The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1860-08-29
Judge Douglas---An Incident in his

Inc 1olloWlng lnclucht III Inc llio oi
Mr.. Douglas will serve to illustrate a
prominent trait in his character:
In the year 1916, the excitement
against the Mormons at Nauvoo reached
its height. The people of the surround
ing country determined to drive them
away. The Saints determined to defend
themselves. A civil war seemed immi-
nent. Gov. Ford despatched regiment
to put down both beligerents. The regi-
ment, consisting Of 450 men, was under
the command of Col. John Ii. Harden,
the old political opponent, but warm per-
sonal friend of Mr.. Douglas, who held the
post of Major.
As tho little body of troops approach
ed Nauvoo, they saw the Mormons, 1000
strong, drawn up to oppose their advance.
Every man of them was known to be
armed with seven-shooter, and brace
of Colts Observation-Disclosures shots TO
a man, besides bowie knife Harden
halted his troops just out of rifle range,
and addressed them:
"There are the Mormons, ten TO one
against us. / intend to attack them. If
there is coward here who wishes TO 90
home, ho may do so now. Let any man
who wishes TO 60 step in front"
Not man came forward.
"Thcrc were, | dare say" says Mr..
Douglas, "just four hundred and ffty-ono
of US, including our Colonel, who would
have been glad to have retired; but not
one of us had the courage TO own that he
was n coward"
Major Douglas" said the Colonel,
will take one hundred men, proceed TO
Nauvoo, arrest the twelve apostles and
bring them here"
"Col. Harden" asked the Major quiet
ly, so that no one else heard, Z" is this
peremptory order"
1t is"
"Then I shall make an attempt TO ex-
ecute it. But give you warning, not
man of lis will ever return"
"The apostles must bo taken, Major
Douglas" replied the Colonel.
"Very well, Colonel. If you will send
me alone you will be much more likely
to get them."
"But you will loose your life"
"I will take the responsibility. Ifyou
send me alone l will pledge myself to
reach the city. AS TO bringing in tho
twelve, or getting back myself, that is
quite another question. l will try"
"Major Douglas" said the Colonel, af-
ter rejecting n few moments, "will pro
ceed to Nauyoo, taking such escort rs he
sees fit"
The order was hardly given when tho
little Major-for ho was not then Lit
tie Giaut"-dashcd off at full speed and
alone. AS be approached the Mormon
legions General Wells came forward to
meet him, and after a brief conversation,
escorted him through the hollow square
of troops into the city. He was not long
in finding Brigham and the twelve. All
of them were old acquaintance of his.
Most of them had, in fact, been before him
for trial, as judge, upon some charge or
other
The Judge is famous for his taking
manners, and in very brief time he sue
ceeded in inducing Brigham and his as
sociates to accompany him. They all
packed themselves into the "apostolic
COACH" drawn by eight horses, and pre-
sented themselves in the camp.
The fighting was postponed, and nego-
tiations for the removal of the Mormons
were entered upon, Judge Douglas being
chief negotiator on one side. Brigham
himself said but little; and at length, said
he would 90 out Cor while, directing his
associates TO settle the terms. These
were soon internally agreed to by the
twelve, aud they were committed to pa
per.
Brigham returned, and asked how mat
ters had been settled.
I" Let me look at the TERMS" said Brig
ham quietly.
He read them over hastily.
"I'll never agree TO thcm-neyerr he
exclaimed.
The vote was formally put, and the
whole twelve, without dissenting voice,
declared against them, though they had
as unanimously accepted them not five
minutes before
The negotiations were then renewed be-
tween Brigham and Douglas. New terms
were settled, and when the vote was Ia
ken the twelve agreed TO them at once.
The treaty was duly signed, and the Nor
mons prepared to leave the State.