History of Salt Lake City, Part 43

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

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HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UTAH, CAMP DOUGLAS, UTAH TERRITORY, Near Great Salt Lake City, July 2Ist, 1864.

" COLONEL :

" Having had occasion recently to communicate with you by telegraph on the subject of the difficulties which have considerably excited the Mormon community for the past ten days, it is perhaps proper that I should report more fully by letter relative to the real causes which have rendered collision possible.

" As set forth in former communications, my policy in this Territory has been to invite hither a large Gentile and loyal population, sufficient by peaceful means and through the ballot-box to overwhelm the Mormons by mere force of numbers, and thus wrest from the Church-disloyal and traitorous to the core-the absolute and tyrannical control of temporal and civil affairs, or at least a population numerous enough to put a check on the Mormon authorities, and give countenance to those who are striving to loosen the bonds with which they have been so long oppressed. With this view, I have bent every energy and means of which I was possessed, both personal and official, towards the discovery and development of

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

the mining resources of the Territory, using without stint the soldiers of my com- mand, whenever and wherever it could be done without detriment to the public service. These exertions have, in a remarkably short period, been productive of the happiest results and more than commensurate with my anticipations. Mines of undoubted richness have been discovered, their fame is spreading east and west , voyageurs for other mining countries have been induced by the discoveries already made to tarry here, and the number of miners of the Territory steadily and rapidly increasing. With them, and to supply their wants, merchants and traders are flocking into Great Salt Lake City, which by its activity, increased number of Gentile stores and workshops, and the appearance of its thronged and busy streets, presents a most remarkable contrast to the Salt Lake of one year ago. Despite the counsel, threats, and obstacles of the Church, the movement is going on with giant strides.

" This policy on my part, if not at first understood, is now fully appreciated in its startling effect, by Brigham Young and his coterie. His every efforts, covert and open, having proved unequal to the task of checking the transformation so rapidly going on in what he regards as his own exclusive domain, he and his Apostles have grown desperate. No stone is left unturned by them to rouse the people to resistance against the policy, even if it should provoke hostility against a government he hates and daily reviles. It is unquestionably his desire to provoke me into some act savoring of persecution, or by the dextrous use of which he can induce his deluded followers into an outbreak, which would deter miners and others coming to the Territory. Hence he and his chief men make their taber- nacles and places of worship resound each Sabbath with the most outrageous abuse of all that pertains to the Government and the Union-hence do their prayers ascend loudly from the housetops for a continuance of the war till the hated Union shall be sunk-hence the persistent attempt to depreciate the national currency and institute a "gold basis" in preference to "Lincoln skins," as treasury notes are denominated in Sabbath day harangues.

" Hence it was that the establishment of a provost guard in the city was made the pretext for rousing the Mormon people to excitement and armed assembling, by the most ridiculous stories of persecution and outrage on their rights, while the fanatical spirit of the people, and the inborn hatred of our institutions and Govern- ment were effectually appealed to, to promote discord and provoke trouble. I am fully satisfied that nothing but the firmness and determination with which their demonstrations were met, at every point, prevented a collision, and the least appear- ance of vacillation on my part would surely have precipitated a conflict. I feel that it is not presumptuous in me to say that in view of what has already been accomplished in Utah, that the work marked out can and will be effectually and thoroughly consummated if the policy indicated be pursued and I am sustained in my measures at department headquarters. I am fully impressed with the opinion that peace is essential to the solving of the problem, but at the same time conscious that peace can only be maintained by the presence of force and a fixed determina- tion to crush out at once anv interference with the rights of the Government by persons of high or low degree. While the exercise of prudence in inaugurating measures is essential to success, it should not be forgotten that the display of power

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

and the exhibition of reliance on oneself have the most salutary restraining effect on men of weak minds and criminal intent. Deeply as Brigham Young hates our Government, malignant and traitorous as are his designs against it, inimical as he is against the policy here progressing of opening the mines to a Gentile populace, and desperate as he is in his fast-waning fortunes, he will pause ere he inaugurates a strife, so long as the military forces in the Territory are sufficiently numerous to hold him and his deluded followers in check. The situation of affairs in Utah is clear to my own mind, and, without presumption, I have no fear for the result, if sustained by the department commander as indicated in this and former communi- cations. Desirous as I am of conforming strictly to the wishes and judgment of the Major-General commanding the department, and having thus fully set forth my views and the facts bearing on the case, I beg leave respectfully to ask from the department commander an expression of opinion as to the policy of the course pursued, and such suggestions or instructions as he may deem proper, as a guide in the future.

" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. EDW. CONNOR, " Brig .- Genl. U. S. Vol., Commanding District. " Lieut - Col. R. C. Drum,

Asst. Adjt .- Genl. U. S. A., San Francisco, Cal."

The foregoing documents show that General Connor designed with his troops to reconstruct Utah. In pursuance of that design undoubtedly the provost guard was established in Great Salt Lake City and his report to the Department seems a very decided asking of the Government for the mission of a semi-military dic- tatorship over Utah. A few years later the mines of Utah were everywhere opened and thousands of a Gentile population poured into the Territory without provoking even a desire of hindrance from the Mormon people. The General's report, though a true expression of his then views, does not accord with the actual history as since developed. And it is very suggestive to note that the Provost Marshal of our city of 1864, was Brigham Young's legal counsellor and advocate in 1872, and that General Connor offered to go bail for Brigham Young in the sum of $100,000 when he was on trial in the court of Chief Justice James B. Mckean.

I. O. Smith

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

HAPPY CHANGE IN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE CAMP. GRAND INAUGURAL CELEBRATION OF LINCOLN BY THE MILITARY AND CITIZENS. CONNOR GREATLY MOVED BY THE LOYALTY OF THE MASSES OF THE MORMON PEOPLE. THE BANQUET AT NIGHT. THE CITY GIVES A BALL IN HONOR OF GENERAL CONNOR. THE CITY IN MOURNING OVER THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. FUNERAL OBSEQUIES AT THE TABERNACLE.

The year 1865 saw a most happy change in the relations between the city and the camp. It was brought about by a hearty mutual disposition to celebrate the victories of the Union and the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln on his second term.

An enthusiastic meeting of the officers of Camp Douglas and prominent citizens was held in the city, at Daft's Hall, on the 28th of February, 1865, and the following committees were appointed.

Committee of Arrangements : Wm. Gilbert, D. F. Walker, Samuel Kahn, Lieu .- Col. Milo George, Capt. M. G. Lewis, John Meeks. Committee on Finance : Frank Gilbert, Charles B. Greene. Committee on Exercises : Capt. C. H. Hempstead, Col. O. M. Irish, Richard A. Keyes.

The committee on arrangements selected S. S. Walker, Esq., to act as Grand Marshal who chose as his aids: Richard A. Keyes, G. W. Carleton, Charles King. Thos. Stayner, Samuel Serrine and John Paul.

On the 2nd of March the grand marshal published by order of the committee of arrangements the

PROGRAMME OF THE DAY.

The procession will form at 11 a. m., at the eastern end of Market Street (First South Temple Street) where it will be joined by the military from Camp Douglas.

Escort -- Provost Guard-Co. "D." 3d Inf'y C. V., Capt. W. Kettredge commanding ; Grand Marshal-Sharp Walker, Esq., and Aids; band ; His Excellency the Governor of Utah and General Commanding the District ; Dis- trict Staff ; Chaplain-Rev. N. McLeod ; Orator of the day-Hon. Chief Jus- tice John Titus; Federal Officers; Mayor, City and County Officers; Civic Societies and Citizen Military Organizations; Citizens in vehicles ; Citizens on horseback; Citizens on foot; band; Lieut. Col. Milo George, Ist Cav. N. Vols , and staff; Detachments from Co.'s A, B, and D 3d Inft'y Bat. C. V. Artillery ; Detachments from Co's. C, and F, Ist Cav. Nev. Vols.

A Federal salute (13 guns) will be fired by the artilery at meridian.

The procession will march under the command of the Grand Marshal through the principal streets of Salt Lake City, and assemble at the State House, corner

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

of Main and South Temple Streets. After appropriate exercises, a national salue of 36 guns will be fired by the artillery.

All loyal citizens of Great Salt Lake City and vicinity are cordially invited to participate in the procession and exercises, and the merchants, bankers and others are requested to close their places of business and take part in the ceremonies.

By order of the committee on arrangement.

SHARP WALKER, Grand Marshal.

On the same day the City Council issued the following :

" CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER,

GREAT SALT CITY, March 2nd, 1865.

" Whereas, Saturday, the 4th instant, being the day of inauguration of the President of the United States, and

" Whereas, also, by reason of the many recent victories of the armies of our country ; therefore be it

" Resolved, by the City Council of Great Salt Lake City, that we cheerfully join in the public celebration and rejoicings of that day throughout the United States, and that we cordially invite the citizens, and organizations, military and civil, of the Territory, county and city, to unite on that occasion. Be it further

" Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed to confer with the Grand Marshal of the day, and make the necessary arrangements to join in the general celebration.

A. O. SMOOT, Mayor.

" Attest : ROBERT CAMPBELL,

City Recorder."

The committee appointed by the City Council consisted of John Sharp, Enoch Reese and Theodore Mckean. Colonel Robert T. Burton of the Utah militia was appointed Marshal. On learning of this action the following corres- pondence was had between the chairmen of committees:

" GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U. T., March 3d, 1865.

"' Messrs. John Sharp, Enoch Reese and T. McKean, Esqs., Com. of the Common Council:

"' GENTLEMEN :

" The undersigned, chairman of committee on exercises on the 4th inst., ap- pointed at mass meeting of citizens, having selected the Hon. John Titus, Chief Justice of Utah to deliver an oration on the occasion of the proposed national celebration, begs leave to say that as the exercises will be brief, the committee would be pleased to tender the stand and the occasion to some gentlemen, to be selected by yourselves, to address the concourse at the close of the oration.

" I have the honor to remain, gentlemen, very respectfully,

Your obedient servant, CHAS. H. HEMPSTEAD, Chairman Committee on Exercises."

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

" GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, March 3d, 1865.

' Hon. Chas. H. Hempstead, Chairman Committee on Exercises :

"SIR-Your communication of to-day has been received. The committee tender their thanks, and accept the proposition, and beg leave to name Hon. Wm. H. Hooper to deliver the closing address.

Very respectfully, JOHN SHARP, Chairman Com. on Arrangements."

Of the celebration the Vedette said :

" This was decidedly a notable occasion in Utah. The demonstrations were so entirely different from anything which has come within the range of our ex- perience here, that it deserves special notice at our hands as an important event in the history of this Territory.

" The whole procession was about one mile in length, and presented a very imposing appearance. As it moved along the streets, broad and straight, of the Mormon Capital, the sidewalks, wherever it passed, the windows and even the housetops being thronged by eager, and in some instances, enthusiastic lookers on. The bands awoke the wintry echoes with inspiring strains of music, appropriate to the occasion, and, what with the profusion of flags floating from many build- ings and ornamenting the teams and sleighs in the procession, or borne by the occupants, the rosettes, streamers, and the thousand and one other devices, in all of which red, white and blue were the pervading colors, the city wore a gala ap- pearance, which seemed to be participated in by all parties, and it was evidently the determination, on all hands, to make it a day of general rejoicing.

" Having completed its perambulations, the immense concourse assembled at the stand, prepared for the purpose, in front of the market, the provost guards which had acted as escort, formed in front facing the stage, the citizen companies in their rear, stretching along the streets, and the troops from this post drawn up in four ranks on the right and with all arms at rest. Around, and on all sides, completely filling the streets, covering the roofs and hanging out of the windows, was a dense mass of humanity silent and attentive to the proceedings.

" The stand was occupied by Governor Doty, General Connor and staff, Chief Justice Titus, orator of the day, the Reverend Norman McLeod, chaplain of the day, and various of the city authorities and prominent citizens among whom were Mayor Smoot, Hon. George A. Smith, and Captain Hooper, who de- livered the closing address.

" Capt. Hempstead opened the ceremonies with some brief and patriotic re- marks, and on behalf of the Committee of Arrangements, announced His Excel- lency J. Duane Doty, Governor of Utah, as the presiding officer of the day. The Chaplain of the day then delivered an appropriate and impressive prayer, followed by Chief Justice Titus in a most able and exceedingly eloquent oration. Cap :. W. H. Hooper then delivered a brief and patriotic address, relating some interesting incidents attending the opening scenes of rebellion at Washington in 1860-I. The bands discoursed most excellent music in the intervals of the several exercises, and both the oration and address were received by the attentive multitude with rousing cheers and demonstrations of applause.

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

" At the conclusion of the interesting ceremonies at the stand, the vast con- course dispersed amid rousing cheers and salvos of artillery. The United States forces from Camp Douglas were placed in line, and the citizen cavalry of Great Salt Lake City, under Colonel Burton, escorted them on the road to camp. Afterwards, about four o'clock, Col. George and staff, of Camp Douglas, were invited to partake of an elegant repast provided by the City Council at the City Hall. The Mayor presided, and after the cloth was removed the era of toasts, speeches, and good things generally, seemed to have arrived. Mayor Smoot opened the ball by proposing the health of President Lincoln, and success to the armies of the Union. Capt. Hempstead responded at some length and closed by a toast to 'Our hosts, the Mayor and civic authorities of Great Salt Lake City.'

" This was met in most happy style by a toast to General P. E. Connor, District Commander-responded to on behalf of the General by a member of his staff. Then came the health of 'Our guests, Colonel George and staff,' neatly re- plied to by the Colonel in a patriotic speech, followed by a toast to ' the Judiciary, the mainstay of republican institutions.' This called out Judge Smith, who re- torted most admirably and appropriately on ' his friends the military, the right arm of the Government.'

" On the whole, the proceedings at the City Hall were an appropriate cul- mination of the day's proceedings. It was free, easy, hospitable and a most kindly interchange of loyal sentiment among gentlemen not wont often to meet over the convivial board. Like the procession, it was a union of the civil and military authorities of Utah, and passed off with eminent satisfaction to all con- cerned.

" Among those present we noticed Mayor Smoot, the members of the City Council, Judge Smith, Judge Clinton, John Taylor, John Sharp, Councilor Wood- ruff, George Q. Cannon, Col. Burton, Wm. Jennings, Mr. Lawrence and others, Col. George and staff, Major O'Neil and a host too numerous to mention in de- tail. Nearly everybody present responded to a toast most patriotically and fre- quently most eloquently.

" At a late hour the whole party rose and adjourned to meet at the Theatre. It was a source of very general regret that General Connor was not present, but as the whole affair was somewhat impromptu, the General was called to camp before the committee could meet him, and the members of his staff were constrained to respond in his name to the sentiments proposed in his honor.

" In the evening, fire-works and general rejoicings testified, to a late hour, the universal feeling, and the day closed after a general and patriotic jubilee rarely, if ever before seen in Utah."

Stenhouse says : "General Connor was greatly moved at the sight of the tradesmen and working people who paraded through the streets, and who cheered most heartily-and no doubt honestly-the patriotic, loyal sentiments that were uttered by the speakers. He wanted differences to be forgotten, and, with gen- tlemanly frankness, approached the author with extended hand, and expressed the joy he felt in witnessing the loyalty of the masses of the people."

General Connor having been called to take command of the Department of

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

the Platte, a ball was given by the city authorities at the Social Hall in honor of the General, preceding his departure.

Within two months after the celebration of his inaugural day the city and camp were called to unite in deep mourning over the martyrdon of Abraham Lincoln, which struck the soldier and the loyal citizen alike with horror. At the receipt of the dreadful news some of the soldiers of the provost guard established in the city seemed ready to vent their vengeful fury on the citizens, but even the rudest of them soon appreciated that for once they had done injustice to the Mormons, both leaders and people, in imagining that they would sympathize with that crowning infamy. The Mormons too keenly felt the memory of their own martyrs not to be most genuinely affected by the stroke which had given to the nation a martyr so pure in his life and patriotism, as was Abraham Lincoln.

The Vedette quickly did the city justice and noted :

" The merchants, bankers, saloon keepers, and all business men of Salt Lake City, closed their places of business at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The flags on all the public buildings, Brigham Young's residence, stores, etc., were displayed at half- mast, with crape drooping over them. Many of the principal stores and private residences were dressed in mourning. Brigham Young's carriage was driven through town covered with crape. The theatre was closed for Saturday evening, the usual night of performance, and every respect was shown for the death of our honored President. On Sunday the Tabernacle pulpit, Salt Lake City, was covered with crape, and every one throughout the city, that is, of the right- minded class, manifested the deepest sorrow at the horrible news conveyed by the telegraph."

At a meeting of the Federal, civil and military officials of Utah, held at the Executive, in Great Salt Lake City, April 18th, at 2 p. m., Hon. J. Duane Doty, Governor, was called to the chair, Capt. C. H. Hempstead and T. B. H. Stenhouse, Esq., appointed secretaries.

After preliminary consultation and expression of feeling over the sad event which called this meeting together, resolutions were presented by the Hon. Chief Justice Titus, which were unanimously adopted. We cull the following :

" Resolved, that a committee of five be appointed on the part of the Federal officers to confer with a committee of like number on the part of the city author- ities, to made arrangements for suitable religious exercises to be held at the Tab- eanacle, April 19, at 12 o'clock m.

Col. J. C. Little informed the meeting that Elder Amasa M. Lyman had been selected by the city authorities to deliver an address at the Tabernacle.

"On motion, it was unanimously resolved that Rev. Norman McLeod be also invited to deliver an eulogium on the life, character and illustrious services of the late President, on the same occasion and at the same place.

" In accordance with the foregoing resolutions the following gentlemen were appointed by the chair as the committee of arrangements, viz: Hon. Chief Justice John Titus, Col. O. H. Irish, Capt. Chas. H. Hempstead, Col. Robt. T. Burton, and Col. J. C. Little.

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

" Following is the committee appointed on behalf of the city authorities, viz : Hon. Mayor Smoot, Alderman Sheets, Alderman Raleigh, Theo. McKean and N. H. Felt, Esqs.

" On motion, the secretaries were instructed to transmit a copy of the pro- ceedings of this meeting to the City Council, and that public notice be given of the exercises at the Tabernacle.

J. DUANE DOTY, President.

"T. B. H. STENHOUSE, CHAS. H. HEMPSTEAD, Secretaries.

Of the funeral obsequies in the Tabernacle the Vedette says :

" On Wednesday, pursuant to notice, all business was suspended in Great Salt Lake City, the stores, public and private buildings were draped in mourning, and long before the hour named-12 M .- throngs of citizens were wending their way to the Tabernacle to render the last sad, solemn, and heartfelt tribute to the great departed and deeply mourned dead. The Tabernacle was more than crowded, and upwards of three thousand people were present. The vast assemblage was called to order by City Marshal Little, in the name of the mayor, immediately after the entrance of the orators, civil and military functionaries, and a large body of prominent citizens, who occupied the platform. The scene was impres- sive and solemn, and all seemed to partake of the deep sorrow so eloquently ex- pressed by the speakers on the occasion. The stand was appropriately draped in mourning, and the exercises were opened by an anthem from the choir. Franklin D. Richards delivered an impressive prayer. The address of Elder Amasa M. Lyman was an earnest and eloquent outburst of feeling, and appropriate to the occasion. He spoke for forty-five minutes, and held the vast audience in un- broken silence and wrapt attention.

" The address did credit to Mr. Lyman's head and heart. After another an- them from the choir, Rev. Norman McLeod, Chaplain of Camp Douglas was introduced, and delivered one of the most impressive and burning eulogiums on the life, character, and public services of President Lincoln which it was ever our pleasure to hear."

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

VISIT OF THE COLFAX PARTY TO SALT LAKE CITY. A TELEGRAM FROM THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEETS THEM ON THE WAY WITH TRIBUTE OF THE CITY'S HOSPITALITIES. THEY ACCEPT THE WELCOME. ENTRANCE INTO THE CITY UNDER ESCORT. ENTHUSIASM OF THE PARTY OVER THE

BEAUTIES OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN ZION. GRAND SERENADE AND SPEECHES. FORECAST OF THE GREAT FUTURE OF SALT LAKE CITY.

The visit of Schuyler Colfax and party to Great Salt Lake City commences a new epoch in the history both of our city and Territory. The party consisted of Hon. Schuyler Colfax, the then speaker of the House of Representatives, Lieutenant-Governor Bross, of Illinois, Samuel Bowles, editor of the Spring- field (Mass.) Republican, and Albert D. Richardson, of the New York Tribune. Speaker Colfax undoubtedly came in a semi-official capacity. Indeed, in his address to the people of the West, he told them specifically that Presi- dent Lincoln, just previous to his assassination, charged him specially to thor- oughly investigate the affairs and interests of the Pacific States and Territories, for the Nation's purposes, and that Mr. Lincoln had entertained an extra- ordinary faith in the destiny of the great West, believing it would become the treasure-house of the Nation. In this view Utah was particularly an object of in- terest, not only for her prospects as a great silver mining Territory, but extraor- dinarily because of her peculiar social and domestic institutions. It was inferred that President Lincoln had designed some adequate legislation on Utah, conso- nant with his aims and spirit in the reconstruction of the South. This was to be gathered from the utterances of his envoy to the West-the character which Mr. Colfax certainly assumed. It is true that early in the war period President Lin- coln had said to a representative of Brigham Young-" that if the Mormons would let him alone he would let them alone ;" but the Republican party which had elected him to supreme power, and in their initial platform coupled Utah and the South in a common and final settlement, now expected of him to adjust the affairs of Utah simultaneously with those of the " conquered South," and in ac- cordance with the " Chicago platform," which had declared " Slavery and Poly- gamy twin relics of barbarism."

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History of Salt Lake City, Part 43

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