New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1857-12-28

MoTmons 10 the Unlfu Ce"'0e' 'i'o
in the Presidency was Jedcdiah N. Grant, who
died last Spring, and bequesthed his harem to his
successor.
We have been in doubt during the ast two days
;ouxney AZ 70 whether We have actually entered the
Territory of Utah, but tonight We are surely
camped within its boundary line. In future Judicial
proceedings it may become important to determine
whether the rayne where the train was burned is
in Oregon or in Utah. noticed on the road a few
hundred yards beyond it, three stones set in line
on one OF which the letters u. T. were inscribed
The ncendiaries Of the other two trains are surely
amenable 10 the Courts of Utah, for the scene OF
their operations was on the bank Of Green River,
near Baptiste's.
It is a matter Of regret that Gov. Cumming is
not now present to Issue his proclamation declaring
the Territory to BE- in state Of rebellion, and cali
ingupon the army to assist him in maintaining the su-
premacy of the civilpower Although there has been
much talk in camp about the necessity Of decla-
ration of martial law by Col. Johnston, doubts are
entertained whether such declaration would be
valid and do not believe that an officer Of bis eI-
perience and prudence will venture on step which
may by any possibility, be perverted to palliate the
treason of the Aormons. 1t lie a novel and inter-
estng question whether under any circumstances
such suspension Of all civil functions Is decla-
ration of martial law effects, would be Constitu.
tonal within any portion of the United States. The
treason Of the MoYmons is an ohense surely and
exclusively within the jurisdiction Of the Civil
Courts, and doubt whether it is constitutonany
within the power Of anybody to remove it, for trial
and punishment, to different tribunals.
Chief Justice Eckles is the only civil OhicA who
is with this command, and it is possible that
neither the Governor nor any Of the other Judges
may arrive before the decisive movement Of the
campaign is made But, whatever may be done
either by way of substance or Of form, universal
confidence is expressed in the ability Of Col.
Johnston 10 act discreety, energetically and
promptly. l do not believe that another officer
could have been selected from the entire army to
head this expedition more acceptable to those
under his command.
Upon hearing the report Of the scouts this
evening, concerning the theft Of the cattle on Green
River, it has been determined to send Cspt. Bee
of the 10th Infantry forward to the river with his
company. lie will start at O'Clock in the MORN
ing. The object Of this expedition, and, indeed,
the order for its dispatch, have been kept secret
in camp; for it is suspected that there are those
around US who have the will, if they have the OPP
portunty to send information OF our movements
to the Mormons.
The Mormon train, of which I made mention in
my letter of Oct. %, has been heard from. Its
conductor disposed of the wagons and of part of
their contents at the bridge over the North Platte,
and packed what he could not sell upon mules,
with which be has again disappeared from the main
road.
CAMP ON BLACKS FORK, Nov. 4, 1857.
The Mormons have lost their best opportunity to
deal blow at the army, for Col. Johnston reached
The main body yesterday, and has assumed the Com.
mand- in. Chief. With him have come through
safely the four supply trains and the suffers trains
the squadron of Dragons, and Col. Smiths bat
talon. The transit from the Sweetwater has been
effected slowly, but not single animal has been
stolen, nor has any casualty befallen any one at
Iached to the command.
On the route, we crossed Green River on Oct. 81,
and the next day we were rejOined by Capt. Bees
detachment at Bsptiste's. The body of Mormons
whom he had hoped to intercept had moved away,
down the river, the afternoon before he started on
bis expedition. About three hundred yards from
the trading post were the places where the two
other trains were burned on October 5. During
his stay Capt. Bee discovered several caches under
and near the ruins, which, on examination, proved
TO contain wagon tires and chains, and bar iron and
nails. 1t is probable, but not certain, that these
we're made by the Mormons themselves, although
some suspicion attaches to persons in the neigh
bOrhoOd.
This morning Judge Eclsels has made temporary
appointments of Marshal and Clerk OF the Courts
for Green River County, for the purpose of secur.
ing the testimony of various individuals concerning
the burning Of the trains and the various rObberes
of cattle. B. +. Fickln WAS sworn in a. Marshal
and A. G. Browne, jr., as Clerk. The witnesses
whose afidayits we're taken, were James Rupc,
VIM. Eads, Samuel Foster, and Lewis Simpson.
Simpsons affidavit relates to the destruction of the
train, near the Big Sandy, Of which he was wagon
master. From the testimony given am enabled to
correct some errors in my previous account of the
transactions, into which fell through the imper
feet knowledge Of the French guide, sent TO US by
Captain Marcy, from whom l derived my in
formation.
The trains we're not al burned at the same time,
those on Green River having been destroyed on
the night of Oct. S, aud that on the Sandy on the
morning of Oct. 6. The leader of the band Oh the
Sandy was named Lot Smith, not Loeksmitb, as l
wrote.