, 1858-03-05
Mormon Matters.

--S1 4AOA @3NSSNNSs
BY private letter from Los Angeles,
we learn that fears exist among a portion
Of the inhabitants lest the Mormons should
make foray on the southern counties Of
this State. 1t is thought that they will
embrace the opportunity of temporary
lull, occasioned by the troops under Col.
johnson going into winter quarters, TO en-
ter the southern counties. They also argue
that the recent intelligence OF the existence
Of much suffering and want among the
Mormons, will excite them to such course,
and as their forces have been called in from
the mountains, they will direct their atten-
tion to this quarter, thus commencing a
war of aggression instead of one of defence.
The well-known wealth and resources Of
Los Angeles county it is thought, will
make it a special object of attack, and the
inhabitants have applied to General Clarke
for military protection. In reply to this
application Gen. Clarke some time since
dispatched company Of Dragoons to the
TejOn and intends to increase the delences
Of that pass by company of Artillery.
equipped with their guns, etc. In addi-
tion, the force stationed at the Mission Of
San Diego, is quite considerable, and with
the troops at Fort Yuma and the inhabi-
tants that could be readily concentrated in
the event Of razZia in that quarter, are
deemed, under the circumstances, quite suf-
fcient for the protection of San Diego
county. As we stated, in former article
on this subject, it is altogether improbable
that Mormon force could enter the coup-
ty of Los Angeles and commit any serious
depreciation, without the fact becoming
almost Immediately known for many miles
around. The inhabitants are quite numer-
Gus, and none are without arms, most of
them of the best description. The native
Californians are probably the best guerilla
troops in the world, and altogether more
than q match for twice their number Of
MormOns, composed as they are for the
most part, of the lowest classes from Eng
land and Wales, unacquainted with the use
of firearms aud deficient in military skill.
We doubt not that force of from twelve
hundred to two thousand as good fighting
men as can be found anywhere, could be
concentrated in Los Angeles county within
twenty-four hours, in the event Of Nor,
mon inroad. But aside from these views,
Brigham Young is entirely two shrewd q
man to declare war upon California. He
is aware that as Tonga the quarrel remain;
between the General Government and him
self, none of the States can take part il
it, unless on requisition from thsPresident
and be is consequently safe fFom State at
tacks. But should be be so rash as to in
wade California, then the Governor Of this
State would necessarily be obliged to call
its military force into the field, and the re-
suit would be speedy and certain annihila-
ton to the Mormon crew. General Clarke
himself entertains no apprehension of an
invasion of this State, but thinks that
Brigham Young will endeavor to push bis
way into the western and northern portions
Of Oregon, and thence to the British pos
sessions in the North. In entering Oregon,
the Mormons will invade Territory sparse
ly populated, and where it will be difficult
to raise force sufficient and in time to
thwart or punish any attempt they may
make in that quarter. The United States
troops attached to the Pacific Division are
so posted, that it would be impossible to
remove them from any one post to relieve
another, without jeopardizing the safety ol
the inhabitants in the locality, surrounded
as they are by Indians who are at no time
over friendly, and if reports can be relied
on, are less SO now than ever, owing tc
Mormon intrigues. 1t is therefore in q
measure impossible for Gen. Clarke to send
greater force to Los Angeles than that
already there and en- route. We learn
however that he has made such represents
tions TO head quarters as will probably en-
able him, in short time, to make dispo
sition more in eonsonance with the wishes
of the inhabitants. In the meantime, w
see no real cause for alarm, and little COO
reflection will substantiate our view Of the
uuestion.-S. +. Herald.