History of Salt Lake City, Part 27

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194

USA > Utah > Salt Lake County > Salt Lake > History of Salt Lake City > Part 27

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

On the 20th of December the Legislature unanimously passed resolutions ap- proving of Governor Young's course, and each member, signing his name to the document,pledged himself to maintain the rights and liberties of the people of Utah.

Notwithstanding that Governor Young and the chief men of the community had been indicted for high treason, in the self-constituted court of Chief Justice Eckels, held at Camp Scott; notwithstanding that Governor Cumming had also issued his proclamation to nullify that of Governor Young; and notwithstand- ing that the prospects were that before the close of the coming year the cities of Utah would be in ashes, and the Mormon women and children have fled to the "chambers of the mountains," while their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers would be doing battle with a re-inforced army ; yet the winter of 1857-8 is to this day spoken of as the "gayest winter ever known in Utah." One of the literati of Salt Lake City, writing to a brother scribe in New York City, said : " Peace is enjoyed throughout this Territory by the citizens, from north to south, and every heart beats with the love of liberty-relig- ious, political and social. During the winter festivities were very prevalent, and entertainments of various kinds were enjoyed. Dramatic and literary associations were attended to overflowing ; balls and parties were frequent and numerously filled, and every amusement suitable for an enlightened and refined people was a source of profit to the caterer and pleasure and benefit to the patronizers. Indeed, had you seen the manner in which they enjoyed themselves, you would never have surmised for one moment that within a few miles of us there was an army -- repug- nant to every feeling of the people -- who were only waiting to kill, corrupt and debase an innocent and virtuous community."

200

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

There is the great sagacity and remarkable common-sense leadership of Brigham Young seen in all this jubilee. He was preparing to make his second exodus, if necessary, and did not intend to play his Moses to a dispirited Israel.

Early in the Spring a large number of the soldiers of the Nauvoo Legion were again in the field, occupying their old camping grounds, where they con- tinued until peace was proclaimed.

Of the state of affairs on the government side Stenhouse thus summarizes :

" Notwithstanding the difficulty experienced at that time of traveling across the plains in winter, an express occasionally carried to the Government the un- welcome news of the disaster that had befallen the expedition and the sufferings and privations that ensued. At one time there were grave fears of its ultimate success, but brave men and the unlimited resources of the Government were destined to overcome every obstacle. Captain Marcy with a company of picked men undertook a perilous journey from Fort Bridger to Taos, New Mexico, to obtain provisions, cattle and mules, for the relief of the expedition, and after most terrible suffering and heavy loss of animals, and many disabled men, he reached the point of supply, and was eminently successful.

" The misfortunes that had befallen the troops aroused the Government to a realization of the necessity of rendering every aid, both in men and material, to save the expedition and make it successful. Lieut .- Gen. Scott was su nmoned to Washington to consult with the Secretary of War, and at one time the project of entering Utah from the west was seriously entertained. The intimation that two regiments of volunteers would probably be called for in the spring met with a ready response from all parts of the Union. It was very evident that the nation was thoroughly dissatisfied with the state of affairs in Utah, and wanted to bring the Mormons to a settlement.

" Ready to take advantage of anything which promised wealth, there were multitudes of solicitous contractors seeking to supply the army in the West; and with a prodigality beyond all precedent, the War Department was perfectly reck- less. The Sixth and Seventh regiments of infantry, together with the First Cavalry, and two batteries of artillery-about three thousand in all-were ordered to Utah, and every arrangement made for speedy and colossal warfare with the Prophet. Political writers charged to the administration of Mr. Buchanan an utter recklessness of expenditure, intended more for the support of political favorites and for the attainment of political purposes in Kansas than for the over- throw of the dynasty of Brigham. It was estimated in Washington that forty- five hundred wagons would be required to transport munitions of war and pro- visions for the troops for a period of from twelve to eighteen months, besides fifty thousand oxen, four thousand mules, and an army of teamsters, wagon-mas- ters, and employees, at least five thousand strong. It was very evident that the Government was playing with a loose hand, and the consideration of cost to the national treasury was the last thing thought of. The transportation item for 1858, provided for the expenditure of no less than four and a half millions, and that contract was accorded to a firm in western Missouri, without public announce- ment or competition.

201

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

While all this was occupying the attention of the public, and the Govern- ment seemed determined that the war against the Mormons should be carried out with vigor, there was another influence at work to bring " the Utah rebellion " to a peaceful termination.

CHAPTER XXII.

BUCHANAN COERCEI) BY PUBLIC SENTIMENT INTO SENDING A COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION. HE SENDS COLONEL KANE WITH A SPECIAL MIS- SION TO THE MORMONS. ARRIVAL OF THE COLONEL IN SALT LAKE CITY. HIS FIRST INTERVIEW WITH THE MORMON LEADERS. INCI- DENTS OF HIS SOJOURN. HE GOES TO MEET GOVERNOR CUMMING, AND IS PLACED UNDER ARREST BY GENERAL JOHNSTON. HIS CHAL- LENGE TO THAT OFFICER. HE BRINGS IN THE NEW GOVERNOR IN TRIUMPH. RETURN OF COLONEL KANE.

The reaction came. The leading papers, both of America and England, declared that President Buchanan had committed a great and palpable blunder. He had sent an army, before a committee of investigation, and had made war upon one of our Territories for rejecting (?) a new Governor before that Gov- ernor had been sent. Brigham Young had clearly a constitutional advantage over the President of the United States-for in those days the rights of the citi- zen, and the rights of a State or Territory, had some meaning in the national mind. The idea of " Buchanan's blunder " once started, it soon became uni- versal in the public mind. The Mormons were not in rebellion, as they them- selves stoutly maintained. They were ready to receive the new Governor with becoming loyalty, but not willing to have him forced upon them by bayonets. There was nothing more to be said in the case, excepting that by the common law of nature, a man may hold off the hand at his throat to say in good old scriptural language, "Come let us reason together."

All America, and all Europe, " perceived the error," and a storm of con- demnation and ridicule fell upon the devoted head of the President. Peace com- missioners alone could help him out of the trouble.

At this critical juncture Colonel Kane sought the President and offered his services as mediator. Buchanan wisely recognized his potency and fitness, and without a moment's loss of time the Colonel set out on his self-imposed mission, although in such feeble health that any consideration short of the noble impulse that actuated him at the time would have deterred him from making the attempt. The undertaking, was as delicate as it was important. Its

202

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

success alone could make it acceptable, either to the Mormons or to the nation.

For prudential reasons he registered himself as " Dr. Osborne" among the passengers on board the California steamer, which left New York in the first week of January, 1858. On reaching the Pacific coast, he hastened, overland, to Southern California, there overtaking the Mormons who had just broken up their colony at San Bernardino, re-gathering to Utah for the common defense. An escort was immediately furnished him, and he reached Salt Lake City in the fol- lowing February.

Governor Young called a council of the Presidency and Twelve, at his house, on the evening of the day of Colonel Kane's arrival, and at 8 o'clock the " mes- senger from Washington" was introduced by Joseph A. Young, as " Dr. Osborne."

The introduction was very formal. The Colonel had a peculiar mission to fulfill, and was evidently desirous to maintain the dignity of the Government. Moreover, it was more than eleven years since he had met his friends of Winter Quarters. They had, with their people, become as a little nation, and the United States was making war upon them as an independent power. Notwithstanding that his great love for them had prompted him to undertake the long journey which he had just accomplished, at first he must have felt the uncertainty of his mission, and some misgivings as to the regard in which they would hold his mediation. But perhaps no other man in the nation at that critical moment would have been received by the Mormon leaders with such perfect confidence.

The Colonel was very pale, being worn down with travel by day and night. An easy chair was placed for him. A profound silence of some moments reigned. The council waited to hear the mind of the Government, for the coming of Colonel Kane had put a new aspect on affairs, though what it was to be remained to be shaped from that night. With great difficulty in speaking he addressed the council as follows :

" GOVERNOR YOUNG AND GENTLEMEN : I come as an ambassador from the chief executive of our nation, and am prepared and duly authorized to lay before you, most fully and definitely, the feelings and views of the citizens of our com- mon country, and of the executive towards you, relative to the present position of this Territory, and relative to the army of the United States now upon your borders.

"After giving you the most satisfactory evidence in relation to matters con- cerning you, now pending, I shall then call your attention, and wish to enlist your sympathies, in behalf of the poor soldiers who are now suffering in the cold and snow of the mountains. I shall request you to render them aid and com- fort, and to assist them to come here, and to bid them a hearty welcome into your hospitable valley.

" Governor Young, may I be permitted to ask a private interview for a few moments with you? Gentlemen, excuse my formality."

They were gone about thirty minutes, when they returned to the room.

Colonel Kane then informed the council that Captain Van Vliet had made a good report of them at Washington, and had used his infinence to have the army stop east of Bridger. He had done a great deal in their behalf.

203

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

"You all look very well," said the Colonel, "you have built up quite an empire here in a short time."

He spoke upon the prosperity of the people, instancing some of its phases ; and then the enquiry came from some one present: "Did Dr. Bernhisel take his seat?" No news whatever of the Utah delegate had yet reached them.

"Yes," he answered, " Delegate Bernhisel took his seat. He was opposed by the Arkansas member and a few others, but they were treated as fools by more sagacious members ; for, if the delegate had been refused his seat it would have been tantamount to a delaration of war."

Speaking of the conduct of the Mormons, he said :

"You have borne your part manfully in this contest. I was pleased to see how patiently your people took it."

" How was the President's message received ?" asked Governor Young.

" The message was received as usual. In his appointments he had been cruelly impartial. So far he has made an excellent President. He has an able cabinet. They are more united, and work together better than some of our former cabinets have done."

" I suppose," observed Governor Young, caustically, " they are united in putting down Utah?"

" I think not," replied the Colonel.

Then came conversations on the affairs of the nation-of Spain, Kansas, the Black Warrior affair, financial pressure, etc.

By this time all restraint between the brethren and their noble friend was gone.

"I wish you knew how much I feel at home," he observed. " I hope I shall have the privilege of ' breaking bread with these, my friends.'"

" I want to take good care of you," returned Governor Young warmly. " I want to tell you one thing, and that is, the men you see here do not look old. The reason is, they are doing right, and are in the service of God. If men would do right they would live to a great age. There are but few in the world who have the amount of labor to do which I have. I have to meet men every hour in the day. It is said of me that I do more business in an hour than any Presi- dent, King or Emperor has to perform in a day ; and that I think for the people constantly. You can endure more now than you could ten years ago. If you had done as some men have done you would have been in your grave before now."

The Colonel replied, "I fear that I can endure more than I could ten years ago. The present life doesn't pay, and I feel like going away as soon as it is the will of God to take me."

"I know, to take this life as it is, and as men make it," answered President Young, "it does not appear worth living, but I can tell you that, when you see things as they are, you will find life is worth preserving, and blessings will follow our living in this life, if we do right."

" Now," continued the President, warming with his subject, "if God should say, I will let you live in this world without any pain or sorrow, we might feel life was worth living for. But this is not in his economy. We have to partake

204

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

of sorrow, affliction and death ; and if we pass through this affliction patiently, and do right, we shall have a greater reward in the world to come. I have been robbed several times of my all in this life, and my property has gone into the hands of my enemies; but as to property, I care no more about it than about the dirt in the streets, only to use it as God wishes. But I think a good deal of a friend -a true friend. An honest man is truly the noblest work of God. It is not in the power of the United States to destroy this people, for they are in the hands of God. If we do right, He will preserve us. The Lord does many things which we would count as small things. For instance, a poor man once came into my office ; I felt by the spirit that he needed assistance ; I took five dollars out of my pocket and gave to him. I soon after found a five-dollar gold piece in my pocket, which I did not put there. Soon I found another. Many think that the Lora has nothing to do with gold; but he has charge of that as well as every other element. Brother Kimball said in Nauvoo, 'if we have to leave our houses we will go to the mountains, and in a few years we will have a better city than we have here.' This is fulfilled. He also said, ' We shall have gold, and coin twenty- dollar gold pieces.' We came here, founded a city, and coined the first twenty- dollar gold pieces in the United States. Seeing the brethren poorly clad, soon after we came here, he said, 'It will not be three years before we can buy cloth- ing cheaper in Salt Lake Valley than in the States.' Before the time was out, the gold diggers brought loads of clothing, and sold them in our city at a wanton price.

"Friend Thomas," concluded Governor Young, " the Lord sent you here, and he will not let you die-no, you cannot die till your work is done. I want to have your name live to all eternity. You have done a great work, and you will do a greater work still."

The council then broke up, and the brethren went to their homes.

The straightforward, noble simplicity of what was thus done and said between Thomas L. Kane and Brigham Young, in the presence of the apostles, cannot but strike the attention of the intelligent investigator.

After the council had ended, word was sent to Elder Wm. C. Staines that a Dr. Osborne, traveling with the company from California, was sick, and desired accommodation at his house; and late in the evening "Dr. Osborne" was duly introduced to, and cordially welcomed by, Elder Staines. The elder had no idea that his guest was other than the person represented, for when Colonel Kane was at Winter Quarters, he (Staines) was among the Indians, with Bishop Miller's camp.

However, in a few days Elder Staines learned who his guest was, and, as a favorable opportunity presented itself, said to him :

" Colonel Kane, why did you wish to be introduced to me as Dr. Osborne?"

"My dear friend," replied the Colonel, "I was once treated so kindly at winter quarters that I am sensitive over its memories. I knew you to be a good people then ; but since, I have heard so many hard things about you, that I thought I would like to convince myself whether or not the people possessed the same humane and hospitable spirit which I found in them once. I thought, if I go to the house of any of my great friends of Winter Quarters, they will treat me as Thomas L. Kane, with a remembrance of some services which I may have

205

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

rendered them. So I requested to be sent to some stranger's house, as ' Dr. Osborne,' that I might know how the Mormon people would treat a stranger at such a moment as this, without knowing whether I might not turn out to be either an enemy or a spy. And now, Mr. Staines, I want to know if you could have treated Thomas L. Kane better than you have treated Dr. Osborne."

" No, Colonel," replied Elder Staines, " I could not."

"And thus. my friend." added 'Dr. Osborne,' "I have proved that the Mormons will treat the stranger in Salt Lake City, as they once did Thomas L. Kane at Winter Quarters."

In a few days, under the inspiring spirit and affectionate nursing of his host, Colonel Kane was sufficiently recovered to carry out his design of proceeding to the head quarters of the army (Fort Bridger, then called Camp Scott).

Governor Young's policy had changed it nought, excepting in that which was consistent with the improved situation. The Mormons would receive their new Governor loyally, but would not have him accompanied by an army into their capital; neither would they allow an army to be quartered in any of their cities. The agent of the administration could ask no more nor desire more. It was the basis of a fair compromise, which would give to President Buchanan a plausible out-come, and at the same time maintain the Mormon dignity.

The visit of Colonel Kane to Camp Scott was attended with a chain of cir- cumstances that give to the narration of it a decidedly dramatic cast. At the worst season of the year, in delicate health, he made his way through the almost impassable snows of the mountains, a distance of 113 miles. Arrived on the Ioth of March, in the vicinity of the army outposts, he insisted, out of consid- ation for the safety of his friendly escort, on entering the lines unaccompanied. Reaching the nearest picket post, the over-zealous sentry challenged him, and at the same time fired at him. In return, the Colonel broke the stock of his rifle over the sentry's head. The post being now full arroused and greatly excited, Colonel Kane, with characteristic politeness as well as diplomacy, requested to be conducted to the tent of Governor Cumming. The Governor received him cordially.

The Colonel's diplomacy in seeking the Governor, instead of General John- ston, is evident. His business was not directly with the commander, but with the civil chief, whose posse commitatus the troops were. The compromise which Buchanan had to effect, with the utmost delicacy, could only be through the new Governor. and that, too, by his heading off the army sent to occupy Utah.

The General was chagrined. Here was Buchanan withdrawing from a ser- ious blunder as gracefully as possible; but where was Albert Sidney Johnston to achieve either glory or honor out of the Utah war?

Affecting to treat Colonel Kane as a spy, an orderly was sent to arrest him. It was afterwards converted into a blundering execution of the General's invita- tion to him to dine at head-quarters. The blunder was no doubt an intentional one. Colonel Kane replied by sending a formal challenge to General Johnston.

Governor Cumming could do nothing less than espouse the cause of the "' ambassador," who was there in the execution of a mission entrusted to him by the President of the United States. The affair of honor also touched himself.

206

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

He resented it with great spirit, extended his official protection to his guest, and from that moment there was an impassable breach between the executive and the military chief. The duel, however, was prevented by the interferance of Chief Justice Eckels, who threatened to arrest all concerned in it if it proceeded further.

The conduct of General Johnston was looked upon by the Mormon leader as very like a bit of providential diplomacy interposed in behalf of his people. With the Governor and the commander of the army at swords' points, the issues of the "war" were practically in the hands of Brigham Young. From that moment he knew that he was master of the situation; and the extraordinary moves that he made thereupon, culminating with the second exodus, shows what a consummate strategist he was, and how complex were his methods of mastering men. He was now not only in command of his own people, who at the lifting of his finger would move with him to the ends of the earth, but substantially dic- tator both to the Governor and the army. Johnston could only move at the call of the Governor, and was hedged about by the new policy of the President, while this shaping of affairs converted the Mormon militia, then under arms, into the Governor's posse commitatus, instead of the regular troops.

The mission of Colonel Kane to the seat of war was to induce the Governor to trust himself through the Mormon lines, under a Mormon escort of honor that would be furnished at a proper point, and to enter immediately upon his guberna- torial duties. The officers remonstrated with the Governor against going to the city without the army, predicting that the Mormons would poison him, or put him out of the way by some other wicked ingenuity ; but the camp was now no longer the place for him, and with a high temper and a humane spirit, he trusted himself to the guidance of Colonel Kane.

The Governor left Camp Scott on the 5th of April, en route for Salt Lake City, accompanied by Colonel Kane and two servants. As soon as he had passed the Federal lines, he was met by an escort of the Mormon militia, and welcomed as Governor of the Territory with military honors.

On the 12 of April they entered Salt Lake City in good health and spirits, escorted by the mayor, marshal and aldermen, and many other distinguished citizens.

Arrived at the residende of Elder Staines, Governor Young promptly and frankly called npon his successor at the earliest possible moment ; and they were introduced to each other by Colonel Kane.

"Governor Cumming, I am glad to meet you !" observed Brigham, with unostentatious dignity, and that quiet heartiness peculiar to him.

"Governor Young, I am happy to meet you, sir!" responded His Excel- lency warmly, at once impressed by the presence and spirit of the remarkable man before him.

"Well, Governor," said Elder Staines, after the interview was ended, " what do you think of President Young? Does he appear to you a tyrant, as repre- sented ? "

" No, sir. No tyrant ever had a head on his shoulders like Mr. Young. He

207

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

is naturally a very good man. I doubt whether many of your people sufficiently appreciate him as a leader."

The brethern were apprised of the fact that the officers at Camp Scott had warned the Governor that the Mormons would poison him, so it was contrived that Elder Staines and Howard Egan should eat at the same table with him and partake of the same food. Of course he understood the delicate assurance that " death was not in the pot."

Three days after his entrance into the city, Governor Cumming officially notified General Johnston that he had been properly recognized by the people ; that he was in full discharge of his office, and that he did not require the presence of troops.

On his part, ex-Governor Young set the public example, and on the Sunday following introduced him to a large assembly as the Governor of Utah.

Thus successfully ended the mission of Col. Kane, who shortly thereafter re- turned to Washington, to report in person to the President. Journeying by the overland route, a body-guard of Mormon scouts accompanied him to the Mis- souri River. It is no more than simple justice to here testify of him, that a more gentle and noble man has rarely been found, and for his disinterested kindness toward the Mormon people they will ever hold his name in honorable and affec- tionate remembrance.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Salt Lake City, Part 27

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194