestly calls the attention of the department to this invasion
of the Indian territory, and states his inability to do anything in the
premises ; and suggests that such steps may be taken by the President
as the circumstances may in his judgment require.
For your information, I would state that the region of country
stated to be occupied was assigned to the Sioux, and recognized to
belong to them by the treaty of Laramie, of the 17th of September,
1851.
In connexion with this case, I would state the views which were
taken by this office in that of a Mr. Jacob Hall, a contractor to carry
the mails from Independence to Santa Fe. Mr. Hall stated in a com-
munication to the Postmaster General, which was referred to this
office, that, as mail contractor he had necessarily made improvements
on the lands of the Kansas Indians, upon which communication a re-
port was made to the Secretary of the Interior to the effect that while
the intercourse law gave no express authority to citizens of the United
States to go or reside among the Indian tribes, except under certain
circumstances specified by law, yet it did forbid a citizen from driving
or otherwise conveying "• any stock of horses, mules, or cattle to range
or feed on any land belonging to an Indian or Indian tribe without
the consent of such tribe," but that Mr. Hall being in the country,
engaged in the public service, this office would be pleased to do all
that the law would allow to facilitate the discharge of his duties and
to accommodate the Postmaster General ; and so far as he confined
himself to mere residence and occupancy of the improvements which
he had already made, with the consent of the Indians, no difficulty
would be thrown in his way, but that no authority existed under
which permission could be granted to extend his improvements, make
use of the timber, or cultivate lands. This office was then requested
by the Secretary to re-examine the matter in connexion with the law
passed by Congress on the 3d of March, 1855, with respect to con-
tractors for carrying the mail through one of the Territories west of
the Mississippi, and reported that, according to its construction of the
provision, u that each contractor engaged or to be engaged in carry-
ing the mails through any of the Territories west of the Mississippi,
shall have the privilege of occupying stations at the rate of not more
than one for every twenty miles of the route on which he carries a
mail, and shall have a pre-emption right therein, when the same shall
be brought into market, to the extent of 640 acres, to be taken contigu-
ously, and to include his improvements," it had reference only to those
lands to which the Indian title had been extinguished and surren-
dered to the United States, and not to lands belonging to tribes to
which the title had not been extinguished, and therefore not applica-
ble to the case of Mr. Hall, as his station was upon the lands of the
Kansas Indians, to which their title had not been extinguished.
I have cited the views in full of the Indian Office in regard to the
rights of Mr. Hall, and deem the same views applicable in this in-
stance, which I have the honor to submit, together with a copy of the
192 UTAH EXPEDITION.
agent's letter that such steps may he taken as in your judgment may
he advisible and proper.
Very respectfully, your ohedient servant,
CHARLES E. MIX,
Acting Commissioner,
Hon. J. THOMPSON,
Secretary of the Interior.
[No. 33.]
INDIAN AGENCY OF THE UPPER PLATTE,
On Haw Hide Creek, July 13, 1857.
SIR: In a communication addressed to the Indian Office, dated
April last, I called the attention of the department to the settlements
"being made within the boundaries of this agency by the " Mormon
Church," clearly in violation of law, although the pretext or pretence
under which these settlements are made is under cover of a contract of
the Mormon Church to carry the mail from Independence, Missouri,
to Great Salt Lake City.
On the 25th May, a large Mormon colony took possession of the
valley of Deer creek, one hundred miles west of Fort Laramie, and
drove away a band of Sioux Indians whom I had settled there in April,
and had induced them to plant corn.
I left that Indian band on the 23d May to attend to matters con-
nected with the Cheyenne band, in the lower part of the agency.
I have information from a reliable source that these Mormons are
about three hundred in number, have ploughed and planted two hun-
dred acres of prairie, and are building houses sufficient for the accom-
modation of five hundred persons, and have a large herd of cattle,
horses, and mules.
I am persuaded that the Mormon Church intend, by this plan thus
partially developed, to monopolize all of the trade with the Indians
and whites within, or passing through, the Indian country.
I respectfully and earnestly call the attention of the department to
this invasion, and enter my protest against this occupation of the In-
dian country, in force, and the forcible ejection of the Indians from the
place where I had settled them.
I am powerless to control this matter, for the Mormons obey no laws
enacted by Congress. I would respectfully request that the President
will be pleased to issue such order as, in his wisdom and judgment,
may seem best in order to correct the evil complained of.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOS. S. TWISS,
Indian Agent, Upper Platte.
Hon. J. W. DENVER,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 193
No. 34.
DEPARTMENT or THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, November 7, 1857.
SIR : I have the honor to state, for your information and considera-
tion, that I have just received from Agent Twiss a communication, in
my opinion, of much importance. He informs me that he had, at the
date of his letter, the 15th of September, just returned from a visit to
the western part of his agency, undertaken in consequence of a rumor
that the Mormons had been tampering with the various Indian tribes
of that region, and that he learned from the Arapahoes that they had
been told by the Mormons that they were one people in customs,
laws, and religion, and ought to be more closely united, as the Presi-
dent was sending troops to Utah for the purpose of dispossessing the
Mormons of their lands, and when that was effected it would be an
easy matter to dispossess the several Indian tribes ; and he was further
informed by the Arapahoes that they had also held " talks" with tha
Snake, Crow, Flathead, and Nez Perce tribes.
The agent advises that some one should be sent to all the tribes
along th2 base of the Kocky mountains, to the north and northeast of
Utah, for the purpose of counteracting the probable ill effect of these
evil communications, and proposes to undertake the performance of
the service himself this winter, and estimates that the outfit and
necessary presents to secure the proposed object will not exceed five
thousand dollars.
I agree with the agent as to the expediency of the measure, and
would recommend that he be selected and instructed, at once, to act
in the premises.
I send up herewith a copy of the agent's letter, and would respect-
fully advise that it be brought to the attention of the President.
As the policy of employing Indian volunteers may form the subject
of a future communication from me, I beg leave to direct your atten-
tion to the remark of Mr. Twiss, that " the Arapahoes are true to the
government, and will cheerfully volunteer to accompany the troops to.
Utah, if their services are required."
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. DENVER,
Commissioner*
Hon. J. THOMPSON,
Secretary of the Interior.
No. 35.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,
St. Louis j November 2, 185*7.
SIR : 1 have the honor to enclose, for the consideration of the de-
partment, a letter of 15th September, ultimo, from Agent Twiss, re-
porting that the Mormons have been recently tampering with the
H. Ex. Doc. 71 13
194 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Arapahoes and other tribes, with a view to induce them to join in a
league against the United States, and suggesting the idea of sending
an agent to the tribes scattered along the base of the mountains, for
the purpose of securing their allegiance.
Very respectfully, I am, sir, your obedient servant,
JOHN HAVERTY,
Superintendent Indian Affairs.
Hon. J. W. DENVER,
Commissioner Indian Affairs.
No. 36.
INDIAN AGENCY OF THE UPPER PLATTE,
On Raw Hide Creek., September 15, 1857.
SIR : I have just returned to this post from a visit to the western part
of the agency, undertaken in consequence of reports having reached
me that the Mormons had been tampering with various bands of In-
dians within and bordering upon the western part of this. agency.
The chiefs of the Arapahoe band informed me that the Mormons, who
commenced a settlement of Deer creek, this side of the North Platte
bridge, the circumstances of which I reported to the department in
July last, have held " talks" with them, and stated that the Mor-
mons and the Arapahoes were one people in customs, laivs, and religion,
and ought to be more closely united, as their " Great Father " was
sending troops to Utah to take away the country from the Mormons ;
and when this was accomplished, it would be an easy matter to take
all of the country belonging to the various bands of Indians.
These Mormons represented to the chiefs that they had already held
" talks" with, and engaged, by giving presents, the Snake, Crow,
Flathead, and Nez Perce tribes to join them. They gave no presents
to the Arapahoes, but made large and liberal promises, and concluded
by saying they were planting corn, and would soon have plenty to
give all of the Arapahoes and others who might come to their post.
I have sent runners to the Snake and Crow tribes to meet me in
council at the North Platte bridge in October, and I have no doubt,
by judicious advice and timely admonition, and a few inconsiderable
presents, I may be able to hold them true to their allegiance.
The Arapahoes are true to the government, and will cheerfully
volunteer to accompany the troops to Utah, if their services are re-
quired.
If the department should deem it advisable to send an agent to all
of the tribes along the base of the Eocky mountains to the north and
northeast of Utah, I should be pleased to perform the duty, and make
the journey during the ensuing winter.
I have strong reasons for believing that such an expedition would
result in permanent advantages and good to the government and the
Indian tribes, compared with the expenses, which need not, in outfit
and suitable presents to the chiefs, exceed five thousand dollars.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 195
I request that the subject-matter of this communication may belaid
before the honorable the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
THOMAS S. TWISS,
Indian Agent, Upper Platte.
Colonel GUMMING,
Superintendent Indian Affairs.
No. 37.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
November 9, 1857.
SIR : Your report of the 7th instant, covering copy of a communi-
cation from Agent Twiss, in reference to the attempts of the Mormons
to seduce from their allegiance several of the tribes within his agency,
has been received and considered.
Kegarding it as of great importance, in the present contingency,
that any symptoms of disaffection among the wild tribes in the vicinity
of Fort Laramie should be promptly suppressed, I concur with you in
approving the suggestion of Agent Twiss, that an agent should be
sent to all the tribes along the base of the Rocky mountains to the
north and northeast of Utah ; and it appears to me that Agent Twiss
is the most proper person who could be selected for the performance
of this duty.
You will, therefore, take steps to supply Agent Twiss, at once, with
the means of carrying out his suggestion, and issue to him such in-
structions as you may deem best fitted to secure the object in view.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. THOMPSON, Secretary.
Hon. JAMES W. DENVER,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No. 38.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, November 11, 1857.
SIR : I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2d
instant, transmitting one from Agent Twiss, in which the information
is communicated that the Mormons have been tampering with the
various Indian tribes within and bordering upon the western part of
his agency, especially the Arapahoes.
I have conferred with the Secretary of the Interior, and he agrees
with me as to the propriety of adopting the course advised by the
agent. I have, therefore, to direct that you immediately inform Mr.
Twiss that the measures already taken by him meet with my appro-
196 UTAH EXPEDITION.
bation, and he is instructed to visit, at the earliest possible period,
all of the Indian tribes along the base of the Rocky mountains to the
north and northeast of Utah, mentioned in his letter, or such of them
as may be advisable, and to use such means as to him may seem dis-
creet and proper to obviate the effects of any ill advice which they
may receive from these misguided or badly disposed persons, by con-
vincing them of the folly of doing otherwise than remaining upon
friendly terms with the government, by persuading them of the inter-
est which the government has in their welfare and happiness, and by
exposing the entirely selfish and bad ends which they are invited to
assist in accomplishing, but which can never be carried out.
For discharging this duty, the agent is hereby authorized to draw
upon this office for an amount not exceeding, in any event, five thou-
sand dollars, to be used in defraying his expenses, and the purchase
and transportation of presents intended to conciliate and to inspire
feelings of friendship. And for the expenditure of the amount that
he may draw for, or any part thereof, vouchers must be furnished
where practicable, and where not practicable his certificate upon honor
must be given.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. W. DENVEK, Commissioner.
JOHN HAVERTY, Esq.,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, St. Louis, Missouri.
No. 39.
INDIAN AGENCY OF THE UPPER PLATTE,
On Deer Creek, November 7", 1857.
SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt, on the 1st instant, of a let-
ter from the department, dated July 25, granting me leave of absence,
provided the affairs of the agency would permit.
In consequence of reliable information coming into my possession
as to the fact that the " Mormons" had been holding "talks" with
the Indian chiefs of the Mountain tribes, the plain object of which
was to induce the chiefs to join the " Mormons" in hostilities against
the United States government, I deem it my duty to remain at my
post, in order to watch, and, if possible, detect and baffle any future
efforts or movements that may be made in tampering with the alle-
giance of the Indian tribes.
I am under the belief that a wide-spread conspiracy was set on foot
last spring, and Mormons were sent to all of the Indian tribes as far
north as Washington Territory.
I would respectfully suggest, and urgently press upon the attention
of the department, the advantages, if not the absolute necessity, of
sending a " special agent" to those tribes along the base of the Rocky
mountains reported to have been visited by the Mormons ; and if it
should prove true that such is the fact, that the agent may, by timely
UTAH EXPEDITION 197
admonitions and warnings to the Indian chiefs, hold them true to
their allegiance.
Very respectfully, your ohedient servant,
THOMAS S. TWISS,
Indian Agent, Upper Platte.
Hon. J. W. DENVER,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No. 40.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office Indian Affairs, January 11, 1858.
SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th of
November, saying that, in consequence of the condition of the affairs
of your agency, you will not avail yourself of the conditional leave
of ahsence accorded to you by the department on the 25th of July,
and pressing upon the attention of the department the necessity of
sending a special agent among the tribes residing along the base of
the Kocky mountains to counteract the effect which the Mormons may
have produced upon their allegiance.
For fear that you may not, from any cause, have received directions
in this matter, which Superintendent Haverty was instructed on the
llth of November last to give you, in pursuance of the intelligence
communicated by you as a cautionary measure, I herewith send you a
copy of the letter addressed to him, in which you will find the views
of the department and the part authorized to be taken by you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
CHAELES E. MIX,
Acting Commissioner.
THOMAS S. TWISS, Esq., Agent,
Indian Agency of the Upper Platte, Deer Creek,
Fort Laramie Post Office.
No. 41.
ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, February 2, 1858.
MY DEAR SIR : The Sioux and Chippewa Indians have had intimation
that they would be soon ordered to " Washington;" in fact, that the order
was under way ; but as yet nothing has been received. Pardon me if I
say that I hope the Indian department will not change their inten-
tions on that subject ; for, believe me, the effect will be a bad one, espe-
cially on the Sioux, who look to the matter as fixed about their being
ordered in, and more certainly as they have deprived their families of
money to enable them to do so, and would look upon it as a wish, on
the part of the government, to keep them in the dark about their
affairs. You have learned enough about Indians to understand how
they reason, and there is no doubt had we had any other of their old
198 UTAH EXPEDITION.
agents or superintendents at the head of affairs here last summer, except
yourself, the fortunes of Minnesota would have heen in a pretty position.
Do, then, insist upon their coming in — it is necessary, helieve me.
"Mormon" tobacco has heen sent from tribe to tribe till it reached
the Teeton Sioux, and from band to baud to the hands of our Sisseton
and Wah-pay-ton and "Crow" was sent for to Yellow Medicine, and
offered to him to smoke. Of course, he declined, as well as the Sisse-
tons and Wah-pay-tons, who also refused. This may be an Indian
story, but it comes very straight to me, and at least shows the discon-
tented feelings that exist. This report I heard before the news reached
here of the visit of the " Shayienes" to Salt Lake City. The policy
of showing the strength of the United States to our border Indians is
a good one, depend on it. Excuse the liberty I take, but the many acts
of kindness I have received from you instigate me to write to you freely.
Mr. Sears tells me you will have me ordered to Washington about this
Fort Snelling case; I am posted on that question. With many
thanks for that consideration , as well as many others already received,
I remain, sir, your obedient servant and friend,
WM. HENRY FORBES.
Major W. J. CULLEN,
Superintendent Northern Superintendence/, at Washington City.
No. 42.
HEADQUARTERS OF ARMY, FOR U. T.
Camp Scott, Green River County, December 143 185*7.
DEAR SIR : In compliance with a regulation of your department,
making it the duty of superintendents to report annually, I submit the
following report :
Having been in the Territory of Utah but a few weeks, I have conse-
quently but little to report. I arrived at this camp the latter part of
last month, and was informed by Colonel Johnston, the commanding
officer, that the army would go into winter quarters at this place. All
the civil officers are stopping here, and I am obliged to do the same.
I have been busily engaged in erecting a cabin in some degree suita-
ble for an office and dwelling, and will have it finished in a few days
"Little Soldier," chief ot the small tribe of Sho-sho-ne Indians, vis-
ited me last Tuesday, and remained in camp two days. This chief had
with him several of his men, and also an Indian named Ben Simons,
formerly of the Delaware tribe, but for the last twenty years a trader
among the Indians of this Territory. Ben speaks most of the lan-
guages of this region, and English sufficiently well to answer for an
interpreter.
"Little Soldier's" tribe is at present encamped in Weber Valley, on
the road- leading from this camp to Salt Lake, consequently in close
proximity to the Mormons, and in a position to render essential service
to the Mormons, should they be so disposed Little Soldier assured
me, however, that they have always kept aloof from Mormon delusions,
and maintained strict integrity towards the United States and
any of her citizens, who have travelled through his country. I have
UTAH EXPEDITION 199
satisfied myself that they have not deceived me ; inasmuch as this
trihe have not acceded to the wishes of the Mormons, and as an in-
ducement for a continuance of friendship, I have given them some pres-
ents, for which they were very thankful and much pleased.
I herewith transmit to you the report of agent Dr. Hurt. I have
examined the report carefully, and have talked with men of unques-
tionable integrity who have seen the Indian farms, and, so far as I
have been able to investigate the matter, justice compels me to bear
favorable testimony to the policy of Dr. * Hurt, in introducing agri-
culture among these tribes. Dr Hurt has undoubtedly given his entire
time and energies to improve the condition of the tribes in his neigh-
borhood, and has, by his devotion to their interests, endeared himself
much to them, and also stimulated other tribes, who have come many
miles to visit these farms, and are asking instructions. Dr, Hurt has
accomplished all this without any assistance from those around him,
but in many instances had to encounter obstacles thrown in his way.
For reasons for which Dr. Hurt abandoned the farms, I refer you to
his letter to Colonel Johnston.
Permanently locating the Indian tribes of this Territory, and the in-
troduction among them of agricultural and mechanical pursuits, shall
be my chief aim.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. FORNEY,
Sup't of Indian Affairs, U. T.
General J. W. DENVER,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
No. 43.
FORT BRIDGER, UTAH, December 4, 1857.
SIR : In submitting an annual report of the condition of Indian
affairs in Utah, it will be presumed that my observations have been
limited to some particular tribe or tribes, or to certain geographical
boundaries, as others have been engaged in the service in this Terri-
tory besides myself ; but the peculiar method of conducting the ser-
vice in this superintendency may justify a more general view of the
subject.
So far as personal observations enable me to speak, there is less
discontent, less destitution, and a greater disposition to good order
than I have known since the commencement of my official service in
the Territory.
These observations, however, do not extend to those distant bands
in the western and extreme southern portions of the Territory, conse-
quently I can say nothing in regard to them upon better authority
than that of rumor. It is currently reported here that the Snake
Diggers, of the Humboldt and Goose creek countries, have spent the
season, as usual,, in murdering and robbing the emigrant trains en
route to California and Oregon.
200 UTAH EXPEDITION.
In my report of September, 1856, having spent a great portion of
the spring and summer seasons among them, I was enabled to treat
more at length of the character, condition, and state of feeling of the
various tribes of these very degraded people, to which I must refer
you for particulars, as I presume their leading characteristics have
not materially changed since that time.
My attention during the season has been directed more particularly
to the different bands of the Utahs and Snakes proper ; especially the
former, with whom I have lived almost exclusively since the 1st of
January last, and devoted myself diligently in trying to induce them
to cultivate the soil, and in endeavoring to instil into their benighted
minds a knowledge of the arts of peace.
With what degree of success these efforts have been attended, it is,
perhaps, impossible for me to speak at present. If in any permanent
degree their wandering feet have been diverted from the paths of those
natural or inborn national views which point with so much certainty
to their final extermination, it is to the future that we must look for
its development. With a majority of the wild tribes it is useless to
expect anything like a permanent change in the present generation,
To the future, then, we must turn our anxious thoughts, and realize
in anticipation the rewards of the toilings and care of the philanthro-
pist. In the spring of 1856 I established there Indian settlements for
the benefit of those bands of the Utah and Pah Vante Indians who
claim the lands now occupied by the white settlements. At each of
those localities I have erected buildings suitable for the accommoda-
tion of a few white laborers, and for the storing of the crops, farming
implements, &c., and assisted the chiefs and principal men in build-
ing suitable huts for themselves and families.
During the present ^year a small band of very degraded Utahs,
known as the Sanfritches, have been located on the headwaters of
Sanfritch creek, as also a small band of Utahs and Pintes, under a
chief named Amrnon, on Beaver creek, in Beaver county ; the latter,
however, with but little trouble or expense, except to supply the chief
with a yoke of cattle to plough his land with.
For an estimate of the number of acres had under cultivation at each
of these settlements this season, I must refer to iny letter of the 30th
June, to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, a copy of which is here-
with transmitted.
No further improvements have been made since that time, and only
so much white labor has been employed as appeared indispensable to
assist the natives in maturing and harvesting their abundant crops,
an estimate of which is also transmitted herewith, together with a list
of the property at each of these settlements, with an estimate of the
value of the same.
The amount of grain, vegetables, and forage produced at these set-
tlements this season is deemed amply sufficient, not only to supply
the wants of those bands who have made permanent abodes thereon,
but also to furnish the means of subsistence temporarily for the more
populous bands outside of the white settlements, who are occasionally
reduced to the most extreme state of destitution, and whose annual
visits among the white inhabitants have hitherto been a source of great
UTAH EXPEDITION. 201
trouble and expense. One of these pilgrimages was made into Utah
county this season by those bands of the Utahs who claim the exten-
sive country east of the Wah-satch mountains as their homes.
Those starving creatures had evidently two objects in their visit :
first, to search for food ; second, to see if all they had heard of their
brethren in the valley having gone to work and had plenty to eat were
true ; and though they appeared agreeably surprised to witness with
their own eyes, at least in part, the truth of what they had heard,
their visit was not by any means a pleasant one to myself; for it not
only retarded the progress of our work by the renewal of vicious and
ill practices among the boys about the farms, but by their constant
and pressing importunities for the means of subsistence, with which
it was almost entirely impossible for me to supply them, as I had
already exhausted the appropriation for the fiscal year.
It is due, however, to the Mormon community to admit that these
wants were greatly mitigated by the liberal contributions of flour and
other articles of food, made under the directions of their Indian mis-
sionary enterprise, whose agents were unusually active during the
past season.
The plan of operating under this missionary system is quite peculiar
to Mormonism ; and perhaps the most objectionable feature in it is
their inordinate desire to court the favor and alliance of the natives
to the exclusion and prejudice of all other communities ; and yielding
too far to this disposition, not only tempt themselves with a violation
of the laws of the country, but actually tempt the Indians to take
advantage of their position, which they seem well to understand and
appreciate, and tax them with a thousand annoyances that might oth-
erwise be obviated. At one time during the season I was inclined to
think that, with a little improvement, this system would be quite suffi-
cient to subsist the Indians without the necessity of any exertions on
their part whatever. Unfortunately, these people have views peculiar
to themselves, and interests separate and distinct from all other com-
munities, and which are paramount to all other considerations, even
the laws of the country not excepted; and these missionaries have
objects to accomplish, for which they labor continually, regardless of
costs, how far soever they may fail of their attainment.
In confirmation of these assertions, a mass of testimony might be
adduced, but would, perhaps, be superfluous at present. The tone of
the accompanying letter, however, by one of those missionaries is not
without some significance upon this point. Brigham Young has fre-
quently boasted of his power and influence among the Indians, and
the daring position that he now openly assumes towards the govern-
ment and the people of the United States renders argument unneces-
sary to show the bearing of that influence.
Many persons who have passed to and from California through
Utah will, no doubt, remember the words of caution which the Mor-
mon people volunteer to offer them, after partly inquiring what route
they expect to take. " Look out, the Indians are very bad on that
road." Again, " If you ain't careful, the Indians will clean you all
out before you get through/'
There is a degree of significance in such expressions which I shall
202 UTAH EXPEDITION.
endeavor to illustrate by the insertion of a few incidents worthy of
more public notoriety.
About the 3d of February last, two gentlemen, John Peltro and
John Tobin, reached the Indian farm on Spanish fork, in company
with several other persons en route for California.
Mr. Tobin had recently apostatized from the church, and was leaving
behind a young wife. They had not left the farm till two other per-
sons, (Brigham Young, jr., son of his excellency, and a young man
named Taylor,) overtook them, and all remained over night at my
house, and all saddled their horses to leave at the same time the next
morning. Mr. Peltro and his party, however, started first, but in a
familiar tone asked Young and Taylor if they were going the same
road. I heard Young say in a low voice, " we will overtake you soon
enough."
Soon after these parties left, it was a common talk among the people
that the Indians were very hostile on the southern road ; and as if to
forestall the facts, it was rumored, before Mr. Peltro and his party had
time to reach the southern settlements, that they had all been killed
by the Indians.
On the 7th day of March it was reported by the mail carrier that
they had been attacked, some time in the latter part of February, on the
Bio Santa Clara, by a band of the Piede Indians, who fired upon them
in the night while asleep, and robbed them of their property. Tobin
was severely wounded in the face, a ball entering his cheek and pass-
ing out under the ear on the opposite side. Two others of the party
were also wounded, but not so seriously. It is also reported by the
mail party that their blankets were literally covered with navy-sized
pistol balls, and the Utah Indians are bold in asserting that "the
Piedes had nothing to do with it," and this opinion is also entertained
by many white persons in the valley who dare not speak out.
On the 10th day of September last, George W. Hancock, a merchant
in the town of Payson, came to the Indian settlement to look at some
fat cattle that I proposed selling, and, in course of conversation, said
he had learned that the California emigrants on the southern route
had got themselves into a very serious difficulty with the Piedes, who
had given them to understand that they could not pass through their
country, and on attempting to disregard this injunction, found them-
selves surrounded by the Indians and compelled to seek shelter behind
their wagons. He said he had learned these facts from an express-
man who passed his house that morning with a message from the
Indians to President Young, inquiring of him what they must do with
the Americans. The expressman had been allowed one hundred con-
secutive hours in which to perform the trip of nearly three hundred
miles., and return, which Mr. H. felt confident he would do.
On the day following, one of the Utah Indians, who had been absent
for some days, gathering pine nuts, west of theSevier lake, returned,
and said that the Mormons had killed all the emigrants. He said he
learned this news from a band of the Piedes, but could not tell where
the fight occurred, or how many had been killed. One of the Utahs,
named Spoods, came to the farm on the morning of the 14th, having
travelled all night, and also confirmed the report of the difficulty
UTAH EXPEDITION. 203
between the emigrants and the Piedes, but stated that when his
brother Amman (chief, who lives in the Piede country) went to Iron
country to persuade the Piedes to leave the road, the bishop told him
that he had no business with the Piedes, and had better leave, where-
upon an altercation arose between the bishop and the chief.
Spoods thought that the Piedes had been set upon the emigrants by
the Mormons.
It soon began to be talked among the employes at the farm that all
the emigrants on the southern road had been killed by the Piede
Indians, and the report was confirmed by several other persons who
visited the farm ; but the Indians insisted that Mormons, and not
Indians, had killed the Americans.
This affair had become so much the subject of conversation that on
the 17th I started an Indian boy, named Pete, who speaks the English
language quite fluently, with instructions to proceed to Sioux county,
on a secret route, and learn from the Piedes, if possible, and also from
the Utahs, what the nature of the difficulty was, and who were the
instigators of it. He returned on the 23d, and reported that he only
went to Ainmon's village, in Beaver county, where he met a large
band of the Piedes, who had just returned from Sioux county. They
acknowledged having participated in the massacre of the emigrants,
but said that the Mormons persuaded them into it. They said that
about ten or eleven sleeps ago John D. Lee came to their village and
told them that Americans were very bad people, and always made a
rule to kill Indians whenever they had a chance. He said, also, that
they had often killed the Mormons, who were friends to the Indians.
He then prevailed on them to attack the emigrants, who were then
passing through the country, (about one hundred in number,) and
promised them that if they were not strong enough to whip them, the
Mormons would help them. The Piedes made the attack, but were
repulsed on three different occasions, when Lee and the bishop of
Cedar city, with a number of Mormons, approached the camp of the
emigrants under pretext of trying to settle the difficulty, and with
lying, seductive overtures, succeeded in inducing the emigrants to
lay down their weapons of defence and admit them and their savage
allies inside of their breastworks, when the work of destruction began,
and, in the language of the unsophisticated boy, they cut all of their
throats but afeiu that started to run off, and the Piedes shot them. He
also stated that there were some fifteen or sixteen small children that
were not killed, and were in charge of the bishop. Lee and the bishop
took all the stock, (over a thousand head,) as also a large amount of
money. The Mormon version of this affair is, that the Piedes went
to the emigrant camp and asked for meat, and they gave them beef
with strychnine upon it ; and when Brighain learned this fact, he sent
word back to them '• to do with the Americans as they thought, proper."
But I have not yet been able to learn that this strychnine had killed
any of the Indians, or even made them sick. A report also reached
the Indian farm on Spanish fork, about the 15th of September, that
the Snake Indians, under a chief named Little Soldier, had attacked
an emigrant named Squires, from Missouri, who was camped near
Ogden, and driven off all his cattle, (over four hundred,) together
204 UTAH EXPEDITION.
with all the mules and horses belonging to him. But the Utahs made
no hesitation in asserting that the Mormons took the stock themselves,
and that they had learned all about it from some Gosh-Utes, who live
in Rush valley. In confirmation of the truth of this report of the
Utahs, I learned a few days ago from Ben Simon, a Delaware Indian,
who lives with the Snakes in Weber valley, that some time in the
early part of September Dimie B. Huntingdon (interpreter for Brig-
ham Young) and Bishop West, of Ogden, came to the Snake village,
and told the Indians that Brigham wanted them to run off the emi-
grants' cattle, and if they would do so they might have them as their
own. Simon says the Snake chief consulted him about the propriety
of undertaking the theft, and he advised them to have nothing to do
with the cattle, which course they concluded to adopt ; but Hunting-
ton and West insisted on their taking the stock, whereupon the chiefs
told them that they did not want it, and if the Mormons wanted it
let them go and get it themselves, and so the interview ended.
Simon thinks that if any of the Indians had anything to do with it,
they were hired by the Mormons, and says he knows that the Mormons
got the stock.
It may be objected by the incredulous that these charges are too
vague and uncertain, and deficient in point of names and dates ; in
answer to which I would say that the commission of these crimes
needs no proof, their existence being generally admitted. The only
questions to be determined are, Who instigated them ? and whose
testimony is deserving the most credit, the Mormons' or the Indians' ?
And under existing circumstances I am free to say that I prefer yield-
ing my credulence to the more unsophisticated. I have frequently
been told by the chiefs of the Utahs that Brigham Young was trying
to bribe them to join in rebellion against the United States by offering
them guns, ammunition, and blankets, on conditions that they would
assist him in opposing the advance of the United States troops into
the Territory ; and he has not only made these overtures by his
agents, but has at sundry times made them in person. How far he
may have succeeded in his plots of treason at the expense of the gov-
ernment may not as yet be fully known and understood ; but one
thing is certain, that the more powerful tribes of the Utahs and Snakes
have so far resisted all the allurements that have been offered them,
and kept themselves untrammelled by this unholy alliance ; and I am
proud to say that they manifest no inclination whatever to participate
in it.
And this fact has, no doubt, been a source of disappointment to this
ex-qfficio superintendent of Indian affairs, as he persists in styling him-
self, and invoked upon my head a series of persecutions, which ran so
high at one time that the destruction of the Indian settlement on the
Spanish fork (as I am credibly informed) was actually resolved upon ;
and nothing perhaps but the fear of open hostilities with the Indians
prevented them from executing their resolution.
Believing that I had maintained my position among them for the
last three or four months under circumstances ot the most extreme
hazard to my life, I determined, on the twenty-seventh clay of Septem-
ber last, to try to make my escape, and seek protection with the army,
UTAH EXPEDITION. 205
then en route for Utah ; and for an account of the particulars of that
event I must refer to my letter of the 24th October to Colonel A. S.
Johnston, a copy of which is also transmitted herewith.
The policy which I deemed advisable to pursue with the Indians in
this Territory, so far as they have been placed under my control, has
incurred heavier disbursements than the appropriations by Congress
would enable the Commissioner to liquidate, and consequently exposed
myself to the reproach of being regarded as an injudicious public officer,
and unworthy of the public trust. But of this I have no disposition,
at present, to complain, as I have ever admired the tenacity with which
the administrators of the government adhere to rules of economy in
disposing of the national treasure. Neither have I any particular
desire to assume responsibilities ; but the conviction that the service
demanded my utmost exertions impressed itself upon my mind with a
force too powerful for me to resist. Consequently, I have maintained
this policy under circumstances of the most extreme adversity, and,
more recently,, of clanger to my life. Yet I am gratified to say that I
now realize all that I could reasonably have anticipated ; and in the
midst of rebellion and treason, on the part of the white population of
Utah, I am able to present the major portion of the poor natives with
hands unspotted and uncontaminated by this cursed evil.
Having realized in this fact the consummation of my fondest hopes-
and only aim,, I would respectfully say, in conclusion, that I have,
personally, no further inclination to impose my services upon the
country.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
GARLAND HURT,
Indian Agent, Utah.
Hon. JACOB FORNEY,
Superintendent.
No. 44.
CAMP ON SWEET WATER,
October 24, 1857.
SIR : Having recently fled from the Indian settlement on Spanish
fork, in the Territory of Utah, somewhat precipitately, and reached
this place on yesterday, after wandering for twenty-seven days through
mountains and deseits, in company with the Utah Indians, I venture
to trouble you with a brief statement of the circumstances which in-
duced me to abandon the agency and entrust my life to the care and
protection of the savages.
For some time previous to my departure it had been the settled
opinion of the people of Utah that the troops could not get further
than Green river this season, consequently I reasonably concluded
that the territorial officers would not venture to cross the mountains
before spring ; and under the embarrassed condition in which the
detention of the mails, and the very unsettled state of governmental
206 UTAH EXPEDITION.
relations with Utah had placed me, I deemed it important to seek an
interview with them before winter set in. And as I had been pre-
viously advised that no person would be allowed to leave the Terri-
tory or cross the mountains without the humiliating ceremony of
applying to Brigham Young for a passport, the alternative of organi-
zing an Indian escort suggested itself to my mind, the first conception
of which grew out of the deep concern these untutored creatures had
for my safety ; and I was the more inclined to avail myself of this
suggestion from the fact that several of the chiefs of the Uinta coun-
try were then on a visit at the farm, soliciting me to accompany them
to that valley for the purpose of inspecting the adaptation of its
climate and soil for the cultivation of grain, as they had become
much pleased with the course of policy we were pursuing with the
Indians in Utah county.
On the morning of the 27th ultimo, while I was yet discussing the
propriety of this resolution in my mind, some half dozen of the na-
tives rushed into my office room, exclaiming, "Friend! friend! the
Mormons will kill you !" and pointed to the window on the eastern
side of the house. On looking out, to my surprise, I saw seventy-five
or one hundred armed dragoons stationed in the road about a mile
from the house ; and as I did not manifest quite as much concern as
the Indians thought the occasion justified, they gathered hold of me
and gave me to understand that they would not let me stay any
longer. I commenced arranging my official papers so as to be able to
remove them instantly if necessary, for I did not understand what it
all meant. In a few seconds another Indian came in to inform me
that the Spanish fork canon was full of Mormons armed with guns
and pistols, and said they were going to kill me ; and he had scarcely
time to tell his story when another came in great haste and said that
a Mormon squaw, at Springville, had told him to run and tell me
that the Mormons were going to kill me. He also reported a large
body of armed men on the road between Springville and the Indian
farm. It was also reported by another Indian that the Mormons at
Payson (the town on the south) were all in arms, (although it was
the Sabbath.)
The Indians would not quit my room, but began to gather up my
bedding and wearing apparel, when my interpreter came into the
room in an apparent state of excitement, and exclaimed: " Doctor,
you're gone in !"
I asked what it all meant. He said it was understood all over the
country that I was about leaving with the Indians, and handed me a
note from Mr. Butler, bishop of the Spanish fork settlement, stating
that he had learned from various sources that I intended going out
with the Indians, in violation of the martial laiu now in force. He
felt it his duty to inform me that I could not leave, that they were
resolved to enforce the law at all hazards.
I regret having mislaid this letter, but the above is its purport,
which revealed to me the meaning of so much military array.
To think that an officer of the government should be thus menaced
while in the peaceful discharge of his official duties, could not fail to
excite in the bosom of any one possessed of a spark of patriotism
UTAH EXPEDITION. 207
feelings of the most indignant scorn. To be detained by force, and used
as a tool in a most treasonable opposition to the laws of the country,
as occasion might require, or to fall a victim to that brutal revenge
which seeks gratification only in the sacrifice of life, was too humili-
ating to contemplate for a moment. I determined to extricate myself
from the dilemma, or die in the attempt, and turned to ask some one
to bring my horse; but when I reached the door I found that the
chief's son, (a sprightly boy,) had already performed that service,
and while he was saddling him, I gathered my papers and wearing
clothes, threw them into some meal sacks, and pitched them out of
doors to the Indians, who all appeared eager to assist me in my
escape. In the presence of an armed populace, I set out in company
with three Indian youths, whose names are Peto, Sam and Showers-
hockets. Mr. Joseph P. Walters, of Salt Lake City, also accom-
panied me.
Instead of going east, as our enemies expected, we took a western
course; but when it was discovered that we intended reaching the
mountains by a circuitous route, some half dozen persons on horseback
came out from the town of Payson to tap our course just ahead of us.
We wheeled short to the right, but just in our front lay a small
stream so deep and miry that stock were not in the habit of crossing
it. I urged my horse, and he attempted to clear it at a single bound,
but, failing to reach the opposite bank with his hind feet, fell back
into water and mud over the top of his hips. I lit upon the bank over
his head, arid by pulling at the reins assisted him in extricating him-
self, which he did after several desperate struggles. My comrades
sallied down stream a little and had better success. Our pursuers
were by this time within three or four hundred yards of us. I
remounted in haste and soon found, to my great satisfaction, that the
stamina of the noble animal had not been much exhausted, and, though I
lost my spur in the struggle, that I could easily dispense with its service.
At the distance of about two miles we reached the base of a low
mountain ranging north and south, but were doubting the propriety
of pursuing a western course, as our friends behind were not aware of
this change of the programme ; but just at this time a despatch was
brought us by two boys from the old chief, telling us to be sure and
return to the farm that night. We reached the summit as the sun
was about setting, and made a feint. Instead of continuing west, we
only descended far enough below the summit to hide ourselves, and
turned north, and continued this course for two or three miles; when
we thought our pursuers were about gaming the summit, we turned
again upon the eastern side of the slope, and dropped into a little
hollow, where we waited for the daylight to disappear. This com-
pletely foiled our enemies, for. the ground was so hard and stony
that they could not discover our tracks ; and as the half-grown moon
began to shed her silver rays upon the mountain slope, we remounted
and bounded over the prairie towards the point from whence we had set
out. We reached the farm at about 8 p. m., and found about one
hundred of our red friends anxiously awaiting our return, and who
manifested great joy at our arrival. My first inquiry was, where the
Mormons were? when twenty voices shouted " cotch carry Mormon,"
(not here Mormon.)
208 UTAH EXPEDITION.
I had left some forty-five head of horses and mules, and was about
inquiring for them, when I discovered that they were upon the back
of the most of them. They then related how they had sallied out
during the day and driven the enemy out of the canon, with threats of
what course they should pursue in the event that I and my comrades
were murdered. Taking some bread and meat that we found in the
cellar, we made our escape up the Spanish fork in the direction of the
Uinta country, and before ten o'clock the next day had placed our-
selves quite beyond the reach of our enemies, and had passed, in the
meantime, no less than three hundred Indians, the most of whom had
left the farm the day before and were halting on the way to learn
more fully the fate of the American, as they called me ; and before
sunset all my papers, clothes, &c., were returned to my possession.
From that time hence I have been entirely dependent upon these
poor, untutored children of nature for life and subsistence. I have
shared a liberal portion of their meagre hospitalities and crude sym-
pathies in my bereavements ; and though they were evidently con-
scious that they were unable to treat me as I had been accustomed,
they have manifested a devotion to my person and a regard for my
safety far in advance of their present knowledge of Christian civ-
ilization.
When we left the Indian settlement the season was mild and salu-
brious, but as early as the 9th instant we encountered a severe snow-
storm, which pelted without mercy the naked skins of my shivering
escorts ; also, on the 12th and 18th, in crossing the Green Kiver
mountains, we waded through snow knee deep, subjecting my party
to the utmost degree of privation and suffering, yet, throughout, their
ttachment was unremitting, and they would often, when around
their camp fires, assure me that if any attempt was made to take
my life, they would die in my defence. The weather is now becoming
intensely cold, and even as early as the 16th winter had set in with
unusual severity ; while, in the meantime,, we became short of provi-
sions, and were compelled to submit to the most extreme suffering
from hunger during the last two days of our journey, yet, through all
these privations, I had the satisfaction to be frequently assured that
my companions would feel themselves amply rewarded if they could
only be the. means of restoring me to the bosom of my friends, and
relieving me from that danger to which they had so often warned me
that my life was exposed.
I feel it a duty which I owe to the Utahs to make a fair and candid
exposition of these facts ; for I doubt if ever an agent of the govern-
ment in the Indian service witnessed similar attachment for his
person, or more loyalty to those laws and regulations which have
been instituted for their government, than has been manifested on this
occasion.
The absence of any one in charge of this superintendency, I trust,
will be a sufficient apology for thus obtruding these facts upon your
notice.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
OAKLAND HURT,
Indian Agent.
Col. A. S. JOHNSTON, U. S. A.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 209
No. 45.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Oct. 7, 1857.
SIR : I improve the opportunity by first succeeding mail via Panama,
to inform you that I forward my report and accompanying papers for
the quarter ending September, J 857, by the hands of the Hon. J. M.
Bernhisel, our delegate to Congress, who accepted a very courteous
invitation from Captain Van Vliet, U. S. A., to cross the plains with
him, en route to Washington ; and, notwithstanding the quarter was
not quite ended, I deemed that course all the more proper from the
fact that the mail to this Territory from Independence, Missouri, had
been stopped by the Post Office Department, and it was not known
how soon the mail from California might also be stopped.
I have also the honor to inform you that Dr. Garland Hurt, a United
States Indian agent in this superintendency, saw fit to leave the field
of his official duty on the 26th of September last, in company with
some Indians, whom it is said he had hired to escort him to the United
States troops, and without having made any report to rne of his wishes
and designs, or of the disposition he had made of the affairs of his
agency.
Such an occasionless and unwise movement on his part, altogether
needlessly exposing himself to sickness, hardship, and danger, I did all
in my power, upon the earliest intimation of his plans, to prevent, as
will he seen by a letter addressed to him, (a copy of which I enclose,)
but which, unfortunately, did not reach his place of residence until a
few hours after his departure.
Trusting that my official course, as above indicated, will meet the
cordial approval of your judgment, I have the honor to be, very
respectfully,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor, and ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs, U. T.
Hon. JAS. W. DENVER,
Commissioner of Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C.
No. 46.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Great Salt Lake City, U. T., Sept. 26, 1857.
SIR : I am informed that you purpose going to the States by some
unfrequented route, and in company with certain Indians as pilots
and travelling companions. Such a course is very unsafe and highly
improper in an officer of our government. I therefore respectfully
advise you, when you are ready to start upon your journey to the
east, to call upon me at my office in Great Salt Lake City, and I
hereby pledge you sufficient escort and a comfortable carriage for your
speedy and safe transportation to the protection of the United States
troops en route for this Territory.
H. Ex. Doc. 71 14
210 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Trusting that this advice will meet with cheerful compliance on
your part, I am,
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor, and ex-qfficio Sup't of Indian Affairs.
Dr. GARLAND HURT,
U. 8. Indian Agent for Territory of Utah.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AGENCY, U. T.,
City of ProvOj December 1, 1857.
SIR : I received a letter from Governor Brigham Young, who still
officiates as superintendent of Indian [affairs (the newly appointed
superintendent not having arrived,) dated 16th of October last, in-
structing me to operate in the affairs of the agency of Major Garland
Hurt, who has seen proper, for reasons with which I am not acquaint-
ed, to leave this Territory. I have complied with the instructions of
the superintendent, and on the 17th day of October last, entered upon
the duties of his agency in connexion with those of my own ; and as
the affairs of his agency are in a somewhat embarrassed condition, H
will require some time to make out a correct report of the condition
of his affairs on the different reservations at Spanish fork, Corn
creek, and north and south San Pete ; but as soon as circumstances
will admit, I will forward a report of the condition of the agency, as
far as I shall be able to collect them accurately. I have deemed it
prudent to forward a copy of the superintendent's letter, for the use
of the department.
I have the honor to be, most respectfully, yo^rob't serv't,
GEO. W. ARMSTRONG,
Indian Agent.
Hon JACOB THOMPSON,
Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
OFFICE SUPERINTENDENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS,
Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Oct. 16, 1857.
SIR : Since Dr. Garland Hurt, late United States Indian agent,
has seen proper to abandon his agency in this Territory, you are
hereby instructed to operate in the affairs of his late agency, to carry
on or to wind up the affairs thereof, to the best interests of the In-
dians, the government, and all parties concerned.
I would recommend that Bishop John L. Butler, at Spanish fork,
Bishop Warren S. Snow, at Maute, Bishop Lewis Brunson, at Fill-
more, and Bishop Farnsworth, at Beaver, be requested by you to aid
you in carrying out this instruction in their several localities.
All is peace and good news from the east.
BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor, and Superintendent of Indian Affairs.
GEORGE W. ARMSTRONG,
U. S. Indian Agent.
UTAH EXPEDITION. 211
P. S. — By reference to the books of Major Hurt, I find that the in-
dividuals mentioned in the superintendent's letter are generally those
that were in his employ at the time he left the Territory.
Respectfully, &c.,
GEORGE W. ARMSTRONG,
Indian Agent.
The foregoing letters, marked 47 and 48, were received by the
Secretary of the Interior on February 16, 1858, and referred to the
Commissioner of Indian Affairs on February 19, 1858.
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE,
February 24, 1858.
SIR : In reply to so much of the resolution of the House of Repre-
sentatives, of the 27th ult., referred by you to this office, calling for
" information which gave rise to the military expeditions to Utah
Territory," &c., I have the honor to transmit herewith :
1. The letter of resignation of W. W. Drummond, associate justice
of supreme court of Utah Territory.
| i 2. The letter of Curtis Bolton, deputy clerk of the supreme court
of Utah Territory, in reply to allegations contained in W. W. Drum-
mond's letter of resignation ; the above being all the correspondence
on the files of this office relating to the subject.
I am, very respectfully,
J. S. BLACK.
The PRESIDENT.
NEW ORLEANS, LA, April 2, 1857.
DEAR SIR : When I started for my home in Illinois, I designed
reaching Washington before the executive session adjourned, but
could not accomplish the long and tedious journey in time ; thence I
concluded to come this way, and go up the Mississippi river to
Chicago.
You will see that I have made bold charges against -the Mormons,
which I think I can prove beyond doubt. You will see by the con-
tents of the enclosed paper, wherein is inserted my resignation, some
of the reasons that induced me to resign. I now refer you to Hon.
D. W. Burr, surveyor general of Utah Territory, Hon. Garland
Hurt, Indian agent ; also C. L. Craig, esq., D. L. Thompson, esq.,
John M. Hockaday, esq., John Kerr, esq., Gentiles of Great Salt
Lake City, for proof of the manner in which they have been insulted
and abused by the leading Mormons for two years past. I shall see
you soon on the subject.
In haste, yours truly,
W. W. DRUMMOND.
HON. JEREMIAH S. BLACK, Attorney General, dc.
212 UTAH EXPEDITION.
Resignation of Judge Drummond.
MARCH 36, 1857.
MY DEAR SIR : As I have concluded to resign the office of justice
of the supreme court of the Territory of Utah, which position I ac-
cepted in A. A., 1854, under the administration of President Pierce,
I deem it due to the public to give some of the reasons why I do so.
In the first place, Brigham Young, the governor of Utah Territory,
is the acknowledged head of the " Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints/' commonly called " Mormons ;" and, as such head, the
Mormons look to him, and to Mm alone, for the law by which they are
to be governed : therefore no law of Congress is by them considered
binding in any manner.
Secondly. I know that there is a secret oath-bound organization
among all the male members of the church to resist the laws of the
country, and to acknowledge no law save the law of the " Holy Priest-
hood," which comes to the people through Brigham Young direct
from God ; he, Young, being the vicegerent of God and Prophet, viz :
successor of Joseph Smith, who was the founder of this blind and
treasonable organization.
Thirdly. I am fully aware that there is a set of men, set apart by
special order of the Church, to take both the lives and property of per-
sons who may question the authority of the Church ; the names of
whom I will promptly make known at a future time.
Fourthly. That the records, papers, &c., of the supreme court have
been destroyed by order of the Church, with the direct knowledge and
approbation of Governor B. Young, and the federal officers grossly
insulted for presuming to raise a single question about the treasonable act.
Fifthly. That the federal officers of the Territory are constantly in-
sulted, harrassed, and annoyed by the Mormons, and for these insults
there is no redress.
Sixthly. That the federal officers are daily compelled to hear the
form of the American government traduced, the chief executives of
the nation, both living and dead, slandered and abused from the masses,
as well as from all the leading members of the Church, in the most vul-
gar, loathsome, and wicked manner that the evil passions of men can
possibly conceive.
Again : That after Moroni Green had been convicted in the district
court before my colleage, Judge Kinney, of an assault with intent to
commit murder, and afterwards, on appeal to the supreme court, the
judgment being affirmed and the said Green being sentenced to the
penitentiary, Brigham Young gave a full pardon to the said Green be-
fore he reached the penitentiary ; also, that the said Governor Young
pardoned a man by the name of Baker, who had been tried and sen-
tenced to ten years' imprisonment in the penitentiary, for the murder
of a dumb boy by the name of White House, the proof showing one
of the most aggravated cases of murder that I ever knew being tried ;
and to insult the court and government officers, this man Young took
this pardoned criminal with him, in proper person, to church on the
next Sabbath after his conviction ; Baker, in the meantime, having
received a full pardon from Governor Brigham Young. These tvvo men
were Mormons. On the other hand, I charge the Mormons, and Governor
UTAH EXPEDITION. 213
Young in particular, with imprisoning five or six young men from
Missouri and Iowa, who are now in the penitentiary of Utah, without
those men having violated any criminal law in America. But they
were anti-Mormons — poor, uneducated young men en route for Cali-
fornia ; but because they emigrated from Illinois, Iowa, or Missouri,
and passed by Great Salt Lake City, they were indicted by a probate
court, and most brutally and inhumanly dealt with, in addition to
being summarily incarcerated in the saintly prison of the Territory of
Utah. I also charge Governor Young with constantly interfering
with the federal courts, directing the grand jury whom to indict and
whom not ; and after the judges charge the grand juries as to their
duties, that this man Young invariably has some member of the
grand jury advised in advance as to his will in relation to their
labors, and that his charge thus given is the only charge known, obeyed,
or received by all the grand juries of the federal courts of Utah Ter-
ritory.
Again, sir, after a careful and mature investigation, I have been
compelled to come to the conclusion, heart-rending and sickening as
it may be, that Captain John W. Gunnison, and his party of eight
others, were murdered by the Indians in 1853, under the orders, ad-
vice, and direction of the Mormons ; that my illustrious and distin-
guished predecessor, Hon. Leonidas Shaw, came to his death by
drinking poisoned liquors, given to him under the order of the lead-
ing men of the Mormon Church in Great Salt Lake City ; that the late
secretary of the Territory, A. W. Babbitt, was murdered on the
plains by a band of Mormon marauders, under the particular and spe-
cial order of Brigham Young, Hebr C. Kimball, and J. M. Grant,
and not by the Indians, as reported by the Mormons themselves, and
that they were sent from Salt Lake City for that purpose, and that
only ; and as members of the Danite Band they were bound to do the
will of Brigham Young as the head of the church, or forfeit their own
lives. These reasons, with many others that I might give, which
would be too heart-rending to insert in this communication, have in-
duced me to resign the office of justice of the Territory of Utah, and
again return to my adopted State of Illinois.
My reason, sir, for making this communication thus public is, that
the democratic party, with which I have always strictly acted, is the
party now in power, and, therefore, is the party that should now be
held responsible for the treasonable and disgraceful state of affairs
that now exists in Utah Territory. I could, sir, if necessary, refer to
a cloud of witnesses to attest the reasons I have given, and the charges,
bold as they are, against those despots, who rule with an iron hand
their hundred thousand souls in Utah, and their two hundred thou-
sand souls out of that notable Territory ; but I shall not do so, for the
reason that the lives of such gentlemen as I should designate in Utah
and in California, would not be safe for a single day.
In conclusion, sir, I have to say that, in my career as justice of the
supreme court of Utah Territory, I have the consolation of knowing
that I did my duty, that neither threats nor intimidations drove me
from that path. Upon the other hand, I am pained to say that I ac-
complished little good while there, and that the judiciary is only
treated as a farce. The only rule of law by which the infatuated fol-
214 UTAH EXPEDITION.
lowers of this curious people will be governed, is the law of the church,
and that emanates from Governor Brigham Young, and him alone.
I do helieve that, if there was a man put in office as governor of
that Territory, who is not a member of the church, (Mormon.) and he
supported with a sufficient military aid, much good would result from
such a course ; but as the Territory is now governed, and as it has
been since the administration of Mr. Fillrnore, at which time Young re-
ceived his appointment as governor, it is noonday madness and folly
to attempt to administer the law in that Territory. The officers are
insulted, harassed, and murdered for doing their duty, and not recog-
nizing Brigham Young as the only law-giver and law-maker on earth.
Of this every man can bear incontestable evidence who has been will-
ing to accept an appointment in Utah ; and I assure you, sir, that no
man would be willing to risk his life and property in that Territory
after once trying the sad experiment.
With an earnest desire that the present administration will give
due and timely aid to the officers that may be so unfortunate as to ac-
cept situations in that Territory, and that the withering curse which
now rests upon this nation by virtue of the peculiar and heart-rending
institutions of the Territory of Utah, may be speedily removed, to the
honor and credit of our happy country, I now remain your obedient
servant,
W. W. DRUMMOND,
Justice Utah Territory.
Hon. JEREMIAH S. BLACK,
Attorney General of the United States, Washington City, D. 0.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH TERRITORY.
SIR : My attention having been drawn to the letter of Justice W.
W. Drummond, under date of March 30, 1857, addressed to yourself,
tendering his resignation as associate justice for Utah, wherein my
office is called in question, I feel it incumbent upon me to make to you
the following report :
Justice W. W. Drummond, in his " fourth" paragraph, says:
" The records, papers, &c., of the supreme court have been destroyed
by order of Governor B. Young, and the federal officers grossly in-
sulted for presuming to raise a single question about the treasonable
act."
I do solemnly declare this assertion is without the slightest founda-
tion in truth. The records, papers, &c., of the supreme court in
this Territory, together with all decisions and documents of every kind
belonging thereto, from Monday, September 22, 1851, at which time
said court was first organized, up to this present moment, are all safe
and complete in my custody, and not one of them missing, nor have
they ever been disturbed by any person.
Again, in the decision of tne supreme court in the case of Moroni
Green , the which decision was loritten by Judge Drummond himself, I
find the following words : u That as the case, for which Green was
convicted, seems to have been an aggravated one, this court does*
remit the costs of the prosecution, both in this court and in the court
UTAH EXPEDITION. 215
below." Green was provoked to draw a pistol in self-defence, but did
not point it at any one. He was a lad of 18 years old. Much feeling
was excited in his favor, and he was finally pardoned by the governor,
upon a petition signed by the judges and fficers of the United States,
courts, the honorable secretary of state, and many of the influential
citizens of Great Salt Lake City.
Again : in relation to the " incarceration of five or six young men
from Missouri and Iowa, who are now (March 30, 1857,) in the peni-
tentiary of Utah, without tnose men having violated any criminal law
in America," &c. This statement is also utterly false.
I presume he alludes to the incarceration, on the 22d January, 1856,
of three men, and on the 29th January, 1856, of one more ; if so,
these arc the circumstances :
There were quite a number of persons came here as teamsters in
Gilbert and Gerrish's train of goods, arriving herein December, 1855,
after winter had set in. They arrived here very destitute ; and at
that season of the year there is nothing a laboring man can get to do.
Some of these men entered the store of S. M. Blair & Co., at various
times in the night, and stole provisions, groceries, &c. Some six or
eight were indicted for burglary and larceny. Three plead guilty,
and a fourth was proven guilty ; and the four were sentenced to the
penitentiary for the shortest time the statute allowed for the crime ;
and just as soon as the spring of 1856 opened, and a company was
preparing to start for California, upon a petition setting forth miti-
gating circumstances, the governor pardoned them, and they went
on their way to California. It was a matter, well understood here at
the time, that these men were incarcerated more particularly to keep
them from committing further crime during the winter.
Since that time there have been but four persons sentenced to the
penitentiary, one for forgery and three for petty larceny, for terms of
sixty and thirty days, to wit : One on the 19th November, 1856, for
larceny, thirty days ; two on the 24th November, 1856, for aggravated
larceny, sixty days ; and one on the 26th January, 1857, for forgery,
thirty days. So that on the 30th March, 1857, (the date of W. W.
Drummond's letter,) there was not a white prisoner in the Utah peni-
tentiary, nor had there been for several days previous, nor is there at
this present writing.
I could, were it my province in this affidavit, go on and refute all
that Judge W. W. Drummond has stated in his aforesaid letter of
resignation, by records, dates, and facts ; but believing the foregoing
is sufficient to show you what reliance is to be placed upon the asser-
tions or word of W. W. Drummond, I shall leave the subject.
In witness of the truth of the foregoing affidavit, I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed the seal of the United States
supreme court for Utah Territory, at Great Salt Lake City,,
this twenty-sixth day of June, A. D. 1857.
CURTIS E. BOLTON,
Deputy Clerk of said U. S. Supreme Court for Utah,
in the absence of W. J. Appleby, Clerk v
Hon. JEREMIAH S. BLACK,
Attorney General of the United States, Washington, D. C.
[L. S.]
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