Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-03-13
The Utah Eapedition,


The War Department has received dispatches
from Col. johnson dated January 4.
Colonel johnson. in his letter to General Scott
says that no incident Of any military importance has
transpired since his last communication, and that
the troops are in excellent health and spirits He
expresses fears that he has not sufficient draught
animals The greater number of the soldiers who
have been on the sick list rendered unfit for
duty by being frost bitten. For this reason COL
johnson recommends that each man be supplied
with a pair of buffalo overshoes. Col. Johnston
calls attention to the great length Of the line of com.
munication of the army, and the necessity of pro-
viding the fer defending the supplies which
must be sent forward early in the spring. more es-
pecially that portion liable to be attacked by the
Mormons. Colonel j. commends highly the field
works thrown up around Fort Bridser, and has sent
the drawing of them to the War Department
Colonel Cook, writing from Henry's Fork on the
3lst of December says that he found little grass and
shelter at that place. The weather was moderating,
and he had no doubt he would be able to remain
the six weeks.
BY some mistake the dispatches from Col. John.
ston for the commanding officers at Forts Laramie,
Kearny and Leavenworthwere sent to the headquar-
tiers at New York. Col. JOhnston's letter to Major
Lynde had not reached him. but Gen. Scott says that
enough is known from Major Lynde's letter of De-
cember I'd to leave no doubt as to the nsuffciency
of the present means Fort Laramie for transmit
ting three months supplies to Colonel J"bnstons
command As it is a matter of absolute necessity
that supplies should reach him by tn. LIST of June,
measures for that purpose have been taken by Gen.
Scott. His order dated February 2Sth directs that
train to consist of at least two hundred and six
mule Wagons shall be organized with the utmost de-
spatch at Fort Leavenworth, to 60 Immediately with
COL Hoffman to Fort Laramie and to transport from
thence to Col Johnston's command in Utah commits
missary stores mems shoes and such other supplies
as may be known to be much needed. Two extra
mules to provide for casualties, TO be taken for
each wagon. The wagons and mules. and everything
for this train will be the best that be got togeth
er at Fort LeavenwOrth or within convenient reach
of it. Seven companies Of cavalry and infantry will
act escort beyond Fort Laramie The train
will start as early "a the 10th of March.
In an o, der dated March l, to the commanding
officer at Fort Lesvenworth, Gen. Scott directs that
the following be sent to Gen. Garland in New Mexico,
by'express:- re 7 @
Colonel Johnston reports that the Mormons int end
intercepting Captain Marcy his return with the
mules and horses he was ordered to obtain in your
department. Notify the Captain of this, and see he
Is strongly escorted bis return march, and well
provided with whatever he may require andyou can
spare.
The above orders from Gen Scott were sent BY
telegraph to Bounvle, and from thence they are to
go their places Of destination by ex press. s-,ss
CAPITA n Marcy il expected to leave New Mexico
about the 10th Of March.