The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-12-15

purpose of quelling disturbances in the
Territory of Utah. for the protection of
supply and enagrant trains. snd the sup
preston of Indian hostilities on the from
tiers" Hap PLY, there was no occasion to
call these regiments into service. Ifthere
had been, should have felt serious EN-.
tbarrassment in selecting them, SO great
was the number of our brave and patriot
ic citizens anxious to serve their country
in this distant and apparently dangerous
expedition. Thus it has been, and thus
may it ever be!
The wisdom and economy of sending
sufficient reinforcements to Utah are es-
tablished not only by the event, but in
the opinion of those who, from their posi-
tion and opportunities, are the most ca
pable of forming correct Judgment
General Johnston. the commander of the
forces. in addressing the Secretary of
War from Fort Bridger, under date OF
October Is, 1857, expresses the opinion
that "unless o large force is sent here,
from the nature of the country protract-
ed war on their (the MormonsO part is in
evitable.' This he considered necessary,
to terminate the war speedily and more
economically than if attempted by insufi-
cient means' ...
In the mean time it was my ANXIOUS
desire that the Mormons should yield obe-
dience to the constitution and the laws,
without rendering 1t necessary to resort to
military force. Toad in accomplishing this
object, I deemed it advisable in April
last to despatch two distinguished citizens
of the United States, Messrs. Powell and
McCulloch, to Utah. They bore with
them proclamation addressed by myself
to the inhabitants of Utah, dated on the
sixth day of that month, warning them of
their true condition, and how hopeless it
was on their part to persist in rebellion
against the United States, and offering
all those who should submit to the laws a
full pardon for their past seditions and
treasons. At the same time, 1 assured
those who should persist in rebellion
against the United States, that they must
expect no further lenity, but look to be
vigorously dealt with according to their
deserts. The instructions to these agents,
as well as copy of the proclamation,
and their reports, are herewith submitted.
1t will be seen by their report of the Sd
of July last that they have fully confirm
ed the opinion expressed by General John
ston in the previous October, as to the ne
cessiy Of sending reinforcements to Utah.
In this they state that they "are firmly
impressed with the belief that the presence
of the army here and the large additional
force that had been ordered to this Terri.
tory, were the chief inducements that
caused the Mormons to abandon the idea
of resisting the authority of the United
States. A less decisive policy would
probably have resulted in long, bloody
and expensive war;
These gentlemen conducted themselves
to my entire satisfaction, and rendered
useful services in executing the humane
intentions of the government. ~,--
1t also affords me great satisfaction to
state, that Governor Cumming has per-
formed his duty in an able and conciiatory
manner, and with the happiest effect.
cannot, in this eonnexion, refrain from
mentioning the valuable services of Col
Thomas 1. Kane, who, from motives of
pure -beneyolence, and without any official
character or pecuniary compensation, Wis.,
tied Utah during the last inclement winter
for the purpose of contributing to the pa.
ci6catiOn of the Territory. sste slsis'
1 am happy to inform you that the Gov
ernor and other civil officers of Utah, are
now performing their appropriate functions
without resistance. The authority of the
constitution and the laws has been fully
restored, and peace prevails throughout
the Territory. sese
A portion of the troops sent to Utah
are now encamped in Cedar valley. forty
four miles southwest of Salt Lake City,
and the remainder have been ordered to
Oregon to suppress Indian hostilities.
The march of the army to Salt Lake
City, through the Indian Territory, has
had a powerful effect in restraining the
hostile feelings against the United States,
which existed among the Indians in that
region, and in securing emigrants to the
Far West against their depredations.--
This will also be the means of establishing
military posts and promoting settlements
on the reute. t-s @ Z. ,t5aaa
Recommend that the benefits of our
land laws and pre-emption system be ex.
tended to the people of Utah, by the estab-
lishment of land Office in that Territory.
have occasion, however, also to con.
gratulate you on the result of our nego.
tiations with China. - -.
You were informed by my last annual
message that our Minister had been in
structed to occupy a neutral position in
the hostilities conducted by Great Britain
and France against Canton. He was
however, at the same time directed to co.
operate cordially with the British ant
French ministers, in all peaceful measure.
to secure by treaty those just concessions
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