History of Salt Lake City, Part 36

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

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" The Governor's message to the Legislature, in December, was the tocsin of war, and was considered a very offensive document. He referred to the passage of the anti-polygamic law of July of that year, and warned the people against the pernicious counsels of the apostles and prophets who had recommended it " to be openly disregarded and defied." The manner of the delivery of the message was worse than the matter, and probably no Legislature ever felt more humiliated and insulted. It was painful to observe the legislators, as they sat quiet and immovable, hearing their faith contemned. It was interpreted as an open and gratuitous insult on the part of the Executive."

CHAPTER XXXI.

THE CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEERS ORDERED TO UTAH. SKETCH OF GENERAL CONNOR. HIS FIRST MILITARY ORDER. INTERESTING LETTER FROM THE COMMAND. PETITION OF THE VOLUNTEERS TO GO TO THE POTO- MAC. MARCH FROM FORT CRITTENDEN TO SALT LAKE. PREPARA- TIONS FOR BATTLE AT THE JORDAN. ZION AT PEACE. SURPRISE OF THE TROOPS. THE HALT AT THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION HIS ADDRESS TO THE TROOPS. CAMP DOUGLAS.

Although the Utah militia had been offered for the protection of the Over- land Mail and Telegraph line, Secretary Stanton deemed it prudent to entrust the permanent service to the California Volunteers rather than to the Utah militia. Utah was placed under a military surveillance during the war, and California was made her sister's keeper. At least, such was the interpretation placed upon the military mission of General Connor and his command, to whom is devoted the following historical sketch, quickly connecting as it does with the main branch of the history of Great Salt Lake City. 7

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General Patrick Edward Connor was born in the south of Ireland, March 17, 1820. At an early age he emigrated with his parents to New York City, where he was educated. In 1839 he entered the regular army, at the age of 18, during the Florida war. He left the service in November of 1844, and returned to New York, where he entered into mercantile business ; but in the early part of 1846 emigrated to Texas. The war with Mexico broke out that year, and young Connor, as Cap- tain of the Texas Volunteers, was the second volunteer officer mustered into service, in the regiment of Albert Sidney Johnston, whom they elected Colonel. Connor was with his company at the battles of Palo Alto, Resaca de la Palma, and Buena Vista. In the latter battle he was severely wounded, being the first officer who bore the scars of war, for which honor he now draws a fult Captain's pension.

Shortly after the close of the Mexican war, Captain Connor emigrated to California, where he engaged in business till the breaking out of our great civil war. Immediately the gallant officer tendered his services to the Governor of California, and was appointed by him Colonel of the Third California Infantry.

The California Volunteers entered the service with the full expectation of being called directly to the theatre of war, for both officers and men were fired with a martial spirit becoming California in the nation's crisis. It is doubtful, in- deed, if this military fervor would have been kindled had the Volunteers known that they were about to be ordered to Utah by the Government, to watch the Mor- mons, lest their leaders should take advantage of our national calamity and pro- claim a rebellion. Some of the officers and men, it is understood, gave way to occasional fits of ill-humor, very pardonable in men who, panting for military glory, as well as inspired by patriotism, had offered their lives in defense of the Union, only to find themselves, in the sequel, transported to our then Rocky Mountain isolation.

It was in May, 1862, that Colonel Connor was ordered with his regiment to Utah. His command consisted of the Third California Infantry and a part of the Second California Cavalry. He took up his line of march in July, 1862.

On assuming command of the Military District of Utah, Colonel Connor issued the following military order :

" HEADQUARTERS, DISTRICT OF UTAH, FORT CHURCHILL, August 6th, 1862.

" Order No. 1 .- The undersigned, pursuant to orders from Department Headquarters, hereby assumes command of the Military District of Utah, com- prising the Territories of Nevada and Utah.

" In assuming command of the district I especially enjoin upon all disburs- ing officers the necessity of being particularly attentive, careful and economical in their disbursements of the public funds; and that they in no instance purchase from persons who have at any time, by word or act, manifested disloyalty to the Federal Government.

" Being credibly informed that there are in this district persons who, while claiming and receiving protection to life and property, are endeavoring to destroy and defame the principles and institutions of our Government under whose be- nign influence they have been so long protected, it is therefore most rigidly en-

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forced upon all commanders of posts, camps and detachments, to cause to be promptly arrested and closely confined until they have taken the oath of allegiance to the Government of the United States, all persons who from this date shall be guilty of uttering treasonable sentiments against the Government ; and upon a repetition of the offense to be again arrested and confined until the fact shall be communicated to these headquarters. Traitors shall not utter treasonable sentiments in this district with impunity, but must seek some more genial soil, or receive the punishment they so richly merit. By order of

P. EDWARD CONNOR, Col. 3d Infantry, C. V., Com. Dist. of Utah. " James W. Stillman, A. A. A. General."

The Deseret News of September 10, notes :

"Col. P. E. Connor, commanding the California Volunteers, arrived in the city yesterday afternoon. The Volunteers remain at Ruby Valley till the Colonel's return, when they will afterwards advance to the place that will be selected as a military post. The Colonel took a stroll about town and looked around with an air of familiarity that indicated that after all Salt Lake City was something of a place, and might not be unpleasant, notwithstanding its desert surroundings."

A correspondent writing to the San Francisco Bulletin in behalf of his com- rades, gives a very interesting and suggestive page of history :

" HEADQUARTERS UTAH DISTRICT,

RUBY VALLEY, N. T., September 24, 1862.

" The Third Infantry California Volunteers wants to go home-not for the purpose of seeing the old folks, but for the purpose of tramping upon the sacred soil of Virginia, and of swelling the ranks of the brave battlers for the brave old flag. The action of the San Francisco Quartette and the glory which awaits the California regiment that first lands on the Atlantic coast, combined to make the 700 hearts camped in Ruby Valley pulse vigorously with the patriotic desire to serve their country in shooting traitors instead of eating rations and freezing to death around sage-brush fires, which two are the only military duties to be performed hereabouts. Accordingly a meeting of the officers was called on Tuesday night. A committee was appointed to draft a dispatch to be sent to Gen. Halleck; and each captain was requested to draw up a paper to the purport that the subscriber would authorize the paymaster to withhold from his pay the amount subscribed by him, on the condition, and no other condition, that the regiment be ordered east. Each captain was requested to present this document to his company and report at an adjourned meeting.

" To-day, at I p. m., the following sums had been subscribed by the privates and company officers :

"Company I, Capt. Lewis, $3,430; Company K, Capt. Hoyt, $3,475 ; Company H, Capt. Black, $2,550 ; Company F, (part absent on detailed duty) Capt. Potts, $600; Company C, Capt. May, $3,260 ; Company E, Capt. Tupper, $4,674; Company G, Capt. Urmy, $7,431.

"That is excellent evidence of the earnest patriotism of our 700 men. In

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addition to packing a musket, eating salt pork, and tramping over these abominable deserts, they are willing, and actually do, out of their $13 per month, subscribe $25,000 for the privilege of going to the Potomac and getting shot. If Cali- fornia is not proud of them, the God of Washington is; and that is quite as sat- isfactory. But California cannot help appreciating such a sacrifice upon the part of men who, after giving their time, labor, and if need be, their lives, to their country, now give the last mite of their small pittance. Private Goldthaite, of Company G, alone, subscribed $5000, while the majority of the men gave every cent of their pay.

"The company officers ranged about thus: Second lieutenants, $100 to $200; first lieutenants, $200 to $300 ; captains, $300 to $500. In some instances that takes more than their pay. The staff officers have not yet pungled, as they are waiting to see what amount will remain to be raised.

" The three companies at Stockton would most undoubtedly equal their com- rades. Should they do so, at the average of $3,000 per company the funds would reach upwards of $36,000.

"The following despatch was sent to Gen. Halleck, with the consent of Gen. George Wright :

"' Major-General Halleck, Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.

"The Third Infantry, Cal. Vols., has been in service one year, and marched 600 miles ; it is well officered and thoroughly drilled; is of no service on the Overland Mail route, as there is cavalry sufficient for its protection in Utah Dis- trict. The regiment will authorize the Paymaster to withhold $30,000 of pay now due if Government will order it East; and it pledges Gen. Halleck never to disgrace the flag, himself or California. The men enlisted to fight traitors, and can do so more effectively than raw recruits; and ask that they may be placed at least on the same footing in regard to transportation East. If the above sum is insufficient, we will pay our own passages from San Francisco to Panama.

"' By request of the regiment.

P. EDW. CONNOR, " ' Col. Commanding. """ Ruby Valley, N. T., September 24, 1862.'"

" So far as anybody can see, there is not a bit more use for infantry out here than there is for topographical engineers. Cavalry is the only efficient arm against Indians, and the companies of the 2d regiment, in the district, are fully compe- tent to chastise all offenders. Brigham Young offers to protect the entire line with 100 men. Why we were sent here is a mystery. It could not be keep Mormon- dom in order, for Brighamn can thoroughly annihilate us with the 5,000 to 25,000 frontiersmen always at his command."

Towards the middle of October the Volunteers reached the former encamp- ment of U. S. troops at Camp Floyd. Parties who would have been financially benefitted by the Volunteers occupying the vacated quarters at Camp Floyd tried to induce the Colonel to remain there, and, failing that, they sought to intimi- date him with the intelligence that the Mormon intended to dispute the passage of the Californians over the Jordan. At the same time, a story was current

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among the Volunteers that Brigham Young, on hearing of their advance, had out of contempt for them and the nation, cut down the United States flag-staff at Camp Floyd and left it lying on the public road, over which they had to travel. There was no truth in this reported threat of Mormon resistance ; and, as already told, the flag-staff was presented to ex-Governor Young by the officers at Camp Floyd.

A few days after the establishment of Camp Douglas the San Francisco Bulletin published, from the correspondent already noticed, the following very interesting details of the march of the Volunteers from Fort Crittenden and their passage through Great Salt City :

"JORDAN SPRINGS, U. T., Saturday, October, 18, 1862.

" The Salt Lake Expedition, numbering 750 men, is within twenty-five miles of the City of the Saints, having marched twenty miles north of Fort Crittenden to-day. From the slope on which our camp is pitched we can discern the white specks which constitute the residences of the modern apostles ; but at present we are more interested in the designs and doings of said apostles than in the general appearance of their habitations. I closed yesterday's letter [see Bulletin of 30th October] by mentioning a camp rumor, to the effect that the Mormons would prevent a nearer approach of our troops to the city than Fort Crittenden, and that the banks of the narrow stream called Jordan, which empties the waters of Lake Utah into Great Salt Lake, would form the field of battle. At the time it caused no further thought than as the starting point of rambling conversations respecting Mormondom and the mission which the command has been detailed to execute-both subjects upon which we have but little information. However, at the present writing-sundown-reliable advices received tend to establish the probable truthfulness of the report. When information reached the city, as it did last night, that Col. Connor would not purchase the buildings erected by Johnson's command in 1858 at what was then Camp Floyd, now Fort Crittenden, and that he designed to occupy some locality within striking distance of the heart of Mormondom, the most intense excitement is said to have prevailed. The leaders are represented to be in conclave, meditating upon the question and striving to arrive at a determination, while the people were in a high state of expectancy as to what the leaders would do, what the troops would do, and what they themselves would be called upon to do. The Chief of the Danites-better known perhaps as the Destroying Angels, whose duty it is, if report be true, to place parties odious to the leaders of the Church where they can never tell tales, is represented as riding through the streets offering to bet $500 that we could and should not cross the river Jordan, the bet being untaken. Furthermore, not a single camp rumor, but reliable parties assert that Brigham Young would, when we near Jordan, have us met by commissioners empowered to inform us that the Mormons objected to our close proximity to their city and would forcibly resist an attempt on our part to cross that stream.

"How much truth there may be in these advices, or how much the real state of affairs in Salt Lake is exaggerated I know not. As a faithful correspondent it is only my province to inform you of the exact condition and operations of this

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command, but further than that I cannot go, and, of course, will not be held re- sponsible for the correctness or incorrectness of the rumors which reach this com- mand. Be they, however, true or untrue, and be the opinion entertained by our Colonel what it may, certain it is that he is moving with the utmost prudence, that thirty rounds of ammunition have just been issued to each man, and that the two 6-pounders are, abundantly furnished with destructive missiles, and the 12- pound mountain howitzer amply supplied with shells, that the camp is so pitched upon an open plain that no force can get to it without a fair fight; in short, that every preparation for war that can be made is made, and equally certain is it that on to-morrow we will cross the river Jordan if it lies within our power.

" Col. Connor sent word to-day to the above-mentioned chief of the Dan- ites that he would 'cross the river Jordan if hell yawned below him;' and the battle-fields of Mexico testify that the Colonel has a habit of keeping his word.

" Thus you see that whether we are to have a fight or not rests entirely with the Mormon rulers. And if it be true that United States troops, when ordered by Government to occupy United States territory, are to be forcibly prevented by those living upon United States lands, from executing the order-if this prin- ciple is to constitute the national policy, then the nation has ceased to be a live nation, and the sooner it recognizes the Southern Confederacy the better. But if our troops are to march on United States territory wherever Govern- ment sends them, and those who resist their march, because of polygamy, are as really traitors as those who resist because of slavery, and are to be dealt with as such. This command, from the highest to the lowest, is disposed to treat the Mormons with true courtesy and the strictest justice, so long as they remain friendly to the Government ; but the moment they become traitors the river Jor- dan will be as acceptable to us as the river Potomac, for we shall be fighting for the same precise principle -- the flag and national existence-as are our eastern brethren ; and even should annihilation be our fate, of which we have no fears, the belief that our countrymen would think of our graves as they do of those in Virginia, and that the Union men of California, our old friends, would swarm forth by the thousand to avenge us-such a hope and belief would nerve us for death.

" Nevertheless, unless he fails to exercise his statesmanship, universally ac- corded to him, Brigham Young cannot but foresee the results which would flow from a war of his beginning. Admitting him to have an army of 8,000 well drilled and effective men, or, for that matter, one of 50,000-and admitting him to be able to capture our force and all the forces which California could send hither, yet, in the course of one, or two, or three years, the Government could flood his valley with regiments, and sweep it with a gulf stream of bayonets. That he is prepared to initiate a movement which cannot fail to bring upon his people the full power of the nation I do not believe ; and yet there may be hot heads over whom he has but partial control. A smail spark can ignite the powder of a vast magazine.

" Having given you the prevalent opinion of the camp, there should also be given what probably may turn out to be the cause why some, if not most, of the rumors current in Salt Lake were set afloat. When Floyd after expending

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$5,000,000 in the erection of quarters in Camp Floyd ordered the disgraceful and outrageous sale of the same, the buildings were bought for a mere song by private parties.

" On several occasions, in fact during the whole march, Col. Connor has been solicited by the agents of owners to repurchase them. He did not see fit to do so; but it was expected that the smallness of the command, and the avowal that the Mormons would not permit him to locate near the city, taken in connec- tion with the fact that his arrival so late in the season would prevent him from erecting winter quarters, it was expected, I say, that these and other pruden- tial reasons would induce him to effect the purchase of Fort Crittenden ; and it is more than probable that his refusal of the offers was regarded as a financial maneuver by which to secure the property at low figures. Hence the idea that we really would not winter at that point has never been realized by them, and so thoroughly has the belief that we would winter there pervaded the Mormon people, that when we marched beyond it they-unable to understand the object of the expedition, and fearful that the real, and to them a hostile, design, is hidden under the avowed one-have their fears a thousand fold quickened and imagine an attack upon the city possible. In addition it appears that the chief of the Danites is the principal owner of the buildings and decidedly anxious to sell and that the agents have from time to time assured him of the certainty of his prospects. Up to the hour that Col. Connor's decision was unknown at Fort Crittenden, the city is reported to have been perfectly quiet, but in about the time it would take to telegraph his refusal to Salt Lake, the excitement is said to have begun. There can, therefore, be little doubt that the already aroused suspicions of the Mormons have been worked upon by parties interested in the sale of the property, and who, failing to persuade Col. Connor into buying, now seek to frighten him therein by threats of forcible resistance, and mayhap a dis- play of military power. In this they will most signally fail, for I must say that he is a blessed hard man to scare. At the same time, if it is the settled Mormon policy to resist the Federal Government, and if the people have been toned up to the Union pitch, a few leaders actuated by selfish motives, can easily indicate its execution. A courier will arrive late to-night with authentic intelligence, which I will endeavor to obtain.

" SALT LAKE CITY, October 20, 1862.

" When Sunday's reveille awoke the command, it awoke expectant of battle ere another one should roll out upon the grey day-break. Blankets were never got out from under and compactly strapped in knapsacks more promptly; cooks never prepared steaming breakfast with greater alacrity, and upon the principle that the aggregate stomach of a regiment has a great deal to do with the aggre- gate prowess of a regiment, they never prepared a more bountiful repast. Upon the same principle, no breakfast during the whole march was stowed away in a more cool, nonchalant, jovial manner. The routine of months was dissipated, and, doubtless each man's curiosity to know how he would personally stand fire, and the more general question which side would whip, made everybody happy. The

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first scene which met my eyes was Colonel Connor seated upon a log, calmly en- gaged in loading his pistols, and playing with his toddling child. In some direc- tions were heard the popping of muskets and the thud of ramrods, as the men made sure of their pieces, while in others could be seen individuals seated on the ground, vigorously burnishing up their already glittering muskets and brasses- determined no doubt to die according to regulations, if die they must. No difference what thoughts raged within each breast, the exterior seemed calm and determined.

" An incident at the hospital will serve as a criterion of the general animus. Five men were sick in the hospital and thirty-six sick in quarters. At sick-call Surgeon Reid, who had been arranging his abominable knives, saws and probes, said that this was a day when every man able to carry a musket should do so, and one that would determine who were loafers and who were soldiers. Twenty-eight out of the forty-one, many of whom were really unfit for service, shouldered their pieces, and the remainder did not only because they could not.

" A strong force of cavalry preceded the staff, and the command moved for- ward in so compact a body, and with such a steady, springing step, that General Wright's heart would have rejoiced at the sight. The fact that the carriages formed behind the staff as usual was an intimation to the men that a fight was im- probable, and word presently passed that a courier had arrived with information that no resistance would be made at the bridge. Before it did so, however, as the Colonel passed the artillery, he put several questions to Lieutenant Hunneyman, commanding, respecting the quantity and kind of ammunition in the caissons, and also the numbers of the ammunition wagons. When through, the Lieutenant, who has seen service, said, ' Colonel, if you expect an attack to-day, I will over- haul those wagons and take more cannister,' with the same air that one calls for fried oysters in a restaurant. The reply was, 'Not to day; but to-morrow do so.' There were other incidents of the same kind, but I did not happen to see them.

" After a speedy march of fifteen miles-during which not one of the usual stragglers fell back from his position-we crossed the Jordan at 2 p. m. and found not a solitary individual upon the eastern shore. It was a magnificent place for a fight, too, with a good-sized bluff upon the western side from which splendid execution could have been done ; but all were glad that no necessity existed there- for, as we heartily desire to avoid difficulty with the loyal citizens.

" While camped for the night, it was definitely ascertained that, although there had been some excitement in the laity, yet it was ifar from general, and was insti- gated by parties interested in selling the Fort Crittenden buildings. Further- more, that the mass of the people were glad of our near location, as it would bring many a dollar into the city circulation. Bishop Heber Kimball, who, I am told, ranks next to President Young, is reported to have spoken thus in his sermon at the temple : ' Letters have been written to Colonel Connor's command, to Cali- fornia and the East, that we are opposed to the coming of the troops ; that we are disloyal to the Government and sympathizers with Secessionists. It is all a d-d lie." This certainly was a gratifying assurance, though not mildly expressed.

" This morning, Monday, we resumed the line of march, thoroughly ignor- ant of the spot that would next receive our tents, but decidedly hopeful that it

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History of Salt Lake City, Part 36

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