FALSE CENSUS RETURNS FROM UTAH.-- Elder John Hyde, sent as a Mormon missionary to the Sandwich Islands, has turned State's evidence against the Saints, and while denouncing their polygamy and villainy generally, charges them with falsifying the census returns of the territory. -- He affirms that there are not half as many inhabitants in Utah as the census indicates. The names of deceased persons, of emigrants, disciples who never came to hand, and of Mormons who long ago recanted their beastly creed and fled the country, were all retained and used to make the number of '70,000.'


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  GENERAL  GOVERNMENT
AND  MORMONISM.

The Mormons seem to be going it, after their fashion, at the greatest rate imaginable. They have never been under the actual control of Congress, and their present attitude is one but little short of positive rebellion. A writer in a recent number of the National Intelligencer gives a long list of quotations from Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, Heber C. Kimball, and others of the Mormon leaders, which ought to ring in the ears of this nation; till the government shall be compelled to raise a strong arm and scatter them to the four quarters of the globe. It is a burning shame to this country, and to any administration, that such practices as those established by the Mormons should be allowed to exist. It is difficult, we know, for an administration, which has planted itself upon the doctrine, that every Territory shall have the right "to choose the character of its own institutions," to do what ought to be done in such a case. But it will be better for the government to modify this doctrine, somewhat, in relation to this single case, than that the Nation should suffer from the establishment of so foul a system within its boundaries; and then to see them, in all their reeking shamelessness, get up to such a height as to defy the powers of our general government is too much to be endured. Hear what this writer in the Intelligeneer, who resided with them for a year as an officer of the government, quotes from their leading ministers and prophets:

"A Gentile shall not board in my family, and if one of my houses are rented to a Gentile, after the time had expired I would burn it down! That's the doctrine." -- Jedediah M. Grant.

"If a Gentile were boarding in my family, and I should bow down to pray, and the Gentile or heathen should hesitate, I would say to him, bow down you devil! This is the doctrine, and I know it; and any man who shall oppose it shall be destroyed." -- Heber C. Kimball.

Their religious tenets may be inferred from the following:

"I believe in marrying brothers and sisters; I believe in the pre-existence of man; that Adam and Eve are the parents of all men, spiritually and physically; that all the saints of this dispensation will be resurrected by Joseph Smith, Jr. If ever I am saved, I expect to be saved by and through they atonement of Joseph Smith." -- Brigham Young.

"Were my daughter to marry a Gentile, I would save her in this kingdom, namely, cut her throat from ear to ear." -- Brigham Young.

The law of a prophet; "A kingdom can exist within a republic." -- Brigham Young.

"No one was ever known to dissent from the will of Brigham Young." -- Orson Pratt.

What may be expected; "If Government officers ever interfere with our woman again, I will cut their throats from ear to ear." Brigham Young.

"A division of the United States army shall never winter in this valley again." -- Brigham Young.

The above, quotations are taken from a mass of information collected in 1854-'55, during nearly as year's stay in Utah, all of which came under my personal observation, and was noted at the time it was spoken. I have been thus particular in noticing these quotations that the public may know upon what is based the conclusions that follow.

The Mormon priesthood is a consolidated system of police, compounded from the old Aaronic, Levitical, and Melahisideck priesthoods, and is known by the name of "The Church of the Latter Day Saints of Jesus Christ." Brigham Young is the Prophet, Priest, and King of the Saints. His will is law; he is the vice-gerent of God, deriving authority directly from Him, which is absolute whenever he says "thus saith the Lord."

It is time, high time, that something should be done with these Mormons. -- The writer says that a force of a thousand men, all armed, and provisioned for a year, could take possession of the government of Utah and keep it. We think, however, that the estimate is too low; but if, it requires four times that number, they ought to be sent forth-with.


Note: "Verastus" was possibly U.S. Judge William Drummond. Another of his letters was published in the New York Times of May 26, 1857. For the complete text of the National Intelligencer "Verastus" article, see the issue for Apr. 20, 1857. The article was reprinted in the United States Magazine of June of 1857, pages 613-616. For the LDS response, see the Western Standard of June 12, 1857.

BRIGHAM  YOUNG  FLEES  UTAH.

WASHINGTON, May 16.    

Official despatches recently received warrant the belief that Brigham Young has fled from Utah, as it is known he was in treaty with the Indians for safe conduct through their country.

Ex-Justice Drummond has arrived here for consultation on the affairs of the Territory.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons.

The Cabinet are reported to have been, of late, engaged in grave deliberation on the Utah question -- in other words, considering how to deal with Brigham Young and the horde of fanatical and desperate outlaws congregated about Lake Deseret. This is by far the most troublesome matter Mr. Buchanan has to handle, and it is growing every day more and more embarrassing. The complete isolation of the settlement from the restraints of surrounding civilization, and its comparative inaccessibleness to military approach have rendered these fanatics insolent and reckless, and encouraged them to aspire to a virtual independence of the Government and its laws. Indeed, Brigham Young is reported, by an ear witness, to have made the declaration in a public discourse to his people, that -- "a kingdom can exist within a republic." The rapid increase of their numbers and the entire impunity with which they have hitherto practiced their crimes and abominations are well calculated to encourage the delusion. Any overt act in pursuance of such a design -- if indeed it be entertained -- would make the duty of the government as clear as it would be imperative.

But there are acts and atrocities short of open treason that would justify a very summary method of dealing with a combination of outlaws and' desperadoes. -- Were a gang of freebooters and renegades to congregate within the jurisdiction of the United. States, committing depredation and outrage, and rendering all approach or proximity to them dangerous, who will question the right of the goverment -- in the want of power or of a disposition in the local authorities -- to punish and disperse them? or its duty to enforce within the limits of its own jurisdiction due subordination to law and good order? It is moreover the right of the American people to demand of the government that a territory of their own shall not be cursed with a population whose contact is pollution and whose institutions and usages are a reproach to the American name: -- And the right to demand the abatement of such a nuisance is strengthened by the consideration that Utah is not now, an American settlememt, but an aggregation of the dregs and oddscourings of numerous foreign nationalities to which every year is making rapid additions.

The statements of a late resident of Utah as furnished to the National Intelligencer, and of W. W. Drummond, late Chief Justice of the Territory, with concurrent reports from other sources, show a state of things there imperatively demanding the interference of the government. According to these statements, there is neither law nor justice in the Mormon courts, and no possibility of convicting a Mormon culprit upon any evidence, however strong or conclusive. -- There is an intense and settled hatred in the minds of the Mormons towards the American people, prompting them, on every opportunity,to acts of atrocious outrage. Judge Drummond asserts his unequivocal belief, and that upon judicial evidence, that the murder of Capt. Gunnison and his party was instigated by the Mormons, several of whom, in the disguise of Indians, were of the party of the assailants. None of the perpetrators of this brutal murder have been punished or convicted.

More recent intelligence from Utah superadds to the other villanies of these "Latter Day Saints," that of violating the U.S. Mails and rifling them of any letters obnoxious to the Mormon priesthood. This is in order to stop the escape of complaints from malcontents among them, and the communication of facts to the State respecting their rascalities. So complete is the espionage over this deludeed people, and so great their dread of incurring the vengeance of a tyrannical priesthood, that many -- as it is believed -- who inwardly loathe the abominations they are compelled to witness and feel, yet submit in uncomplaining silence.

But one alternative, is left the government in the treatment of this perplexing question -- either to send to Utah an adeluate military force and reduce these miscreants to decency and due subordination to the laws of the land; or, to leave them, as we do the savage tribes, to take care of themselves and practise their vile and impure orgies without interrupion or restraint.

A correspondent of the N. Y. Times, who resides at Salt Lake City gives some incidents of Mormon life which, show the state of affairs there quite clearly. He says:

Brigham Young is as thorough a despot over this deluded people as ever held the sceptre. Let me relate an incident to illustrate the arbitrary power which he exercises even in the most minute details of the affairs of his subjects. A marriage, even, without his sanction, is considered of no validity. A young man named Orson Miles had been paying his addresses to a very amiable and prettyyoung lady named Whitney, with whom he formed an engagement of marriage more than a year ago. Not long since Miles went to Brigham, as in duty bound, to ask his consent to the marriage, which was unhesitatingly granted. Soon after Miles had left the royal presence, a man from one of the southern settlements" entered Brigham's office, and asked if he knew where he could get another wife. The cold hearted villain tols him that he would give him Miss Whitney. Being reminded by the applicant that she was already engaged, Brigham declared that Miles should not have her, and if she did not become this applicant's wife he would give her to some one else. Subsequently Miles met at the young lady's house a pliant tool of Brigham's named Ferguson, (the same creature who figured conspicusly in the dissolution of the United States Court,) who was endeavoring to induce Miss Whitney to join his stock of "spirituals." Miles agreed with Ferguson to submit the question of possession to the young lady's own decision, and she at once gave her preference to her betrothed. The next morning Brigham sent for her, and told her that she must have either Ferguson or an old man who was then sitting by Ferguson's side in the room. With a degree of courage that even men rarely evince here in the presence of our tyrant, Miss Whitney replied that she would have nobody but Miles. Brigham immediately ordered Miles on a mission to the Sandwich Islands; if he refuses to go he will be excommunicated, and in constant danger of his life. How the affair will terminate remains to be seen. In all probability the poor girl's only refuge from dishonor is in a suicide's grave.

On Christmas night, a young woman who had recently arrived by the hand cart train, committed suicide by cutting her throat. She had traveled thousands of miles on foot, suffering great privations and fatigue, but cheered on the tiresome path by the confident expectation that when her journey should be ended she would find abundant consolation in the millennial pleasures of this "Zion." Like thousands before her, whom religious zeal had led to forsake home, kindred and friends for this distant land, she had honestly "abandoned all for Christ's sake," assured that she could here lead a pure and holy life, safely removed from the temptations and cares of the wicked world. How sadly was she disappointed! On her arrival she was taken into one of the Mormon families. Pleasing the fancy of its besotted head, he proposed to take her for his "spiritual." Being naturally modest and endowed with the self respect and delicacy becoming her sex, she was unable to overcome the prejudices of her early education -- and so positively declined the insulting overtures. She was informed then that she could remain in his house on no other condition; she chose to abandon it, but soon faund every other door closed against her. What could she do? Here was she, homeless and friendless, beyond the possibility of escape from her pursuers, her joyful anticipation of a life of piety all blasted, and the future presenting not the least invitation to hope. There seemed no alternative but pollution or death, and she chose the latter. Weep, mothers and daughters of America, over the cruel fate of this unfortunate sister, and let her memory nerve you to such aid in the quickening of public sentiment as shall force the authorities at Washington to prevent the repetition of such wrongs as these.

---

(Correspondonce of the N. Y. Jour. of Commerce.)

Affairs in Utah.

WASHINGTON, May 19.    

The Governmcnt is much concerned in regard to the state of things in Utah, and are engaged in the consideration of the means of affording to the people of that Territory the protection of law.

Several gentlemen from Utah are now here, and others from Iowa, who are well acquainted with Utah affairs. I find that Brigham Young has not been expelled from the Territory, and has neither abdicated nor fled, as was reported. On the contrary, he is preparing to maintain his power, under the pretext of upholding the principles of squatter sovereignty.

My informant estimates the population of Utah at only forty thousand, though Governor Young says it is double that. Perhaps it is about fifty thousand. One half of the population are foreigners. Formerly, the proportion of Americans was much greater. The foreign population is said to be somewhat improved in material condition by the change, while that which is American, suffers privation to which they had not been accustomed. The foreigners are ignorant and fanatical, and are subjected to the absolute authority of Brigham Young. The Americans are more enlightened, especially as to civil rights, and have become insubordinate and dissatisfied, and threaten to overturn the power of "the prophet, priest, and King."

Brigham Young has an army of twenty-five hundred men under good discipline. They are drilled every day. They are mostly foreigners, and comprise the most ignorant, brutal, and fanatical of the Mormons. Therefore they are fit instruments for the purposes of Brigham Young. They have no sympathies with American institutions, social or political and will, when let loose, hesitate at no atrocities.

At present; there is nothing like an administration of justice between man and man, in the Territory. Every question is resolved into one, as between the parties concerned and Brigham Young. Of course, Judges are driven away, the records are destroyed; the processes of the Courts are disregarded, the Juries are all subservient to Young's orders, and the Territory is subjected to a reign of terror. Assassinations are not unfrequent, and the seizure and confiscation of a private property is a common occurrence. If any one, weary of Brigham Young's despotism, attetnpts to leave the Territory he is despoiled of his property. That was the case with: Mr. Hockaday, a merchant, who is now here.

The American portion. of the population are prepared for an insurrection against Brigham Young's rule, but they are not willing by a feeble movement to hazard their own lives and property. -- Brigham Young is in power. He is the legal executive officer of the Territory, under federal appointment. He has an army under his command, which embraces the active military force of that Territory. But if the United States government would give them (the Americans) absolute protection, and secure them in their lives and property agrinst the vindictive revenge of Brigham Young and his followers, they would very gladly aid the United States in affecting a civil and political revolution, and in bringing the Territory under the restraints of civil government.

The first thing for the federal government to do is, to supersede Brigham Young in his office as Governor. This they ought to have done long ago, before tho state of things became so bad. They are responsible for the calamities which are to ensue from their delay in appointing an Anti-Mormon Governor.

The moment Brigham Young is stripped of federal authority, he will become partially paralized. He must then quietly submit to a loss of his despotic power, or he must, backed by his army, resist the United States government; and this he has declared that he would do. At this point, half of the Mormons will join the United States, against Brigham, and he and his force will be put down.

As no troops will be wanted in Kansas, except enough to garrison the forts, the government will be able to send to Utah a body of about twenty-five hundred troops -- a force not more than equal to that of Brigham Young.

It is the opinion of some of those with whom I have conversed, that a discreet and suitable man, as Governor, might put down Brigham Young, and restore a due administration of justice in the Territory, without firing a gun. But he must have a reliable force, chiefly for the purpose of giving assurance of protection to those of the Mormons who wish a civil reform.


Notes: (forthcoming)

WHAT THE MORMONS SAY. -- A Delaware City (Kansas) correspondent of the Sun, who has conversed with Judge Stiles, Surveyor General Burr and others from Utah, says the Mormons laugh at the idea of Executive power and companies of Federal troops to enforce obedience in Utah from the people.

They express their determination to reBist such assumption of power of authority by the Government.

Brigham Young, with 3,500 followers, left Salt Lake City on the 20th of April to visit and treat with the Indians in the north of his Territory -- the Bannaks, Flatheads and Nez Perces.

It is supposed that the object of his mission is for the purpose of uniting these tribes to the Mormon force, in preparation for a war with the United States, and that he is determined to secure the possession of the country thereabouts, and put a stop to the emigration across the Plains. The Mormons claim that they number 75,000 souls in Utah alone.

Gen. Burr thinks their population will not exceed half that number. Every man and boy able to shoulder a musket is a soldier, and is required to perform military duty almost daily. They are thoroughly acquainted with the country, all the mountain passes, and in case of a rupture with the United States, they would 'be a very efficient force and that it would require a large army to conquer them.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From  California.

...Great indignation is felt throughout the State against the Mormons of Salt Lake, since the developements by Judge Drummond, concerning them and the prompt and energetic action of the Administration in the premises is universally endorsed.

---

==> By the act establishing the Territory of Utah of 1850, right is reserved to Congress to abolish the territory at its pleasure. It provides that said Territory may be divided or attached to any other State or Territory. The act passed on assurance that Polygamy was not one of the institutions to be introduced into the Territory. The vast majority of the Mormons are not citizens of the United States.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons  to  be  Governed.

Appearances indicate that decisive measures will be pursued by the administration towards the Mormons, in Utah territory, to bring them under subjection. Col. Cumming, of Missouri, it is said, has been appointed Governor, and he will be supported with a military force sufficiently strong to enforce obedience to his authority. No attempt will be made to interfere with the religious and social institutions of the Mormons, but the laws of the United States will be rigidly enforced.

Senator Douglass, in a recent speech delivered at Springfield, Ill., alluding to the condition of affairs in Utah, expressed the following sensible views on the subject:

"When the authentic evidence shall arrive, if it shall establish the facts which are believed to exist, it will become the duty of Congress to apply the knife and cut out this loathsome, disgusting ulcer. No temporizing policy -- no half way measures will then answer. It has been supposed by those who have not thought deeply upon this subject, that an act of Congress prohibiting murder, robbery, polygamy and other crimes, with appropriate penalties for those offenses, would afford adequate remedies for all the enormities complained of. Suppose such a law to be on the statute books, and I believe they have a criminal code, providing the usual punishment for the entire catalogue of crimes, according to the usages of all civilized and Christian countries, with the exception of polygamy, which is practised under the sanction of the Mormon Church, but is neither prohibited nor authorized by the laws of the Territory.

Suppose, I repeat, that Congress should pass a law prescribing a criminal code, and punishing polygamy among other offences, what other effect would it have -- what good would it do? Would you call on twenty-three grand jurymen, with twenty-three wives each, to find a bill of indictment against a poor miserable wretch for having two wives? Would you call upon twelve petit jurors, with twelve wives each, to convict the same loathsome wretch for having two wives? Would you expect a grand jury composed of twenty-three "Danites" to find a bill of indictment against a brother "Danite" for having murdered a Gentile, as they call all American citizens, under their direction? Much less would you expect a jury of twelve "destroying angels" to find another "destroying angel" guilty of the same murder, and cause him to be hanged for no other offence than taking the life of a Gentile? No? If there is any truth in the reports we receive from Utah, Congress may pass whatever laws it chooses; but you can never rely upon the local tribunals and juries to punish crimes committed by Mormons in that Territory. Some other and more effectual remedy must be devised and applied. In my opinion, the first step should be the absolute and unconditional repeal of the organic act -- blotting the territorial government out of existence -- upon the ground that they are outlaws, denying their allegiance and defying the authorities of the United States.

The Territorial Government once abolished, the country would revert to its primitive condition prior to the act of 1850, "under the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the United States," and should be placed under the operation of the act of Congress of the 30th of April, 1790, and the various acts supplemental thereto and amendatory thereof, "providing for the punishment of crimes against the United States within any fort, arsenal, dock yard, magazine, or any other place or district of country, under the sole and exclusive jurisdiction of the United States." All offences against the provisions of these acts are required by law to be tried and punished by the United States Courts in the States or Territories where the offenders shall be "first apprehended or brought for trial." There it will be seen that under the plan proposed, Brigham Young and his confederates could be "apprehended and brought for trial" to Iowa, Missouri, California, California or Oregon, or to any other adjacent State or Territory, where a fair trial could be had, and justice administered impartially -- where the witnesses could be protected and the judgment of the court could be carried into execution, without violence or intimidation.


Note 1: Douglas' speech of June 12, 1857 was evidently first published in the Springfield Illinois State Register, but with telegraphic transfer of the news, his words were quickly reproduced in the Illinois State Journal, The Missouri Republican, the New York Times, etc. See also the contemporary political tract: Speech of Hon. S. A. Douglas on Kansas, Utah, and the Dred Scott Decision, Springfield, Ill., June 12, 1857 and Abraham Lincoln's rebuttal speech (also delivered in Springfield) of June 26, 1857, conveniently published in various contemporary papers, including the Aug. 29, 1857 issue of the Oregon Argus.

Note 2: As Chairman of the important Senate Committee on Territories, Senator Douglas had a keen political interest in maintaining the proper governance of the western territories (several of which he had been instrumental in establishing). His remarks in the third "point" of the above text support his standing opinion and argument against granting Utah statehod without further delay. Why Douglas chose to elevate that argument to the same political level as his other two "points" is debatable, but the fact that his Republican rivals were then coupling the issues of slavery and polygamy in their national campaign rhetoric may provide part of the explanation. In Utah, of course, Douglas' calling for "a full investigation" of the unfavorable "representations" outlined in his speech (and perhaps even a disorganization of the territorial government) elicited an inevitably severe response. Excerpts from the speech were published in the Deseret News of Sept. 2, 1857, accompanied by a scathing critique from Editor Albert Carrington, representing the views of the top Utah leadership. The Mormons had hitherto managed to overlook their old friend Douglas' 1846 fall from grace -- when he advocated their expulsion from Illinois -- and had worked with the "little giant" on getting Utah's organic act through Congress, and other matters in the nation's capital. When he advised the Utah leaders to go slow in seeking statehood, the celebrated Illinois Senator was placed on warning by none other than the ghost of Joseph Smith (see the "prophetic" insertion into Smith's serialized history, as published by the Deseret News of Sept. 24, 1856). For reasons not fully clear from today's perspective, Douglas allowed a political separation to open between himself and his old Mormon allies. The breech between Douglas and the LDS leaders widened, however, and in his speech of June 12, 1857, Douglas severed his old political ties with the Saints for good.

Note 3: In later years the Mormons would claim that Stephen A. Douglas' failure to gain the presidency in 1860 was a result of a curse placed upon him by Joseph Smith, jr. on May 18, 1843. Smith's purported "prophecy," in regard to the eventual fate of Mr. Douglas, was first published in the Deseret News of Sept. 24, 1856 -- evidently in response to Senator Douglas' lack of support in the statehod controvery. The "prophecy" is not known from any pre-1856 source, including the journals of William Clayton, from which its wording was supposedly taken for publication in the Deseret News.

FROM  WASHINGTON.

WASHINGTON, July 24.    

... Gov. Cumming will leave in a few days for Utah, and expects to overtake the troops at Wabash [sic - Wasatch?] Range, on the other side of the the Rocky Mountains. The Secretary of State for Utah has not yet been named....

It is not true that Col. Jack Hays was removed from the Surveyor Generalship of California. His commission had ex[ired, and he was transferred to Utah by the President on account of his valuable military talents.

WASHINGTON, July 25.    

The President and Cabinet have ceased to have any apprehensions of bloodshed in Kansas. Gen, Harney and staff will leave in a few days for Utah. The troops generally are in fine health and spirits, and amply supplied for an active campaign.

---

ST. LOUIS, July 23.    

The Salt Lake mail with dates to the 2d arrived at Leavenworth on the 19th. Peace and prosperity prevailed. Rumors of the expedition fitting out by the government had reached Utah, but attracted little attention, The emigrant trains were progressing rapidly. Grass was abundant on the plains. The Indians were friendly.

---

Brigham  Young  a  New  Yorker.

From the Buffalo Com. Advertiser.

Both Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball are New Yorkers. Brigham lived near the line dividing Ontario and Monroe counties, in the town of Victor, at the time he became a Mormon. He had always manifested a proclivity to religious fanaticism; or, rather, he was a lazy rapscallion, good for nothing, except to howl at a camp-meeting. He lived in a log shanty, with a dilapidated, patient, suffering wife, surrounded by a host of tow-headed children. Occasionally he made up a lot of ax-helves and traded them off for sugar and tea. In other fits of industry he would do a day's work in the hay-field for a neighbor, hoe the potatoes in his own little patch, or pound clothes for his wife on a washing-day. But his special mission was to go to camp-meetings and revivals, where he managed to get his daily bread out of the more wealthy brethren, in consideration of the unction with which he shouted "ga-lo-rah!" On such occasions Brigham took no thought of the morrow, but, cheerfully putting on his old wool hat, would leave his family without flour in the barrel or wood at the door, and, telling his wife that the "Lord would provide," he would put off for a week's absence.

Poor Mrs. Brigham managed by borrowing from her neighbors, with small hope of paying, chopped the wood herself, and with an old sun-bonnet -- Navarino style -- went to the spring after water, thoroughly convinced that her lot was not of the easiest, and that her husband was, to use a Western expression, an "ornary cuss;" in which sentiment all who knew him joined. People were getting very tired of Brigham, when Mormonism turned up. He was just the man for the religion, and the religion seemed expressly adapted to him. He became an exhorter, held neighborhood meetings, ranted and howled his doctrines into the minds of others as weak as himself, and finally went West with the rest of them, where he has developed his powers until the poor, miserable, rustic loafer is Governor of a Territory and chief prophet of a great religious sect. He has just the mixture of shrewdness and folly which is required for success in fanaticism or quackery. A wiser man could not hold his place. A man must be half fool and half knave to be a successful quack.

Heber C. Kimball was a man of more respectability. He was a born fanatic, and if he were not a Mormon would be something else just like it. In his church -- he was a Baptist originally -- he was one of those pestilent fellows who want resolutions passed at church-meetings withholding fellowship from somebody else, and insist on having a political codicil added to the Bible. We believe he had some property. He has much more talent than Brigham Young, but is inferior to him in the elements of quackery. He has very respectable relatives now living in the part of Monroe county from which he started.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From  Washington.

WASHINGTON, July 28.    

The instructions to Governor Cumming were completed today. They are brief and specific. He is to see that the laws of the United States are faithfully executed. No man in Utah is to be affected for his political or religious opinions, but held responsible for his conduct. Should the cibil authorities be unable to enforce the laws, military forces are then to be employed. While Gov. C.'s powers are ample for all practical purposes, much is confided to hid discretion.

---

THE MORMONS. -- The Peoria (Ill.) Transcript notices the arrival, at that place, of about four hundred Mormons, on their way to Salt Lake City. Most of them are Engliish, and on being conversed with expressed dissatisfaction at the prospect thus far, and intimated a determination not to proceed to Utah. The Liverpool Albion informs, us that a few weeks since, about nine Mormon elders visited Rockdale, for the purpose of holding services in the open air. The opponents of the creed were also in attendance. A cart was brought upon the ground for the accommodation of the Mormon elders, when a wagon was placed by its side, for the convenience of Mr. Hawthornthwaite, who recently published a book upon Mormonism, in which he exposed the evils of the system.

The Mormons moved their carts when the wagon was also moved. One of the Mormons began to manifest symptoms of uneasiness, got out of the cart and ran off. The people chased him, caught him in Whiteworth Road, brought him back and placed him again in the cart, and compelled the whole lot to listen to Mr. Hawthornthwaite's exposition of the abominations of Mormonism. During the proceedings the people became excited and demonstrated their abhorrence of Mormonism by blows and kicks, and one or two gentlemen who were mistaken for Mormons were handled rather roughly. It would seem from the foregoing, that our brethren on the other side of the water are beginning to understand the real nature of this imposture, and to treat it and its advocates accordingly. The iniquities of this system cannot be too thoroughly exposed.


Notes: (forthcoming)

IMPORTANT  FROM  UTAH.

The Sacramento Union contains important news from the valley of the Great Salt Lake. It will [be recalled] that the Mormons are not only [raging ----- ] against peaceful and unoffending citizens, but that serious dissensiobs are rapidly thining their own ranks, and that many of them have already left for the Atlantic States. The Union says:

Crandall's pioneer coach arrived in our city at one o'clock this afternoon, from Carson Valley, with the express matter, the mails and passengers -- traveling time 15 hours. Dates from Salt Lake are to May 30.

Mr. Wilkins who came passenger, is direct from Salt Lake, where he has been residing for nine months, having had to flee with his family to California.

Brigham Young (as heretofore reported) had gone North with his expedition fully equiped with three months provisions, and a train of 60 wagons. Various rumors were afloat as to its object. The most important and conclusive is that he has gone in search of a locality to defend the faithful against the expected troops from the East. He exhorts all the Saints, if it comes to a fight, to kill each his man, and his salvation is secured.

The destroying angels are busily engaged at their hellish work, murdering and robbing those who are apostates.

Wilkins and party are composed of twenty-six persons, eight of whom are women. After leaving Salt Lake they were arrested by a large body of Mormons, and taken back on a charge of gorse-stealing. As there was no evidence, even for a Mormon court, offered against them, they were discharged, at the request of one Mesick, who knew three of them in San Francisco -- he being the Clerk of the Court. After that they were hunted night and day, until they reached Goose Creek Mountains, over one hundred miles from Salt Lake, when the Mormons made a charge on them, and killed six of their animals.

One half of the population would leave, and will do so if the Government sends a sufficient force to protect them.

Brigham declares that if the Saints will stand by him and the Church, he will be President of the United States in less than ten years.

Williams, the lawyer, had fled. The destroying angels were on his track, and it was not known if he escaped them. Open and avowed murder of all who have and are becoming obnoxious, is advocated in public assemblages; in fact, an offer was publicly made in a meeting, by one of the faithful, to murder two Gentile traders at Box Elder, near the city, who had incurred the displeasure of Elder Lorenzo Snow, if they did not leave by June 1.

A train of one hundred wagons had left Salt Lake, bound for the States, all of which belonged to Apostles.

New dissensions are continually arising. -- That which causes the most ill feeling is Brigham sealing young girls to old men. -- Several heads of families have been put out of the way, as they call it on suspicion of their being apostates, by which means they prevent the family front leaving. Several who heretofore have been in the confidence of the high priests are known to have been murdeted in attempting to leave secretly.

Seven ladies with their families, whose husbands had made their escape, begged to be taken away by Wilkin's party, expecting daily to see some of their number dragged away to the harem of some of the anointed.

Brigham preaches open rebellion to all attempts on the part of the Government to establish a foothold in his territory. He has inaugurated a new law, by degrading and making menials of them, depriving them of the right to marry or have a protector. It is called an "Earthly Hell."


Notes: (forthcoming)

An Escape from Salt Lake.

The following narrative is from the pen of John Davies, a young Welshman who emigrated to Salt Lake with his family about two years ago, from Maesteg, South Wales. -- It is taken from a private letter, dated Council Bluffs City; Iowa, June 29:

"I guess you are anxious to know the reason why I left Salt Lake. I shall try, in the first place, to inform you what a man must do to be a Mormon. He must give himself, his family, and all his possessions over to Brigham Young, and then he'll have to give the tenth of all his income -- the tenth day's work -- and he must keep from two to ten wives. If he don't agree to these things, he had better quit; but by doing so he is in danger of losing his life every minute, for they would rather kill him than let him be the means of letting the world know how things are in their midst. Many have been shot down in trying to escape. I have seen dozens shot down on the street; and three days before I left, I saw three persons killed merely because they intended to escape -- they were shot down in a place called Springfield, while they were preparing their trunks to leave. -- This took place about 8 o'clock on Sunday morning, within fifty yards of the gates of the city. The first was a young man called William Parish; he received seven balls in his body. The second was his father, and the third was a man called Potter, whose body received as many as fifteen balls. The old man was pierced in the back, and his throat cut in three different places. I saw them lying down, and I could name the persons who killed them. Brigham Young has got men for this purpose. Their number is four hundred. They are called the "Destroying Angels." Their captain's name is William Hickman, and the second in command is Porter Rockwell.

"The walls around the city are 15 feet high, and they are surrounded by a deep and wide moat. The city is entered by four gates, which are watched in the night time. The gates are so narrow that only one vehicle can pass through at once. The "Destroying Angels" go out on the plains in the Spring, in order to intercept those who may escape from the city. Many left on foot last January. They sleep by day and travel by night. I know of men and women who have traveled this way -- the men dressed as women and the women as men. I came across some who were very short of food; the little they had they gave to the women, and the men were principally sustained by the women's milk!

"I left Salt Lake City on the 17th of April, in company with two Welshmen and an African. The few Mormons who knew of our intentions said that we would never reach the States alive, but I told them that I was determined to try, whatever would occur. On Saturday, (the day after we left) we had traveled thirty miles from the city when we saw three men following us. They were sent by the authorities of the city to catch us. -- The name of one was Patrick Linch, an Irishman by birth, and Secretary to Brigham Young. This man fired his revolver at me, but the ball went by without hurting me. -- They then came near us on their horses and inquired our names, and when we refused to tell them, they swore that they would 'blow our damned brains out.' With that, one of them raised his revolver as if he was going to use it -- he had one each side of the saddle. I then took out my revolver and told him to fire if he liked. I had six revolvers with me, and a rifle, containing in all thirty-seven balls. Another ball was then fired at me, which whistled by my left cheek. I then fired at him, and one ball hit him on the leg and another in shoulder. (My friends by this time had run in the woods, and I was left to fight it out myself.) I then lost my footing, and one of the men ran at me with a knife and cut my belt and took four of my revolvers. I had the other two hid in my boots. I got hold of one of them and fired, and succeeded in keeping them off for some time till I had a chance to run to the woods, where I got the assistance of my friends.

"We continued to travel that day and the following night succeeded in reaching a place called Fort Bridger. which is one hundred miles from the Valley. -- The number ofour pursurers had now increased to twenty. and we had to put to the woods again. We traveled till night, and were so fortunate as to meet a host of friendly Indians, gave us buffalo meat to eat. The next day we overtook a number of wagons, known as Mrs. Babbit's train, in number twenty-eight. I was hired to drive one wagon, which was drawn by six mules. We had some trouble with a lot of Indians called the "Crow Tribe." They were well armed, and about a thousand strong. About six hundred shots came into our tents. We killed about thirty Indians, and they killed five of our men.


Notes: (forthcoming)

SALT LAKE. -- Dates from Brigham Young's dominions are to the 5th August. The "Saints" still breathe defiance against the Government, and seem determined not to submit peaceably to the mandates of the official representatives who are en route thither. A ridiculous report obtained some credence here a few days ago to the effect that Gen. Harney's command has been defeated by the Mormons with great slaughter. It is well known that the former could not, at present writing, have arrived within the territory occupied by the polygamists.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM SALT LAKE CITY. -- The Republican publishes a discourse delivered by Heber C. Kimball, of Salt Lake City, August 30th, in which strong grounds are taken against the United States Government, and a determination is expressed to resist their troops to the last extremity. The Mormon "Children" are called upon to arm themselves, and the people are generally exhorted to lay up grain and otherwise prepare for the conflict. During the discourse, Kimball said: "We are the kingdom of God and the State of Deseret, and will have Brigham Young for Governor just so long as he lives." Young made a speech equally bold in its declarations of hostility against the United States.


Notes: (forthcoming)

WASHINGTON Nov. 7. -- The War Department has just received despatches confirmatory of previous reports that the Mormons are bent on a resistence of the army and general preparations are such that no fears are entertained for the result.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> A letter from J. C. Ward to the Los Angeles Star, dated San Bernardino, Oct. 4, 1857, states that an entire train of emigrants from Missouri and Arkansas, bound to California by way of Great Salt Lake, had been massacred by Indians at the Mountain Meadows, which are on or near the rim of the Great Basin, and some distance south of the most southren Mormon settlements. -- The massacre took place about the 10th or 11th of September. Mr. Ward says he first obtained his information from the Indians.

---

==> News has reached Fort Laramie that the Mormons had birned a train of 75 wagons near Green River, 90 miles behind Col. Alexander's command, which constitutes the rear of the general army. It was rumored that the 5th and 10th infantry batteries, and the artillery, would take possession of the Mormon village at Bear River for winter quarters.

...No intelligence has reached the Department of the reported slaughter of troops by the Indians, or of the destruction of trains by the Mormons. Previous information, however, renders the latter event not improbable. The troops are considered perfectly safe, unless resisted in the mountain defiles. The aggregate force consists of 1500 men, with three companies of flying artillery. It is fully provisioned for ten or eleven months. The direction of hostilities, whether hostile or passive, is confided to Col. Johnston, who commands, and whose prudence is greatly valued by the Department. The Administration has no intention of sending forward reinforcements this winter, unless some unexpected exigency arises. The cost of transportation and supplies is immense.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormon  War.

Important Dispatches from the Army for Utah -- Brigham Young's
Declaration of War and his Reasons Therefor.

Washington, Nov. 17.    

Col. Johnston's letter, together with Col. Alexander's, was received at the War Department today, confirming the destruction of the supply trains; also a letter and proclamation from Brigham Young, which I herewith send you, and Col. Alexander's reply.

Col. Alexander was within thirty miles of Fort Bridger, which place is occupied by Mormon troops, when he received the following letter from Brigham Young, through the commander of the "Nauvoo Legion:"

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, UTAH TERRITORY.    
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 27, 1857.   

To the Officer Commanding the Forces now Invading Utah Territory:

Sir -- By reference to the act of Congress passed Sept. 9, 1850, organizing the Territory of Utah, 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 Governor, 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 provided 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 Greene River, you can do so in peace and unmolested, on condition that you deposit your arms and ammunition with Lewis Robinson, 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 MORMON PROPHET -- Brigham Young is now about fifty years of age. He was born in Whitingham, a little town in the south-east corner of Vermont, near the border of Massachusetts. His youth was occupied with the ordinary pursuits of a farmer's son -- he was familiar with [tools] and accustomed to hard work. In the year 1832, when thirty-one years of age, he became a convert to Mormonism, and soon formed a close intimacy with Joseph Smith. He arose rapidly to authority among the Saints, and on the death of Smith in 1844 was chosen president by a large majority over the head of Sidney Rigdon. It was through his influence that they crossed the Rocky Mountains and set up their tabernacle on the Salt Lake. In the opinion of Elder Hyde, Brigham is a sincere fanatic, but destitute of principle, and cherishing the most ambitious views in regard to the predominence of Mormonism. Absurdly visionary as it my seem, his sole desire is to place the control of the American Continent in the hands of his followers. To this end all his efforts are directed. -- His wonderful success in the past inspires him with confidence for the future. Brigham Young is far superior to Smith in all the qualities which constitute a popular leader....


Note: John Hyde's stated opinion was: "Brigham Young is far superior to Smith in every thing that constitutes a great leader. Smith was not a man of genius; his forte was tact. He only embraced opportunities that presented themselves. He used circumstances but did not create them. The compiling genius of Mormonism was Sidney Rigdon. Smith had his boisterous impetuosity, but no foresight. Polygamy was not a result of his policy, but of his passions. Sidney gave point, direction, and apparent consistency to the Mormon system of theology. He invented its forms and many of its arguments. He and Parley Pratt were its leading orators and polemics. Had it not been for the accession of these two men, Smith would have been lost, and his schemes frustrated and abandoned. That Brigham was superior not only to Smith, but also to Rigdon, is evident."

THE MILITARY STRENGTH OF THE MORMONS. -- In view of the possibility of a bloody conflict with the Mormons, information respecting their means of defence is of interest to the public. A writer in the Sacramento Age states that at the order of their leader and prophet they can muster 15,000 men, armed with the most effective instruments of destruction. They have many thousands of the finest horses trained to camp service; they have a foundry where cannon amd shells are cast; a powder mill and factory where revolving rifles and pistols are manufactured, equal to those made at Hartford. They have every munition of war and necessary provision, and means of transportation within themselves, and even the women and children are instructed in the use of arms. Add to this their geographical position. To reach Salt Lake from the east, it is necessary to pass through a canyon of twenty-five miles, under hills so steep and rocky that a dozen men could hurl down an avalache of stones on the approaching caravan; and even in the event of several thousand troops reaching the valley, the beseiged, with their herds would take to the mountains, and, reinforced by their savage allies, would, in turn, beseige their beseigers, and cut off supplies until the invaders had starved out.

They have, it is said, 20,000 Indian allies whom they, are ready to furnish with arms and horses in an emergency. These Indians are partially instructed in the Mormon religion -- enough to make them supersticious in regard to the God of a superior race, yet modifying none of their ferocity.

If the Mormon prophet is really in earnest in his war-like preparations, it is easy to foresee that he will be able to give the government of the United States a deal of trouble. It is even questionable whether with his superior advantages of position, and the number and character of the force at his command, it will be possible to crush him out. The whole country is familiar with the Seminole war in which a few hundred savages managed to keep the government in hot water for years. If this insignificant band of barbarians could keep an army at bay for that length of time, what is there to prevent Brigham Young, lodging in his mountain fastnesses, and backed by an army of disciplined troops and numerous bands of Indian wariors, from bidding defiance to any army the government may be able to send against him? Such a position in the hands of a good general, would be impregnable. -- Syracuse Standard.


Notes: (forthcoming)

PRESIDENT'S  MESSAGE.

... A territorial government was established for Utah by act of Congress approved the 9th September, 1850, and the Constitution and laws of the United States were thereby extended over it "so far as the same, or any provisions thereof, may be applicable." This act provided for the appointment by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, of a governor, who was to be ex-officio superintendent of Indian affairs, a secretary, three judges of the supreme court, a marshal, and a district attorney. Subsequent acts provided for the appointment of the officers necessary to extend our land and our indian system over the Territory. Brigham Young was appointed the first governor on the 20th September, 1850, and has held the office ever since. Whilst Governor Young has been both governor and superintendent of Indian affairs throughout this period, he has been at the same time the head of the church called the Latter-Day Saints, and professes to govern its members and dispose of their property by direct inspiration and authority from the Almighty. His power has been, therefore, absolute over both church and State.

The people of Utah, almost exclusively, belong to this church, and believing with a fanatical spirit that he is governor of the Territory by divine appointment, they obey his commands as if these were direct revelations from Heaven. If, therefore, he chooses that his government shall come into collision with the government of the United States, the members of the Mormon church will yield implicit obedience to his will. Unfortunately, existing facts leave but little doubt that such is his determination. Without entering upon a minute history of occurrences, it is sufficient to say that all the officers of the United States, judicial and executive, with the single exception of two Indian agents, have found it necessary for their own personal safety to withdraw from the Territory, and there no longer remains any government in Utah but the despotism of Brigham Young. This being the condition of affairs in the Territory, I could not mistake the path of duty. As Chief Executive Magistrate, I was bound to restore the supremacy of the Constitution and laws within its limits. In order to effect this purpose, I appointed a new governor and other federal officers for Utah, and sent with them a military force for their protection, and to aid as a posse comitatus, in case of need, in the execution of the laws.

With the religious opinions of the Mormons, as long as they remained mere opinions, however deplorable in themselves and revolting to the moral and religious sentiments of all Christendom, I had no right to interfere. Actions alone, when in violation of the Constitution and laws of the United States, become the legitimate subjects for the jurisdiction of the civil magistrate. My instructions to Governor Cumming have therefore been framed in strict accordance with these principles. At their date a hope was indulged that no necessity might exist for employing the military in restoring and maintaining the authority of the law; but this hope has now vanished. Governor Young has, by proclamation, declared his determination to maintain his power by force, and has already committed acts of hostility against the United States. Unless he should retrace his steps the Territory of Utah will be in a state of open rebellion. He has committed these acts of hostility notwithstanding Major Van Vliet, an officer of the army, sent to Utah by the commanding general to purchase provisions for the troops, had given him the strongest assurances of the peaceful intentions of the government, and that the troops would only be employed as a posse comitatus when called on by the civil authority to aid in the execution of the laws.

There is a reason to believe that Governor Young has long contemplated this result. -- He knows that the continuance of his despotic power depends upon the exclusion of all settlers from the Territory, except those who will acknowledge his divine mission and implicitly obey his will; and that an enlightened public opinion there would soon prostrate institutions at war with the laws both of God and man. He has, therefore, for several years, in order to maintain his independence, been industriously employed in collecting and fabricating arms and munitions of war, and in disciplining the Mormons for military service. As superintendent of Indian affairs he has had an opportunity of tampering with the Indian tribes, and exciting their hostile feelings against the United States. This, according to our information, he has accomplished in regard to some of these tribes, while others have remained true to their allegiance, and have communicated his intrigues to our Indian agents. He has laid in a store of provisions for three years, which, in case of necessity, as he informed Major Van Vliet, he will conceal, "and then take to the mountains, and bid defiance to all the powers of the government."

A great part of all this may be idle boasting; but yet no wise government will lightly estimate the efforts which may be inspired by such phrensied fanaticism as exists among the Mormons in Utah. This is the first rebellion which has existed in our Territories; and humanity itself requires that we should put it down in such a manner that it shall be the last. To trifle with it would be to encourage it and to render it formidable. We ought to go there with such an imposing force as to convince these deluded people that resistance would be vain, and thus spare the effusion of blood. We can in this manner best convince them that we are their friends, not their enemies. In order to accomplish this object, it will be necessary, according to the estimate of the War Department, to raise four additional regiments; and this I earnestly recommend to Congress. At the present moment of depression in the revenues of the country I am sorry to be obliged to recommend such a measure; but I feel confident of the support of Congress, cost what it may, in suppressing the insurrection and in restoring and maintaining the sovereignty of the Constitution and laws over the Territory of Utah....
                 JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 1857.

---

THE EXPEDITION TO UTAH. -- A despatch from Gol. Johnson, in command of the Utah expedition, informs the government that he will be unable to reach Utah till Spring. He will occupy the valley of Henry's Fork for the winter. He advises that troops be sent from California and Oregon against the Mormons.

---

From  Utah.

The latest news from the Army of operattons, in Utah, states that the march has been shockingly mismanaged, and that troops are likely to have a hard time of it.

Already, by the middle of October; the mules and draught cattle were dying off with cold and hunger, and there were likely to be very few left by the time the Winter was over. The army and its supplies at this time were still scattered along the road between the South Pass and Fort.Bridger. In fact, a part of the wagons were still behind on the road from Fort Larantie. The Mormons were still continuing to operate along the road west of the South Pass in cutting off the supplies of the army. At the time they destroyed the wagons, on the 5th of October, for some reason not very easily understood; they did not meddle with the draught cattle. But they soon thought better of the matter, and completed the job by running, the cattle off.

The army has received a small reinforcement from the men attached to Magraw's wagon-road expedition, who, with additional recruits, will constitute a company of a hundred men. The neutrality of the Snake Indians, if not their active assistance, is also relied upon, and the men of the expedition hare been encouraged by the idea that the farms of the dispossessed Mormons may pass into their hands in the shape of bounty lands.

There is still some talkin the army of pressing on to Salt Lake City this Winter, but the encampment for the Winter on Green River seems much more probable.

Upon the schemes of Brigham Young no further light is thrown. Even if he has made up his mind to wage offensive hostilities against the troops, it is not likely that he would go further at present than merely-to steal their cattle and cut off their supplies. Six months of Winter, espeeially if short allowance should be added to the effects of cold, idleness and disease, cannot but tell severely on the army, not only diminishing its numbers but reducing also the strength and spirit of the survivors. The Mormons, after passing a comfortable Winter at home, would attack the troops under these circumstances with greatly increased prospects of success -- and that, too, long before any succor could reach them from either east or west.

The designs of Brigham Young, says a correspondent to the Pennsylvania Inquirer, obtained from a recent interview with Mr. Bernhisel, the delegate from Utah, has enlightened us to some extent in this relation.

Although this venerable patriarch is rather non-committal, yet an idea or hint occasionally slips from him, on which reasonable presumption may be predicted. It appears certain that the Mormons have in reserve, as a final place of retreat, a settlement on the borders of California, which, by their arrangenments with some of the indiau tribes, theywill be able to hold against Mexico, and which is beyood the jurisdiction of the United States.

Young has used his powers as Indian Agent to curry favor with these tribes, and has them under his control.

It is not probable that he contemplates a regular battle with the Government troops. He will annoy andd impede them in every possible mariner; destroy their provisions, ammunition and forage whenever he can lay hands upon it, and wink at assassinations, ambushes and indiscriminate slaughter, whenever accomplished by his own people or their Indian allies. He dare not oppose our army in regular warware, and he knows that he has placed himself beyond the pale of pardon. He is aware that Utah is no longer a safe residence, but he is determined not to retreat without doing all the mischief he can.

As to human life, he is as remorseless as Nero, and teaches his people that it is no sin, but rather meritorious, to kill the Gentiles. His case is desperate, as he is determined to use it with desperation. -- Our crusade against the Mormons will undoubtedly result in our recovering possession of the Territory, of Utah, but at great loss of life and property, while the saints themselves will gradually, misteriously disappear among the fastness of the mountains, to be heard of again in their gregarious condition where they can set us entirely at defiance.


LATER.-- Despatches were Saturday received at the War Department from Col. Johnson, of the Utah expedition, dated South Pass, Oct. 18 conveying intelligence of the same tenor as that received via St. Louis. The greatest exertions were being made to form a junction of the different branches of the expedition prior to going into winter quarters but serious delay was experienced with the cold and snow; Col. Magraw of the South: Pass Wagon Road expedition, had tendered a number of men with fifteen good teams, mules and wagons, which had been accepted and would be of great service in the emergency.

Several of the supply trains were yet behind with provisions and clothing of which the advance were greatly in need of. Col. J. intends to form a junction with Col. Alexander at the month of the Fontenelle creek, about 30 miles from that officer's present camp at Ham's Fork, and not far from 70 miles from his own camp [at] South Pass. He will winter at Henry's Fork on Greene river, where he hopes that Col. Cook's command, with whom is Gov. Cummings, will join him.

Col. J. thinks his force barely adequate to the protection of the supply trains and predicts that the contest will be a protracted one unless large reinforcements be sent him. He speaks of the improbability of his macking a retrogade movement.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> Senator Gwin has received a large number of letters from California, in which the writers express an intense interest to be mustered into the service of the United States against the Mormons, who, it is mentioned, have large emissaries throughout that state and are thought to be meditating series mischief.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CONGRESSIONAL.

...on Monday... In the House, Mr. Warren asked but did not obtain leave to introduce a preamble:

"That whereas, it appears from the proclamation of Brigham Young, late Governor of Utah, and from the President's Message, that said territory is in open rebellion against the government of the Unoted States, therefore, Resolved, That the Committee on Territories be instructed to consider and report on the propriety of excluding from a seat on this floor the delegate from that Territory....

...on Wednesday... In the House, Mr. Warren rose to a question of privilege, and offered the preamble and resolution in yesterday's proceedings.

Mr. Warren said that was a question which the country, and every honest man desired should be investigated. Members were setting here with a delegate from a Territory, which was not only morally, but legally in open rebellion against the government of the U.S.

Mr. Banks said the fact that the preamble declares that a state of war exists, did not bring the matter before the House as a question of privilege. He admitted that the conclusion affected the delegates' rights, but facts upon which Mr. Warren based his conclusion did not affect his rights at all. The speaker remarked that the preamble might or might not be adopted by the House.

Mr. Babcock said that the House had no facts by which to declare Utah in legal rebellion against the union, and favored the reference of the resolution to the Committee on Territories for investigation.

The House adopted the resolution directing the Committee on Territories to inquire into the expediency of expelling Mr. Bernhisel, the delegate from Utah.

---

FROM UTAH. -- Washington, Dec. 26. -- The Secretary of War this P.M., received a telegraph from Lieut. General Scott, from New York, in which he says he has good news from the Utah Expedition. Cols. Johnson and Smith and the trains were up with Col. Alexander who was marching upon Fort Bridger which was only sixteen miles off. -- On Nov. 7th, the troops were in high spirits, just enough snow had fallen to protect the grass from fire.]

---

FROM WASHINGTON. -- The President and Secretary of War have determined on their State policy. Secretary Floyd has it in contemplation to enlist and equip one or two of new regiments on the Pacific side. Provisions and equipments maybe higher there than here, but the cost of transportation is much less. It is the intention of the Department to march the the troops on Utah in the spring in three different columns -- one across the plains, one entering from Oregon, and one from California. It is conjectured that the Mormons will destroy everything they can in Utah, and then make for Sonora in Mexico, committing their depredations on California as they go. Should Brigham Young succeed in arousing the Indian tribes to hostilities against the gentiles -- as he will no doubt aim to do -- we may be in need not only of the proposed five new regiments to the standing army, but the people may have to arm themselves in self defence. The Mormon fight must soon be over oi a long and bloody Indian war is on our hands.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Important  From  Utah.

The intelligence from the Utah Expedition is highly important. The Mormons have declared their independence, and organized an army to resist the progress of the troops.

A party of Mormons, with which was Porter Rockwell -- the same man who is accused of the attempt to assassinate Gov. Boggs, of Missouri -- cut off seven hundred more head of cattle, a few days before from the rear of the army.

The Mormons have intrusted the commander-in-chief of their forces to Daniel H. Wells, whom they style Lieutenant-General. He dates his orders from Fort Bridger, but is in reality posted with his forces on Bear River. We have no estimate of their strength.

Two more prisoners were made by Col. Alexander's command, on whose persons were found documents issued by Wells, enjoining them to retard the progress of the army by burning grass, stealing cattle, destroying trains, or any other means short of taking life. One of them is named Taylor and the other Stowell. The two prisoners taken previously prove to be brothers of the notorious "Bill" Hickman. The younger of them has been sent to Salt Lake City with a message or a letter, the elder being retained as surety for his return. A prisoner has also been made in Col. Smith's camp, who confesses that the Mormon band which burned the trains on Green River endeavored to employ him to steal cattle.

---

From Washington.

...Jan. 2.... General Scott arrived last night. He is closeted with the President and Secretary of War. Their deliberations are supposed to refer to the Utah Expedition, and to the best means of re-enforcing Col. Johnson's army.

---

The Mormon Question in England --
A British Colony on the Pacific.
_____

A curious article is given in a late number of the London Morning Post. It discusses the Mormon war in Utah, speculates on the prospect and admits that the people of Great Britain take the deepest interest in the contest now going on between the United States and the Mormons. The reasons are stated as follows:

In the first place. Mormon emissaries have long been busily at work in England, and have sent out thousands of ignorant men and women, to swell the numbers of the deluded at Utah. In the second, Mormon emigration from Liverpool is conducted upon a regular system, and large sums of money are remitted from the Saints, to facilitate the passage to the New World, of fresh converts, old and young, male and female. In the third, the Mormons are supposed to have a desire to establish themselves in the neighborhood of Vancouver's Island upon which the editor remarks:

The possible location of the Mormons anywhere within the British dominions would no doubt be a great cause of annoyance to the Colonial Office, and seriously impede the steps which are about to be taken to establish a British colony and a great British naval port on the shores of the Pacific. The squatter sovereignty of Brigham Young and his followers, would have to be disposed of before Englishmen would resort in numbers to a country which, rich in such natural products as timber, and in coal, gold, and other minerals, offers eminent advantages for industrious enterprise, and for the extension of British trade and commerce throughout regions which the Hudson Bay Company have heretofore been permitted to keep as a huge hunting ground. The United States government would no doubt be rejoiced to find Utah a solitude, and its inhabitants removed across the border; but should such a contingency occur the difficulty of dealing with this arch heresy would devolve upon England, and cause a complication which no colonial Minister would willingly desire to encounter. Therefore, with regard to British interests, it is to be hoped that the Cabinet at Washington, at the proper time and with sufficient means, will enforce its authority in this rebellious State before its inhabitants have an opportunity of departing to the neighborhood of Vancouver's Island, or even to any portion of Russian America.

The Post closes its article with this language:

We may here observe that the question of boundaries in British North America is in a most confused and unsatisfactory state. Canada cannot distinguish its limits from these of the Hudson' Bay Company; and the line which separates the British North American possessions from the dominions of the United States exists only on paper, and, as a necessary consequence, the "go ahead citizens" of the republic are settling within British territory, and consummating that process of practical annexation which appears to be an instinct of their race. At the recent meetng of the Royal Geographical Society a despatch was lead from Professor Palliser, in which he stated that the Americans had built a town which they called St. Vincents, within the reach of British territory, and that he warned them of the illegal nature of their proceedings.

The Hudson's Bay Company, under their license to trade, posses no powers of government within this territory. Should the Americans proceed from Pembina, and build twenty towns in the valley of the Saskatchewan, and monopolize the whole trade of the Company, including that in furs, the Hudson's Bay Company has no authority to interfere. Everybody recollect, that about ten years ago'a question of boundary nearly involved England and the United States in war, and on that occasion the Hudson's Bay Company was willing for a consideration, to hand over to the Americans a considerable portion of valuable British territory. We have no desire to see a second Ashburton capitulation, and thorefore we hope, now that the importance of these regions is fully admitted, that a boundary line will be run between the territories of the two powers, beyond which the Americans shall not be permitted to intrude. This is an object which can easily be accomplished at the present time; but every month's delay interposes an obstacle of which the citizens of the United States will not fail to take advantage.

It thus appears that the Mormons are destined to create a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic. What will be the ultimate fate of this people it is impossible to conceive. One of two results, however, appears probable. If they persist in a determination to wage war against the United States, they will sooner or later be exterminated, and if they pursue a more considerate policy for themselves, they will abandon our soil, and locate in British Oregon, Sonora, or Lower California. In either of the last-named they might sustain themselves, but the British would no more tolerate their system than the United States.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Important  From  Utah.

==> It is now said that the Mormons do not intend to abandon the Salt Lake Valley, as heretofore surmised; but that they will defend themselves to the last in their present position of rebellion against the United States authorities. It seems hardly possible that the hallucination of their ability to maintain their position throughout another Summer, can have taken posession of their minds. That they are an ugly force to meet in a military encounter cannot be doubted; and if they once rally in earnest in their alleged determination to fight, a bloody contest is likely to occur. But they will of course be crushed by the power of this great nation. Out of their own community they have no sympathisers with their cause and will find neither moral nor material support. It is possible that they may enlist a formidable Indian force in their defence. Brigham Young, although an audacious, is at the same time a wily leader, and we look, at the last moment perhaps, for better proof of his sagacity than a desperate military struggle with the Federal troops. -- In the mean time the order of Lieut. Gen. Scott, published in our columns elsewhere, shows that the Government is vigorously, preparing to crush out this rebellion, and that the army poured into Utah as soon as spring opens will be very formidable.

---

From Washington.

THE MORMONS -- ARMY ORDERS --
THE ELECTION IN KANSAS.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9.    

From advices received to-day it appears that the Mormons will not retreat from Utah as was expected by the Government but will fight it out where they are. This insures us a bloody war in the Spring. The following orders, will be issued from the Head Quarters of the Army:

New York, Jan. 8.    

The General-in-Chief with the approbation of the War Department, directs the following movements:

First. -- The army of Utah will be reinforced as soon as practicable by the 1st Regiment of Cavalry, 6th and 7th Regiments of Infantry, and Light Companies A and M 2d Artillery.

Second. -- Forts Smith and Washita, Arbuckle and Belknap will be abandoned for the present, and all the troops comprising their garrisons, except the ordnance sergeants, will, at the earliest possible day, proceed to the Jefferson barracks; the companies at Fort Smith by the Arkansas and Mississippi rivers; those at Forts Washita, Arbuckle and Belknap by the Red and Mississippi rivers -- if transportation on the former river can be obtained without too great delay, otherwise by Fort Smith and the first named rivers.

Third. -- The 4th Regiment of Artillery, now in Kansas, will take post as follows, Head quarters with two companies at Fort Riley. The Lt. Col. with four companies at Fort Laramie. The Junior Major with two companies at Fort Leavenworth. The company in each case to be designated by the Colonel. This Regiment will be put in march for its several stations by the commanding General of the Department of the West as early as practicable.

Fourth. -- An officer of rank being necessary at Fort Kearny, the Junior Major of the 4th Artillery will at once proceed thither and assume command of the post.

Fifth. -- In due time further orders will be given for the march of the reinforcements across the Plains and preliminary measures will be commenced at once by the several Staff Departinents and officers for preparing the troops and the supplies for the movement.

Sixth. -- Messures will also be taken for fitting up the Regiments and Companies to the maximum standard and also for furnishing recruits for the other troops composing the Army in Utah.

Seventh. -- The several departments of the Staff will take prompt measures to secure the public property at the posts to be abandoned.

By command of Lieut. General.
                    WINFIELD SCOTT.
IRVIN McDOWELL., Asst. Adjutant-General.

Despatches were received here this evening from Kansas, to the effect that the Free State men had elected their ticket; at least such was the aspact of the vote as far as heard from. Everything was quiet in the Territory.

The Senate Territorial Committee have agreed upon and will report in favor of a Territorial Government for Arizona. -- They have also a petition before them from a large number of citizens of Western Utah asking for a Territorial Government east of the Sierra Nevada.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From  the  Utah  Expedition.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23.    

The despatch received at the War Department from Col. Johnson, dated Nov. 30th, confirms the previous report of successive suffering and great loss of draught animals by snow storms, cold and starvation.

A sufficient number of oxen, though poor, had been saved to supply part of the rations in six days of the weeks, and there was on hand enough bacon for one day of the same for several months. Also flour and small rations. The storm dealt roughly with Col. Cook's command. He lost half of his horses, besides a number of mules.

A further advance towards Salt Lake City cannot be made, without a new supply of such animals to procure which, Capt. Marcy has been despatched to New Mexico, for their use early in the Spring, when the army with a volunteer force 2,000 strong will resume its march as soon as supplied with horses and mules. And when the grass on the mountains is sufficient to sustain them.

Volunteer companies have been mustered into the service for nine months, and it was expected, that in a few days two more would be mustered in. The troops have borne the dangers and privations of the march with patience and cheerfulness. They are in excellent health, though some of the regiments are still suffering from frost bite.

Another letter from an officer in the army says the Mormons are afraid of the mounted men; they are a set of cowards, like all assassins and robbers, and he fears that their leaders and those who have no claim in the valley will run off, requiring their deluded followers to destroy their property lest it may benefit the army.

---

BRIGHAM YOUNG. --We clip the following from a late speech made by Brigham Young:

"As the Lord God lives we will waste our enemies by millions, if they send them here to destroy us, and not a man of us be hurt. That is the method I intend to pursue. Do you want to know what is going to be done with the enemy now on our borders? If they come here I will tell you what will be done. As soon as they start to come into our settlements let not [----] depart from their eyes and slumber from their eyelids, until they sleep in death, for they have been warned and forewarned that we will not tamely submit to being destroyed. Men shall be secreted here and there and shall waste away our enemies, in the name of Israel's God."


Notes: (forthcoming)

MORMONISM.

We make the following extracts from the speech of Mr. John Thompson of this state, delivered in the House of Representatives, Jan. 27.:

"Mormonism, as a religious system, had its origin in a romance, written about the year 1810 by Solomon Spalding, a native of Connecticut, who had been educated for the ministry, but followed a mercantile employment, removed to Cherry Valley, N. Y., where he amused his leisure hours by weaving a book entitled by him, "The MSS. Found," the notion entertained or suggested by some writers that the American Indians are the descendants of the lost ten tribes of Israel. -- Hence, he starts them from Palestine, invents for them various fortunes by flood and field, wars, quarrels, turmoils, strifes, separations, until they people this continent, and leave behind them the vestiges of mounds, tumuli, fortifications, sculpture, and cities dilapidated, which are discovered in Northern and Central America. It is written somewhat in Scriptural style, and uses the machinery of the Jewish economy throughout. He read his manuscript to various persons, who yet remember it, but was not successful in procuring its publication. Somewhere, about the year 1823, this manuscript fell into the hands of Jo Smith, a native of Windsor County, Vt. Smith was about twenty years of age, and already exhibited that singular compound of genius and folly, of cunning and absurdity, of indolence and energy, of craft and earnestness, which distinguished him to the end of his career.

"Under the new-light preachers of that day, Smith became imbued with all the wild and extravagant notions of seeing sights, hearing voices, receiving revelations, meeting and fighting the devil in bodily form, which indicate a diseased imagination and want of all solid instruction and fixed principles on religious subjects. Enthusiasm ran mad through the whole region where he dwelt, and Smith was one of its most brilliant exemplifications, ultimately having a revelation that all existing systems of religion were wrong, and that he should be made the prophet of a new faith. For more than five years he vibrated between his caution and his enthusiasm, giving out occasionally dark hints about certain mysterious plates to be dug up by him, containing a new revelation. Part of his time was spent in lying, swindling and debauchery, and the remainder in visions and repentance -- the vulgar habits of the brute contending with the higher functions of the prophet. At length he pretended to dig out the plates from the side of a hill in Palmyra, Wayne County, N. Y., placed himself behind a curtain, permitting no one to enter, from which sanctum he translated from the plates the book of Mormon to an amanuensis, reading it all from Spalding's manuscript in his possession, one hundred and eighteen pages of it having been stolen by Martin Harris. -- With this new Koran our modern Mohammed started upon his career.

"On the 5th of May, 1829, John the Baptist came back to earth to baptize Smith; and on the 6th of April, 1830, the first church of Latter-Day Saints was organized at Manchester, New York, consisting of four Smith and two converts out of the family -- Pratt, Rigdon, Kimball, and Young joining afterward. The Bible, unlike that of the Christian or Mussulman, purports to be chiefly historical, and does not enunciate or enforce a system of moral and religious truth in a philosophic or didactic form; all its incidental lessons upon life or manners being derived from current doctrines of this day. It is consequently incapable of comparison with any other extant form of religious faith. One might as well compare the Christian religion with Fenelon's Telemachus, or one of Jame's novels.

"The history of this fanaticism is soon told. The church was organized in 1830. In August, 1831, they commenced a settlement at Independence, Jackson County, Missouri -- revealed to Smith as the site of the "New Jerusalem." Smith wavered long between this place and Kirtland, Ohio, where in '33, they commenced building their first temple, which was finished in 1836, at a cost of about $50,000. In '39 they relaid the foundations of their temple in Missouri. They left this region again for Nauvoo, in Illinois, where another temple was soon erected. Jo Smith's life and labors ended together in Carthage Jail, where, on the 27th of June, 1844, he was shot by a gang of Border Ruffians from Missouri.

"In '45 they turned their eyes westward -- to Vancouver's Island, to Texas, to California, and finally to a valley in the Rocky Mountains. In 1843 [sic - 1846?], as the young grass was peering from the sod and the buds were bursting into flowers, in the month of May, the exodus to Utah commenced.

"From that day Young has reigned supreme, and thousands and tens of thousands have flocked to his standard. The unsettled religious sentiment of the lower grades of mind gravitate to Salt Lake. It is the Botany Bay of the world! There it stands, rampant and defying -- a despotism consummate, wearing the show of popular approval, and bending willingly to the nod of a tyrant. -- There it stands -- it is before you in your path to the Pacific -- it will not [sway] at your bidding; a huge, ugly, stubborn fact, which no ignorance can disregard and no political fatuity despise.

"What will you do with it? Will you turn despot and saber 60,000 souls because they believe in Brigham Young and polygamy? -- Will you meet the fanaticism and folly and fraud by the fanaticism of extermination? -- Will you make the city a desert and the region a howling wilderness on the one hand; or, will you suffer this moral cancer, inflaming political treason, to grow on untouched until it becomes to vast to handle? Will you permit an independent and defiant despotism, organized in the very heart of this continent and embracing the vilest and most intractable elements of which a community can be composed, to compact and strengthen its defenses, to train its battalions, to call home its forces, and light a fire at your threshold which all the forces of the Republic cannot subdue?

"I know some think we should let them alone, and that the system must soon fall to pieces. But how long has Mohammedanism lasted? How much reliable is the fanaticism of to-day than that of ten centuries ago? What element of this structure gives signs of impotence or decay? What limb of this hale giant is already smitten with moral paralysis, and gives tokens that its energies are spent or even wearied? Sir, we have let them alone, and from a contemptible handful, they have grown into a nation! The citizens of Illinois and Missouri could eject them without aid; but now they stand behind a wall of ten thousand bayonets, and dare you to the encounter. The unorganized fanaticism of the world gravitates to Utah, and there it is molded into armies. Eight tenths at least of these elements are foreign, uneducated by and unaccustomed to our institutions, with no love for Democracy, and no reverence for national law; restless masses, impatient of restraint, and fraternizing only on the lust of license and the hope of power."

---

==> Mr. Bernheisel, delegate from Utah, has had several conferences with the President recently. He proposes that the troops be withdrawn and a Commission dispatched to the territory to arrange for the settlement of present difficulties. Mr. Bernheisel speaks in the name of the people of Utah, not pursuance to instructions from Brigham Young. The President turns a cold shoulder to his proposition.


Note 1: See the New York Hornellsville Tribune of Feb. 11, 1858 for a similar report on Representative Thompson's speech. The article is one of the very few known to have been printed in the Otsego County press, in which Solomon Spalding's ostensible connections to the Book of Mormon were outlined. Since this text was reprinted in a Cherry Valley paper, and since it makes mention of Spalding's early residence in Cherry Valley, it is surprising that the Gazette editor appended no local comments, nor subsequently published any follow-up items concerning Solomon Spalding at Cherry Valley. Certainly, as late as 1858, there must have yet been living a few old Otsego Co. pioneers who recalled Spalding's c. 1795-1809 stay in the area (at which time he served briefly as the Headmaster of the noted Cherry Valley Academy). Representative Thompson presents the intriguing nation -- that Spalding began his fictional writings on the subject of lost Israelite tribes, while living in Cherry Valley. However, the most that can be said about the local response to this assertion, is that there was no known refutation forthcoming from Otsego's old settlers.

Note 2: An earlier news report (probably first published in Otsego County, about the beginning of October, 1850) gave some interesting information that was soon after reprinted in the Boston New England Puritan: [At a public meeting lately held in Cherry Valley, Judge Campbell said:] ... "Rev. Solomon Spaulding, one of the earliest preceptors of the Academy of Cherry Valley, was the actual composer of most of what is known as the Mormon Bible. He wrote it during a period of delicate health to beguile some of his weary hours, and also with a design to offer it for publication as a romance. Dr. Robert Campbell, late of Cherry Valley, and foster father of the first Mrs. Grant, of the Nestorian mission, calling some years since upon Mr. Spaulding, had the manuscript of this notable book to be shown to him, and was also informed by Mr. Spaulding that he had hopes of reaping some pecuniary advantage from it for himself and family. Mr. Spaulding has been dead for some years, though it is believed that his wife is still living in the United States. How it passed from the possession of his family into the hands of Joe Smith it is probable that Mrs. Spaulding could tell."

LATEST  NEWS.

...A series of resolutions have been introduced in the Legislature approving Senator Douglas's Kansas bill, and the majority of the Democratic leaders and newspapers side with Douglas against the President. The mustering of soldiers for Utah continues active in California. Almost every country has its company. -- There is no important news from Oregon or the Sandwich Islands, and no later dates from Utah.

---

THE AREA OF UTAH. -- It may be a matter of some interest to our readers to know something of the comparative extent of that Territory of the United States, whose chief officer is bidding defiance to the government. According to Colton the area of Utah is 269,170 square miles. To engineers and a few others, this will give a just idea of its vast extent, but the majority of people will form a better estimate by being told that it is as large as the whole of New England States, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky and Tennessee. Or to compare it with European countries, it is equal in extent to Great Britain, Ireland, Switzerland, Prussia and Denmark, with the islands of Guernsey, Jersey and Man, the Ionian island added.

---

ALBANY AND UTAH. -- We notice that Senator Seward presented to the United States Senate, Thursday, a memorial from citizens of Albany, who offer their services to "fight the battles of their country" in Utah.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CONGRESS.

In Congress Thursday... The Army bill was then taken up, and the fourth section stricken out by one majority. An ammendment was adopted, to the effect that a reduction at the end of two years should not operate on any officer at this date. Mr. Iverson expressed a low opinion of volunteers, who would be, in his judgment, quite likely to join the Mormons as to fight them. An ammendment, introduced by Mr. Hamlin, to the effect that in no case should the force created by the act serve over two years, was agreed to....

---

Later from Salt Lake.

St. Louis, Feb. 20.    

The Iependence correspondent of the Republican, under date of the 16th inst., says that the Salt Lake mail arrived there last night. Conductor Denver reports the snow from one to six feet deep on the mountains, and the weather intensely cold.

He left Camp Scott January 1, and the troops there were in good spirits, earnestly wishing to make a descent on Salt Lake City. Frem Mormon prisoners and straggling Indians, Col. Johnson was well advised of the movements of the Saints, who were making active preparations to continue their resistance to the troops in the Spring.

Their municipal regulations were very stringent, and they looked with suspicion upon every body the least inclined to favor the action of the United States Government. Gov. Cumming was performing the duties of his ofice as far as he was able. The outward bound mails were making good progress, and the many Indians whom they met manifested friendly feeling.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM UTAH. -- A correspondent of the Tribune, writing from the army in Utah, communicates news of great interest, especially the Message of Brigham Young to the Territorial Legislature. The Army is in excellent condition, and, thanks to the wise arrangements of Col. Johnston, does not suffer from its confinement in winter quarters. The proceedings before the Court of Chief-Justice Eckles are also important. An indictment for high treason has been found against Brigham Young and a number of the subordinate Mormon leaders, and one of them -- now a prisoner with the Army -- has been put upon his trial; the case was adjourned, however, in order to give him time to procure witnesses. To judge by the evidence which now reaches us, the Mormons are resolved to fight and will do it with energy and earnestness. Some "striking indications as to their military resources are given by this correspondent. -- He also gives a copy of a letter by Dr. Hurt, which charges upon the authorities of the Mormon Church a variety of outrages of almost inconceivable atrocity.

---

==> From the Utah expedition we have advices by way of St. Louis. The army continued in good health, and the weather mild. But little snow had fallen in the vicinity of Camp Scott. Brigham Young, Heber C.Kimball and others had been indicted in the United States District Court for high treason. The Mormon Legislature was still in session.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE MORMONS. -- The Council Bluffs Bugle of the 3d says: That Mr. Wingate has just arrived from Salt Lake January 25th, and reports that there is no snow in Salt Lake Valley and but little in the mountains. He came by a route known only to the Mormons -- through the mountains by which only horsemen in single file can pass. Mr. Wingate says that the Mormons are making small cannon and percussion locks and telescopic sights, which will carry a two pound ball with more certainty than a common rifles. They are also making 500 revolvers a week, and manufacturing a coarse kind of gunpowder for mining purposes. A skirmish had occurred between a party of Mormons and a picket guard of the army, in which two of the former were killed, and it is reported that four of the latter were slain. Mr. Wingate says that Brigham is willing the civil officers shall come into the Territory and enter upon their duties, but if the army attempts to enter the Valley they will be resisted. On the 24th of January Brigham Young preached to 9,000 people, all whom rose when Young told those in favor of giving the troops hell, to rise.

A letter from Capt. Marsh at Taos, January 24th, says that he was 57 days in making the trip from Fort Bridger. For 200 miles the party encountered snow from two to five feet. -- They made only 30 miles in ten days, and for eleven days lived on their starved mules. -- One man had perished on the way and many were badly frozen. Forty-four out of 66 mules which which he started, died.


Note: See the March 19, 1858 issue of the Missouri Libery Tribune for a similar, lengthier article based upon Wingate's report.

CONGRESS.

...Tuesday... In the House... The memorial from the Legislature of Utah was presented. After it had been read, the House adjourned.

...In Congress Thursday, the Senate resolved to hold an evening session, and sat till nearly 11 o'clock. Mr. Green offered a resolution of inquiry with reference to the massacre of emigrants in Utah...

...In Congress Friday, the Senate adopted Mr. Gwin's resolution of inquiry as to the massacre of emigrants in Utah...

The House of Representatives decided by the strong vote of 143 to 43, against any increase of our Standing Army, and in favor of allowing the President to accept the services of five regiments of Volunteers, to be employed in settling our Mormon and Indian troubles.


Note: See also the March, 1858 issues of the Washington, D.C. Daily National Intelligencer, as well as "Massacre of Emigrants to California," in the Congressional Globe of March 18, 1858, for further details.

THE MORMON WAR. -- According to the plan laid down by the War Department for the service in Utah, there will be by July next about five thousand five hundred troops in that Territory, amply supplied for an active campaign. Should it be necessary this force will consist of about one-third cavalry, sixteen guns of artillery and the rest infantry. Three-fifths of this force has yet to be sent. Russell, the contractor for transportation of this army will employ three thousand five hundred teamsters to drive wagons carrying the supplies. This will give some idea of the magnitude and cost of the undertaking. In view of the importance of the service, object and end of this war-like and expensive expedition, it is under consideration with the government, notwithstanding the brevet appointment of Col. Johnston, whether it would. not be proper to assign an officer of more service and experience, as Geo. Harney or some other, to this command.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons.

These fanatics are causing more actual disturbance to the peaceful relations, heretofore existing between the several portions of our citizens, than the agitation of even the "'exed" question of slavery. The Mormons have taken hold of Gen. Jackson's motto, with a vengeance -- "the largest liberty to the greatest number," being their cardinal creed, and believing firmly that their numbers not only consist of the visible church, but also of the heavenly host -- for Brigham says the God of Battles is with them -- they consider themselves entitled to any amount of liberty. Their liberty of speech is tolerably well exemplified in Gov. Young's celebrated sermon to his "whining women," while the unmuzzled condition of their powers of correspondence is abundantly set forth in their late memorial to the Congress of the United States. In this production of the Utah Legislature the Mormons say, if the army, in their midst, is there by authority, they should like to be informed of it. They say they will not submit to be ruled by a parcel of demagogues, and ask the Government to withdraw the troops, and give them fair play. "In spite of earth and hell," they declare that, they will maintain their religion. If they do not entertain a favorable opinion of the army, they beg blandly, to be excused. "If some of them had their deserts they would be pulling hemp by the neck, or occupying positions in prison." Some portions of this memorial, during its reading, caused great laughter, while many nervous gentlemen saw much of "hidden fire" beneath this Mormon warming pan.

These deluded mortals will fight like demons for their religion, and the best way to quell disturbances is, quietly if possible, but forcibly if needs be, to remove from their midst, the great disturbing cause, Brigham Young.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CONGRESS.

In Congress Monday... The House concurred in the ammendments to the Volunteer bill made by the Senate. -- A resolution was adopted calling upon the Secretary of War for full statements respecting the supply contracts for Utah....

In Congress Tuesday... The House in Committee of the Whole discussed the items embraced in the Deficiency Appropriation bill, particularly those for the Utah expedition.

In Congress Wednesday... In the House... Messrs. Washburn of Maine and Granger of New York opposed the granting of supplies for the Utah Expedition, on the ground that it had been undertaken without the authority of Congress. Mr. Lovejoy of Illinois was ready to undertake the war by contract for half the amount appropriated -- the Government to determine how many Mormons were to be killed.

---

FROM THE UTAH EXPEDITION. -- The St. Joseph Gazette announces the arrival at that place of Alexander Constant from Fort Kearney, 10th ult. Mr. Constant reports that Brigham Young had notified Col. Johnston to leave the Territory of Utah by the 10th of March, otherwise his troops will be annihilated. Young had also tendered to the army sufficient provisions to last them to the States. Mr. Constant met a supply train of 160 wagons, accompanied by four companies of troops, on the 1st inst., on Little Blue river. He also reports the Indians all peaceable.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FOR UTAH. -- A general order has been issued by the Commander-in-Chief, directing particularly the movements of troops from the barracks at Newport, Jefferson and Carlisle, and from Forts Columbus and Randall for Utah at the earliest notice. General Smith is appointed to the command of the Government of Utah, and Brigadier Generals Harney and Johnson to command according to their brevet ranks. Col. Lee succeeds to the command of the Department of the West. Col. and Inspector-General Mansfield is relieved from the duty of inspecting recruits and this duty will devolve on Lieut. Col. J. E. Johnston. The. greater portion of the troops destined for Utah will be concentrated at Fort Levenworth to be ready to leave on the arrival of General Smith. The head-quarters of the 2d Infantry is transferred to St. Louis.

The St. Louis Republican states that an express messenger passed through that city two weeks ago with instructions to Gen. Johnson not to commence offensive operations before the arrival of the Peace Commissioners.

---

UTAH DIFFICULTIES. -- The London Times of April 2d has a leader on the Mormon difficulties, in which, after some common places, it remarks that the Mormons must support a desperate struggle, or acquiesce in the reform of their institutions, or accept the alternative of seeking a refuge beyond the dominions of the United States. It concludes in the following language:

"We certainly cannot desire their presence within the British territory, and a recent speech comparing their present condition with "British colonial bondage," makes us hope that Queen Victoria's empire will not be favored with a new race of polygamists. They may, however, migrate into the Mexican territory, drive out the Indians and set up their sensual theocracy in the place of native superstitions.

But this will defer the day of the inevitable struggle. The tide of American settlement Will follow them, and Brigham Young or his successorv will be threatened with extirpation by a new generation of citizens. -- Our only hope is that the Mormon body will, under the pressure of necessity, overthrow their priests and prophets, and accept the merely human nominees of Mr. Buchanan. Mormonism. is said to have already undergone some changes. The book written on the golden plates is falling into disrepute, and the Bible is being restored to its old supremacy. Why should not the doctrine of Divine communication through Brigham Young, and the practice of polygamy also pass away?

If that were the case, this Mormonism would be as harmless as the creed of the Shakers or the Southcotisms. If the citizens of Utah anticpate the resolve of the Unitgd States and dethrone their prophets, and if they will give guaranties for a more moral course of life, they may still be left in possession of the regions which it is said they have won from the wilderness with almost unexampled industry abd perserverance.


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> A man named Isaac Sheen, publishes a card in Cincinnati, stating that Brigham Young and his Danites have condemned him to death for giving McLean the information which led him to shoot Parley P. Pratt, the Mormon apostle. In case their designs are accomplished, he wishes the authorities to know where to look for his murderers.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Temper  of  the  Mormons.

The California mails bring a new batch of complaints and denunciations from the Mormons against the United States. They have prepared a long memorial to Congress.

It relates how they collected in Jackson Co., Missouri, and were driven away by a mob despoiled of their property, beaten, tarred and feathered; how they went to Clay county in the some State and were treated in the same manner; how they went to Nauvoo, built a large and flourishing city, and were driven away from there after their Prophet had been murdered; and how they had, after enduring great hardships, settled in Utah, hoping to be secure from further persecution. The memorial closes thus:

"There has been more crime, outrage and murder, in one week in California, than in ten years that we have sojourned here; and the same would apply to New Orleans, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and many other Southern and Western cities.

"If we are guilty, why not prove it? If we are not why persecute us? Have we as American citizens no rights? The only crime that we can acknowledge ourselves guilty of is that of permitting such abandoned characters as many of the government appointees, to remain among us, who were so degraded and lost to all self respec to disgrace themselves in the eyes of all respectable persons, to dishonor the government that sent them, and to calumniate and abuse us.

"Our choice for Governor is Brigham Young, and that choice is unanimous. -- Have nearly a hundred thousand American citizens no right of franchise? Must they be dragooned into servile obesiance to the will of their servants? How and when were we cut off from having a voice in the selection of those who are to rule us? We used to vote in other places; where, when and by what authority are we disfranchised? Have we not cause for complaint? When you reject our Governor, you reject us. You treated us with contempt, for they were neither elected by stump speeches, cabals, nor log rolling; they are the unanimous choice of the people who send them. Shall we tamely submit to such high-handed aggressions upon our rights, and become the mean, servile dogs of a tyrannical Administration? We declare in the face of high Heaven, God being our helper, we will not.

"We come not to you with smooth speech or honeyed words; we have not learned to cringe beneath the lash of tyranny, nor to basely lick the feet of public servants who undertake to oppress us. We approach you as your equals, and frankly, openly and above board, ask for our rights. We will not tamely submit to be abused as we have been hitherto. We approach you not as a clique, a cable, or a miserable faction; our voice is the united voice of nearly one hundred thousand Americans, laboring under the most unprecedented cruelty, outrage and wrongs, and our cry is, give us our constitutional rights, let us enjoy our liberty in peace, and let evenhanded justice be administered throughout the land, for we will no longer wear your cursed yoke of unconstitutional requirements."

---

... Will Brigham Young fight or run away? This is one of the knotty questions of the day. No one can determine... A prominent pro-slavery paper speaks of the religious awakenings: -- "Heaven, earth and hell seem all to be let loose upon us at once; the Revivals, the Mormons, and the Millerites; Free Love, the Fillibusters and Freedom shrieking; Woman's Rights, and Nullification, Bibles and Bowie Knives, the upsetting of tables and the Union, the Paganism of Utah and the Christianity run mad of the New Advent people....

---

From Washington.
A large body: of Hostile Indians on the Red River --
the Oregon war debt, &c.
Special Dispatch to the New York Times.

WASHINGTON, May 2.    

The President has received authentic information that a large body of Indians, of various hostile tribes, are collected on the head-waters of the Red River, though not so large as at first reported. Their encampments, however, extend along the banks of the river a hundred and fifty miles. They are all well armed and hostile, and say that it is the intention of the Great Chief of the West, Brigham Young, to extriminate the white settlers on the frontier. The Apaches and Cheyennes constitute a large portion of the hostile Indians, the Camanches remaining friendly, though very much alarmed. -- Fortunately, anticipating this contingency, the Government some time since, ordered a regiment from Texas to march into the Indian country, and they are now on their way there. The friendly Indians will not be allowed to participate if a fight ensues.

A letter from Oregon says that Brigham Young is concentrating the Saints at Salt Lake, the converts in Oregon having received orders from him to repair there at once. It is added that they immediately packed up their goods and started for New Zion.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Army  Orders.

ST. LOUIS, May 8.    

Maj. Gen. Smith has issued elaborate orders relative to the movement of the trains and troops of the Utah forces. Trains are to be divided into 226 wagons each, and the troops will be organized in columns, each column containing the escort of a division. -- A general supply train and the first column under command of Lieut. Col. Andrews, are already organized and ordered to march. -- The second column, under Lieut. Col. Monroe, composing the escort of the first division of supplies, march from Leavenworth on the 15th inst. The third column, under Col. Sumner, march on the 30th. The 6th column, under Major Emery, march on the 4th of June. These columns, for the present, constitute the first brigade of the Utah forces, under command of Gen. Harney. -- Each column is to be supplied with four months provisions, which are to be replenished when passing Forts Kearney and Laramie.

Gen. Smith is now in this city, and it is stated that his health is such as to require him to remain here it short period.

Four companies, 6th infantry, left Leavenworth, on the 6th inst. One company from Fort Reilly, will join them at Fort Kearney.

---

==> A detachment of troops left Jersey City for Utah via St. Louis, on the 6th.

==> A letter from Oregon says that Brigham Young is concentrating the Saints at Salt Lake; the converts in Oregon have received orders for them to repair there at once.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Highly  Important  from  Utah.

ST. LOUIS, May 17.    

The Republican received a despatch late last night, stating that an express reached Fort Leavenworth, on the 13th inst., from Camp Scott, April 10th, bringing intelligence that the Mormons had laid down their arms. Gov. Cumming on the invitation of Brigham Young, had entered Salt Lake City without an escort. Many of the Mormons had gone to the southern part of the Territory, and the women and children were preparing to follow.

---

WHAT AN ENGLISH GIRL THINKS OF THE MORMONS. -- An English girl named Elizabeth Cotton, who was induced to join the Mormons and emigrate to Salt Lake, writes home, to Leeds, England, as follows: --

"I am afraid I shall never see you again, but still I live in hopes. We started from Salt Lake some time since to come back again, but the Mormons met us, and we were compelled to go back. On arriving at the Salt Lake, I was not a little surprised to see the men running after the women and asking if they were married; but I have not got married. yet; and I do not intend to. Many of the men have eight or ten wives, and he stays with one two nights, and another two nights, and so on, and that is Mormonism; but this is not all, for Brigham. Young has 60 women, and they had twelve sons in one year, and now many daughters I do not know. What they preach about is --- thieving, and cutting anybody's throat, and if you ask anything about it you are told it is none of your darn business. I know one young woman of fifteen, who has had four husbands, in five months, and that gives you an idea of Mormonism. Ann Jubb came with us across the plains, and when she got to Salt Lake there were so many men running after her that she got married, and she is the second wife, and they call her Ann Webb, but she is far from being comfortble, and would be glad to be back again. -- If I was in England and any Mormon elder came to the house where I was, I would give him a pretty warm reception. Mormonism in England and Mormonism in Salt Lake are as different as chalk and cheese."

---

TROOPS FOR UTAH. -- Despatches from Lieut. Col. Simpson, dated Fort Leavenworth, May 7th, state that the 6th Infantry, under command of Lieut. Col. Andrews, and a company of Engineers, commanded by Lieut. Duane, left that day en route to Utah. The regiment would go via Fort Kearney, thence diverge from the Orefon route as far as the south fork of the Platte River, and thence through the Black hills to Fort Bridger. -- This route was surveyed by Lieut. Bryan in 1856, and is 70 miles shorter than the old one. Gem. Smith was expected to arrive at Fort Leavenworth on the 6th inst.


Notes: (forthcoming)

NEWS  PARAGRAPHS.
____

...Gen. Persifer F. Smith, the commander of the Utah forces at the headquarters at Leavenworth, died at half part twelve o'clock on the 17th inst. His remains left Leavenworth on Wesnesday last. Gen. Harney succeeds to the command.


Notes: (forthcoming)

UTAH ARMY. -- The last detachment of troops for Utah, under command of Major, Paul, numbering 210 men, left Jefferson Barracks May 26th, for Fort Leavenworth. A letter to the Democrat, dated Leavenworth 22d, says: "There is no intermission in the preparatory labors of the troops consequent on the recent intelligence from Salt Lake; and judging from the movements at the Fort, no countermand of orders already given, is anticipated. The head quarters would not move for 15 or 20 days. It was understood, however, that Gen. Harney might proceed in advance of his Staff, passing the several columns on the route. Gen. H. had given an order to Col. Grossman, Quarter-Master General, to proceed with the fourth column, under Col. Monson, and Major Babbit. -- [The] Adjutant General is to be stationed at Fort Laramie, whither he has gone immediately."


Notes: (forthcoming)

Important  from  Utah.
____

ST. LOUIS. June 5.    

The Republican learns from a gentleman who left Fort Leavenworth on the 2d inst., and who had read all the letters from Camp Scott to May 6th, that the news that Gov. Cumming had been driven from Salt Lake City was discredited. Letters from Camp Scott of the latest date, mention no such event, and nothing was known there of what had transpired in the city, there being no official intercourse between Gov. Cumming and Col. Johnson.

Despatches from. Gov. Cummings to Secretary Cass were received at Camp Scott subsequent to the departure of the mail on May 6th, and as the news of Gov. C's expulsion was only derived from the Mormon bearers, these despatches are regarded as improbable.

Information had reached Camp Scott that a supply of beef from Oregon was close at hand, and that Col. Hoffman was within from 7 to 9 days march of the encampment.

The Democrat, has just received the following despatch:

Leavenworth, June 3. Wm. Crossman arrived here last night from Fort Laramie, and states that Capt. Marcy's train had been cut off by the Mormons. Particulars of the story had been forwarded by mail.

---

IMPORTANT FROM UTAH. -- The latest news from Utah is to the effect that Gov. Cumming had been expelled from the city by Brigham Young, and that the Mormons were in arms, determined to resist the army to the last. -- It is hardly probable that the Mormons have taken so bold a stand, still, it is possible that Young and Cumming are at variance; and that the Mormons, having made a show of yielding in order to arrest the dispatch of men and munitions from the Missouri to Utah are now disposed to fight. If this prove the fact, their doom is evidently sealed -- as there has been no delay of our troops destined for that service. On the contrary, they have been pushed on, and are now at least three week's march nearer Col. Johnson's camp.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Important  from  Utah.
____

Governor Cumming, who appears to have been kindly received by the Saints, has given publicity to the following Proclamation which it will be seen offers "a full and free pardon to all who will submit themselves to the authority of the Federal Government." This movement, according to present indications, will end the Mormon war:

A  PROCLAMATION.

By James Buchanan, President of the United States of America.

Whereas, the Territory of Utah was settled by certain emigrants from the States and from foreign countries, who have for several years past manifested a spirit of insubordination to the Constitution and laws of the U.S., the great mass of those settlers, acting under the influence of leaders to whom they seem to have surrendered their judgment, refuse to be controlled by any other authority. They have been often advised to obedience, and these friendly counsels have been answered with defiance. Officers of the Federal Government have been driven from the Territory, for no offence but an effort to do their sworn duty. Others have been prevented from going there by threats of assassination. Judges have been violently interrupted in the performance of their functions, and the records of the Courts have been seized and either destroyed or concealed. Many other acts of unlawful violence have been perpetrated, and the right to repeat them has been openly claimed by the leading inhabitants, with at least the silent acquiescence of nearly all the others. Their hostility to the lawful Government of the country has at length become so violent that no officer bearing a commission from the Chief Magistrate of the Union can enter the Territory or remain there with safety, and all the officers recently appointed have been unable to go to Salt Lake city or anywhere else in Utah beyond the immediate power of the army. Indeed, such is believed to be the condition to which a strange system of terrorism has brought the inhabitants of that region, that no one among them could express an opinion favorable to this Government, or even propose to obey its laws, without exposing his life and property to peril.

After carefully considering this state of affairs, and maturely weighing the obligation I was under to see the laws faithfully executed, it seemed to me right and proper that I should make such use of the military force at my disposal as might be necessary to protect the Federal officers in going into the Territory of Utah, and in performing their duties after arriving there. I accordingly ordered a detachment of the army to march for the City of Salt Lake, or within reach of that place, and to act in case of need, as a posse, for the enforcement of the laws. But, in the meantime, the hatred of that misguided people for the just and legal authority of the Government had become so intense that they resolved to measure their military strength with that of the Union. They have organized an armed force far from contemptible in point of numbers, and trained it, if not with skill, at least with great assiduity and perseverance. While the troops of the United States were on their march, a train of baggage wagons, which happened to be unprotected, was attacked and destroyed by a portion of their forces, and the provisions and stores with which the train was laden were wantonly burned. In short, their present attitude is one of decided and unreserved enmity to the United States and to all their loyal citizens. Their determivation to oppose the authority of the Government by military force has not only been expressed in words, but manifested in overt acts of the most unequivocal charaicter.

Fellow Citizens of Utah, this is rebellion against the Government to which you owe allegiance. It is levying war against the United States, and involves you in the guilt of treason. Persistence in it will bring you to condign punishment, to ruin and to shame; for it is mere madness to suppose that, with your limited resources, you can successfully resist the force of this great and powerful nation.

If you have calculated upon the forbearance of the United States -- if you have permitted yourselves to suppose that this Government will fail to put forth its strength and bring you to submission -- you have fallen into a grave mistake. You have settled upon territory which lies geographicaly in the heart of the Union. The land you live upon was purchased by the United States and paid for out of their Treasury. The proprietary right and title to it is in them, and not in you. -- Utah is bounded on every side by States and Territories whose people are true to the Union. It is absurd to believe that they will or can permit you to erect in their midst a Government of your own, not only independent of the authority which they acknowledge, but hostile to them and their interests.

Do not deceive yourselves nor try to mislead others by propagating the idea that this is a crusade against your religion. The Constitution and laws of this country can take no notice of your creed, whether it be true or false. That is a question between your God and yourselves, in which I disclaim all right to interfere. If you obey the laws, keep the peace and respect the just rights of others, you will be perfectly secure, and may live on in your present faith or change it for anot her at your pleasure. Every intelligent man among you knows very well that this Government has never, directly, or indirectly, sought to molest you in your worship, to control you in your ecclesiastical affairs, or even to influence you in your religious opinions.

The rebellion is not merely a violation of your legal duty; it is without just cause, without reason, without excuse. You never made a complaint that was not listened to with patience. You never exhibited a real grievance that was not redressed as promptly as it could be. The laws and regulations enacted for your government by Congress have been equal and just, and their enforcement was manifestly necessary for your own welfare and happiness. You have never asked their repeal. They are similar in every material respect to the laws which have been passed for the other Territories of the Union, and, which everywhere else (with one partial exception) have been cheerfully obeyed. No people ever lived who were. freer from unnecessary legal restraints than you. Human wisdom never devised a political system which bestowed more blessings or imposed lighter burdens than the Government of the United States in its operation upon the Territories.

But being anxious to save the effusion of blood, and to avoid the indiscriminate punishment of a whole people for crimes, of which it is not probable that all are equally guilty, I offer now a, full and free pardon to all who will submit themselves to the authority of the Federal, Government. If you refuse to accept it, let the consequences fall upon your own heads. But I conjure you to pause deliberately and reflect well before, you reject this tender of peace and good-will.

Now, therefore, I, James Buchanan, President of the United States, have thought proper to issue this, my proclamation, enjoining upon all public officers in the Territory of Utah to be diligent and faithful, to the extent of their power, in the execution of the laws; commanding all citizens of the United States in said Territory to aid and assist the officers in the performance of their duties; offering to the inhabitants of Utah who shall submit to the laws, a free pardon for the seditions and treasons heretofore by them committed; warning those who shall persist, after notice of this proclamation, in the present rebellion against the United States, that they must expect no further lenity, but look to be rigorously dealt with according to their deserts; and declaring that the military forces now in Utah, and hereafter to be sent there, will not be withdrawn until the inhabitants of that Territory shall manifest a proper sense of the duty which they owe to this Government."

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed to these presents.

[ L. S. ] Done at the city of Washington, the sixth day of April, one thousand and eight hundred and fifty-eight, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-second.

JAMES BUCHANAN.                 

By the President: Lewis Cass, Sec'y. State.

---

Important Official Despatches from Utah.
Correspondence of the N. Y. Herald.

WASHINGTON, June 10.    

The President to-day transmitted to Congress a message enclosing a copy of a despatch from Governor Cumming, dated May 2, received at the State Department yesterday. From this, the President says, there is reason to believe that our difficulties with Utah have terminated, and the laws are restored. He congratulates Congress on this auspicious event, expresses the opinion that there will be no occasion to make the appropriation for the three regiments of volunteers recently authorized for the purpose of quelling the disturbances in Utah and for the protection of the emigrant trains and supplies, and says that Texas can be defended by the regular troops now within her limits. The President is the more gratified becaude the events in Utah will afford some relief to the treasury, and not require a loan and additional taxation of the people.

In a letter to Secretary Cass, Gov. Cumming says that he left the camp on the 5th of April, en route to Salt Lake City, accompanied by Colonel Kane as his guide, and two servants. In passing through the settlements, he was greeted with such respectful attentions as were due to the representative of the Executive authority of the United States in the Territory. Near Warm Springs, at the line dividing Great Salt Lake from Davis County, he was honoured with a formal and respectful reception by many gentlemen, including the Mayor and municipal officers of that city, and by them escorted to lodgings previously prepared for him, the Mayor occupying a seat at his side in his carriage.

Ex-Governor Young paid him a visit of ceremony as soon as he was sufficiently relieved of the fatigue of his journey to receive company. In a subsequent interview, Young evinced a willingness to afford him every facility he might require for the efficient performance of his admistrative duties. -- Young's course in this respect, Governor Cumming fancied, met with the approval of the majority of the Salt Lake community.

The Territorial seal, with other property, was tendered Governor Cumming by William H. Hooper, late acting Secretary of the Territory. The records and library remain unimpaired.

Governor Cumming entered on the herformance of his official dirty with profound regret, when he learned that agent Hart was charged with having incited to acts of hostility the Indians in Viata valley.. The information came from Hooper. Governor Cumming hopes that Hart can vindicate himself from the charges, yet thinks they demand an investigation.

Gov. Cumming had informed General Johnson that be should probably be compelled to make a requisition upon him for a sufficient force to chastise the Indians.

At every point Gov. Cumming was recognized as the Governor of Utah, and received with a military salute. He invited responses to his speech, and several spoke, referring in excited tones to the murder of Joseph Smith, to the services rendered by the Mormon batallion in the Mexican war, and recapitulating long chapters of their wrongs. The tomult fearfully increased as they progressed, but an appeal from Young restored calmness. Several afterwards expressed regret for their behavior.

Gov. Cumming proceeds to describe the exodus of the Mormons, says the people, including the inhabitants of Salt Lake in the northern part of the Territory are leaving. -- The roads everywhere are filled with wagons loaded with provisions and household furniture. Women and children, often without shoes or hats, are driving their flocks, they know not where, seeming not only contented but cheerful. It is the will of the Lord, they say, and they rejoice to change the comforts of home for the trials of the wilderness.

There were illuminations in his honor. --

Having heard numerous complaints, Governor Cumming caused a public notice to be posted, signifying his readiness to relieve those who deemed themselves aggrieved by being illegally restrained of their liberty, and assuring protection to all persons. He kept his office open at all hours of the day and night, and registered fifty-six men and thirty-three women, and seventy-one children as desirous of his protection and evincing a disposition of proceeding to the United States. A large majority of these people were of English birth, and were promised assistance to remove. Gov. Cumming says his visit to the Tabernacle will never be forgotten. There were between three and four thousand persons assembled for the purpose of public worship, and there was a profound silence when he appeared. Brigham Young introduced him by name as Governor of Utah; and he (Cumming) addressed them for half an hour, telling them his purpose to uphold the constitution and the laws, and that he would expect their obedience to all lawful authority, at the same time assuring them of his determination to administer equal and exact justice, &c. He was listened to respectfully.

Their ultimate destination was not fixed on. Going South seemed to be sufficient to designate the place; but from private remarks of Young in the Tabernacle, Governor Cumming thinks they are going to Sonora.

Young, Kimball and most of the influential men had left their commodious houses to swell the ranks of the emigrants.

The masses everywhere announced to Governor Cumming that the torch will be applied to every house, indiscriminately, throughout the country as soon as the troops attempt to cross the mountains, and that although their people were scattered, they would take every means to rally them.

Governor Cumming says that some of the Mormons are yet in arms, and speaks of the mischief they are capable of rendering as guerrillas.

The way for the emigrants to the Pacific was open.

Governor Cumming would leave for the South on the 3d of May. He says that he will restrain all the proceedings of the military for the present, and until he shall receive additional instructions from the President.

---

Important Orders to the Army in Utah.

WASHINGTON, Sunday night.       

Lieut. Gen. Scott has been in consultation with the Secretary of War as to army movements, in view of the late occurrences in Utah, and orders have been sent by express to a large portion of the troops, now on the march across the Plains, to turn in the directions of the various localities requiring protection.

The immense' magazines, of supplies will be forwarded to Utah, as a considerable body of the troops will be kept there for a long time.

---

From the Washington Union.

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -- PEACE IN UTAH. -- We lay before our readers this morning a very important message from the President of the United States. It will be read with great interest and satisfaction by the people of the whole country, for it announces the triumph of the Utah policy pursued by the Administration. The troublesome problem of Mormonism has been solved by the promptness, decision, and absolute firmness of Mr. Buchanan. The festering sore, the cancerous, ulcer of fanatical licentiousness, has been subjected to the knife and actual cautery. The experiment has proved perfectly successful. The disease is cured.

To the Senate and House of Representatives.

I transmit the copy of a despatch from Gov. Cumming to the Secretary of State, dated at Great Salt City, on the second of May, and received at the Department of State on yesterday. From this there is reason to believe that our difficulties with the Territory of Utah have terminated, and the reign of the constitution and the laws has been restored. I congratulate you on this auspicious event.

I lose no time in communicating this information, and in expressing the opinion that there will be no occasion to make any appropriations for the purpose of calling into service the two regiments of volunteers authorized by the act of Congress approved on the 7th of April last "for the purpose of quelling disturbances in Territory of Utah, for the protection of the supply and emigrant trains, and the suppression of Indian hostilities on the frontier."

I am the more gratified at this satisfactory intelligence from Utah because it will afford some relief to the treasury at a time demanding from us the strictest economy, and when the question now arises upon every appropriation is, whether it be of a character so important and urgent as to brook no delay, and to justify and require a loan, and most probably a tax upon the people to raise the money necessary for its payment.

In regard to the regiment of volunteers authorized by the same Act of Congress to be called into service for the defence of the frontier of Texas against Indian hostilities, I desire to leave this question to Congress, observing at the same time that, in my opinion, this State can be defended for the present by the regular troops, which have not yet been withdrawn, from its limits.

JAMES BUCHANAN.        

WASHINGTON CITY, June 10, 1858.

... Advices (no date,) from [San] Berdardino state that the Mormons had evacuated Salt Lake City and proceeded to Southern Utah...

---

==> Letters from Fort Bridger state that the army had sufficient provisions to last them until the middle of May or the first of June. before which time additional supplies would be received.

==> Gen. Scott was ordered to Washington on Tuesday evening last, without delay, on business of vital importance.

---

The Mormon Fanaticism.

It is certainly a subject for congratulation, (says the Argus) that the Mormons of Utah have at length awoke to the folly of resisting the authority of the federal government by military force, and have determined to submit to its jurisdiction and laws. While there could have been no doubt as to the result of a contest, a fratricidal war between the government and any of our people, is a thing greatly to be deprecated. It accustoms us to the idea of internal strife and bloodshed, and weakens the moral bonds of union which binds us together in one great nation.

The intelligence from Utah, which brings us news of peace, discloses to us other facts of painful interest. The public have been accustomed to regard the Mormons; not merely as a deluded, but also as a dishonest and depraved people. This may be and doubtless is true of the leaders, and of many of the more influential men among them. But we now see them ready to abandon their homes and their property, and set forward with their women and children as emigrants -- they know not whither -- in obedience to the command of their prophets and spiritual rulers, rather than submit to the wrongs which they believe our government has inflicted upon them. It cannot be questioned that the mass of them sincerely think that they are an oppressed people, who are suffering persecution for righteousness sake. -- Nor can it be doubted that the idea which has very generally prevailed, that most of them were really held in bondage and only awaited protection, in order to rebel against their leaders and throw off the eclesiastical incubus which pressed them to the earth, is erroneous. Otherwise, with the army of the United States at hand, and with the power of Brigham Young and his satellites impotent to harm them, it is inexplicable that they should exhibit such a unanimity in their complaints against our government and such a readiness still to prove their devotion to their faith and their leaders by setting forth upon a new and unknown emigration.

The explanation; is that these people are swayed by a deep seated religious fanaticis, which nerves them to endure any hardships and do any act which they conceive demanded by their Spiritual faith. Theirs is a case for mingling commisseration with our censure and for the exercise of a large measure of charity and forbearance in our dealings with them. We must maintain the jurisdiction of the government and the majesty of its laws, but we should do so with great lenity and with the exercise of the least possible amount of physical force. -- We must conquer their prejudices, their deep seated fanaticism, before they will cordially fraternise with us, as obedient and peaceable citizens.

The government had no alternative, but to maintain its jurisdiction over the Territory of Utah, and to send out a military force, sufficient to put resistance out of the question. This was humane, and calculated to prevent the effusion of blood. From the meagre accounts which we have, it would seem that Governor Cumming has acted with great moderation -- even to the extent of incurring censure among the army. But we are glad to see mercy tempered with justice, in dealing with such people, mad with religious fanaticism, and we rejoice that the army is not likely to have occasion to win laurels on the plans of Utah. Gov. Cumming's reputation, as a brave and resolute man, is already well established, and our army is world-renowned for its courage and steadiness under fire. Neither need endorsement on such a field.

---

...Gen. Harney, Commander-in-Chief of the Utah expedition, is said to have remarked with significant emphasis, on hearing the report that Gov. Cumming had been expelled from Salt Lake City, "By ---, that suits me." He evidently has a keen appetite to massacre Mormons. Harney is in the habit of making bloodthirsty remarks, and of shedding blood too. When setting forth on his Indian compaign, which ended in the indiscriminate massacre, on Blue River, of a tribe of Indians, he expressed this policy in his remark -- "No peace for me -- by ___, I'm for battle." -- Cincinnati Commercial.


Notes: (forthcoming)

...Later  From  Utah.

...Private, but authenticated advices from Utah, state that the submission of the Mormons is sullen and unsatisfactory. Notwithstanding all their assurances, they still held actual military possession of all the passes.


Notes: (forthcoming)

FROM UTAH. -- A despatch from St. Joseph, dated the 28th ult., by the United States Express to Boonville, says -- The Salt Lake mail arrived here to-day, bringing dates from Salt Lake City to the 12th ult. Gen. Johnson was to start for the city on the 13th with 3,000 men, in columns. The army will enter the valley at Soda Springs, on Bear River. Col. Hoffman had arrived at Camp Scott with his men, and others in good health and spirits. Capt. Marcy's command had arrived from New Mexico with 1500 loose mules. Commissioners McCulloch and Powell had started for the city in company with Gov. Cumming and Postmaster Morrell. Col. Harnett, Secretary of the Territory, left Camp Scott on the 10th inst. for Salt Lake City. There was quite a diversity of opinion at Camp Scott as to what course the Mormons would pursue in regard to allowingthe the troops to enter the valley. The mail party passed about three hundred Mormons with horses and mules, all well armed; but they would give no information as to where they were going or what they intended doing. -- Fifty Mormons who had escaped from the valley were met at Platte Bridge wending their way to the States. Twelve companies of cavalry or dragoons were met near Fort Laratnie, and they had passed General Harney and Colonel May, encamped on the Pawnee fork of the Little Blue. large number of troops were encamped on the Big Blue. Colonel Morrison and his command were at the Little Blue. The mail party also met supply trains between the Fourth and Fifth Crossing of the Sweet Water. Colonel Sanders was at South Pass, and was on the eve of starting on the exploration of the wagon road from that place, to Fort Hall. The report that the Mormons had removed their families in Provo is confirmed. It is not known whether Brigham accompanied the Mormons or remained in the city. The Mormons have not gone to Sonora or to the Russian Possessions, as anticipated by the authorities at Washington, but would do so next Spring, if any but Mormons are placed there to govern them.

The government has received a letter from Major Benj. McCulloch, dated Camp Scott, in which he states as his belief that one of the reasons why the Mormons deserted their habitations was to guard their women from the apprehended excessive gallantry of the soldiers; and, besides, that the leaders resorted to this exodus to keep the people together, and prevent 'the disaffected Saints from throwing themselves on the army for protection. The Mormons, he says, do not believe the army has orders or authority to pursue them, and hence congratulate themselves that they are out of harm's way from that source.

Col. McC. says a small force of the Mormons is still in Salt Lake City, ready to fire it, perhaps, in the event of the approach of the army. He thinks a great mistake has been committed in permitting the Mormons to gather their crops; as this, while it strengthened them, diminished relatively the power of the military forces. It was still reported that the Mormons were going to Sonora, but upon this full reliance could not be placed. The belief is that the place of refuge has long been selected. McCulloch and the other Peace Commissioner, Gov. Powell, were going at once to Salt Lake, but not with the army. Their powers are superior to either those of Gov. Cumming or Gen. Johnson.

---

IMPORTANT ARMY ORDERS. -- Lieut. General Scott has issued a highly important army order relative to the re-disposition of a portion of the forces primarily destined to reinforce the army in Utah. Gen. Johnson is to retain command of that portion of the troops remaining in Utah, while Gen. Harney is to return and assume command of the Department of the West. These new arrangements have been made under the belief that the Mormons are sincere in their late pacific protestations; but should it prove otherwise, it is made discretionary with Gen. Harney to abrogate the present and enforce the previous orders, as far as may be possible. A considerable body of men is to be immediately pushed forward to Fort Walla-Walla, in Oregon, to act against the hostile Indians in that region.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CONDITIONS OF PEACE WITH UTAH. -- The Utah correspondent of the St. Louis Republican, under date of June 18, says that the conditions agreed upon at the conference between Governor Cumming, the Peace Commissioners and the heads of the Mormon church are, that the troops shall enter the city without opposition; that the civil officers shall be permitted to perform their duties without interruption, and that unconditional obedience shall be paid to the laws of the land. While on the other hand, past offences are to be forgiven, as was stated in the President's proclamation. All the houses in the city had been closed against both civil officers and strangers, except one, which was occupied by the Governor and his family; every body else were obliged to sleep on their wagons or on the ground.

Official despatches, confirming the above, were published in the New York Tribune of last Friday.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Latest  from  Utah.

Gen. Johnston's army entered the city without molest from any quarter.

The mail party met Gen. Harney this side of Ash Hollow, and the express, with orders to change the destination of the troops, six miles behind him. Gen. Harney was proceeding to Ash Hollow to hold a treaty with the Indians of that region.

PROCLAMATION.

To the inhabitants of Utah and others whom it may concern:

Whereas, James Buchanan, President of the United States, at the City of Washington, the sixth day of April, eighteen hundred and fifty-eight did, by his Proclamation, offer to the inhabitants of Utah, who submit to the laws, "a free and full pardon" for all treason and sedition heretofore committed, and

Whereas, The proffered pardon was accepted with prescribed terms of the Proclamation by the citizens of Utah.

Now, therefore, I Alfred Cumming, Governor of Utah Territory, in the name of James Buchananan, President of the United. States, do proclaim that all persons who submit themselves to the laws, and to the Federal Government, are by him' freely and fully pardoned for all treason and sedition heretofore committen.

All criminal offenses associated with, or growing out of the over acts of sedition and treason, are merged in them, and are embraced in the "free and full pardon" of the President.

And I exhort all persons to persevere in a faithful submission to the laws and patriotic devotion to the Constitution and Government of our common country.

Peace is restored to our Territory.

All civil officers, both Federal and Territorial, will resume the performance of the duties of their respective offices without delay, and be dilligent and faithful in the execution of the law.

All citizens of the United States in this Territory will aid and assist the officers in the performance of their duties.

Fellow citizens: I offer to you my congratulations for the peaceful and honorable adjustment of recent difficulties.

Those citizens who have left their homes, I invite to return, as soon as they can do so with propriety and convenience.

To all I announce my determination to enforce obedience to all the laws, both Federal and Territorial.

Trespasses on property, whether real or personal, must be scrupulously avoided.

Gaming and other vices are punished by Territorial statutes with peculiar severity, and I commend the perusal of those statutes to those persons who may not have had an opportunity of doing so previously.

[ L. S. ] Hereunto I set my hand, and cause the seal. of the Territory to be affixed, at Great Salt Lake City in the Territory of Utah, this fourteenth day of June, one thousand eight hnmdred and fifty-eight, and of the Indendence of the United States the eighty-second. By the Governor.
                 A. CUMMING.


Notes: (forthcoming)

NEWS  PARAGRAPHS.

...A gentleman who went to Utah a few years ago, as an officer of the U.S. Government, says that as he was walking one day with Brigham Young, they saw a very bright looking little fellow that attracted their attention. "What is your name, little boy?" said Brigham. "John Young, sir." "Who is your father?" "Brigham Young, sir."

---

WASHINGTON, July 31.     

Dr. Forney, Superintendent of Foreign [sic - Indian?] Affairs for Utah, informs the Interior Department that the fifteen children belonging to the train of emigrants, who were supposed to have been murdered at Spring Water [sic - Mountain Meadows?] had been found and ransomed by the whites from the Indians early in June.

Four Germans were murdered 80 miles from Salt Lake City, supposed by Indians, who, it was reported, were creating difficulties on the southern route to California. -- Dr. Forney intended visiting them with a view to a pacification.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Mormons  in  Utah.

The last advices from Utah state that there would be no difficulty with the Mormons and they would come in as a State of good and quiet citizens, if it were not for polygamy. That is the rock on which they are most certain to split. To any interference with this they say they will not submit under any circumstances. They declare that come what will, they will recognize no attempt to breakup the system of plurality of wives.

While they are obliged to tolerate gentiles among them and come into daily contact with them, they will no longer be able to sustain polygamy. It will gradually crumble away, and they will become a divided and scattered people. Already, we perceive, there are indications that Brigham Young's [power] is waning, and that many of the Mormons will leave Utah, some for the States and others to Mexico. The mass of them are said to be unusually poor and destitute of the commonest necessaries of life.

The correspondent of the N. Y. Herald, at Salt Lake, writes as follows:

"The Saints bear themselves very quietly towards the, Gentiles. They have to do so, for the feeling is such that unless they did there would be war in less than twenty-four hours. Brigham is very much afraid of war; he tells his people to bear insult and everything else, rather than get into a quarrel. The Gentiles will take no sauce, but sometimes give it. The Mormons, however, have their cunning, their watching and their spies.

"The weather is intensely hot; it is almost impossible to remain out-doors in the sun during mid day. People are making hay, but have not begun to harvest grain yet.

"The army is quietly encamped in Cedar Valley. Its position, militarily, is a very fine one. The settlements along the valley form an arc of a circle. The army, while it is sufficiently remote from the settlements, occupies the centre of the chord of said arc; so it can very readily send detachments to any portion of the settlement."


Notes: (forthcoming)

==> It is reported that Brigham Young met with a very unexpected rebuke from a gentleman in the employ of the Army, who visited him on business connected with its operations. Brigham took occasion in his presence, to speak in a contemptuous manner of our worthy Secretary of War, in whose honor the present encampment of the army has been named Camp Floyd. whereupon our friend told His Majesty that if he did not desist from using such language in his presence, he would consider it as a personal insult and require personal satisfaction for the same. Brigham, terribly shocked to find a person bold enough to reprove him in so direct a manner, simply muttered in reply that he supposed he had a right to speak as he pleased, and then changed the subject. -- There were some fifteen or twenty persons present at the time.


Notes: (forthcoming)

From  Kansas  and  Utah.

S. Louis, Friday, Sept. 10.     

Leavenworth dates of the 7th inst. are received. Orders had been received for two companies of the 1st Cavalry, from Col. Sumner. The command under Major Ewing was to proceed to Fort Arbuckle.

At the municipal election held at Leavenworth on the 6th, great excitement prevailed, but no serious disturbance occurred. -- Lampton B. Denman, Free State Democrat was elected by about 200 majority. Lyman Scott, Republican and Know-Nothing, and Adam Fisher, Republican, were the opposing candidates.

The Salt Lake Mail had arrived, and was twenty-one days en route. The Mormons and the [orderly ?] and Government officials were attending to their business. As soon as the Associate Judges arrlved, the trials for treason would be commenced. No arrests had yet been'made. The Indians were very troublesome about the city, and had killed several of the Mormons.

One family were massacred while moving south. Dr. Forney, Indian agent, was out among the tribes making treaties, and has thus far been successful. Engineers were out locating the four posts on the west division of the mail route.

---

==> An interesting habeas corpus case had been tried before Judge Eckles, in Utica [sic - Utah?], at last accounts, instituted on behalf of an Englishman, named Polydore, to recover the custody of his daughter, who had been carried to Great Salt Lake City by her mother in 1855, and was then in the family of a Mormon Elder. The father was successful in his suit, and the girl was delivered up to the United States Marshal, to be returned to her father.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The  Press.

Mr. Greeley, in a recent letter, reported a conversation with Brigham Young. It furnishes an occasion for the Herald to talk rather harshly of Horace:

"Now it is singular how extremes meet. Horace Greeley the pot, calls Brigham Young, the kettle, black. The one, by his polygamy, degrades women below her sphere; and the other by his women's rights, degrades man and unsexes woman, throwing her out of her sphere and sending her among the clouds or to the moon. Greeley, pronouncing on Young and his Mormonism, is like a lunatic in one ward of an asylum pronouncing a different kind of lunatic in another ward mad. As for the Mormon chief, he has rather more method in his madness than the champion of women's rights. He has realized $259,000, which is above the capacity of Greeley. And to have fifteen wives together, some of them "old ladies," and to love and cherish them all, is not half so immoral or so injurious to society as to change wives fifteen times, the husband getting rid of each in succession, on the ground that she has no affinty for him, and seeking out some new flame more congenial to his desires. -- Brigham Young holds that "no man should ever put away his wife except for adultery." Horace Greeley holds that he should put her away if she did not, after due trial, happen to be his affinity." But when we add that, according to the Women's Rights and Free Love system, a woman may have fifty husbands in succession, all being still alive -- that, in fact, as one of the strong minded ladies declared, she has a right to choose whatever man she pleases to be the father of each of her children -- the reader will agree with us that polygamy is an honest and moral system. compared with this bestial concubinage."


Notes: (forthcoming)