Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-02-03
From the Washington States.
UTAH AFFAIRS.

WAsHINGToN, Jan. %, 1858.
Intelligence from Utah is much on par,
IN point of authenticity, with news from
Kansas. Neither can be relied upon, un-
less supported by official adyices. The
hostile disposition of the Mormons towards
the United States authorities cannot be ex-
aggerated, and it has been manifested on
many occasions and in various forms; but
their means and resources for a rebellion
have been much overrated.
The number of these men, who are fit
for military duty, cannot, according to the
best informrtion, exceed six thousand; yet
| it has been exaggerated by some reports to
| fifty, sixty and eighty thousand. 1t has
been represented that they had cached
vast quantity of provisions !; but this fact is
now doubted and denied. At one time it
was believed that, by fortiying the passes
leading to Salt Lake City, they could effec-
tually oppose the entrance Of the expedi-
ton into their Territory.
This would have been true, had there
been no other way Of approach. But it is
found that all these passes can be turned,
and that the troops cannot be attacked, on
their march, at any serious disadvantage.
Salt. Lake City itself is so situated that it
cannot be easily defended. It is open to
attack on all sides.
/ The morale of the Mormon militia is OF
a very low grade. They have no quality
which can render them formidable in the
field, except mere fanaticism. They are
chiefly foreigners of the lowest order, in re-
gard to intelligence, and generally of a very
: feeble physique.
The United States military and civil ex
lpedition for Utah is now securely quarterec
at Fort Bridger, only hundred and ter
e miles east of Salt Lake City, and coulC
u probably, but for the rigors of the season
advance safely toward the city. The Who'll,
u number of persons comprising the exPedi-
/; ton, including civilians, is about three
} thousand. One half are United States sol
G diers, and the others consist Of civil officers
: teamsters, servants, &c.
The military force is said to be the bes
e appointed and equipped that was ever OF
h gained by this or any other Government
IN That the Morfnons will resist this force
re except by threats, diplomacy, and small an
noyances, cannot be expected. Whethe
h as an alternative to submission, they WI
emigrate to the British possessions, is
IL matter of doubt. A third of them al
q. British subjects, aud will probably pref
to place themselves under British iarisdi
g ton. That portion of the communal
le which is American by birth and former a
sociation, may avail themselves of the pr
" lection, afforded by the presence of Il
United States civil, judicial, and militia
authorities. to revolt from the tyranny
he Brigham Young and his. elders. and abju
N the Mormon faith. ,s.s. - =
= The proclamation Of Gov Cumming
ut we'll conceived, and cannot fail to have {
lor effect to bring the Mornons to a sense.
lid their condition, as subject to the Constit
ton and laws Of the United States. The
= is good reason to hope that the NORM
die difficulty will be overcome. Legislati
has may yet be brought to the aid of the
ecutiye power for this purpose. Seye
our bills have been introduced in Congress
4. this subject; and the Committee. on Tel
ise- tories Of the House have the matter un'