History of Salt Lake City, Part 28

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

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CHAPTER XXIII.

REPORT OF GOVERNOR CUMMING TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE GOVERNMENT RECORDS FOUND NOT BURNED, AS REPORTED BY DRUMMOND. THE MORMON LEADERS JUSTIFIED BY THE FACTS, AND THE PEOPLE LOYAL. GRAPHIC AND THRILLING DESCRIPTION OF THE MORMONS IN THEIR SECOND EXODUS. THE GOVERNOR BRINGS HIS FAMILY TO SALT LAKE CITY. HIS WIFE IS MOVED TO TEARS AT WITNESSING THE HEROIC ATTITUDE OF THE PEOPLE.

Governor Cumming immediately reported the condition of affairs in Utah, and the re-action that it caused in the public mind, both in America and Europe, can well be imagined. It was a new revelation, to the age, of Mormon character and Mormon sincerity. The peculiar people were never understood till then, notwithstanding their previous exodus, for only Missouri and Illinois seemed con- cerned in their early history and doings; but now that the United States Gov- ernment was a party in the action, all the world became interested in the extra- traordinary spectacle of a peculiar, little, unconquerable people, braving the wrath of a mighty nation.

The current events of those days, including the " second exodus," which

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was begun in anticipation of a breach of faith, on the part of the United States authorities, in this instance, as in the previous case of the State authorities at Nauvoo, are well recounted in the following report of Governor Cumming, ad- dressed to General Cass, then Secretary of State :

"EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Salt Lake City, U. T., May 2d, 1858.

"SIR: You are aware that my contemplated journey was postponed in con- sequence of the snow upon the mountains, and in the canyons between Fort Bridger and this city. In accordance with the determination communicated in former notes, I left camp on the 5th, and arrived here on the 12th ult.

" Some of the incidents of my journey are related in the annexed note, ad- dressed by me to General A. S. Johnston, on the 15th ult :"

" EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Salt Lake City, U. T., April 15th, 1858.

" SIR: I left camp on the 5th, en route to this city, in accordance with a determination communicated to you on the 3d inst, accompanied by Colonel Kane as my guide, and two servants. Arriving in the vicinity of the spring, which is on this side of the " Quaking Asp" hill, after night, Indian camp fires were discerned on the rocks overhanging the valley. We proceeded to the spring, and after disposing of the animals, retired from the trail beyond the mountain. We had reason to congratulate ourselves upon having taken this precaution, as we subsequently ascertained that the country lying between your outposts and the ' Yellow Creek' is infested by hostile renegades and outlaws from various tribes."

" I was escorted from Bear River Valley to the western end of Echo Canyon. The journey through the canyon being performed, for the most part, after night, it was about II o'clock p. M., when I arrived at Weber Station. I have been everywhere recognized as Governor of Utah; and, so far from having encount- ered insults or indignities, I am gratified in being able to state to you that, in pas- sing through the settlements, I have been universally greeted with such respectful attentions as are due to the representative authority of the United States in the Territory.

" Near the Warm Springs, at the line dividing Great Salt Lake and Davis counties, I was honored with a formal and respectful reception by many gentle- men including the mayor and other municipal officers of the city, and by them escorted to lodgings previously provided, the mayor occupying a seat in my car- riage.

" Ex-Governor Brigham Young paid me a call of ceremony as soon as I was sufficiently relieved from the fatigue of my mountain journey to receive company. In subsequent interviews with the ex-Governor, he has evinced a willingness to afford me every facility I may require for the efficient performance of my adminis- trative duties. His course in this respect meets, I fancy, with the approval of a majority of this community. The Territorial seal, with other public property, has been tendered me by William H. Hooper, Esq., late Secretary pro tem.

" 1 have not yet ex imined the subject critically, but apprehend that the records of the United States Courts, Territorial Library, and other public prop- erty, remain unimpaired. 12

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" Having entered upon the performance of my official duties in this city, it is probable that I will be detained for some days in this part of the Territory.

" I respectfully call your attention to a matter which demands our serious consideration. Many acts of depredation have been recently committed by the Indians upon the property of the inhabitants-one in the immediate vicinity of this city. Believing that the Indians will endeavor to sell the stolen property at or near your camp, I herewith inclose the Brand Book (incomplete) and memor- anda (in part) of stock lost by citizens of Utah since February 25th, 1858, which may enable you to secure the property and punish the thieves.

" With feelings of profound regret I have learned that Agent Hart is charged with having incited to acts of hostility the Indians in Uinta Valley. I hope that Agent Hart will be able to vindicate himself from the charges contained in the inclosed letter from William H. Hooper, late Secretary pro tem., yet they demand a thorough investigation.

" I shall probably be compelled to make a requisition upon you for a suffi- cient force to chastise the Indians alluded to, since I desire to avoid being compelled to call out the militia for that purpose.

" The gentlemen who are intrusted with this note, Mr. John B. Kimball and Mr. Fay Worthen, are engaged in mercantile pursuits here, and are represented to be gentlemen of the highest respectability, and have no connection with the Church here. Should you deem it advisable or necessary, you will please send any communication intended for me by them. I beg leave to commend them to your confidence and courtesy. They will probably return to the city in a few days. They are well known to Messrs. Gilbert, Perry and Burr, with whom you will please communicate.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. CUMMING, Governor Utah Territory.

To A. S. Johnston, commanding Army of Utah, Camp Scott, U. T.

"The note omits to state that I met parties of armed men at Lost Creek and Yellow Creek, as well as at Echo Canyon. At every point, however, I was recognized as the Governor of Utah, and received with a military salute. When it was arranged with the Mormon officers in command of my escort that I should pass through Echo Canyon at night, I inferred that it was with the object of con- cealing the barricades and other defenses. I was, therefore, agreeably surprised by an illumination in honor of me. The bonfires kindled by the soldiers from the base to the summits of the walls of the canyon, completely illuminated the valley, and disclosed the snow-colored mountains which surrounded us. When I arrived at the next station, I found the 'Emigrant Road' over the 'Big Moun- tain' still impassable. I was able to make my way, however, down ' Weber Can- yon.' Since my arrival, I have been employed in examining the records of the Supreme and District Courts, which I am now prepared to report as being per- fect and unimpaired. This will doubtless be acceptable information to those who have entertained an impression to the contrary.

" I have also examined the Legislative Records, and other books belonging to the Secretary or State, which are in perfect preservation. The property re --

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turn, though not made up in proper form, exhibits the public property for which W. H. Hooper, late Secretary of State pro tem., is responsible. It is, in part, the same for which the estate of A. W. Babbitt is liable, that individual having died whilst in the office of Secretary of State for Utah.

"I believe that the books and charts, stationery and other property apper- taining to the Surveyor-General's office will, upon examination, be found in the proper place, except some instruments, which are supposed to have been disposed of by a man temporarily in charge of the office. I examined the property, but can- not verify the matter in consequence of not having at my command a schedule or property return.

" The condition of the large and valuable Territorial library has also com- manded my attention, and I am pleased in being able to report that Mr. W. C. Staines, the librarian, has kept the books and records in the most excellent con- dition. I will, at an early day, transmit a catalogue of this library, and a schedule of the other public property, with certified copies of the records of the Supreme and District Courts, exhibiting the character and amount of the public business last transacted in them.

" On the 21st inst. I left Salt Lake City, and visited Tooele and Rush Val- leys, in the latter of which lies the military reserve selected by Colonel Steptoe, and endeavored to trace the lines upon the ground, from field-notes which are in the Surveyor-General's office. An accurate plan of the reserve, as it has been measured off, will be found accompanying a communication, which I shall address to the Secretary of War, upon the subject.

"On the morning of the 26th inst., information was communicated to me that a number of persons who were desirous of leaving the Territory were unable to do so, and considered themselves to be unlawfully restrained of their liberties. However desirous of conciliating public opinion, I felt it incumbent upon me to adopt the most energetic measures to ascertain the truth or falsehood of this statement. Postponing, therefore, a journey of importance which I had in con- templation to one of the settlements of Utah County, I caused public notice to be given immediately of my readiness to relieve all persons who were, or deemed themselves to be, aggrieved, and on the ensuing day, which was Sunday, requested a notice to the same effect to be read, in my presence, to the people in the tab- ernacle.

"I have since kept my office open at all hours of the day and night, and have registered no less than 56 men, 38 women and 71 children, as desirous of my pro- tection and assistance in proceeding to the States. The large majority of these people are of English birth, and state that they leave the congregation from a desire to improve their circumstances, and realize elsewhere more money for their labor. Certain leading men among the Mormons have promised them flour, and to assist them in leaving the country.

" My presence at the meeting in the tabernacle will be remembered by me as an occasion of interest. Between three and four thousand persons were assem- bled for the purpose of public worship; the hall was crowded to overflowing ; but the most profound quiet was observed when I appeared. President Brigham Young introduced me by name as the Governor of Utah, and I addressed the

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audience from 'the stand.' I informed them that I had come among them to vindicate the national sovereignty ; that it was my duty to secure the supremacy of the constitution and the laws; that I had taken my oath of office to exact an unconditional submission on their part to the dictates of the law. I was not in- terrupted. In a discourse of about thirty minutes' duration, I touched (as I thought best) boldly upon all the leading questions at issue between them and the General Government. I remembered that I had to deal with men embittered by the remembrance and recital of many real and imaginary wrongs, but did not think it wise to withhold from them the entire truth. They listened respectfully to all I had to say-approvingly, even, I fancied-when I explained to them what I intended should be the character of my administration. In fact, the whole character of the people was calm, betokening no consciousness of having done wrong, but rather, as it were, indicating a conviction that they had done their duty to their religion and to their country. I have observed that the Mor- mons profess to view the constitution as the work of inspired men, and respond with readiness to appeals for its support.

" Thus the meeting might have ended ; but, after closing my remarks, I rose and stated that I would be glad to hear from any who might be inclined to address me upon topics of interest to the community. This invitation brought forth in succession several powerful speakers, who evidently exercised great influence over the masses of the people. They harangued on the subject of the assassination of Joseph Smith, Jun., and his friends, the services rendered by the Mormon Bat- talion to an ungrateful country, their sufferings on 'the Plains' during their dreary pilgrimage to their mountain home, etc. The congregation became greatly excited, and joined the speakers in their intemperate remarks, exhibited more frenzy than I had expected to witness among a people who habitually exercise great self-control. A speaker now represented the Federal Government as desir- ous of needlessly introducing the national troops into the Territory, 'whether a necessity existed for their employment to support the authority of the civil offi- cers or not ; ' and the wildest uproar ensued. I was fully confirmed in the opin- ion that this people, with their extraordinary religion and customs, would gladly encounter certain death rather than be taxed with a submission to the military power, which they considered to involve a loss of honor.

" In my first address I informed them that they were entitled to a trial by their peers ; that I had no intention of stationing the army in immediate contact with their settlements, and that the military posse would not be resorted to until other means of arrest had been tried and failed. I found the greatest difficulty in explaining these points, so great was the excitement. Eventually, however, the efforts of Brigham Young were successful in calming the tumult and restoring order before the adjournment of the meeting. It is proper that I should add that more than one speaker has since expressed his regret at having been betrayed into intemperance of language in my presence. The President and the Amer- ican people will learn with gratification the auspicious issue of our difficulties here. I regret the necessity, however, which compels me to mingle with my congratulations, the announcement of a fact that will occasion great concern.

" The people, including the inhabitants of this city, are moving from every

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settlement in the northern part of the Territory. The roads are everywhere filled with wagons loaded with provisions and household furniture, the women and children often without shoes or hats, driving their flocks they know not where. They seem not only resigned but cheerful. 'It is the will of the Lord,' and they rejoice to exchange the comforts of home for the trials of the wilder- ness. Their ultimate destination is not, I presume, definitely fixed upon. ‘ Go- ing south,' seems sufficiently definite for the most of them, but many believe that their ultimate destination is Sonora.

" Young, Kimball and most of the influential men have left their com modious mansions, without apparent regret, to lengthen the long train of wan- derers. The masses everywhere announce to me that the torch will be applied to every house indiscriminately throughout the country, so soon as the troops at- tempt to cross the mountains. I shall follow these people and try to rally them.

" Our military force could overwhelm most of these poor people, involving men, women and children in a common fate; but there are among the Mormons many brave men, accustomed to arms and horses; men who could fight desper- ately as guerrillas; and if the settlements are destroyed, will subject the country to an expensive and protracted war, without any compensating results. They will, I am sure, submit to 'trial by their peers,' but they will not brook the idea of trials by ' juries' composed of 'teamsters and followers of the camp,' nor of an army encamped in their cities or dense settlements.

" I have adopted means to recall the few Mormons remaining in arms, who have not yet, it is said, complied with my request to withdraw from the canyons and eastern frontiers. I have also taken measures to protect the buildings which have been vacated in the northern settlements. I am sanguine that I will save a great part of the valuable improvements there.

" I shall leave this city for the South to-morrow. After I have finished my business there, I shall return as soon as possible to the army, to complete the arrangements which will enable me before long, I trust, to announce that the road between California and Missouri may be traveled with perfect security by trains and emigrants of every description.

"I shall restrain all operations of the military for the present, which will probably enable me to receive from the President additional instructions, if he deems it necessary to give them.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. CUMMING, Governor of Utah. To Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.

" To the Senate and House of Representatives:

" I transmit the copy of a dispatch from Governor Cumming to the Secre- tary of State, dated at Great Salt Lake City on the 2d of May, and received at the Department of State 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 laws has been restored. I congratulate you on this auspicious event.

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"I lost 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 the Territory of Utah, for the protection of 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 which 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 Con- gress to be called into service for the defence of the frontier of Texas against In- dian 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 regu- lar troops, which have not yet been withdrawn from its limits.

JAMES BUCHANAN.

Washington City, June 10, 1858.

On the 13th of May, Gov. Cumming started for Camp Scott, for the pur- pose of moving his family to Salt Lake City. Meanwhile the "exodus" had been quietly going forward, and when the Governor returned he only found a few men who had been left in the city to burn it in case the army attempted to quarter there.

The Governor and his wife proceeded to the residence of Elder Staines, whom they found in waiting with a plentiful cold lunch. His family had gone south, and in his garden were significantly heaped up several loads of straw.

The Governor's wife inquired their meaning, and the cause of the silence that pervaded the city. £ Elder Staines informed her of their resolve to burn the town in case the army attempted to occupy it.

" How terrible ! " she exclaimed. " What a sight this is ! I never shall forget it ! It has the appearance of a city that has been afflicted with a plague. Every house looks like a tomb of the dead ! For two miles I have seen but one man in it. Poor creatures ! And so all have left their hard-earned homes ?"

Here she burst into tears.

" Oh! Alfred (to her husband), something must be done to bring them back ! Do not permit the army to stay in the city. Can't you do something for them ? "

" Yes, madam," said he, " I shall do all I can, rest assured. I only wish I could be in Washington for two hours; I am persuaded that I could convince the Government that we have no need for troops."

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CHAPTER XXIV.

THE ARRIVAL OF PEACE COMMISSIONERS. EXTRAORDINARY COUNCIL BE- TWEEN THEM AND THE MORMON LEADERS. A SINGULAR SCENE IN THE COUNCIL. ARRIVAL OF A COURIER WITH DISPATCHES. "STOP THAT ARMY! OR WE BREAK UP THE CONFERENCE." " BROTHER DUN- BAR, SING ZION!" THE PEACE COMMISSIONERS MARVEL, BUT AT LAST FIND A HAPPY ISSUE. RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE MORMON ARMY.

The honorable course of Van Vliet, in protesting against an exterminating war upon a religious people, coupled with the guarantee which Colonel Kane had personally given to the Government for the essential loyalty of the Mormons, made the sending of peace commissioners imperative. An example of the right course once set by the noble Kane, President Buchanan hastened to send Gov- ernor L. W. Powell, of Kentucky, and Major Ben Mccullough, of Texas, to negotiate a peace. They arrived in the city in June, 1858. Wilford Woodruff's Journal contains the following minute of their first council with the Mormon leaders :

"Fune 11th. The Presidency and many others met with the Peace Com- missioners in the Council House. Governor Powell, a Senator-elect from Ken- tucky, and Major Mccullough, from Texas, were then introduced to the assembly, as the Peace Commissioners sent by President Buchanan. Governor Powell spoke to the people, and informed us what the President wished at our hands. President Buchanan has sent by them a proclamation, accusing us of treason and some fifty other crimes, all of which charges are false. Yet he pardons us for all these offenses, if we will be subject to the constitution and laws of the United States, and if we will let his troops quarter in our Territory. He pledged him- self that they should not interfere with our people, nor infringe upon any city, and said that he had no right to interfere with our religion, faith or practice.

" The Peace Commissioners confirmed the same. They did not wish to en - quire into the past at all, but wished to let it all go and talk about the present and the future.

" Reflections. President Buchanan had made war upon us, and wished 10 destroy us because of our religion, thinking that it would be popular, but he found that Congress would not sustain him in it. He has got into a bad scrape, and wishes to get out of it the best he can. Now he wants peace, because he is in the wrong, and has met with a strong resistance from a high-minded people in these mountains, which he did not expect to meet. We are willing to give him peace upon any terms that are honorable ; but not upon terms which are dishonor- able to us. We have our rights and dare maintain them, trusting in God for victory. The Lord has heard our prayers, and the President of the United States has been obliged to ask for peace."

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The naivete of Apostle Woodruff, in his idea of giving peace to James Buchanan, is something amusing, yet is there a severe democratic philosophy in it. " He wants peace because he is in the wrong and has met with a strong resistance from a high-minded people," is a passage that any President of the United States might profitably lay under his official pillow, whether in his administration towards a Utah or a Louisiana. But Brother Woodruff's emphatic view that the Mormons could only consent to a peace on honorable terms; with his brave assertion that, " we have our rights, and dare maintain them, trusting in God for victory," has in it a touch of sublimity.

That day also witnessed a striking example of Governor Young's tact and reso- lution :

The Peace Commissioners had laid their message before the council. Brig- ham had spoken, as well as the Peace Commissioners. The aspect of affairs was favorable. Presently, however, a well-known character, O. P. Rockwell, was seen to enter, approach the ex-Governor and whisper to him. He was from the Mormon army. There was at once a sensation, for it was appreciated that he brought some unexpected and important news. Brigham arose; his manner self-possessed, but severe.

" Governor Powell, are you aware, sir, that those troops are on the move towards the city?"

" It cannot be !" exclaimed Powell, surprised, for we were promised by the General that they should not move till after this meeting."

" I have received a dispatch that they are on the march for this city. My messenger would not deceive me."

It was like a thunderclap to the Peace Commissioners : they could offer no explanation.

" Is Brother Dunbar present ?" inquired Brighamn.

" Yes, sir," responded the one called.

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History of Salt Lake City, Part 28

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