History of Las Vegas

Mission

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to regulate the dealing out of the water for farming purposes.

            The following is an account of public works at Las Vegas up to Feb. 27, 1856: Wm. Bringhurst, 131/2 days; Wm. S. Covert, 1 day; Geo. G. Snyder, 2 days ; Geo. W. Bean, 11 days; Wm. L. Follett, 1114 days; Jos. A. Bean, 2 days; John W. Turner, 2 days; Joseph S. Milam, 1 day ; Amasa A. Merriam, 15 days ; Jas. T. S. Allred, 4 days; Albert Miles, 111/2 days; Albert Knapp, 10% days; Ariot L. Hale, 81/2 days ; Wm. C. A. Smoot, 133/4 days ; Wm. Foster, 61/4 days ; Wm. P. Jones, 91/4 days; Wm. P. Vance, 103/4 days; Win. Burston, 1 1/2 days; Artemas Millett, 141/2 days ; Edward Cuthbert, 2 days; Thomas E. Ricks, 121/2 days; Steph. C. Perry, 11/2 days; Sidney Carter, 6 days ; John Steele, 2 days ; Wm. C. Mitchell, 13 1/4 days; Benjamin R. Hulse, 4 days ; Benjamin Cluff, 1 day; James Dickenson, 9 days ; Sylvester Hulet, 41/2 days; John H. Bleazard, 11/2 days, and Robert Reed, 1/2 day.

            The following persons were credited for laying up a partition on public works, viz : William Burston, Wm. Foster, Jas. A. Bean, and John W. Turner. They put up about 400 adobes each.

            Also William P. Vance and William P. Jones put up a gable to be credited on public works; one hundred adobes each.

            Also the following persons were credited 150 adobes each in putting up public part of fort wall, viz : Wm. Bringhurst, James Dickenson, Albert Knapp, Ariot L. Hale, Albert Miles, Wm. C. A. Smoot, Win. Follett, Wm. P. Jones, Amasa E. Merriam, Artemas Millett, Wm. Foster, and Thos. E. Ricks.

            Feb. 26. Thomas E. Ricks credit for blacksmithing, $9.75.

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            Sidney Carter forwarded $9.75.

            The above was on public works.

            Thursday, Feb. 28. During the past night it rained a little at Las Vegas. Pres. Wm. Bringhurst and the other brethren who had prepared to accompany him started for Salt Lake City, at 1 o'clock p. m. Having arrived in Utah, he wrote the following from Big Cottonwood, Salt Lake County, under date of March 26, 1856:

            "Having just arrived from the Vegas, I will furnish you with a brief sketch of the progress of affairs in that region. We have enough corn and vegetables to supply those who are there until harvest, but those who go there this spring will have to take enough food to last them until more can be raised. Our fort is 150 feet square, walls to be 2 feet thick and 14 feet high, and is finished on one side with good two-story houses attached. The other three sides are 9 feet high ; good substantial gates are hung and the bastions are completed. A large corral and stockyard have been walled in ; strict guard is kept day and night.

            A post office is established at Vegas and is named Bringhurst by the Department because there was already one named Vegas in New Mexico. Many fruit trees have been planted, which I believe can be brought to as great a state of perfection as in any other place in the world. The natives continue peaceable, and we have been blessed and prospered in all our operations pertaining to the settlement. I left Vegas on the 28th of February, in company with Brothers Geo.  W. Bean and Thomas E. Ricks.

            I will now take the liberty of expressing it as my opinion that if those who have to do with the Indians would be a little more forbearing, use reason rather than compulsion, and treat them

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kindly, there would be great saving of life and property." (Des. News 6 :32.)

(Jour. Hist., of Mar. 26, 1856).

            Sunday, March 2. The weather was pleasant and all was peace.

            Meeting was held at the usual hour. Evening meeting was also held and a good spirit seemed to prevail in the meeting, after which Pres. Albert Miles said he wished the brethren to put up their fence on the south and east sides of the field as the animals were tramping over the wheat and other seeds which had been sown.

            Thursday, March 6. Meeting was held at the usual hour. The weather was very pleasant and the brethren were going ahead with their fence and farming.

            Sunday, March 9. Meeting was held as usual. Several of the brethren spoke and a good meeting was held. The weather was somewhat cloudy and blustry. All was peace. In the evening meeting a great many of the brethren spoke on the duties pertaining to their mission.

            Monday, March 10. Mr. James A. Williams and three others who were with him arrived at Las Vegas from California. They informed the brethren that they had lost four mules. The latter had been used to following the wagon ; but about 6 miles the other side of the Mountain Springs they had fallen behind. It was just after dark and as the men supposed they would follow, did not look after them until they got to the Springs. Then they discovered that the mules were gone, and the next morning one of the men went back on horseback and found that the mules had fallen behind at the junction of the roads. He then found that the Indians had run them off. He followed their tracks several

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miles, when he looked back and saw three Indians following close behind him, and as his animal was tired, and he himself very thirsty, he turned and went back to camp without seeing the mules in. Mr. Williams brought 1000 grape cuttings for Las Vegas, according to previous contract between him and Prest. Bringhurst. They were received by Brother Albert Miles. The brethren turned out some money and produce in part pay.

            Wednesday, March 12. Mr. Williams left Las Vegas this morning on his way to G. S. L. City. The weather was pleasant and the brethren are going ahead, putting in their crops and fencing.

            Thursday, March 13. Prayer meeting was held at the usual hour. Had a good meeting, after which Brother Albert Miles exhorted the brethren to put up their fence and to be diligent in their labors. The California mail arrived at sundown.

            Friday, March 14. The California mail left for Great Salt Lake City at 9 a. m.

            Saturday, March 15. While most of the brethren were in the field, the Indians went into the houses of Brothers James Dickinson and Wm. A. Follett and took out some flour and bread.

            Sunday, March 16. The weather was somewhat cold and blustry. Meeting was held at the usual hour.

            Tuesday, March 18. At 3 p. m. Messrs. Carter and Milam arrived with the mail from Great Salt Lake bringing letters for most of the brethren. A letter was received from President Bringhurst, from which was learned that the brethren belonging to the Las Vegas Mission would not be back for some time to come.

            Thursday, March 20. Had prayer meeting in the evening at the usual hour, after which

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Brother Albert Miles said he had some business to lay before the brethren with regard to land that belonged to men who were absent. He said it ought to be fenced and if the brethren were willing he would make such disposal of it as he saw fit. It was voted that Brother Miles have that right.

            Sunday, March 23. The weather was pleasant and warm; the grass and crops were growing fast and everything seemed to denote spring. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Toshearump and some other Indians came down from the mountains for the purpose of farming. They manifested a good spirit and all was peace with the Lamanites. After the evening meeting, Brother Albert Miles said he had some business to lay before the brethren with regard to some fence for which there seemed to be no owner. He called upon the brethren to turn out en masse on the following Wednesday and put it up.

            Wednesday, March 26. In the morning all the brethren turned out to work on the public fence and finished the same, which was 10 rods. Three Iats came to the fort and Brother Knapp talked to them through a Piute interpreter. They were friendly and it was learned that one of them was a chief. After a short stay, they went to the Piute camp.

            Thursday, March 27. The Iats returned to the fort this morning and after talking some time, requested baptism. Accordingly, Brother Albert Miles called on the brethren to meet at the water's edge and he and Brother Smoot attended, to the ordinance, after which the chief said he felt well and friendly toward the brethren and the spirit of the Lord rested upon him. He also requested some little present as a token of friendship.

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Brother Miles presented them with a small present and some provisions and they departed for their own country. The brethren did some ploughing for the Indians. Prayer meeting was held at the usual hour.

            Sunday, March 30. The weather was blustry. A good meeting was held as usual and all was peace in the little camp. Evening prayer meeting was also held.

            Monday, March 31. This morning the brethren got up their teams and went to plough for the Indians. When the horses were driven up, Brother Miles' mare was missing. Some of the brethren and Indians went to hunt her, but without success.

            Tuesday, April 1. Brother Miles and seven of the brethren, accompanied by Chief Joshua went to hunt for the lost mare, and although they found traces of her, they did not recover her. At a meeting in the evening it was decided to corral the animals at night.

            Thursday, April 3. Evening prayer meeting was held at the usual hour, after which Brother Albert Miles said he would like to return home and desired to know if the brethren were willing for him and Brothers Wm. C. A. Smoot and Ariot L. Hale to leave before any of the other brethren returned from the north. Brothers Benjamin R. Hulse and John H. Bleazard said they could go with their faith and prayers. Brother Albert Miles then put it to a vote and it was carried unanimously. It was also voted that Brother Albert Knapp be released from herding stock and guarding the field.

            Saturday, April 5. This afternoon Brother John Steele returned to Las Vegas; also Brothers Miles Anderson, Beason Lewis, and John Lowder.

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The three latter were called at the special conference to labor in the Las Vegas Mission.

            Sunday, April 6. In the morning a meeting was held at the usual hour. Brother John Steele gave a good discourse on the progress of Zion and the troubles that were coming upon the world and the duties of the Saints. Also received a letter from Prest. Young and one from Prest. Wm. S. Covert. At the evening meeting, the brethren who were to return home, spoke to the congregation. Brother Albert Miles nominated Brother John Steele to act as president in his place, which was carried by a unanimous vote. William A. Follett was chosen sergeant of the guard in the place of Ariot L. Hale.

            Wednesday, April 9. Two Iats came to Las Vegas and appeared to be friendly. They said they did not know anything about the horse that had been taken.

            Thursday, April 10. Evening prayer meeting was held at the usual hour and Brother John Steele requested the brethren who were to return home, namely, Brothers, Albert Miles, Ariot L. Hale, and Wm. C. A. Smoot, to speak. They said they felt well toward all of the brethren at the camp and desired to be remembered in their prayers.

            Friday, April 11. In the morning of this day three more Iats arrived at camp and stayed two or three hours. They seemed very friendly. They then left for their own land, together with the two who had arrived a day or two before.

            Saturday, April 12. At noon Brothers Albert Miles, Ariot L. Hale, and Wm. C. A. Smoot left Las Vegas for their homes, contrary to the previous counsel of Prest. Bringhurst. At 4 p. m. the California avail arrived in charge of Mr.

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Carter. There were some travelers in company with the mail.

            Sunday, April 13. In the morning the mail left for Great Salt Lake City. A little rain fell during the night and morning. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Brother Albert Knapp went over to the Indians' camp to preach to them. At the evening meeting, after several of the brethren had spoken, Brother John Steele said he had some business to lay before the meeting with regard to the horses, whether they should be left out at night or not. It was voted and carried unanimously that the horses be corralled every night. It was proposed by Brother John Steele that the brethren be organized into a quorum for the purpose of lecturing on various subjects for the improvement of the mind. It was voted that Elder John Steele be president and Amasa E. Merriam, clerk of the same. During the past week the brethren had been mostly engaged in their farming operations.

            Thursday, April 17. Meeting was held in the evening at the usual hour. The weather was pleasant.

            Saturday, April 19. Some Indians of the Quoeech Nation visited Las Vegas ; they were very friendly and wanted some of the brethren to go home with them and see their country. In the evening, after dark, the mail arrived from G. S. L. City, bringing very few letters and papers.

            Sunday, April 20. The weather was fine and all was peace. At a meeting held in the morning, at the usual hour, a letter was read from Prest. Bringhurst. In the evening meeting, Brother John Steele said he thought it would be well for a company to go and see the lead ore and desired to know the minds of the brethren upon it. It

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was voted and carried that a company should go for that purpose.

            Monday, April 21. Brothers John Steele, Sylvester Hulet, John Lowder, and Beason Lewis, with a Piute guide, left Las Vegas this morning to go to the lead ore. Brother Anderson's horses were out during the night and in the morning were missing. The Indians had, no doubt, driven them off.

            Tuesday, April 22. In the evening a company arrived at camp from California, Mr. Smith, captain; also two missionaries from the Sandwich Islands, and Brothers John S. Woodbury and Whittaker and three or four families, all on their way to G. S. L. City.

            Wednesday, April 23. At 8 a. m. Brother John Steele and company returned to camp and reported that they had found the lead in large quantities. They brought 180 pounds back with them. They had been blessed on their journey and all things went on right. At 2 p. m. Mr. Smith and his company left Las Vegas for the G. S. L. City.

            Thursday, April 24. Toshearump returned in the afternoon, having been gone three days in search of Brother Anderson's horses. He said he followed the tracks of the animals until he came to where they were killed. Then the Indians ran off and he stayed there and ate some of the meat. Five of the Quoeech Indians came to him and wanted to kill him, but he told them that he did not want to fight. He brought some of the meat with him.

            Friday, April 25. The weather was cold and blustry; the thermometer stood at 47 degrees.

            Sunday, April 27. The weather was pleasant. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Brother

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Hulse preached upon their duties as Saints and missionaries among the Lamanites. It was decided to hold meetings Sunday afternoon instead of in the evening. Accordingly, meeting was held in the afternoon and the Sacrament was administered.

            Monday, April 28. Six men arrived in camp on foot from G. S. L. City, and as they were out of provisions the brethren supplied them with the necessary articles.

            Wednesday, April 30. The thermometer stood at 30 degrees this morning. The party, before mentioned, left for California.

            Thursday, May 1. In the evening, Brother John Steele called the brethren together for the purpose of taking some measures about a gate for the field and also to make a ditch to keep the water off the emigrant road. At the meeting it was decided that a team should go for the timber on the following Saturday, and that on Monday, the 5th, the brethren should turn out en. masse to work on the gate and ditch.

            Friday, May 2. The thermometer stood at 30 degrees this morning. The weather for some time past has been cold and blustry.

            Sunday, May 4. The weather was cold this morning. Meeting was held at the usual hour, when some of the young brethren spoke. At the afternoon meeting, Brother John Steele said he would like to have a choir. He appointed Brother William P. Vance to act as chorister and told him to go ahead and organize.

            Tuesday, May 6. At 8 a. m. Brother Nathaniel V. Jones arrived at Las Vegas, accompanied by Brothers Philip K. Smith and Ira Hatch. Brothers John W. Turner and James A. Bean returned to camp at 11 a. m. Brother John Steele called a

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meeting and Brother Jones spoke, telling the brethren that he had a mission to that part of the country to explore for minerals and other things. He also read a letter from Pres. Brigham Young, which authorized him to call on men and animals, or anything that he might want, for the furtherance of his mission of any of the settlements south of Cedar City. He called for 3 men and 5 animals, to be prepared for a 30 days' journey and ready to start in 4 days. Brother John Steele called for volunteers to go. Brothers Albert Knapp, Beason Lewis, and Wm. C. Mitchell said they would go. Brother Steele also said that he wanted two or three of the brethren to go with him and Brother Jones to the lead ore, to start on the following morning. Some of the brethren said they would go. Brother Steele said he wanted the brethren who remained to haul some wood and burn coal, to shoe the animals that were going on the long trip. Brothers Philip K. Smith and Ira Hatch also spoke at the meeting.

            Wednesday, May 7. In the morning, Brothers John Steele, Wm. P. Jones, Philip K. Smith, and Artemas Millett started to the lead ore. In the evening Mr. James Williams arrived at Las Vegas from G. S. L. City.

            Thursday, May 8. In the morning Mr. James Williams left for California. In the evening the brethren returned from the lead ore mountain, bringing report that there was not as much exposed to view as was expected ; nevertheless, it was a mineral country.

            Friday, May 9. An Indian reported lead in the vicinity of the Cottonwood Springs, whereupon, it was agreed that a few of the brethren should visit it. In the evening, meeting was held according to previous appointment. Brothers Nathaniel V. Jones and Philip K. Smith spoke on

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the building up of the kingdom, and Brother John Steele spoke on their duties as Elders in Israel.

            Saturday, May 10. Brother Nathaniel V. Jones, accompanied by Philip K. Smith, Ira Hatch, Sidney Carter, Amasa E. Merriam, and John Lowder left Las -Vegas this morning. The California mail arrived in the afternoon, brought by Mr. John Hunt. There were several travelers along also.

            Sunday, May 11. The weather was warm and pleasant. Held meeting at the usual hour, when Brother John Steele called on those brethren who were to accompany Brother Nathaniel V. Jones on his journey to speak. In the afternoon meeting several of the brethren spoke, after which Brother John W. Turner was appointed sergeant of the guard, as William A. Follett was to start home on the following day, in company with the mail. He left with the good feeling of the brethren. At sundown Brother Jones and company returned to Las Vegas and reported that there was a great quantity of lead about 35 miles south-west of that place.

            Monday, May 12. The mail left this morning for G. S. L. City.

            Tuesday, May 13. This morning, Brother Nathaniel V. Jones and company started on their exploring trip, with as good a fitout as possible. At 3 p. m. John W. Turner, one of the company, returned to get one of their pack mules, which had run back to Las Vegas from the Fourteen Mile Spring.

            Wednesday, May 14. This morning Brother Turner left Las Vegas to return to Brother Jones and company, who were to remain at the Twenty-five Mile Spring until he returned. At 4 p. m. Beason Lewis returned to camp, reporting that

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another mule had come back; it had left them in the morning while they were eating breakfast. The Great Salt Lake mail arrived at sundown, bringing letters for most of the brethren and one from Prest. Bringhurst to Brother John Steele and the rest of the brethren at Las Vegas.

            Thursday, May 15. Brother Lewis left this morning to go back to Brother Jones and company. At noon the mail left for California. The brethren put up the big field gate in the afternoon.

            Friday, May 16. The weather was warm, the thermometer standing at 120. The brethren were busy putting in corn, watering, etc.

            Sunday, May 18. The weather was pleasant. Meeting was held at the usual hour in the morning, and the Sacrament was administered at the afternoon meeting.

            Monday, May 19. Mr. Crandall and company arrived at Las Vegas from California.

            Tuesday, May 20. In the morning Brother Nathaniel V. Jones returned and reported that he did not succeed in finding the silver mountain.

            Thursday, May 22. Brothers Nathaniel V. Jones, Philip K. Smith, and Ira Hatch left Las Vegas to return home.

            Friday, May 23. At 3 p. m. Mr. Crandall and company left Las Vegas for G. S. L. City, having had a great many horses shod while in camp.

            Sunday, May 25. The weather was pleasant and all was peace and quiet at Las Vegas, both with the Lamanites and the brethren. Meetings were held as usual. During the past week the brethren had been engaged in watering and tending their crops.

            Tuesday, May 27. During the night Brother

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John Steele's calf was taken out of the corral, and in the morning Brother Steele with four other brethren went to hunt for it. They found the place where it had been killed and thence tracked two Indians to their camp who it was supposed had carried the meat away. The Indians seemed to be very much excited. Chief Joshua said he did not know anything about it until a few minutes before. Brother John Steele had Brother Albert Knapp talk to them a long time, telling them they must bring the aggressors to the fort and whip them. They said the two Indians lived about a mile from there. They did not feel willing at first to bring the Indians into camp, but finally said they would fetch them over, which they did in about two hours. The Indians seemed to feel very bad and promised to do better, so the brethren thought it best not to whip them.

            Wednesday, May 28. In the morning Mr. Wm. Huntington and some others arrived at Las Vegas from G. S. L. City and reported that Brother James T. S. Allred was on the desert and wanted some assistance. Accordingly, Brother Steele called on some of the brethren to go and meet him with water and a team. The brethren responded to the call. Brothers Edward Cuthbert and _______ Jones returned to Las Vegas, the latter and Brother Allred bringing their families with them.

            Thursday, May 29. In the morning Brother Allred came into camp, all safe.

            Friday, May 30. Mr. Wm. Huntington and company left in the morning of this day for California. Meeting was held in the evening, when Brother John Steele requested the brethren to decide whether the quorum meetings should be

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continued or not, whereupon it was agreed that but one meeting be held a week and that on Thursday evening. Brothers John W. Turner, James A. Bean, Amasa E. Merriam and William C. Mitchell started to the timber.

            Sunday, June 1. Meeting was held in the morning as usual, Brothers Edward Cuthbert and Jones said they were glad to have the privilege of meeting with the brethren in Las Vegas. At the evening meeting Brother Allred and others spoke.

            Monday, June 2. The brethren returned to Las Vegas from the timber.

            Thursday, June 5. Meeting was held in the evening.

            Sunday, June 8. The weather was pleasant and all was peace with the brethren and the Lamanites. Meeting was held at the usual hour, at which several of the young brethren spoke. At the afternoon meeting the Sacrament was administered, after which Brother John Steele said he wanted the brethren to be ready to go and meet Prest. Wm. S. Covert with water and teams. The thermometer stood at 100 in the shade.

            Monday, June 9. In the morning three packers arrived at Las Vegas from California.

            Tuesday, June 10. At 2 p. m. the mail arrived from California.

            Wednesday, June 11. The mail left Las Vegas for G. S. L. City.

            Friday, June 13. At 10 o'clock a. m. Brother Benjamin Cluff returned to Las Vegas and informed the brethren that Prest. Wm. S. Covert and company were on the Muddy and would start for the camp at 3 p. m. Brother Covert desired the brethren at Las Vegas to meet them with

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teams and water. In the evening, a little after dark, some of the brethren started to meet the company, with a mule team to carry water and 10 yoke of cattle.

            Saturday, June 14. The mail, in charge of John Hunt, arrived at Las Vegas from G. S. L. City.

            Sunday, June 15. Brother Wm. S. Covert's company arrived at Las Vegas between 7 and 10 a. m. all safe. No meeting was held in the morning as the brethren were sleepy and tired. At the afternoon meeting, Brother Covert took charge and spoke to the brethren with regard to their duties. He said he was glad to meet with them again. Several other brethren also spoke. The mail left for California on this day.

            Tuesday, June 17. In the evening Brother Covert called a meeting for all those who wished to attend and gave all the privilege to speak. Several of the brethren responded, and Prest. Covert also made some remarks.

            Wednesday, June 18. The brethren who had come with Pres. Covert, located their field on the south side of the creek, below the fort. Half an acre was laid off to each man and water ditches were made.

            Thursday, June 19. At the evening meeting, it was voted and carried unanimously that all the cattle and horses not wanted for the present use, be herded at the head of the creek. Brother Alexander A. Lemon was employed as herdsman, to have such pay as could be obtained on the Vegas and also to have an Indian or two furnished to help him.

            Sunday, June 22. Meeting was held at the usual hour, when Brother Wm. W. Riley gave a good discourse on government. At the afternoon

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meeting Brother Thomas Hall occupied some time, after which Pres. Covert spoke with regard to their duties. He desired the brethren to be industrious and observe order. During the past week the brethren had been cutting barley and some little wheat.

            Saturday, June 28. On this day there was a little disturbance with the Lamanites, on account of one of the brethren turning them out of the field in rather a rough manner.

            Sunday, June 29. The weather was pleasant and all was peace. In the morning the two chiefs, Patsearump and Toshearump, came into camp and said they wished to be friendly. Brother Covert told them that they must not go into the field except by permission; and that when the brethren got the wheat off, they might glean the land, at which proposal they were satisfied. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Brother Philander Colton spoke a short time, after which Prest. Covert made some remarks in regard to the Lamanites, how they should be treated and that he did not want the brethren to abuse them. He also had a letter read from Prest. Young, dated Oct. 30, 1855. Meeting was held at 4 p. m. and the brethren partook of the Sacrament. Several of the brethren spoke. During the past week the brethren had been harvesting in the old field and planting in the new field.

            Sunday, July 6. In the, evening Brothers Albert Knapp, James Dickenson, William Foster, and William C. Mitchell started back to the Valley to visit with their families and friends.

            Monday, July 7. Prest. Wm. Bringhurst and company, with their horse and mule teams, arrived about 6 p. m. They were very tired and hungry, it having been a very hot day. They

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were not able to carry a great deal of water with them in crossing the desert. Brothers Cahoon and Bringhurst's ox teams were still back on the desert, and some of the brethren started immediately back to their assistance.

            Tuesday, July 8. By 12 o'clock all the teams and cattle had arrived safely in camp. The weather was very hot at this time. Brother Covert and family got very badly salivated by putting calomel into their bread, mistaking it for saleratus.

            Wednesday, July 9. The Indians gathered together to hear some good words from Prest. Wm. Bringhurst. Some of the Quo-eech tribe were present. He told them of the good opinion that Prest. Young had of them and exhorted them to continue on in good behavior in order that they might have the friendship and assistance of the brethren. They said it was good and they would try to do as he wished them to do. Prest. Bringhurst told them plainly that they must keep out of the field except when asked to glean or help collect the grain. This they promised to do. The brethren were busy harvesting the wheat, oats, etc., also threshing, planting corn, beans, etc.

            Friday, July 11. Prest. Bringhurst called the brethren together to make arrangements for taking care of the stock away from the fort. After some deliberation, it was voted that Brother Alexander Lemon should take all the surplus cattle and horses up to the Springs and stay with them. The agreement was to give Brother Lemon $2 per day, to be paid in labor, grain, or produce of any kind. It was also voted that the brethren go up and build a corral on the herd ground. Prest. Bringhurst and Covert gave some good instructions in relation to the duties of the brethren

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toward each other and of the negligence of some in regard to using others tools, etc. They hoped it would be stopped forthwith. Brother Almon L. Fullmer was elected water master and spoke of the duties thereof.

            Sunday, July 13. Meeting was held at 10:30 a. m. at Prest. Bringhurst's home. After singing and prayer, Prest. Bringhurst addressed the congregation. He gave a short account of the mode of operation at Las Vegas during the last season, and spoke highly of the success that the brethren had had thus far in their intercourse with the natives, farming operations, etc. It was plain to be seen that the Lord was their friend and protector in commencing the great work in that place, etc. Several of the other brethren bore testimony to the truth of his remarks. Prest. Bringhurst again spoke of the scarcity of provisions with some in camp and said that some measure must be entered into for the sustenance of all connected with the mission. The afternoon meeting was held at 5 p. m. in front of Brother Hale's and Cuthbert's houses. At 5 p. m. Mr. John Hunt and others arrived at Las Vegas with the California mail.

            Monday, July 14. Prest. Bringhurst wrote a letter to Prest. Young, informing him of his arrival and also of the progress of affairs at the camp, and the prospects for crops, etc. The mail started for Great Salt Lake at 1 p. m. Two brethren from Las Vegas accompanied the mail, viz : Sidney Carter and John Lowder, the former on a visit and the latter to assist his father, who was laying sick at Parowan.

            Tuesday, July 15. About 11 a. m. A. M. Carter arrived with the mail from Great Salt Lake,

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bringing letters for many of the brethren. It laid by the rest of the day.

            Wednesday, July 16. The mail started for Great Salt Lake. The brethren were busy putting in corn and threshing wheat.

            Thursday, July 17. In the evening the brethren were called together to adopt measures for the better preservation of their grain and stock, and also talked of the mode of operating in the lead mines. After opening with prayer, Prest. Bringhurst arose and stated the object of the meeting. He said the fences were down in some places and he wished the fence viewers would go and look at them and notify the owners thereof to repair them forthwith. Brother James T. S. Allred has been acting as fence-viewer and Prest. Bringhurst motioned that Thomas E. Ricks be fence-viewer in connection with James T. S. Allred. It was voted unanimously. He also spoke of the evils that some were practicing in going into the fields and gardens without leave of the owners and taking things that did not belong to them. He hoped the parents of the children would put a stop to such proceedings. He  also instructed the water master, Brother Almon L. Fullmer, to work out the water ditch below, in order to let all the surplus water run on to the grass, and in order that the stock might have water to drink while on the range. The president further spoke of the propriety of organizing a mining company for working the lead and told what Prest. Young said to him in relation to hurrying on the works, in order that a supply might be had in the vallies forthwith. After several persons had expressed their minds both for and against the measure of organizing at the present time, it was motioned and seconded that Almon L. Fullmer take the superintendency of

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working the road to the lead ore and of locating and building the fort near the works. The new fort at Las Vegas was also spoken of and a committee of three selected to superintend the building of the same for the accommodation of those who had arrived the present season and for those who were to come thereafter.

            Sunday, July 20. Meeting convened at 10:30 a. m. Brothers Wm. Moss and John Steele addressed the congregation.  The latter gave a good exhortation concerning their duties as Elders of Israel and missionaries to the Lamanites and spoke many words of encouragement to the brethren. Prest. Bringhurst instructed the brethren in regard to their duties as missionaries, telling them to live strictly according to the counsel that was given, whether in building forts or houses, farming, mining, or any other labor. He wished that the spirit of grumbling, fault-finding, laziness, and cussing around that had been going on for some time past would immediately be put to an end, and those who were determined to lay around and do nothing, were as clogs to the wheel and would forthwith get a passport for home, unless they speedily repented and took the proper course. He said much more to the same purpose, and was followed by Brother William S. Covert, who bore a strong testimony to what had been said. He also exhorted the brethren to live more humbly before the Lord, etc. He lectured some of them severely for their neglect of duties and the evil practice of fault-finding and that a continuation of such neglect and offenses would lead to hell, etc. Prest. Bringhurst said that the afternoon meeting had been postponed until evening, when it would be more convenient for every one

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to turn out. Benediction by Brother James T. S. Allred.

            The brethren met together in the center of the fort at 7:30 o'clock ; after singing and prayer, the congregation was addressed a short time by Elder Geo. W. Bean upon the subject of their duties in relation to the Lamanites, etc. Said that he was very sorry that they did not have sufficient provisions and grain to deal out to the Indians and put them to labor as many of them desired. Brother Edson Barney bore testimony to the truth of what had been said, and compared their situation with those Elders who were sent to the Islands of the Sea, to labor 5 or 6 years without seeing their families and friends, depending on the charity of the natives among whom they were sent, whereas the missionaries at Las Vegas lived almost at home with their families and sustained themselves. He was followed by Prest. Bringhurst, who bore a strong testimony in favor of all that had been said. He added that he regretted exceedingly the scarcity of provisions on account of their red brethren, for if he only had food to deal out to them, he would have fifty of them at work at the present time, etc. The meeting was dismissed by Prest. Bringhurst. Watermaster Fullmer notified the brethren to run the water on the grass below the fields and prevent it from dying.

            Monday, July 21. A good shower of rain fell during the night.

            Tuesday, July 22. All the brethren were called out to work on the water ditch below the fort. About 20 men responded and worked three-fourths of a day under the direction of Brother Almon L. Fullmer.

            Wednesday, July 23. At half past 7 o'clock

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Prest. Bringhurst, William S. Covert and nine other brethren started to go up and see the lead ore and pine timber that lay to the south of Mountain Springs, about 40 miles from Las Vegas.

Thursday, July 24. This day was the anniversary of the arrival of the pioneers in Salt Lake Valley. Because of a multiplicity of labors and on account of the presidency being absent, the brethren at Fort Las Vegas did not celebrate.

            Friday, July 25. About 1 o'clock Prest. Bringhurst and company arrived at Fort Vegas from their exploring- tour. They reported favorably concerning our prospect for lead, but had not found much timber nor water; only one little spring, being distant 2 miles from the ore. There was no other water within several miles of the place. Brother Bringhurst being informed that the Lamanites had been committing serious depredations upon the grain, melons, etc., by corning into the fields in the night time, he called up chief Joshua and gave him to understand that such things must be stopped immediately and reminded him that he must magnify his place as chief of the nation, as well as being ordained a Teacher according to the regulations of the Church. Joshua pleaded his inability to govern his people when they were hungry, but his intentions were always good and friendly toward the brethren. He promised to be more attentive and watchful thereafter, and try to keep them out of the field and respect the missionaries' property.

            Saturday, July 26. The fencing of the new field was about completed and the late crops generally bade fair for a reasonable yield. However, if they turned out otherwise, scarcity would

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be in their midst within a few months. But they all hoped, prayed, and labored for the best.

            Sunday, July 27. Meeting was held at Prest. Bringhurst's house at the usual hour. Brothers Miles Anderson and Edward Cuthbert delivered very appropriate lectures and were followed by Prest. Bringhurst who spoke on subjects connected with the mission. At 5 p. m. the brethren again met in meeting, when the Sacrament was administered to all present. Elder William S. Covert spoke of the necessity of learning to govern themselves, their families, and all that was placed in their charge, their duty to uphold the authorities placed over them, etc. Other brethren bore their testimonies. At dark the brethren were called together to deliberate upon the propriety of commencing to operate in the lead mines immediately. Prest. Bringhurst introduced the object of the meeting and gave all the brethren who knew about mining and smelting liberty to speak upon the best ways and means of beginning the operations. Brother Almon L. Fullmer explained the different facilities and advantages that he had noticed in his explorations and spoke of the necessity of having a supply of provisions on hand to begin with, as well as tools, etc. Many others spoke on different points of the subject, and after much discussion it was decided that arrangements to start should be commenced forthwith, at least, in a few days. Prest. Bringhurst was appointed to select about 12 or 13 men to engage in the lead business as soon as possible.

            Tuesday, July 29. In the evening the brethren met together to make further arrangements toward fitting out the company for the mines. Prest. Bringhurst read the names of 15 of the brethren whom he had chosen to accompany

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Brother Almon L. Fullmer as president of the mining association. The names read were as follows : Thomas Hall, Edward Cuthbert, Edson Barney, Philander Colton, Samuel Turnbow, Lorenzo Brown, Andrew Cahoon, Benjamin Cluff, James A. Bean, Beason Lewis, John Steele, John H. Bleazard, William Wilkerson, Amasa E. Merriam, and Lemuel H. Redd. All of these were ready to respond to the call, Brother Cuthbert excepted. It was accordingly voted unanimously that they should prepare to start off some time the coming week and commence operations forthwith, as it appeared to be the only means left for the sustaining of those who were destitute of provisions to take some lead to the nearest settlements and barter it for flour. . . .

            Saturday, August 2. The brethren of the mining company had been busy for two or three days preparing for a start on the following evening. They had 6 yoke of cattle and 3 wagons, in order to work out a road, dig out the spring near the ore and commence operations at digging out the ore immediately.

            Sunday, Aug. 3. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Brothers Hulse and Fuller spoke upon the duties of the Elders sent out among the Lamanites . . . . Brothers James T. S. Allred and Elijah K. Fuller were appointed Teachers for the camp, which was voted and carried unanimously. The mining company started in the evening.

            Monday, Aug. 4. In the morning of this day, Brothers Wm. S. Covert, Geo. W. Bean and Wm. Clapp started off on a hunt with the Indians, up to the Snow Mountains, as the chiefs had made a request that some of the brethren go with guns and assist them in killing game.

            Wednesday, Aug. 6. The brethren returned

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from the hunt, without having had any success. They reported that the rains had been very heavy up in the mountains during the past few days. The prospects for the late crops of corn were rather discouraging on account of the worms eating it from the time it came out of the ground. Some of the brethren were trying to eradicate the evil by cutting off the stalk of corn below the place where the worm entered it.

            Friday, Aug. 8. About 9 a. m. Brother Nathaniel V. Jones and four other persons arrived from G. S. L. City, for the purpose of commencing operations in the lead mines. Brother Jones had instructions from Prest. Brigham Young that the southern settlements and southern missionaries were to assist him in anything that they could render for the accomplishment of the object for which he was sent.

            Saturday, Aug. 9. Brother William P. Jones remained in camp during the day. About noon Brother John Steele and Benjamin Cluff returned from the lead mines and reported that the company were all on their way back from the mines, having opened the spring and uncovered the foot of the lead ore, but having no blasting powder they could not proceed with the operations any further.

            Sunday, Aug. 10. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Brother Nathaniel V. Jones stated the object of his mission to Las Vegas, which was to take those brethren who were called on their missions at the last April conference, and proceed immediately to working out the lead ; that some teams were coming in a few weeks with flour from Cedar City for the use of the mining company, and that his mission was a separate and distinct concern from the Las Vegas settlement, and those brethren who had come the

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present season and were engaged with him, would be discharged by him and allowed to return home as soon as the required amount of lead was obtained. This authority was given to him by Prest. Young, according to his statement, and he read the following letter of credentials from Prest. Young:

"To all whom it may concern.

            This is to certify that the bearer, Bishop Nathaniel V. Jones, is counseled to forthwith proceed with a company to the neighborhood of the Las Vegas and to engage in manufacturing lead, and the said Bishop Jones is hereby empowered to call to his aid in the said manufacture and transportation of lead, building of furnaces, mining the ore, etc., such persons as his judgment and necessities may dictate, not only southern missionaries, but others of the brethren in the southern settlements if need be.

            Bishop Jones is a brother well and favorably known to us and many of the Saints. He enjoys our confidence in his faithfulness, skill, judgment, and integrity, and will keep a strict and correct account of all services and aid rendered him in compliance with these instructions and report the same at my office in Great Salt Lake City.

            Done in Great Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, this 7th day of July, A. D. 1856.

Brigham Young."

            Brother Jones said that he had presented this letter to Prest. Bringhurst immediately upon his arrival, but had not as yet received any encouragement from the authorities there, but he expected to get the required assistance in order to attend to his business at once. He closed his remarks by saying that he did not intend to in-

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terfere with the interests of the mission in any way, but would rather assist it than otherwise. Prest. Bringhurst said he felt well in spirit, but in regard to the case in hand, he could not feel right in giving liberty for those brethren to leave and go with Brother Jones until the proper documents were produced by him, or until further written instructions were received from Prest. Young. He was willing, however, to turn out and assist Brother Jones in any way that he could according to the instructions from Prest. Young, but to give up all control of the above-named brethren merely upon the verbal request of Brother Jones, he would not do it, for they were put in his charge, and until he was released from that charge by a writing from Prest. Young, he was not willing to run the risk of censure by doing so. * * * * * *

            Monday, Aug. 11. In the evening Brother Nathaniel V. Jones called the missionaries of that season together to his wagon to confer upon the measures to be taken in order to fulfill the instructions from Prest. Young. He again stated the object of his visit and the instructions which he had received and was determined to fulfill, and asked them to decide whether they would give in their names to accompany him or not. Several of the brethren spoke in favor of the proceeding, while some hesitated to do so without the consent of Prest. Bringhurst. * * * * At the close of the meeting all the late missionaries present handed in their names to Bishop Jones, in order to be controlled and dictated by him, and he and a few others began to make preparations to leave on the following day for the lead mines.

            Tuesday, Aug. 12. In the morning Prest. Wm. Bringhurst and Bishop Nathaniel V. Jones had a short conversation, and it was agreed by

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themselves that their cause of difference should be referred for decision to Prest. Young in a single letter from Prest. Bringhurst. The letter was forthwith written by the clerk, according to their dictation. At the same time men and wheat were to be drawn from Las Vegas in order to facilitate operations until word was received from Prest. Young. In the afternoon Bishop Jones and 6 men started for the lead mines.

            Sunday, Aug. 17. The California mail arrived in the morning, bringing a few letters and papers. Bishop Jones returned from the mines and was preparing provisions, etc., for his men to work at the lead mines. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Brothers George Mayer and William P. Jones preached in the forenoon. * * * * * In the afternoon meeting the brethren spoke very forcibly upon the same subject. At night the brethren were watching in the corn field and caught an Indian boy stealing corn. Several others were with him, but ran away before they could be gotten hold of. Prest. Bringhurst ordered the boy chained up in the fort all night to see if it would have a salutary influence upon him and the others and make them more careful about coming into the fields at night.

            Monday, Aug. 18. In the morning the chief and some of the Indians came into camp, feeling perfectly friendly. They said it was alright to punish the boy, although some wanted to retaliate upon the cattle and horses, but the chief talked peace, saying that if they did not want to be tied up they must quit stealing. The boy was released early in the morning and sent to his camp. At 2 p. m. the mail started for Great Salt Lake.

            Tuesday, Aug. 19. In the afternoon the mail arrived from. Great Salt Lake bringing many let-

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ters and papers for Las Vegas. Among them was the following letter from Prest. Young:

"President's Office,

G. S. L. City, Aug. 4, 1856.

Elder Wm. Bringhurst.

            Dear Brother : Yours of July 14 at hand, announcing your arrival at the seat of your labors. You state that you intend to organize a mining company and intend to get out some lead this fall, etc. I am glad to hear this and hope that you and the brethren of the mission will take hold of this business energetically arid produce a large amount of lead. We have appointed Brother Nathaniel V. Jones of this city to take charge of this business and superintend the whole matter, so that whatever is done we wish to have it done under his direction. At the same time we wish to have you render him all the assistance in team work and manual labor that you can and he can employ to advantage. Three teams will start down in a day or two for lead, which I trust will be ready for them and Brother Stoddard's team. Brother Jones has been instructed to employ natives when he can do so to advantage, and we hope the brethren will feel an interest in this matter and look to the benefit of Israel and the prosperity of Zion more than self interest. We rejoice that you have succeeded in obtaining so good an influence over the natives in that region. Inculcate upon them the habits of industry, cleanliness, and honesty, as well as the other principles of our holy religion * * * * If you have sufficient strength to afford it, and it will not militate against the mission nor the lead business, which I wish to have forwarded, I would like to have the brethren travel out among the Indians in the neighboring

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tribes and become acquainted with their chiefs and principal men and thereby extend the influence of the mission far and wide in every direction; get acquainted with the resources of the country and not spend their time in idleness, thinking that they have nothing to do except raise a little grain and rest satisfied with cultivating an acre or two of grain. Mormonism is not got up nor maintained in this wise, but on the contrary, it requires our most devoted and untiring exertions. The brethren should always remember that they have plenty to do, that there is a great work to be performed in this dispensation of the fulness of time, and that it is incumbent on every individual saint of the Most High to put forth his utmost ability in labor of mind and body to promote this great cause which is to preach the Gospel to those who sit in darkness, gather Israel, and labor to bring forth Zion, that she may be redeemed from the powers of darkness.

            Praying the Lord to bless you and all of the Mission with all the Saints of the Most High, I remain, as ever,

Your brother in the work of the last days, Brigham Young."

            Wednesday, Aug. 20. The brethren who were going up to the mines with Brother Jones were busy making preparations in order to start on the following evening. Brother Jones signified his desire to Prest. Bringhurst of having a few more men go up with him. Consequently, the brethren were called together and Prest. Bringhurst selected Brother Benjamin Cluff, Amasa E. Merriam and William Clapp to accompany Brother Jones, in addition to those who had already agreed to go. Prest. Young's letter was read in the hear-

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ing of those present and a few remarks made upon the spirit of it by Prest. Bringhurst. Bishop Jones also spoke in like manner. Brother Elijah K. Fuller's wife gave birth to a daughter. This was the first birth to take place at Fort Las Vegas.

            Thursday, Aug. 21. Brother Nathaniel V. Jones and company started for the lead mines about 5 :30 p. m. Brothers John W. Turner and James A. Bean went also for the purpose of getting some lead ore.

            Friday, Aug. 22. Chief Toshooh and another Indian arrived at Las Vegas from the Muddy, and reported trouble between the Santa Claras and the Utahs.

            Sunday, Aug. 24. At a meeting held on this day Prest. Bringhurst delivered a lengthy discourse upon the duties of the Saints, and spoke of those brethren who wished to return home in the course of a few days. He first mentioned Brother Lemuel H. Redd, who had come in his father's place. It was motioned and seconded that Brother Redd return home as his father had written him to do so. Brother John Steele also wished to be released from his mission, on account of urgent business and the destitute condition of his family. After some deliberation upon the subject, it was voted that Brother John Steele return home and attend to the wants of his family, and then return to the mission again as soon as practicable. Brothers Thomas E. Ricks and Benjamin R. Hulse were given permission to go after their families and return in the fall. It was voted that Brother George W. Bean take a load of lead ore, trade it and return again with provisions. He was to be accompanied by some of the brethren. Afternoon meeting was also held.

            Monday, Aug. 25. In the evening Brothers

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John W. Turner and Geo. W. Bean returned from the lead mines, accompanied by Brother Peart. They brought about 1500 pounds of iron and a lot of mining tools for the blacksmith to repair; also a letter from Brother Nathaniel V. Jones to Prest. Bringhurst stating that everything was at a standstill for lack of a blacksmith and he wanted Brother Edward Cuthbert to come with his tools immediately. They also desired another beef and more flour.

            Tuesday, Aug. 26. In the morning Brothers George Dalton and Albert Knapp arrived at Las Vegas from Great Salt Lake. They brought word that Joseph Williams, H_____ Pendie and others would arrive on the morrow, with three more teams for lead. These four teams brought no flour from Cedar, as was expected by Brother Jones; consequently, it would be a great disappointment to him as he had borrowed several hundred pounds from the brethren at the camp, expecting to pay it back by the arrival of flour by this train. Brothers Albert Knapp and George Dalton were disappointed to find that the lead was not already being smelted, in order that they might return home with loads immediately. Prest. Bringhurst wrote in answer to Brother Jones, that it would be impossible to provide his company with any more provisions of any kind, as they had but a scanty supply at the fort. He also wrote that the teams from Great Salt Lake had brought no flour, etc. Brother Edward Cuthbert having repaired Brother Jones' tools, two Indians were dispatched with them and the letters forthwith. In the evening the brethren were called together. On motion it was voted that Brother John H. Bleazard be released to go home to Great Salt Lake and put some affairs in order concerning his reputed former course, the

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reports of which were considerably against him. He was to return again to Las Vegas as soon as circumstances would admit of his doing so. Prest. Bringhurst stated that on account of the condition of Brother Aaron F. Farr's health he would be of little use on his mission until his health improved. He had but one objection to Brother Farr's conduct while he had been at Las Vegas, and that was his neglect of meetings, which he had done since his arrival. The motion was then made that Brother Farr return home with the present company. * * * * Prest. Bringhurst then stated that he desired Sister Riley to return in the present company, as she had left her husband and never expected to live with him again; consequently, she had better leave the camp as soon as possible. Brother John H. Bleazard gave the brethren an exhortation to faithfulness and perseverance in their duties as missionaries, etc. * * * *

            Wednesday, Aug. 27. At sunrise Jim Williams and company arrived in camp, all safe. The thermometer stood at 51 degrees. The Indians had committed serious ravages on the corn during the past few nights, and the worms had destroyed many vines and much corn.

            Thursday, Aug. 28. The brethren who were to return to their homes, were busy making preparations for their journey. The men who had come for lead were also keeping the blacksmith busy fitting up their teams and wagons.

            Friday, Aug. 29. Brothers Peart and Samuel Thompson started for the mines, with more tools and provisions. George Dalton also accompanied them until he met Brother Jones returning to Las Vegas, in order to make further arrangements for food to sustain his company at the mines. Bros.

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Jones and Dalton arrived at the fort about 5 p. m. Brother Jones promised Dalton and company that he would have their loads of lead out by the 8th of September. He traded for two yoke of Brother Bleazard's cattle and thereby got a good supply of beef.

            Saturday, Aug. 30. The lead teams started for the mines, taking Brother Edward Cuthbert and tools along with them. The ox-teams also started for the Vallies at 3 p. m., five in number, viz., Brothers Benjamin R. Hulse, John H. Bleazard, Aaron F. Farr and wife, Lemuel H. Redd and wife, Sister Riley and Miss Hawk, and William Burston and family. The weather was tolerably cool and comfortable. The Indians were peaceable and orderly and the blessings of the Lord were being poured out upon the brethren. The prospect was not very flattering for any addition to their stock of food, unless it was in buckwheat, which, at that time, looked well.

            Sunday, Aug. 31. Prest. Bringhurst appointed Wm. Price Jones to keep the camp's record during the absence of Secretary Geo. W. Bean. Meeting on this day was commenced at 10 a. m. Brother George W. Bean and Thomas E. Ricks made a few farewell remarks. Prest Bringhurst said he felt that the providence of God was over them for good, and that he felt safer with two or three men united than three thousand divided in their feelings. He intended starting four companies in the fall, east, north, west, and south, to explore the country and settle every fertile spot capable of sustaining enough men to teach the Indians the art of civilized life, according to the command of Prest. Brigham Young. Other brethren spoke of their determination to carry out the object of their mission. Benediction was

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pronounced by Prest. Bringhurst. The afternoon meeting commenced at 3 o'clock, President Covert taking charge of the same. Brother Albert Knapp being called upon to speak, said that he had fulfilled his mission to the best of his ability, although Brother Bringhurst had told him he had been begging off from his missionary work but he wished to tell the brethren that if such were the case, he had done it through ignorance, for he had a great desire to fulfill his mission with honor, and that he would have a better understanding from President Brigham Young when he returned to Great Salt Lake City. Prest. Wm. S. Covert spoke of the gathering of Israel from among the mountains and gave some good advice to husbands and wives. Prest. Bringhurst bore testimony to the truth of what had been said by the brethren, and said that he wished Brother Wm. Moss would stop working the mill on Sunday. The Sacrament was then administered and Brother Covert closed the meeting with prayer.

            Monday, Sept. 1. Brother George W. Bean started for Provo with a load of lead ore. He was to return to camp as quickly as possible, with a load of provisions. Brother Thomas E. Ricks started for his family and was to return to Las Vegas as soon as he had settled his affairs.

            Tuesday, Sept. 2. Albert Knapp started to the lead mines, accompanied by his brother. The weather was very warm.

            Sunday, Sept. 7. Meeting commenced at 10 a. m. After singing and prayer by Prest. Bringhurst, Elder _____ Lark spoke upon the resurrection of the dead and gave a short history of his life. Prest. Bringhurst then spoke upon the power of the Priesthood, etc., and motioned that

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Elder James T. S. Allred go or send brethren to the Indian wickiups every Sunday afternoon to preach to them. It was seconded and carried unanimously. He also told John W. Turner to put a guard around the field commencing on the following morning. Meeting again commenced at 3 p. m.     Singing, and prayer by Brother Covert, who then read from the "Times and Seasons" and the "Doctrine and Covenants." Prest. Bringhurst said he heartily endorsed Brother Covert's discourse and motioned that Brothers William S. Covert, James T. S. Allred, James A. Bean and _____ Lark and Brother Fuller's son start the following morning to find out the facility for starting a settlement on the Muddy. It was voted on and carried unanimously. Benediction by Prest. Bringhurst.

            Monday, Sept. 8. Brother William S. Covert and company started on their exploring expedition to the Muddy, with Icoharrum as their guide. In the evening, Brothers William Vance, Samuel Thompson, and Edson Barney arrived at Las Vegas from the lead mines in order to obtain more flour.

            Wednesday, Sept. 10. Brother William Vance returned to the lead mines with flour loaned to the company by Brother Hulet.

            Saturday, Sept. 13. Brother William S. Covert and company returned to Las Vegas from their exploring expedition, all being in good health. The Indians still continued to play havoc with the corn, squashes, and melons. John W. Turner brought several squaws in from the field, loaded with corn, etc.

            Sunday, Sept. 14. Meeting was held at 10 a. m. After singing and prayer, Elder William S. Covert made a report of the success that they had had

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on their trip to the Muddy. It was as follows :

"The first day we traveled 14 miles north and struck a canyon, which we followed for 4 miles, in a northeasterly direction. We then took a northwesterly course for 7 miles and camped at a small spring. There was very little bunch grass. On the 9th we traveled north 25 miles, when we found plenty of bunch grass and a small spring, also some good pine timber and some few Indians. On the 10th we traveled 5 miles, then east for 15 miles, and found some water in holes where we watered our animals. We proceeded 12 miles down the Muddy canyon, passing through a narrow place where the rocks stood several hundred feet high and which was about wide enough for a wagon to pass through. We then struck the head waters of the Muddy. On Thursday, the 11th, we traveled 10 miles down the Muddy and passed the Indian's camp. Their corn was just ripening. They all seemed quite friendly and gave us some corn to eat. On Friday, the 12th, we visited the Indians at their camp. Brother James T. S. Allred preached to them. At 3 p. m. we started for home."

            Brother Wm. S. Covert also said that there were several hundred acres of good land on the Muddy bottom, and he knew that he could drive a wagon to the timber, but it was a distance of 40 miles, where there was little or no water. Brothers Lark and James T. S. Allred testified to the truth of Brother Covert's report; Prest. Bringhurst said that he desired those having boys to take care of them, or he would, for he was tired of telling parents to keep their children from fooling and wrestling with the Indians. Meeting closed by prayer.

            Meeting again convened at 3 p. m. After singing and prayer, Prest. Bringhurst gave a lengthy discourse upon the providence of God towards

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the Saints from the time they left the State of Missouri. He felt well satisfied with the discoveries of the brethren and intended to inform Prest. Young forthwith. The brethren enjoyed a good flow of spirit, and seemed to realize the responsibility of their mission and were desirous to fulfill the same with honor. The Sacrament was administered and meeting closed by prayer.

            Monday, Sept. 15. In the evening, Prest. Bringhurst accompanied by nine or ten of the brethren went to the Indians' camp. The Indians were dancing, singing, and maneuvering. After stopping with them 2 hours Prest. Bringhurst called them together. Brother Wm. S. Covert started the hymn "O stop and tell me red man," after which Chief Patsearump offered a good sensible prayer. After receiving some pine nuts from the Indians the brethren returned to their homes.

            Tuesday, Sept. 16. Tashearrum and Patsearump gathered some of the neighboring tribes of Indians together at Las Vegas fort, where they sang, danced, and preached, after which Brother James T. S. Allred gathered squashes, corn, and melons from the brethren to give to the Indians. Prest. Bringhurst called them together and Brother Allred preached to them. The mail arrived from California, John Hunt carrier.

            Wednesday, Sept. 17. Early in the morning, Nathaniel V. Jones and some others of the brethren arrived from the lead mines. Brother Jones told Prest. Bringhurst that he wanted two more men, one to remain in the mines and the other to go to Cedar City for some flour. * * * * Brother Jones then started to Great Salt Lake City for casting to melt the lead, as he said he had proven there was no material in the country with which he could build a furnace. For that reason, James Williams and the teams which

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Prest. Young had sent for the lead, returned empty.

            Friday, Sept. 19. At 9 o'clock Prest. Bringhurst called the brethren together to decide who were willing to carry out his counsel and be men whom he could depend upon to operate with him in the camp. * * * * * He gave all the brethren a chance to speak their feelings. Brother Wm. S. Covert said that men were not so blind but what they knew that their mission was to the Lamanites. However, some of the men were disappointed in the place, not finding plenty of good soil and water. * * * * * Prest. Bringhurst then called for a vote from all those who did not consider themselves missionaries to Las Vegas and were not willing to carry out all the counsels of the presidency in that place. Jacob L. Workman, Edson Barney, and Samuel Thompson gave in their names as being against Prest. Bringhurst.

            Sunday, Sept. 21. Brother John Steele, Albert Knapp, Jacob L. Workman, Joseph Steward, and Amasa E. Merriam started for Great Salt Lake City. Meeting was held at 10 a. m. After singing and prayer, Brother William W. Riley delivered a good discourse. Prest. Bringhurst spoke upon the condition of the Indians and said he wanted the brethren to labor, for them the coming week. He and Brother Allred were going to preach to them in the afternoon, and also lay off an adobe yard for them. It was moved and seconded that Brother Alexander A. Lemon teach school for the missionaries' children, as well as for the Indians. It was moved and seconded that Brother  Henderson act as superintendent of public schools in Geo. W. Bean's absence; also that Joseph Milam be cut off from the mission for failing to return from California as he promised. * * * *         Meeting was held again

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at 3 p. m. Prest. Wm. S. Covert took charge and all the brethren present enjoyed a good spirit and spoke by the power of God.

            Monday, Sept. 22. All the brethren worked on public works, cleaning out the fort, repairing a bridge for the cattle to cross on, hanging the north gate, and fixing a door in the south-east bastian. The mail arrived from Great Salt Lake City bringing letters for most of the brethren from their families and friends.

            Tuesday, Sept. 23. The mail left for California. John W. Turner and Elijah K. Fuller started for Great Salt Lake City. Amasa M. Lyman arrived at Las Vegas in the evening, with a small company, on their way to "the land of pleasant dreams."

            Wednesday, Sept. 24. Brother Amasa M. Lyman of the quorum of the Twelve, delivered a good discourse upon the general interest of the kingdom of God upon the earth.

            Thursday, Sept. 25. Brother Amasa M. Lyman and company started for California. The Indians were making great havoc in the fields.

            Saturday, Sept. 27: Brothers Almon L. Fullmer, Edson Barney, Philander Colton and Andrew Cahoon left Las Vegas for Great Salt Lake City.

            Sunday, Sept. 28. Two of the Indian boys drove off an ox. Prest. Bringhurst was informed of it by another Indian and accompanied by Bros. Edward Cuthbert and James Bean started after the boys. They overtook the ox within 4 miles and drove it back all right. Meeting was held at 10 a. m. After singing and prayer, Brother Wm. S. Covert spoke upon the power and influence that spirits had over human beings and exhorted the brethren to pray and be humble before God. Several of the brethren testified to the

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goodness of God toward them. Brother James T. S. Allred's infant was blessed by Brothers Wm.

S. Covert, Wm. Bringhurst, and its father. Benedition by Brother Wm. Hawk. Meeting was again held at 3 p. m. After singing and prayer, Brothers Edward Cuthbert and Wm. Bringhurst preached upon the providence of God being over the brethren, etc. During the night the Indians killed a calf belonging to Prest. Bringhurst.

            Monday, Sept. 29. Brothers Jas. T. S. Allred and Prest. Wm. Bringhurst preached to the Indians. Brother Henderson called out a few of the brethren to do a little work for the public.

            Tuesday, Sept. 30. In the evening Brothers Edward Cuthbert and Wm. W. Riley, the school directors, called a meeting to decide what should be paid the school teacher a quarter. Brother Riley thought that $3 a quarter for scholars would be about right. Brother Alexander A. Lemon felt satisfied with it, but said he would like a door put in the bastian. Brother James T. S. Allred motioned that the school directors have the entire management of all things pertaining to the school, independent of the people, and that the school directors have power to levy a tax on the people for the erection of a school house in the fort. It was carried unanimously. Meeting closed by prayer.

            Thursday, Oct. 2. The Indians killed a fine heifer calf belonging to Brother Wm. S. Covert.

            Sunday, Oct. 5. Meeting was held at 10 a. m. Prest. Bringhurst spoke upon the object of their mission and read a letter from Prest. Brigham Young, dated November, 1855, which forbade the beating or shooting of the Indians. Some of the brethren spoke of their determination to fulfill every duty pertaining to the mission to the best

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of their ability. Benediction by Brother Wm. Hawk. Meeting was held at 3 p. m. After singing and prayer, Brother Wm. S. Covert delivered a discourse upon the principle of obedience. Prest. Bringhurst said he wished Brother Henderson to take all the men not engaged at other public business on the following day and open some of the springs around the head springs of Las Vegas. Meeting was closed by Brother Riley. About 11 o'clock at night, Teshearrum, Patsearump and some other Indians arrived at the camp and informed the brethren that an Indian from the Iat country had driven off and killed a black ox belonging to Captain Bringhurst. After reasoning some 2 or 3 hours with the Indians upon what would be the result of their committing so many depredations upon the brethren's cattle, James T. S. Allred went with the Indians to the place where the ox had been killed. They found some of the meat which was given to the Indians,

            Monday, Oct. 6. All of the brethren worked on public works, digging up at the head of the Vegas Springs, in order to turn more water into the main channel.

            Thursday, Oct. 9. It was very windy. Most of the men in camp went with Brother Wm. P. Jones, Jr. to finish a ditch made by Almon L. Fullmer which would take the water on to the Pueblo.

            Sunday, Oct. 12. Meeting was held at 10 a. m. Most of the brethren expressed their feelings in regard to their mission, Prest. Bringhurst closed by prayer. Meeting was also held at 3 p. m. Brother Wm. S. Covert preached upon the first principles of the Gospel. The Sacrament was administered and meeting was closed by prayer.

            Tuesday, Oct. 14. All of the brethren went with Brother Henderson to turn the water in the

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old channel for the purpose of putting out the fire in the Pueblo.

            Friday, Oct. 17. Amasa E. Merriam arrived at Las Vegas with flour for the company at the lead mines ; also nine wagons on their way to California.

            Saturday, Oct. 18. The mail arrived from California, bringing some few papers for Las Vegas. The weather was very windy and cold and the frost killed many squashes, beans, and melon vines.

            Sunday, Oct. 19. The mail left for Great Salt Lake City. Meeting was held at the usual hour in Brother Wm. S. Covert's house. Brother Wm. W. Riley preached upon the devilish power and influence that had been used by some men from the rise of the Church until the present, and warned men and women to keep the commandments of God. Meeting closed by prayer. Meeting convened again at 3 p. m. Brother Wm. Hawk spoke upon the power of the Priesthood. Prest. Bringhurst endorsed Brother Hawk's remarks, and said that there were some young men and boys in the camp who were continually trifling and fooling with the Indians. This, he knew, would sooner or later bring bloodshed upon the people, if it were not stopped. * * * * He wished the brethren to magnify their callings and wherever they saw the boys trifling with the Indians to stop them even if they had to break their necks. Brother Henderson said he wished all the brethren to turn out on public work. Brother Covert dismissed the meeting by prayer.

            Monday, Oct. 20. Most of the brethren were at work on the public works, repairing the corral, stock yard, and making a gate for the corral. Mr. A. M. Carter arrived late at night with the

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mail from Great Salt Lake City. He brought but few letters and papers for Las Vegas.

            Thursday, Oct. 23. The Indians made a general break in the field to gather the stuff which had not been gathered in by the brethren. James T. S. Allred and Wm. P. Jones tried to get them out for a short time, but accomplished little. Three wagons and several families arrived at Las Vegas on their way to California. In the evening Prest. Bringhurst called a meeting to decide what amount of flour would be needed to sustain the families, who were very near out, until harvest time. It was decided that it would take from four to five thousand pounds. Prest. Bringhurst then motioned that a few men, who knew how to use carpenter's tools, be chosen to go to California and work for the flour, while the rest of the brethren did their work. Prest. Bringhurst warned the brethren to be faithful in guarding the cattle, as the devil was trying to work through the Indians in every possible way for their overthrow. Brother Wm. S. Covert closed the meeting by prayer.

            Saturday, Oct. 25. Brothers Augustus Farnham, Josiah W. Fleming and others from the Australian Mission arrived at Las Vegas.

            Sunday, Oct. 26. Meeting was held at the usual hour. Brother Augustus Farnham, late president of the Australian Mission, told a few of his missionary experiences and Brother Josiah W. Fleming also spoke upon the progress of the work in that land. Prest. Bringhurst closed the meeting by prayer. Meeting was commenced at 7 o'clock. Brother James Graham and Robert Skelton of the Australian Mission spoke. After meeting Brothers Farnham and Fleming sang two hymns, after which Brother William P.

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Vance sang a song which he had composed upon the Las Vegas Mission. Brother Wm. P. Jones also sang the Deseret Song, composed by Wm. W. Willis of the East India Mission. Brother Graham also sang a piece he had composed on his mission to Australia.

            Monday, Oct. 27. Brothers Augustus Farnham, Josiah W. Fleming and company left Las Vegas about 3 o'clock for their homes. Brother Henderson and some of the brethren worked on public work, repairing the corral and stock yard.

            Friday, Oct. 31. A small company of emigrants arrived at Las Vegas on their way to California.

            Saturday, Nov. 1. The California emigrants left Las Vegas. Many strange Indians from the Muddy and other places arrived in camp. Some of them were very saucy and mean. Prest. Bringhurst kicked a Muddy Indian from his house out of the fort for stealing bread and other things.

            Sunday, Nov. 2. Meeting commenced at the usual hour. After singing and prayer, Brothers William P. Jones, William S. Covert, George Mayer, and others spoke. Prest. Bringhurst said it was as easy to preach the spirit of God out of a man as it was to preach it into him. Wished the brethren to govern the spirit in them so as not to preach the brethren and sisters to sleep, etc. Prest. Bringhurst closed the meeting by prayer. Meeting was again held at 7 p. m. After singing and prayer, Prest. Bringhurst spoke upon the extent of most of the men's minds who had left Las Vegas and proved that they had no regard to the gathering of Israel, or improving their minds, but were influenced by a selfish spirit that caused them to back out from the mission. Prest. Bringhurst called upon Brothers Henderson and George Mayer to go after the emigrants

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then at the springs and charge them $17 for damages which they had done on the mesquite fence, taking fodder, etc. Meeting closed after prayer by Brother Wm. S. Covert.

            Tuesday, Nov. 4. Brothers Henderson, Covert, and Mayer worked on the corral gate in the morning.

            Thursday, Nov. 6. Brothers Wm. W. Riley and Edward Cuthbert called a meeting to inform the brethren in what way they had thought to raise means for the building of a house of worship. Brother Cuthbert said that they thought of building the house for worship 18 by 26 outside, and considered that $1000 properly managed would put it up. Brother Riley then said that they had thought of levying a poll tax of $20 to each man, and also put a tax on $6 on each garden and city lot. Brothers James T. S. Allred, William Vance, and Samuel Thompson said they were opposed to having a tax made in any such way. Brother Allred believed it would be quite right to tax every man's property, but did not believe in the doctrine of making the poor man pay the same as the man who had property; Brothers Vance and Thompson were of the same opinion. Prest. Bringhurst considered it was perfectly right for men whose interest should be the same, to bear their part in all public matters, and instead of making it easier on single men, a little more should be put on them, as also on the men who had left the camp, for the single man had only himself to keep and the men who had left the mission without cause, should pay equal with the other brethren. Brother Wm. P. Jones and others spoke along the same line. It was motioned by Brother Vance that Brother Riley and Cuthbert be sustained in their present

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arrangements. Seconded by Brother Bringhurst and carried unanimously. Meeting was closed by prayer.

            Sunday, Nov. 9. Meeting commenced at the usual hour. The brethren enjoyed a good portion of the spirit of God and spoke by the power thereof. Meeting convened again at 7 o'clock. After singing and prayer, Bro. Vance said that he thought it was the wrong time to put up a meeting house; that they had better fence the field over again and build the house when they had more time. Prest. Bringhurst said a house of worship was needed much more than a fence around the field ; indeed, he did not consider it more than a forenoon's work to make the fence around the field strong enough to turn any animal that might come there. Prest. Wm. S. Covert spoke upon the importance of having a house where they could present themselves before the Lord in a form and a place that He had promised to hear and answer His Saints. The Sacrament was administered and Brother Riley closed the meeting by prayer. After meeting Brothers Riley and Cuthbert called upon the brethren to stay and hear what arrangements they had for the erection of the house of worship. Brother Riley said they thought of putting a tax of $38 on each man in the mission, all being agreed that were present. Brother Riley wished to know who would draw the stone, as he wanted it forthwith. Prest. Bringhurst then agreed to commence in the morning to draw stone. Brother Hawk said that he would pay his $38 in the morning in adobies and rock.

            Monday, Nov. 10. Prest. Bringhurst drew two loads of rock for the house of worship to be laid

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in the center of the fort; Brother Hawk drew two loads of rock.

            Tuesday, Nov. 11. Prest. Bringhurst, with two yoke of oxen and one wagon, drew rock all day for the house of worship.

            Wednesday, Nov. 12. Brother Elijah K. Fuller arrived in company with one emigrant on his way to California. He informed Prest. Bringhurst that Prest. Young had released all the brethren from the mission who were back in the settlements, in consequence of this place, Las Vegas, not being able to sustain more than three or four men.

            Thursday, Nov. 13. Robert and George Read dug the foundation for the house of worship. Lorin Babbitt, with a small company, arrived at Las Vegas on their way to California.

            Sunday, Nov. 16. Meeting commenced at the usual hour. After singing and prayer, Brother Elijah K. Fuller and William S. Covert preached upon the necessity of a reformation among the Saints. Brother Covert also testified that the course that Prest. Bringhurst had taken in the mission had always, been for the best interest of the people in the camp and also the Lamanites unto whom they were sent. Prest. Bringhurst said it was far from his desire that any man should be sorry for him, for he was not the least sorry for himself, and he further knew, by the spirit of revelation, that the course he had taken was approved of by God. Brother Wm. W. Riley closed the meeting by prayer. Meeting commenced at 7 o'clock. Brother Riley gave a lengthy discourse upon the power unclean spirits had over the minds of men on the earth, and he felt like cursing the men who had lied about Brother Bringhurst and reported lies about Las Vegas

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fort. William S. Covert and William P. Jones spoke upon the same subject. Prest. Bringhurst said he was for Israel, and he wished that those mean fellows who were writing lies to the city and were afraid to show their faces inside the house, should never stand and see the red brethren kicked and cuffed around by some white men who were not to be put on a level with them. Brother George Mayer closed the meeting by prayer.

            Monday, Nov. 17. William P. Jones, William S. Covert, and William W. Riley laid rock for the foundation of the house of worship. The mail arrived from California, with Mr. Carter. Brother John T. Caine from the Sandwich Islands also arrived at the camp on his way home.

            Tuesday, Nov. 18. Brothers Wm. P. Jones, Wm. S. Covert, and Wm. W. Riley finished laying the rock for the house of worship and commenced laying the adobes. Brother Wm. P. Vance drew one load of rock with his own cattle and one yoke of Brother Bringhurst's. Brothers George Mayer and Alexander A. Lemon drew adobes from Brother Edward Cuthbert's. The mail left for the city.

            Wednesday, Nov. 19. Brothers Jones, Riley, Covert, Allred, and Lemon worked on the house of worship in the morning. The weather being very rough, they were not able to work in the afternoon, and with Brother Covert drew one load of adobes. James T. S. Allred called a meeting at 7 o'clock in the evening to inquire what the brethren were willing to do for the Indians in the way of farming. After singing and prayer, Brother Allred desired to know how much wheat the brethren could furnish for seed for the Indians, upon which 4 1/2 bushels were volun-

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teered. Brother James T. S. Allred then wished to know who would put it in the ground for them. The different brethren then volunteered to break 16 acres of land for them and put it in. Brother William Moss closed the meeting by prayer.

            Thursday, Nov. 20. The mail arrived from Great Salt Lake City bringing but few papers and letters for Las Vegas.

            Friday, Nov. 21. The mail left Las Vegas for California.

            Sunday, Nov. 23. Meeting commenced at the usual hour. After singing and prayer, Prest. Bringhurst made a few remarks respecting the condition of the Lamanites, the advancement they had made in the short time that the brethren had been with them, and warned the brethren to magnify the office and calling placed upon them as men of God, etc. Brother Wm. S. Covert said he knew what had been said was spoken by the power of God and continued to speak on the subject of order. After a few remarks by Brother Wm. P. Jones, Brother. Edward Cuthbert closed the meeting by prayer.

            Meeting commenced again at 7 o'clock, Brothers Wm. W. Riley and Elijah K. Fuller spoke upon the redemption of Israel and the power of opposition which the men of God meet with while in the faithful discharge of their duty, exposing the wickedness of the people. Prest. Bringhurst motioned that Brother Riley have the privilege of going to Cedar City to work for provisions, and, if he thought proper, to take his family. Brother Riley motioned that Brothers Covert, Jones, Allred, and Henderson have the privilege to go and work for some provisions, and that they take their families with them, if they consider it

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wisdom. The Sacrament was administered and meeting was closed by prayer.

            Tuesday, Nov. 25. It rained all day and most of the night.

            Sunday, Nov. 30. Meeting was held at 10 a. m. After singing and prayer, Brother Wm. Vance made a few remarks pertaining to their present condition as missionaries in Israel and hoped there would be an increase of union in their midst. Prest. Bringhurst spoke of men writing lies to Prest. Young, their mean design, etc. Spoke of the Lamanites as a people and proved they could only be controlled and brought to a knowledge of civilized life by faithfulness, humility, and prayer before the Lord. Brother Wm. S. Covert made a few remarks on the same subject. Bro. Wm. P. Jones closed the meeting by prayer. Meeting commenced at 7 o'clock. After singing and prayer, Brother Edward Cuthbert said he was well satisfied with the course which Prest. Bringhurst had taken at Las Vegas and he believed the place would sustain all the men that had ever been appointed there. * *           *

            Thursday, Dec. 4. Nathaniel V. Jones arrived with a small company to operate the lead mines. Jones also brought a letter to Samuel Thompson from Prest. Young authorizing him to take the presidency of the Las Vegas Mission in place of Wm. Bringhurst. Jones also delivered a letter to Wm. Bringhurst, stating the reasons why he was dropped from the mission and disfellowshipped from the Church, with special orders to deliver up to said Thompson all papers, documents, etc., belonging to said mission.

            Friday, Dec. 5. Prest. Samuel Thompson called a meeting in the afternoon of all the brethren (Bishop Nathaniel V. Jones and some

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of his company being present) to ascertain whether the people were willing to sustain him as their president of the mission. It was motioned and seconded that Brother Thompson be sustained as president. The vote was unanimous with the exception of four, viz., William Bringhurst, William S. Covert, William W. Riley, and William P. Jones. * * * * Prest. Thompson stated that one object of the present meeting was to ascertain the situation of the brethren in relation to provisions. It was learned that there was sufficient to sustain enough of the brethren to keep up the mission until more breadstuff could be obtained from California. The letter from Prest. Young to Prest. Wm. Bringhurst, removing him from office, was read in the meeting. The business being finished, meeting was dismissed by Elder William Moss.

            Saturday, Dec. 6. Capt. Nathaniel V. Jones and company left Las Vegas for the lead mines.

            Sunday, Dec. 7. Meeting was held in the morning. The opening prayer was offered by Elder Wm. Hawk and Elder Thomas Hall delivered a good Gospel discourse. Prest. Thompson and some of the brethren made a few remarks and the meeting was dismissed by William Moss. The evening meeting was opened by singing and prayer by Elder Alexander A. Lemon. The business of the meeting was presented by Prest. Thompson to ascertain how many and who shall go to California for provisions. It was decided that Brothers William Hawk and son, James T. S. Allred, Miles Anderson and son, and Almon W. Thompson start with four wagons as soon as they could get ready, and that the remainder of the brethren fix up the corral for the cattle on the following day. Meeting was dismissed by Prest. Thompson.

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            Monday, Dec. 8. The brethren worked on the corral, etc.

            Tuesday, Dec. 9. The brethren finished placing the mesquite brush around the corral.         Thursday, Dec. 11. The brethren started to California for provisions.

            Saturday, Dec. 13. Brothers Wm. Bringhurst and Elijah, K. Fuller started for California.      Sunday, Dec. 14. The morning meeting was opened by singing and prayer. Prest. Samuel Thompson made a few remarks and was followed by some of the other brethren. A hymn was sung and meeting was dismissed by Elder George Mayer. The evening meeting was opened by singing and prayer by Brother Benjamin R. Hulse. Several of the brethren spoke and arrangements were made to build a guard house in the cattle corral. Meeting was closed by singing and benediction by Wm. Moss. A meeting was also held with the Indians.

            Monday, Dec. 15. The brethren hauled rock and adobes for the guard house.

            Tuesday, Dec. 16. The brethren were building the guard house. The California mail arrived in the afternoon.

            Wednesday, Dec. 17. The brethren were busy writing letters in the morning and building the guard house in the afternoon. * * * * * It had been contemplated by the previous authorities to build a school house. Two trustees were appointed, viz., William W. Riley and Edward Cuthbert. They were to direct the ways and means for erecting the house, etc. They accordingly assessed a poll tax of $38 on all the men in camp and on those who had gone back. This measure was opposed by some of the brethren, who argued that it should be built by a property

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tax, but the course of the president and trustees was finally adopted and agreed to by most of the brethren present: A subsequent meeting was held and arrangements were made to commence the house. Just previous to this, however, Elijah K. Fuller arrived from Great Salt Lake City and circulated the report that Prest. Bringhurst was removed from office and that Samuel Thompson would succeed him. This all the brethren expected. The Thompson party was entirely opposed to the policy of building such a house as the one contemplated in their weak and unprepared circumstances. An elaborate discourse was delivered at that meeting, by one of the brethren, in favor of dropping the idea of erecting such a building at that time, but all to no purpose. The authorities and William W. Riley, trustee, were bent on pushing the house, asserting that it would be a much stronger safeguard against their foes than anything else, as the upper part of the house was designed to be used as a prayer circle room for spiritual instruction and to give the natives their endowments, etc. Bishop Nathaniel V. Jones being expected in a few days, and it being known that he would bring documents from Prest. Young authorizing the removal of Wm. Bringhurst, and the appointment of Samuel Thompson to the presidency, the authorities and Brother Riley seemed to push the building as fast as possible, and succeeded in completing the foundation with the addition of about three feet of adobes all around, when the brethren began to manifest reluctance in performing their labors, which they had so little faith in being sustained and being of any use. Hence, the party finally concluded to give it up for the time being at any rate. Bishop Jones soon arrived, the results of which have been stated. * * * * * * The Cali-

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fornia mail and four or five travelers were present, also several Indians.

            Thursday, Dec. 18. The California mail started. Edward Cuthbert and Almon L. Fullmer's family went with the mail. Heaps and family with some others arrived from Cedar City. They reported the snow to be 18 inches deep at Mountain Meadow. On this day the brethren covered the guard house.

            Friday, Dec. 19. Heaps and company left Las Vegas for California. The winter this year was cooler than the preceding one. The nights were pretty cold, ice freezing 11/2 inches thick on standing water. There had been very little snow and occasionally a light shower of rain.

            Wednesday, Dec. 24. Brother Jim Hunt arrived with the Great Salt Lake mail about 10 p. m. It being Christmas Eve a report was fired from the anvil cannon and also a few pistol shots.

            Thursday, Dec. 25. Brothers Samuel Thompson and Sylvester Hulet started to the lead mines to see the brethren. They found them in pretty good spirits. They had commenced smelting in their new furnaces, but found the metal very hard to smelt.

            Sunday, Dec. 28. Meeting was held. The brethren returned from the lead mines late in the evening. The Indians were still peaceable.

            Monday, Dec. 29. Quite a nice shower of rain fell at night. Nothing of importance took place during the following few days. Some of the brethren labored occasionally on their land and houses. The weather was damp and cloudy and once in a while a windy day occurred.

1857

            Sunday, Jan. 4. After meeting, Prest. Samuel Thompson and some others visited some of the

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Piute wickiups. Shenents, one of the Indians, was quite sick. The brethren took him some bread and administered to him. The natives seemed to subsist on almost nothing. At that season they lived chiefly on a sweet substance they gathered toward the mountains, which they called chump. They begged considerably, but the brethren had little or nothing to spare them. Many of the Indians stayed about the mountains subsisting on chump, and many others went across the Colorado River and lived on the kindness and friendship of the Iats who had plenty of squashes and other things. They went into the Las Vegas camp occasionally, stayed awhile and then returned to their homes. The Indian boys drove an ox from the herd and killed a steer of Elijah K. Fuller's.

            Elder Samuel F. Atwood wrote the following :

"Las Vegas Lead Mines,

Jan. 4, 1857.

Elder Wilford Woodruff.

            Dear Brother:- Brother Nathaniel V. Jones and company (of which I was one) left the city on the 31st of Nov., 1856, after having been detained 4 days, after everything else was ready, hunting for a lost mule. Brother Jones had 3 mule teams, one wagon with 2 mules and the other two with four, which were loaded with supplies, a horse-power bellows, furnace, hearths, etc., for the lead diggings. We camped in the settlements as far as we could. The weather was cold and some of the time stormy, which retarded our speed in traveling and being detained three days at Parowan for the arrival of Brothers James Williams from Cedar City and Lorenzo W. Roundy from Harmony, we did not arrive at Cedar City until the 14th of November. I will

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here say that the reformation has spread more or less in all of the different settlements ; baptism has been administered to the Saints in many of them and repentance and reformation has been and is being preached to all, which is listened to with good attention by many and treasured up by some to profit thereby. A surplus of provisions has been raised in most of the settlements and some improvements have been made in the different cities and in the farming operations by some, while others seem to be willing to live in old log huts, apparently indifferent as to whether Zion is built up or not. In this place (Cedar City) there has been some building and other improvements made, far more in the old city than on the new plat located by Prest. Young in the spring of 1855. There is but one house being built on it worthy of note. It was up to the square when I was there and the masons were at work on it. The upright part is 27 feet by 16 feet, 1 1/2 story high with a one-story for back rooms, the whole intended for an ell to the main building when erected. It is built of Flemish brand of burned bricks, the stretchers are red and the headers white, which, with the white cut stone windows and door caps and sills, forms a beautiful front. Brother Westley Willis is building this house, and, when finished as he intends to do, it would be an ornament to any city. There are but three other houses on the whole plat; one a small adobe, one a log, and a hole in the ground.

            We left Cedar City on the 16th of November, with Brothers Roundy and Williams with us, making nine in all in the company. Their loading was flour and oats. We traveled to Warm Springs or Little Painter Creek, about 120 miles from Cedar. Here we camped and allowed the animals

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to run loose over night. The next morning three of them were missing. The brethren hunted for them for three days, without finding them and had to come to the conclusion that they had returned to Cedar City and Brother Jones had just sent two men back to hunt them, when they came into camp of their own accord. Another man was soon dispatched to bring the other two men back. They did not return until the next evening, which made 4 days that we were detained at this place.

            We started on our journey again on the 21st  and passed through Painter Creek Valley (Pinto). Here Brother Rufus C. Allen with some of the Indian missionaries have commenced to make a new settlement and intend to finish the fort next season. The valley is a small one and the land and water is not sufficient to sustain but a few families. The range is good and extensive. We had a heavy snow on us the first night we camped on the Santa Clara, which lasted for two nights and one day. The snow was from 4 to 8 inches deep on the divide between Santa Clara and Rio Virgen, which is an uncommon thing to be seen at any season of the year. At this divide we commenced traveling over a desolate country which might truthfully be called the desert. We had unusually cold weather while traveling down the Virgen and the sand being wet and sometimes frozen, caused the wagons to roll very heavy, which made it hard on the teams, and, the feed being poor, we were obliged to let the animals run loose at night; and although there was a guard through the darkness of the nights, they would manage to get away nearly every night and sometimes would be found ten miles back on the road and always as far that way as they could get. We arrived at the Muddy on the 2nd

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of December, the place that has been represented as a good place for a settlement, but for the life of me I could not see nor imagine where the land either for plowing, meadow, or range could be found ; neither wood nor timber. We saw more Indians at this place than at any other on the road and they appeared to be quite friendly. We started across the desert on the 3rd and arrived at Las Vegas (called by some at that place Lost Bagus, which is a very appropriate name for it) on the 4th. While here I learned that there were divisions, contentions, and dissatisfactions among the brethren and nearly everyone was on the point of leaving, some to the north and some to California, but when Brother Jones showed them the letters from Prest. Young which dropped Brother Bringhurst from the presidency at this place and placing Brother Samuel Thompson in his place, there was quite a change, which I hope will be for the better. There is not farming land enough to sustain more than 10 families and they would have to farm on a small scale, as the range is very poor. Snow fell about one inch deep here a few days before we arrived, a thing never known before by the oldest inhabitants. We arrived at the diggings on the 8th, which is in a high range of mountains about 30 miles from Las Vegas in a south-west course. Brother Jones immediately after our arrival commenced to make the necessary preparations to commence to smelt out the lead.

Jan. 10, 1857.

Everything was ready and the smelting was commenced on the 25th of December and by diligence and hard labor we have run out about nine thousand pounds. The mineral yields from 20 to 30 per cent., proving to be of a much poorer

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quality than was expected to be when seen in the lead on the mountain. There is found in it after the outside is taken off, much dry bone, black jack, and sulphur, which burns up much of the lead in smelting, which makes the mineral yield much less than was estimated it would do by any that saw it, even old miners and smelters, so that Brother Jones was not alone in over-estimating it. My health is very good and the most of the hands enjoy the same. Some two or three are unwell with a cold. Brother Jones enjoys very good health and is determined to obtain the amount of lead required, if possible.

            Yours, Samuel F. Atwood."

            Wednesday, Jan. 7. Brothers Wm. S. Covert and Wm. R. Riley started a couple of Indians to hunt for gold. Brother Hulet's colt was driven off at the same time in that direction and killed. The Indians told the brethren that it was the same Indians who did it.

            Friday, Jan. 9. Quite a reeling of the earth took place at 9 o'clock a. m. It lasted 1 1/2 minutes.

            Saturday, Jan. 10. David Savage and Brother Wells of California arrived in Las Vegas from the north.

            Sunday, Jan. 11. No meeting was held.

            Monday, Jan. 12. Brother Savage and company left for California. After dusk Brother Samuel Turnbow, Father Peart, Brother Roundy, James Williams, and James Bean arrived at Las Vegas with their loads of lead from the mines on their way to Great Salt Lake.

            Tuesday, Jan. 13. The above-named company left at an early hour.

            Thursday, Jan. 15. Alexander A. Lemon with

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two other brethren started with a load of provisions, etc., to the lead mines. A company of three men arrived from California on their way to Great Salt Lake. They had one wagon and five horses with them.

            Sunday, Jan. 18. The California mail arrived at Las Vegas, stopped an hour or so and started on in company with the three circus or show men who had laid by a few days, waiting for the mail. A meeting was held in the afternoon.

            Saturday, Jan. 24. Several of the brethren, with three teams, turned out and put in some more wheat for the Indians.

            Sunday, Jan. 25. Meeting was held in the evening. The Great Salt Lake mail arrived bringing but few letters and some papers.

            Monday, Jan. 26. The same brethren and teams put in some more wheat for the Indians, making in all 12 or 15 acres, which had been put in for them that season. The Indians seemed well pleased with the idea of the brethren farming for and with them. They were anxious to raise their provisions instead of hunting, etc. They were very poor and hungry at that time. In the evening a meeting was called when Prest. Brigham Young's letter to Prest. Samuel Thompson was read. It spoke of the cases of Wm. S. Covert and Wm. R. Riley, giving liberty to Prest. Thompson to receive Wm. S. Covert into the Church in full fellowship, provided his conduct merited it, and he desired it. Prest. Young also encouraged the brethren to persevere in the great objects of their mission, which revived the spirits of the brethren very much, as most all were foolishly beginning to contemplate a speedy breaking up of the mission and removal therefrom.

            Tuesday, Jan. 27. According to previous

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agreement, the brethren commenced building up the unfinished fort wall, Brother William P. Jones superintending the work.

            Wednesday, Jan. 28. The brethren worked on the fort wall again. Late in the afternoon Captain Nathaniel V. Jones 'with all his company arrived at Las Vegas from the lead mines, having abandoned that place.

            Thursday, Jan. 29. Some of the brethren were getting up wood. Jones' company were resting, recruiting, etc. The weather was remarkably pleasant—very similar to April weather in Great Salt Lake Valley.

            Friday, Jan. 30. Capt. Nath. V. Jones and most of his men, with 'one wagon, started to locate lead, north-west of Las Vegas, some 25 or 30 miles. He left his wife and three or four of his men in charge of his stuff and animals at the fort. The brethren continued their labors on the fort wall.

            Saturday, Jan. 31. The brethren still continued to work on the fort wall.

            Sunday, Feb. 1. A good meeting was held in the morning. * * * *

            Monday, Feb. 2. The brethren were still at work on the fort wall. Brothers Wm. S. Covert and Wm. W. Riley started about noon for the Great Salt Lake Valley. An arrow was shot through a calf in the corral at night.

            Tuesday, Feb. 3. The brethren continued to work on the fort wall.

            Wednesday, Feb. 4. The brethren completed the erection of the fort wall to 10 feet high all around, which looked much more secure and had lessened the adobe yard of its remaining useless contents to a considerable extent. The stock and cattle were corralled in the fort for the first time

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this night. Brother Nathaniel V. Jones and company returned to the fort at dusk, having found no encouragement to locate their operations at that point. They contemplated an abandonment of the whole business in that region for the present.

            Thursday, Feb. 5. It was a windy and disagreeable day. The weather generally had been pleasant for several weeks. After the arrival of Jones' company nothing of consequence was done in camp, with the exception of fixing up wagons and preparing to leave en masse. However, Prest. Samuel Thompson resolved not to go until he should receive more word from Prest. Young.

            Friday, Feb. 13. A Brother Crane with his family and two of the company from Cedar City, arrived at Las Vegas. A company had been sent on by the president to assist Jones with provisions, but had turned back on receipt of Capt. Jones' letter sent by three of his men, who met said company on the Rio Virgen. This deprived the brethren of much needed assistance.

            Sunday, Feb. 15. No meeting was held on this day. The California mail arrived at night. Brother William Vance being a new hand at the business broke the mail key, but with some difficulty succeeded in obtaining all the mail matter for Las Vegas, which was very little. According to instructions he sent the broken key on to be delivered to the general post office department.

            Monday, Feb. 16. The California mail arrived at Las Vegas.

            Wednesday, Feb. 18. Capt. Nathaniel V. Jones and several others left Las Vegas, with the mail, for Great Salt Lake City. Some time after his return to the headquarters of the Church, Bishop

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Jones (under date of April 16, 1857) reported as follows:

            "About the middle of February, 1856, Prest. Young informed me that I was called upon to go to the vicinity of the Las Vegas for the purpose of exploring that region in search of lead, as there had been some specimens sent to him from that quarter. He desired me to start as soon as I could get ready. Accordingly, I set off from this place (G. S. L. City) on the 15th of April, 1856, with the following letter of instruction from the president:

"President's Office,

Utah Territory, G. S. L. City.

April 14, 1856.

To the Bishops and Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who are beyond Cedar City.

            Beloved Brethren :- You are hereby authorized and required to use all reasonable exertions to furnish the bearer, Bishop Nathaniel V. Jones, with such men, animals, tools, etc., as he may call upon you for, to enable him to safely, diligently, and successfully accomplish the purpose of the mission upon which he is now sent, viz : to search for and examine into the location, quality and quantity of different ores and metals, as specimens of rich lead ore have already been brought to me from that region, and it is highly desirable that we be able to make our lead, copper, etc., at the earliest practicable date.

            Your brother in the gospel,

            Brigham Young."

            The brethren through the southern settlements responded promptly and cheerfully to my calls. At Cedar City, Bishop Philip K. Smith and Elder

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Ira Hatch, Indian interpreter of the Santa Clara Mission, accompanied me, furnishing the necessary means of transportation and provisions for our outfit.

We arrived at Las Vegas on the 6th of May, 1856. After a day or two of rest, we visited the place where the specimens had been obtained that were sent to the President's office. After examining the strata, I came to the conclusion that it would not pay for the working.

            The range bearing the mineral runs north and south, and the mineral lays in a connected horizontal sheet, closely pinched in the rock.

            In our explorations through the country we learned from the Indians that there was a quantity of the same kind of ore about fifty miles south from this place. I hired a guide and set off immediately in search of it. We were safely conducted to the place. The mineral to all appearances was inexhaustible; in quantity, it was several rods wide and varying from one to four feet in thickness; in places it was much brangled through the rock and in others considerably burnt with ochre, though in the aggregate it was an exceedingly flattering prospect.

            This mineral lays from the Vegas south by west, distance 27 miles, and about four miles east from the military road leading to California, and about 25 miles west from the Colorado and is situated high in the tops of the mountains.

The nearest running water is 12 miles, though there is a small mound spring within 1 1/2 miles from the mineral that will do for camp purposes. There is plenty of timber for fuel in the mountains, but no grass for animals.

            After our explorations, we returned to the Vegas. After a day or two of rest, we started

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to explore the country north-west from the Vegas. We penetrated the country about 400 miles in this direction and found it to be one continuous stretch of dry, burnt-up mountains and arid sand plains entirely destitute of vegetation or timber. Not feeling disposed to risk too much in an unexplored region, thereby jeopardizing the lives of men and animals, we thought it advisable to retrace our steps. During the trip we saw nothing worthy of note, except a strata of gold-bearing quartz, about 70 miles north-west from the Vegas. We were gone six days on the trip.

            On the 22nd of May, 1856, we left Las Vegas on our return to Cedar City, and in four days and three hours, we arrived safely at that place; distance 300 miles. After stopping a few days, I resumed my explorations in company with Bishop Tarlton Lewis and his son, in the mountains south of the settlement on. Beaver, where it has been reported there is mineral which proved to be specular, iron ore. From here I turned my course towards this city (G. S. L. City), where I arrived on the 13th of June, after an absence of two days less than two months.

            Immediately on my return, I visited Prest. Young, giving him a full account of the prospects of the lead, etc.

            After a few days I was called upon to take a company and proceed immediately to the working of the mines.

            On the 9th of July I started in company with three others and two four-mule teams, with all the necessary tools for the speedy prosecution of the work.

            We arrived at the Vegas on the 8th of August in good health and spirits. Immediately on my arrival, I sought the first opportunity to com-

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1857

municate my instructions to Brother William Bringhurst, the president of the place, which were not very cordially received by him, and on the day following, it being Sunday, he came out in public against the plan of operation and refused to render me any assistance whatever. It was a matter of regret that such a feeling should have occurred.

            The determined course of Brother Bringhurst was such that I was driven to an extremity, either to depart from my instructions to gratify him, or force my way through, however unpleasant it might be. I accordingly called upon the men that I was instructed to, who cheerfully responded to the call and made the necessary arrangements for provisions and set off for the mines, where we commenced our operations on the 14th of August, 1856.

            The difficulties attending the opening of the mines were considerable. The mineral was situated high in the mountain and the way of access exceedingly difficult for a footman and not at all practicable for pack animals until a trail was constructed.

            During the months of August and September we hired the Piedes (Piutes) to pack down the mineral, for which we fed them during the time they were at work and gave them clothes.

            The material for the furnace, except the adobes, we had to haul about 7 miles and 5 of it we had to make at considerable outlay of labor. About the 10th of September we put the furnace in blast ; we soon found that the material would not stand the fire. The material throughout the country being untried, and not wishing to spend the time experimenting with it, I thought best to go to G. S. L. City, and get up a bellows and con-

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struct a blast furnace which I had every reason to believe would answer the desired purpose.

            The season was far advanced to think of making a trip of nearly 1100 miles, and the time that would necessarily be spent in getting the fixtures. I started back on the 15th of September and arrived in G. S. L. City on the 1st of October, made my report to the president and proceeded forthwith to the getting of the necessary machinery.

            During my stay in the city, the matter between Bro. Bringhurst and myself was brought before the presidency, the result of which was that Brother Bringhurst and council should be suspended from their office and disfellowshipped until satisfaction should be made.

            On the last day of October I started back with all the necessary fixtures for the furnace. After a prolonged and difficult journey I arrived at the mines on the 9th of December.

            During my absence there had been but little done. The work which I left the men was for the most part untouched, and a part of the men were in favor of vacating the premises. Two of them had left, my blacksmith and smelter. I, however, sent for them and fetched them back.

            After much delay we set the furnace running on the 25th of the month during which we constructed a pack trail to the diggings and set the mules to packing the ore to the furnace.

            I soon found that the yield of lead was not so much as I had anticipated. We continued our work until we had smelted all of the coarse ore. We then tried to smelt the fine material. We soon found that it would not pay the board of the hands in its present impure state. By far the greatest portion of the mineral taken from

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1857

the mines is in this state and to smelt it to any profit it will have to be washed, which cannot be done without hauling it about 12 miles over a very rough mountain road and from there the nearest fuel that can be got for the furnace is 7 miles.

            The difficulties attending the working of the mines are very great. All the provisions and forage for animals have to be hauled 230 miles over a very hard, difficult road.

            During the time we were working the mines, our mules had three pints of oats per day without any grass or hay. They lived on their own dung and this scanty allowance for six weeks. There is no grass in the country. We would sometimes send them out to browse the desert weeds and sage and of a night they would eat up rawhide ropes and everything that we could tie them with, except chains.

Besides these difficulties, the Indians threatening us upon every hand. They were stealing from us every chance they could get.

            Most of the Indians in the country had collected at a spring, about 3 hours' travel from us, and were making their calculations to drive off all of our stock and drive us out of the country, or kill us. This they had been talking of doing for some time past, and I had every reason to believe they would put their threats into execution.

            The difficulties attending the working of the mines, together with the hostile feelings of the Indians made me not consider it wisdom to remain longer. Accordingly, on the 26th of January, 1857, we left the mines for the Vegas. When we arrived there we sent for the Indian chiefs and had a long talk with them and made them

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many presents. They appeared to feel better for a few days, but in a few days after, one of the chiefs came into the fort and threatened to come upon us and kill us all.

            We remained here about three weeks. During this time, I visited a prospect of mineral to see if it would pay for working, but found it would not.

            On the 17th of February (perhaps the 18th) we started for the City, where we arrived the 22nd of March, 1857.

            Nathaniel V. Jones."

            Sunday, Feb. 22. Meeting was held in the evening.

            Monday, Feb. 23. The eastern mail arrived at night, bringing a letter from Prest. Young, which gave the brethren liberty to leave the mission, etc. Quite a company came with the mail, including a Mr. Toban who had been shot on the road and was badly wounded. He was apparently recovering.

            Tuesday, Feb. 24. The mail started on its way toward California.

            Wednesday, Feb. 25. Crane and some packers left Las Vegas on their way to California. The two brethren who came with Crane brought 5 yoke of oxen to assist the brethren away from the fort. They all returned with Bishop Jones.

            Friday, Feb. 27. Brother William Vance with two other brethren started to the mines to obtain a cart which had been left there. They found that the Indians had burned the cover off the rock house and also some other rubbish, thus showing no great friendship for the miners.

            Monday, March 2. The brethren returned from the mines, having obtained the cart. All

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1857

were now awaiting the arrival of the brethren from California, who had already very greatly over-stayed the time limit anticipated for them to stay. The weather was still pleasant and dry. The Indians were quite friendly, but very much opposed to the brethren leaving. They were mostly in the mountains gathering and subsisting on chump and nant, etc.

            Thursday, March 12. Elijah K. Fuller and Almon Thompson arrived from California.

            Wednesday, March 18. James T. S. Allred arrived from California.

            Thursday, March 19. The California mail arrived, Edward Hope, carrier. William I. Huntington and others came with it. Howard Egan and four other men passed through. In the evening the brethren met and made arrangements for leaving the mission on the following Monday.

            With the departure of the brethren mentioned in the foregoing, the Latter-day Saint mission on Las Vegas was practically broken up, but a few of the missionaries, determined not to leave the place until they were released in a more formal way, remained and endeavored to do the Indians all the good they could.

            However, the mission was not entirely given up until 1858, when nearly all the distant settlements of the Latter-day Saints were-abandoned on account of the Johnston Army troubles.

            Saturday, Dec. 12. Elder William M. Wall, who returned from a mission to Australia, in December, 1857, in giving an account of his journey over the southern desert, writes: "We traveled on, and nothing of importance occurred until we reached Las Vegas, where we found a few Indians. We fell in with 40 or 50 Indians who seemed friendly, as soon as they found out

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who we were, but they inquired very particularly into our religious tenets. As I could talk rather the best Indian in the crowd, they directed their conversation more particularly to me. I had no difficulty in convincing them that Brothers John Q. Knowlton, Orson Miles, and myself were 'Mormons', but the balance they said might be 'Mormon' papooses (children). There seemed to be but very little 'Mormon' in them, and they showed on their finger nails how much."

1858

            Wednesday, Feb. 17. Early in 1858, Amasa M. Lyman and other brethren traveled from Great Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. William H. Dame, who accompanied Brother Lyman's company from Parowan to Las Vegas, writes:

            "Myself and ten of the brethren went with Brother Lyman as far as the Vegas. There we left five men to smelt some lead; 300 pounds of ore brought 140 pounds of good lead made in a little adobe furnace. Five of us went to Kingston Springs, laid by two days, then Brother Lyman took two men and three animals and saddles and started toward San Bernardino instructing me to return home with the company and wagons."

            Tuesday, June 15. In June, 1858, a difficulty occurred between the U. S. mail party and the Las Vegas Indians. Andrew S. Gibbons gives the following account of the affair in a letter written to Elder George A. Smith :

            "At about 2 o'clock this morning, while I and Brother Sidney R. Burton were asleep in our wagons at Las Vegas, we were awakened by the Indian chief, Patsearump, and a band of his warriors, who asked us if we were their friends; if so, they wanted us to let them go up to the Springs, which is about 3 1/2 miles above the fort,

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1858

and kill the mail party who were encamped there. On asking their reason, the chief said that some one of his party had killed one of his men by giving him poison, and that they were going this morning to take revenge while they were asleep. We told them that if they went, one of us was going with them, for we felt assured that there was no cause for bloodshed. To this the chief objected, saying, that he was afraid we would warn the mail party of their intentions ; and if we were his friends we would let them go and kill them. By this time, Brother Benjamin R. Hulse, the president of the Vegas Mission, joined us and told them that we would not consent for them to go and kill the party, for there was one of the Mormon captains, Brother Ebenezer Hanks, with them, who was a great friend of Brother Brigham and Amasa M. Lyman. They would be very angry if they killed him. After much persuasion, they agreed to wait until the party came down to the fort. On the arrival of the party at the fort, they were surrounded by a band of about 90 warriors, Patsearump, the chief, at their head and seemed determined on fighting. After many savage gestures and much threatening language, we prevailed on the chief to listen to our interpreter, who told him that his man had not been poisoned, but was sick before he came to their camp, and it might be possible that he was still alive. And further proposed that the mail party should stop while some one should go and find the man. After expressing many doubts about the man being alive, the chief consented. Mr. Yaff, one of the mail contractors, asked if there would be any chance to compromise the affair and let the company go on, for his business was urgent and he did not wish to delay. The chief finally proposed that if Brother Hulse, who

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had agreed to go in search of the man, should find him dead, that Mr. Yaff should give him one horse and a blanket. Mr. Yaff agreed, and after having given him the blanket and made arrangements for the horse to be paid in case the man was dead, pursued their course. After the mail party had gone on their journey, and Brother Hulse had gone in search of the missing Indian, five or six of the relatives of the missing Indian, followed intending to kill Brother Hulse, if the Indian was dead. Seeing this move among the Indians caused much uneasiness on our part for the safety of Brother Hulse. Burton proposed to go up to the chief's lodge and see what their feelings were, for we did not like the way the matter had been settled. The chief told him that he was our friend, but had no control over his men, for they did intend having blood for blood, especially the relatives of the missing Indian. During the absence of Brother Burton, I felt gloomy and sad. Consequently, I called on the Lord in fervent prayer, that if it was His will, the way might open so that we might be delivered from the hands of those who desired to shed our blood. I received a testimony for myself that we would find deliverance. We did. Brother Hulse, after traveling some 10 or 12 miles, in the direction in which the lost Indian had been last seen, met him, but in a very bad state of health. Brother Hulse administered to him and he was immediately restored. The Indians, who had followed, now came up and were made to rejoice in the power of God which had been made manifest. All were ready to return to the fort, sending one Indian as a runner ahead to tell the news, which caused a good state of feeling and restored peace and order."

            Friday, Sept. 10. Under date of September

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1858

10, 1858, Jacob Hamblin wrote that the brethren and Indians on Las Vegas had raised forty acres of corn and wheat, but that the mountain Indians had come down and stolen the whole of it. He also stated that some of the brethren from the Muddy and Vegas had been called to labor among the Indians on the Santa Clara, with which mission about fifty missionaries were connected, who were appointed to visit the Moquis, Navajo, Crabs, and other tribes, trying to find out if there were any white children among them belonging to the emigrants who were massacred at the Mountain Meadows. The missionaries were doing this by dictation of Dr. Forney, Superintendent of Indian affairs.

            Sunday, Sept. 26. At a special conference held by the missionaries at Santa Clara on Sunday, Sept. 26th, 1858, it was decided that the Las Vegas and Muddy Mission should be dropped for the time being.

            The missionaries were called in from the Muddy and Las Vegas Missions on account of the thieving disposition of the Indians at those places. Some of the Indians were willing to work, but would steal everything they could get their eyes upon and the chiefs had no control over them.

1861

            Wednesday, April 3. The "Deseret News" of April 3rd, 1861, published the following under the caption "The Las Vegas Silver Mines."

            The mines of silver recently discovered on the Las Vegas directly on or not far from the road to San Bernardino, are attracting considerable attention. They are said to be as rich as those in western Utah, and are supposed to extend from the Colorado in a northwesterly direction to the Washoe range.

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            Several companies have been organized at Marysville and other places in California, and gone thither to make fortunes in the mines. A town has been laid out some 30 miles west of the Colorado River and about the same distance from Las Vegas, called Potosi, where the Colorado Mining Company are engaged in the erection of a smelting furnace for the reduction of the argentiferous galena, of which their mine is composed. The claims of this company are situated about a mile from town, in a steep mountain side, and the lead is said to be of vast size and undoubted richness. Besides this, there are new discoveries being made almost daily demonstrating the existence in the vicinity, of great mineral wealth.

            Mr. Lane, who has a trading post on the Mojave, reports that there are about one hundred miners at Las Vegas. Two trains from Mono Lake passed his place recently loaded with provisions. Flour costs them $8 per cwt., and bacon 40 cents per pound in California, to which, when the expense of hauling was added, would make these articles quite dear at the mines."

(Des. News 11 : 32 ) .

1865

            Sunday, Dec. 24. In December, 1865, Jacob Hamblin and Dr. James M. Whitmore visited the Colorado River, Las Vegas, and Cottonwood Island. Dr. Whitmore reported that but little business was being done at Call's Landing, and also that some few of the Muddy settlers were moving on to California. On this visit, Elders Jacob Hamblin and James M. Whitmore had visited the Indians of Cottonwood Island and also some of Mojaves.

1866

            Friday, Jan. 26. In a letter written by Ira

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Hatch at Eagle Valley (now in Nevada), January 26th, 1866, to James G. Black of St. George, Utah, the following reference concerning Las Vegas is found:

            "From this point (St. Joseph on the Muddy) we traveled out on the California road, a distance of about 50 or 60 miles, to the Las Vegas. Here we learned of some prospect of Indian troubles. We heard that a cow had been stolen from an emigrant train and another had been taken from the Las Vegas. The minds of the people were for punishing the thieves severely.

            On New Year's Day (1866) we started on the road again, camped at the Cottonwood Spring, a distance of 20 miles, seeing a number of my old Indian friends. They still have a friendly feeling for me. From here we journeyed to the old Las Vegas lead mines, leaving the California road about 5 miles to the right. Here I found that an old city which had been deserted two years ago had been built by the miners and was called Potosi ; it had been built since I was here. Much labor had been expended here. We laid by here one day. Some of the party went out prospecting and relocated the mine. I stayed in camp and had a long talk with the Indians concerning their forefathers and the Book of Mormon. When I saw them before I could not convey ideas to them, but now they and I were thankful that we could understand each other. The miners carried away specimens from the mine. * * * *

            I had another talk with more of my old Indian friends. They seemed to realize that the day was near at hand when we should know the Lord. They could see that there was a vast difference between Mormons and Gentiles. The Gentiles were always talking about mines and about

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squaws, and I related to them the difference, and they were very much pleased and said they would come and see me next summer. * * * *

            The next day we traveled 12 miles and camped at Piute Spring. Here we found Asherump, chief of this band. He informed me of an Indian being killed over the mountain at Bitter Springs, and also three Muddy Indians being whipped yesterday at Vegas—whipped with a lasso until the blood ran to the ground. He thought if the American captain did not do something about it there would be more trouble. He said he was going to quit talking to his men. He wanted me to intercede with the Americans for them."

1868

            The Las Vegas ranch in 1868 was offered for sale. The following is a copy of an advertisement inserted in "Our Dixie Times" (a paper published in St. George, Utah), of April 15th, 1868: