The Washington union., 1858-03-28
THE UTAH EXPEDITION INTERESTING LETTER
FROM COL. \. S. JOHNSTON
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UrAH,
Camp Scott. January 20, 1858

HEADQUARTERS DkFARTNESr OF UTAH.
Camp Scott, January 20, 1858.
MAJOR ] have nothing material to report since my
last communication Accompanying that, sent file Of
the Deseret News containing the message Of Brigham
Young to the Legislature of Utah You have in that
and the resolutions of the legislature their dis
loyalty to the Union heIoIo iade against this people
My Information respecting their conduct since is that
their troops organized to resist the establishment of
territorial government by the United States, and in fur
theance OF that object, they have erected works of de
fence in the mountain passes and Salt Lake city
knowing how rcpugnant 1t would c to the policy or in
tees of the government to do any act that would force
these people into unpleasant relations with the federal
government, would, in conformity with the views also
of the commanding general all proper occasions have
manifested in my intercourse with them spirit of
ciaon but do not believe that such consideration for
them would be properly appreciated now or rather would
he wrongly interpreted and in view OF the trcasofabe
temper and feeling pervadng the leaders and greater
portion Of the Monons, think that neither the honor
dignity Of the government will allow of the slightest
concession being made to them.
They should I've made TO submit to the constitutional
and legal demands of the government Internationally
adjustment of existing difficulties or any other basis
would be nugatory.
Their threat to oppose the march of the troops IN the
spring will not have the slightest influence in delay ing
II and If they desire to join issue, believe it is for the
interest Of the government that they should have the
opportunity
On the night of the llh of this month sent
press to Santa Fe, TO acqant General Garland with the
design of the Momons to intercept the caballada 1t is
pectcd Capt Marcy will bring from New Mexico, and
to ask additional force to his escort will also take
other measures to thwart them. send herewith let
ter of Lieut. Burns the subject of transportation
corps As question Of the highest interest to the gov
crnmcnt in respect to the mobility of troops and
economy of administration Of the business of the quar-
ermaser department it eminently conmends itself to
the attention of the GepemnC Chief II is OF great i'm
portance that such corps, properly organized should
he created and it is with the view of asking the consider
alton Of the subject by the commanding general that
forward the letter of Lieut. Burns who has much expe
rence assistant qIartcrmastcre
To make effective the field battery in charge OF Capt
Reno and 10 retain in service ut this time number of
soldiers whose period OF service about to expire have
authorized him to enlist many of them will enable
him to work the guns If this act is approved ly the
commanding general request that he win ask for ii the
sanction OF the Secretary of War, wbo under the
thority of the law of the 18th June. 1876, fix the
number OF the ordnance corps. The winter is not 10
cold anticipated from the severity Of the begin
ming and the hcaltliuness of the climate at this
son is unsurpassed there but very few soldiers
sick from climate The weather Is neither so
cold stormy often to prevent the daily instruction
of the different arms of the troops of the service.
With great respect, your obedent servant,
A. s. JOHNSTON
Colonel 2d cavalry commanding.
Major Irwin MoDowgld,
Assist. Adj Cen, headquarters of the army n. Y