The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-01-24
SONORA AND THE MORMONS.
TO TIE EDITOR or THE HERALD.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2f, 1853.
Notwithstanding all the prophecies, am unable
10 see any signs Of the Mormon exodus towards
Sonora in the spring of 1855. When the Mormons
frst explored the Utah valleys with view TO ieav-
ing Illinois or the Western States, these valleys
were Mexican territory. By the treaty Of Guada-
lupe Hidago the country became ours, bat the
Mormons did not the less continue in their original
intention Of creating an independent State. They
have carried out their intention virtually from the
frst--under the law, no far az the Governorship or
Legislature is concerned, for these were in their
own hands-outside Of the law, in their own ju-
dietary (for no United States courts have ever exc.
cuicd United States laws, their good intentions
having been frustrated by Mormon juries or by
summary expulsion of the United States Judges)
when convenient. The Probate Court Of the Terri
tory exercises criminal jurisdiction and has always
refused 10 send up its records on appeal to the Uni
ted States courts. The establishment Of the South.
ern Mormon settlements did not look towards
migration 20 Sonora. The declared intention Of the
MofTnons has always been 10 own port on the Pa.
ciic. They selected San Dego--own, or did own,
large interests In real esate-and proposed 10 land
their emigrants from Europe at San Diego, and
thence by short march through their San Bernar-
dino settlement ~ the Vegas river where they have
established small town. and thence on to their vii
iages ON the Virgin and the various towns in Iron
county. The whole secret OF their line OF southern
settlements is to have direct line Of communication
with the Pacific coast.
The obstacles TO a migration into Sonora are very
great and the advantage doubtful. They could be
successfully opposed by American force on the
ella and Colorado Twenty thousand men can be
raised in California in an incencevably short time
and this force can bc landed at Fort Yuma. on the
Colorado river in two weeks from san Francisco by
steamers. With equal ease supplies for this force
can be landed at any desired point on the Colo.
RADIO. A large force could also be despatch.
cd from Los Angeles, Southern California, through
the Caion or Teon pass. down the Mohare only fifty
miles and thence by short march TO the Colorado
clearly the Mornons must follow the Colorado down
TO afford water for 80 great Of humanity. But
the Mofmos are not going at least not this year. The
fanatcism Of men does not reason The delays and
accidents To- the gallant force now In Utah are re
garded special nterpOsitons Of tod in behalf of
the Motmon people. They believe, with GOOD rea-
son, that they have an almost impregnable position;
and there are many valleys where they could make
decided and determined stand against greatly
superior force. Besides revelation after revelation
has been given them by Brigham that they are not
10 leave the peaceful valleys OF the mounts until
they march eastward 10 Missouri and Illinois and
plant he banner Of Israel among their enc mics"
These opinions may not he worth much but the
writer knows something of Utah and the Mormons'
from personal contact and experience and hrs opi-
Mons shared by Others who are fully capable of
Judging. SM.