The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-01-12
THE MORMON WAR.
Our Special Correspondence,

dtion of Russell II w011aD have just arrived here
They left Green river the 18th oNovember and report
Colonel Johnston being there with the whole army The
condition Of the troops most deplorabe They had
been on half rations for month Their mules, horses
and cattle were dying or al the rate Of from fifty
10 two hundred every night No food could be got for
them The Mormons carrying active guerilla
warfare their scouts being out in every direction to cut
of foraging parties strsgglers aud cattle that
leave the camp to seek grazing. The army could not be
in much more unfortunate position. The weather
intensely cold and the snow was falling fast.
These invited to join the army for elk or
nine months but they not allowed sttenp reach
home via California and Salt Lake City, was permit
ted 10 enter the Mormon capital Under the surrounding
circumstances these preferred 10 the hazard OF
reaching home by the overland route TRAN 70 with
join the army They started with fourteen days pro.
visions and received supplies at the different poss that
there only three days that they went without food
They made this place in thirty six days from tho time OF
starting On the way they passed Thousands OF Indians
who never said word TO them made the slightest hos
lie demonstration against them. The the prai.
ries was very deep.
Arrangements were being made 10 get some Of the
stores Fort Laramie forwarded the back of mules
the army Rather than starve in their camp the troops
will advance through the snow this winter to the attack
of Salt Lake City Tomorrow will endesvor to gather
particulars and forward them 10 you-todays mail
closes Immediately.
TEX LATE QUESTIONABLE NEWS FROM UTAH.
From the st Louis Republican Jan. IL
ling newa FROM the J,b hh y, I na
given 70 readers though must accompany with
the expression Of en- entire dsrust OF il correctness Il
comes from the ST. Joseph Journal Of the 10Th ult and,
as cannot be curtaled Of its proportions we give as
We fnc it,
ave were yesterday intoyned that gentleman passed
through this city with dispatches 70 Fort Leavenworth,
who reported that our troops had come in collision with
large force of Mornops aud that fierce conflict ensued
in Whi m w a O tWO
hundred killed and number taken prisoners. He also
reported that the wretches murdered in cold blood ali the
soldiers and hung all the officers that fell into their hands
declaring at the time that was war OF determination,
and that for every drop OF Mormon blood that was shed
the gentes' should flow like water We hope sincerely
thai the report may be exaggerated"
The St Joseph Gazette notices the report and adds that
the detachment thus slaughtered Col Cookies
mand, which, while passing from Hams Fork 70 Fort
Bdger was surrounded by superior force OF Mormons,
and, after short resistance, captured aud butchered
Nc tme given when this disastrous battle Is said to
have been fought 1t known that Col Johnston was,
about the 18th Of November, within two or three days
march of Fort Brdger that the several detachments Of
troops bad joined him. with the exception of Col Cooke;
but he not far behind and not regarded any
sort OF danger Gov Cumming and the other Territors
officers were with him Col Cooke is one of the very best
officers in the service. is utterly impossible that he
would have suffered himself to be surprised by any Nor
force and IL that had been the case, he never
would have surrendered to superior force, safer
short resistance" But be too good officer to make
the thing probable always on the ALERT Indian fighter
and a successful one-n command Of two or three hun
bred dragons, badly mounted may be- but ready to
TO suffer himself TO be surrounded by enemy.
II is known that Col. Johnston's force at
ard between the Mormons and Col Cooke. We know Of
route which could be taseh by the Mormons whereby
they could avoid Col Johnsons command and fab upon
and defeat the dragons. The whole thing seems npro
bable.
The bearer of this passed through ST. Joseph on
the 2sh for Fort leavenworth he reached there
he must have kept his secret very WE'LL for nothing
heard Of by gentlemen who left Fort Lesvenworth as
late as the Sls II he told tat st. Joseph, be would
gycuHOrtl. W he
gentleman arrived IN this city las, evening from hide
pendenoe, who reports the arrival there the 3ls of
company OF Fort Bridger They left there
about the 2oh Of November but made mention what
OF any battle The express with the mail LETT Fort
laramie before they did Some considerable distance
from Fort laramie, TO the west they fifty one
hundred men, whom they supposed 10 have been sort
from Fort Laramie in the express hui shcy AZ
forwards found out that this NOT the case aud they
then coniec.ured that was Mormon party, probably
the same that destroyed the baggage wagons.
They report having overtaken an express messenger
TIN side q Fort kearney, who took the direct route TO
The gentleman from Independence says no news of the
reported battle had been received that place from any
quarter when he len.
THE LEADER OF OUR ARMY IN UTAH.
Prom the Philadelphia Press, Jan. 81
The interest attached 10 the Mormon question naturally
government with the dlcult and delicate responsibilities
Of the present Utah expedition lie has not only
hb military abilities Of high order for the security Of
bis little army in its Siberian campaign, but he ms, be
possessed OF superior civil qualifications 10 guide his deal
ngs with the mtgoyeIned people who are represented
deny ing the authority o. constitution. We have,
in consequence, made some inquiries among army
friends as TO the antecedents Of the commander OF the
Utah expedition aud are enabled 10 lay before read
ers brief sketch o, his past
Colonel Albert sydney Johnston, of the second
stands little over Fix Zee, high, is Of a large
bony, sincwy frame with crave but pleasant
face. possesses quiet unassumng manners--iorming IN
pearance Bornsin Kentucky, he graduated from
the military academy West Point IN 1926 about the
~ k.fgt la.I -
class. biz active temperament induced him TO waive APP
pontment in the more scientific but scdenary branches
Of the service, and he gaz tied breve second lieu
tenant Of the sixth Regiment Of Infantry then engaged In
service on our Indian frontier.
Tie exccmens OF fronuSr life, though did not satisfy
bis aspirations and IN the breaking the Texas rcyc
luton be resigned his commission In tho United States
army and projected at once TO offer his services the
embryo republic Entering Texas without letters or &C.
quairta lie nodcsty Joined the army a. a simple
volunteer. Possessed Of sound military education ma
tured by subsequent study, having filled the most i'm
portant Offices In his regiment within the reach OF a
Lieutenant aud elevated esteem with tis brother
Officers re could with justice and without the mIutaton
Of impudonce, have Claimed a position Of rans in the
newly formed and forming baitalions.
But his nodesty-s marked Characteristic Of the man
withheld him from trumpetng his praises Accident
day brought the young volunteer the notice OF the
at lamcnted Rusk, then holding the olce Of General
Struck with the cornprehensvCness and oearnces OF his
remarks the General made some inquiries in relation 10
him; and sending for him. found that he had In bis ranks
man no only conyersari with milisrysrsaDizaion, in
military knowledge, with great strategic abilities He at
once made him the Adjutant General Of bis command and
n this grade Johnston shared with bis discriminating
commander in the vicisry at san Jscnto
The revolution in Texas afforded but small field for
military dstncton yet, before s close, the adjutant
general had attained the rank Of n rcnera. The war
ended General Johnston settled upon a farm, and Il.
eraly converting his sword into a p0ughshare Cncn.
natus Ike TILED the earth with his own hands Called
from bis retirement 10 oil the Office Of Secretary of War
he sustained himself with great ability, and gained in his
political, az be Lad done previously In his military career
The respect and affection Of the people Of Texas.
When Mexico worried into In 1s4e this grad
uate of West Point adjutant, adjuan general Secretary
OF War, again rendered his services 10 his country
Pushing claims for office, thoieh he might with
pfoprety have sought the highest he forward with
bis rifle on his shoulder private soldier. The regi
ment, however made him it, Colonel and in that capa
city he served until dsbandcd by expiration Of service
General Taylor, though no parted with the regiment
would not with tie Colonel and his vsluafe aid
attached him to bis person as an INSPECTOR general.
Sharing with "Oid Jack" the dangers and alores OF
BUena VISTA he returned 10 the United States and 10 his
farm Offered n ma m astership IN in ba