History of Salt Lake City, Part 33

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 33

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).

Among the first news brought was that a bill was before the House to amend the organic act of this Territory, remove the seat of government from Great Salt Lake City to Carson Valley, and change the name from Utah to Nevada. The object stated was to take the controling power out of the hands of the Mormons of Utah, and give it into the hands of the Gentiles of Nevada.

In May of this year the mass of the troops from Camp Floyd took up their march for New Mexico and Arizona. Only a few were left to perform the requisite duties of the garrison.

Just previous, General Albert Sidney Johnston left Camp Floyd for Washing- ton, via the southern route to California. He never visited Great Salt Lake City

248

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

after he passed through it with his army. General Johnston and Brigham Young therefore never met. After his departure the command devolved upon Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, who by a general order February 6th, 1861, changed the name of Camp Floyd to Fort Crittenden. The intent was understood to dis- connect the fort from the name of Secretary Floyd, whose plot for secession was exposed, and his Utah Expedition, sinking twenty millions of the nation's money, considered to be a part of that secession plot.

In May, 1861, just previous to the outbreak of our great civil war, Governor Cumming and his lady departed from Great Salt Lake City with no expectation of returning. He had entered the city amid great display of welcome, and fain had the city shown him and his lady like honors in their retirement, but it was against his wish ; so his departure was not generally known until it was announced in the Deseret News, in which the thanks of a grateful community were sent after him for the faithful performance of his service towards them and to the General Government.

The remainder of Johnston's army was ordered to the States to participate in the war; and the order was given to destroy the best equipped military post ever established in the West. But before the evacuation and destruction of arms, public sales were announced of provisions and army stores of every kind. Many went from Great Salt Lake City and the nearer settlements to purchase these valu- able supplies, which were sold by auction, and consisted of flour, bacon, groceries of all kinds, hardware, carpenters' tools, blacksmiths' tools, wagons, harness, tents, medical stores, clothing, and, in fine, everything the settlers most needed. It was estimated that four million dollars' worth of goods were sold for $100,000. Flour sold for 52 cents per sack of 100 Ibs. in double sacks, for which the Gov. ernment had paid $28.40. Everything else was in proportion.

President Young sent his business manager, Mr. H. B. Clawson, to purchase all kinds of supplies most needed for his numerous family, dependents and work- men. He bought about $40,000 worth, among which was the Government safe, where had been deposited $80,000 in gold, which the Government had freighted to Camp Floyd in an ox team.

But the most historical article was the flagstaff, which was transplanted from Camp Floyd to the brow of the hill on the east of Brigham's mansion, where for many years it stood, though now seen no more.

During the sale Mr. Clawson, in his character of ex-Governor Young's busi- ness manager, became familiarly acquainted with Quartermaster Col. H. G. Cross- man and other officers, to whom he extended a courteous invitation to visit President Young before their departure from the Territory. They politely accepted, and seized the opportunity to present to the Founder of Utah the flag- staff which had borne aloft the national banner at Camp Floyd. At such a moment of secession, the gift was a magnificent compliment to the ex-Governor, and, indeed, to the Mormon people also ; but Philip St. George Cooke, the com- mander of the Mormon Battalion, was in command after the departure of General Johnston, and perhaps he and others of the officers had revised their views of the " Utah rebellion."

After the sales were over, the arms and ammunition were taken to a distance

249

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

and piled up in pyramids ; long trains of powder were then properly arranged, and at a given signal the fusee was touched and the work of destruction accom- plished. Several pieces of ordnance that could not be exploded were consigned to deep wells; but it is said that they were recovered and that they have often since done good service in the celebration of the Fourth of July, in honor of the national birth, and of the Twenty-fourth of July, in honor of the arrival of the Pioneers into these valleys and the founding of Great Salt Lake City.

In the early autumn of 186r the troops marched Eastward, and thus ended the famous Utah expedition.

The change of Federal administration incident to the election of Abraham Lincoln, also, in due course of time gave to Utah a new set of Federal officials. Excepting the Governor, these proved to be more acceptable to the people than their predecessors had been. Secretary Wooton, after the departure of Governor Cumming, on the first announcement of secession sent in his resignation to Presi- dent Lincoln. John W. Dawson, of Indiana, was then appointed Governor ; Frank Fuller, of New Hampshire, Secretary ; John F. Kinney, who had already been Chief Justice of this Territory, replaced Chief Justice Eckles ; and Asso- ciate Justices Crosby and Flenniken were appointed to succeed Sinclair and Cradlebaugh. Secretary Fuller arrived before Governor Dawson, and, on the re- tirement of Mr. Wooton, Fuller also became acting Governor. James Duane Doty was Superintendent of Indian Affairs. It was said that these appointments were designed by President Lincoln to conciliate ex-Governor Young and the Mormons at the outbreak of our civil war. Whether this was so or not, it is no more than just to here record that, notwithstanding the anti-Mormon attitude of the party that elevated Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency, his course towards Utah was uniformly considerate.

Governor Dawson arrived and entered happily upon his official duties, but he soon fell into temptation, and his gallantries towards a lady of the city be- coming exposed, he hastily departed, and Secretary Fuller a second time became the acting Governor.

About the middle of October, 1861, the eastern portion of the Pacific Tele- graph Line was completed to Great Salt Lake City. The following record of the event is from the Deseret News of October 23 :

"On Thursday afternoon the 'operator' connected with the eastern portion of the telegraph line informed the visitors who had gathered around his table to witness the first operations in communicating with the Eastern States, that the ' line was built," but for some reason there was no through message either sent or received till the following day.

"The first use of the electric messenger being courteously extended to President Young, he forwarded the following congratulations to the President of the Company :

" GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T., Oct. 18, 1861.

" Hon. J. H. Wade, President of the Pacific Telegraph Company, Cleveland, Ohio.

" SIR-Permit me to congratulate you on the completion of the Overland 4

250

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

Telegraph line west to this city, to commend the energy displayed by yourself and associates in the rapid and successful prosecution of a work so beneficial, and to express the wish that its use may ever tend to promote the true interests of the dwellers upon both the Atlantic and Pacific Slopes of our continent.

" Utah has not seceded, but is firm for the Constitution and laws of our once happy country, and is warmly interested in such useful enterprises as the one so far completed.

BRIGHAM YOUNG."

On Sunday morning the following very becoming reply was received :

" CLEVELAND, Oct. 19, 1861. " Hon. Brigham Young, Prest., Great Salt Lake City :

"SIR -- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your message of last evening, which was in every way gratifying, not only in the announcement of the completion of the Pacific Telegraph to your enterprising and prosperous city, but that yours, the first message to pass over the line, should express so unmis- takeably the patriotism and union-loving sentiments of yourself and people.

"I join with you in the hope that this enterprise may tend to promote the welfare and happiness of all concerned, and that the annihilation of time in our means of communication may also tend to annihilate prejudice, cultivate brotherly love, facilitate commerce and strengthen the bonds of our once and again to be happy union.

"With just consideration for your high position and due respect for you personally,

" I remain your obedient servant,

J. H. WADE, Prest. Pac. Tel. Co."

Acting-Governor Fuller made early use of the wire to extend salutations to President Lincoln, of which the following are copies of the congratulations and the acknowledgment :

"G. S. L. CITY, Oct. 18, 1861.

" To the President of the United States :

" Utah, whose citizens strenuously resist all imputations of disloyalty, con- gratulates the President upon the completion of an enterprise which spans a continent, unites two oceans, and connects with nerve of iron the remote ex- tremities of the body politic, with the great governmental heart, May the whole system speedily thrill with the quickened pulsations of that heart, as the paracide hand is palsied, treason is punished, and the entire sisterhood of States joins hands in glad reunion around the National fireside.

FRANK FULLER, Acting-Governor of Utah Territory." "WASHINGTON, D. C., Oct. 20, 1861.

" Hon. Frank Fuller, Acting· Governor of Utah :

" SIR-The completion of the telegraph to Great Salt Lake City, is auspi-

251

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

cious of the stability and union of the Republic. The Government reciprocates your congratulations.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN."

" During the business hours on Friday there was quite an interest in the performances of the electricity, and congratulations over the wire to distant friends were extended in every direction. The day throughout was quite an oc- casion for the moving celebrities of Main Street.

" The western line, as reported to us, was to have been finished on Monday evening or yesterday morning-a much earlier day than the most sanguine friends of Mr. Street anticipated. The last poles being set to the west of Fort Crittenden, Mr. Street has consequently been detained there, but was expected in this morning, and will doubtless open his battery on the inhabitants of the Pacific during the course of to-day ; and thus the inhabitants of the Pacific and Atlantic States will be united in electric bonds.

" Having expressed our sentiments on the building of the telegraph line through the Territory in a recent number of the News, we will now only say that the hope is entertained that at no distant day the 'iron horse' may have a track prepared for it across the continent."

As might be expected, the great civil war between the North and the South gave to Utah the opportunity for a unique example in her conduct. She had her- self just been "in rebellion" ; how would she now act ? This was a most natural question, and, strange to say, her answer was almost the reverse of the general pronouncement of what she would do.

And here it might be said that it matters not to the integrity of history whether or not the Mormons be understood by others, as long as they act con- sistently with themselves, and their own faith in their religious and national mission. We have just seen that on the very first occasion after the "Utah rebellion," as we will style it to illustrate the example, they made haste to re assert their faith in the Constitution and the Union, by celebrating the day of American independence very much with the same intention as though they had sent a manifesto to the States of their views and conduct. And just in keeping with this was the pronouncement of the Mormon leaders upon secession at its very birth, as the accompanying Fourth of July military order will suggest :

HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, G. S. L. CITY, June 25th, 1861.

GENERAL ORDERS, NO. I.

I. Thursday, the Fourth of July, being the eighty-fifth anniversary of American independence; notwithstanding the turmoil and strife which distress the nation established on that foundation, the citizens of Utah esteem it a privi- lege to celebrate the day in a manner becoming American patriots and true lovers of the Constitution of their country.

2. The Lieut .- General directs that district commanders throughout the Territory will conform, as far as practicable, to the requisitions of the various committees of arrangements for details.

252

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

8. In Great Salt Lake City, at the request of the committee of arrange- ments, the following details will be made, and placed under the direction of Major John Sharp, marshal of the day, viz :

One company of the Ist, and one of the 3d regiments of infantry.

One company of light artillery and two guns.

Two brass bands and one martial band.

By order of

Lieut .- Gen. D. H. WELLS, JAMES FERGUSON, Adjt .- Gen.

This military manifesto, just after the national flag had been fired upon at Fort Sumter, meant simply that Utah was going to stand by the Union.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

MORMON SERVICE ON THE OVERLAND MAIL LINE. PRESIDENT LINCOLN CALLS ON BRIGHAM YOUNG FOR HELP. THE EX-GOVERNOR'S RESPONSE. BEN HOLLADAY THANKS BRIGHAM. LOT SMITH'S COMMAND. REPORT OF THE SERVICE. GENERAL CRAIG COMPLIMENTS THE MORMON TROOPS.

. In the spring of 1862 the Indians were troublesome on the Overland Mail Route and stopped the mails. They destroyed nearly every mail station between Fort Bridger and North Platte, they burned the coaches and mail bags, ran off the stock, and killed the drivers.

Acting-Governor Fuller, Chief Justice Kinney, and six other gentlemen connected with the mail and telegraph lines, joined in recommending to Secretary Stanton to authorize the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, James Duane Doty, to raise and put in service immediately, " a regiment of mounted rangers from the inhabitants of the Territory, with officers to be appointed by him," etc.

But Acting-Governor Fuller and Chief Justice Kinney had over-rated the Federal power in Utah, as embodied in themselves, for such a service, when they overlooked ex-Governor Young, Lieutenant-General Wells and the Utah militia.

Three days after the despatch of Governor Fuller and others to Secretary Stanton, Brigham Young telegraphed to the Utah Delegate at Washington a corrected statement in which he said, " the militia of Utah are ready and able, as they ever have been, to take care of all the Indians, and are able and willing to protect the mail line if called upon to do so."

But ex-Governor Young, however, did not wait even to be called upon for help. The need of the service was too imperative to linger for official etiquette, and to Colonel Robert T. Burton the Commanding .General issued the following

253

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

"INSTRUCTIONS.

"G. S. L. CITY, April 24, 1862.

" Col. Robert T. Burton and the detachment to guard the mail stage under you:

"You are detailed for this special service, and will proceed from this place in company with Captain Hooper, General C. W. West, Judge Kinney, and probably other passengers in the mail coach for the Eastern States, as a guard to protect them against the depredations of Indians, who are said to be hostile ; and continue in their company on the route as far as it may be deemed necessary by yourself and Captain Hooper for their safety. In traveling, the stage must corres- pond to your time, as it cannot be expected that without change of animals your detachment can keep pace with the stage, especially where the roads are good. You will obtain grain for your animals, and some provisions for your command at the mail stations, for which you will give a receipt to be paid in kind, keeping a copy of each receipt, and advising President Young by telegraph, so that we can forward the amounts by the teams going to the States, which are expected to start in a few days. In traveling be cautious, and vigilant, and keep together and allow no straggling from camp, either night or day. There must not be any drinking of spirituous liquors, neither swearing, or abusive language of any kind, and treat everybody with courtesy, and prove there is no necessity of trouble with the Indians, when white men act with propriety.

" If you can get to speak with Indians, treat them kindly, showing them you are their friends ; and so far as you are able, investigate the cause and origin of the present difficulties.

" You had better have one or two friendly Indians to accompany you, through whose agency you may be able to communicate with others, and thus become apprised of their intentions.

" When you meet the troops from the East said to be on their way, you can return, but you will remain in the vicinity of the threatened difficulties until relieved, or so long as it may be necessary.

Keep a journal of every day's proceedings, and a strict account of every business transaction, as well of the causes leading to the dis- turbances, if obtainable.

"Send by telegraph to President Young from every station giving us in short the current news, and prospects of Indians, state of the roads, weather, and other matters of interest.

" When you arrive at or near the scene of disaster, feel your way before you, proceed so that you may not be surprised by a concealed or sudden movement of the Indians, or other evil-disposed persons.

" May God bless, prosper and preserve you all.

DANIEL H. WELLS, " Lieut .- General Commanding N. L. Militia of Utah Territory."

. A day later Acting-Governor Fuller made an official requisition for the escort, and the Lieut .- General issued a supplemental order :

254

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

"SPEC AL ORDERS, NO. 2.

" HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION,

"G. S. L. CITY, April 25th, 1862.

"' Ist. In compliance with the requisition this day made by His Excellency Frank Fuller, Acting-Governor Utah Territory, Col. R. T. Burton will forthwith detail twenty men, properly armed and equipped, and mounted on good and efficient animals, provided with thirty days' rations and grain for animals, and wagons sufficient to carry grain, rations and bedding, and proceed East on the overland mail route, guarding mails, passengers, and property pertaining thereto.

" 2d. It is expected that to have the protection of the escort, the mail coaches will travel with it, as it cannot be expected that without change of animals it can keep pace with the mail coaches, especially when the roads are good.

" 3d. Colonel Burton will immediately offer his services to said Mail Com- pany, and then proceed upon his journey, and remain on the line until relieved by the troops said to be coming up from the East, or so long as it may be neces- sary to quiet the Indians, who are said to be hostile, and the road considered safe from their depredations.

" God bless and prosper you all.

DANIEL H. WELLS, Lieut .- General Commanding N. L. Militia Utah Territory."

But the historical mark extraordinary of this service is seen in the call of President Lincoln on Brigham Young for help, and his authorizing of him to raise a company, just as though he had been still the Governor of Utah :

" ORDER. " WASHINGTON, April 28th, 1862.

" Mr. Brigham Young, Salt Lake City :

" By express direction of the President of the United States, you are authorized to raise, arm and equip one company of cavalry for ninety (90) days' service.

" This company will be organized as follows: One captain, one first lieu- tenant, one second lieutenant, one first sergeant, one quartermaster sergeant, four (4) sergeants, and eight (8) corporals, two (2) musicians, two (2) farriers, one saddler, one wagoner, and fifty-six (56) to seventy-two (72) privates.

" The company will be employed to protect the property of the Telegraph and Overland Mail Companies, in or about Independence Rock, where depreda- tions have been committed, and will continue in service only until the U. S. troops can reach the point where they are so much needed. It may therefore be disbanded previous to the expiration of ninety (90) days.

" It will not be employed for any offensive operations other than may grow out of the duty herein assigned to it. The officers of the company will be mustered into the U. S. service by any civil officer of the U. S. at Salt Lake City competent to administer an oath. The men employed in the service above named will be entitled to receive no other than the allowance authorized by law. to soldiers in the service of the U. S. Until the proper staff officers for substituting

255

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

these men arrive, you will please furnish subsistence for them yourself, keeping an accurate account thereof for future settlement with U. S. Government.

" By order of the Secretary of War.

L. THOMAS, Adjutant-General."

This telegram was received at 9 o'clock at night, April 28; but, within the hour, the following was issued and immediately in the hands of Major Lot Smith :

" HEADQUARTERS NAUVOO LEGION, " GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, April 28th, 1862. " SPECIAL ORDERS, NO. 3.

" Ist. Pursuant to instructions received this day from ex-Governor Brigham Young, and in compliance with a requisition from the President of the United States, Major Lot Smith of the Battalion of Life Guards is hereby directed to enlist by voluntary enrollment for the term of ninety days a company of mounted men, to be composed as follows, to-wit : One captain, one first lieutenant, one second lieutenant, one quartermaster sergeant, one first sergeant, four sergeants, eight corporals, two musicians, two farriers, one saddler, one wagoner, and seventy-two privates. Major Smith is hereby assigned to the command of the company with rank of captain, and on mustering the men into service, will administer the proper oath agreeably to instructions herewith accompanying.

" 2d. The object of this expedition, to which this company is assigned, as instructed and authorized by the President, is the protection of the property of the Overland Mail and Telegraph Companies, at or about Independence Rock, and the adjoining country. Captain Smith will, therefore, as soon as his com- pany is completed proceed at once to the above named vicinity, and patrol the road so as to render all necessary aid as contemplated by the instructions. It is not anticipated that the company, or any portion of it will camp so near any of the mail stations, as to give trouble or inconvenience ; but sufficiently adjacent to render prompt and ready aid when required. Captain Smith is enjoined to pre- serve strict sobriety in his camp and prevent the use of all profane language or disorderly conduct of any kind. No apprehension is entertained by the General commanding, but that the best and most praiseworthy deportment will char- acterize the expedition, the officers and men having been selected with care, and with a view to their ability to render good and efficient service.

"3d. Judging from advices received from the President of the United States, troops may soon be expected on the road to relieve the company now or- dered out ; the commander of the detachment will receive the necessary instruc- tions in proper time, and will remain on duty with his command until so in- structed.

" 4th. It is desirable to cultivate as far as practicable friendly and peaceful relations with the Indians.

"5th. The service to be expected from the horses and mules on the expe- dition will be a sufficient argument in favor of great care in marching and feed-

256

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

ing, as well as vigilant guarding and precaution against surprises. The greatest economy must be used with ammunition ; none should be heedlessly wasted.

DANIEL H. WELLS.

" Lieut .- General Commanding Nauvoo Legion, Militia of Utah Territory."

BRIGHAM YOUNG'S TELEGRAM TO ADJT. - GENERAL L. THOMAS, WASHINGTON, D. C.

"GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, May Ist, 1862. " Adjt .- Gen. L. Thomas, U. S. A., Washington City, D. C .:

" Immediately on the receipt of your telegram of the 28 ult., at 8:30 p. m., I requested General Daniel H. Wells to proceed at once to raise a company of cavalry to be mustered into the service of the United States for ninety days, as per your aforesaid telegram. General Wells forthwith issued the requisite orders, and yesterday the captain and other officers were sworn by Chief Justice J. F. Kinney, the enrolling and swearing in the privates attended to, and the company went into camp adjacent to this city.

" To-day the company, seventy-two (72) privates, officered as directed, and ten (10) baggage and supply wagons, with one assistant teamster deemed neces- sary, took up their line of march for the neighborhood of Independence Rock.

BRIGHAM YOUNG."

It will be noticed that about a day and a half had elapsed before the return telegram of the ex-Governor was sent answering the call of President Lincoln. At first it might seem that there was a missing link-that a previous answer must have been sent to the effect that the call would be responded to at the earliest moment ; but the feature of the case is eminently like the character of Brigham Young. He answered the moment he could say to the President of the United States, Your order is obeyed; the company is on the march! Abraham Lincoln was just the man to appreciate such a telegram and such executive business ; so was also the great mail contractor Ben Holladay, who became assured the mo- ment he knew that Brigham Young was moving in the service and thus acknowl- edged :

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 33

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