__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,

Camp on Ham's Fork, October 19, 1857.

            SIR : I have received by the hands of Lieut. Col. Beatie your letter of the 16th instant. It is not necessary for me to argue the points advanced by you, and I have only to repeat my assurance that no harm would have happened to any citizen of Utah through the instrumentality of the army of the United States, in the performance of its legitimate duties without molestation. My disposition of the troops depend upon grave considerations not necessary to enumerate, and considering your order to leave the Territory illegal and beyond your authority to issue, or power to enforce, I shall not obey it.

            I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant,

E. B. ALEXANDER,

Colonel Commanding, 10th Infantry U. S. A.

His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,

            Governor of Utah Territory.

__________

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,

October 27, 1857.

            SIR : At the request of Mr. Wm. A. Hickman, I take the liberty of stating, from a letter in my possession, signed " Chas. A. Perry," dated Weston, Missouri, that he had appointed Mr. Hickman his agent and attorney for him in this Territory for the collection of debts, &c. As one of the administrators of the late Colonel A. M. Babbitt, (who had acted as agent for Perry,) I was in possession of the papers of Mr. Perry, and refused to deliver them over till more fully authorized. Mr. Hickman has spoken frequently to me of his expecting Mr. Perry out this fall, and of his anxiety to see him in relation to his business ; and doubtless it was to that end that he sent his brothers to your camp with a letter to Mr. Perry.

            I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yours,

W. H. HOOPER.

Colonel ALEXANDER.

__________

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE,

Great Salt Lake City, October 28, 1857.

            SIR : Having learned that Mrs. Mago, with her infant child, wishes to join her husband in your camp, also that Mr. Jesse Jones, who

UTAH EXPEDITION.           55

has been in this city a few weeks, was anxious to see Mr. Roup, it has afforded me pleasure to cause the necessary arrangements to be made for their comfortable and safe conveyance to your care, under the conduct and protection of Messrs. John Harvey, Joseph Sharp, Adam Sharp, and Thomas J. Hickman, the bearers of this communication. Mrs. Mago and her infant are conveyed to your camp, in accordance with my previously often expressed readiness to forward to you such as might wish to go, and is the only resident of that description in Utah, as far as I am informed. Her husband made his first appearance here in the capacity of a teamster for Capt. W. H. Hooper. He was then in very destitute circumstances ; has since been in the employ of the late United States surveyor general of Utah, and I am not aware that he has any property or tie of any description in this Territory, except the wife and child now conveyed to him in your camp. Should Colonel Canby and lady wish to partake of the hospitalities proffered by Mr. Haywood and family, and should Captain R. B. Marcy desire to favor me with a visit, as I infer from his letter of introduction forwarded and in my possession, or should you or any other officers in your command wish to indulge in a trip to this city, you will be kindly welcomed and hospitably entertained, and the vehicle and escort now sent to your camp are tendered for conveyance of such as may receive your permission to avail themselves of this cordial invitation.

            It is also presumed that your humane feelings will prompt you, in case there are any persons who wish to peacefully leave your camp for this city, to permit them to avail themselves of the protection and guidance of the escort now sent.

            Trusting that this communication will meet your entire approval and hearty co-operation, I have the honor, sir, to be your obedient servant,

BRIGHAM YOUNG,

Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, U. T.

Colonel E. B. ALEXANDER,

            Tenth Infantry U. S. A., Camp Ham's Fork.

__________

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

TERRITORY OF UTAH,      ) ss.

Green River county,                )

The United States of America to B. F. Ficklin, marshal pro tern. of

said Territory, greeting :

            You are hereby commanded to take Joseph Taylor, and him safely keep, so that you have his body before the district court of the United States for the county aforesaid at the next term thereof, hereafter to be holden, then and there to answer to the United States, aforesaid, on the charge of treason against the same.

            And of this writ make due service, and return according to law.

56        UTAH EXPEDITION.

Witness, Albert G. Brown, jr., clerk pro tem, of said court, with the adopted seal of said      court, at headquarters of the army for [L. S.] Utah Territory, on Black's fork of Green river, in said county, on the fourth day of November, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-seven.

ALBERT G. BROWN, Jr.,

Clerk pro tem.

__________

HEADQUARTERS &C., CAMP ON HAM'S FORK,

November 1, 1857.

            SIR : I had the honor to receive your letter to-day, and have to express my appreciation of your kindness, and generosity in affording Mrs. Mago and Mr. Jones safe conduct to this camp.

            The persons now in my custody are amenable, for civil offences, to the civil authority of the Territory ; and I regret that it is not in my power to release them, without the consent of the civil authorities. As soon as Governor Cumming arrives, his directions concerning them will be obtained, and they will be subject to his order and control.

            I can assure you again that every attention will be paid to their welfare and comfort.

            Very respectfully, &c.,

E. B. ALEXANDER,

Colonel commanding.

GOV. B. YOUNG.

__________

HEADQUARTERS EASTERN EXPEDITION,

Camp near Cache Cave, Oct. 4, 1857.

            You will proceed, with all possible despatch, without injuring your animals, to the Oregon road, near the bend of Bear river, north by east of this place. Take close and correct observations of the country on your route. When you approach the road, send scouts ahead, to ascertain if the invading troops have passed that way. Should they have passed, take a concealed route, and get ahead of them. Express to Colonel Benton, who is now on that road and in the vicinity of the troops, and effect a junction with him, so as to operate in concert. On ascertaining the locality or route of the troops, proceed at once to annoy them in every possible way. Use every exertion to stampede their animals and set fire to their trains. Burn the whole country before them, and on their flanks. Keep them from sleeping by night surprises ; blockade the road by felling trees or destroying river fords; where you can. Watch for opportunities to set fire to the grass on their windward, so as if possible to envelope their trains. Leave no grass before them that can be burned. Keep your men concealed as much as possible, and guard against surprise. Keep scouts out at all times, and communications open with Colonel Benton, Major McAllester and O. P. Rockwell, who are operating in the same way. Keep

UTAH EXPEDITION.           57

me advised daily of your movements, and every step the troops take, and in which direction.

            God bless you, and give you success.

                        Your brother in Christ.

DANIEL H. WELLS.

            P. S.—If the troops have not passed, or have turned in this direction, follow in their rear, and continue to annoy them, burning any trains they may leave. Take no life, but destroy their trains, and stampede or drive away their animals, at every opportunity.

D. H. WELLS.

Major JOSEPH TAYLOR.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Black's Fork, 16 miles from Fort Bridger,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 7, 1857.

            A true copy of instructions in the possession of Major Joseph Taylor, when captured.         

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, October 21, 1857.

            MY DEAR SIR : I embrace this the earliest opportunity of answering your communication to me, embracing a letter from Mr. Fuller, New York, to you, an introductory letter to me, and also one from W. J. Appleby to Governor Young ; the latter, immediately on its receipt, I forwarded to his excellency and here let me state, sir, that I sincerely regret that circumstances now existing have hitherto prevented a personal interview.

            I can readily believe your statement, that it is very far from your feelings, and most of the command that are with you, to interfere with our social habits or religious views. One must naturally suppose that among gentlemen educated for the army alone, who have been occupied by the study of the art of war, whose pulses have throbbed with pleasure at the contemplation of the deeds of our venerated fathers, whose minds have been elated by the recital of the heroic deeds of other nations, and who have listened almost exclusively to the declamations of patriots and heroes, that there is not much time and less inclination to listen to the low party bickerings of political demagogues, the interested twaddle of sectional declaimers, or the throes and contortions of contracted religious bigots. You are supposed to stand on elevated ground, representing the power and securing the interests of the whole of a great and mighty nation. That many of you are thus honorable, I am proud, as an American citizen, to acknowledge ; but you must excuse me, my dear sir, if I cannot concede with you that all your officials are so high toned, disinterested, humane, and gentlemanly, as a knowledge of some of their antecedents expressly demonstrate. However, it is not with the personal charac

58        UTAH EXPEDITION.

ter, the amiable qualities, high toned feelings, or gentlemanly deportment of the officers in your expedition that we at present have to do. The question that concerns us is one that is independent of your personal, generous, friendly and humane feelings, or any individual predilection of yours ; it is one that involves the dearest rights of American citizens, strikes at the root of our social and political existence, if it does not threaten our entire annihilation from the earth. Excuse me, sir, when I say that you are merely the servants of a lamentably corrupt administration ; that your primary law is obedience to orders, and that you came here with armed foreigners with cannon, rifles, bayonets and broadswords, expressly, and for the openly avowed purpose of " cutting out the loathsome ulcer from the body politic." I am aware what our friend Fuller says in relation to this matter, and I entertain no doubt of his generous and humane feelings, nor do I of yours, sir ; but I do know that he is mistaken in relation to the rabid tone and false, furious attacks of a venal and corrupt press. I do know that they are merely the mouthpiece, the tools, the barking dogs of a corrupt administration. I do know that Mr. Buchanan was well apprised of the nature of the testimony adduced against us by ex-Judge Drummond and others ; for he was informed of it to my knowledge by a member of his own cabinet, and I further know, from personal intercourse with members of the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, that there have been various plans concerted at headquarters for some time past for the overthrow of this people. Captain, Mr. Fuller informs me that you are a politician ; if so, you must know that in the last presidential campaign the republican party had opposition to slavery and polygamy as two of the principal planks in their platform. You may know, sir, that Utah was picked out, and the only Territory excluded from a participation in pre-emption rights to land. You may also be aware that bills were introduced into Congress for the persecution of the Mormons ; but other business was too pressing at that time for them to receive attention. You may be aware that measures were also set on foot, and bills prepared to divide up Utah among the territories of Nebraska, Kansas, Oregon and New Mexico, (giving a slice to California,) for the purpose of bringing us into collision with the people of those Territories, not to say anything about thousands of our letters detained at the post office at Independence. I might enumerate injuries by the score, and if these things are not so, why is it that Utah is so " knotty a question ?" If people were no more ready to interfere with us and our institutions than we are with them and theirs, these difficulties would vanish into thin air. Why, again I ask, could Drummond and a host of others, mean scribblers, palm their barefaced lies with such impunity, and have their infamous slanders swallowed with such gusto ? Was it not that the administration and their satellites, having planned our destruction, were eager to catch at anything to render specious their contemplated acts of blood ? Or, in plain terms, the democrats advocated strongly popular sovereignty. The republicans tell them, that if they join in maintaining inviolable the domestic institutions of the south, they must also swallow polygamy. The democrats thought this would not do, as it would interfere with

UTAH EXPEDITION.           59

the religious scruples of many of their supporters, and they looked about for some means to dispose of the knotty question. Buchanan, with Douglas, Cass, Thompson and others of his advisers, after failing to devise legal measures, hit upon the expedient of an armed force against Utah ; and thus thought, by the sacrifice of the Mormons, to untie the knotty question ; do a thousand times worse than the republicans ever meant ; fairly out-Herod Herod, and by religiously expatriating, destroying, or killing a hundred thousand innocent American citizens, satisfy a pious, humane, patriotic feeling of their constituents ; take the wind out of the sails of the republicans, and gain to themselves immortal laurels. Captain, I have heard of a pious Presbyterian doctrine that would inculcate thankfulness to the all-wise Creator for the privilege of being damned. Now, as we are not Presbyterians, nor believe in this kind of self abnegation, you will, I am sure, excuse us for finding fault at being thus summarily dealt with, no matter how agreeable the excision or expatriation might be to our political, patriotic, or very pious friends. We have lived long enough in the world to know that we are a portion of the body politic, have some rights as well as other people, and that if others do not respect us, we, at least, have manhood enough to respect ourselves.

            Permit me here to refer to a remark made by our friend Mr. Fuller, to you, viz : " That he had rendered me certain services in the city of New York, and that he had no doubt that when you had seen and known us as he had, that you would report as favorably as he had unflinchingly done." Now those favors to which Mr. Fuller refers were simply telling a few plain matters of fact, that had come under his own observation during a short sojourn at Salt Lake. This, of course, I could duly appreciate, for I always admired a man who dare tell the truth. But, captain, does it not strike you as humiliating to manhood and to the pride of all honorable American citizens, when among the thousands that have passed through and sojourned among us, and knew as well as Mr. Fuller did our true social and moral position, that perhaps one in ten thousand dare state their honest convictions ; and further, that Mr. Fuller, with his knowledge of human nature, should look upon you as a rara avis, possessing the moral courage and integrity to declare the truth in opposition to the floods of falsehood that have deluged our nation. Surely, we have fallen on unlucky times, when honesty is avowed to be at so great a premium. In regard to our religion it is perhaps unnecessary to say much ; yet, whatever others feelings may be about it, with us it is honestly a matter of conscience. This is a right guaranteed to us by the Constitution of our country; yet it is on this ground, and this alone, that we have suffered a continued series of persecutions, and that this present crusade is set on foot against us. In regard to this people, I have travelled extensively in the United States, and through Europe, yet have never found so moral, chaste, and virtuous a people, nor do I expect to find them. And, if let alone, they are the most patriotic, and appreciate more fully the blessings of religious, civil, and political freedom than any other portion of the United States. They have,

60        UTAH EXPEDITION.

however, discovered the difference between a blind submission to the caprices of political demagogues and obedience to the Constitution, laws, and institutions of the United States; nor can they, in the present instance, be hoodwinked by the cry of "treason." If it be treason to stand up for our constitutional rights; if it be treason to resist the unconstitutional acts of a vitiated and corrupt administration, who, by a mercenary armed force, would seek to rob us of the rights of franchise, cut our throats to subserve their party, and seek to force upon us his corrupt tools, and violently invade the rights of American citizens; if it be treason to maintain inviolate our homes, our firesides, our wives, and our honor, from the corrupting and withering blight of a debauched soldiery; if it be treason to keep inviolate the Constitution and institutions of the United States, when nearly all the States are seeking to trample them under their feet, then, indeed, we are guilty of treason. We have carefully considered all these matters and are prepared to meet the " terrible vengeance" we have been very politely informed will be the result of our acts. It is in vain to hide it from you that this people have suffered so much from every kind of official that they will endure it no longer. It is not with them an idle phantom, but a stern reality. It is not, as some suppose, the voice of Brigham only, but the universal, deep settled feeling of the whole community. Their cry is, " Give us our Constitutional rights; give us liberty or death." A strange cry in our boasted model republic, but a truth deeply and indelibly graven on the hearts of 100,000 American citizens by a series of twenty-seven years unmitigated and unprovoked, yet unrequited wrongs. Having told you of this, you will not be surprised that when fifty have been called to assist in repelling our aggressors, a hundred have volunteered, and, when a hundred have been called, the number has been more than doubled; the only feeling is "don't let us be overlooked or forgotten." And here let me inform you that I have seen thousands of hands raised simultaneously, voting to burn our property rather than let it fall into the hands of our enemies. They have been so frequently robbed and despoiled without redress, that they have solemnly decreed that, if they cannot enjoy their own property, nobody else shall. You will see by this that it would be literally madness for your small force to attempt to come into the settlements. It would only be courting destruction. But, say you, have you counted the cost ? have you considered the wealth and power of the United States and the fearful odds against you ? Yes ; and here let me inform you that, if necessitated, we would as soon meet 100,000 as 1,000, and, if driven to the necessity, will burn every house, tree, shrub, rail, every patch of grass and stack of straw and hay, and flee to the mountains, You will then obtain a barren, desolate wilderness, but will not have conquered the people, and the same principle in regard to other property will be carried out. If this people have to burn their property to save it from the hands of legalized mobs, they will see to it that their enemies shall be without fuel; they will haunt them by day and by night. Such is, in part, our plan. The $300,000 worth of our property destroyed already in Green river county is only a faint sample of what will be done throughout the Territory. We have been twice

UTAH EXPEDITION.           61

driven, by tamely submitting to the authority of corrupt officials, and left our houses and homes for others to inhabit, but are now determined that, if we are again robbed of our possessions, our enemies shall also feel how pleasant it is to be houseless at least for once, and be permitted, as they have sought to do to us, " to dig their own dark graves, creep into them, and die."

            You see we are not backward in showing our hands. Is it not strange to what lengths the human family may be goaded by a continued series of oppressions ? The administration may yet find leisure to pause over the consequences of their acts, and it may yet become a question for them to solve whether they have blood and treasure enough to crush out the sacred principles of liberty from the bosoms of 100,000 freemen, and make them bow in craven servility to the mendacious acts of a perjured, degraded tyrant. You may have learned already that it is anything but pleasant for even a small army to contend with the chilling blasts of this inhospitable climate. How a large army would fare without resources you can picture to yourself. We have weighed those matters ; it is for the administration to post their own accounts. It may not be amiss, however, here to state that, if they continue to prosecute this inhuman fratricidal war, and our Nero would light the fires and, sitting in his chair of state, laugh at burning Rome, there is a day of reckoning even for Neroes. There are generally two sides to a question. As I before said, we wish for peace, but that we are determined on having it if we have to fight for it. We will not have officers forced upon us who are so degraded as to submit to be sustained by the bayonet's point. We cannot be dragooned into servile obedience to any man.

            These things settled, captain, and all the like preliminaries of etiquette are easily arranged; and permit me here to state, that no man would be more courteous and civil than Governor Young, and nowhere could you find in your capacity of an officer of the United States a more generous and hearty welcome than at the hands of his excellency. But when, instead of battling with the enemies of our country, you come (though probably reluctantly) to make war upon my family and friends, our civilities are naturally cooled, and we instinctively grasp the sword; Minie rifles, Colt's revolvers, sabres, and cannon may display very good workmanship and great artistic skill, but we very much object to having their temper and capabilities tried upon us. We may admire the capabilities, gentlemanly deportment, heroism and patriotism of United States officers ; but in an official capacity of enemies, we would rather see their backs than their faces. The guillotine may be a very pretty instrument, and show great artistic skill, but I don't like to try my neck in it.

            Now, captain, notwithstanding all this, I shall be very happy to see you if circumstances should so transpire as to make it convenient for you to come, and to extend to you the courtesies of our city, for I am sure you are not our personal enemy. I shall be happy to render you any information in my power in regard to your contemplated explorations.

            I am heartily sorry that things are so unpleasant at the present time, and I cannot but realize the awkwardness of your position, and

62        UTAH EXPEDITION.

that of your compatriots, and let me here say that anything that lays in my power compatible with the conduct of a gentleman you can command. If you have leisure, I should be most happy to hear from you. You will, I am sure, excuse me, if I disclaim the prefix of reverend to my name ; address John Taylor, Great Salt Lake City.

I need not here assure you that personally there can be no feelings of enmity between us and your officers. We regard you as the agents of the administration in the discharge of a probably unpleasant duty, and very likely ignorant of the ultimate designs of the administration. As I left the east this summer, you will excuse me when I say I am probably better posted in some of these matters than you are, having been one of a delegation from the citizens of this Territory to apply for admission into the Union. I can only regret that it is not our real enemies that are here instead of you. We do not wish to harm you, or any of the command to which you belong, and I can assure you that in any other capacity than the one you now occupy, you would be received as civilly and treated as courteously as in any other portion of our Union.

            On my departure from the States the fluctuating tide of popular opinion against us seemed to be on the wave. By this time, there may be quite a reaction in the public mind. If so it may probably affect materially the position of the administration and tend to more constitutional, pacific, and humane measures. In such an event our relative positions would be materially changed, and instead of meeting as enemies, we could meet, as all Americans should, friends to each other, and united against our legitimate enemies only. Such an issue is devoutly to be desired, and I can assure you that no one would more appreciate so happy a result to our present awkward and unpleasant position than yours, truly,

JOHN TAYLOR.

Captain MARCY.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, BLACK'S FORK,

16 miles from Fort Bridger, en, route to Salt Lake City,

November 7, 1857.

            Official:                                                                                   F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

CAMP ON BLACK'S FORK, GREEN RIVER, UTAH,

November 4, 1857.

            MAJOR : For the information of the colonel commanding, I have the honor to state that, according to my calculations, made from the bills of lading of the different trains, there are rations for 2,000 men for seven months in the supply and regimental trains present at this camp.

            To make the calculations accurate, it would be necessary to overhaul

UTAH EXPEDITION.           63

all of the provision trains, in order to discover what has been lost or stolen therefrom.

            I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. F. CLARKE,

Captain and C's U. S. Army,

Major F. J. PORTER,

            Assistant Adjutant General, U. S. Army,

                        Head Quarters Army for Utah.

List of subsistence stores in supply teams (Russell & Waddell's) Nos. 5, 9, and 10, burnt by the Mormons at Green river, Utah, in the night of October 4, 1857.

            2,720 pounds ham     

            92,700 pounds bacon                                      No. of rations, 115,875

            167,900 pounds flour                                      No. of rations, 149,244

            270 bushels beans.                                           No. of rations, 108,000          

            8,580 pounds Rio coffee                                 No. of rations, 143,000

            330 pounds Java coffee.

            1,400 pounds crushed sugar.

            2,970 gallons vinegar                                      No. of rations, 297,000

            800 pounds sperm candles                              No. of rations, 80,000

            13,333 pounds soap                                         No. of rations, 333,325

            84 gallons molasses

            134 bushels dried peaches.

            68,832 rations dessicated vegetables.

            705 pounds tea                                                No. of rations, 52,875

            7,781 pounds hard bread                                No. of rations, 7,781

            6 lanterns.      

H. F. CLARKE,

Capt. and C's U. S. A.

            Made from bills of lading, October 10, 1857.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

South Pass, en route to Salt Lake City, October 18, 1857.

            MAJOR : Accompanying this communication I send you two letters from Colonel Alexander, the commander at present of the main body of the army of Utah. In his letter of the 8th October Colonel Alexander questions, by the hesitation with which he assumes them, his right to exercise fully all the duties of commander. His authority to exercise them without restriction is clearly granted by the sixty-second article of war. Moreover, General Orders No. 12, headquarters of the army, specially directs who shall command in the absence of General Harney, or, to be inferred, any other named commander, and sufficiently explains the objects of the expedition ; and no question

64        UTAH EXPEDITION.

for the decision of the commander, beyond his ordinary military duties, could arise before the arrival of Governor Cumming.

            Misapprehending the authority with which he is invested by law, and the orders of the general-in-chief, that portion of his letter respecting command would be, if he was correct in his view of his own position, a merited reflection upon his superiors, and it is therefore that I have adverted to it. Pursuing his design indicated in his letter of October 8, he, you will learn from his letter of October 14, (herewith,) has advanced up Ham's fork, of Green river, thirty-five miles above the crossing, (see map herewith,) and then directs the movements to be made by his own immediate command and the troops in his rear, to form a junction which, from erroneous suppositions, would be wholly impracticable. First, he evidently believes that Colonel Smith, escorting the remainder of the supply trains, (in all about nine, including three sutler's trains,) is advancing on the Kinney road, or cut-off, with the force named in General Harney's order of August 18, and of course he has not received the countermand of that order. He assumes that the command in rear is capable of more rapid movement than his own ; and, therefore, after waiting one day at the point indicated will resume his march. In this also he would have been disappointed, as the trains in rear, suffering from fatigue and scarcity of sustenance, and without rest, which the trains with him have had, could not, if where he supposed them, overtake him.

            These are the facts ; and if known by Colonel Alexander, his dispositions, as determined in his letter of October 8, would have been wholly different. Colonel Smith is here at this camp with fifty men of his regiment. I overtook him the day before yesterday (16th inst.) about twenty miles east of this, and have added my escort, fifteen dismounted dragoons, to his force. Lieutenant Smith, in command of a squadron of dragoons and fifty of the tenth infantry, a force of about two hundred men, may be expected here in four days. He is aware of the necessity of promptness, and I am sure will lose no time. Mr. William Magraw, superintendent South Pass wagon road, with a patriotism highly creditable to him, places at the disposition of the government as many of his employees as will volunteer. He thinks fifty or sixty will organize, and I have agreed to accept their service and have them mustered in for three or six months, as they may elect ; and he has also tendered fifteen good teams of mules and wagons, which I have also accepted, and directed them to be receipted for when delivered. Four supply trains, containing clothing, (of which the troops now in the advance, I am informed, begin to need,) ordnance, medical and subsistence stores, are still in the rear, and may be expected in two or three days. The storm of last night may have destroyed some of their oxen, and on that account there may be more delay than I estimate. Eleven mules of Colonel Smith's train perished from cold last night. The thermometer this morning at sunrise was at 16°. The sky is now clear, and the thermometer at one o'clock stands at 34°, and the small quantity of snow that fell during the night is melting, so that the animals can graze freely. I am thus minute, that the reason for the order transmitted to Colonel Alexander yesterday morning (herewith) may be fully comprehended.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           65

His intended movements, if met with opposition, would. have so retarded his march as to have made it impracticable ; and would have so probably entangled him in the midst of the deep snow of the valley of Bear river, which, I understand, never fails to fall there, and usually early in the season, as to place him beyond the means of extrication. Our most potent enemy at present is the snow, and constitutes at present our chief embarrassment. The movement of Colonel Alexander, if effected (for the reasons I have mentioned, and of which he could not be apprised,) would have separated him from supplies indispensable to the comfort and safety of the army, and deprived him of the assistance of the force which will be concentrated here in a few days, which, however small, being partly of cavalry, is of vital importance. In ordering Colonel Alexander to the mouth of Fontenelle creek, a position about thirty miles from his camp on Ham's fork, I did so with the design of making a junction practicable. It is about seventy miles hence, and he can reach it by a good road, and without any danger of surprise. There is there abundance of grass, and it is a point from which I can reach the region I intend to occupy this winter without risking the loss of our animals. As soon as the snow falls sufficiently on Green river to prevent the burning of the grass, I will march to Henry's fork, and occupy that valley during the winter. It is a commanding position, and accessible two months earlier for reinforcements and supplies by Cheyenne Pass than by any other, and will enable me to march by Fort Bridger, and on the most direct route to Salt Lake City, as soon as practicable in the spring.

            At this position, also, Colonel Cooke can join, which I still entertain the hope he will be able to do.

            I greatly regret that the impossibility of concentrating the troops destined for this service, and their supplies, will prevent a forward movement before spring. It is now manifest that before the force can be united that the autumn will be too far advanced to move with a probability of success, though not opposed by the Mormons.

            You are already apprised by the proclamation of Brigham Young, and his letter to Colonel Alexander, which I transmitted on the 15th inst., of the political attitude assumed by the Mormons, and the resistance they meditate to the just authority the government desires to exercise in that Territory, and the general-in-chief has no doubt already considered the necessity of a conquest of those traitorous people, and has estimated the force necessary to accomplish the object. With a full view of the whole subject before him, his great experience would not be benefitted by any suggestions of mine. I will, however, mention, that unless a large force is sent here, from the nature of the country, that a protracted war on their part is inevitable.

            The great distance from our source of supply makes it impracticable to operate with a small force. It, in fact, requires the employment of such force to guard numerous trains of supplies, leaving but a small portion, if any, for offensive operations. A movement of troops from California, Oregon, and by this route would terminate a war with the Mormons speedily, and more economically than if attempted by insufficient means. In five or six days I think we will have all the force available here for a forward. movement. By that time the

66        UTAH EXPEDITION.

trains will be all up ; they should be here sooner. In twelve days from this time I expect to join Colonel Alexander at or near Fontenelle creek.

            The general may be assured that no retrograde movement will be made by this force.

            With great respect, your obedient servant,

A. S. JOHNSTON,

Col. 2d cavalry, Commanding Army of Utah.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, BLACK'S FORK,

16 miles from Fort Bridger, en route to Salt Lake City,

November 7, 1857.

            Official.

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

CAMP ON HAM'S FORK, U. T.,

October 18, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you that there is no clothing with this command. The soldiers are now nearly destitute, as they left Fort Leavenworth with but a limited supply, and have gotten but little since. It is presumed that there is a large supply in the trains with you. Please bring up with you a few wagon loads of socks, flannel drawers and shirts, shoes and blankets. These articles are indispensable to the comforts of the soldiers.

            We have but few medicines with us of any description. If you have a medical officer with you, direct him to make such a selection as he may deem proper for the wants of this command, and bring them with you if possible.

            Should the commanding officer of the expedition come on in advance of you, please inform him of this state of affairs.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN H. DICKERSON,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,

Camp on Ham's Fork, October 18, 1857.

            COLONEL : In view of the lateness of the season, and the severity with which the winter has already set in, as well as the deficiency of supplies of clothing, forage, and provisions, it becomes necessary to place the troops in winter quarters.

            The best available place for this is on Henry's fork, and the column will march to-day down this stream, (Ham's fork,) towards Fort Bridger, and thence to Henry's fork. It will require about nine days to make the journey, and as soon as I can get matters in train

UTAH EXPEDITION.           67

for wintering, I will send you two companies, (about 130 men,) and such additional transportation as I can furnish to bring your trains on to us. Use every effort to bring on the trains, as not a wagon can be spared ; and from the nature of that country, (Henry's fork,) we may have to remain there until May next. Mr. Fickling will tell you how we are off, and can take you by the best route to Henry's fork.

            Send on first the wagons containing clothing and medicines, which are much needed. We have provisions for three or four months, but we still require all that can be got up. If the governor, or General Harney, or Colonel Johnston are anywhere near you, please communicate with them, and tell them the disposition to be made of the troops. Nothing causes me such poignant regret as to be obliged to give up my design of penetrating to Salt Lake City. But the odds against me are too powerful, and the lives of all require me to move to Henry's fork to winter.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. ALEXANDER,

Colonel Commanding.

            P. S.—When I leave Ham's fork to go to Fort Bridger, I will try and send a detachment to you to assist in guarding the trains. This will be about the 23d or 24th. Please keep this, as there is not time to take a copy.

E. B. A.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 24, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your communications of the 18th and 22d instants, and to inform you that Lieutenant Smith, 2d dragoons, will reach this point on Monday, with two companies of his regiment, and a detachment of the tenth infantry. The next morning this command and all the supply trains will move on the direct road to the crossing at Ham's fork, whence the colonel commanding wishes you to march and camp at some suitable point below the crossing on Black's fork.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ADVANCE OF THE ARMY FOR UTAH,

Camp on Ham's Fork, October 22, 1857.

            SIR : I have the honor to report that my command is now encamped on Ham's fork, about 16 miles above the crossing of the Fort Bridger road, and near the point where the route to Fontenelle creek leaves this stream and takes across the prairie. When I received your letter

68        UTAH EXPEDITION.

by Eli Dufour, I was already a day's march below the crossing of Ham's fork by the Sublette road, having been obliged to return to seek winter quarters.

            The road from here to Fontenelle creek will be more, I am afraid, than my teams can stand, and if it does not interfere with the plans of the colonel commanding, I would respectfully suggest that they be spared the travel across, (30 miles.) As long as I am on a stream I can get along, because, no matter how short the march, I can always get grass and water ; but to attempt 30 miles with only one watering place, will, in my opinion, prove fatal to the artillery horses and a great many of the mules and oxen. I request, therefore, to be informed, as soon as possible, whether I am to await the colonel on this creek, going slowly down it, or to make the march to Fontenelle creek at all risks.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. ALEXANDER,

Colonel 10th Infantry, Commanding.

Major F. J. PORTER,

            Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,                )

Territory of Utah, Green River County,   )           ss.

The United States of America to B. F. Ficklin, marshal pro tem. of said Territory, Greeting:

            You are hereby commanded to take William Stowell and him safely keep, so that you have his body before the district court of the United States for the county aforesaid, at the next term thereof to be holden, then and there to answer to the United States aforesaid on the charge of treason against the same, and on such other charge or charges as may be found against him by the grand jury of the county aforesaid, at the next session thereof hereafter to be holden.

            And of this writ make due service and return according to law.

            Witness, Albert G. Brown, jr., clerk pro tem. of said court, with the adopted seal of said court, at headquarters of the army of [L. S.] Utah, on Black's fork of Green river, in said county, on the seventh day of November, in the year eighteen hundred and fifty-seven.

ALBERT G. BROWN, JR.,

Clerk pro tem.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 18, 1857.

            SIR : I am directed to inform you that the army of Utah will winter on Henry's fork of Green river, whence a good practicable road exists from Black's fork, and where the colonel commanding hopes to see you and your command.

            The opposition to the advance of this army and the injuries com-

UTAH EXPEDITION            .           69

mitted to our trains, cause the absence of cavalry to be very much lamented, while the mounted forces which hang upon our own skirts promise occupation and distinction to your command.

            Upon hearing of your progress, communication will be kept up with you, and the best route for you to pursue indicated, if there is any choice. The colonel commanding will be much pleased to hear of your advance, and promises you a warm welcome on your arrival.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Lieut. Col. P. ST. GEORGE COOKE,

            Commanding 2d Dragoons, en route to Salt Lake City.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 19, 1857.

            SIR : The portion of this army and the supply train not with the advance under Colonel Alexander, are in the South Pass awaiting your arrival to join the main body. The bearer of this, John C. Ferguson, will inform you of our position. The colonel commanding desires you to join him as early as practicable, and to hasten on all trains loaded with supplies as you overtake them. In the mean time if you have the means of communicating with us, it is very desirable you should do so, that the colonel commanding may know when to expect you, though it is hoped you will reach this point to-morrow.

            I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

First Lieutenant W. D. SMITH,

            Commanding 2d Dragoons, &c., en route to Salt Lake City.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 22, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you have thoroughly repaired, and each supplied with a four-mule team, harness &c., two of the light ambulances turned over to the acting assistant quartermaster at Fort Laramie by Lieutenant Lucius L. Rich, and have them sent as soon as practicable to Fort Kearny.

            The remainder of those ambulances he directs to be kept in readiness and to be employed, when occasion requires, for transporting the mail, or its escort, or both, to these headquarters and to Fort Kearny, and for other important occasions requiring small escorts and despatch.

            I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

COMMANDING OFFICER,

            Fort Laramie, N. T.

70        UTAH EXPEDITION.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you, in reply to your letter of to-day, that no goods or supplies of any kind will be permitted to pass this army for Salt Lake City, or other point occupied by the Mormons, so long as they maintain a hostile attitude to the government of the United States.

            I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

J. C. IRWIN, Esq.,

            Contractor and sub-contractor with Messrs. Livingston & Kincade, and J. & R. Porter, South Pass, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 21, 1857.

            GENTLEMEN : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you that no goods or supplies of any kind will be permitted to pass this army for Salt Lake City, or other point occupied by the Mormons, and that he forbids all intercourse whatever with them, so long as they maintain a hostile feeling to the government of the United States.

            I am gentlemen, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Messrs. WILLIAM GERRICH & CO., or their Agent,

            Merchants at Salt Lake City, South Pass, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that a ration of bread and bacon be issued to fourteen men discharged from the wagon road party, under the charge of Mr. Wm. M. F. Magraw.

            I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

First Lieutenant J. McNAB, A. A. C. S.,

            10th Infantry, South Pass, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 20, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you supply ten days' rations of hard bread, bacon, coffee, and sugar, to fourteen men dis-

UTAH EXPEDITION.           71

charged from Mr. William F. M. Magraw's South Pass wagon road party.

            These men having been discharged without any provision for the future, and not being willing to employ them, under the circumstances, in the United States service, the colonel commanding supplies them with provisions to enable them to reach Fort Laramie.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

First Lieutenant JOHN MCNAB, A. A. C. S.,

            10th Infantry, South Pass, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, SOUTH PASS,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 20, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you furnish Benjamin F. Lyda, a discharged man of the South Pass wagon road party, under the charge of Mr. William M. F. Magraw, rations of hard bread, bacon, sugar, and coffee, for ten days.

            I am, sir, very respectfully,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

First Lieutenant JOHN McNAB, A. A. C. S.,

            10th Infantry, South Pass, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, BLACK'S FORK,

3 miles below mouth of Ham's Fork,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 4, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you move, with the command designated in special orders No. 41, (accompanying,) as soon in the spring as practicable, availing yourself of the early grass which will be springing up as you advance.

            The supply trains for this army wintering at your post will be prepared and put in motion at the same time and escorted to these headquarters. That you may not be tramelled by too large a train, and draw too heavily on the resources of Fort Laramie, now limited, you will avail yourself of this means of transportation to convey the regulation allowance of baggage for your command.

            As soon as your arrival in this vicinity is reported, communication will be opened for your advance.

            The colonel commanding deems it unnecessary to warn an officer of your experience and reputation against any outside enemy, but he wishes to caution you against the employment the trusting, in any manner whatever of any member of the Mormon sect or pretended apostate from it. No objection exists to their employment on account of their religious belief, but their political association.

72 UTAH EXPEDITION.

            These special instructions are given that your movement may receive as little publicity as possible.

            I am, sir, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Brevet Lieutenant Colonel WILLIAM HOFFMAN,

            6th Infantry, Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,

New York, November 13, 1857.

            COLONEL : September the 12th, Colonel Johnston wrote from Fort Leavenworth, asking that provision be made for protecting the mail service to and from Utah city. This letter was re-forwarded to you endorsed as follows :

            "Respectfully forwarded to the Adjutant General, who is requested to have it referred to the Postmaster General to ascertain what mail service is to be performed between Fort Leavenworth and Salt Lake City, and under what circumstances and conditions."

            No answer has yet been received. With the last despatches from Colonel Johnston, came letters from himself and staff to their families, sent under cover to me as the " only safe means " of transmitting them. Word was also sent that despatches would reach them if sent by express from Fort Leavenworth to Colonel Hoffman, commanding at Fort Laramie: I am instructed by the general-in-chief to call attention to Colonel Johnston's letter and to the endorsement thereon, and to ask that the subject be pressed upon the Postmaster General ; for if the mails are not to be sent, the general will have to give instructions that a military express be kept up at proper intervals between the frontiers and the army for Utah and he wishes to take measures one way or the other at once.

            I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

IRVIN McDOWELL,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Colonel SAMUEL COOPER,

            Adjutant General, Washington, D. C.

__________

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF UTAH,

Junction of Smith's Fork and Black's Fork,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.

            SIR : The regulations in the case of private Edward Farrell of your company, reported in your letter of the 18th ultimo, as transferred to company " A" 6th infantry, not having been complied with, the colonel commanding, disapproves of the transfer and directs that he be borne upon the rolls as a member of your company.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           73

            You are directed to furnish the commander of your regiment with a copy of this communication.

            I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Captain RENNSALER W. FOOTE,

            Commanding company C, 6th Infantry, Fort Laramie, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Junction of Smith's and Ham's Fork,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you cause to be pushed forward to these headquarters at Fort Bridger, as soon as practicable, a train of 30 pack mules loaded with salt. Your knowledge of the country, and of the persons you will employ, will guide you in the route to be taken.

            In making your preparations for moving in the spring, the colonel wishes you to take into consideration, the route up the Laramie river, with the view of reaching this force at the earliest moment with the supply trains, time being the principal element to consider in your movement. As soon as Colonel Cooke arrives, Jeanise, or some other reliable person, will be sent over that route to report to you the probabilities of success, the difficulties to be overcome, the advantages of grass, and to be a guide in case you deem it advisable to move in that direction. It is hoped you may be able to arrive here a month earlier than by the Oregon and California route, South Pass, sending some of your troops in advance to make or repair the road. It is inferred from present information, that a practicable road exists, and that probably the principal difficulties to overcome will be the cutting down banks and making bridges. The guide who passes over it will examine the obstacles.

            If you have sufficient information to decide, this route is suggested as one for the pack train, as the grass is very scarce on this, and on the other it has not been injured.

The colonel commanding also suggests that the animals be not loaded heavier than one hundred pounds. There is no salt with this army.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Bv't Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN,

            Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.

            P. S.—Whichever route you take will require boats or rafts to enable you to cross the principal streams, the colonel commanding therefore suggests, that you bring with you wagons of corrogated iron, if you have them or can procure them in time; if not, sufficient timber to make a boat of sufficient dimensions to cross your stores.

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

74        UTAH EXPEDITION.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,

Near Fort Bridger, en route to Salt Lake City,

November 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs you to take forty good six mule teams from the train of this army, and proceed to the junction of Black's and Ham's fork, collecting all abandoned wagons.

            Arriving there, you will tender, in his name, (that of government,) to Messrs. Gerrish & Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army, your train to assist in transporting to this camp their most valuable goods and merchandize, especially those of a perishable nature, and most serviceable to the Mormons, as clothing, groceries, &c.

            I am instructed to caution you not to permit your wagons to be heavily loaded, nor to make long marches.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

2d Lieutenant L. L. RICH,

            5th Infantry, A. A. Q. M.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,

Near Fort Bridger, U. T., en route to Salt Lake City,

November 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, with forty men of your command, supplied with ten days' rations, you proceed to the camp on or near Ham's fork, about thirty miles distant, of Messrs. Gerrish & Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army, and escort to this camp so much of their trains as can be moved. Should you meet a portion of the moveable train, you will unite the whole of it, and keep it united, and not permit your command to be divided more than is necessary to guard the column

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

2d Lieut. HENRY B. LIVINGSTON,

            Com'g company E, 2d Dragoons, Camp Scott, U. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,

Near Fort Bridger, U. T., en route to Salt Lake City,

November 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, as medical director, you have requisitions made upon the assistant quartermaster for the camp and garrison equipage, &c., to establish hospitals for the different regiments and batteries, and that you make the necessary arrangements to establish and complete a general hospital, such as you deem necessary for the command.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           75

            Assistant Surgeon Ridgely has been directed to forward his requisitions to you.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Surgeon MADISON MILLS,

            Medical Director Army of Utah.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,

Near Fort Bridger, U. T., en route to Salt Lake City,

November 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you proceed with your company, as escort to the train of Lieut. Lucius L. Rich, A. A. Q., charged with collecting all abandoned wagons between this point and Ham's fork, and bringing to this camp a portion of the goods of Messrs. Gilbert & Radford.

            A copy of Lieut. Rich's instructions are enclosed. You will supply your men with rations for ten days.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Lieut. C. H. TYLER,

            Com'g Company H, 2d Dragoons, Camp Scott, U. T.

__________

To the People of Utah Territory.

GREEN RIVER COUNTY, NEAR FORT BRIDGER,

Utah Territory, 21st November, 1857.

            On the 11th of July, 1857, the President appointed me to preside over the executive department of this Territory. I arrived at this point on the 19th of this month, and shall probably be detained some time, in consequence of the loss of animals during the recent snow storm. I will proceed at this point to make the preliminary arrangements for the temporary organization of the territorial government.

            Many treasonable acts of violence having been committed by lawless individuals, supposed to have been countenanced by the late executive, such persons are in a state of rebellion. Proceedings will be instituted against them in a court organized by Chief Justice Eckels, held in this county, which will supersede the necessity of appointing a military commission for the trial of such offenders. It is my duty to enforce unconditional obedience to the Constitution, to the organic laws of this Territory, and to all the other laws of Congress applicable to you. To enable me to effect this object, I will, in the event of resistance, rely, first upon a posse comitatus of the well disposed portion of the inhabitants of this Territory, and will only resort to a military posse in case of necessity. I trust that this necessity will not occur.

            I come among you with no prejudices or enmities, and, by the exercise of a just and firm administration, I hope to command your con-

76        UTAH EXPEDITION.

fidence. Freedom of conscience, and the use of your own peculiar mode of serving God, are sacred rights guarantied by the Constitution, with which it is not the province of the government, or the disposition of its representatives in this Territory, to interfere.

            In virtue of my authority as commander-in-chief of the militia of this Territory, I hereby command all armed bodies of individuals, by whomsoever organized, to disband and return to their respective homes. The penalty of disobedience to this command, will subject the offenders to the punishment due to traitors.

A. CUMMING,

Governor of Utah Territory.

__________

GREEN RIVER COUNTY, NEAR FORT BRIDGER,

Utah Territory, 21st November, 1857.

            On the 11th of July, 1857, I was appointed by the President to be governor of this Territory. Since my arrival within the limits of the Territory I regret to have found that many acts of violence have been committed on the highway, in the destruction and robbery of property belonging to the United States. These acts, which indicate that the Territory is in a state of rebellion, are ascribed, how truly I do not know, to yourself. A proclamation purporting to have issued from you, and papers signed by your authority, found upon the person of Joseph Taylor, have been submitted to my inspection. The matter contained in these papers authorizes and commands violent and treasonable acts ; acts tending to the disruption of the peace of the Territory, and which subject their actors to the penalties accorded to traitors. If these papers referred to be not authentic, I trust you will promptly disavow them. I herewith enclose a copy of my proclamation to the people of Utah. You will oblige me by acknowledging the receipt of this by the returning messengers.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. CUMMING,

Governor of Utah Territory.

BRIGHAM YOUNG,

            Ex-Governor of Utah Territory.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 30, 1857.

            SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the following communications since October 21, 1857, viz :

            Special orders, Nos. 131 and 132.

            Letters dated September 7, 8, 17, and 18, 1857.

            In my letter of October 21st ultimo, an error was committed in

77        UTAH EXPEDITION.                      

acknowledging the receipt of an ordnance manual, and an ordnance regulation. They were not received, and I have to request that copies of them may be forwarded to me.

            With great respect, your obedient servant,

A. S. JOHNSTON,

Colonel Second Cavalry, Commanding.

ADJUTANT GENERAL UNITED STATES ARMY,

            Washington, D. C.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH, CAMP SCOTT,

Near Fort Bridger, Black's Fork, Green river,

November 30, 1857.

            MAJOR : Since my last report the troops and all the supply trains have arrived at this place and will remain here, or in this district, during the winter. In effecting the march from near the junction of Ham's and Black's forks of Green river, a distance of only thirty-five miles, the loss of battery horses, draught mules, and oxen of the contractor has been very great, in consequence of snow storms which were encountered on the route and intense cold. Our marches each were necessarily short on account of the extreme coldness and inclemency of the weather, and because of the great number of miles on the road occupied by the supply trains and others, and the failing condition of the draught animals starving from cold and hunger, were resumed from each camp as soon as the troops in the rear and trains could be brought up, allowing a day or more at each camp for rest and the grazing of the animals. Fifteen days were consumed in this tedious operation. Shelter for our thousands of animals seemed indispensable for the preservation of life, yet a more rapid advance to attain it would, we believe, be attended with immense loss. The snow storms raged with short intermissions after it commenced, for several days during which time it was exceedingly cold. The thermometer ranged from ten degrees above to sixteen degrees below zero.

            If shelter could have been found, a halt till the storm subsided would have been ordered ; but there was none. The country between this and the South Pass, with the exception of the narrow vallies of water courses, is a great desert, affording no shelter by its conformation or by woods, or even bushes from the furious blasts of these high regions ; and no fuel, except the wild sage or willow bushes. There was no alternative but to press forward perseveringly, though slowly making our route by the frozen horses, mules, and oxen. A sufficient number of oxen, though poor, have been saved to supply the meat part of ration six days in the week, and we have on hand bacon for one day in the week for seven months, and also flour and small rations.—(See, the report of the chief commissary of subsistence herewith.)

            Colonel Cooke, in command of six companies 2d dragoons arrived on the 19th instant. You will learn from his report (herewith) that the storm dealt as roughly with his command as it did with the army in advance. He lost nearly half of his horses, besides a number of mules.

78        UTAH EXPEDITION.

His march, from his report, appears to have been conducted with care and skill. If a further advance of the army were otherwise practicable and proper at this season of the year, the necessity of appropriating the remainder of the work oxen for food for the troops would now prevent.

            The diminished number and reduced condition of the cavalry and battery horses and draught mules, makes a remount for the former and an additional number of mules for the quartermaster's department indispensable. A further advance cannot be made without them. I have, therefore, taken measures (see orders to Captain Marcy and estimates of the chief quartermasters' herewith) to supply all deficiencies. Captain Marcy has been despatched, with a sufficient party suitably organized and equipped, to New Mexico, as the nearest and most accessible region from which they can be obtained early in the spring, with instructions to purchase the number required, and to return as soon in the spring as he can, having regard to the good condition of the horses and mules ; and he is authorized to contract for a supply of salt, of which we have none, and forward it on his arrival. I respectfully request the sanction of the general-in-chief to my orders to Captain Marcy, and that he will give instructions to General Garland, or commanding officer of the Department of New Medico, to furnish Captain Marcy a sufficient escort of the mounted rifles to protect him from predatory attacks of the Indians on the route back to this place. I enclose a copy of my letter to General Garland, making the request. The Mormons, before they retired, burnt the buildings in and about Fort Bridger, and also Fort Supply on Smith's fork, twelve miles hence, and destroyed the grain, and as far as they could, other crops at that place. Fort Bridger, so called, is a high, well built, strong stone wall, enclosing a square of one hundred feet, and has been appropriated for the storage of the supplies for the army. The addition of two lunettes, now being constructed, one on the southwest corner and the other on the northeast corner of a stone enclosure adjoining the main one, but not so high, will make it defensible by a small force, and a safe place of deposit for the public property that may be left when the army advances. The herds of mules, battery horses, and cattle have been sent with herdsmen to Henry's fork to graze during the winter, and six companies of the 2d dragoons, under the command of Colonel Cooke, have been ordered to encamp near them, and guard them and protect the herdsmen. He has with him about two hundred dragoon horses. Two companies of the same regiment are stationed here, and have about fifty horses, all feeble, for want of sufficient sustenance. In the spring the army, with the volunteer force included, about two thousand strong, will resume their march as soon as a supply of horses and mules arrive, and the grass on the mountains shall be found sufficient to sustain them.

            Two full companies of volunteers have been mustered into the service for nine (9) months, and I expect in a few days that two more companies will be mustered in. They are young, active, and hardy men, generally good shots, and with such instructions as they will receive, will make most excellent light troops. I have to request that the emolument of these men may be early made known to the Sec-

UTAH EXPEDITION.           79

retary of War, so that provision may be made, by an appropriation by Congress for their payment at the expiration of their term of service.

            The troops have borne the hardships and privations of the march with patience and cheerfulness, and continue in fine health ; some few of the different regiments are still suffering from frost bite.

            Governor Cumming and family, Judge Eckel, the secretary, attorney general, and marshal of the Territory, and also Dr. Forney, superintendent of Indian affairs, and Dr. Hunt, agent, are encamped within our lines, and have received every facility and means to make them comfortable, as much so as can be expected under canvas.

            I enclose copies of all orders given by me which will fully acquaint you with any matter omitted in this communication.

            With great respect, your obedient servant,

A. S. JOHNSTON,

Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding.

Maj. I. McDOWELL, Assistant Adjutant General,

            Headquarters of the Army.

            P. S.—A field return is transmitted herewith.

            I beg leave to ask your attention to the absence of a great number of officers as exhibited by the return.

            Respectfully,   

A. S. JOHNSTON,

Colonel 2d Cavalry, Commanding.

__________

HEADQUARTERS 10TH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY,

Camp Winfield, on Ham's Fork, October 2, 1857.

            COLONEL : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this day, and in reply, I am directed to inform you that this regiment is now encamped on Ham's fork of Green river, about 12 miles above the crossing of the fork by the road from Green river to Fort Bridger.

            Captain Phelps' battery is near us, and it is proposed that both remain here until the commander arrives. Col. Alexander also directs me to say, that he advises your coming to this point and camping near him ; the Mormons are understood to be concentrating at Fort Bridger, 30 miles from here, and might prove disastrous to a scattered force. There is a large train of supplies here which requires protection, and the grazing on the valley of this fork is superior to any we have found since leaving the Sweetwater, being abundant for all your animals, in addition to those now here for some days to come. Having no information of the position of Gen. Harney, it is impossible to say how long we will remain here, but is presumed that he will soon be here.

            I enclose a copy of a letter received to-day from Gov. Young, which indicates sufficiently the rebellious and hostile disposition of the Mormons, and makes it probable that an armed resistance to further progress of the troops will be attempted.

            The distance from Green river to the crossing of Ham's fork, is

80        UTAH EXPEDITION.

22 miles, over a good road, and should you decide to come on, that would be your first days march ; if you will send a guide in advance when you march from Ham's fork crossing, Col. Alexander will be happy to send an officer to meet you, and conduct you to a good camping ground in our vicinity. There is no road up the fork except our wagon trail, and several crossings, but it is smooth and level and wagons can be got up without difficulty.

            I am, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

HENRY E. MAYNADIER,

First Lieut., and Adjutant Tenth Infantry.

            P. S.—Captain Clarke, A. C. S., desires me to say that there are three supply trains in your rear, and he requests you will give them such protection as you consider necessary.

            Very respectfully,

HENRY E. MAYNADIER,

First Lieut., and Adjutant Tenth Infantry.

 __________

HEADQUARTERS 10TH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY,

Camp on Black's Fork, November 17, 1857.

            SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of my operations from the time I reached the boundary of the Territory of Utah until the arrival of Colonel Johnston at Black's fork. After a long march on the 26th of September, 1857, I encamped, with eight companies of the 10th infantry, at the Big Timbers on Big Sandy, this being my first camp in Utah. On the 27th, I marched across to Green river, and camped near the trading house of one Yates, reaching that point about half past eleven a. m., with my troops and trains very much exhausted by the previous three days' marches, which had been, of necessity, very long. At 9 o'clock a. m. on the 27th, an express had been sent to Ham's fork to Lieutenant Deshler, who was left by Captain Van Vliet at the rendezvous of the supply trains with a small guard. An answer from Lieutenant Deshler was received at 4 1/2 p. m. on the 27th, stating that he was in no immediate apprehension of being molested, and thought he could abide the arrival of the troops, without being immediately reinforced. I felt much relieved by this statement, but upon further reflection, I determined to forestall any attempt of the Mormons, by a change in the usual hour of march, thinking that they would count upon my taking two days to go from Green river to Ham's fork, or at least that I could not reach there until late in the evening, if I went in one. I accordingly struck camp at 12 o'clock on the night of the 27th, and set out for Ham's fork. At 7 a. m. on the 28th I came in sight of the trains, and by 11 the regiment was camped near them, guards and pickets established, and everything prepared for defence. I have since learned that a party of Mormons had determined to attack Lieut. Deshler, and destroy the trains on that day, and were prevented by the arrival of the troops about seven hours earlier than they anticipated.

            A few days after I reached Ham's fork, I received a letter from

UTAH EXPEDITION.           81

Brevet Colonel Waite, commanding the 5th infantry, stating that he was at Green river, and asking advice as to his remaining there or coming on. I advised him to come to Ham's fork, as the grazing was very fine, and I knew there was but little at Green river. Captain Phelps' battery had come up with me on the 29th of September, and on the 5th of October the 5th infantry and Reno's battery arrived. On the morning of the 5th I received information that three supply trains, which had been marching in rear some distance, since leaving Fort Leavenworth, without reference to protection from troops, had been burnt. On the 7th of October I despatched two companies under Captain Marcy, 5th infantry, to Green river, to collect and bring up what was serviceable of the contents of the burnt trains. This service was well and promptly executed. Having, on the 5th of October, assumed command of the troops near me, I determined to march up Ham's fork, where I would be in a position to reach Fort Bridger as near as from the crossing, or to go into the valley of Bear river, and, by way of Soda Spring and the Malade river, to Salt Lake City. This route gave me the alternative of choosing at Soda Spring whether I would continue towards the city or go to Snake river to winter, according to what might be learned relative to the power of the Mormons, the state of my supplies, and the nature of the season. I was under the impression at this time that Brevet Colonel Smith, who was in command of the only force I had any knowledge of, could join me on Bear river by taking Sublette's cut-off. I proceeded up Ham's fork, marching from October 11 to October 19, making about 35 miles, and reaching a point two miles from the Sublette road. On the 19th I ordered a return, having heard from Brevet Colonel Smith, who was so far in the rear, and so much encumbered with supply trains, that it was not likely he could join me ; I was also actuated in coming to this decision by hearing that Colonel Johnston was assigned to the command and was coming up. For convenience of moving and, grazing, the force was divided into three columns, and, by slow marches, the whole reached Black's fork on the 2d of November.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. ALEXANDER,

Colonel 10th Infantry, Commanding.

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,

            Headquarters, Army of Utah.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Bridger's Fort,

Black's Fork, November 25, 1857.

            GENERAL : A large proportion of cavalry and battery horses as well as many draught animals of my command, have been starved by the unprecedented cold weather of the last month and the great scarcity of grass on our route ; I have therefore ordered Captain R B. Marcy, 5th United States infantry, to proceed to New Mexico to purchase a remount for the dragoons and batteries and a sufficient number of

82        UTAH EXPEDITION.

draught animals to replace those which have died or been broken down on the march. It is of the greatest importance that he should return to this place as early in the spring as he can, keeping in view the necessity of bringing on the animals in good condition. Assistance, such as you have it in your power to give for the promotion of the objects which it is so desirable that he should accomplish, would very greatly facilitate his speedy return.

            I have also to request that a squadron of the rifle regiment, or such force as you may deem requisite, may be ordered to give him protection on his route back. Captain Marcy will give you the particulars of our march, &c.

            With great respect, your obedient servant,

A. S. JOHNSTON,

Colonel 2d Cavalry, commanding Army Utah.

Brigadier General JOHN GARLAND,

            Commanding Department New Mexico, Santa Fe.

__________

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DRAGOONS,

Camp at Fort Kearney, October 5, 1857.

            SIR: Colonel Johnston, commanding, was well aware that I calculated for success at finding the depot of corn on Sweet Water, made in August by Captain Van Vliet, assistant quartermaster, and of renewing it in the almost certain case of its having been used.

            I learn now from Lieutenant Green, 2d dragoons, that there was little corn at Fort Laramie ; but he met a very large train, which will probably reach the fort about the 16th instant.

            I shall reach Fort Laramie the 21st or 22d, and it will be necessary to me that a part of the train go on with at least 60,000 pounds ; 100,000 would be much better. This train, preceding me five or six days, can carry this corn at least 200 miles before I overtake it ; if circumstances permit, it will do better for it to keep on until overtaken, so that it do not go over 300 miles.

            I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. ST. GEO. COOKE,

Lieutenant Colonel 2d Dragoons.

To COMMANDING OFFICER of Fort Laramie, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS SECOND DRAGOONS,

Camp above Fallow's Bluff, S. Platte, October 12, 1857.

            MAJOR : I received this morning your letters of October 5th and 6th, (previously, those of September 24 and 29, and special orders.) Although I marched three miles from Fort Leavenworth September 17, I was so detained by the quartermaster department in my outfit that I was encamped twenty-two miles from Fort Leavenworth the night of the 21st. In consequence of information received of Lieutenant

UTAH EXPEDITION.           83

Bryan, topographical engineers, that he had not bridged the streams on the new road, by Fort Riley, I finally took the old route.

            I received from Lieutenant Perkins, October 1st, twenty-five not the "best teams" of the train from whence they came. I took fourteen wagons and teams and exchanged the other mules. From that day until this we have had daily rains.

            I arrived at Fort Kearney, near noon, the 5th, and left there the morning of the 7th. Their supply of corn was barely what was needed for the road to Fort Laramie, and there was a deficiency of above 2,000 rations of hard bread.

            I enclose a copy of a letter I wrote by an express to the commanding officer of Fort Laramie.

            Eleven days of rain, with very bad roads, have had their inevitable effects upon horses and mules. I find I cannot keep up my attempted average of twenty-two miles a day ; I shall, perhaps, arrive at Fort Laramie on the 22d instant, (one day over my ration supply.)

            I hope to hear from you there. Captain Van Vliet's information as to the route was rather startling ; from my knowledge of it, I anticipated a possibility of success, with an average condition of the grass. The question, I fear, in spite of the hopes I had formed, will turn upon this point: whether it will be more important for the regiment to reach the front (probably not a theatre of active operations) with horses ineffective, or attempt at Fort Laramie to preserve them for a future day.

            I write this in anticipation of being passed by the mail—perhaps to-morrow.

            I enclose a field return for September ; 77 desertions occurred after these companies were organized.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

P. ST. GEO. COOKE,

Lieutenant Colonel 2d Dragoons, Commanding.

The ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL.

ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp near Chimney Rock, October 18.

            P. S.—Still anticipating the mail passing, I report that I still expect to arrive at Fort Laramie on the 22d instant. I passed yesterday the two corn trains, twenty-two days from Fort Kearney, which the enclosed letter was written to forward, in part, beyond Fort Laramie. They have scarce a month's half forage for the animals with me. The weather is exceedingly cold ; wind northeast, with some rain, yesterday ; northwest, with three hours snow, to-day, when two horses and above twenty mules, all three-year olds, gave out.

            Very respectfully,        

P. ST. GEO. COOKE,

Lieutenant Colonel 2d Dragoons.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,

Camp on Ham's Fork, October 12, 1857.

            SIR : Yesterday two young men, named Hickman, were arrested by the rear guard of the army, and are now held in confinement. They

84        UTAH EXPEDITION

brought a letter from W. A. Hickman to Mr. Perry, a sutler of one of the regiments, but came under none of the privileges of bearers of despatches, and are, perhaps, liable to be considered and treated as spies. But I am convinced, from conversation with them, that their conduct does not merit the serious punishment awarded to persons of that character, and I have accordingly resolved to release the younger one, especially in consideration of his having a wife and three children dependent upon him, and to make him the bearer of this letter. The elder I shall keep until I know how this communication is received, and until I receive an answer to it, reserving, even then, the right to hold him a prisoner, if, in my judgment, circumstances require it. I need hardly assure you that his life will be protracted, and that he will receive every comfort and indulgence proper to be afforded him.

            I desire now, sir, to set before you the following facts : the forces under my command are ordered by the President of the United States to establish a military post at or near Salt Lake City. They set out on their long and arduous march, anticipating a reception similar to that which they would receive in any other State or Territory in the Union. They were met at the boundary of the Territory of which you are the governor, and in which capacity alone I have any business with you, by a proclamation issued by yourself, forbidding them to come upon soil belonging to the United States, and calling upon the inhabitants to resist them with arms. You have ordered them to return, and have called upon them to give up their arms in default of obeying your mandate. You have resorted to open hostilities, and of a kind, permit me to say, very far beneath the usages of civilized warfare, and only resorted to by those who are conscious of inability to resist by more honorable means, by authorizing persons under your control, some of the very citizens, doubtless, whom you have called to arms, to burn the grass, apparently with the intention of starving a few beasts, and hoping that men would starve after them. Citizens of Utah, acting, I am bound to believe, under your authority, have destroyed trains containing public stores, with a similar humane purpose of starving the army. I infer also from your communication received day before yesterday, refering to " a dearth of news from the east and from home," that you have caused public and private letters to be diverted from their proper destination, and this, too, when carried by a public messenger on a public highway. It is unnecessary for me to adduce further instances to show that you have placed yourself, in your capacity of governor, and so many of the citizens of the Territory of Utah as have obeyed your decree, in a position of rebellion and hostility to the general government of the United States. It becomes you to look to the consequences, for you must be aware that so unequal a contest can never be successfully sustained by the people you govern.

            It is my duty to inform you that I shall use the force under my control, and all honorable means in my power, to obey literally and strictly the orders under which I am acting. If you, or any acting under your orders, oppose me, I will use force, and I warn you that the blood that is shed in this contest will be upon your head. My means I consider ample to overcome any obstacle ; and I assure you that any idea you may have formed of forcing these troops back, or of prevent-

UTAH EXPEDITION.           85

ing them from carrying out the views of the government, will result in unnecessary violence and utter failure. Should you reply to this in a spirit which our relative positions give me a right to demand, I will be prepared to propose an arrangement with you. I have also the honor to inform you that all persons found lurking around or in any of our camps, will be put under guard and held prisoners as long as circumstances may require.

            I remain sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

E. B. ALEXANDER,

Colonel 10th Infantry, Commanding.

His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,

            Governor of Utah Territory.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH,

Camp on Ham's Fork, October 18, 1857.

            SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th instant. I learn by the bearers that it is not an answer to one from me sent to you by Mr. T. J. Hickman. It is not within my province to disabuse you of the idea that the army of the United States can ever be used to oppress the citizens of the country, or to perform any other duty than to protect all law-abiding persons in their pursuits and property. I may assert that the acts of which you complain on the part of certain officials in your Territory, could never have been committed had there been an officer or a regiment of troops near enough to prevent it. It is no part of the duty, and still less of the wishes of any one connected with this force to interfere in any way with the religion of the people of Utah, whether they are members of the Mormon church, or worship under the forms of any church. But there are certain duties incumbent upon every man intrusted with a military commission and command, and the first is obedience of orders under all circumstances short of impossibility. I repeat my earnest desire to avoid violence and bloodshed, and it will require positive resistance to force me to it. But my troops have the same right of self-defence that you claim, and it rests entirely with you whether they are driven to the exercise of it.

            In my letter, sent by Mr. Hickman, I set forth fully the position on which you and the people of Utah, or at least part of them, have become placed, and I stated my willingness to make an arrangement with you on other terms than those of battle. I await your reply, and urge you again to stop the treasonable course you are pursuing before you bring upon yourself, and many otherwise innocent persons, a vengeance of which you have little idea.

            I am, with high respect, your obedient servant,

E. B. ALEXANDER,

Colonel 10th Infantry, Commanding.

His Excellency BRIGHAM YOUNG,

            Governor of Utah Territory.

86        UTAH EXPEDITION.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Big Timbers, on Big Sandy,

En route to Salt Lake City, October 30, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding, with the view of securing army supplies, to-day reported as in store at Baptiste's trading station, directs that, secretly, at 2 o'clock to-night you move from this camp, by the direct route to that station, and take possession of all government stores you find, until delivered to the proper officers with this command. The ford at Green river is easy to cross, being not more than knee-deep.

            He also directs that you keep your command and the occupants of the houses concealed, permitting no egress and securing all persons approaching the station. Should any armed mounted men approach your party, you will knock them out of their saddles, and capture, if practicable, and treat as enemies all persons who molest you, or appear in arms on your route.

            A non-commissioned officer and four privates will accompany your command to enable you to communicate, if necessary, with these headquarters.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Captain B. E. BEE,

            10th Infantry, Big Timbers, Big Sandy.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Black's Fork, 16 miles from Fort Bridger,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 8, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that on the delivery to you, by Eli Dufour and Benjamin Claymoor, of two packages containing public letters, you will cause the former to be paid $300, (three hundred,) and the latter $200 (two hundred.)

            Eli is to be continued in service, and will be returned to these headquarters as soon as practicable.

            If Claymoor wishes to remain in the employ of the United States, you can make a new contract and send him with Eli.

            The packages enclosed the colonel commanding directs that you forward, so as to reach their destination as soon as practicable.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Brevet Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,

            Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           87

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp, Junction of Smith's and Ham's Forks,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you cause to be pushed forward to these headquarters, at Fort Bridger, as soon as practicable, a train of 30 pack mules loaded with salt. Your knowledge of the country, and of the persons you will employ, will guide you in the route to be taken.

            In making your preparations for moving in the spring, the colonel wishes you to take into consideration the route up the Laramie river, with the view of reaching this force at the earliest moment with the supply trains, time being the principal element to consider in your movement. As soon as Colonel Cooke arrives, Jeanise, or some other reliable person, will be sent over that route to report to you the probabilities of success, the difficulties to be overcome, the advantages of grass, and to be a guide in case you deem it advisable to move in that direction. It is hoped that you may be able to arrive here a month earlier than by the Oregon and California route, South Pass, sending some of your troops in advance to make or repair the road. It is inferred, from present information, that a practicable road exists, and that probably the principal difficulties to overcome will be the cutting down banks and making bridges. The guide who passes over it will examine the obstacles.

            If you have sufficient information to decide you, this route is suggested as one for the pack train, as the grass is very scarce on this, and on the other it has not been injured. The colonel commanding also suggests that the animals be not loaded heavier than 100 pounds. There is no salt with this army.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Brevet Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,

            Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.

            P. S.—Whichever route you take, will require boats or rafts to enable you to cross the principal streams. The colonel commanding, therefore, suggests that you bring with you wagons of corrugated iron, if you have them, or can procure them in time ; if not, sufficient timber to make a boat of sufficient dimensions to cross your stores.

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Junction of Smith's and Black's Forks,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding understands that a quantity of arms, powder, lead and shot, were left at Richard's trading station, either on Deer creek or at Platte Bridge, by Grosbeck, the man in charge of the Mormon wagon train which passed your post about October 6. He directs you to have a thorough search made for these arms and

88        UTAH EXPEDITION.

munitions, and, if found, have them seized in the name of the government. Should an unusual supply be found at the Mormon station on Deer creek or at Platte Bridge, the colonel wishes you to have it removed, leaving sufficient for ordinary trading purposes, no matter who may claim the ownership.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Junction of Smith's Fork and Black's Fork,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.

            SIR : The regulations in the case of private Edward Farrell, of your company, reported in your letter of the 18th ultimo, as transferred to company A, 6th infantry, not having been complied with, the colonel commanding disapproves of the transfer, and directs that he be borne upon the rolls as a member of your company.

            You are directed to furnish the commander of your regiment with a copy of this communication.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Captain RENSSELAER W. FOOTE,

            Commanding Company C, 6th Infantry, Fort Laramie, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Junction of Smith's and Black's Forks,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 13, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that on the delivery to you of a package containing seven communications, you cause the bearer, an Indian boy, to be paid the amount of $200 (two hundred dollars) for services rendered in bearing a despatch to these headquarters from Lieut. Colonel Cooke, second dragoons.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Brevet Lieut. Colonel Wm. HOFFMAN,

            Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Black's Fork, six miles from Fort Bridger,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 14, 1857.

            SIR : In addition to the compensation designated in my letter of yesterday, the colonel commanding directs that you pay the bearer

UTAH EXPEDITION.           89

(Indian boy, Newell,) one hundred dollars, ($100) on delivery to you of a package to your address, containing the communications referred to. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Brevet Lieut. Col. WM. HOFFMAN,

            Commanding Fort Laramie, N. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp near Fort Bridger,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 18, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs me to inform you that only a portion of the supply trains will be drawn from your camp to day, and in consequence of the enfeebled condition of the animals, the oxen will not be returned until the 20th instant. He therefore directs that you keep the main portion of your regiment with you in camp, guarding the trains, till all are in motion, sending a sufficient guard with each train. Two of the companies escorting the trains to-day will camp, as directed, at Fort Bridger, while the others will come to this camp, where your regiment will be assembled.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Colonel E. B. ALEXANDER,

            Commanding 10th Infantry, Camp Scott, U. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, U. T.,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that you proceed with your company, as escort to the train of Lieutenant Lucius L. Rich, A. A. Q. M., charged with collecting all abandoned wagons between this point and Ham's fork, and bringing to the camp a portion of the goods of Messrs. Gilbert & Radford.

            A copy of Lieutenant Rich's instructions are enclosed. You will supply your men with rations for ten days.

            I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Lieutenant C. H. TYLER,

            Commanding Company H., 2d Dragoons, Camp Scott, U. T.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, U. T.,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, as medical director, you have requisitions made upon the assistant quartermaster for the camp

90        UTAH EXPEDITION.

and garrison equipage, &c., to establish hospitals for the different regiments and batteries, and that you make the necessary arrangements to establish and complete a general hospital, such as you deem necessary for the command.

            Assistant Surgeon Ridgely has been directed to forward his requisitions to you.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Surgeon MADISON MILLS,

            Medical Director, Army of Utah.

__________

[Circular.]

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, November 19, 1857.

            All persons discharged from the trains accompanying this army, as well as all other American citizens unemployed, are invited to enrol themselves into companies for 9 months in the military (volunteer) service of the United States.

            The compensation will be that of an infantry soldier, viz : $11 per month and rations and clothing. The above to be paid when appropriated by Congress.

            By order of Colonel Albert S. Johnston.

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs you to take forty good six-mule teams from the train of this army, and proceed to the junction of Black's and Ham's forks, collecting all abandoned wagons.

            Arriving there, you will tender, in his name, (that of government) to Messrs. Gerrish & Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army, your train to assist in transporting to this camp their most valuable goods and merchandise, especially those of a perishable nature and most serviceable to the Mormons, as clothing, groceries, &c.

            I am instructed to caution you not to permit your wagons to be heavily loaded, or to make long marches.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Second Lieutenant L. L. RICH,

            Fifth Infantry, A. A. Q. M.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           91

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, U. T.,

En route to Salt Lake City, Nov. 19, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding directs that, with forty men of your command, supplied with ten days' rations, you proceed to the camp, on or near Ham's fork, about 30 miles distant, of Messrs. Garrish and Radford, merchants and sutlers to this army, and escort to this camp so much of their trains as can be moved.

            Should you meet a portion of the moveable train, you will unite the whole of it, and keep it united, and not permit your command to be divided more than is necessary to guard the column.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Second Lieut. HENRY B. LIVINGSTON,

            Commanding Company E., 2d Dragoons,

                        Camp Scott, U. T.

__________

GREEN RIVER COUNTY,

Fort Bridger, U. T., November 21, 1857.

            On the 11th of July, 1857, I was appointed by the President to be governor of this Territory. Since my arrival within the limits of the Territory, I regret to have found that many acts of violence have been committed on the highways, in the destruction and robbery of property belonging to the United States. These acts, which indicate that the Territory is in a state of rebellion, are ascribed, how truly I do not know, to yourself. A proclamation purporting to have issued from you, and a paper signed with your name, found upon the person of Joseph Taylor, have been submitted to my inspection. The matter contained in these papers authorizes and commands violent and treasonable acts—acts tending to the disruption of the peace of the Territory, and which subject their actors to the penalties awarded to traitors. If these papers referred to be not authentic, I trust you will promptly disavow them.

            I herewith enclose a copy of my proclamation to the people of Utah.

            You will oblige me by acknowledging the receipt of this by the returning messenger.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, &c.

A. CUMMING,

Governor of Utah Territory.

BRIGHAM YOUNG,

            Ex-Governor of Utah Territory.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, U. T., November 21, 1857.

            Official.

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

92        UTAH EXPEDITION.

GREEN RIVER COUNTY,

Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, November 21, 1857.

To the People of Utah Territory:

            On the 11th of July, 1857, the President appointed me to preside over the executive department of the government of this Territory. I arrived at this point on the 19th of this month, and shall probably be detained some time, in consequence of the loss of animals during the recent snow-storm. I will proceed at this point to make the preliminary arrangements for the temporary organization of the territorial government, many treasonable acts of violence having recently been committed by lawless individuals, supposed to have been commanded by the late executive. Such persons are in a state of rebellion. Proceedings will be instituted against them in a court organized by Chief Justice Eckles, held in this county, which court will supersede the necessity of appointing military commissions for the trial of such offenders. It is my duty to enforce unconditional obedience to the Constitution, to the organic law of this Territory, and to all the other laws of Congress applicable to you. To enable me to effect this object, I will, in the event of resistance, rely, first, upon a posse comitatus of the well-disposed portion of the inhabitants of this Territory, and will only resort to a military posse in case of necessity. I trust this necessity will not occur.

            I come among you with no prejudices or enmities ; and, by the exercise of a just and firm administration, I hope to command your confidence.

            Freedom of conscience, and the use of your own peculiar mode of serving God, are sacred rights, the exercise guarantied by the Constitution, with which it is not the province of the government, or the disposition of its representatives in this Territory, to interfere.

            In virtue of my authority, as commander-in-chief of the militia of this Territory, I hereby command all armed bodies of individuals, by whomsoever organized, to disband, and return to their respective homes. The penalty of disobedience to this command will subject the offender to the punishment due to traitors.

A. CUMMING,

Governor of Utah Territory.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, U. T., November 21, 1857.

            Official.          

F. J. PORTER, A. A. G.

__________

HEADQUARTERS 2D REGIMENT OF DRAGOONS,

Camp on Black's Fork, Utah Territory, November 21, 1857.

            SIR : As required, I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions from the colonel commanding the army for Utah, I

UTAH EXPEDITION.           93

marched, in command of six companies 2d dragoons, three miles from Fort Leavenworth, and encamped the afternoon of the 17th September.

            The regiment had been hastily recalled from service in the field and allowed three or four days only, by my then commanding officer, to prepare for a march of eleven hundred miles over an uninhabited and mountain wilderness ; in that time the six companies of the regiment who were to compose the expedition were re-organized ; one hundred and ten transfers necessarily made from and to other companies ; horses to be condemned and many obtained ; the companies paid, and about fifty desertions occurred ; the commanders of four of them changed. To these principal duties and obstacles, implying a great mass of writing, were to be added every exertion of experience and foresight to provide for a line of operation of almost unexampled length and mostly beyond communication. On the evening of the 16th, at the commencement of a rain-storm, an inspector general made a hurried inspection by companies which could not have been very satisfactory to him or others—the company commanders, amid the confusion of Fort Leavenworth, presenting their new men, raw recruits, whom they had yet scarcely found or seen, under the effects usually following the pay-table.

            I marched, then, on the 17th ; my preparations, though hurried, were as complete as was possible ; then it was to be proved that three or four more days were to be lost in waiting for the quartermaster's department to supply the absolutely necessary transportation. On the 18th one hundred and seven mules were furnished, which the same day had arrived from a march of perhaps two thousand miles to and from Bridger's Pass ; above one hundred of the others were nearly worthless from want of age, and requiring several hours to harness a team. On the morning of the 19th twenty-seven teamsters were wanting, and men were furnished utterly ignorant of the business and without outfits. I marched late that day fourteen miles, and the last of the train reached the camp at 12 m. on the next day, the 20th, eleven wagon tongues having been broken. On the 21st, after a hard rain, I marched six miles, which on slippery roads was as much as such a train could well accomplish ; and only that night near half of one of the companies whom we had met returning to Fort Leavenworth, from a march of 600 miles, reached my camp.

            Half allowance, or six pounds a day of corn for horses and mules, was the largest item of transportation ; three or four laundresses, with their children, were with each company.

            September 23d I received an application of Governor Cumming for forage for his (54) public animals, and was first informed that an order from the War Department, communicated to the quartermaster's department at Fort Leavenworth, ordered it furnished.

            The weather now for ten days proved very fine ; but there was generally a deficiency of grass, that was not compensated by the corn allowance ; this was owing to the many troops and contract trains which had passed, the camps being on streams running across the route.

            October 1.—On the Little Blue I reached the train of twenty-five wagons and teams which the colonel commanding had there stopped

94        UTAH EXPEDITION.

from their return from the Cheyenne expedition, to make out my outfit for the longer marches beyond assistance. Hard bread for the whole march to Salt Lake City was to be taken from Fort Kearney. Such was the condition of the young mules furnished at Fort Leavenworth, that only fourteen of these additional wagons were available, sixty-six mules being necessarily exchanged. Here, as had been ordered, Assistant Surgeon Covey joined the regiment, relieving Assistant Surgeon Milham.

            October 3.—There was so severe a northeast rain-storm that I lay in camp ; I knew there would be no fuel at the next, on the Platte river.

            October 4.—I marched in the rain, and on the 5th arrived at Fort Kearney at 10 a. m. ; my rate of marching, after September 21, having averaged twenty-one miles a day. There I remained the next day. I could not increase the number of wagons, but exchanged a few mules ; nor could the required amount of corn be furnished.

            On the 7th I marched in the rain, which had continued since the 2d of the month. Up to the 12th—eleven days--the rainy weather continued, clearing up with thick ice ; but the marches averaged twenty-one miles. The grass was very scarce and poor. It was not a season and prospect for delays. Every care was taken to sustain the horses; they were led, at that time, about two hours a day, and grazed on spots of grass found in the march. The length of the march was also accommodated to it and diligent search made. That night I was encamped on an island west of Fallow's bluff. This long rain made the want of fuel more severe ; it rendered useless the now scarce bois de vache.

            After this, repeated hard frosts, with the previous consumption of grass by the troops, trains, and 60,000 emigrant cattle, almost left us without this all-important support—I mean of a sort or condition fit for the support of our animals.

            October 15.—I crossed the South Platte, with a very cold northwest wind. Descended Ash Hollow, and marched a mile or two on the North Platte in the vain search for any grass. These twenty-two miles, with the two serious obstacles overcome, were accomplished by the whole train in good time. This must be attributed to the excellent management of that most efficient officer, First Lieutenant John Buford, regimental quartermaster.

            After this, the horses began to die and be necessarily left on the road. On the 17th two corn trains were passed, which had left Fort Kearney twelve days in advance of the regiment. I renewed my deficient supply—relieving them. A northeaster, with sleet, was distressingly chilling that evening, in camp on "Smith's fork." Next day there was a snow-storm, falling three or four inches, which the teams were scarcely forced to face; and twenty-three mules, all three-year olds, were relieved from harness, exhausted. Bunch grass was sought and found that night in the hills, several miles from the river. Private Whitney, of company "G," died in that camp, near Chimney Rock, of lockjaw. He was buried on the bluff with the honors of war. Next morning, at sunrise, the thermometer was at 33°,

UTAH EXPEDITION.           95

but a fierce wind made the cold excessive ; we found ice floating in the river.

            October 20.—I crossed Scott's bluff by the old (the best and shortest) road ; snow still nearly covering the ground. A mail, which had been in company for eleven days, did not get up the night of the 21st.

            On the 22d my camp was four miles below Fort Laramie, with scarcely an appearance of grass, and there was none other for miles. I had made twenty-one miles a day from Fort Kearney, the road being pronounced worse than ever remembered by a number of old and frequent travellers on it.

            On the 23d the regiment encamped a half a mile below the fort, on Laramie river. Mr. Buford, sent the night before, although there directed elsewhere, had found the only grass a mile and a half higher up, where the mules were herded during my stay He was now directed to make a critical examination and report upon all the mules, and a board of the oldest company officers was ordered to carefully inspect and report upon the horses. Fifty-three were reported, on the 24th, ineffective for active service, and 278 fit to prosecute the march. The regimental quartermaster reported his ability to proceed with a diminution of only ten wagons ; but eleven others of the train only capable of going five or six days, when their loads of corn would be consumed, if the others were not lightened. There was but little hay there, and I ordered an issue from it to the horses during their stay. The corn trains were expected in a day or two ; it was so absolutely necessary to await their arrival. I had received your communication of October 5, giving discretionary authority to winter in the vicinity of Fort Laramie, but that evening I determined to continue on. I ordered the laundresses to be left ; Lieutenant Colonel Hoffman stated he could provide for them. Those too sick to ride were ordered to be left ; of the men dismounted, one married man to a company, and such others deemed by their company commanders " ineffective afoot," were authorized to be left. The allowance of equipage in the general order for the summer march was greatly reduced, as, in fact, all other baggage, and even too ambulances brought for the sick were loaded with corn until they might be needed. I considered it prudent to take rations for thirty days.

            On the 26th of October the corn arrived, and was instantly taken and packed, by great exertions, for the march that afternoon, it being recommended by the guide, Jeanise, who now joined me, in order to make camps with grass.

            At one o'clock the " general" was sounded ; soon after I received the despatch of October 18 from South Pass ; this, announcing, in fact, hostilities in front, the great want of cavalry, and the strong hope of the colonel to see us with him, I read to the officers assembled in front of the mounted regiment, adding a few words expressing my confidence in their every exertion to meet the kindly-announced expectations of the commander of the army. I had corn for the night brought to the camp seven miles by two wagons of the fort ; half allowance for eighteen days was then in camp ; the horses were all

96        UTAH EXPEDITION.

blanketed from that time, and on the march led and mounted alternate hours, besides dismounting on difficult ground.

            October 27.– Marched twenty miles ; the guide found very good grass far from the usual road by making a cut-off to the North Platte. There I commenced herding the horses till dark, and the mules all night.

            The marches were twenty miles a day until the 30th of October, when, finding on the river very unusually good grass, after marching eight miles, the camp was made, and horses and mules herded ; no corn being issued in that camp, save a half feed to horses next morning.

            Next day there was rain, but we marched twenty miles to the first grass in the vicinity of Deer creek, two miles west of it. At the trading house I caused some good hay to be purchased—all there was, and less than an allowance for the horses. A hunter was there hired ; a beef procured and slaughtered ; an expressman was also engaged ; and I wrote to communicate with headquarters, but the man did not present himself until the next night.

            November 1.—Owing to total absence of grass, the march was prolonged to twenty-three or twenty-four miles, and a camp made above the bridge. Next morning was very cold. The few tents were with difficulty folded and packed, having remained frozen from the sleet two nights before. The old road was taken, leaving the river at the crossing, and it not having been used by the troops, we were not disappointed in finding grass for a camp at the first spring--15 miles.

            Five wagons and teams of the worst mules were that morning left in camp, to return to Fort Laramie after resting a day.

            November 3.—Twenty miles were accomplished against an excessive cold headwind, to a camp on Sage creek. The horses were mostly led. The fatigue of walking up and over the high hills in the face of the wind was very great. A bad camp, with poor hill grass, and a cold rain, was our welcome on Sage creek.

            November 4.—The camp was on Sweet Water, a mile above Independence Rock. The hunter brought in at night four hundred pounds of good buffalo meat ; and also, for me, a canteen of petroleum, from a spring, at the base of one of the small black mountains, not distant from the road. Five empty wagons and teams were ordered back to Fort Laramie.

            November 5.—We passed Devil's Gate, with a scenery landscape up the Sweet Water valley. We crossed the little river to within half a mile of a deep, grassy vale, extending into the mountain masses of naked granite. There all the animals were loosed for the night, the mouth of the cañon only being guarded.

            On the 6th we found the ground once more white and the snow falling, but then very moderately ; I marched as usual. On a four-mile hill the north wind and drifting snow became severe; the air seemed turned to frozen fog ; nothing cold be seen ; we were struggling in a freezing cloud. The lofty wall at " Three Crossings" was a happy relief ; but the guide, who had lately passed there, was relentless in pronouncing that there was no grass. The idea of finding and feeding upon grass, in that wintry storm, under the deep snow, was hard to entertain ; but as he promised grass and other shelter two

UTAH EXPEDITION.           97

miles further, we marched on, crossing twice more the rocky stream, half choked with snow and ice ; finally he led us behind a great granite rock, but all too small for the promised shelter. Only a part of the regiment could huddle there in the deep snow ; whilst, the long night through, the storm continued, and in fearful eddies from above, before, behind, drove the falling and drifting snow. Thus exposed for the hope of grass, the poor animals were driven, with great devotion, by the men, once more across the stream and three quarters of a mile beyond, to the base of a granite ridge, but which almost faced the storm ; there the famished mules, crying piteously, did not seek to eat, but desperately gathered in a mass, and some horses, escaping the guard, went back to the ford, where the lofty precipice first gave us so pleasant relief and shelter.

            Thus morning light had nothing cheering to reveal ; the air still filled with driven snow ; the animals soon came driven in, and, mingled in confusion with men, went crunching the snow in the confined and wretched camp, tramping all things in their way. It was not a time to dwell on the fact that from that mountain desert there was no retreat, nor any shelter near ; but a time for action. No murmurs, not a complaint was heard, and certainly none saw in their commander's face a doubt or clouds ; but with cheerful manner he gave orders as usual for the march.

            And then the sun showed his place in the sky, and my heart, for one, beat lighter ; but for six hours the frost, or frozen fog, fell thickly like snow, and again we marched on as in a cloud. The deep snow drifts impeded us much, and in crossing Sweetwater the ice broke in the middle. Marching ten miles only, I got a better camp, and herded the horses on the hills. It was a different road, but near Ice spring, where, a few days before, the bodies of three frozen men were found.

            November 8.—The mercury this morning marked forty-four degrees below the freezing point. The march was commenced before 8 o'clock, and soon a high northwest wind arose, which, with the drift, gave great suffering. Few could ride long ; but, of necessity, eighteen miles were marched to Bitter creek. The snow was blown deep in its valley, to which the hills gave little shelter. On them the guide said there was some grass, but few animals went, and none staid there, so bitter was the wind. Twenty-three mules had given out, and five wagons and the harness were ordered to be abandoned at the camp.

            Next day nineteen miles were to be marched ; the road over high hills and table lands ; the snow was deep and drifted ; the officers and men leading must break through the drifts in the road, where the wagons must follow it ; the cloud was still on us, and freezing in our faces. Seven hours there, and the Sweetwater valley was regained. The wagons arrived at night. The animals were driven over the ice to herd on the high hills bounding the very narrow valley ; but in the night a very great wind arose and drove them back from the scant bunch grass, there freezing to death fifteen. We had there for fuel, besides the sage, the little bush willow sticks.

            November 10.—The northeast wind continued fiercely, enveloping

98        UTAH EXPEDITION.

us in a cloud which froze and fell all day. Few could have faced that wind. The herders left to bring up the rear with extra but nearly all broken down mules, could not force them from the dead bushes of the little valley ; and they remained there all day and night, bringing on next day the fourth part that had not frozen. Thirteen mules were marched, and the camp was made four miles from the top of the pass. A wagon that day cut partly through the ice of a branch, and there froze so fast eight mules could not move it empty. Nearly all the tent pins were broken in the last camp ; a few of iron were here substituted Nine trooper horses were left freezing and dying on the road that day, and a number of soldiers and teamsters had been frostbitten. It was a desperately cold night. The thermometers were broken but, by comparison, must have marked twenty-five degrees below zero. A bottle of sherry wine froze in a trunk. Having lost about fifty mules in thirty-six hours, the morning of the eleventh, on the report of the quartermaster, I felt bound to leave a wagon in the bushes, filled with seventy-four extra saddles and bridles, and some sabres. Two other wagons at the last moment he was obliged to leave, but empty. The Sharp's carbines were then issued to mounted as well as dismounted men.

            The 11th, pleasant in the forenoon to men well wrapped and walking in the sun ; we early surmounted the pass, and marching seventeen miles encamped on Dry Sandy. The guide's search resulted in his reporting : " no grass." There remained but one day's corn after that night. It proved intensely cold, which must needs be, (seven to eight thousand feet high,) in winter, in latitude above 42° ; the mules, for once, were ordered to be tied at the wagons ; they gnawed and destroyed four wagon tongues, a number of wagon covers, ate their ropes, and getting loose, ate the sage fuel collected at the tents ; some of these they also attacked ; nine died.

            The fast growing company of dismounted men were marched together as a separate command by day ; the morning of the 12th, a number of them were frost-bitten from not being in motion, although standing by fires.

            That day eighteen miles were marched to Big Sandy, where the guide found grass, and fuel with it, so good, that the 13th was made a day of rest; the animals all herded at the grass. Fifty horses had been lost since Laramie. The regiment had retained through its sufferings an excellent spirit.

            November 14th was cold, with a dense fog, which caused much delay and difficulty in collecting the animals. I marched, however, eighteen miles, to Second Crossing ; there was scarcely any grass. The weather had now much moderated.

            The 15th, I reached and crossed Green river ; there was very little grass, near or far ; the horses were herded at night half a mile from camp, crossing the river on the ice. The United States October mail, which preceded me by two days from Fort Laramie, arrived there soon after me. Nine wagons were left at the house and forty-two mules, with teamsters to herd them.

            The sick report had rapidly run up from four or five to forty-two ; thirty-six soldiers and teamsters having been frosted.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           99

            A man of Green river, named Migette, was authorized to collect and winter such animals as he might find surviving on the road.

            November 16.—We had to face a very severe wind, and to march too, eighteen miles, before a camp ground could be got on Ham's fork ; and there was little or no grass. At mid-day my return express, now sent to Fort Laramie, was met. Twenty horses were abandoned in that twenty-four hours.

            Next day the guide was sent early to look for grass ; we found some, and I marched, leading the horses six miles, and encamped there on " Little Muddy" running into Black's fork.

            The 18th, thirteen miles were marched, and some very good bunch grass was found, by careful search, between the barren clay ridges, within half a mile of which I camped on Black's Fork.

            November 19.—Marched leading through the mud and snow, as yesterday, fourteen miles ; passing the camp of the 10th infantry, I encamped several miles above them, on Black's fork, and about three miles below " Fort Bridger."

            From there I reported in person yesterday, and one of my companies joined, at the army headquarters, camp Scott. I have one hundred and forty-four horses, and have lost one hundred and thirty-four. Most of the loss has occurred much this side of South Pass, in comparatively moderate weather. It has been of starvation ; the earth has a no more lifeless, treeless, grassless desert ; it contains scarcely a wolf to glut itself on the hundreds of dead and frozen animals which for thirty miles nearly block the road ; with abandoned and shattered property, they mark, perhaps, beyond example in history, the steps of an advancing army with the horrors of a disastrous retreat.

            A list of the officers is subjoined.

            With high respect, your obedient servant,

P. ST. GEO. COOKE,

Lieut. Col. 2d Dragoons.

THE ASSISTANT ADJUTANT GENERAL,

            Army of Utah, Camp Scott, U. T.

__________

            Lieutenant Colonel P. St. Geo. Cooke.

            Major M. S. Howe.

            First Lieutenant John Buford, regimental quartermaster.

            First Lieutenant John Pegram, adjutant.

            Assistant Surgeon Edward N. Covey.

            Brevet Major H. H. Sibley, commanding company I and squadron.

            Captain James M. Hawes, commanding company C and squadron.

            First Lieutenant Jonas P. Holliday, commanding company F and squadron.

            First Lieutenant Thomas Hight, commanding company B.

            First Lieutenant John B. Villepigue, commanding dismounted men.

            Second Lieutenant George A. Gordon, commanding company A.

            Second Lieutenant John Mullens.

100      UTAH EXPEDITION.

            Second Lieutenant Ebenezer Gay, commanding company G.

            Second Lieutenant John Green.

            Second Lieutenant Francis C. Armstrong.

            Second Lieutenant George Jackson.

            Brevet Second Lieutenant Samuel W. Ferguson.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger,

En route to Salt Lake City, November 22, 1857.

            SIR : I have the honor to state that your letter of October 27th ultimo, in the case of Captain Humber, 7th infantry, and enclosing a medical certificate of ill health, has been laid before the colonel commanding, and the following is his endorsement thereon :

" HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

" Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 20, 1857.

            " The colonel commanding, by silence, cannot permit the action of Colonel Hoffman to be a precedent for an officer under his command to authorize another to go beyond his control.

            " The exercise of such a power is not warranted by the regulations ; nor from the nature of the disease, by the urgency of the case, the only event which will sanction its application.

            " Captain Humber will not be recalled, though the application for a leave of absence was not granted ; but Colonel Hoffman will inform him of the action of the colonel commanding."

            This endorsement is furnished by direction of the colonel commanding.

            I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Brevet Lieut. Col. WILLIAM HOFFMAN,

            Commanding Fort Laramie, Nebraska Territory.

__________

CAMP SCOTT, U. T.,

November 22, 1857.

            SIR : As chief of the quartermaster's department, and thus directly or indirectly responsible for the transportation of this army, I beg leave to submit the following report for the consideration of the colonel commanding :

            From the limited observation I have been able to make, and from all the information I can get in regard to the quantity of grass in this vicinity, I am confident there is not enough within ten miles to subsist the animals of this command for six weeks. We have now been here scarcely a week, and in that short period it has all been eaten off for a mile and a half in each direction. If the attempt is made to winter them all near here, I am fearful there will not be any in the

101      UTAH EXPEDITION.          

spring fit for draught, if any considerable number of them should survive. About twelve teams will be necessary for daily service. These teams could be reduced to four mules to a team. With the little subsistence these animals can get, they cannot work more than one day out of three or four. Thus 172 mules must be kept in the vicinity of the camp, and when worked one day in four it is not probable they can be kept serviceable more than a month at a time. By the end of each month they must be transferred to the general herd, and replaced by others that have been somewhat recruited. In this manner they will all be kept worked down and unfit for use in the spring when they will be most needed.

            Henry's fork is the nearest point where, in my opinion, grass can be found in sufficient quantity to maintain them in working condition for the next four months. If the troops are to remain in this camp, I would respectfully suggest, for the consideration of the colonel commanding, the propriety of sending to that point, under proper guards, all the animals under my charge, with the exception of about 350 mules. If the grass on Black's fork above our camp and on Smith's fork were reserved for these 350 mules, it would subsist them for the winter. Of this number one-half should be kept distant from the camp on good grazing, and the other half near us for daily use Those kept here will get but little to eat, but by changing them, say every two weeks, with those that are distant, we may get through the winter without using up more than these 350 mules.

            The majority of those sent to Henry's fork that are not now too much broken down would, with a mild winter, be fit for service early in the spring.

            The reports from the different quartermasters as to the loss of animals in the march, the number now on hand and their condition, have not all been sent in yet ; but I think the number to be wintered will not differ materially from 2,400, including beef cattle.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN H. DICKERSON,

Captain and A. Q. M.

Major F. J. PORTER,

            Assistant Adjutant General.

__________

CAMP SCOTT, U. T., November 24, 1857.

            SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the colonel commanding, that about 588 mules of this command have died since leaving Fort Leavenworth. Over nine-tenths of this loss has occurred within the last month. About half the horses of the two batteries are dead, and two-thirds of the dragoons are dismounted. The animals now remaining are leg-weary and without life, and many of them must die during the winter. I think we cannot count with safety on having over five hundred serviceable mules and forty battery horses on the first of next May. The loss of dragoon horses depends on the amount of duty they have to perform between this and spring, and no estimate of the loss can be made ; but it is not probable that

UTAH EXPEDITION.           102

any considerable number will be serviceable. Another outfit will, therefore, be required for any movement that may be contemplated in the spring. The only animals that can be gotten here are Indian ponies, and we cannot rely with certainty on getting many of those. The mass of the animals for the spring outfit must be gotten either from Fort Leavenworth or from New Mexico. It is of the highest importance that the animals should be gotten here at the earliest period practicable. They can be gotten under way from fifteen to thirty days earlier from New Mexico than they can from Fort Leavenworth, and will be six hundred miles nearer us at the starting point. From my knowledge of the country, and from the best information I can get, I am confident as many, both American and Mexican, mules can be gotten on the upper and lower Rio Grande as will be wanted.

            Generally but few American horses can be procured. They are bought up for mounted corps serving in the country. They have there, however, a large sized pony, or "half-breed " horse that would answer admirably well for remounting the dragoons.

            The route from here to New Mexico is believed to be entirely practicable at this season of the year. Herds of sheep have been brought through in the winter season, or, at least, started sufficiently early to get to Henry's fork by the last of April. And there does not appear to be any obstacle to our having animals brought through by the 15th of May, and arrive here in good condition. There are guides here, familiar with the route, who are willing to conduct the party, if one should be sent.

            I would respectfully suggest that a commissioned officer, with a proper escort, be sent through this winter, with a view of bringing back animals as early as practicable in the spring. I enclose an estimate for four hundred horses and one thousand mules. If horses cannot be gotten there in sufficient numbers suitable for battery purposes, then two hundred large sized American mules should be gotten, to take the place of horses in the batteries.

            By despatching the party early, it would get through in time to procure the animals and have them in good condition to start on the return trip, by the first of March. I have no doubt but a considerable number of the mules could be procured from the quartermaster's department. These animals might be packed with light loads, and travel slowly till the grass becomes good, without destroying their efficiency, and thus bring through 100,000 pounds of subsistence stores. Each animal should start with 50 pounds of corn, to be fed to it on starting out, and when grass is scarce.

            I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. H. DICKERSON,

Captain and Asst. Quartermaster.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           103

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, U. T., November 26, 1857.

Estimate for funds required for purchasing in New Mexico and transporting to the vicinity of Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, four hundred horses and eight hundred mules, viz :

            150 American horses, at $175                                   $26,250

            250 large sized Mexican horses, at $85                        21,250

            600 Mexican mules, at $80                                          48,000

            200 American mules, at $125                                      25,000

            10 packmasters for two months, at $75 per month       1,500

            280 packers for two months, at $30 per month           16,800

                                                                                                138,800

                                                                                                ======

JNO. H. DICKERSON,

Captain, and Assistant Quartermaster.

            I have estimated only for eight hundred mules, relying the other two hundred from the quartermaster department.

J. H. D., Asst. Quartermaster.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 26, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding is informed of a number of horses for sale by the Utah Indians, through bands of which tribe you will pass on your route to New Mexico. He desires you to purchase horses from them suitable to the wants of this army, and send them, if practicable, direct to this camp or Lieutenant Colonel Cooke.

            As these animals cannot be procured but in exchange for Indian goods, he authorizes you to purchase such to the value of five hundred and sixty-three dollars.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Capt. R. B. MARCY,

            5th Infantry, Commanding Expedition to New Mexico.

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 26, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding has reason to believe Mormons are lurking in the part of the country you are to occupy, and, therefore, warns you that an ample guard, both of foot and horse, may be assigned to all herds sent from you.

            He doubts not you will treat all men as enemies who interfere with your movements or threaten your charge ; but, lest you should

104      UTAH EXPEDITION.

have doubts of your authority, he wishes you to seize all suspicious persons who visit your camp ; and should you be convinced of the proximity of any armed parties of men, large or small, to become acquainted with their intentions, and, if necessary, to pursue, capture or rout them.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Lieut. Col. P. ST. GEO. COOKE,

            Commanding 2d Dragoons,

                        En route to Henry's Fork.

__________

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSARY OF SUBSISTENCE, ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, U. T., Nov. 28, 1857.

            MAJOR : For the information of colonel commanding, I have the honor to enclose, herewith, a statement of subsistence stores received from the supply trains of Messrs. Russell & Waddell, contractors for transportation, and now stored in Fort Bridger, Utah.

            In addition to the articles of subsistence stores, enumerated in the statement, there are, including seven hundred (700) belonging to the government, about two thousand (2,000) head of cattle in this vicinity, and that of Henry's fork ; all of which, not now belonging to the United States, have been, or, it is believed, can be secured by contract for the use of the troops.

            Sufficient coffee, sugar, and soap, to supply deficiencies of those articles, can be purchased from merchants at this camp. The aggregate number of persons at present dependent on the government supplies for subsistence, as near as can be ascertained, is twenty-four hundred, (2,400,) and that the supplies may be certain to last until others can be brought forward next year.

            I recommend that, for the present, the following arrangement of the articles mentioned of the ration may be substituted for that established by army regulations :

            Bacon, including hams, the ration remaining at present to be issued but once in seven days ;

            Two (2) pounds of fresh beef per ration ;

            Twelve (12) ounces of flour per ration ;

            Beans to be issued thrice in ten days ;

            Rice to be issued five times in ten days ;

            Desiccated vegetables to be issued twice in ten days ;

            Half rations of vinegar, candles, and soap ;

            Molasses to be issued twice and dried peaches once in fifteen days— one gallon of the former and ten pounds of the latter being allowed to the hundred rations.

            And I further recommend that officers, civil and military, in their purchases for the use of themselves, families, and servants, be limited to the ration ; and that the issues herein recommended be extended to

UTAH EXPEDITION.           105.

the hired employees, as well as to the enlisted men composing this army.

            I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

H. F. CLARKE,

Captain and C. S., U. S. Army.

Major F. J. PORTER,

            Assistant Adjutant General, Army of Utah.

__________

Statement of subsistence stores received from the supply trains of Messrs. Russell & Waddell, contractors for transportation, and now stored in Fort Bridger, Utah.

[Omitted here]

__________

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF UTAH,

Camp Scott, Utah Territory, November 30, 1857.

            SIR : The colonel commanding designs sending to Fort Laramie early to-morrow morning Jeanise, Boiderai, Mr. Bartleson, and a Spaniard in your employ transferred from Lieutenant Buford, and wishes the party supplied with five mules, one pack-saddle, and the necessary equipment, and rations for fourteen days.

            Jeanise is to continue in the employ of the United States, and to return with Colonel Hoffman. He will be charged with three of the animals, and from the time of arriving at Fort Laramie, will supply his own horse or mule.

106      UTAH EXPEDITION.

            Mr. Bartleson will be supplied with one mule, and on delivering it to the quartermaster at Fort Laramie, will be paid $5 per day during the journey.

            Boiderai will be employed as a guide. He will supply his own animal, and be paid $5 per day. Colonel Hoffman will return him to this camp as soon as practicable.

            The Spaniard will have one mule—to be delivered to the quartermaster—will be retained in service at his present pay, and, at the discretion of Colonel Hoffman, returned with Boiderai.

            I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

F. J. PORTER,

Assistant Adjutant General.

Captain J. H. DICKERSON,

            Assistant Quartermaster, Army of Utah.

__________

CAMP SCOTT, UTAH TERRITORY,

November 29, 1857.

            SIR: I have the honor to report that the following is the amount of clothing on hand at this date. The list is taken from the unfinished proceedings of a board of survey, which completed the examination of the amount on band to-day. I have only time to furnish the list as given by the board of survey, without arranging it in proper form:

            190 uniform infantry caps.

            370 uniform cavalry hats.

            307 uniform cap covers.

            94 uniform cap covers and capes.

            400 uniform cap pompons, eagles, and rings.

            930 uniform infantry coats, (privates.)

            8 uniform infantry coats, (musicians.)

            29 uniform cavalry jackets, (privates.)

            7 uniform cavalry jackets, (musicians.)

            32 pairs of sergeants' metallic scales.

            108 pairs of privates' metallic scales.

            1,392 pairs of privates' metallic scales.

            8 sashes.

            2,562 uniform trousers, (foot.)

            600 uniform trousers, (mounted.)

            520 uniform fatigue jackets. 3,905 flannel shirts.

            3,290 pairs of drawers.

            675 pairs of boots.

            148 pairs of bootees.

            600 pairs of stockings.

            1,190 leather stocks.

            588 great coats, (foot.)

            20 great coats, (mounted.)

            68 great coats, (mounted.)

            723 blankets.

UTAH EXPEDITION.           107

            3,150 bedsacks, single.

            16 pairs uniform sergeants' chevrons, (infantry.)

            16 pairs uniform corporals' chevrons, (infantry.)

            6 pairs uniform sergeants' chevrons, (cavalry.)

            6 pairs uniform corporals' chevrons, (cavalry.) 39 Sibley tents.

            6 Sibley tent poles.

            12 Sibley tent poles, without tripods.

            12 Sibley tent poles, without tripods.

            31 hospital tents.

            28 hospital tent flies.

            452 haversacks.

            160 mess pans.

            403 tent pins.

            93 camp kettles.

            23 Sibley stoves.

            24 sets hospital tent poles.

            5 Sibley tent poles, complete.

            638 hospital tent pins, (large.)

            1,015 hospital tent pins, (small.)

            23 tripods to Sibley tent poles.

            Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JNO. H. DICKERSON,

Captain and Assistant Quartermaster.

Major General THOMAS S. JESUP,

            Quartermaster General, United States Army.

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