USA > Utah > Salt Lake County > Salt Lake > History of Salt Lake City > Part 37
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would receive them permanently. That it was to be near the city we knew; that the leading Mormons objected to its proximity because of the danger of difficulties between the soldiers and citizens, we knew; that in 1858 they had resisted the now traitor Johnston's 10,000 men, and after compelling him to winter in the mountains, had, late in the Spring, forced him into a treaty by which he bound himself not to locate within 40 miles of Salt Lake, we knew; that they were far stronger and bet- ter armed now than they then were, we knew ; and that more than one of their lead- ing men-among them a Bishop-had offered to bet that we would not come within twenty miles of the Temple, we also knew. A large and influental party was avow- edly opposed to any near approach, and, in view of the advice received by our com- mander-which were from reliable sources-the precise animus of the people and the treatment that would meet us, we did not know. That, should they see fit, it was in their power to vastly outnumber and in all probability annihilate us, was more than possible, and that we were 600 miles of sand and draught from reinforce- ments, was certain. All of these certainties and uncertainties conspired to create the same excitement that passengers in olden days felt when two Mississippi steamers lapped guards, burned tar, and carried the engineer as a weight on the safety valve. We had generally supposed, and the people had universally supposed, that the command would pass around the city, or at the most but through the outer suburbs, which course, under all the circumstances, was considered deci- dedly bold, and upon the whole, not so conciliatory a policy as had been adopted by General Johnston's thousands.
"Accordingly, when some two miles out, a halt was sounded and the column formed as follows: Advance guard of cavalry, Colonel Conner and staff; cavalry brass band; Cos. A and M of 2d Cavalry, C. V., light battery ; infantry field band; 3d Infantry Battalion ; staff, company quarters and commissary wagons : rear guard of infantry.
"You may imagine our surprise-strive to imagine the astonishment of the people, and the more than astonishment of the betting bishop-as the column marched slowly and steadily into a street which receives the overland stage, up it between the fine trees, the sidewalks filled with many women and countless children, the comfortable residences, to Emigration Square, the Theatre and other notable landmarks were passed, when, about the centre of the city, I should think, it filed right through a principal thoroughfare to Governor Harding's Mansion-on which, and on which alone waved the same blessed stars and stripes that were woven in the loom of '76. Every crossing was occupied by spectators, and windows, doors and roofs had their gazers. Not a cheer, not a jeer greeted us. One little boy, running along close to the staff, said-" You are coming, are you?" to which it was replied that we thought we were. A carriage, containing three ladies, who sang "John Brown " as they drove by, were heartily saluted. But the leading greeting was ex- tended by Governor Harding, Judges Waite and Drake, and Dr .- , who met us some distance out. Save these three instances, there were none of those mani- festations of loyalty that any other city in a loyal Territory would have made.
" The sidewalk by the mansion was thoroughly packed with Mormons, curious to know what would be the next feature. It was this: The battalion
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was formed into two lines, behind them the cavalry, with the battery resting upon their right, in front of the Governor's residence.
" After giving the Governor the salute due his rank he was introduced by Col. Connor to the command, and, standing in his buggy, spoke precisely thus :
"SOLDIERS AND FELLOW CITIZENS :
" It is with pleasure that I meet you all here to-day. God forbid that ever I shall live to see the day that I will not be rejoiced to see the flag of my country in hands that are able and worthy to defend it. When I say this, I am conscious, soldiers, that your mission here is one of peace and security, not only to the government that gives you employment, but to every individual who is an inhab- tant of this Territory.
"The individual, if any such there be, who supposed that the Government had sent you here that mischief might come out of it, knows not the spirit of our Government, and knows not the spirit of the officers who represent it in this Territory. When I say this, I say what is strictly true; and I say it that it may be impressed upon your minds as true, as well as upon the minds of every indi- vidual who hears me upon this occasion. Never let it be said that an American soldier, employed under the glorious flag of his country, that emblem of beauty and glory, has disgraced it by conduct not in accordance with his duty, and the discipline of the United States army. The duty of a soldier is a plain and stern duty ; and yet it is one that redounds to the glory and happiness of himself, and to the happiness of every true and loyal individual in whose midst he may be placed. If, however, he should break over the bounds of his discipline-if he should run wild in the riot of the camp, then, indeed, his presence will be a curse everywhere, and not a security to the institutions of the Government, which it is his duty to maintain with his life's blood.
" I confess that I have been disappointed, somewhat, in your coming to this city. I have known nothing of the disposition that has been made of you ; and for the truth of this assertion, I appeal to your commander, and to every individual with whom I have had communication on this subject. But you are here, and I can say to you, God bless you, and God bless the flag you carry ; God bless the Government you represent; and may she come out of her present diffi- culties unscathed ; and may the fiery ordeal through which she is passing purge her of her sins; may her glorious institutions be preserved to the end of time ; may she survive these troubles, and be redeemed, and disenthralled from the causes of the difficulties and calamities through which she is passing, and through which she may be yet called to pass.
" I do not know now what disposition is to be made of you, but I suppose you will be encamped somewhere, I know not where, but within a short distance of this city. I believe the people you have now come amongst will not disturb you if you do not disturb them in their public rights and in the honor and peace of their homes ; and to disturb them you must violate the strict discipline of the United States Army which you must observe, and which you have no right to violate. In conforming thus to your duty, you will have my countenance and support, and every drop of blood in my veins if necessary for the maintenance
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of your rights and the Government I represent. But if on the contrary you for any reason whatever should run wild in the riot of the camp-should break over the bounds of propriety, and disregard that discipline that is the only possible safety for yourselves, then shall I not be with you; but in the line of your duty, God being my helper, I will be with you to the end, and to death. I thank you."
" At the conclusion of the speech, Colonel Connor called for three cheers for our Country and Flag, and three more for Governor Harding, all of which would have drawn forth the admiration of your Fire Department. Thereupon the march through the city was resumed, the bands continuing their flood of music, and a tramp of two and a half miles east brought us to the slope between Emigra- tion and Red Butte Canyons, where a permanent post will probably be established.
" I have very astutely discovered that we could have reached the spot by a much shorter road, and that we marched over six miles for the purpose of passing through the well-built metropolis of the modern Saints. There is no reason why we should not do it that is recognized by the United States Government, and I for one was curious to see rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes.
" And so ended the long tramp from your good State, and the attempts to frighten Colonel Connor into the purchase of Fort Crittenden.
CHAPTER XXXII.
BATTLE OF BEAR RIVER. CONNOR'S REPORT TO THE DEPARTMENT HISTORY OF THE BATTLE. CONGRATULATIONS OF THE COLONEL TO HIS TROOPS. BURIAL OF THE DEAD. OUR CITIZENS AT THE FUNERAL, THE BATTLE, AS RECORDED IN THE MILITARY HISTORY OF CACHE VALLEY,
Soon after his arrival in Utah, Colonel Connor, on the 29th of January, 1863, fought the celebrated battle of Bear River, against the Snake end Bannock Indians under Bear Hunter and other chiefs. There they killed and captured of the Indians nearly 400. The cemetery of Camp Douglas was consecrated to receive the relics of the heroes who fell in that battle ; but there was compensa- tion for their loss, as that famous victory forever put a quietus to Indian hos- tilities in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho.
The following official report of the battle from Colonel Connor is a valuable page of Utah history :
" HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UTAH, CAMP DOUGLAS U. T., Feb. 6th, 1863.
" COLONEL :
"I have the honor to report that from information received from various sources of the encampment of a large body of Indians on Bear River, in Wash-
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ington Territory, one hundred and forty miles north of this point, who had murdered several miners, during the winter, passing to and from the settlements in this valley to the Beaver Head mines, east of the Rocky Mountains, and being satisfied that they were part of the same band who had been murdering emigrants on the overland mail route for the past fifteen years and the principal actors and leaders in the horrid massacres of the past summer, I determined although the season was unfavorable to an expedition, in consequence of the cold weather and deep snow, to chastise them if possible. Feeling that secrecy was the surest way to success, I determined to deceive the Indians by sending a small force in ad- vance, judging, and rightly, that they would not fear a small number.
" The chiefs, Pocatello and Sanpitch, with their bands of murderers, are still at large. I hope to be able to kill or capture them before spring.
" If I succeed, the overland route west of the Rocky Mountains will be rid of the Bedouins who have harassed and murdered emigrants on that route for a series of years.
" In consequence of the number of men left on the route with frozen feet and those with the train and howitzers and guarding the cavalry horses, I did not have to exceed two hundred men engaged.
"On the 22d ultimo, I ordered Co. K. Third California Volunteers, Capt. Hoyt; two howitzers under command of Lieut. Honeyman and twelve men of the Second California Cavalry with a train of fifteen wagons, conveying twelve days' supplies, to proceed in that direction. On the 24th ultimo, I proceeded with detachments from companies A, H, K, and M. Second California Cavalry, numbering two hundred and twenty men, accompanied by Major McGarry, Second California Cavalry; Surgeon Reid, Third California Volunteers ; Cap- tains McLean and Price, and Lieutenants Chase, Clark, Quinn and Conrad, ' Second California Cavalry. Major Gallager, Third California Volunteers and Capt. Berry, Second California Cavalry, who were present at this post attending general court martial as volunteers.
"I marched the first night to Brigham City about sixty-eight miles distant ; and the second night's march from Camp Douglas, I overtook the infantry and artillery at the town of Mendon and ordered them to march again that night. I resumed march with the cavalry and overtook the infantry at Franklin, W. T., about twelve miles from the Indian encampment. I ordered Capt. Hoyt, with the infantry, howitzers and train not to move until after 3 o'clock a. m., I moved the cavalry in about an hour afterward, passing the infantry, artillery and wagons about four miles from the Indian encampment. As daylight was approaching I was apprehensive that the Indians would discover the strength of my force and make their escape. I therefore made a rapid march with the cavalry and reached the bank of the ravine shortly after daylight, in full view of the Indian encamp- ment, and about one mile distant, I immediately order Major McGarry to ad- vance with the cavalry and surround, before attacking them, while I remained a few minutes in the rear to give orders to the infantry and artillery. On my arrival on the field I found that Major McGarry had dismounted the cavalry and was engaged with the Indians, who had sallied out of their hiding places on foot and horseback and, with fiendish malignity, waved the scalps of white women,
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and challenged the troops to battle, at the same time attacking them. Finding it impossible to surround them, in consequence of the nature of the ground, he accepted their challenge.
" The position of the Indians was one of strong natural defence, and almost inaccessible to the troops, being in a deep dry ravine from six to twelve feet deep, and from thirty to forty feet wide, with very abrupt banks and running across level table land, along which they had constructed steps from which they could deliver their fire without being themselves exposed. Under the embank- ment they had constructed artificial courses of willows, thickly wove together, from behind which they could fire without being observed.
" After being engaged about twenty minutes, I found it was impossible to dislodge them without great loss of life. I accordingly ordered Major McGarry, with twenty men, to turn their left flank which was in the ravine where it en- tered the mountain. Shortly afterward Capt. Hoyt reached the ford, three- fourths of a mile distant, but found it impossible to cross footmen, some of whom tried it, however, rushing into the river but finding it deep and rapid, retired. I immediately ordered a detachment of cavalry with led horses, to cross the in- fantry, which was done accordingly and upon their arrival on the field I ordered them to the support of Major McGarry's flanking party who shortly afterward succeeded in turning the enemy's flank.
" Up to this time, in consequence of being exposed on a level and open plain, while the Indians were under cover they had the advantage of us, fighting with the ferocity of demons. My men fell thick and fast around me, but after flanking them we had the advantage and made good use of it. I ordered a flank- ing party to advance down the ravine on either side, which gave us the advantage of an enfilading fire and caused some of the Indians to give way and run towards the mouth of the ravine. At this point I had a company stationed who shot them as they run out. I also ordered a detachment of cavalry across the ravine to cut off the retreat of any fugitives who might escape the company (Capt. Price) at the mouth of the ravine. But few, however, tried to escape, but con- tinued fighting with unyielding obstinacy, frequently engaging hand to hand with the troops until killed in their hiding-places. The most of those who did escape from the ravine were afterward shot in attempting to swim the river or killed while desperately fighting under cover of the dense willow thicket which lined the river banks. To give you an idea of the desperate character of the fight, you are respectfully referred to the list of killed and wounded transmitted herewith. The fight commenced at about six o'clock in the morning and con- tinued until ten. At the commencement of the battle the hands of some of the men were so benumbed with cold that it was with difficulty that they could load their pieces. Their suffering during the march was awful beyond description, but they steadily continued without regard to hunger, cold or thirst, not a mur- mur escaping them to indicate their sensibilities to pain or fatigue. Their un- complaining endurance during their four nights' march from Camp Douglas to the battle field is worthy the highest praise. The weather was intensely cold and not less than seventy-five had their feet frozen and some of them, I fear, will be crippled for life.
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" I should mention here that in my march from this post no assistance was rendered by the Mormons, who seemed indisposed to divulge any information regarding the Indians and charged enormous prices for every article furnished my command. I have also to report to the General commanding, that previous to my departure, Chief Justice Kinney, of Salt Lake City, made a requisition for the purpose of arresting the Indian Chiefs, Bear Hunter, Sanpitch and Sagwitch. I informed the Marshal that my arrangements for an expedition against the In- dians were made and that it was not only my intention to take any prisoners, but that he could accompany me. Marshal Gibbs accordingly accompanied me and rendered efficient aid in caring for the wounded.
"I have great pleasure in awarding to Major McGarry, Major Gallagher and Surgeon A. K. Reid the highest praise for their skill, gallantry and bravery throughout the engagement. And to the company officers the highest praise is due, without invidious distinction for their courage and determination evinced throughout the engagement ; their obedience to orders, attention, kindness and care for the wounded are no less worthy of notice. Of the good conduct and bravery of both officers and men, California has reason to be proud.
" We found 224 bodies in the field, among which were those of the chiefs Bear Hunter, Sagwitch and Lehi. How many more were killed than stated I am unable to say ; as the condition of the wounded rendered their immediate removal a necessity, I was unable to examine the field. I captured 175 horses, some arms, destroyed over seventy lodges, and a large quanity of wheat and other provisions which had been furnished them by the Mormons. I left a supply of provisions for the sustenance of 160 captive squaws and children who were released by me on the field.
"The enemy had about three hundred warriors, mostly all armed with rifles and having plenty of ammunition, which rumor says they received from the in- habitants of this Territory in exchange for property of massacred emigrants. The position of the Indians was one of great natural strength and had I not suc- ceeded in flanking them the mortality of my command would have been terrible. In consequence of the deep snow the howitzers did not reach the field in time to be used in the action.
" I have the honor of remaining, very respectfully,
(Signed)
Your obedient servant, P. ED. CONNOR, Colonel 3rd Cal. Vol., Com'd. District.
" To Lt. Col. R. C. Drum, Asst. Adjt. Gen. U. S. A., Department of the Pacific."
" HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, WASHINGTON, D. C., March 29th, 1863.
" Brig .- General Geo. Wright,
Comd'g Dep't of the Pacific, San Francisco, Cal.
" GENERAL:
"I have this day received your letter of February 20th, inclosing Col. P. Ed. Connor's report of his severe battle and splendid victory on Bear River, Wash-
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ington Territory. After a forced march of one hundred and forty miles in mid- winter and through deep snows, in which seventy-six of his men were disabled by frozen feet ; he and his gallant band of only two hundred, attacked three hun- dred warriors in their stronghold and after a hard fought battle of four hours, destroyed the entire band, leaving 224 dead upon the field. Our loss in the battle was fourteen killed and forty-nine wounded. Colonel Connor and the brave Californians deserve the highest praise for their gallant and heroic conduct.
Very respectfully,
(Signed)
Your obedient servant,
H. W. HALLECK, General-in-chief.
The following order, bearing the same date as that of Col. Connor's letter to the Department of the Pacific, was read to the volunteers, while on dress parade, by Adjutant Ustick :
" HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UTAH, CAMP DOUGLAS, U. T., Feb. 6, 1863.
" The Colonel commanding has the pleasure of congratulating the troops of this Post upon the brilliant victory achieved at the battle of Bear River, Wash- ington Territory.
" After a rapid march of four nights in intensely cold weather, through deep snow and drifts, which you endured without murmur or complaint, even when some of your number were frozen with cold, and faint with hunger and fatigue, you met an enemy who have heretofore, on two occasions, defied and defeated regular troops, and who have for the last fifteen years been the terror of the emi- grants, men, women and children and citizens of those valleys, murdering and robbing them without fear of punishment.
" At daylight on the 29th of January, 1863, you encountered the enemy, greatly your superior in numbers, and had a desperate battle. Continuing with unflinching courage for over four hours, you completely cut him to pieces, captured his property and arms, destroyed his stronghold and burnt his lodges.
" The long list of killed and wounded is the most fitting eulogy on your cour- age and bravery. The Colonel commanding returns you his thanks. The gallant officers and men who were engaged in this battle, without invidious distinction, merit the highest praise. Your uncomplaining endurance and unexampled con- duct on the field, as well as your thoughtful care and kindness for the wounded, is worthy of emulation. While we rejoice at the brilliant victory you have achieved over your savage foe, it is meet that we do honor to the memory of our brave comrades, the heroic men who fell fighting to maintain the supremacy of our arms.
" While the people of California will regret their loss, they will do honor to every officer and soldier who has by his heroism added new laurels to the fair escutcheon of the State.
" By order of Colonel Connor.
(Signed) WM. D. USTICK, " First Lieutenant and Adjutant, Third Infantry, C. V., Acting Assistunt Adjutant General."
The burial of the dead who fell in the battle of Bear River was a solemn
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occasion to the city as well as to the camp. The day was cold and raw, yet a large number of our citizens were present at the burial. Up to this time scarcely any of the citizens had set foot within the encampment, but now there was quite a score of carriages from the city, many equestrians and a large concourse of people on foot, and had it been generally known, thousands from the city would have paid reverent tribute to the slain, for it was duly appreciated that they had fallen in the service of Utah.
"Up to I p. m. the sixteen coffins lay side by side in the Quartermaster's store-room, where the dead were visited by their surviving comrades. At that hour the entire command formed in procession and escorted the bodies to the military graveyard, where Parson Anderson officiated in the burial service. Three volleys were fired over the bodies as they were laid in their graves, and the last solemn rites were ended. The band, that before led the measured, solemn step of the procession to the funeral dirge and Dead March, now moved away gaily, re- viving the thoughtful, and recalling to the duties and obligations of life those who had not yet finished their page of history.
" The remains of Lieutenant Chase were consigned to their resting-place by the brethren of the Masonic fraternity attached to the command, together with a few from the city. The deceased was a Royal Arch Mason, but the small number of that grade in attendance rendered the adoption of the Master Mason's burial service necessary. At the solicitation of the brethren, Sir Knight Frank Fuller, Secretary of the Territory, officiated as W. M., and Colonel Evans, of the Second Cavalry, as Marshal, Chief Justice Kinney and United States Marshal Gibbs walked in the procession, which consisted altogether of some twenty members. The services at the grave were of a highly impressive character, and were witnessed by nearly the whole of the command, together with numerous citizens. At the close of the solemnities, the fraternity changed their position while a dirge was performed by the band, and gave place to a detail of forty-eight soldiers, who fired three volleys over the grave. The procession then returned to camp in re- versed order."
It may be noted that Lieutenant Darwin Chase in his youth was one of the most promising of the Mormon Elders ; his name and labors in the ministry was often associated with Apostle Erastus Snow. It was supposed that the Indians mistook Lieutenant Chase for Colonel Connor and made him a particular mark. The Lieutenant's horse had more attractive trappings, which drew the attention of the Indians towards him and away from the real commander, who is said to have " sat almost motionless on his charger, within easy distance of the Indians' rifles, watching the progress of the fight and giving his orders."
For the integrity of history, it must be noted that Colonel Connor in his report to the War Department did an injustice to the people of Cache Valley when he said :
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