The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1858-12-15

ally obeyed On the 4th October, 1857, the
Mormons captured and burned on Green
River, three of our supply trains, consisting
OF seventy-five wagons loaded with provis-
ions and tents for the army, and carried
away several hundred animals. This di-
minished the supply of provisions SO mate.
rally that General Johnston was obliged to
reduce the ration, and even with this pre-
caution, there was only sufficient lett to
subsist the troops until the first of June.
Our little army behaved admirably in
their encampment at Fort Bridger, under
these trying privatioLs. In the midst of the
mountains, in a dreary, unsettled, and i'll.
hospitable region, more than thousand
miles from home, they passed the severe
and inclement winter without murmer.-
They looked forward with confidence for
relief from their country in due season, and
in this they were not disappointed.
The Secretary of War employed all his
energies 10 forward them the necessary sup
plies, and to muster and send such mill
tary force 10 Utah as would render resist.
ance on the part of the Mormons hopeless,
and thus terminate the war without the
effusion OF blood In his efforts he was
efficiently sustained by Congress. They
granted appropriations sufficient 10 cover
the deficiency thus necessarily created, and
also provided for raising two regiments of
volunteers, "for the purpose of quelling dis
turbances in The Territory of Utah. for the
protection of supply and emigrant trans,
and the suppression of Indian histiities on
the frontiers" Happily, there was no oc-
casion to call these regiments into service.
| If there had been, I should have felt serious
embarrassment in selecting them, so great
was the number of our brave and patriotic
citizens anxious to serve their country in
this distant and apparently dangerous ex-
pedition. Thus it has ever been, and thus
may il ever be
The wisdom and economy of sending
/ sufficient reinforcements to Utah are estab.
lished not only by the event but in the
opinion OF those who, from their posi-
tion and opportunities, are the most capa.
Bile OF forming correct judgment. General
Johnston, the commander of the forces. IN
addressing the Secretary of War from Fort
Bridger, under date of October 18, 1857,
expresses the opinion that "unless large
force is sent here, from the nature of the
country, protracted war on their THE
Mormonsl part is inevitable" This he con.
sidered necessary, TO terminate the war
speedily and more economically than if at
| tempted by insufficient means"
In the mean time, it was my anxious de-
sire that the Mormons should yield obedi-
ence 10 the constitution and the laws, with
out rendering 1t necessary 10 resort to mill
tary force. To aids in accomplishing this
object, deemed it advisable in April last
TO dispatch two distinguished citizens OF the
United States, Messrs. Powell and McCul-
loch, 10 Utah. They bore with them a proc
lamation addressed by myself to the inhab-
tan's of Utah, dated on the Sta .iay Of that
month, warning them of their true condi-
| ton, and how hopeless it was on their part
TO persist in rebellion against the United
States, and offering all those who should
submit 10 the laws a full pardon for their
past seditions and treasons. AT the same
time. 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 instructions to these
agents, as well as copy of the proclama-
ton, and their reports, are herewith submit
ted. 1t will be seen by their report of the
Sd of July last, that they have fully con.
6rmed the opinion expressed by General
Johnston in the previous October, as TO the
necessity Of sending reinforcemenls to Utah.
In this they state, thai they "are firmly i'm
pressed with the belief that the presence
of the army here and the large additional
force that had been ordered TO this Territory,
were the chief inducements that caused the
Mormons 10 abandon the idoa of resisting
| the authority of the United States. A less
decisive policy would probably have re.
suited in long, bloody, and expensive
war"
These gentlemen conducted themselves
10 my entire satisfaction, and rendered use-
iul services in executing the humane in,en-
tions of the government.
1t also affords me great satisfaction to
state, that Governor Cumming has perform
ed his duty in an able and conciliatory
manner, and with the happiest effect. ]
cannot, in this connection, refrain from
mentioning the valuable services of Col
Thomas l.. Kane, who, from motives of
pure benevolence, and without any official
character or pecuniary compensation, visit
ed Utah during the last incement winter,
for the purpose of contributing 10 the paci.
fication of the Territory.
lam happy 10 inform you, that the gov
ernor and other civil officers of Utah, are
now performing their appropriate functions
without resistance. The authority of the
constitution aud 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, A miles
southwest OF Salt Lake City; and the re.
mainder have been ordered 10 Oregon TO
suppress Indian hostilIties.
The march of the army 10 Salt Lake City,
through the Indian Territory has had
powerful effect in restraining the hostile
feelings against the United States, which
existed among the Indians in that region,
and in securing emigrants TO the Far West
against their depredations. This will also
be the means Of establishing military posts
and promoting settlements along the route.
recommend that the benefits of our land
laws and preemtion 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 esult of our negotiations with China
You were informed by my last annual
message, that our minister had been instruct
ed TO occupy nuetral position in The hostili-
ties conducted by Great Britain and France
against Canton. He was, however, at the
same time, directed to cooperate. cordially
with the British and French ministers, in ali
peaceful measures TO secure by treaty those
Just concessions to foreign commerce, which
the nations of the world had right TO de.
mand. It was impossible for me to proceed
further than this, on my own authority,
without usurpine the war making power,
which, under the constitution, belongs ex.
clusively to Congress.
Besides, after careful examination of
the nature and extent of our grievances, ]