The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-05-09
THE UTAH ARMY.

has been trusted to hazard. No pains, or trouble,
expense has been spared to insure the success of
the expedition. The greatest activity is visible in
Leavenworth and writer's Of all political parties do
justice to the energy, care, pains, and foresight of
the department ia making provision for the march
over the desert and for the absolute certainty of the
success of operations in Utah. Great pains have
been exercised in securing the services of competent
and faithful agents Of transportation The most
rigid and thorough system of inspection has been
required. The animals purchased for draught and
for meat have been ordered to be Of the best quality
The vehicles of transportation provided have been
of the most substantial and durable sort. Not only
have strong military escorts been provided for the
trains sufficient to insure against the hazard Of cap
ture or surprise, but the numerous transfers and
employees of every grade have been thoroughly
armed and disciplined to meet any exgency that may
arise. tF
The common error of despising one's enemy has
not been committed in single particular with
reference to the Mormons The idle story of the
enemy's weakness and indisposition to fight has
been properly disregarded and force has been
gathered from an other quarters and despatched to
Utah, which, though smaller than it would have
been if there were any possibility Of increasing
it, is yet amply large for maintaining and defend
ing itself in any emergency.
Whatever doubt may be felt by the country of the
ability of our little army, when all compacted to-
gether to prosecute offensive operations to steady
and successful conclusion in Utah. nobody feels any
apprehension for the safety army for comfort
for it's welfare for its ability to do honor to itself and
the national flag under every state of circumstances
In every respect is this expedition anomalous and
| interesting. Notwithstanding the harsh and unjust
things that have been said of our army in the de-
bates Of Congress, the American people proud of
their little army aud regard it with and gem
erous affection. It's officers the men who led the
forces which won 30 many laures for our national
brow upon the plains of Mexico; its men are the
soldiers who the many brilliant battles there who
conquered new empire for our confederacy, and
| (which is the most honorable circumstance in all
history who retired from the invaded country with
| the esteem and regrets of the invaded people. 1t
was for an American army to set this honorable ex-
| ample of moderation in arms to nations ; and to
show that war between governments is not q Ii
cense for butchery and rapine upon their people,
that invasion is not mere technical name for a
hot and licensed pursuit of /" booty and beauty
| The American people do hold their little army in
generous esteem and regard it with honorable pride
And that portion Of the army, the larger portion,
| that will soon be concentrated in Utah under the
command Of officers, most of them in the prime of
manly vgor whose names historical, will be very
mi, ffoct;o NJ
army that ever marched upon an expedition has
been more thoroughly appointed and drilled than
this Of Utah and we dare say that it is one of the
finest bodies Of troops in all respects that ever
marched. upon ar expedition. az ail
The expedition is unlike any that was ever before
undertaken, in many respects. The march is longer
overland and the seat Of hostilities is farther from
the seat Of supplies, over an intermediate desert
country totally reproductive, than has been the
case with any military expedition that before
set forth against an enemy. The circumstances
of the enemy far moro desperate, too, than is
usual with an invaded people, and his capacities
for formidable defence are greater, both geo.
graphically and politically. His defence, too, will
be religious defence in which all the fanaticism,
superstition, and passion of the enemy will inspire
to enthusiastic and fierce encounter Our army will
be formidable by its discipline excellent arms abun-
dant munitions, and COOL iron courage. 1t will be an
encounter between thoroughly disciplined corps
and an impetuous and courageous militia. The rela-
tive numbers of the combatants win be about two to
one, and the advantages and disadvantages on either
side being duly considered, the match must be con
fessed to be about even 43
We do not credit the stories that are told by few
Of the weakness and irresolution Of the Mormons.
The most reliable accounts that they mus
ter from eight to ten Thousand fighting men, well
provided with small arms and ammunition, right
well drilled and embracing very large and effective
force Of cavalry The troops are, for the most part
of our and blood, and that is only another
way Of saying that they soin fight, and can fight.
Our little army win muster but about half the
force of the Mormons, and will have to rely upon
their discipline, their superior arms, their ADLER Off
GERS and their experience in battle, to Offset the
perior numbers Of the enemy.
The match being thus even, and the contest doubt
full, the approaching summers news from Utah can
not fail to be very exciting. 1t will be one of the
most interesting contests that has ever been waged
b aa hilt -.-----.-s- .iH Tl7
y News PROM KANsAs.-The mails bring us later
news from Kansas and furnish the detailed proceed
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