Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1875-07-29
SEVD Nv YOUR ORDERS.


We hope that our Republican friends
in the various towns will send in their or
ders for q plentiful supply Of Col. Smiths
"open letter" See notice in another col
umn.
May we not also hope for large orders
from our Democratic friends throughout
the State?
TIVE KOVYTAIN MEADOW HASSA GRE.
The trial of John D. Lee in Beaver. Utah, for
participation In the Mountain Meadow massacre of
1857, promises to have one good result If no other
The judicial investigation will afford the people
an opportunity to learn from authentic testimony
the true history of that revolving outrage.
The tragedy occurred at q time of great excite
ment in Utah. Brigham Young was then COVER
nor of the territory, and likewise superintendent
of Indian Affairs, having received his appointment
to those offices from President Fillmore though
Alfred Cumming, with commission in his pocket
from President buchanan, was on his way to SUI
persede him as governor, accompanied by mill
tary force of about 5000 men, under the command
of Col. Albert Sidney Johnson, to enforce his
claims. There had been great turbulence in Utah
numerous outrages on emIgrants by persons in the
euse of Indians had been ascfibed to the Nor
mons; and the Gentle judges of the federal courts
had all left the territory, which, in fact was in
state of rebellion. The question OF armed resist
ance to the troops was seriously discussed, though
subsequently the idea was abandoned
During this period of excitement, namely, in
August, 1857, a large train of emigrants on their
way to California reached st. Lake City. 1t was
the finest train that had ever attempted the over
land route. Several elegant carriages were among
the vehicles, for the accommodation of ladies OF
the party, and there were many women and child
rem in the train 1t is said that the finest OF these
carriages was for years aiterward used by fami-
| ly of Mormons. After laying in their supplies in
| Salt Lake City this party proceeded toward Calf
| orna, and that was the last that was known of
| them for u long time. 1t was fully year before
any of their friends received the least intimaton
| of their fate.
Three hundred miles from Salt Lake, on the
road to Los Angeles, California, is a meadow five
miles in length by one in breadth, with very fine
spring at one end, afiordng excellent camping
ground. Here the emigrant party encamped in
order to recruit their stock before entering upon
what was called the Great Desert and here, in tle
month of September, the massacre took place.
According to the commonly accepted story Of
the slaughter the emigranti were attacked while
encampcd by Indians, who had been set upon
them by Mormons, and by Mormons disguised as
Indians and ten or twelve men were killed before
any one understood that they were in danger.
The remainder Of the party at once seized Their
arms, entrenched themselves behind their wagons,
and prepared for determined resistance. for "a
week, with their women and children lying IN the
trenches they had dug the emigrants maintained
their position aud kept their enemies at bay. Then
| the Mormons resolved on strategy. The firing by
| the Indians ceased, and the besieged party look
| lug up the meadow, saw u wagon full Of white
men coming toward them. These men proved to
| DC John d. lee and other Mormon dignitaries,
who offered TO mediate with the Indians As the