Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1858-12-07
OBJ 4aIg spp Gorusbt GuesOap 1Nmmg December 1858

suppressed and the MOrmOns compelled to
Yields obedience to the constitution and the
laws. In order to accomplish this object, as L
informed you in my last annual message, [
appointed a new Governor instead of Brigham
Young, and other federal officers to take the
place Of those who consulting their personal
safety, had found it necessary to withdraw
from the Territory. To protect these civil
officers, and TO aid them as posse comitatuS, in
the execution of the laws in case of need, |
ordered detachment of the army to accom-
pany them to Utah. The necessity for adopt
ing these measures is now demonstrated
On the 18th of September, 1857, Governor
Young issued his proclamation, in the style of
an independent sovereign, announcing his pur-
pose to resist by force of arms the entry of
the United States troops into our own Terri
tory Of Utah. By this he required all the
forces In the Territory to "hold themselves in
readiness to march at a moments notice to re-
pei any and all such INVASION" and established
martial law from its date throughout the Ter
ritory. These proved to be no idle threats
Forts Bridger and Supply were vacated and
burned down by the Mormons to deprive our
troops Of a shelter after their long and fatigu-
ing march. Orders were issued by Daniel H.
Wells, styling himself Lieutenant General.
Nauyoo Legion" to stampede the animals of
the United States troops on their march, to set
1lre to their trains, to burn the grass and the
whole country before them and on their TANKS
to Keep them from sleeping by night surprises,
and to blockade the road by telling trees and
destroying the fords of rivers, &C., &C.
These orders We're promptly and effectually
obeyed. On the 4th October, 1857, the Nor
mons captured and burned on Green river
three OF our supply trains, consisting of seven
ty-five wagons loaded with provisions and
tents for the army, and drove away several
hundred animals. This diminished the sum
ply Of provisions so materially that Gen. John
ston was obliged to reduce the ration and even
with this precaution there was only sufficient
lett to subslst the troops until the LIST of June
Our little army behaved admirably in tbeiI
encampment at Fort Brdger under these trv-
ing prvatlons. In the midst of the mountains.
IN dreary, unsettled, and unhospitable re-
glon, more than thousand miles from home.
they passed the severe and Indictment winter
without murmur. They looked forward with
confidence for relief, from their country in dine
season, and in this they were not disappointed.
The Secretary of War employed all his en-
ergles to forward them the necessary suDplies
ana to muster and send such military force
to Utah as would render resistance on the part
OF the Mormons hopeless, and thus terminate
the war without the etfusion of blood. In his
efforts he was efficiently sustained by Con-
gress. They granted appropriations sufficient
to cover the deficiency thus necessarily crea
ted, and also provided for raising two regi-
nlohts OF volunteers ''tor the purpo Sc of quelI-
ing disturbances in the territory of Utah for
the protection of supply and emigrant trains.
and the suppression of Indian hostilities on the
frontiers" Happily, there was no occasion TO
call these regiments into service. If there had
been, L should have felt serious embarrass-
ment III selecting them, so great was the num-
Der OF our brave and patriotic citizens anxious
to serve their country in this distant and anna
rently dangerous expedition. Thus it has
been, and thus may it ever be.
The wisdom and economy of sending sufi-
Gent relntorcements to Utah are established
not only by the event, but in the opinion of
those, who, from their position and opportuni-
ties, are the most capable of forming a correct
Judgment. Gen Johnston the commander of
the forces, in addressing the Secretary of War
from Fort Brldger, under date of Oct. 18th.
1901, expresses the opinion that "unless n
large force is sent here from the nature of tbe
country, protracted war on their 1.-THE Nor
mons) part is inevitable" This he considered
necessary, to terminate the war speedily and
more economically than if ATTEMPTED by in
sufficient MEANS"
In the mean time, it was my anxious desire
that the Mormons should yield obedience to
the constitution and the laws. without rondar-
/
aid in accomplishing this object / deemed If
advisable in April last to despatch two distin-
guished citizens of the United States Messrs
Powell and McCulloch, to Utah They boro
with them proclamation addressed by myself
to the inhabitants of Uath dated ON the 9Th dov
of that month, warning them of their true con
dition, and how hopeless is was on their mart
to persist III rebellion against the United States
and offering all those who should submit TO
the laws 1'lll pardon for their past seditions
and treaSOns. AT the same tine 7 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 instruc
tons to these agents, as well as a COPY of the
proclamation, and their reports, are herewith
submitted. 1t will be seen by their renort of
the Sd of July last, that they have fully CON
firmed the opinion expressed by Gen. Johnston
In the previous October as to the necessity of
sending relntorcements 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 order
ed to this Territory, were the chief induce
ments that caused the Mormons to abandon
the idea ofresisting the authority of the United
States. A less decisive policy would proba-
bly, have resulted in a long, bloody, an expen-
sive war.
These gentlemen conducted themselves to
my entire satisfaction, and rendered useful ser
vices in executing the humane intentions of
the government.
! 1t also affords me great satisfaction to state
that Governor Cumming has performed his
duty IN an able and conciliatory manner and
with the happiest effect l cannot, in this con-
nectlon, refrain from mentioning the valuable
services of Col. Thomas l.. Kane, who, from
motives OF pure beneyolence, and without any
official character or pecuniary compensation.
visited Utah during the last inclement winter,
for the purpose of contributing to the pacifica-
ton of the Territory.
am happy to inform You that the Governor
and other civil officers of Utah, are now per-
forming their appropriate functions without re-
sistance. The authority of the constitution
and the laws has been fully restored, and peace
prevails throughout the Territory.
A portion Of the troops sent to Utah are now
encamped in Cedar valley, forty-four miles
southwest of Salt Lake City and the remain
der have been ordered to Oregon to suppress
| Indian hostilities.
The march of the army to Salt Lake City,
through the Indian Territory, has had pow
erful effect in restraining the hostile feeiinps
against the United States, which existed among
the Indians in that region, and in securing en-
igrants to the Far West against their depreda-
tiOns. This will also be the means of estab-
fishing military posts and promoting settle
ments along the route.
recommend that the benefits of our land
laws and presumption system be extended to
the people Of Utah, by the establishment of A
land office in that Territory.
have occasion, also, to congratulate you on
the result Of our negotiations with China
You were informed by my last annual mes