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diff --git a/44414-8.txt b/44414-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 04f23a9..0000000 --- a/44414-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12554 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Mormon Prophet and His Harem, by C.V. Waite - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: The Mormon Prophet and His Harem - -Author: C.V. Waite - -Release Date: December 12, 2013 [EBook #44414] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORMON PROPHET AND HIS HAREM *** - - - - -Produced by Heiko Evermann, Lisa Reigel, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by Google Print) - - - - - - - -Transcriber's Notes: Variations in spelling and hyphenation have been -left as in the original. Words in italics in the original are -surrounded by _underscores_. A row of asterisks represents a thought -break. Ellipses match the original. A complete list of corrections -follows the text. - - - - - THE MORMON PROPHET - - AND - - HIS HAREM; - - OR, - - AN AUTHENTIC HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG, - - HIS - - NUMEROUS WIVES AND CHILDREN. - - - BY - - MRS. C. V. WAITE. - - - ----"And with a piece of scripture, - Tell them,--that God bids us do good for evil. - And thus I clothe my naked villainy - With old odd ends, stol'n forth of Holy Writ, - And _seem_ a saint, when most I play the devil." - - - FOURTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED. - - CAMBRIDGE: - Printed for the Author; and Sold by Subscription. - J. S. GOODMAN AND COMPANY, - 5 CUSTOM HOUSE PLACE, CHICAGO. - 1867. - - - - - Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by - CATHARINE V. WAITE, - In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Second - Judicial District of the Territory of Idaho. - - - RIVERSIDE, CAMBRIDGE: - STEREOTYPED AND PRINTED BY - H. O. HOUGHTON AND COMPANY. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -No apology is offered for presenting to the public the only authentic -account of Brigham Young, of his polygamous family, and of that -complicated and incongruous system of social and political machinery, -called Mormonism. - -The only form of religion in this country which refuses to conform -either to the spirit of progress and improvement and enlightened -humanity which characterizes the age in which we live, or to our laws -and the genius of our free institutions,--drawing constantly from -foreign countries hosts of votaries, impelled hither _not_ by a love of -republicanism, but rather by a desire to exchange a political for a -religious monarchy,--is Mormonism, which presents an antagonism to our -Government, and can scarcely fail to result in national trouble. - -The elements of a second rebellion are in active progress in Utah, and, -as in the case of the slavery rebellion, the great danger lies in -failing to place a proper estimate upon the power of those elements for -mischief, and to take the proper precautions in time. Religious -fanaticism is more active, and, when hostile, more dangerous, than -political ambition; hence the arrogant and intolerant spirit, and the -bitter hostility of the Mormons, are more worthy the serious attention -of our statesmen than would be the opposition of so many mere political -traitors. - -Again; their power for mischief is much increased by the position they -occupy upon the great thoroughfare between the eastern and western -portions of our country. - -It is with the view of calling the attention of the Government and of -the people of the country to the dangerous character of this monarchy -growing up in the midst of the Republic, that the political history of -Utah has been written. - -The chief interest of the work, however, with a large class of readers, -will doubtless consist in the information it contains, relative to the -family and social relations of the celebrated Mormon leader. These, and -all other facts contained in this volume, may be relied upon as true, -and many of them are now published for the first time. - -The subject of polygamy is treated thoroughly, and as dispassionately as -the writer's utter abhorrence of the system will permit. A residence of -two years in the midst of this state of society, could not fail to -afford me a tolerably good view of its inside workings, and this view I -have presented to my readers. - -Some of the facts narrated in this volume have been furnished by persons -in Salt Lake, who are thoroughly conversant with them; in some cases, by -persons who have long been in the service of Young, and know whereof -they relate. While I am not at liberty to mention their names, I take -this opportunity to return them my thanks for such valuable information. - -This book is believed to be a desideratum demanded by the social and -political well-being of the country, and as such it is presented to the -consideration of the people of this country, and especially to my own -sex, who are deeply interested in preventing the framework of our social -system from being broken up and superseded by the customs and maxims of -the worst ages of barbarism. - -To the suffering women of Utah, I especially dedicate this result of my -labors in their behalf; and I am not without hope that many of them may, -upon a perusal of its pages, be induced to retrace their steps, and -rescue themselves from the snares of the religious impostors now seeking -their destruction. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. - - EARLY HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. - PAGE - The Birth and Parentage of Brigham Young.--His Brothers and - Sisters.--He embraces Mormonism, and becomes a Leader.--Is - appointed President of the Twelve, and finally placed at the - Head of the Church, to succeed Joseph Smith.--Establishes the - Mormons in Salt-Lake. 1 - - - CHAPTER II. - - POLITICAL. - - Brigham as Governor of Utah and Superintendent of Indian - Affairs.--Formation of the State of Deseret.--Proceedings of - the Utah Legislature.--Brigham's Proclamations.--Difficulties - with the Federal Officers.--Proceedings of the First Judges. 11 - - - CHAPTER III. - - POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED. - - Colonel Steptoe and Brigham Young.--Brigham reappointed - Governor.--John F. Kinney.--Western Utah, or Nevada.--Letter - of Hon. James M. Crane.--Judge Stiles and the Records.--W. W. - Drummond. 26 - - - CHAPTER IV. - - POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED.--THE MORMON WAR. - - Report of the Secretary of War.--Proclamation of Governor - Brigham Young, declaring Martial Law.--Correspondence.--Sermons - of Young and Kimball.--Proclamation of Governor Cumming.--His - Echo Canyon Adventures.--Col. Kane.--The Mormons leave Salt - Lake.--Commissioners appointed by the President.--Peace - restored. 40 - - - CHAPTER V. - - POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED. - - The Mountain Meadow Massacre, and other Crimes of the Mormons. - --Attempts to bring the Perpetrators to Justice.--Doings of - Judge Cradlebaugh.--Governor Cumming and the Military Officers. - --Judge Sinclair's Court.--Governor Dawson and his Misfortunes. - --New Governor and Associate Justices appointed. 60 - - - CHAPTER VI. - - POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED. - - Arrival of the New Federal Officers, in July, 1862.--Colonel - Connor arrives with his Command.--The Message of Governor - Harding.--The Mormons Indignant.--The Legislature refuse to - print the Message.--Action of the United States Senate - thereon.--Forgery in the Mormon Legislature.--Bill of Judge - Waite to amend the Organic Act.--Indignation Meeting.-- - Governor Harding and Judges Waite and Drake requested to - leave the Territory.--Their Replies.--Brigham.--The Federal - Officers. 78 - - - CHAPTER VII. - - BRIGHAM AS PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH. - - Organization of the Mormon Church.--Functions of the various - Officers.--The Two Priesthoods.--Mode of treating Dissenters - or "Apostates."--Divisions in the Church.--The Gladdenites.-- - History of the Morrisites.--The Josephites.--Return to the - True Mormon Church. 114 - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - BRIGHAM AS TRUSTEE IN TRUST FOR THE CHURCH. - - Nature of the Trusteeship.--The Tithing System.--Brigham's - Private Speculations.--The Emigration Fund.--The Hand-Cart - Company. 132 - - - CHAPTER IX. - - BRIGHAM AS PROPHET, SEER, AND REVELATOR. - - Brigham's Position as Head of the Church.--Mormon Theology.-- - Brigham's Theology, or Utah Mormonism.--Adam as God.--Brigham - Young as God.--Human Sacrifice.--Introduction of Polygamy.-- - Polygamy no part of the Original Mormon Religion.--The - Revelation, or Celestial Marriage.--The Ceremony of Sealing.-- - Consequences and Incidents of the Doctrine.--Incest.--Summary - of the Mormon Religion. 153 - - - CHAPTER X. - - BRIGHAM AS LORD OF THE HAREM. - - Brigham's Block.--The Lion House.--The Tithing-House.--The - Bee-Hive House, Office, etc.--Description of the Harem.--Plan, - Rooms, etc., of each Floor, and who occupies the same.--Life - at the Harem.--Brigham at Home. 177 - - - CHAPTER XI. - - THE WIVES OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. - - Mary Ann Angell Young, the first wife.--Her Family.--Lucy - Decker Seely, the first wife in Plurality.--More of "My - Women": Clara Decker, Harriet Cook, Lucy Bigelow, Twiss, - Martha Bowker, Harriet Barney, Eliza Burgess, Ellen Rockwood, - Susan Snively, Jemima Angell, Margaret Alley, Margaret Pierce, - Mrs. Hampton, Mary Bigelow, Emeline Free, or the Light of the - Harem.--Proxy Women: Miss Eliza Roxy Snow, Zina D. Huntington, - Amelia Partridge, Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Smith, Clara Chase, the - Maniac.--Amelia, the last love.--The Prophet in love the - Thirtieth Time. 191 - - - CHAPTER XII. - - POLYGAMY. - - Condition of Woman among various Heathen Nations.--Influence - of Christianity.--Mormonism and Woman.--Brigham offers to set - the Women Free.--Arguments in Favor of Polygamy.--The Argument - against it.--Abraham and Sarah.--Appeal to Mormon Women.-- - Their Unhappy Condition.--Evil Effects of the System.-- - Illustrations. 215 - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - THE ENDOWMENT. - - A Mormon Drama. 244 - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - BRIGHAM AS GRAND ARCHEE OF THE ORDER OF THE GODS. - - Organization of the Order of the Archees.--The Grand Archees. - --The Archees.--The Danites.--Organization of Brigham's - Celestial Kingdom.--Doctrine of Adoption.--Case of Dr. - Sprague.--Description of Leading Danites: Bill Hickman, Porter - Rockwell, Robert T. Burton.--Affidavits. 261 - - - CHAPTER XV. - - RECENT EVENTS.--CONCLUSION. - - Personal Appearance and Character of Brigham Young.--His - Aims and Purposes.--Solution of the Mormon Question.--New - Complications.--Military Reviews of Mormons.--Governor Durkee. - --Counteracting Influences.--The Mines and Miners.--Rev. - Norman McLeod.--The "Salt Lake Vedette."--Administration of - General Connor.--Murder of Brassfield.--Order of Young for the - Expulsion of the Gentiles.--Order for the Murder of Eighty - Men.--Difficulties concerning the Public Lands.--Murder of Dr. - Robinson.--The Gentiles flee in Terror.--The Government fails - to protect its Officers and Citizens.--The Hero of Three Wars - of the Republic hunted through the Territory.--Rev. Mr. McLeod - warned not to return to Utah.--The Reign of Terror commenced. - --The Gentiles call for Help. 273 - - - - -THE MORMON PROPHET - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -EARLY HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. - - The Birth and Parentage of Brigham Young.--His Brothers and - Sisters.--He embraces Mormonism, and becomes a Leader.--Is - appointed President of the Twelve, and finally placed at the - Head of the Church to succeed Joseph Smith.--Establishes the - Mormons in Salt Lake Valley. - - -Brigham Young was born at Whitingham, Windham County, Vermont, June 1, -1801. A short sketch of the family of this noted adventurer may not be -uninteresting. The following extract is from his autobiography:-- - - "My grandfather, John Young, was a physician and surgeon in - the French and Indian war. - - "My father, John Young, was born March 7, 1763, in Hopkinton, - Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was very circumspect, - exemplary and religious, and was, from an early period of his - life, a member of the Methodist Church. At the age of sixteen - he enlisted in the American Revolutionary War, and served - under General Washington; he was in three campaigns in his own - native State, and in New Jersey. In the year 1785 he married - Nabby Howe, daughter of Phineas and Susannah, whose maiden - name was Goddard. - - "In January, 1801, he moved from Hopkinton to Whitingham, - Windham County, Vermont, where he remained for three years, - opening new farms. - - "He moved from Vermont to Sherburn, Chenango County, New York, - in 1804, where he followed farming, enduring many hardships - and privations, incidental to new settlements. - - "My father's family consisted of five sons and six daughters, - viz.:-- - - "Nancy, born in Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, - August 6, 1786. - - "Fanny, born in the same place, November 8, 1787. - - "Rhoda, born in Platauva District, New York, September 10, - 1789. - - "John, born in Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, May - 22, 1791. - - "Nabby, born in same place, April 23, 1793. - - "Susannah, born in same place, June 7, 1795. - - "Joseph, born in the same place, April 7, 1797. - - "Phineas Howe, born in same place, February 16, 1799. - - "Brigham, born in Whitingham, Windham County, Vermont, June 1, - 1801. - - "Louisa, born in Sherburn, Chenango County, New York, - September 25, 1804. - - "Lorenzo Dow, born in same place, October 19, 1807." - -It is worthy of remark, that all of Brigham's family became Mormons. His -father, John Young, was constituted first patriarch of the church, and -died at Quincy, Illinois, October 12, 1839. His brothers are all at Salt -Lake, and are the devoted followers and satellites of the Prophet. - -Through the plurality system, the Youngs have formed connections so -numerous, that almost half the people at Salt Lake are in some way -related to the ruling dynasty. This is striking evidence of Brigham's -ingenuity in consolidating and perpetuating his power. - -His early life was that of a farmer's son, but he afterwards acquired -the trade of a painter and glazier, which he followed until his -conversion to Mormonism. In 1832, being then thirty-one years of age, he -heard and embraced this new religion. He was convinced by Samuel H. -Smith, brother to the prophet Joseph, and was baptized by Eleazer -Miller, now living at Salt Lake. - -Brigham "gathered" with the saints, at Kirtland, Ohio, and soon became -intimate with Joseph Smith. He was ordained an elder, and began -preaching. His shrewdness, and almost intuitive knowledge of character, -soon attracted the attention of his brethren, and gave him influence and -position in this weak and despised church. They recognized in him a man -born to rule and lead the masses. They were attracted by his strong, -electrical will; and from that time his power in the church has been -undisputed. - -In 1835, on the 14th of February, at Kirtland, Brigham Young was -ordained one of the newly-organized quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Armed -with his new power, and fired with a zeal worthy of a better cause, he -went forth, and preached and proselyted with marked success. - -Thomas B. Marsh having apostatized, Brigham was chosen to succeed him, -as President of the Twelve Apostles, in 1836. - -Then came the dark days of Mormonism. Many of the prominent men of the -church apostatized. The saints were driven from Kirtland. Smith fled to -save his life; Brigham accompanied him, and after many hair-breadth -escapes, many trials and hardships, they again planted a new colony, and -settled in Far West, Missouri. - -But the saints were destined again to endure persecution for their -faith. In a few years they were driven from Missouri, seeking a home -this time in Illinois. During all this time Brigham stood firm, -counselling and directing his brethren, and, like the rock amid the -storms, gathering fresh power of resistance as the waves of persecution -increased in fury. - -In 1839 he was appointed, with others, to "open up the gospel" to the -inhabitants of the British Isles. They landed at Liverpool on the 6th of -April, 1840, and immediately commenced preaching. Brigham superintended -affairs, issued an edition of the "Book of Mormon," and commenced the -publication of the "Millennial Star," a periodical still living. In 1841 -he sailed for New York, having shipped seven hundred and sixty-nine of -the faithful, and leaving many churches, with organizations completed. - -Brigham was cordially received by Smith, and the saints generally, who -appreciated and acknowledged his services, and it was evident that his -influence and fame were rapidly increasing. - -In 1844 the whole aspect of affairs was changed. Smith was shot, Nauvoo -threatened by a mob, and the Twelve Apostles scattered. Sidney Rigdon -assumed the Presidency, he being Smith's first counsellor. Divisions -were numerous, and the church was in imminent danger of falling into -hopeless ruin. - -Brigham, with true Napoleonic foresight, saw his opportunity, and was -not slow to improve it. He came hurriedly to Nauvoo, denounced Rigdon as -an impostor and his revelations as emanations from the Devil, cut off -both him and his adherents from the true church, cursed Rigdon, and -"handed him over to the buffetings of Satan for a thousand years," and -was himself elected President by an overwhelming majority. - -This exhibition of energy silenced all opposition. Those who did not -love, feared him; and all suffered themselves to be led, because they -dared not resist, a man so determined to rule. - -Thus much accomplished, and visions of future power and aggrandizement, -perchance of temporal sovereignty, floated through the brain of this -modern Mohammed. He dreamed of the kingly robe and the jewelled crown in -some far-off valley of the Rocky Mountains, where gentiles or their laws -could not annoy the saints, or hinder the normal development of -Mormonism. How and in what manner these dreams came so near fulfilment, -will be seen as the reader peruses these pages. - -But he did not lose sight of the present in these glowing visions of the -future. He completed the Temple, the Mansion-House was in a forward -state, Nauvoo was increasing rapidly, and with it his power and -popularity. - -Brigham, however, with his usual foresight, saw the storm arising. The -saints were again to be driven. So he hurried the people through their -endowments, bound them to him by oaths which made them shudder to -recall, and still, by an art equal to that of Loyola, so inwound himself -in their affections that they loved and reverenced him the more. He -aroused their deepest hatred toward the "gentiles;" wrought upon their -pride, ambition, and revenge, until they were ready to do and dare -anything for their religion and their leader. When his power was thus -fully established, he revealed to them "the will of the Lord concerning -them." They must leave their beautiful Nauvoo, their sacred temple, -their altars and their homes, and follow him as the Moses of the new -dispensation, and he would find for them a Canaan, a land flowing with -milk and honey, where the gentiles should never come. This was a trial -of their faith. Should they yield to the temptation, and, hankering -after the flesh-pots of Egypt, lose their birthright? They wept, they -hesitated, but the strong will and iron nerve of Brigham conquered, and -they obeyed. - -In February, 1846, they crossed the Mississippi on the ice, and leaving -home, property, and kindred, they took up their line of march for the -land of the setting sun. As the long trains rolled by, Brigham -comforted, counselled, and blessed the weeping emigrants. He told them -of the land where they should worship "under their own vine and -fig-tree, with none to molest or make them afraid." Alas for their -fainting hearts! Little did they suspect that the cruel ambition of -their God-man would lead them to a land as barren as the Desert of -Sahara, and as devoid of vegetation as the Rock of Gibraltar. - -They established themselves in winter-quarters at Kanesville, now -Council Bluffs, Iowa. Here new difficulties arose. The church was poor, -and means were needed to supply the current necessities, as well as to -defray the expense of the journey to their new Zion. Various schemes -were resorted to for the purpose of "raising the wind." A band of -Danites was sent out to steal cattle and horses, and convey them beyond -the jurisdiction of the State authorities. Others were detailed to make -and circulate counterfeit money. While these little speculations were -progressing, Brigham was trying his hand at diplomacy. He is reported to -have sent James C. Little to Washington, to request the privilege of -raising a battalion of Mormons for the Mexican war. - -This movement was prompted by several considerations. First, it was -thought necessary for the safety of the church that they should make a -show of patriotism; secondly, these soldiers would draw pay from the -government, which Brigham could appropriate; and thirdly, they were to -be discharged in Mexico, where, at that time, he designed to found his -theocratic monarchy. It has been asserted by some persons that Brigham -received $20,000 from the government, as a bonus, for raising the -battalion; but I find no evidence to substantiate this assertion. The -following affidavit will show in what manner he was benefited by this -transaction:-- - - "TERRITORY OF UTAH, } - GREAT SALT LAKE CITY.} - - "Alexander McCord says that he was mustered into the U. S. - service in the Mormon Battalion, August 16th, 1846. That an - advance of $42.50 was issued by the government per man, - ostensibly for the purpose of clothing the command, making a - total to the battalion of $22,500. That this amount was - received by Parley P. Pratt, and forwarded by him to Brigham - Young, who proffered to apply the same for the benefit of the - families of the battalion, who were in a state of destitution. - That he, Brigham, informed them he would send to St Louis, - purchase goods, and deal them out for the benefit of said - families at wholesale prices. Also made a covenant with them, - calling upon God and angels to witness the same. That he would - transport their families to them in Mexico, now California, - even if he had to leave his own family behind; also would - provide houses for them. That in his public address to the - battalion, in relation to this subject, he strongly urged the - advantages that would accrue to his church by their compliance - with this requisition, making it entirely a matter of - self-interest, with the sole view of accomplishing certain - private ends; and not in anywise appealing to their loyalty, - or setting forth the necessity of rendering assistance to the - parent government. - - "That he did not fulfil the promises he had made. Some few - articles were served out to their families at enormous - rates,--his (McCord's) wife having to take sole-leather, for - which she had no use. That when their wives appealed to him, - expecting in good faith to receive according to promise, he - laughed, mimicked, and made fun of them on the public stand; - showing how they cried and whined. On the arrival of the money - at Council Bluffs, some of the women, being entirely - destitute, desired their husbands' share, and some cried for - the want of it. Young ridiculed them, and told them if they - insisted upon having the money, they must not look to him for - support or protection; thus compelling them to accept of his - terms. - - "Two agents, John D. Lee and Major Egan, followed the - battalion to Santa Fe, and there received a draft on - Leavenworth, for the first month and a half's pay, with the - understanding from the soldiers it was to be paid to their - families. The authorities of the church drew the amount, and - then took out the tithing for themselves, one tenth. - - "One of the inducements held out by the government, was to - discharge them, with their arms in Mexico, which was done. - When he (McCord) arrived in Utah, October, 1847, he found his - family not here, and was prevented by the church authorities - from going after them; and was not permitted to leave until - January following. When he reached his family at Winter - Quarters, Missouri, he found no preparations made for their - being forwarded to Utah, and there were none made afterwards. - - (Signed,) ALEXANDER MCCORD. - - "_Territory of Utah, ss._ - - "Alexander McCord, being duly sworn, says that the facts set - forth in the foregoing statement by him subscribed, of his own - knowledge, are true, and those set forth upon information and - belief he verily believes to be true. - - (Signed,) ALEXANDER MCCORD." - - "Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 4th day of May, 1864. - - "THOMAS J. DRAKE, - - "_Associate Justice U. S. Sup. Court, Utah_." - -By this operation, Brigham must have realized the neat little sum of -$10,000. This enabled him to fit out an expedition to explore the -country west of the Rocky Mountains. Accordingly, in the spring of 1847, -with one hundred and forty-three of his tried adherents, he made the -journey to Salt Lake, where they arrived July 24, 1847. A colony was at -once established, and a part of the number left to commence farming -operations. Brigham, with the remainder, returned to "Winter Quarters." -Here he found the people on the point of starvation, while fevers and -the cholera were rapidly thinning their ranks. Brigham at once commenced -alleviating their suffering, and in the excess of their gratitude, these -poor deluded creatures did not see that he was the cause of all their -misery. - -Young was now ready to enact another scene in this Mormon drama. He was -ruling the church in the capacity of President of the Twelve Apostles. -He desired greater power; he wished to occupy the place of the Prophet -of the Lord. This was the more difficult, as the people venerated the -memory of Joseph Smith, sanctified as it was by the remembrance of his -cruel and untimely death. Brigham knew well the extent of this feeling, -and that it would be impossible to supplant Joseph in their affections, -and extremely difficult to occupy his position. But his plans demanded -that he should be in form what he was in fact,--the absolute head of the -church. He resolved to execute a brilliant _coup d'état_, and risk the -consequences. - -On the morning of the 24th of December, 1847, he ascended the pulpit to -preach; and with that power of mimicry and imitation for which he is so -remarkable, aided, doubtless, by works of art to enable him to represent -the features and _personnel_ of Smith, he so completely assumed the tone -and manner, and presented the appearance of Joseph, that the -congregation believed that their dead prophet stood before them. The -effect was electrical. Women screamed and fainted; strong men wept; the -delusion was complete. "_The mantle of Joseph had fallen upon -Brigham_;" he was henceforth their Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, the -rightful successor to the Presidency. One old brother told me that he -really believed that Joseph was present in the flesh, so strong was the -personal resemblance at the time. As soon as the tumult subsided, the -people elected Brigham "President of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter Day Saints in all the world." He appointed Heber C. Kimball and -Willard Richards as his counsellors. These three constituted the "First -Presidency." This action was subsequently confirmed, at a conference -held April 6, 1848, at the same place. Brigham was now the nominal as -well as the real leader of this strange community. - -A greater trial demanded his forethought. The whole church was to be -removed over a thousand miles, through an almost unknown country, full -of dangers and difficulties. - -The following account of the manner in which this difficult undertaking -was executed, is from the pen of John Hyde, Jr.:-- - - "Some ability is required to efficiently remove bodies of - armed troops over such new and pioneering obstacles: well - supplied, equipped, and mounted, it takes a commander's skill; - but here were poor, unprovided, feeble men, women, and - children, shaking with ague, pale with suffering, hollow and - gaunt with recent hunger. Without strife, without discord, - almost without a murmur, this heterogeneous mass moved off. - Many groaned with anguish, but none with complaint. Brigham's - energy inspired them all; his genius controlled them all. - Marking their road with their gravestones, they arrived at - Salt Lake Valley, destitute and feeble, in 1848. The desert to - which they had come was as cheerless as their past history. - From cruel foes they had fled to as unfeeling a wilderness. - Renewed difficulties demanded a renewed effort from Brigham. - Everything depended on him. Starvation and nakedness stared in - the gloomy faces of the desponding people. Murmurs and - complaints were uttered. He quelled everything; scolded, - plead, threatened, prophesied, and subdued them. With a - restless but resistless energy he set them to work, and worked - himself as their example. He directed their labors, - controlled their domestic affairs, preached at them, to them, - for them. He told foolish anecdotes to make them laugh, - encouraged their dancing to make them merry, got up theatrical - performances to distract their minds, and made them work hard, - certain of rendering them contented by-and-by. Feared with a - stronger fear, venerated with a more rational veneration, but - not loved with the same clinging tenderness that the people - still felt for Joseph Smith, Brigham swayed them at his will. - They learned to dread his iron hand, and were daunted by his - iron heart."[10:A] - -While he was thus consolidating his power, laying plans for the -foundation of a monarchy more despotic than that of Austria, important -changes were going on in the political condition of the country. Mexico -was conquered, and much of its territory, including Utah, was annexed to -the United States, and the Mormons thus again brought within the -jurisdiction of the Federal Government. - -From this era in Mormon affairs Brigham appears in so many different -characters that his history can only be fully written by considering him -in his various _rôles_,--as "Governor of Utah and Superintendent of -Indian Affairs;" "President of the Church, Prophet, Seer, and -Revelator;" "Trustee in Trust for the Church;" "President of the -Emigration Company;" "Lord of the Harem;" "Eloheim, or Head God;" and -"Grand Archee of the Order of the Gods." - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[10:A] _Mormonism; its Leaders and Designs_, by John Hyde, Jr. New -York: W. P. Fetridge & Co. 1857. Page 144. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -POLITICAL. - - Brigham as Governor of Utah and Superintendent of Indian - Affairs.--Formation of the State of Deseret.--Proceedings of - the Utah Legislature.--Brigham's Proclamations.--Difficulties - with the Federal Officers.--Proceedings of the first Judges. - - -By the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, concluded between the United States -and Mexico in 1848, the country now embraced in the Territory of Utah -was transferred from the jurisdiction of the latter to that of the -former, and on the 9th of September, 1850, Congress passed an Act to -organize the Territory of Utah. - -The Mormons arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on the 24th of July, 1847, -while the Territory yet belonged to Mexico. When the peace between the -United States and Mexico was concluded, the Mormons were left without a -government. They took advantage of this opportunity to set up an -independent government. - -Early in 1849 they met in convention to frame a constitution for "the -State of Deseret." The following is an abstract of the minutes of that -convention:-- - -On the 15th of March, 1849, the convention appointed the following -persons a committee to draft a constitution for the State of Deseret, to -wit: Albert Carrington, Joseph L. Heywood, William W. Phelps, David -Fullmer, John S. Fullmer, Charles C. Rich, John Taylor, Parley P. Pratt, -John M. Bernheisel, and Erastus Snow. - -March 18, 1849, Albert Carrington, chairman of the committee, reported -the following constitution, which was read, and unanimously adopted by -the convention: [The preamble only is here given.] - - - "CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF DESERET. - - "Whereas a large number of the citizens of the United States, - before and since the treaty of peace with the Republic of - Mexico, emigrated to and settled in that portion of the - territory of the United States lying west of the Rocky - Mountains, and in the great interior basin of Upper - California; and whereas, by reason of said treaty, all civil - organization originating from the Republic of Mexico became - abrogated; and whereas the Congress of the United States has - failed to provide a form of civil government for the territory - so acquired, or any portion thereof; and whereas civil - government and law are necessary for the security, peace, and - prosperity of society; and whereas it is a fundamental - principle in all republican governments that all political - power is inherent in the people, and governments instituted - for their protection, security, and benefit, should emanate - from the same: - - "Therefore your committee beg leave to recommend the adoption - of the following _Constitution_, until the Congress of the - United States shall otherwise provide for the government of - the Territory hereinafter named and described, by admitting us - into the Union. - - "We, the people, grateful to the Supreme Being for the - blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him - for a continuance of those blessings, _do ordain and establish - a free and Independent Government_, by the name of _the State - of Deseret_; including all the territory of the United States - within the following boundaries, to wit:" [Here follow the - boundaries of the proposed new State.] - -It will be noticed by the phraseology of the foregoing preamble that -this government was to be "free and independent," and was intended to -remain such until the new State, thus constituted, _should be admitted -into the Union_. In other words, they intended, through the machinery of -this independent State, to harass and annoy the government, and the -gentiles, until the "saints" could force themselves into the Union upon -their own terms. This theory is fully sustained by the subsequent -history of this inchoate State. The very first steps taken were -independent of, and in hostility to, the officers appointed by the -Government of the United States, as will more fully appear in the -following pages. - -The formation of this government for the State of Deseret was the first -effort to throw off the yoke of the Federal Government,--an effort which -has been persistently persevered in to the present time. - -There never has been a time since Brigham Young crossed the Rocky -Mountains, when he has honestly entertained the idea of being a good and -loyal citizen of the United States. - -The following were the first officers of this infant monarchy:-- - - Governor, BRIGHAM YOUNG. - Lieutenant-Governor, HEBER C. KIMBALL. - Chief Justice, DANIEL H. WELLS. - -The Assembly met, and after listening to the Governor's Message, -proceeded to frame a code of laws. This _pseudo_ State government -remained in force until the 22d of September, 1851, when the Territorial -Legislature convened. - -In the mean time Brigham, having been appointed Governor of the newly -organized Territory, and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and seeing a -fair prospect of lining his pockets from the treasury of the United -States, concluded to forego for a time his ambitious projects, and -consented that the new "State" should be merged into a United States -Territory. - -The federal officers were appointed during the session of 1850-51, but -owing to the difficulty of transportation, did not arrive until July, -1851. Young, who had been appointed Governor, had, on the 3d of -February, 1851, taken the oath of office before Wells, _Chief Justice of -Deseret_. - -The first session of the Territorial Legislature was convened, in -pursuance of the proclamation of the Governor, on the 22d day of -September, 1851, and continued by adjournment from time to time, until -the 18th day of February, 1852. This was succeeded by a special session, -called by proclamation of the Governor, commencing the following day, -and continuing until the 6th day of March, 1852. What there was in the -political condition of this community, subjected as they were, in almost -all the relations of life, to a complete and comprehensive system of -religious government, to require a continuous session of the Territorial -Legislature for nearly six months, has never yet been explained. - -The following is extracted from the published proceedings of the first -Legislative Assembly:-- - - "REPRESENTATIVES' HALL, Tuesday, Sept 23, 1852. - - "10 o'clock, A. M. Both houses of the Legislative Assembly met - in joint session, according to previous arrangement. The - President of the Council in the chair. - - "The committee appointed to that duty appeared, escorting his - Excellency Brigham Young, Governor of Utah Territory, who was - seated immediately in front of the Speaker's chair. - - "The joint committee appointed to wait upon the Judges of the - Supreme Court, and the Secretary of the Territory, appeared, - escorting the Hon. Z. Snow [Mormon], one of said Judges. They - reported that they had visited the Hon. Perry E. Brochus, and - Mr. Secretary Harris. But the answer returned by them was so - vague and indefinite that they did not know whether they would - respond to the invitation or not. The committee also reported - that they did not see the Hon. Judge Brandenburg. The United - States District Attorney, Seth M. Blair, Esq., [Mormon,] was - also seated within the bar." - -The hostility to the federal officers had already been so openly and -offensively manifested, that the respect which these gentlemen owed to -themselves and the government and people whom they represented, would -not permit them to be present at the first meeting of the Legislative -Assembly. It will be noticed that one of them was not seen at all, and -the reply of the other two was not even reported! - - "The House was called to order by the President of the - Council, who then informed his Excellency the Governor, that - the two Houses were now ready to receive any communication he - might be pleased to make." - -The Governor then presented his Message, as follows:-- - - "_Fellow-citizens of the Council and House of Representatives - of Utah Territory_:-- - - "Having called you from your various avocations to convene in - general assembly at an earlier day, and upon shorter notice - than may appear desirable, I will proceed without delay to lay - before you the chief reason for so doing, as well as such - other suggestions as to me shall appear necessary and proper, - and as shall occur to my mind." . . . - - "Through the munificence of the General Government, we have - extended unto us increased facilities for spending our time - for the public weal; for, however much the honest pride of - gratuitous public service may flatter its humble recipient, - yet whilst it impoverishes all but his honorable name and his - country's cause, his anxieties will scarcely be lulled, his - daily supplies but rarely replenished." - -He again addressed them, January 5, 1852:-- - - " . . The enjoyment of a _free and independent people_ can be - accomplished only through this principle: produce what you - consume. Draw from the native elements the necessaries of - life; permit no vitiated taste to lead you into expensive - luxuries, which can only be obtained by involving yourselves - in debt. Let home industry produce every article of home - consumption." . . - -This Legislature, besides passing a code of laws for the government of -the Territory, sent some twenty memorials to Congress, most of them -calling for appropriations of public money, and divided up the canyons, -ferries, pasture-lands, woodlands, water privileges, and, in fact, all -the most valuable portion of the public domain, among prominent -"saints," giving always to Brigham the "lion's" share. To this he was -entitled by his recognized appellation of "the Lion of the Lord." - -To this day he holds, by virtue of an Act of the Legislature, the most -valuable canyon, near Salt Lake, called City Creek, or Brigham's -Canyon,--having taken actual possession of the same, by fencing in the -mouth of the canyon completely, and thus preventing all ingress or -egress, except upon the payment of toll. General Connor, upon his -arrival in Utah, in the fall of 1862, was justly indignant to find -himself fenced out from one of the national thoroughfares, but thought -it prudent not to add to the causes of irritation by interfering. - -During this session Brigham issued eight proclamations. The following is -the most celebrated of these _State Papers_:-- - - - "TERRITORY OF UTAH. - - "_A Proclamation for a Day of Praise and Thanksgiving._ - - "It having pleased the Father of all good to make known his - mind and will to the children of men in these last days, and - through the administration of his angels to restore the holy - priesthood unto the sons of Adam, by which the gospel of his - Son has been proclaimed, and the ordinances of life and - salvation are administered; and through which medium the Holy - Ghost has been communicated to believing, willing, and honest - minds; causing faith, wisdom, and intelligence to spring up in - the hearts of men, and influencing them to flow together, from - the four quarters of the earth, to a land of peace and health, - rich in mineral and vegetable resources, reserved of old in - the councils of eternity for the purposes to which it is now - appropriated; a land choice above all other lands; far removed - from the strife, contentions, divisions, moral and physical - commotions, that are disturbing the peace of the nations and - kingdoms of the earth,-- - - "I, Brigham Young, Governor of the Territory aforesaid, in - response to the time-honored custom of our fathers at Plymouth - Rock, by the governors of the several States and Territories, - and with a heart filled with humiliation and gratitude to the - Fountain of all good, for his multiplied munificence to his - children, have felt desirous to, and do, _proclaim_ Thursday, - the 1st day of January, eighteen hundred and fifty-two, a _Day - of Praise and Thanksgiving_, for the citizens of this our - peaceful Territory, in honor of the God of Abraham, who has - preserved his children amid all the vicissitudes they have - been called to pass; for his tender mercies in preserving the - nation undivided in which we live; for causing the gospel of - his kingdom to spread and take root upon the earth, beyond the - power of men and demons to destroy; and that he has promised - a day of universal joy and rejoicing to all the inhabitants - who shall remain when the earth shall have been purified by - fire, and rest in peace. - - "And I recommend to all good citizens of Utah, that they - abstain from everything which is calculated to mar or grieve - the Spirit of their Heavenly Father on that day; that they - rise early in the morning of the first day of the new year, - _and wash their bodies with pure water_; that all men attend - to their flocks and herds with carefulness, and see that no - creature in their charge is hungry, thirsty, or cold; while - the women are preparing the best of food for their households, - and their children ready to receive it in cleanliness and - cheerfulness; then let the head of each family with his - family, bow down upon his knees before the God of Israel, and - acknowledge all his sins, and the sins of his household; call - upon the Father, in the name of Jesus, for every blessing that - he desires for himself, his kindred, the Israel of God, the - universe of man; praying with full purpose of heart and united - faith that the union of the United States may be preserved - inviolate, against all the devices of wicked men, until truth - shall reign triumphant, and the glory of Jehovah shall fill - the earth. Then, in the name of Jesus, ask the Father to bless - your food; and when you have filled the plates of your - household, partake with them with rejoicing and thanksgiving; - and if you feel to make merry in your hearts, sing a song of - thanksgiving; and lift up your hearts continually, in peace - and acknowledgment of the unbounded mercies you are - momentarily receiving. - - "I also request of all good and peaceful citizens, that they - abstain from all evil thinking, speaking, and acting, on that - day; that no one be offended by his neighbor; that all jars - and discords cease; that neighborhood broils may be unknown; - that tattlers and strife may not be remembered; that evil - surmising may be forgotten; that all may learn the truth, and - have no need of priests to teach them; that all may be well, - and have no need of doctors; that all may cease their - quarrels, and starve the lawyers; that all may do as they - would be done unto, so that perfect love, which casteth out - all fear, may reign triumphant, and there shall be nothing to - disturb the quiet of an infant in all the Territory of Utah; - that there be no contention in the land; and that the same - peace may extend its influence to the utmost bounds of the - everlasting hills, and from thence to the habitation of every - man and beast, to the ends of the earth; till the leopard - shall lie down with the kid, the lion shall eat straw like the - ox, and the babe shall lay his hand upon the cockatrice's den, - and find peace to its soul. - - "I further request, that when the day has been spent in doing - good, in dealing your bread, your butter, your beef and your - pork, your turkeys, your molasses, and the choicest of all the - products of the valleys of the mountains, at your command, to - the poor; that you end the day in the same order, and on the - same principle that you commenced it; that you eat your supper - with singleness of heart, as unto the Lord, after praise and - thanksgiving, and songs of rejoicing; remembering that you - cannot be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be preparing for - celestial glory, while the meanest menial under your charge or - control is in want of the smallest thing which God has given - you power to supply; remembering that it is dependent on you - for its comforts, as you are dependent on your God for your - constant support. - - "Retire to your beds early, that you may be refreshed, and - rise early again, and so continue, until times and seasons are - changed; or finally, I say unto you, let the same process be - continued from day to day, until you arrive unto one of the - days of Kolob, [where a day is 1000 of our years,] the planet - nearest to the habitation of the Eternal Father; and if you do - not find peace and rest to your souls by that time, in the - practice of these things, and no one else shall present - himself to offer you better counsel, _I will be there_, and - knowing more, will tell you what you ought to do next. - - [SEAL.] - - "Done at the Executive Office, Great Salt Lake - City. In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my - hand and caused the seal of the Territory to be - affixed, this 19th day of December, A. D. 1851, and - of the Independence of the United States the - seventy-sixth. - - "By the Governor, - BRIGHAM YOUNG. - - "W. RICHARDS, _Sec. pro tem., appointed by the Governor_." - -Amidst the verbosity of this singular document will be seen expressions -of attachment to the Federal Union. The sincerity of these professions -must be judged of in the light of his contemporaneous acts. The officers -appointed by the General Government were then in the States, or at -Washington, representing truly the condition of things in Utah, and the -conduct of Brigham and his associates, which effectually obliged them to -leave the Territory, by rendering their presence in Utah not only -useless but dangerous. It is for our readers to say how much weight is -to be given to that portion of the fulmination of the Prophet put forth -under such circumstances. - -At this first session of the Legislature, Brigham proceeded to give, in -his Message, his views in relation to African slavery, fully indorsing -it, and prescribing regulations for its establishment in the Territory. -His views upon this subject may be gathered from the following -extract:-- - - "Thus while servitude may and should exist, and that too upon - those who are naturally designed to occupy the position of - servant of servants, yet we should not fall into the other - extreme, and make them as beasts of the field, regarding not - the humanity that is in the colored race; nor elevating them, - as some seem disposed, to an equality with those whom nature - and nature's God has indicated to be their masters, their - superiors." - -In accordance with the foregoing suggestions, the Legislature passed a -law regulating slavery in the Territory, and it has existed in full -force and effect to the present time. There are now a considerable -number of African slaves in the Territory, and a large number of -Indians, "held to service." - -During the same session, the Legislature memorialized the President, -setting forth that the federal officers had abandoned the Territory; -reciting the formation of the provisional government of Deseret, and -complaining that "all the authorities of the Territory, including the -governor and both houses of the Assembly, and marshal, had been set at -naught as exercising their functions illegally and unconstitutionally." - -The causes which led to this petition were as follows:-- - -When the Territory was organized, in the winter of 1850-51, the -following named officers were appointed:--Brigham Young, Governor; -Lemuel C. Brandenburg, Chief Justice; Perry E. Brochus and Zerubbabel -Snow, Associate Justices; Seth M. Blair, Attorney General, and B. D. -Harris, Secretary. These officers did not arrive in Utah until July, -1851. Previous to their arrival, Brigham Young had issued a proclamation -ordering an election for delegate to Congress and members of the -Legislature, and providing for taking the census. - -The Secretary considered that Young had exceeded his authority, and on -this ground refused to pay over the moneys in his hands for the expenses -of the Legislature. - -The Supreme Court being then in session, Harris applied to the court for -an injunction to stay the proceedings of the Legislature, which the -court granted. This order, however, was nugatory, as the court had no -power to enforce its judgments. This, of course, enraged the Mormons; -and the Governor instructed Blair, the District Attorney, who was a -Mormon, to sue out a writ of injunction upon the Secretary, to prevent -him from taking the money out of the Territory. The court decided -against the injunction, thus again sustaining the Secretary. - -Again, Congress had appropriated $20,000 for the erection of suitable -buildings at the capital of the Territory. Brigham and his tools, the -members of the Legislature, attempted to appropriate this money, and in -exchange, palm off upon the government, for $20,000, a building which -never cost over $8,000. - -These circumstances engendered much feeling between the Mormons and the -gentile officers; and this was in nowise lessened by an incident which -occurred about this time. - -Hon. Perry E. Brochus, one of the Supreme Judges, in some remarks made -in a Mormon assembly, commented rather severely upon the peculiar -institution. He commenced by addressing the women upon the subject of -spiritual wife-ism; pointing out to them its wickedness and the unhappy -results that must follow to them and to their children, if the practice -should be persisted in. He said it was against the laws of man and God. -This was undoubtedly the first time, at Salt Lake, that a gentile had -ever spoken in public against Mormon institutions. - -The women were excited; the most of them were in tears, before he had -spoken many minutes. The men were astonished and enraged, and one word -of encouragement from their leader would have brought on a collision. -Brigham, with his usual shrewdness, saw this, and was equal to the -occasion. When the Judge sat down, he rose, and by one of those strong, -nervous appeals, for which he is so famous among his brethren, restored -the equilibrium of the audience. Those who, but a moment before, were -bathed in tears, now responded to his broad sarcasm and keen wit, in -screams of laughter; and having fully restored the spirits of the -audience, he turned to the Judge, and administered the following rebuke: -"I will kick you," he said, "or any other gentile Judge from this stand, -if you or they again attempt to interfere with the affairs of our Zion." - -The Judge saw that he was beaten, and finding his life threatened and in -danger, soon after left the Territory. - -After his departure, Brigham preached the following sermon:-- - - "I am at the defiance of the rulers of the greatest nations on - the earth, with the United States all put together, to produce - a more loyal people than the Latter Day Saints. Have they, as - a people, broken any law? No, they have not. Have the United - States? Yes. They have trampled the Constitution under their - feet with impunity, and ridden recklessly over all law, to - persecute and drive this people. Admit, for argument's sake, - that the Mormon elders have more wives than one, yet our - enemies never have proved it. If I had forty wives in the - United States, they did not know it, and could not - substantiate it; neither did I ask any lawyer, judge, or - magistrate for them. I live above law, and so do this people. - Do the laws of the United States require us to crouch and bow - down to the miserable wretches who violate them? No! - - "I defy the world to prove that we have infringed upon that - law. You may circumscribe the whole earth, and pass through - every Christian nation, so called, and what do you find? If - you tell them a 'Mormon' has two wives, they are shocked, and - call it dreadful blasphemy. If you whisper such a thing in the - ears of a gentile, who takes a fresh woman every night, he is - thunderstruck with the enormity of the crime. . . . . - - "Now, let me tell you the great, killing story. 'Governor - Young has sixteen wives and fourteen babies.' Now, they did - not see that sight, but the circumstance was as follows: I - took some of my neighbors into the large carriage, and rode - down to Father Chase's to eat watermelons. When driving out of - the gate, in the evening, Brother Babbitt walks up, and I - invited him into the carriage, and he rode up into the city - with me, and I suppose he told the United States officers. - That, I believe, is the way the story of the sixteen wives and - fourteen children first came into circulation. - - "But this does not begin to be the extent of my possessions, - for I am enlarging on the right hand and on the left; and - shall soon be able, Abraham-like, to muster the strength of my - house, and _take my rights_, asking no favors of judges or - secretaries." - -At another time he used the following language:-- - - "When the officers returned from this Territory to the States, - did we send them away? We did not. I will tell you what I did, - and what I will do again. I did chastise the poor, mean - ruffian,--the poor, miserable creature who came here by the - name of Brochus,--when he arose before this people, to preach - to them, and tell them of meanness which he supposed they were - guilty of, and traduce their characters. - - "It is true, as it is said in the report of these officers, if - I had crooked my little finger he would have been used up. But - I did not bend it. If I had, the sisters alone felt indignant - enough to have chopped him in pieces. I did not do it, - however, but suffered him to fill up the measure of his shame - and iniquity, until his cup is running over. - - "I have no fears whatever of Franklin Pierce excusing me from - office, and saying that another man shall be the Governor of - this Territory. At the beginning of our settlements, when we - sent Almon W. Babbitt to Washington with our constitution for - a State government, and to ask leave to adopt it, he requested - that I should not sign my name to it as Governor; 'for,' said - he, 'if you do, it will thwart all our plans.' I said, 'My - name will go as it is in that document, and stay there, from - this time henceforth and forever. Now,' I continued, 'if you - do not believe it, you may go to Washington, and give those - papers to Dr. Bernheisel, and operate against him, and against - our getting a State government, and you cannot hinder it.' - - "I will be Governor still, after you have done everything you - possibly can to prevent it. We have got a Territorial - Government, and I am and will be Governor, and no power can - hinder it, until the Lord Almighty says, 'Brigham, you need - not be Governor any longer;' and then I am willing to yield to - another Governor." - -This "sermon" was preached at Great Salt Lake City, June 19, 1853, and -is published in the "Journal of Discourses," vol. i. p. 188. - -Brigham had appointed his second counsellor, Willard Richards, to fill -the vacancy occasioned by the departure of Secretary Harris. So the -saints had fairly succeeded in ridding themselves of the obnoxious -officials,--the remaining Judge, and the District Attorney, being -Mormons in good standing. - -The Hon. Z. Snow then proceeded to hold his court, unmolested by gentile -law or judges. He tried and convicted several Spaniards of buying Indian -children for slaves, took the children from the Spaniards, and turned -them over to the "brethren." - -The Indians now began to be hostile, and the brethren were obliged to -cease pursuing the gentiles, and prepare to defend themselves against -the "Lamanites." During the years 1852-53-54, more or less disturbances -prevailed. - -In October, 1852, Judge Shaver arrived, as successor to Judge Brochus; -and Lazarus H. Reed, of New York, was appointed Chief Justice, to -succeed Judge Brandenburg. Judge Reed arrived in the Territory in June, -1853. Of these, Brigham said,-- - - "One of our judges, Judge Shaver, has been here during the - winter, and, as far as he is known, he is a straightforward, - judicious, upright man, and a good adjudicator in the law. He - and Judge Reed, who has lately arrived, I believe will do the - best they can, and all is right." - -Judge Snow continued to hold his office until succeeded by Judge Stiles, -in the fall of 1854. - -Judge Shaver lived among the saints until his death, and was "buried -with the faithful." - -It is currently reported, and believed by many, that Judge Shaver died -from the effects of poison, administered by the hands of a Mormon. He -was a Southerner by birth, agreed very well with the Mormons, gave -suppers, and drank with them, and was considered a "hail-fellow well -met." There was, however, some difficulty between the Judge and the -Prophet, the nature of which was not distinctly known. The difficulty -increased, and one morning the Judge was found dead in his bed. The -heads of the church took great pains to have the affair investigated, -and came to the conclusion that the Judge had died of some "disease of -the head." He was followed to the grave by a large concourse of people, -and preceded by a band of music. - -Less regard would be paid to these invidious reports, were it not for -the fact that Brigham Young's connection with the violent death of -divers other persons is too notorious to be denied. To say nothing of -the Mountain Meadow massacre, in which he is distinctly implicated by -evidence of an overwhelming character, there are other cases in which -his agency in causing in some way the death of the party, is scarcely -denied by himself. - -For instance, the death of Almon W. Babbitt, at the hands of "Indians," -on the Plains. In the summer of 1862, Brigham was referring to this -affair, in a tea-table conversation, at which Judge Waite and the writer -of this were present. On that occasion, after making some remarks to -impress upon the minds of those present the necessity of maintaining -friendly relations between the federal officers and the authorities of -the church, he used language substantially as follows:-- - - "There is no need of any difficulty, and there need be none, - if the officers do their duty, and mind their own affairs. If - they do not, if they undertake to interfere in affairs that do - not concern them, I will not be far off. _There was Almon W. - Babbitt. He undertook to quarrel with me, but soon afterwards - was killed by Indians._ He lived like a fool, and died like a - fool." - -People determined to believe only that Brigham Young is a good citizen, -and that he and his people are mostly in the right in their difficulties -with the federal officers, will doubtless be able to put an innocent -construction upon the foregoing language. But to the minds of those who -heard it, and who were most interested in its meaning, it never had but -one signification, and went far to disclose the dark and damning -character of the man. - -But to return to our narrative. Judge Reed seems to have been more -fortunate in his intercourse with these people. The Mormons wished to -eradicate from his mind all unfavorable impressions created by the -sudden departure of his predecessors. They therefore treated him with -marked consideration. They hoped, through his influence, to reinstate -themselves with the authorities at Washington, and they partially -succeeded. The Judge formed quite a favorable opinion of the Mormons, -though not indorsing the administration of Brigham Young. He remained in -the valley about a year, and then went to the States, intending to -return, but died suddenly, while at his home, in Bath, Steuben County, -New York. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED. - - Col. Steptoe and Brigham Young.--Brigham reappointed Governor. - --John F. Kinney.--Western Utah, or Nevada.--Letter of Hon. - James M. Crane.--Judge Stiles and the Records.--W. W. Drummond. - - -In 1854 Col. Steptoe, with about 300 men, came to Salt Lake. His command -was intended for California and Oregon, but spent the winter of 1854-55 -at Salt Lake City. - -About this time John F. Kinney, of Iowa, was appointed Chief Justice, to -succeed Reed, and George P. Stiles, Associate Justice; Joseph Hollman, -also of Iowa, Attorney-General, and Almon W. Babbitt, Secretary. In the -spring of 1855, W. W. Drummond, of Illinois, was appointed Associate -Justice. - -During the winter of 1854-55, news reached Salt Lake that President -Pierce had commissioned Col. Steptoe as Governor of Utah. This alarmed -the saints exceedingly. The Lion of the Lord was roused. Something must -be done. - -Col. Steptoe had the appointment under consideration for several weeks, -and finally _refused to accept it_, and joined with Chief Justice Kinney -and others in recommending the continuance in office of Governor Young. - -The question naturally arises, Why did Col. Steptoe refuse to accept the -appointment, and recommend Brigham Young? Mormons would tell you, in -confidence, that Brigham "put a hook in his nose," and he was compelled -to do as he did. The Prophet of the Lord had said he would be Governor, -and no power but the Lord Almighty could hinder it. - -Daring and unscrupulous as a brigand, having the means at his command, -and the ingenuity to use them, why should he not outwit the government -and deceive the people of the United States? He was determined not to -relinquish, without an effort to retain them, the power and emoluments -of his position. The following narrative of the manner in which he -accomplished his purposes, has been furnished by a Mormon who was -residing in Salt Lake City at the time, and the employment of similar -appliances on more than one occasion afterward, gives the coloring of -truth to the story. - -There were in Salt Lake City, at that time, two beautiful and -fascinating women, one of whom was by marriage nearly related to the -Prophet; the other was an actress in the church theatre. Their husbands -were both "on a mission." These ladies were a great deal in the society -of Col. Steptoe and his officers. Much attention was paid to the -military officers, and it would be but natural that these men should be -both pleased and flattered by the attention of sisters occupying so high -a place in the hierarchy. According to report, however, the character of -these women was not such as their exalted position in the church would -seem to require. - -One evening Brigham called "the girls" to him, and explained that he had -a plan in which he needed their assistance. They at once consented to do -anything he might desire. The plan was soon agreed upon. He placed his -Danites at a convenient distance around the Colonel's office, and calmly -awaited developments. In a short time one of the "police" came to the -Prophet, and signified that it was time for him to appear on the field. -He went immediately down to the Colonel's office, which was on Main -Street, and knocked for admittance. For some time no one responded, but -the knocking continuing violently, Col. Steptoe asked who was there. -"Brigham Young," said the angry Prophet; "and I want to come in, and I -will come in." At this Steptoe opened the door, and Brigham entered the -front office. He seemed excited, and without being seated, asked if -Mary and Mrs. ---- were there; adding,--"I want the girls." Steptoe -denied their presence; but could a prophet be deceived? "I know better," -said he; "I know they are here;" at the same time walking into the back -office. There, on the sofa, sat two young gentlemen dressed in the -highest style, but wearing their hats. Brigham advanced, lifted the hats -of the fancy gentlemen, and the ladies he was seeking sat before him. Of -course, the righteous indignation of the Prophet knew no bounds. He -threatened Steptoe with exposure and prosecution, and told him his life -would not be safe if the friends of the ladies came to hear of the -affair. He censured the girls, and told them to go home, and finally -calmed down, and left the office. - -Steptoe was greatly alarmed, and, as a compromise, offered to recommend -Brigham for the appointment which had just been tendered to himself. -With ill-concealed satisfaction on the part of Brigham and his friends, -the proposition was accepted, and "the matter arranged." - -Soon after, a petition was sent to the President, dated December 30, -1854, and asking for the reappointment of Young as Governor. This was -signed by Col. Steptoe and most of his officers, and by all the federal -officers then in Utah. - -This array of gentile names was not to be disregarded, and Brigham Young -was reappointed Governor of Utah. - -In 1854 John F. Kinney was appointed, by Franklin Pierce, Chief Justice -of Utah, and came to the valley with his family and a large stock of -goods the same year. He was known in Iowa as a "Jack Mormon," and -subsequent events have proven that he was such. He sold goods and kept a -boarding-house; and at once entered into favor with the Mormon -administration. He was pecuniarily interested in keeping the good-will -of his trading customers; and this fact, together with his undoubted -sympathy with the church, will satisfactorily account for the course -pursued by him in the complicated condition of the Territory. - -It is not our purpose to detract from the merits of any one. We desire -to do justice to all. But the impartial truth of history requires us to -say that the uniform course of Judge Kinney has been to aid and abet -Brigham Young in his ambitious schemes, with but little regard to the -advancement of the interests of the whole country, or the requirements -of indiscriminate justice. - -As to his merits as a jurist, the writer of these pages cannot undertake -to decide. But it would seem, to one uninitiated, that a Judge cannot be -very profound who will try, convict, and sentence men not within the -jurisdiction of his court, and even men not in the land of the living. -This was done by Judge Kinney, in the case of the -Morrisites,--dissenters or apostates from the Mormon Church. - -In the spring of 1863 a large number of these men were tried, convicted, -and fined $100 each. Many of them were out of the Territory at the time, -and one was dead. This statement is fully substantiated by affidavits -which were taken at the time. Over ninety were tried and convicted, -about twenty of whom were out of the Territory, and one had died before -the trial commenced. - -When the cases were called on for trial, it was stated that some of the -accused were absent. The Judge remarked, it made no difference; he was -gratified that so many had made their appearance, and directed the trial -to proceed. All were found guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine of $100 -each, except a few of the leaders, who were sentenced to the -penitentiary,--one of them for fifteen years. - -These men were accused of resisting the Mormon officers who came to -arrest them. Robert T. Burton, the sheriff of Salt Lake County, who was -the principal one thus "resisted," had shot Morris, their Prophet, in -cold blood, after he and his party had surrendered; and yet, while the -Morrisites were so severely punished, Burton went scot free. The grand -jury of Salt Lake County would not even find a bill of indictment -against him. Burton stands high in the community, and was afterwards -appointed Collector of Internal Revenue. - -But this is not all. Not only were all of the accused tried and -convicted, but the bonds of those absent were declared _by the clerk_ to -be forfeited, and execution was issued against those resident in Utah, -to collect the penalty of the bonds. At the same time, _the records -showed no judgments against the delinquents_. One of these Morrisites, -named Abraham Taylor, found his property, worth $2500, suddenly levied -upon, under one of these executions. There being no gentile lawyer at -Salt Lake, he applied to Judge Waite, who investigated the matter, and -found there was no judgment of record. He then advised Mr. Taylor to -apply to Judge Kinney for an injunction against the officer. This was -done; but the application was refused by Judge K. _on the ground that if -there was no judgment he could render one, as the court had not -permanently adjourned, but only to meet on his own motion_. This -response to the application of a suitor is a sufficient indication of -the ability of Judge Kinney, and of his desire to administer impartial -justice. - -The result of the whole matter was, that the homestead of Mr. Taylor was -sold under the execution, _to the clerk of Judge Kinney's court, for -$200_; the family of Taylor impoverished, and literally turned into the -street. After remaining out of doors, in front of the house, for a day -or two, they took refuge at the camp of Gen. Connor. - -In his personal appearance Judge Kinney is pompous and conceited. He is -of the medium size, rather stout, with dark complexion. Brusque and -ready in conversation, and never declining to drink when invited, he is -well adapted to the country in which he resides, and is immensely -popular in the community in which he was placed "to administer the law," -and which he now represents in Congress. He is an open apologist and -advocate of polygamy. - -Mrs. Kinney is a sister of Judge Hall, of Iowa, and an accomplished -lady. She was utterly disgusted with Mormon society, and returned, with -her daughters, to the States. - -Judge Kinney remained in Utah until 1856. In 1860 he was reappointed. -Thus he was absent from the Territory during all the exciting scenes of -1857-8 and 9, and returned after something like harmony had been -restored in the affairs of the Territory. He managed, however, by having -his leave of absence extended from time to time, to retain the office -and its emoluments until 1858. Since 1860 he has been back and forth, -spending about half his time in either portion of the country, but -retaining his position as Chief Justice, until elected to Congress in -1863. - -Judge Stiles, who was appointed to succeed Snow, was assigned to the -third, or Carson District. He immediately proceeded to his district, and -held a term of court. - -The present Territory of Nevada was included mostly in the third -judicial district, and much difficulty occurred between Mormons and the -miners in that section. - -A full account of the proceedings which go to make up the history of -this part of Utah, will be found in a letter from the Hon. James M. -Crane to Hon. William Smith, published in 1859. - -This letter is so complete and truthful in its statements, and presents -such a correct view of the character and tendencies of Mormonism, that -we insert it, nearly entire:-- - - "WASHINGTON, January 17, 1859. - - "DEAR SIR,-- - - "As you may need some facts not reported at length in the - memorial and other documents, relating to the proposed - Territory of Nevada, I herewith submit them. - - "The Mormons and Anti-Mormons began the settlement of Western - Utah in the latter part of 1854. The former, however, - succeeded, in 1855, in obtaining a numerical majority; and the - Legislature of Utah, on being informed of this fact, organized - the whole western part of the Territory, under the name of - Carson County, and Governor Young appointed Orson Hyde, the - President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, its Probate Judge. - Soon after the Judge arrived, adventurers from California, as - well as from the Atlantic States, settled in Carson and other - valleys on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada, for the - purpose of mining, farming, and raising stock. As they - increased very fast, the Mormons became alarmed, and - determined to expel them. - - "They therefore ordered them to leave the country. Of course - the Christians, or Anti-Mormons refused to do so. The Mormons - then assembled their forces, and attempted to expel them, _vi - et armis_. The Anti-Mormons also organized, and fortified - themselves, with a view of defending their lives and property - against their assailants. - - "For two weeks their armies camped nearly in sight of each - other, without coming to a direct battle. - - "By this time, news had reached the miners in California of - this state of affairs, and a large number had determined to - cross the mountains, and afford protection to the - Anti-Mormons. On hearing this, the Mormons became satisfied - that, unless they retraced their steps, they would be driven - themselves from the country, instead of the Anti-Mormons. They - therefore proposed a truce, and agreed that all should enjoy a - common heritage in that part of the Territory. - - "The Mormons now became satisfied that the Christians not only - could, but would occupy these fertile valleys, on the ground - that they were the common property of the United States. When - the Legislature of Utah heard of this affair, that body, in - violation of every constitutional right, repealed the county - organization, recalled the Probate Judge, and removed all the - county and court records to Salt Lake City, where they have - ever since remained. Amongst these records were several - indictments against certain persons for high crimes and - misdemeanors. By this flagrant violation of all sacred, - individual, collective, and constitutional rights, the people - of Western Utah were not only denied all legal protection to - life and property, but they were disfranchised. They have ever - been unrepresented in the Legislature and in Congress. The - history of our country presents no such a record of open - defiance of law, and such cruelties to men under the form of - laws. - - "For years the Anti-Mormons have been applying, both to the - Territorial Legislature and to Congress, for protection, - without success. - - "Their situation has ever been, and still is, peculiarly - unsafe and annoying. Recently a Probate Judge was - surreptitiously appointed for Carson Valley, with a view of - reorganizing the county of Carson, and thus extend over the - people there the Mormon statutes of the Territory. - - "The Judge, soon after he received his commission, undertook - to force on an election of county officers. Enough of the - Anti-Mormons, however, turned out, to defeat his purpose, by - the election of an opposite ticket, who, on being elected, - refused to qualify, because they were required to obey the - Mormon statutes. The Judge has been notified that if he - undertakes to enforce the Mormon statutes he will be - resisted,--peaceably if they can, forcibly if they must. - - "They will not introduce, nor permit others to introduce among - them, the vices of that wicked, perverse, and adulterous - generation, who have so long wielded the sceptre of authority - in the Great Basin. They will not allow, with impunity, their - wives and daughters to be kidnapped, dishonored, and defiled; - nor submit to laws made by such a people, nor allow themselves - to be ruled by men who practise and uphold vices and crimes so - revolting to the moral sense of the world; and if the Mormons - persist in their present course, blood will flow. - - "The only loyal people of Utah are oppressed, annoyed, and - scandalized, by a government intended by Congress to secure - them in their rights, and to protect them in their property; - and while the present Territorial organization exists, the - Mormons, who have control of the Legislature, will never 'let - up on the gentiles.' - - "The only remedy for this unnatural war, now raging between - the Mormons and the Anti-Mormons in Utah, is to be found in - the immediate separation of these people under two distinct - governmental organizations. One thing is inevitable,--the - Mormons and Anti-Mormons will never, and can never live - together in peace, under one government. The conflicts which - took place between them in Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa, - and which are now going on in Utah, ought to convince any - intelligent man of the justice and truth of this declaration. - Indeed, the Mormons themselves acknowledge it; and so long as - they adhere to their belief,--a belief founded upon their own - scriptures,--that an absolute theocracy is the only government - under which they can and should live, they never will be loyal - to our government and countrymen, and hence their hostility to - our institutions and people, and their inflexible devotion to - their own. - - "In every State where the Mormons have lived, it has cost the - loyal people of the State thousands of dollars, as well as the - loss of many lives, to compel them to obey the laws. In every - instance they have resisted our laws, and in every State - necessity demanded their expulsion. - - "In Utah, while they were charged with the administration of - the government and execution of the laws, they proved - themselves not only traitors to our people, but treacherous to - the government, and openly rebelled against them and defied - their authority, and it cost the Federal Government millions - to conquer them. They have still control of the Territory, and - they are inflexibly bent upon subduing the Anti-Mormons of - Western Utah; and if the latter are not separated from them, - and protected by law, it will require the expenditure of - millions more to restore order in Utah. Congress can count the - cost in this matter, while we will have the melancholy duty of - burying our dead. The people of Nevada will never be - conquered,--never be ruled by the Mormons. Come what will, - they will resist to the bitter end. They prefer death to - dishonor, and the government may choose which of these shall - be meted out to them. - - "In addition to the above considerations, which should, I - believe, present conclusive and imposing evidence, - sufficiently satisfactory to induce Congress to organize the - Territory of Nevada, I may likewise mention others. - - "While the people of Western Utah have, in the Mormons, open - and avowed enemies, they have likewise the savage tribes to - defend themselves against. Some of these tribes are professed - Mormons, while others are under their influence. Many - conflicts have taken place between the Christians and some of - these tribes, as well as between the emigrants, while crossing - the Plains to the North Pacific, and the aforesaid savages; - and there is no hope of establishing amicable relations with - these Indian tribes, until they are brought under other and - better relations with the Anti-Mormons of Utah. Peace does not - reign in Utah, and never will, under the present order of - things. . . . . - - "When our common country shall call forth her sons to defend - her rights, the people of Nevada will come forth. They will be - ready and willing to meet the enemy, on the beach and on the - frontier, with a sword in one hand and a torch in the other. - They will dispute every inch of ground, burn every blade of - grass, and the last intrenchment of liberty will become their - graves, rather than permit a foreign enemy to contaminate the - soil of our country. Can this be said of the Mormons? I think - not. If we can protect our countrymen abroad, why should we - not, on our own soil? - - "Very respectfully, yours, - - "JAMES M. CRANE, - - "_Delegate elect from Nevada_. - - "To Hon. Wm. Smith." - - * * * * * - - "Having read the above statement of Judge Crane, delegate from - the proposed Territory of Nevada, I will state from my own - observation, having resided in the Territory of Utah for over - three years, for a portion of which time I was in Carson - Valley, that I heartily concur with him, and fully indorse his - statement in relation to the condition of things in Western - Utah, and seriously believe that the wants and necessities of - the people of that portion of the Territory demand its - immediate organization. - - "GEORGE P. STILES, - - "_Late Associate Justice for Utah_." - -Nevada was erected into a Territory, and has made rapid and gigantic -strides in all the essentials of a high civilization. Her mines are -celebrated throughout the world, and she annually adds millions of -dollars to the circulation of the country. - -Already are her valleys teeming with the life of the husbandman, and her -soil yielding up its rich harvests of golden grain, for the sustenance -of her brave and patriotic sons. She has sent several hundred men into -the field, and with unshaken loyalty stands ready to send more, if the -cause of her country calls,--thus literally fulfilling the promise of -Judge Crane made in the foregoing letter. Mark the contrast between -loyal and Christian Nevada, and disloyal and Mohammedan Utah! One -rushing on to a glorious and happy destiny, and the other falling -rapidly back into the habits and customs of heathen nations. The genius -of Liberty sits enthroned among the mountains of free Nevada, while -despotism of the most hideous character clanks her chains in Utah. May -the day of deliverance for the oppressed thousands of Utah soon dawn. -Then will she take her place among her sisters in the family of States, -and the hand of oppression be no more felt in all her fair borders. - -When Brigham Young found that the gentile element was gaining ground -rapidly in Carson County, his Legislature attached it to Great Salt Lake -County, for judicial and other purposes. A large number of Mormons were -sent on to colonize, and if possible to retain, the fertile Valley of -Nevada. These missionaries were recalled in 1857, as well as many -others, who were settling in different parts of California. - -Slowly and sullenly they relinquished their hold upon this rich and -prosperous portion of the Republic. It rapidly advanced in population, -and not only prospered as a Territory, as already mentioned, but has -lately been admitted as one of the States of the Union. The admission of -Nevada, carved out of Utah, while the mother Territory still remains out -in the cold, ought to be a sufficient hint that Congress and the people -of the United States are not yet prepared for the establishment in their -midst of a polygamic monarchy. - -Judge Stiles returned to Salt Lake City, and there held several courts. - -In the fall of 1856 a conflict arose, in regard to the jurisdiction of -the United States Marshal. Heretofore this officer had acted with the -Mormons, and all had passed off smoothly. But a real gentile was now -appointed, and this was the signal for Mormon opposition. The Mormons -claimed that the Territorial Marshal, instead of the United States -Marshal, should act in the United States courts when doing territorial -business. The United States Marshal contended that he should officiate -in all business transacted in the United States courts, whether sitting -as federal or territorial courts. Judge Stiles issued certain writs, -directed to the officer, which he found it impossible to serve. The -people, instigated by the Mormon leaders, refused to obey the precepts -of the court, and set at naught its authority, proclaiming that the -time had come when their laws, and none others, should be enforced in -Utah. - -The question of jurisdiction was brought before the court, and James -Ferguson, Hosea Stout, and J. C. Little, Mormon lawyers, loudly demanded -that the Judge should decide in their favor. Ferguson, backed by an -armed mob, told Judge Stiles, in open court, that if he dared to decide -contrary to their wishes, he "would take him from the bench d--d quick"; -that the boys were there to do it, and he, with others, by threats and -intimidations, finally compelled the Judge to adjourn his court. - -Judge Stiles then appealed to Brigham Young, as Governor of the -Territory, to sustain him, and protect him in the discharge of his -duties. In reply, he was coolly told that "the courts had already cost -him [Brigham] too much trouble; that the boys had got their spunk up, -and he would not interfere." He advised him, "if he could not sustain -and enforce their [the United States] laws and institutions, the sooner -he adjourned his court the better." - -These proceedings had a tendency to bring the Judge into disrepute with -the Mormons. Thomas Williams, a lawyer, had his office with Judge -Stiles, on Main Street. Williams, though a Mormon, was an independent -man, and had openly opposed Brigham on some question of politics. He had -also denounced some prominent murders, and was becoming obnoxious, and -even dangerous, to Brigham and his compeers. The Prophet once said to -Williams's father and mother: "If Tom don't behave himself better, and -stop causing me trouble, I must attend to him." Soon after, Williams -apostatized, and started for California, intending to remain, and send -back for his family. He met the fate of Babbitt. He was waylaid and -killed by "Indians" on the Plains. It is well understood at Salt Lake -that these were white Indians, and that Williams was put to death by -order of the church authorities. - -The records of the United States District Courts were in Judge Stiles's -office. He, and Williams also, had a good many law books, which were -private property. Brigham asserted that the records were suffered to -"lie around loose," and suggested to the boys that they had better be -cared for. This was sufficient, and "the boys" proceeded to "'tend to -it." James Ferguson, Hiram B. Clawson, and several others, repaired to -the office of the Judge when he was absent, and stationing one of the -number to watch, they gathered up the records of the courts, first of -all, and conveyed them to a fire-and-burglar-proof-safe, belonging to -Young, and under the control of Clawson, who was his confidential clerk -and son-in-law. - -Having deposited them safely, they returned, and taking some of the -Judge's papers, tore them in pieces, and scattered them over the floor, -and in the direction of an outhouse. About the same time a large number -of the law books found their way into the houses of certain Mormon -lawyers, where they have ever since remained. They then took some of the -books from the office, and placed them in the outhouse, set fire to the -building, and burned it to the ground. - -When Judge Stiles returned he found the office robbed, and the books and -papers, as he supposed, burned. - -Thus all business was suspended, and the records of the United States -Courts and government property burned and stolen from the custody of the -legal authorities. - -Judge Stiles left Utah in the spring of 1857, and when in Washington, -made affidavit to the foregoing facts. It may be well here to state that -Judge S. was entirely conscientious in making his affidavit, and the -prevailing impression in the community was that the records had been -destroyed. - -In the summer of 1855 W. W. Drummond, of Illinois, arrived in Utah, as -Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. The Mormons allege that he -deserted his wife, and brought with him a mistress. This caused much -righteous indignation among the saints! The Judge also professed to be -a warm friend and advocate of Senator Douglas, whom the Mormons hate. - -When Drummond was about to hold court, he intimated that he would set -aside all judgments rendered by probate Judges, and annul all their -proceedings, except such as pertained to the usual and legitimate -business of the probate courts. Here was a direct issue, and a conflict -was inevitable. - -The court being about to be held in Fillmore, a Jew was hired for $25 to -quarrel with Drummond. As a part of the programme, also, he was to -strike the Judge. The Jew played his part, except the blow, which, for -want of opportunity or courage, was omitted. Instead of this he sent to -the Judge an insulting message, by the hands of a colored "boy" -belonging to Drummond. The boy was sent back with a raw hide, and -instructions to "lay on" the same to the back of the Israelite, which -Cuffy obeyed with much spirit. Complaint was made by the Jew to a local -magistrate. A warrant was issued, and Drummond and his negro were both -arrested. - -The result of this _émeute_ was a sort of compromise, in which it was -understood that the Judge should not interfere with the probate courts, -and he was set at liberty. - -After adjourning his court at Fillmore, Drummond located in Utah County -in the winter of 1856. The following summer he went to Carson to hold -court for Judge Stiles. Thence he proceeded to California and to the -States, and as the Mormons allege "contributed largely to the getting up -of Buchanan's crusade." - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED.--THE MORMON WAR. - - Report of the Secretary of War.--Proclamation of Gov. Brigham - Young declaring Martial Law.--Correspondence.--Sermons of - Young and Kimball.--Proclamation of Gov. Cumming.--His Echo - Canyon Adventures.--Col. Kane.--The Mormons leave Salt Lake.-- - Commissioners appointed by the President.--Peace restored. - - -By these and similar outrages the Mormons had succeeded in ridding -themselves of all the federal authorities, and were really in open -rebellion against the Federal Government. - -As Congress was not in session, the matter was taken in hand by Floyd, -Secretary of War, and President Buchanan. - -After due consultation it was deemed advisable to appoint new men to all -the civil offices of the Territory, and to accompany them with a -military force sufficient for their protection and the enforcement of -the laws. Accordingly, President Buchanan, during the summer of 1857, -made the following appointments for Utah:--Governor, A. Cumming; Chief -Justice, D. R. Eckels; Associate Justices, John Cradlebaugh and Charles -E. Sinclair; Secretary, John Hartnett. - -An army of about 3000 men was armed and equipped, and ordered to march -for Utah, early in the fall of 1857. - -Brevet Brigadier-General W. S. Harney was originally named as commander -of this force, but it was subsequently deemed inadvisable to detach that -officer from the special duties of his department in Kansas, and the -troops sent to Utah were placed under the orders of Col. A. S. Johnson. - -The Secretary of War, in his report, dated December 5, 1857, says:-- - - "The Territory of Utah is peopled almost exclusively by the - religious sect known as Mormons. . . . They have substituted - for the laws of the land a theocracy, having for its head an - individual whom they profess to believe a prophet of God. - - "This Prophet demands obedience, and receives it implicitly - from his people, in virtue of what he assures them to be - authority derived from revelations received by him from - Heaven. Whenever he finds it convenient to exercise any - special command, these opportune revelations of a higher law - come to his aid. From his decrees there is no appeal; against - his will there is no resistance. . . . - - "From the first hour they fixed themselves in that remote and - almost inaccessible region of our territory, from which they - are now sending defiance to the sovereign power, their whole - plan has been to prepare for a successful secession from the - authority of the United States, and a permanent establishment - of their own. . . . - - "This Mormon brotherhood has scarcely preserved the semblance - of obedience to the authority of the United States for some - years past; not at all indeed, except as it might confer some - direct benefit upon themselves, or contribute to circulate - public money in their community. . . . I need not here recite - the many instances in their conduct and history on which these - general allegations are founded, especially the conduct they - have adopted within the last twelve months towards the civil - authorities of the United States. - - "It has, nevertheless, always been the policy and desire of - the Federal Government to avoid collision with this Mormon - community. It has borne with the insubordination they have - exhibited, under circumstances when respect for its own - authority has frequently counselled harsh measures of - discipline. And this forbearance might still be prolonged, and - the evils rife among them be allowed to work out their own - cure, if this community occupied any other theatre, isolated - and remote from the seats of civilization, than the one they - now possess. - - "But, unfortunately for these views, their settlements lie in - the great pathway which leads from the Atlantic States to the - new and flourishing communities growing up upon the Pacific - seaboard. They stand a lion in the path; not only themselves - defying the civil and military authorities of the government, - but encouraging, if not exciting, the nomad savages who roam - over the vast, unoccupied regions of the continent, to the - pillage and massacre of peaceful and helpless emigrant - families traversing the solitudes of the wilderness. The rapid - settlement of our Pacific possessions; the rights, in those - regions, of emigrants, unable to afford the heavy expenses of - transit by water and the Isthmus; the facility and safety of - military, political, and social intercommunication between our - eastern and western populations and States,--all depend upon - the prompt, absolute, and thorough removal of a hostile power - besetting this path, midway of its route, at a point where - succor and provisions should always be found, rather than - obstruction, privation, and outrage. . . . - - "From all the circumstances surrounding this subject at the - time, it was thought expedient, during the past summer, to - send a body of troops to Utah, with the civil officers - recently appointed to that Territory. . . . Great care has been - taken, in preparing for the march to Utah, that nothing should - seem to excite apprehension of any action on the part of the - army in the least conflicting with the fixed principle of our - institutions, by which the military is strictly subordinate to - the civil authority. The instructions of the commanding - officer were deliberately considered, and carefully drawn, and - he was charged not to allow any conflict to take place between - the troops and the people of the Territory, except only in - case he should be called upon by the Governor for soldiers to - act as a _posse comitatus_ in enforcing obedience to the laws. - - "In conformity with this sentiment, and to assure these people - of the real intention of the movement, an active, discreet - officer was sent in advance of the army to Utah, for the - purpose of purchasing provisions for it, and of assuring the - people of the Territory of the peaceful intentions of the - Government. This officer found, upon entering the Territory, - that these deluded people had already, in advance of his - arrival, or of any information, except as to the march of the - column, determined to resist their approach, and prevent, if - possible, and by force, the entrance of the army into the - Valley of Salt Lake. Supplies of every sort were refused him. - - "The day after his departure from the city, on his way back, - Brigham issued his Proclamation, substantially declaring war - against the United States, and at the same time putting the - Territory under martial law." - -The following is a copy of this celebrated document:-- - - - "PROCLAMATION - - "OF GOVERNOR BRIGHAM YOUNG. - - "_Citizens of Utah_,--We are invaded by a hostile force, who - are evidently assailing us to accomplish our overthrow and - destruction. For the last twenty-five years we have trusted - officials of the Government, from constables and justices, to - judges, governors, and presidents, only to be scorned, held in - derision, insulted, and betrayed. Our houses have been - plundered and then burned, our fields laid waste, our - principal men butchered, while under the pledged faith of the - Government for their safety; and our families driven from - their homes, to find that shelter in the barren wilderness, - and that protection among hostile savages, which were denied - them in the boasted abodes of Christianity and civilization. - - "The Constitution of our common country guarantees unto us all - that we do now, or have ever claimed. If the constitutional - rights which pertain unto us as American citizens were - extended to Utah, according to the spirit and meaning thereof, - and fairly and impartially administered, it is all that we - could ask,--all that we have ever asked. - - "Our opponents have availed themselves of prejudice existing - against us, because of our religious faith, to send out a - formidable host to accomplish our destruction. We have had no - privilege or opportunity of defending ourselves from the - false, foul, and unjust aspersions against us, before the - nation. - - "The Government has not condescended to cause an investigating - committee, or other persons, to be sent to inquire and - ascertain the truth, as is customary in such cases. We know - those aspersions to be false, but that avails us nothing. We - are condemned unheard, and forced to an issue with an armed, - mercenary mob, which has been sent against us at the - instigation of anonymous letter-writers, ashamed to father the - base, slanderous falsehoods which they have given to the - public; of corrupt officials, who have brought false - accusations against us, to screen themselves in their own - infamy; and of hireling priests and howling editors, who - prostitute the truth for filthy lucre's sake. - - "The issue which has thus been forced upon us compels us to - resort to the first great law of self-preservation, and stand - in our own self-defence,--a right guaranteed to us by the - genius of the institutions of our country, and upon which the - Government is based. Our duty to ourselves--to our - families--requires us not to tamely submit to be driven and - slain, without an attempt to preserve ourselves. Our duty to - our country--our holy religion--our God--to freedom and - liberty, requires that we should not quietly stand still, and - see those fetters forging around us, which are calculated to - enslave and bring us in subjection to an unlawful military - despotism, such as can only emanate, in a country of - constitutional law, from usurpation, tyranny, and oppression. - - "Therefore, I, Brigham Young, Governor and Superintendent of - Indian Affairs for the Territory of Utah, in the name of the - people of the United States in the Territory of Utah, - forbid,-- - - "_First._ All armed forces, of whatever description, from - coming into this Territory, under any pretence whatever. - - "_Second._ That all the forces in said Territory hold - themselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice, to - repel any and all such invasion. - - "_Third._ Martial law is hereby declared to exist in this - Territory, from and after the publication of this - proclamation; and no person shall be allowed to pass or - repass, into, or through, or from this Territory, without a - permit from the proper officer. - - "Given under my hand and seal, at Great Salt Lake City, - Territory of Utah, this fifteenth day of September, A. D. - eighteen hundred and fifty-seven, and of the Independence of - the United States of America the eighty-second. - - "BRIGHAM YOUNG." - -This proclamation was forwarded to the commander of the United States -forces, then on the Plains. It was accompanied by the following -letter:-- - - "FORT BRIDGER, September 3, 1857. - - "SIR,--I have the honor to forward you the accompanying letter - from his Excellency Governor Young, together with two copies - of his proclamation, and a copy of the Laws of Utah, 185, - chap. 7, containing the Organic Act of the Territory. - - "It may be proper to add, that I am here to aid in carrying - out the instructions of Governor Young. General Robinson will - deliver these papers to you, and receive such communication as - you may wish to make. - - "Trusting that your answer and action will be dictated by a - proper respect for the rights and liberties of American - citizens, I remain, - - "Very respectfully, - - "DANIEL H. WELLS, - - "_Lieut.-General commanding Nauvoo Legion_." - - - "GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, UTAH TERRITORY, - GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, September 29, 1857. - - "Sir,--By reference to the Act of Congress, passed September - 9, 1850, organizing the Territory of Utah, published in a copy - of the Laws of Utah, herewith, p. 146, chap. 7, you will find - the following:-- - - "'SEC. 2. _And be it further enacted_, That the - executive power in and over said Territory of Utah - shall be vested in a governor, who shall hold his - office for four years, _and until his successor - shall be appointed and qualified_, unless sooner - removed by the President of the United States. The - governor shall reside within said Territory, shall - be commander-in-chief of the militia thereof,' &c., - &c. - - "I am still the Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs - for this Territory, no successor having been appointed and - qualified, as provided by law, nor have I been removed by the - President of the United States. - - "By virtue of the authority thus vested in me, I have issued - and forwarded you a copy of my proclamation, forbidding the - entrance of armed forces into this Territory. This you have - disregarded. I now further direct that you retire forthwith - from the Territory by the same route you entered. Should you - deem this impracticable, and prefer to remain until spring in - the vicinity of your present encampment, Black Fork, or Green - River, you can do so in peace, and unmolested, on condition - that you deposit your arms and ammunition with Lewis Robinson, - Quartermaster-General of the Territory, and leave in the - spring, as soon as the condition of the roads will permit you - to march. And should you fall short of provisions, they can be - furnished you by making the proper applications therefor. - - "Gen. D. H. Wells will forward this, and receive any - communications you may have to make. - - "Very respectfully, - - "BRIGHAM YOUNG; - - "_Governor and Superintendent of - Indian Affairs, Utah Territory_ - - "To the Officer commanding the Forces - now invading Utah Territory." - -The legitimate result of this violent and treasonable proclamation, as -might be supposed, was to incite the people to revenge and bloodshed. -Every man who could bear arms was at once taken from his usual avocation -and trained in the art of war. Clothing was at this time very scarce, as -no trains of goods had arrived from the States. The "sisters" were -called upon to make up every article which they could possibly spare -into uniforms for the troops. Accordingly the "brethren" appeared -arrayed in pieces of bed-quilts, carpets, and old clo' made over, and -presented to the eye as motley and miserable a crew as those of "the -right valiant Sir John Falstaff." If we look at the leaders of these -classical armies, however, the parallel fails. The chivalric Jack had at -least the courage to march at the head of his soldiers; while Brigham, -who acknowledges himself to be a natural coward, preferred to remain -snugly ensconced among his numerous wives and children. The Lion of the -Lord, though seemingly aroused, only shook himself and roared loudly -several times. He then quietly lay down, and remained thenceforth -_couchant_ during the war. With all the assurance and assumption of -Joseph Smith, he lacked his personal courage and manly daring. - -But the rank and file of these "warriors of the Lord" lacked neither -courage nor enthusiasm. Their Zion was threatened,--their institutions -in danger,--and with the fire of revenge burning in their hearts, at the -remembrance of former injuries, they rushed forth, to conquer or to die. - -Many joined their brethren in Echo Canyon, without even shoes to their -feet, wading through snows several feet deep. Such devotion and heroism -were worthy of a better cause. - -The feeling and determination of the people cannot be better expressed -than by extracts from the sermons of their leaders at this critical -period. - -Sunday morning, September 16, 1857, Brigham Young, in his public -discourse, said:-- - - "This people are free; they are not in bondage to any - government on God's footstool. We have transgressed no law, - and we have no occasion to do so, neither do we intend; but as - for any nation's coming to destroy this people, God Almighty - being my helper, they cannot come here. [The congregation - responded a loud 'Amen.'] . . . - - "We have borne enough of their oppression and hellish abuse, - and we will not bear any more of it, for there is no just law - requiring further forbearance on our part. And I am not going - to have troops here to protect the priests and hellish rabble - in efforts to drive us from the land we possess; for the Lord - does not want us to be driven, and has said, 'If you will - assert your rights, and keep my commandments, you shall never - again be brought into bondage by your enemies.' . . . - - "They say that their army is legal; and I say that such a - statement is as false as hell, and that they are as rotten as - an old pumpkin that has been frozen seven times, and then - melted in a harvest sun. Come on with your thousands of - illegally ordered troops, and I will promise you, in the name - of Israel's God, that you shall melt away as the snow before a - July sun. . . . - - "You might as well tell me that you can make hell into a - powder-house, as to tell me that you could let an army in - here, and have peace; and I intend to tell them, and show them - this, if they do not stay away. . . . And I say our enemies - shall not slip the bow on old 'Bright's neck' again. God bless - you. Amen." - -In the afternoon of the same day, the "lion" again roars, as follows:-- - - "There cannot be a more damnable, dastardly order issued, than - was issued by the Administration to this people, while they - were in an Indian country in 1846. Before we left Nauvoo, not - less than two United States Senators came to receive a pledge - from us that we would leave the United States; and then, while - we were doing our best to leave their borders, the poor, low, - degraded curses sent a requisition for five hundred men to go - and fight their battles! That was President Polk; and he is - now weltering in hell, with old Zachary Taylor, where the - present Administration will soon be, if they do not repent. - - "Liars have reported that this people have committed treason, - and upon their lies the President has ordered out troops to - aid in officering this Territory; and if those officers are - like many who have previously been sent here,--and we have - reason to believe that they are, or they would not come where - they know they are not wanted,--they are poor, miserable - blacklegs, broken down political hacks, robbers and - whoremongers; men that are not fit for civilized society; so - they must dragoon them upon us for officers. I feel that I - won't bear such cursed treatment, and that is enough to - say,--for we are just as free as the mountain air. . . - - "I have told you that if this people will live their religion, - all will be well; and I have told you that if there is any man - or woman who is not willing to destroy anything or everything - of their property that would be of use to an enemy if left, I - wanted them to go out of the Territory. And I again say so - to-day; for when the time comes to burn and lay waste our - improvements, if any man undertakes to shield his, he will be - sheared down; for 'judgment will be laid to the line, and - righteousness to the plummet.' - - "Now, the faint-hearted can go in peace; but should that time - come, they must not interfere. Before I will suffer what I - have in times gone by, there shall not be one building, nor - one foot of lumber, nor a stick, nor a tree, nor a particle of - grass or hay that will burn, left in reach of our enemies. I - am sworn, if driven to extremity, to utterly lay waste, in the - name of Israel's God." - -On the same subject, Heber C. Kimball, first counsellor to Brigham, used -the following language:-- - - "Is there a collision between us and the United States? No; we - have not collashed; that is the word that sounds nearest to - what I mean. But now the thread is cut between them and us, - and we will never gybe again,--no, never, worlds without end. - [Voices, 'Amen.'] . . . - - "Do as you are told, and Brigham Young will never leave the - governorship of this Territory, from this time henceforth and - forever. No, never. And there shall no wicked Judge with his - w---- ever sit in our courts again; for all who are against - Israel are an abomination to me and to our God. - - "The spirit that is upon me this morning is the Spirit of the - Lord, that is, the Holy Ghost,--though some of you may think - that the Holy Ghost is never cheerful. Well, let me tell you, - the Holy Ghost is a man; he is one of the sons of our Father - and our God, and he is that man that stood next to Jesus - Christ,--just as I stand by brother Brigham. . . . You think - our Father and our God is not a lively, sociable, and cheerful - man; he is one of the most lively men that ever lived. . . . - Brother Brigham is my leader, he is my Prophet and my Seer, my - Revelator; and whatever he says, that is for me to do, and it - is not for me to question him one word, nor to question God a - minute."[49:A] - -Many sermons were delivered, composed, throughout, of such material as -the foregoing extracts. The genius of Mormonism is here fully -displayed,--implicit obedience to their leaders, and especially to the -teachings of Brigham Young. The people were commanded to be ready to -leave their homes at an hour's notice, and flee to the mountains,--and -this too, as the snows of winter were falling around them. They were -commanded to have the torch ready to set fire to their dwellings, and -the axe to cut down all their fruit-trees; and they were ready to obey! -The question naturally presents itself, Can blind faith and fanaticism -thus lead and control a whole community? That some should be thus -blindly infatuated, is not strange; but that a whole community should -thus lose their reason, and be willing to beggar themselves and -families, in obedience to the call of their leader, is almost beyond -belief. - -It is safe to say, had the Mormons been left free to choose, at least -one half would have remained at home, and even welcomed the troops into -the city. - -But the fiat of despotism had gone forth. "When the time comes to burn -and lay waste our improvements, if any man undertakes to shield his, he -will be sheared down; for 'judgment will be laid to the line, and -righteousness to the plummet.'" This means, in plain English, that any -man who refused to obey Young should be put to death; and the people -well understood it. As it was certain death to resist his will, they -vied with each other in seeming to render a willing obedience to a -tyrant whom many hated, and all feared. - -They fortified Echo Canyon, a narrow pass, about eighteen miles in -length, eastward from the city. Piles of huge stones were heaped up -along the borders of the precipices, ready to be dashed against the -troops, as they should essay to pass the gorge. Intrenchments were -thrown up, and such other warlike preparations made as their facilities -afforded. - -The United States troops had entered the Territory of Utah, and were -encamped in Green River County, near Fort Bridger, a distance of 118 -miles from Salt Lake City. From this place Governor Cumming issued the -following proclamation:-- - - "GREEN RIVER COUNTY, near Fort Bridger, } - UTAH TERRITORY, 21st November, 1857. } - - "_To the People of Utah Territory_:-- - - "On the 11th day 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 17th 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 have - 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 Eckels, 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, and 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 have 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 of which is - guaranteed by the Constitution, and 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 military 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_." - -During this time the Mormon troops were busy stealing stock, burning -supply-trains, and in every way weakening and embarrassing the United -States forces. Being familiar with the country, they had greatly the -advantage; and could break suddenly upon a herding party, from some side -canyon, capture their stock, and before the alarm could be given, be -safely ensconced in their own quarters. Much valuable stock was acquired -in this way. - - "Forts Bridger and Supply were vacated and burned down. Orders - were issued by Daniel H. Wells (Lieut.-General Nauvoo Legion,) - to stampede the animals of the United States troops on their - march, to set fire to their trains, to burn the grass and the - whole country before them and on their flanks, to keep them - from sleeping by night surprises, and to block the roads by - felling trees, and destroying the fords of rivers. - - "On the 4th of October, 1857, the Mormons, under Capt. Lot - Smith, captured and burned, on Green River, three of our - supply trains, consisting of seventy-five wagons, loaded with - provisions and tents for the army, and carried away several - hundred animals." - -Late in the fall of 1857 "the Army of Utah" arrived at Bridger, and made -an encampment, which was called Camp Scott. - -As the winter was severe, and the snow very deep, little progress was -made by the army in quelling the Mormon rebellion, while much suffering -was endured by the soldiers. Some time during the winter of 1857-58 Col. -Kane set out for Utah, to ascertain, if possible, the exact state of -affairs in that Territory. He was not sent as the agent of the -Government, as is generally supposed, but his mission was approved by -President Buchanan, and the War Department. He went _incognito_, and by -the southern route, and arrived in Utah in the month of January. He was -accompanied by a servant only, and while on the desert to the south of -Salt Lake City, was taken sick, and came near losing his life. Amasa -Lyman and others were out exploring, with a view of ascertaining whether -the Mormons could be attacked from the south. They found Col. Kane and -his man on the desert. Lyman took him into his carriage, "laid hands on -him, and administered unto him." Kane still remained unknown to him, but -told him that he had business of importance to transact at Salt -Lake,--important both to the Mormons and to the nation. He was -immediately taken to Salt Lake, where, for the first time, he made known -his business and his name. - -Brigham was agreeably surprised to find an old friend and _quasi_ Mormon -in his guest, and of course treated him with the greatest consideration. -It was well understood at Salt Lake that Col. Kane was baptized by the -Elders some years before, while on a tour of exploration to the Rocky -Mountains.[52:A] How much of Mormonism he imbibed is not known, but -certain it is, that the saints rely on his aid and influence, under all -circumstances. - -The negotiations were of the most friendly character, and Kane proceeded -soon after, in his character as pacificator, to the "Head-quarters of -the Army of Utah," at Fort Bridger. He was escorted by Porter Rockwell, -and Daniel Kimball past the limits of the Mormon camp. He held -interviews with the officers of the army and with Governor Cumming, and -succeeded in inducing the Governor to accompany him to Salt Lake. - -Of this journey Governor Cumming says:-- - - "I left camp on the 5th, _en route_ for this city, accompanied - by Col. Kane, as guide, and two servants. . . . I was escorted - from Bear River Valley to the western end of Echo Canyon,--the - journey through the canyon being performed, for the most part, - in the night; it was about eleven o'clock when I arrived at - Weber Station. - - "I have been everywhere recognized as the Governor of Utah, - and, so far from having encountered insults and indignities, I - am gratified in being able to state that, in passing through - the settlements, I have been universally greeted with such - respectful attentions as are due to the representative of the - executive authority of the United States. . . . - - "When it was arranged with the Mormon officer in command of my - escort that I should pass through Echo Canyon in the night, I - inferred that it was with the object of concealing the - barricades and other defences. I was therefore agreeably - surprised by an illumination in honor to me. The bonfires - kindled by the soldiers, from the base to the summit of the - hills, completely illuminated the valley, and disclosed the - snow-covered mountains which surrounded us." - -The following is the Mormon account of the _entrée_ of Governor Cumming -into the Valley of Salt Lake, and may go to explain to him why the -journey was made through Echo Canyon in the night. - -Upon entering the Mormon lines they were rejoined by Rockwell and -Kimball, who commanded the Governor's escort to Salt Lake City. Echo -Canyon is a narrow pass, about eighteen miles in length, and commands -the entrance to Salt Lake Valley from the east. The Mormons had -fortified this canyon at several points. They also had four camps, or -places of rendezvous, at convenient distances. Upon arriving at Cache -Cave, the first "post," the party of the Governor came to a halt. His -Excellency was escorted into camp with due honor, and an ox was slain to -celebrate the occasion. After partaking of a sumptuous repast, the -troops were ordered out for the Governor to review. About 150 men were -"drawn up," and after the review, the Governor "made a speech." He -complimented "the boys" on their order, discipline, and skill. - -Col. Kimball then proceeded to read various orders to the troops. -Various imaginary companies were ordered to relieve various other -imaginary companies. Several new posts were ordered to be established, -and others abandoned. Meanwhile, the Governor, _not to be deceived_, was -noting down the different companies as they were called. This done, they -again took the road. It was now about sundown; and as they passed the -stations, the troops were arranged on each side of the road, to salute -the Governor, and be reviewed by him. Everything passed off smoothly -until they reached the third station, when it suddenly occurred to Col. -Kimball that the pickets at that post had not been apprised of their -coming. He remarked, on nearing the camp, that "he saw no pickets, and -he guessed the boys were in ambush." He therefore mounted a horse, and -telling the driver to be sure and "halt" as soon as he heard the word, -rode off. In a moment more, the guard shouted, "Halt! who goes -there?"--and before a reply could be given, the crack of a rifle was -heard. The Governor, trembling with fright, cried out, "I am your -friend, the Governor of Utah; don't fire, boys; for God's sake, don't -fire!" "I know nothing about Governors, nor anybody else," replied the -picket; "I must do my duty. This way, Sergeant of the Guard." By this -time quite a company rode up, and, as the Governor supposed, he was -about to be taken prisoner. Col. Kimball now appeared, explained the -whole matter, and relieved his Excellency from his embarrassing -position. But the Governor was entirely innocent of the joke, and -believes, to this day, that he had a hair-breadth escape. - -They then passed on to the mouth of Echo Canyon, where the troops were -again reviewed; and as the party bivouacked for the night, hundreds of -camp-fires gleamed along the rugged sides of the canyon, furnishing -incontestable evidence of the great number of the Mormon soldiers. There -were at this time about 150 men, all told, in the canyon, and _these the -Governor had reviewed at every station_. - -The next morning the Governor proceeded on his journey, prepared to -assert that the Mormons had from two to three thousand men under arms in -and near Echo Canyon. When the company arrived at Sessions, ten miles -from Salt Lake City, they were met by a large concourse of citizen -soldiery, preceded by a band of music, accompanied by the roaring of -cannon. The Echo Canyon boys were also there, to see the fun. The -Governor was quite bewildered by all this parade, and made up his mind -that the Mormons were very numerous, and both ready and willing to "wipe -out" the handful of Government soldiers, whenever they could get -permission from their leader. - -Upon arriving at the "Holy City," the best lodgings and the best brandy -were provided for his Excellency. Brigham called in due time, and paid -his compliments; invited Governor Cumming to his office, and tendered to -him "the hospitalities of the city." Governor Cumming was delighted, and -in a few days called at the office of Governor Young. This wily -personage put on one of his blandest smiles, resigned his office of -Governor, turned over the papers and documents of the office to his -legal successor, and, to crown all, produced the _records of the -courts_, in the highest state of preservation. - -Governor Cumming was perfectly amazed. Was it possible his eyes did not -deceive him? Were these the veritable records about which so much had -been said? They were; and the Mormons had been belied, and the -Government deceived. He immediately wrote to the President and to Col. -Johnson, and explained how matters stood. - -The gifted and accomplished Col. Kane was the bearer of these documents -to his venerable friend James Buchanan, who read with delight these -"signs of repentance" on the part of his dear children, and immediately -commenced writing their pardon. - -It has been supposed by many that Col. Kane was, at that time, acting as -the agent of the United States Government. But the following extract -from a letter to him, written by President Buchanan, dated December 31, -1857, will at once determine the position which the Colonel occupied:-- - - "MY DEAR SIR,--You furnish the strongest evidence of your - desire to serve the Mormons, by abandoning the comforts of - friends, family, and home, and voluntarily encountering the - perils and dangers of a journey to Utah, at the present - inclement season of the year, at your own expense, and without - official position. . . . Nothing but pure philanthropy, and a - strong desire to serve the Mormon people, could have dictated - a course so much at war with your private interests." - -While the President was penning his proclamation of pardon, the Mormons -were leaving their property and homes, and taking up their line of march -for the South. Governor Cumming was unable to control the movements of -Col. Johnson, who was acting under instructions from the Secretary of -War. Hence Cumming could not save to Brigham, however much he might feel -disposed to do so, the humiliation of seeing the streets of the city -filled with the federal soldiers, against whom he had been hurling his -anathemas. Finding this catastrophe could not possibly be averted, he -promulgated an order, purporting to emanate from the Almighty, -commanding the people to leave their homes and start for the South. This -order was prompted partly by the fact that the "President of the Church" -was committed to this course by his repeated declarations, and partly -by the wish on his part to test his power over "this people." It was -readily and implicitly obeyed by his deluded followers. They knew not -where they were going. Many believed they were destined for Sonora. They -only knew the Prophet of the Lord had spoken, and they must obey. - -On the 6th of April, 1858, their long trains moved southward, taking -with them their household goods, and provisions for the journey. -Brigham, Heber, and the principal men, also removed their families from -their comfortable homes, again to encounter the toils and privations -incident to life on the Plains. They went to Provo, 50 miles from the -city, and there halted. The snow was still on the ground, and the -pilgrims suffered much from the inclemency of the weather. - -On the 12th of April, Mr. Buchanan appointed L. W. Powell, of Kentucky, -and Ben McCulloch, of Texas, Commissioners to Utah, and by them sent on -his proclamation of pardon. They reached Salt Lake on the 7th of June, -and immediately made known their business to the Mormon authorities. -They were instructed to say to the Mormons, in the language of the -proclamation, "If you obey the laws, keep the peace, and respect the -just rights of others, you will be perfectly secure, and may live in -your present faith, or change it for another at your pleasure. Every -intelligent man among you knows very well that the Government has never, -directly or indirectly, sought to molest you in your worship, to control -you in your ecclesiastical affairs, or even to influence you in your -religious opinions." - -The following extracts from the report of the Commissioners will serve -to show the result of their mission:-- - - "We stated that we wished a free conference with them, and - were ready to hear what they had to say. Ex-Governor Brigham - Young, Lieut.-Governor Wells, and others, spoke. They - expressed their gratification that the President had sent - commissioners to Utah. They stated that they were attached to - the Constitution and the Government of the United States; they - spoke harshly of many of the officials who had held office in - the Territory; they spoke of the wrongs and injuries hitherto - done them; they said they desired to live in peace, under the - Constitution of the United States. They denied that they had - ever driven any officials from Utah, or prevented any civil - officer from entering the Territory. They admitted that they - burned the army trains, and drove off the cattle from the army - last fall, and for that act they accepted the President's - pardon. All the charges that had been made against them, - except the one last named, they denied. . . . We are pleased - to state that the conference resulted in their agreeing to - receive, quietly and peaceably, all the civil officers of the - Government, and not to resist them in the execution of the - duties of their offices; and to yield obedience to the - authorities and laws of the United States. - - "That they would offer no resistance to the army; that the - officers of the army would not be resisted in the execution of - their orders within the Territory. In short, they agreed that - the officers, civil and military, of the United States, should - enter the Territory without resistance, and exercise, - peaceably and unmolested, all the functions of their various - offices." - -The Mormons, on their part, stipulated that the army should not be -encamped within forty miles of the city; that they should protect -private property; that they should march directly through the city, -without halting; and should not encamp until they crossed the Jordan. -These conditions were substantially complied with. "On the 26th of June -General Johnson marched the army under his command through Salt Lake -City, and encamped on the banks of the river Jordan, just without the -city limits. The place selected for a permanent camp was in Cedar -Valley, about forty miles south of Great Salt Lake City, and known as -Camp Floyd, now Fort Crittenden." - -On the 5th of July, 1858, the Mormon refugees received orders to return -to their homes. With joy and alacrity they prepared to obey the welcome -summons. - -Governor Cumming had frequently urged them to return, without avail. But -when the "mighty man of God" sent forth his mandate, each man sprang to -his feet as if by magic, rushed to his teams, and before the morning -sun gilded the eastern hills, "the faithful" were again returning to -their Mecca. - -A company of United States troops were stationed on what was called "the -Dug Out," to prevent collision with the Mormons on their return to Salt -Lake. The officer commanding related to me the following incident:-- - - "I witnessed the most extreme destitution among the returning - emigrants. I saw a number of women cooking around a camp-fire, - and their clothing was extremely scanty. The supply of a - family of fourteen persons could have been compressed into a - small-sized trunk. One evening I saw two or three women - cooking supper, and observing that they had neither tea nor - coffee, I questioned them, and they replied they had had none - for two or three years. At this time, according to report, it - took a four-mule team to draw the Prophet's gold and silver, - besides some that went in other conveyances." - -The saints again entered into possession of their deserted homes, and -began, as well as the lateness of the season would permit, to cultivate -their farms and gardens. - -Thus ended this crusade against the modern Mohammed and his followers. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[49:A] _Deseret News_, November 18, 1857. - -[52:A] John Hyde, Jr., in his work on Mormonism, page 146, says: -"Fillmore, by the advice and intercession of Col. Kane, _who had -embraced Mormonism in Iowa_, appointed Brigham as the Governor of -Utah." - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED. - - The Mountain Meadow Massacre and other Crimes of the Mormons. - --Attempts to bring the Perpetrators to Justice.--Doings of - Judge Cradlebaugh.--Governor Cumming and the Military Officers. - --Judge Sinclair's Court.--Governor Dawson and his Misfortune. - --New Governor and Associate Justices appointed. - - -The darkest chapter of Mormon history is now before us. It becomes my -duty to relate one of the most perfidious acts of cruelty and wholesale -butchery to be found in the annals of this or any other country. In -doing so, free use will be made of the statements of Judge Cradlebaugh -and others who were thoroughly conversant with all the facts. - -The following is from the able speech of Judge Cradlebaugh, delivered in -the House of Representatives on the 7th of February, 1863:-- - - "As one of the Associate Justices of the Territory of Utah, in - the month of April, 1859, I commenced and held a term of the - District Court for the Second Judicial District, in the city - of Provo, about sixty miles south of Salt Lake City. Upon my - requisition, Gen. A. S. Johnson, in command of the military - department, furnished a small military force for the purpose - of protecting the court. A grand jury was empanelled, and - their attention was pointedly and specifically called to a - great number of crimes that had been committed in the - immediate vicinity,--cases of public notoriety, both as to the - offence and the persons who had perpetrated the same; (for - none of these things had "been done in a corner"). Their - perpetrators had scorned alike concealment or apology, before - the arrival of the American forces. The jury thus instructed, - though kept in session two weeks, utterly refused to do - anything, and were finally discharged, as an evidently useless - appendage of a court of justice. But the court was determined - to try a last resource, to bring to light and to punishment - those guilty of the atrocious crimes which confessedly had - been committed in the Territory, and the session continued. - Bench warrants, based upon sworn information, were issued - against the alleged criminals, and United States Marshal - Dotson, a most excellent and reliable officer, aided by a - military _posse_, procured on his own request, had succeeded - in making a few arrests. A general stampede immediately took - place among the Mormons, and what I wish to call your - attention to, as particularly noticeable, is the fact that - this occurred more especially among the church officials and - civil officers. . . . - - "Sitting as a committing magistrate, complaint after complaint - was made before me of murders and robberies. Among these I may - mention, as peculiarly and shockingly prominent, the murder of - Forbes, the assassination of the Parrishes and Potter, of - Jones and his mother, of the Aiken party, of which there were - six in all; and, worst and darkest in the appalling catalogue - of blood, the cowardly, cold-blooded butchery and robbery at - the Mountain Meadows. At that time there still lay, all - ghastly, under the sun of Utah, the unburied skeletons of one - hundred and nineteen men, women, and children, the hapless, - hopeless victims of the Mormon creed. . . . - - "The scene of this horrible massacre at the Mountain Meadows - is situate about three hundred and twenty miles west of south - from Great Salt Lake City, on the road leading to Los Angelos, - in California. I was the first federal Judge in that part of - the Territory after the occurrence,--my district extending - from a short distance below Salt Lake City to the south end of - the Territory. I determined to visit that part of my district, - and, if possible, expose the persons engaged in the massacre, - which I did in the early part of the year 1859. I accordingly - embraced an opportunity of accompanying a small detachment of - soldiers, who were being sent to that section by Gen. - Johnson,--having requested the Marshal of the Territory to - accompany, or to send a deputy. He accordingly sent deputy - William H. Rodgers, who went with me. - - "The command went as far south as the St. Clara, twenty miles - beyond the Mountain Meadows, where we camped, and remained - about a week. During our stay there I was visited by the - Indian chiefs of that section, who gave me their version of - the massacre. They admitted that a portion of their men were - engaged in the massacre, but were not there when the attack - commenced. One of them told me, in the presence of the others, - that after the attack had been made, a white man came to their - camp with a piece of paper, which, he said, _Brigham Young had - sent_, that directed them to go and help to whip the - emigrants. A portion of the band went, but did not assist in - the fight. He gave as a reason, that the emigrants had long - guns, and were good shots. He said that his brother [this - chief's name was Jackson] was shot while running across the - Meadow, at a distance of two hundred yards from the corral - where the emigrants were. He said the Mormons were all - painted. He said the Indians got a part of the clothing; and - gave the names of John D. Lee, President Haight, and Bishop - Higbee, as the big captains. It might be proper here to remark - that the Indians in the southern part of the Territory of Utah - are not numerous, and are a very low, cowardly, beastly set, - very few of them being armed with guns. They are not - formidable. I believe all in the southern part of the - Territory would, under no circumstances, carry on a fight - against ten white men. - - "From our camp on the St. Clara we again went back to the - Mountain Meadows, camping near where the massacre had - occurred. The Meadow is about five miles in length and one in - width, running to quite a narrow point at the southwest end, - being higher at the middle than either end. It is the divide - between the waters that flow into the Great Basin and those - emptying into the Colorado River. A very large spring rises in - the south end of the narrow part. It was on the north side of - this spring the emigrants were camped. The bank rises from the - spring eight or ten feet, then extends off to the north about - two hundred yards, on a level. A range of hills is there - reached, rising perhaps fifty or sixty feet. Back of this - range is quite a valley, which extends down until it has an - outlet, three or four hundred yards below the spring, into the - main meadow. - - "The first attack was made by going down this ravine, then - following up the bed of the spring to near it, then at - daylight firing upon the men who were about the - camp-fires,--in which attack ten or twelve of the emigrants - were killed or wounded; the stock of the emigrants having - been previously driven behind the hill, and up the ravine. - - "The emigrants soon got in condition to repel the attack, - shoved their wagons together, sunk the wheels in the earth, - and threw up quite an intrenchment. The fighting after - continued as a siege; the assailants occupying the hill, and - firing at any of the emigrants that exposed themselves, having - a barricade of stones along the crest of the hill as a - protection. The siege was continued for five days, the - besiegers appearing in the garb of Indians. The Mormons, - seeing that they could not capture the train without making - some sacrifice of life on their part, and getting weary of the - fight, resolved to accomplish by strategy what they were not - able to do by force. The fight had been going on for five - days, and no aid was received from any quarter, although the - family of Jacob Hamlin, the Indian agent, were living in the - upper end of the Meadow, and within hearing of the reports of - the guns. - - "Who can imagine the feelings of these men, women, and - children, surrounded, as they supposed themselves to be, by - savages? Fathers and mothers only can judge what they must - have been. Far off, in the Rocky Mountains, without - transportation,--for their cattle, horses and mules had been - run off,--not knowing what their fate was to be,--we can but - poorly realize, the gloom that pervaded the camp. - - "A wagon is descried, far up the Meadows. Upon its nearer - approach, it is observed to contain armed men. See! now they - raise a white flag! All is joy in the corral. A general shout - is raised, and in an instant, a little girl, dressed in white, - is placed at an opening between two of the wagons, as a - response to the signal. The wagon approaches; the occupants - are welcomed into the corral, the emigrants little suspecting - that they were entertaining the fiends that had been besieging - them. - - "This wagon contained President Haight and Bishop John D. Lee, - among others of the Mormon Church. They professed to be on - good terms with the Indians, and represented the Indians as - being very mad. They also proposed to intercede, and settle - the matter with the Indians. After several hours of parley, - they, having apparently visited the Indians, gave the - ultimatum of the Indians; which was, that the emigrants should - march out of their camp, leaving everything behind them, even - their guns. It was promised by the Mormon bishops that they - would bring a force, and guard the emigrants back to the - settlements. - - "The terms were agreed to,--the emigrants being desirous of - saving the lives of their families. The Mormons retired, and - subsequently appeared at the corral with thirty or forty armed - men. The emigrants were marched out, the women and children in - front, and the men behind, the Mormon guard being in the rear. - When they had marched in this way about a mile, at a given - signal, the slaughter commenced. The men were most all shot - down at the first fire from the guard. Two only escaped, who - fled to the desert, and were followed 150 miles before they - were overtaken and slaughtered. - - "The women and children ran on, two or three hundred yards - further, when they were overtaken, and with the aid of the - Indians they were slaughtered. Seventeen only of the small - children were saved, the eldest being only seven years. Thus, - on the 10th day of September, 1857, was consummated one of the - most cruel, cowardly, and bloody murders known in our history. - Upon the way from the Meadows, a young Indian pointed out to - me the place where the Mormons painted and disguised - themselves. - - "I went from the Meadows to Cedar City; the distance is - thirty-five or forty miles. I contemplated holding an - examining court there, should Gen. Johnson furnish me - protection, and also protect witnesses, and furnish the - Marshal a _posse_ to aid in making arrests. While there I - issued warrants, on affidavits filed before me, for the arrest - of the following named persons:-- - - "Jacob Haight, President of the Cedar City Stake; Bishop John - M. Higbee and Bishop John D. Lee; Columbus Freeman, William - Slade, John Willis, William Riggs, ---- Ingram, Daniel - McFarlan, William Stewart, Ira Allen and son, Thomas - Cartwright, E. Welean, William Halley, Jabes Nomlen, John - Mangum, James Price, John W. Adair, ---- Tyler, Joseph Smith, - Samuel Pollock, John McFarlan, Nephi Johnson, ---- Thornton, - Joel White, ---- Harrison, Charles Hopkins, Joseph Elang, - Samuel Lewis, Sims Matheney, James Mangum, Harrison Pierce, - Samuel Adair, F. C. McDulange, Wm. Bateman, Ezra Curtis, and - Alexander Loveridge. - - "In a few days after arriving at Cedar City, Capt. Campbell - arrived, with his command, from the Meadows; on his return, he - advised me that he had received orders, for his command - entire, to return to Camp Floyd; the General having received - orders from Washington that the military should not be used in - protecting the courts, or in acting as a _posse_ to aid the - Marshal in making arrests. - - "While at Cedar City I was visited by a number of apostate - Mormons, who gave me every assurance that they would furnish - an abundance of evidence in regard to the matter so soon as - they were assured of military protection. In fact, some of the - persons engaged in the act came to see me in the night, and - gave a full account of the matter,--intending when protection - was at hand, to become witnesses. They claimed that they had - been forced into the matter by the bishops. Their statements - corroborated what the Indians had previously said to me. Mr. - Rodgers, the Deputy Marshal, was also engaged in hunting up - the children, survivors of the massacre. They were all found - in the custody of the Mormons. Three or four of the eldest - recollect and relate all the incidents of the massacre, - corroborating the statements of the Indians, and the - statements made by the citizens of Cedar City to me. - - "These children are now in the south part of Missouri, or - north part of Arkansas; their testimony could soon be taken, - if desired. No one can depict the glee of these infants, when - they realized that they, were in the custody of what they - called 'the Americans,'--for such is the designation of those - not Mormons. They say they never were in the custody of the - Indians. I recollect of one of them, 'John Calvin Sorrow,' - after he found he was safe, and before he was brought away - from Salt Lake City, although not yet nine years of age, - sitting in a contemplative mood, no doubt thinking of the - extermination of his family, saying: 'Oh, I wish I was a man; - I know what I would do; I would shoot John D. Lee; I saw him - shoot my mother.' I shall never forget how he looked. - - "Time will not permit me to elaborate the matter. I shall - barely sum up, and refer every member of this House, who may - have the least doubt about the guilt of the Mormons in this - massacre, and the other crimes to which I have alluded, to the - evidence published in the appendix hereto." - -To the foregoing thrilling recital, I will only add:--The train -consisted of 40 wagons, 800 head of cattle, and about 60 horses and -mules. As near as can be ascertained, there were about 150 men and -women, besides many children. They passed through Salt Lake City, and -were there joined by some few Mormons, who were disaffected, and sought -to travel under their protection. - -A revelation from Brigham Young, as Great Grand Archee, or God, was -despatched to President J. C. Haight, Bishop Higbee, and J. D. Lee, -commanding them to raise all the forces they could muster and trust, -follow those cursed gentiles (so read the revelation), attack them, -disguised as Indians, and with the arrows of the Almighty make a clean -sweep of them, and leave none to tell the tale; and if they needed any -assistance, they were commanded to hire the Indians as their allies, -promising them a share of the booty. They were to be neither slothful -nor negligent in their duty, and to be punctual in sending the teams -back to him before winter set in, for this was the mandate of Almighty -God. - -On the following day a council of all the faithful was held at Cedar -City. Many attended from the neighboring settlements; the revelation was -read, and the destiny of the unsuspecting emigrants sealed. Plans were -suggested, discussed, and adopted, and the men designated to carry out -their hellish designs. Instructions were given for them to assemble at a -small spring, but a short distance to the left of the road leading into -the Meadows,--a number of intervening hills rendering it a fit place for -concealment. Here they painted and disguised themselves as Indians, and -when ready to commence operations, by a well-known Indian trail -proceeded to the Meadows. - -For the benefit of those who may still be disposed to doubt the guilt of -Young and his Mormons in this transaction, the testimony is here -collated, and circumstances given, which go, not merely to implicate, -but to fasten conviction upon them, by "confirmations strong as proofs -from Holy Writ." - -1. The evidence of Mormons themselves, engaged in the affair, as shown -by the statements of Judge Cradlebaugh and Deputy-Marshal Rodgers. - -2. The statements of Indians in the neighborhood of the massacre: these -statements are shown, not only by Cradlebaugh and Rodgers, but by a -number of military officers, and by J. Forney, who was, in 1859, -Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Territory. To all these were -such statements freely and frequently made by the Indians. - -3. The testimony of the children saved from the massacre. - -4. The children and the property of the emigrants found in possession of -the Mormons, and that possession traced back to the very day after the -massacre. - -5. The failure of Brigham Young to embody any account of it in his -Report as Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Also his failure to make any -allusion to it whatever from the pulpit, until several years after the -occurrence. - -6. The failure of the "Deseret News," the Church organ, and the only -paper then published in the Territory, to notice the massacre, until -several months afterward, and then only to deny that Mormons were -engaged in it. - -7. The flight to the mountains of men high in authority in the Mormon -Church and State, when this affair was brought to the ordeal of a -judicial investigation. - -8. The testimony of R. P. Campbell, Capt. 2d Dragoons, who was sent in -the spring of 1859 to Santa Clara, to protect travellers on the road to -California, and to inquire into Indian depredations. - -In his report to Major E. J. Potter, Assistant Adjutant-General U. S. -Army, dated July 6, 1859, he says:-- - - "These emigrants were here met by the Mormons (assisted by - such of the wretched Indians of the neighborhood as they could - force or persuade to join), and massacred, with the exception - of such infant children as the Mormons thought too young to - remember, or tell of the affair. - - "The Mormons were led on by John D. Lee, then a high dignitary - in the self-styled Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day - Saints, and Isaac Haight, now a dignitary in the same." - -Again, after relating briefly the massacre, he says:-- - - "These facts were derived from children who did remember, and - could tell of the matter; from Indians, and from the Mormons - themselves." - -9. The testimony of Hon. J. Forney, Superintendent of Indian Affairs. - -In his letter to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington, dated -Provo City, U. T., March, 1859, he says:-- - - "Facts in my possession warrant me in estimating that there - was distributed, a few days after the massacre, among the - leading church dignitaries, $30,000 worth of property." - -Again, in another letter to the Commissioner, written from Great Salt -Lake City, in August of the same year, he says:-- - - "From the evidence in my possession, I am justified in the - declaration that this massacre was concocted by white men, and - consummated by whites and Indians. The names of many of the - whites engaged in this terrible affair have already been given - to the proper legal authorities. . . . The children were sold - out to different persons in Cedar City, Harmony, and Painter - Creek. Bills are now in my possession from different - individuals, asking payment from the Government. I cannot - condescend to become the medium of even transmitting such - claims to the Department." - -The following is from the Annual Report of Superintendent Forney, made -in September, 1859:-- - - "Mormons have been accused of aiding the Indians in the - commission of this crime. I commenced my inquiries without - prejudice or selfish motive, and with the hope that, in the - progress of my inquiries, facts would enable me to exculpate - all white men from any participation in this tragedy, and - saddle the guilt exclusively on the Indians; but, - unfortunately, every step in my inquiries satisfied me that - the Indians acted only a secondary part. . . . White men were - present, and directed the Indians. John D. Lee, of Harmony, - told me in his own house, last April, in presence of two - persons, that he was present three successive days during the - fight, and was present during the fatal day." . . . - -We close the testimony of Forney, by giving entire a letter from him to -the Department at Washington,-- - - "SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, UTAH, } - GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, September 22, 1859. } - - "Sir,--Your letter dated July 2, in which you request me to - ascertain the names of white men, if any, implicated in the - Mountain Meadow massacre, reached me several weeks since, - about 300 miles west of this city. - - "I gave, several months ago, to the Attorney-General, and - several of the United States Judges, the names of those who I - believed were not only implicated, but the hell-deserving - scoundrels who concocted, and brought to a successful - termination the whole affair. - - "The following are the names of the persons the most guilty: - Isaac T. Haight, Cedar City, president of several settlements - south; Bishop Smith, Cedar City; John D. Lee,[69:A] Harmony; - John M. Higby, Cedar City; Bishop Davis, David Tullis, Santa - Clara; Ira Hatch, Santa Clara. These were the cause of the - massacre, aided by others. It is to be regretted that nothing - has yet been accomplished towards bringing these murderers to - justice. I remain, - - "Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - - "J. FORNEY, - - "_Sup't of Indian Affairs, Utah Territory_. - - "Hon. A. B. Greenwood, - - "_Commiss'r Indian Affairs, Washington, D. C._" - -So far as Brigham Young himself is concerned, the evidence is not so -direct, but is scarcely less conclusive. - -In addition to the circumstances mentioned, of his failing to report the -massacre, or to make any mention of it in his public discourses, and the -testimony of the Indians, already referred to; in addition also to the -facts concerning the revelation sent from him,--facts communicated by -one intimately acquainted with the secret history of the church; in -addition to these things, if we reflect for a moment upon the framework -of the Mormon Church, we will find therein still more cogent evidence. - -The organization of the church is such, that no project of importance is -ever undertaken without the express or implied consent of Young, who is -in temporal, as well as spiritual matters, the head and source of all -authority. Now here was a large train which had lately passed through -the place where Young resided, and his feelings and views in relation to -it would be well known to the leaders of the church. Can it for a moment -be admitted, that members of a community so organized would undertake so -important a project as the destruction of that train, requiring, as it -did, the concerted action of forty or fifty persons, without the express -or implied sanction of him who sat at the head of the community, -controlling its every action? - -And if such a thing can be supposed possible, would not the perpetrators -be immediately called to account for assuming so much responsibility? -Reason and evidence all point one way; and add this to the many other -acts which stamp Brigham Young as a murderer of the deepest dye,--adding -to the guilt of homicide that of blasphemy and hypocrisy. - -What was the motive which prompted the act? Partly revenge. These -emigrants were from Missouri and Arkansas, the scenes of the alleged -injuries and persecutions of the Mormons. It was soon after the killing -of Parley P. Pratt, in Arkansas, by McLane, whose wife Pratt had -abducted. It was at the time, too, when the United States troops were -marching to Utah, and a feeling of revenge and retaliation was -prevalent, and was, as has been shown, fostered and encouraged by -Brigham in his sermons. - -But the principal motive was plunder. The train was a very wealthy one. -The spoil of the gentile was before them, and it must be appropriated by -the Lord's people. - -A great portion of the property was taken to Cedar City, deposited in -the tithing office, and there sold out. Forney says, in the Annual -Report already quoted from,-- - - "Whoever may have been the perpetrators of this horrible deed, - no doubt exists in my mind that they were influenced chiefly - by a determination to acquire wealth by robbery."[71:A] - -It is not within the scope of this work to enter into a relation of the -many other murders and outrages committed by the authority or connivance -of the Mormon Church. This is given as the most notable one,--"_ex uno -disce omnes_." Those who wish to examine into these crimes more fully, -are referred to the appendix to the printed speech of Judge Cradlebaugh. - -The "Mormon War" having closed, the federal officers, as soon as -practicable, assumed their functions, and proceeded to transact -business. Federal courts were held, and the authority of the United -States again, at least nominally, established in Utah. - -In October, 1858, Judge Sinclair opened his court in Salt Lake City. -Efforts were made to bring several noted criminals to justice, but -everything failed. In the grand jury-room no indictments were found, and -murderers and thieves were allowed to go "scot free." - -At this term of court a motion was made to expel James Ferguson from the -bar, for contempt of court. Ferguson offered to retire from the bar, -which was not accepted. He then proposed to plead guilty; but the Judge -said, as it was alleged that a Judge of the United States had been -insulted and intimidated, when in the discharge of his official duty, -it was important that the country be put in possession of the facts, and -no plea of crimination or stultification should prevent an exposure. - -The grand jury did, finally, in this case, make the following -presentment:-- - - "The grand jury find, that James Ferguson, of G. S. L. City, - U. T., did use language and threats calculated to intimidate - Judge George P. Stiles, U. S. District Judge, while in the - discharge of his official duties, and presiding as Judge of - this District Court, at the February Term, 1857. - - "ELEAZER MILLER, _Foreman_." - -The right of trial by jury is one guaranteed by the Constitution, and -with which it would be highly dangerous to interfere, except in cases of -extreme necessity, involving the safety of a whole people or community. -The Mormons, with their usual shrewdness, take advantage of this, and -manage to control the United States Courts through the grand and petit -juries. The following extracts will show how it is done. - -March 2d, 1856, in his remarks, made in the Tabernacle, Jedediah M. -Grant, then one of the "President's" counsellors, said:-- - - "Last Sunday, the President chastised some of the Apostles and - Bishops, who were on the grand jury. Did he fully succeed in - clearing away the fog which surrounded them, and in removing - blindness from their eyes? No, for they could go to their room - and again disagree; though to their credit it must be admitted - that a brief explanation made them unanimous in their action." - -Again, in the same connection, Grant, speaking of a trial-jury, -continues,-- - - "Several have got into the fog, to suck and eat the filth of a - gentile court; _ostensibly_ a court in Utah." - -Here is the highest evidence of the direct interference of Brigham -Young with the right of trial by jury, and the prostitution of the -jury-box to the accomplishment of his schemes. How could he strike a -more fatal blow at our free institutions, or at the rights and liberties -of American citizens who may happen to live within the sphere of his -influence? For this alone he should be hurled from the defiant position -he occupies, and brought to the bar of impartial justice. - -Though the evidence was perfectly plain and conclusive in the case of -Ferguson, he was acquitted. Comment is unnecessary. - -The Judge, finding all efforts to bring criminals to justice unavailing, -adjourned his court _sine die_. - -The Mormon Legislature had never made provision for defraying the -expenses of the United States Courts, while doing territorial business, -though their attention had frequently been called to the necessity of so -doing. Their object was to throw all the business into the probate -courts; and in this they eventually succeeded, except in the court -presided over by Judge Kinney,--the only one, after the "war," which -acted simply as an adjunct and instrument of the church authorities. - - "During the sitting of Judge Sinclair's court, the Mormon - grand jury promptly found a bill of indictment against one - Ralph Pike, a sergeant in Company I, of the 10th Infantry, - United States Army, for an assault with intent to kill, - committed upon one Howard Spencer, the son of a Mormon bishop, - at the military reserve, in Rush Valley. Upon _capias_ issued, - Pike was arrested, and brought to Great Salt Lake City. The - day following, August 11, 1858, about twelve o'clock, M., as - Pike was entering the Salt Lake House, on Main Street, Spencer - stepped up to him from behind, saying, 'Are you the man that - struck me in Rush Valley?' at the same time, drawing his - pistol, shot him through the side, inflicting a mortal wound. - Spencer ran across the street, mounted his horse, and rode - off, accompanied by several noted 'Danites.' Pike lingered in - dreadful agony, two days, before he died. The 'Deseret News,' - in its next issue, lauded young Spencer for his courage and - bravery. - - "A man by the name of Drown, brought suit upon a promissory - note for $480, against the Danite captain, Bill Hickman. The - case being submitted to the court, Drown obtained a judgment. - A few days afterwards, Drown and a companion, named Arnold - were stopping at the house of a friend in Salt Lake City, when - Hickman, with some seven or eight of his band, rode up to the - house, and called for Drown to come out. Drown, suspecting - foul play, refused to do so, and locked the doors. The Danites - thereupon dismounted from their horses, broke down the doors, - and shot down both Drown and Arnold. Drown died of his wounds - next morning, and Arnold a few days afterwards. Hickman and - his band rode off unmolested. - - "Thus, during a single term of the court, held in a Mormon - community, the warm life-blood of three human victims is shed - upon the very threshold of the court; and although the grand - jury is in session, no prosecution is attempted, and not one - of the offenders brought to justice." - -Judge Cradlebaugh was assigned to the Second Judicial District, and held -his first term of court in Provo City, commencing April 8th, 1859. An -account of his efforts to bring to justice the Mountain Meadow and other -murderers has already been given in his own language. - -The following notice of this bold and energetic man is from the "Nevada -Territorial Enterprise":-- - - "Judge Cradlebaugh, of the United States Court of Utah, is - making his mark in that Territory, if half that is written of - him is true. . . . . Satisfied that many of the leading - Mormons had taken part in or instigated the Mountain Meadow - massacre, and the murder of Jones, Potter, Forbes, Parrish, - and a dozen others, he determined to bring them to punishment. - . . . He spoke and acted with the fearlessness and resolution - of a Jackson; but the jury failed to indict, or even report on - the charges, while threats of violence were heard in every - quarter, and an attack on the troops intimated, if he - persisted in his course. - - "Finding that nothing could be done with the juries, they were - discharged, with a scathing rebuke from the Judge. Sitting as - a committing magistrate, he commenced his task alone. He - examined witnesses, made arrests in every quarter, and created - a consternation in the camps of the saints, greater even than - was occasioned by the arrival of the troops within the walls - of Zion. At last accounts, terrified elders and bishops were - decamping to save their necks; and developments of the most - startling character were being made, implicating the highest - church dignitaries in the many murders and robberies committed - upon the gentiles during the past eight years." - -Governor Cumming did not sustain Judge Cradlebaugh, but, under the -pretence of impartiality, sought to screen the Mormons from the demands -of justice. - -Hence various differences between Cumming on one side, and Johnson and -Cradlebaugh on the other; and on one occasion the Governor went so far -as to publish his protest against the use of the troops in aid of -Cradlebaugh's proceedings. - -Cumming was a native of Georgia. He had married a daughter of one of the -most distinguished physicians of Boston, a lady of many accomplishments, -who accompanied him to Utah. - -During the dreadful reign of the cholera in 1836 he was Mayor of -Augusta, Ga., and is said to have rendered efficient service in saving -the lives of the citizens. - -For some years he was stationed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. At the -commencement of the Mexican war he was at Point Isabel, and afterwards -on the Southern line, attached to General Scott's staff. Subsequently he -was detailed by the Government to visit several tribes of Indians in the -far West. - -He had performed some service to the country, and was a man of many good -qualities; but was very vain, and fond of attention, and was unable to -withstand the seductive influences which the Mormons know so well how to -bring to bear upon persons of his organization. - -Cradlebaugh, finding he was not supported by Buchanan's administration, -left Utah, and settled in the Territory of Nevada; whence he has been -twice sent as delegate to Congress, and we look to see him, at no -distant day, represent the new State of Nevada in the Senate of the -United States. - -In 1860 John F. Kinney was reappointed Chief Justice, succeeding Judge -Eckels; and Judges Crosby and Flenniken were appointed Associate -Justices, to succeed Sinclair and Cradlebaugh. Judge Cradlebaugh did not -resign, and not recognizing the right of the President to remove the -Judges, he continued to perform the duties of his office for some time -afterward. - -On the 3d of October, 1861, John W. Dawson, of Indiana, was appointed by -President Lincoln as Governor of Utah, to succeed Cumming, who had left the -Territory some months previous. - -In the appointment of Dawson, Lincoln, to use his own language, was -"imposed on." The Senate relieved him from the imposition, by refusing -to confirm the appointment. - -The Mormons, however, anticipated the action of the Senate, and speedily -ejected Dawson from the governorship. The history of this _émeute_ is -briefly as follows:-- - -Dawson arrived at Salt Lake about the commencement of the session of the -Legislature. Having some notions of his own concerning legislative -affairs, and not yielding, like his predecessor, to all the views of -Brigham Young, he soon became involved in difficulties from which he was -unable to extricate himself. He had not the nerve and ability to sustain -himself in his position. The Mormons saw this, and at once resolved -upon, planned, and accomplished a brilliant _coup d'état_, similar to -that practised upon Steptoe. Without going into details, the plan may be -seen by the result; which was the affidavit of a widow woman named -Williams, to the effect that Dawson had insulted her, by making improper -advances, which, of course, she had scornfully repelled and rejected. - -The indignation of the Mormons was aroused to the highest pitch by this -base attempt upon Mormon virtue. Threats were made so freely, that the -Governor became very much alarmed, and precipitately fled the -Territory. Not satisfied with this, the "boys" waylaid him at one of the -stations, and gave him a severe beating. - -In contemplating this serio-comic affair, one hardly knows which most to -condemn, the lawless spirit which prompted such treatment, or the -timidity and weakness which would submit to it. - -About the 1st of February, 1862, Judges Flenniken and Crosby left Salt -Lake City, and the federal officers there immediately advised the -President of the fact by telegraph, and recommended the appointment of -their successors. Accordingly on the 3d of February, 1862, Thomas J. -Drave, of Michigan, and Charles B. Waite, of Illinois, were appointed -Associate Justices, and on the 31st of March following, Stephen S. -Harding, of Indiana, was appointed Governor, to succeed Dawson. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[69:A] John D. Lee is an adopted son of Brigham Young. - -[71:A] Several years after the massacre, Major, now General Carlton, -visited that region and erected a monument to the memory of the slain. -"It was constructed by raising a large pile of rock, in the centre of -which was erected a beam, some twelve or fifteen feet in height. Upon -one of the stones he caused to be engraved, 'Here lie the bones of one -hundred and twenty men, women, and children, from Arkansas, murdered -on the 10th day of September, 1857.' Upon a cross-tree, on the beam, -he caused to be painted: 'Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I -will repay it.' This monument is said to have been destroyed the first -time Brigham visited that part of the Territory." - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED. - - Arrival of the New Federal Officers in July, 1862.--Colonel - Connor arrives with his Command.--The Message of Gov. Harding. - --The Mormons Indignant.--The Legislature refuse to print the - Message.--Action of the United States Senate thereon.--Forgery - in the Mormon Legislature.--Bill of Judge Waite to amend the - Organic Act.--Indignation Meeting.--Governor Harding and - Judges Waite and Drake requested to leave the Territory.-- - Their Replies.--Brigham.--The Federal Officers. - - -Judges Drake and Waite arrived in Salt Lake City on the 11th of July, -1862. Governor Harding had arrived a few days previous. - -For several months everything passed off smoothly, and Brigham was more -than once heard to say the officers now in the Territory were "good -men." No circumstances occurred to develop any differences, and it was -hoped by the federal officers themselves that none would arise. - -In the mean time, in October of the same year, Colonel (now General) -Connor marched into and through Salt Lake City with his command, and -established his camp on the "bench," or high land, about three miles -east of the city. His forces at that time consisted of the Third -Regiment of Infantry, California Volunteers, and the Second Regiment of -Cavalry, under command of Col. George S. Evans. - -Some little excitement was caused by the entrance of the troops, and -rumors were rife of threats having been made by the Mormons that the -volunteers should never "cross the Jordan," a stream a few miles south -of the city, and which was directly on their line of march. But the -Jordan was crossed, the camp established, and everything went on as -usual, until the meeting of the Territorial Legislature in December. - -Then the pent-up fires began to break forth. The first pretext used by -the Mormons for indulging in words and acts of hostility was the Message -of Governor Harding to the Legislature. Therein he called the attention -of the people, through their representatives, to the practice of -polygamy in their midst, to the anomalous state of society it tended to -establish, to its incompatibility with our free institutions, and -especially to its violation of an Act of Congress recently passed. - -The following are the portions of the Message which gave most offence:-- - - - "_Polygamy._ - - "It would be disingenuous if I were not to advert to a - question which, although seemingly it has nothing to do in the - premises, yet is one of vast importance to you as a people, - and which cannot be ignored. I mean that institution which is - not only commended but encouraged by you, and which, to say - the least of it, is an anomaly throughout Christendom. I mean - polygamy, or, if you prefer the term, plurality of wives. In - approaching this delicate subject, I desire to do so in no - unkind or offensive spirit; yet the institution, founded upon - no written statute of your Territory, but upon custom alone, - exists. . . . - - "I lay it down as a sound proposition, that no community can - happily exist with an institution so important as that of - marriage wanting in all those qualities that make it - homogeneal with institutions and laws of neighboring civilized - communities having the same object. - - "Anomalies in the moral world cannot long exist in a state of - mere abeyance; they must, from the very nature of things, - become aggressive, or they will soon disappear, from the force - of conflicting ideas. - - "This proposition is supported by the history of our race, and - is so plain that it may be set down as an axiom. If we grant - this to be true, we may sum up the conclusion of the argument - as follows: either the laws and opinions of the communities by - which you are surrounded must become subordinate to your - customs and opinions, or, on the other hand, yours must yield - to theirs. The conflict is irrepressible. - - "But no matter whether this anomaly shall disappear or remain - amongst you, it is your duty at least to guard it against - flagrant abuses. That plurality of wives is tolerated and - believed to be right, may not appear so strange; but that a - mother and her daughters are allowed to fulfil the duties of - _wives_ to the same husband, or that a man could be found in - all Christendom who could be induced to take upon himself such - a relationship, is, perhaps, no less a marvel in morals than - in matters of taste. - - "The bare fact that such practices are tolerated amongst you - is sufficient evidence that the human passions, whether - excited by religious fanaticism or otherwise, must be - restrained and subjected to laws, to which all must yield - obedience. No community can long exist, without absolute - social anarchy, unless so important an institution as that of - marriage is regulated by law. It is the basis of our - civilization, and in it the whole question of the descent and - distribution of real and personal estate is involved. - - "Much to my astonishment, I have not been able to find any law - upon the statutes of this Territory regulating marriage. I - earnestly recommend to your early consideration the passage of - some law that will meet the exigencies of the people. - - - "_Act of Congress against Polygamy._ - - "I respectfully call your attention to an Act of Congress, - passed the 1st day of July, 1862, entitled 'An Act to punish - and prevent the practice of polygamy in the Territories of the - United States, and in other places, and disapproving and - annulling certain Acts of the legislative assembly of Utah,' - (chap. cxxvii. of the Statutes at Large of the last session of - Congress, page 501.) I am aware that there is a prevailing - opinion here that said Act is unconstitutional, and therefore - it is recommended by those in high authority that no regard - whatever should be paid to the same; and still more to be - regretted, if I am rightly informed, in some instances it has - been recommended that it be openly disregarded and defied, - merely to defy the same. - - "I take this occasion to warn the people of this Territory - against such dangerous and disloyal counsels. Whether such Act - is unconstitutional or not, is not necessary for me either to - affirm or deny. The individual citizen, under no - circumstances whatever, has the right to defy any law or - statute of the United States with impunity. In doing so he - takes upon himself the risk of the penalties of that statute, - be they what they may, in case his judgment should be in - error. - - "The Constitution has amply provided how and where all such - questions of doubt are submitted and settled, namely, in the - courts constituted for that purpose. To forcibly resist the - execution of that Act would be, to say the least, a high - misdemeanor; and if a whole community should become involved - in such resistance, would call down upon it the consequences - of insurrection and rebellion. - - "I hope and trust that no such rash counsel will prevail. If, - unhappily, I am mistaken in this, I choose to shut my eyes to - the consequences. - - - "_Liberty of Conscience._ - - "Amongst the most cherished and sacred rights secured to the - citizen of the United States, is the right to worship God - according to the dictates of conscience. . . . - - "Religion was left a matter between man and his Maker, and not - between man and the Government. - - "But here arises a most important question,--a question - perhaps that has never yet been asked or fully answered in - this country,--How far does the right of conscience extend? Is - there any limit to this right?--and if so, where shall the - line of demarcation be drawn, designating that which is not - forbidden from that which is? This is, indeed, a most - important question, and from the tendency of the times, must - sooner or later be answered. I cannot, and will not, on this - occasion, pretend to answer this question; but will venture - the suggestion, that when it is answered, the same rules will - be adopted as if the freedom of speech and of the press were - involved in the argument. - - . . . "There can be no limit beyond which the mind may not - dwell, and our thoughts soar in our aspirations after truth. - We may think what we will, believe what we will, and speak - what we will, on all subjects of speculative theology. . . . - But when religious opinions assume new manifestations, and - pass from the condition of mere sentiment into overt acts,--no - matter whether they be acts of faith or not,--they must not - outrage the opinions of the civilized world, but, on the - other hand, must conform to those usages established by law, - and which are believed to underlie our very civilization." - -In the same Message, the Governor, after giving his views upon the -national topics of the day, fully sustaining the Administration and the -war, proceeded to discuss all the more prominent subjects of local -interest in the Territory. He referred to the attempts to procure the -admission of the State of Deseret into the Union,--giving it as his -opinion that those attempts were premature. He referred to provisions of -the Organic Act, and claimed the right to nominate to the Council all -general territorial officers. These had formerly been elected by the -Legislature. - -He recommended a thorough revision and codification of the statutes; a -change in the mode of voting; referred to the financial condition of the -Territory; adverted to the Indian troubles; advised the organization of -a common-school system, and closed by assuring them of his willingness -and desire to work with them for the common good and welfare of the -people of the Territory. - -The question of polygamy was boldly met and temperately discussed in -this Message, and the people warned against the consequences of -disobedience to the Act of Congress. Anything less than this on the part -of the Governor would have been simply a neglect of duty. - -Yet the Mormons were very indignant, and professed to look upon that -portion of the Message as exceedingly hostile and offensive in its -character. Their religion had been attacked by the federal authorities! - -It may be well here to remark, for the benefit of the tender-footed upon -this subject, that polygamy is no part of the Mormon religion, so far as -the same has any history, and can be distinguished from the personal -edicts of Brigham Young. It is not only not permitted but explicitly -condemned in the "Book of Mormon" and the "Book of Doctrines and -Covenants," which are the Old and New Testaments of Mormonism. This -subject is more fully examined in the last chapter of this work. - -From the delivery of this Message, the treatment which the Governor -received at the hands of the Mormons was entirely changed. From respect -it was immediately changed to disrespect and contumely. No contemptuous -treatment was too marked, no indignity was too great, to be heaped upon -him, for this simple performance of his duty as a sworn officer of the -United States Government. - -The Message was never printed by the Legislature. The Journals did not -even show that the Governor ever appeared before that body for any -purpose whatever. - -The fact that the Message was not published having been communicated to -Washington, a resolution was introduced into the Senate of the United -States on the 16th of January, 1863, instructing the Committee on -Territories to inquire and report whether the publication of the Message -of the Governor of the Territory of Utah to the Territorial Legislature -had been suppressed, and if so by what causes, and what was the Message. - -In response to this resolution Mr. Wade, chairman of the Committee, on -the 13th of February, submitted a Report, accompanied by a resolution, -which was adopted, that one thousand copies of the Message be printed, -and sent to the Governor for distribution. - -This Report of the Committee was less complimentary to the Mormons than -the Message itself. - -The following extracts will indicate the character of the document:-- - - "In pursuance of the instruction contained in this resolution, - your committee have the honor to report, that they have - collected all the facts, and taken all the testimony within - their reach,--the substance of which, together with a copy of - the Message, is herewith presented. - - "These sources of information disclose the fact, that the - customs which have prevailed in all our other Territories in - the government of public affairs have had but little - toleration in the Territory of Utah; but in their stead there - appears to be, overriding all other influences, a sort of - Jewish theocracy, graduated to the condition of that - Territory. - - "This theocracy, having a supreme head who governs and guides - every affair of importance in the Church, and, practically, in - the Territory, is the only real power acknowledged here, and - to the extension of whose interests every person in the - Territory must directly or indirectly conduce. . . . - - "We have here the first exhibition, within the limits of the - United States, of a Church ruling the State. . . . - - "Another opinion--the subject of both public and private - teaching--is, that the Government of the United States will - not and ought not to stand. They make a difference between the - Constitution and the Government of the United States; to the - Constitution they claim to be very loyal. - - . . . "Because the Governor, in his Message, has animadverted - upon some of the customs of the Mormons, and has recommended - that steps be taken to Americanize the same, he has given - offence, and has had his Message suppressed. - - "Polygamy of the most unlimited character, sanctioning the - cohabitation of a man with the mother and her daughters - indiscriminately, is not the only un-American thing among - them. - - . . . "The Message, on examination, is found to contain nothing - that should give offence to any legislature willing to be - governed by the laws of morality. - - "It is the opinion of your Committee that the Message is an - able exposition of the manners and customs of the people in - that Territory, and as such, brought down the censure of the - leaders of the Mormon Church, and were it not for the - animadversions therein contained, it would not have been - suppressed." - -The printing and distribution of the Message is then recommended. - -During the session of the Legislature an event occurred which caused -much indignation among the federal officers, and served to render -somewhat mutual the feelings of hostility which the leading saints -already entertained. This was nothing less than a forgery committed in -the Legislature upon a bill relating to the terms of one of the District -Courts. - -The facts were as follows:-- - -The Territory was divided into three judicial districts. The First, -sometimes called the Provo District, comprised a number of counties -carved out of the centre of the Territory. This had been assigned to -Judge Drake. The Second, called the "Cotton District," was assigned to -Judge Waite, and consisted of the three southernmost counties, Beaver, -Iron, and Washington. The Third District, Chief Justice Kinney's, -comprised the northern part of the Territory, including Salt Lake City. - -On the 14th of January, 1863, the Legislature passed a bill, which was -signed by the Governor, changing the county seat of Washington County -from Washington to St. George, and in the same bill it was provided that -the United States Court for the transaction of territorial business, -should be held at St. George, on the third Monday of May. This time was -the same as that provided by the law previously in force. - -This was before the assignment of the Judges had been made. - -After Judge Waite had been assigned to the Second District [in which -many murders had been committed, and the murderers still at large], the -Legislature concluded they did not want court held in that district -until fall. They accordingly passed a bill, providing, among other -things, for holding the court at St. George on the third Monday of -October. But as they had already passed a bill fixing the term of court -in May, and as the Judge preferred to hold the term in May, that being -near the time when he was intending to hold court for the transaction of -United States business in the same district, the Governor declined -signing the second bill. - -Soon after, having occasion to examine the first bill for another -purpose, he went to the Secretary's office and called for the bill, and -behold, _the word May had been erased, and the word October inserted -instead_! It appeared to have been done by the same hand which had -penned the body of the bill. This had been written by one of the clerks -of the House of Representatives. The Governor, after signing the bill, -had inadvertently returned it to the Legislature, and it had been sent -from that body to the Secretary's office, where it should have been sent -by the Governor. It had been recorded in that office before the forgery -was discovered. - -The Governor immediately caused the record to be corrected, changed the -bill back from October to May, by erasing the word "October" and -interlining the word "May." He then made a statement of the forgery and -its detection, over his own signature, on the margin of the bill. - -He then sent a special Message to the Legislature, calling their -attention to the fact that a forgery had been committed; but, instead of -taking steps to ferret out the guilty party, the Legislature made an -issue of fact with the Governor, and endeavored to make out that it was -all the time October, and that no forgery had been committed. When the -matter was up in the House the second time, one member actually produced -a paper which he averred was the original draft, and which had October -in it. And this in the face of the fact, that five persons had seen the -bill in the Governor's office when the word May was in it, and that the -bill showed plainly, upon inspection, that it had been changed; the -outline of the letter "y," in the word erased, being distinctly visible. - -Thus the Legislature, by their collective action, implicated themselves -all in the forgery. - -On the 16th of January the Legislature adjourned, without printing the -Governor's Message, or sending any appropriation bills for his -signature. - -The day following, "the Legislature of the State of Deseret" met, and -commenced doing business under Brigham Young, as Governor. A Message was -delivered, and all the forms of legislation gone through with; in -reality, this _de facto_ government was the only one for which the -Mormons maintained even the show of respect. - -The judicial system of the Territory was manifestly very defective, and -as constituted under the Organic Act of 1850, as the same had been -construed by the Federal Judges, was inadequate to the administration of -justice. - -The greatest difficulty was experienced in the formation of juries, and -in the extraordinary jurisdiction assumed by the Probate Judges, all of -whom were Mormons. - -The jurisdiction of the Probate Court, in the words of the Organic Act, -was to be "as prescribed by law." Under this provision several of the -United States Judges had held that it was competent in the Legislature -to confer upon the Probate Courts any jurisdiction they pleased. The -Mormons, never behind in availing themselves of all advantages, had -accordingly granted to the Probate Courts concurrent jurisdiction with -the District Courts, in all cases civil and criminal. - -Again; the juries had been selected by these courts acting with other -county authorities, and it was contended that the United States Courts -could only try causes before juries thus selected. - -To remedy these defects, and to remove all doubt as to these complicated -questions, a bill was drawn by Judge Waite, for an Act of Congress -amendatory of the Organic Act of 1850. It provided for the selection of -United States juries by the Marshal, under the direction of the court, -as in other district and territorial courts of the United States. - -The question of jurisdiction was to be settled by an express provision -that the Probate Court should have no jurisdiction to try any civil -action whatsoever. It was to do the usual probate business, and have a -limited criminal jurisdiction, subject to appeal to the District Court. -The bill also provided for an organization of the militia of the -Territory, under the Governor, and contained several other wholesome and -salutary provisions. - -The bill was carefully drawn, and was submitted to the inspection of his -associate, Judge Drake, and of Governor Harding,--Judge Kinney being -absent from the Territory. It received the unqualified approval of Drake -and Harding, and, with their indorsement upon it, was sent to -Washington. In due time it was introduced in Congress by Senator -Browning, and referred to the proper committee. - -The introduction of this bill was the signal for another outbreak. The -news was telegraphed to Salt Lake, and immediately Brigham called a -meeting at the Tabernacle. - -The meeting was held on the 3d of March 1863. Notice having been -extensively circulated, some two or three thousand persons assembled, -excited by exaggerated statements concerning attempts upon the part of -the federal officers to "interfere with their rights." - -Speeches of the most inflammatory character were made at this meeting, -and the resentment and indignation of the ignorant masses of the people -were excited to the highest pitch. The following will serve as a -specimen of these harangues. - -Elder John Taylor said:-- - - "It has already been stated that these documents speak for - themselves. They come from those who are ostensibly our - guardians, and the guardians of our rights. They come from men - who ought to be actuated by the strictest principles of honor, - truth, virtue, integrity, and honesty, and whose high official - position ought to elevate them above suspicion,--yet what are - the results? - - "In relation to the Governor's Message, enough, perhaps, has - already been said. . . - - "We had a right to look for a friend in our Governor, who - would, at least, fairly represent us. Instead, we have had a - most insidious foe, who, through misrepresentations, base - insinuations, and falsehood, is seeking with all his power, - privately as well as officially, not only to injure us before - the Government, but as well to sap the very foundations of our - civil and religious liberties; he is, in fact, in the - furtherance of his unhallowed schemes, seeking to promote - anarchy and rebellion, and dabbling in your blood. [Cries of - 'hear, hear.'] Such, it would seem, were the Governor's - feelings and intentions when he concocted his Message, and - such his purposes when he read it before the Legislature. That - document was not hastily written, as it shows upon its face - that it had been well digested, and every word and sentence - carefully weighed. - - . . . "That he is the most vindictive enemy we have, is shown - by the statement of our representatives at Washington. - - "He is the only man, it would seem, who is industriously - striving to sap the interests of our people, and to injure - their reputation, and yet, as our Governor, he professes to - feel a deep interest in our welfare, and to represent our - wishes. - - "Let us, for a short time, investigate the results of his - acts, should his purposes be successful, leaving the - allegations of treason from our consideration. [It was - contended that the Governor and Judges had committed _Treason - against the Territory_.] - - "We have thought that we were living under a republican form - of government, and had the right of franchise; that we had the - privilege of voting for whom we pleased, and of thus saying - whom we would have represent us; but it may be that we are - laboring under a mistake, and that it is but a political - illusion. We have likewise thought that if any one among us - was accused of crimes, it was his privilege to be tried by a - jury of his peers, among whom he had lived, who would - undoubtedly be the best judges of his actions. - - "We have further been of the opinion that while acting in a - military capacity, when called into service to stand in - defence of our country's rights, we had the right of selecting - our own officers. We have always had this privilege, in - accordance with republican usage; but we can do so no longer - should the plotting of Governor Harding and our Honorable - Judges be carried into effect. We shall be deprived of - franchise, of the right of trial by an impartial jury, and - shall be placed, in a military capacity, under the creatures - of Governor Harding, or of his successors. In other words, we - shall be forever deprived of all the rights of freemen, and - placed under a military despotism; such would be the result of - the passage of this Act. - - "Again, in regard to juries, already referred to, you know - what, as regards this matter, the usage has always been. The - Governor and Judges want to place the power in the hands of - the United States Marshal of selecting such jurors as he - pleases, and that, too, without reference as to who they are, - or whence they come. This is what is attempted to be done by - our honorable Judges and Governor. Your rights as freemen, and - your liberties, are aimed at; and you are to be disfranchised, - and your liberties trampled under foot, by strangers, and you - will have blacklegs and cut-throats sit upon your juries. Mr. - Harding wants to select his own military, and have officers of - his own selection to lead them, and then if you do not submit, - he will have the authority to say, 'I will make you.' - [Uproarious applause, and cries all over the house of 'Can't - do it.'] We all know he can't do it, but this is what he is - aiming at [Clapping of hands, and great cheering.] When these - rights are taken away, what rights have we left? [Cries of - 'None.'] - - "It can scarcely be credited or believed, that any man in his - position could so far degrade himself as to introduce such - infamous principles, and it is equally a lamentable fact to - reflect upon, that men holding the high and responsible - position of United States Judges could so far forget - themselves as to descend to such depravity, corruption, and - injustice. [Applause.] These things are so palpable, that 'he - that runneth may read,' and any man with five grains of common - sense can readily comprehend them. It is for you to say - whether you are willing to sustain such men in the capacity - they act in, or not." [Loud clapping of hands, and a universal - and emphatic cry of "No!" on the part of the audience.] - - - BRIGHAM YOUNG'S SPEECH. - -At the close of Elder Taylor's speech Brigham arose, and on advancing to -the speaker's desk was greeted with vociferous applause, and immediately -proceeded to address the assemblage as follows:-- - - "I have no intention of delivering a lengthy address, but - while I am speaking I desire the audience to remain quiet. I - know well your feelings, but much prefer that you should - suppress any demonstrations of applause to other times and - places, when you may have less business and greater leisure. - - "You have just heard read the Message of Governor Harding, - delivered to the last Legislative Assembly of this Territory. - You will readily perceive that the bread is buttered, but - there is poison underneath. When he came to Utah last July, - the Governor sought to ingratiate himself into the esteem of - our prominent citizens, with whom he had early intercourse, - and professed great friendship and attachment for the people - of the Territory. He was then full of their praises, and said - he was ready to declare that he would stand in the defence of - polygamy, or that he should have to deny the Bible; and stated - that he had told the President, prior to leaving Washington, - that if he were called upon to discuss the question, he would - have to take the side of polygamy, or to renounce the - authority of the Scriptures. - - "In the face of all these professions, what has been his - course? While being fair of speech, and specious of promise, - and lavish in his expressions of good-will toward us, he has - been insidiously at work to prejudice the General Government - against us, and in the secrecy of his private room has - concocted measures which he urged upon Congress to pass, - which, if successful, would deprive us of the dearest rights - of freemen, and render us the abject subjects of this man, who - has been sent here to govern the Territory. Man, did I - say?--thing, I mean,--a nigger-worshipper,--a black-hearted - abolitionist is what he is, and what he represents; and that I - do naturally despise. He wants to have the telegraph torn - down, and the mails stopped and turned by the way of Panama. - Do you acknowledge this man Harding for your Governor? [Voices - all through the audience responded, 'No, you are our - Governor.'] Yes, I am your Governor; and I will let him know - that I am Governor; and if he attempts to interfere in my - affairs, 'Woe, woe unto him!' [Shaking his uplifted fist in a - very excited manner, which was responded to with loud - applause, and cries of 'Yes, you are our Governor.'] - - "Will you allow such a man to remain in the Territory? - [Voices, 'No; put him out.'] Yes, I say put him out. Judges - Waite and Drake are perfect fools, and the tools of Governor - Harding, and they too must leave. If all three do not resign, - or if the President does not remove them, the people must - attend to it. - - "If they could get the power, as they want to do, to have the - Marshal choose jurors of cut-throats, blacklegs, soldiers, and - desperadoes from California, and we are to be tried by such - men, what would become of us? - - "In regard to the war now desolating the country, it is but - the fulfilment of the prophecies of Joseph Smith, which he - told me thirty years ago. Brother Joseph said that the South - would rise against the North, and the North against the South, - and that they would fight until both parties were destroyed; - and for my part I give it God speed; for they have spilt the - blood of the Prophet. [To which the audience responded - vociferously, 'Amen!'] - - "I would like to live in peace with the Government of the - United States, but have no desire to live with the people who - have brought ruin and disgrace upon their own heads. I do not - wish to live in, or have anything to do with the United - States; I will have a free and independent government for - myself, where I may live and enjoy my civil and religious - liberties. [Loud cries of 'Amen,' and 'Yes, yes,' on the part - of the entire assemblage.] - - "When our rights, and the protection of our liberties are - taken from us, what is there remaining? [Voices, 'Nothing,' - 'Nothing.'] Yes, service to despots,--service to tyrants." - -Brigham also said that money had been appropriated for the purpose of -turning the mail by the way of Panama; and these men were not above -taking money for such a purpose, under pretence of other business. - -The injustice and falsity of these statements concerning the bill -introduced into Congress, and which was the immediate cause of this -outbreak, will be manifest, when it is stated that so far from -authorizing soldiers to sit as jurymen, it was expressly prohibited in -the bill itself. Again; the right of suffrage was actually extended by -the bill, because, while by one section the militia officers were to be -appointed by the Governor, the bill in other sections provided that -nearly all civil officers of the Territory, who were before elected by -the Legislature, should be elected by the people. - -The effect of the bill would have been, to enable the people, when they -became generally dissatisfied with the spiritual tyranny to which they -were submitting, as many of them were already, to throw off the yoke of -despotism, by having every question that might arise fairly and -impartially adjudicated upon in the courts. This was foreseen by -Brigham. He saw that he was about to lose the powerful enginery of the -judicial system of the Territory, then under his control. Hence the -demonstration. - -There are but two ways in which this theocratic despotism can be met and -overthrown. One is, by the people of the Territory, aided by some such -legislation as that proposed. The other is by the strong arm of military -power. The former would be more congenial to our institutions. - -Time only can determine which must be resorted to. Doubtless the -employment of force will become necessary in either case,--as the course -taken by Young and his associates on this occasion shows that a -peaceable remedy will be forcibly resisted. - -After listening to such speeches, the audience were, of course, ready to -adopt or approve of anything; and the following resolutions, prepared -for the occasion, were passed without a dissenting voice:-- - - "_Resolved_, That we consider the attack made upon us by His - Excellency Governor Harding, wherein our loyalty is impugned, - as base, wicked, unjust, and false; and he knew it to be so - when uttered. - - "_Resolved_, That we consider the attempt to possess himself - of all military authority and dictation, by appointing all the - militia officers, is a stretch of military despotism, hitherto - unknown in the annals of our Republic. - - "_Resolved_, That we consider his attempt to control the - selection of juries as so base, unjust, and tyrannical, as to - deserve the contempt of all free men. - - "_Resolved_, That we consider the action of Judges Waite and - Drake, in assisting the Governor to pervert justice, and - violate the sacred palladium of the people's rights, as - subversive of the principles of justice, degrading to their - high calling, and repulsive to the feelings of honest men. - - "_Resolved_, That we consider that a serious attack has been - made upon the liberties of this people, and that it not only - affects us as a Territory, but is a direct assault upon - Republican principles in our own nation and throughout the - world; and that we cannot either tamely submit to be - disfranchised ourselves, nor witness, without protest, the - assassin's dagger plunged into the very vitals of our national - institutions. - - "_Resolved_, That while we will, at all times, honor and - magnify all wholesome laws of our country, and desire to be - subservient to their dictates, and the equitable - administration of justice, we will resist, in a proper manner, - every attempt upon the liberties, guaranteed by our fathers, - whether made by insidious foes or open traitors. - - "_Resolved_, That a committee be appointed by the meeting to - wait upon the Governor, and Judges Waite and Drake, to request - them to resign their offices and leave the Territory. - - "_Resolved_, That John Taylor, Jetu Clinton, and Orson Pratt, - Sen., be that committee. - - "_Resolved_, That we petition the President of the United - States to remove Governor Harding, and Judges Waite and Drake, - and to appoint good men in their stead." - -The following is the petition to the President, which was signed by -several thousand persons:-- - - - "_To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States_:-- - - "Sir,--We, your petitioners, citizens of the Territory of - Utah, respectfully represent that, - - "_Whereas_, From the most reliable information in our - possession, we are satisfied that His Excellency Stephen S. - Harding, Governor, Charles B. Waite and Thomas J. Drake, - Associate Justices, are strenuously endeavoring to create - mischief and stir up strife between the people of the - Territory of Utah and the troops now in Camp Douglas, - (situated within the limits of Great Salt Lake City,) and, of - far graver import in our nation's difficulties, between the - people of the aforesaid Territory and the Government of the - United States: - - "_Therefore_, We respectfully petition your Excellency to - forthwith remove the aforesaid persons from the offices they - now hold, and to appoint in their places men who will attend - to the duties of their offices, honor their appointments, and - regard the rights of all, attending to their own affairs and - leaving alone the affairs of others; and in all their conduct - demeaning themselves as honorable citizens and officers worthy - of commendation by yourself, our Government, and all good men; - and for the aforesaid removals and appointments your - petitioners will continue most respectfully to pray. - - "_Great Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah_, March 3, 1863." - -The best reply to the charges contained in the foregoing petition, is -the counter-petition sent to the President by the military officers of -General Connor's command, of which the following is a copy:-- - - "HEADQUARTERS, COLUMN FOR UTAH, CAMP DOUGLAS, } - UTAH TERRITORY, NEAR SALT LAKE CITY, March 8, 1863. } - - "_To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United - States_:-- - - "It is an unusual proceeding for officers of the army to join - in representing to the Government their knowledge of facts and - opinion of proceedings, having reference to civil authority, - or to the actions of the people for expressing their - displeasure at the conduct of their officers. - - "The condition of affairs in the Territory of Utah, however, - and the result of this condition of affairs, which culminated - in a mass meeting in Salt Lake City on the 3d inst., in our - opinion demands from us a respectful statement to your - Excellency of the matter having allusion to ourselves, simply - as an act of duty we owe to our Government. - - "We do not propose to inquire into recommendations affecting - the laws of the Territory, made by the Governor and Associate - Judges of the Supreme Court of Utah. The Government must know, - as regards the justice or injustice of the proposed amendments - to existing laws, made by the officers above named. - - "But when the community residing in Salt Lake City solemnly - declare in their petition to your Excellency, that Governor - Harding, and Judges Waite and Drake are studiously endeavoring - to create mischief and stir up strife between the people of - the Territory and the troops now at Camp Douglas (situated - within the limits of Salt Lake City), they simply assert a - base and unqualified falsehood. - - "On the contrary, it has been the aim of these gentlemen to - preserve friendly relations between the people of Utah and the - troops, who have also labored to the same end, now stationed - at Camp Douglas. - - "And further; during a period of nearly five months, we know - that Governor Harding, and Judges Drake and Waite 'have - attended to the duties of their offices, honored their - appointments, regarded the rights of all, attended to their - own affairs,' and have not disturbed or interfered with the - affairs of others, outside of their legitimate duty to the - Government; 'and in all their conduct,' His Excellency - Governor Harding, and Judges Drake and Waite, have, during our - acquaintance with them, 'demeaned themselves as honorable - citizens, and officers worthy of commendation by your - Excellency, our Government, and all good men.' - - "And we further represent to your Excellency that these - officers have been true and faithful to the Government, and - fearless in the discharge of their duties to all. They have, - on all proper occasions, spoken plainly to the people of their - duty. They have not been subservient to any person or persons, - and they stand proudly preëminent as in contrast with other - officers who have represented in the past, and who do now - represent, the Federal Government in this Territory. - - "Our respectful opinion is, that there is no good and true - cause for the removal of His Excellency Governor Harding, and - Judges Drake and Waite, from the offices they now hold. - - "With much respect, we have the honor to remain your - Excellency's obedient servants,-- - - "P. Edward Connor, Colonel 3d Infantry, California Volunteers, - commanding District of Utah; Geo. S. Evans, Colonel 2d - Cavalry, Cal. Vol.; P. A. Gallagher, Major 3d Infantry, C. V.; - J. M. Williamson, Surgeon, 2d Cavalry, C. V.; Robert K. Reid, - Surgeon 3d Infantry, C. V.; George Wallace, Capt. and Asst. Q. - M. U. S. A.; Thomas B. Gately, 1st Lieut. and Reg. Q. M.; - William L. Ustick, 1st Lieut. and Adjt. 3d Infantry, and A. A. - A. G.; T. S. Harris, 1st Lieut. and Adjt. 2d Cavalry, C. V.; - Henry R. Miller, 2d Lieut. and Reg. C. S., 2d Cavalry, C. V.; - F. A. Peel, 2d Lieut. and Reg. Q. M. 2d Cavalry, C. V.; - Charles Tupper, Captain 3d Infantry, C. V.; John B. Urmy, - Captain 3d Infantry, C. V.; Samuel N. Hoyt, Captain 3d - Infantry, C. V.; David Black, Captain 3d Infantry, C. V.; S. - P. Smith, Captain 2d Cavalry, C. V.; Daniel McLane, Captain - 2d Cavalry, C. V.; George F. Price, Captain 2d Cavalry, C. - V.; David J. Berry, Captain 2d Cavalry, C. V.; Josiah Hosmer, - 1st Lieut. 3d Infantry, C. V.; James W. Stillman, 1st Lieut. - 3d Infantry, C. V.; Lysander Washburn, 2d Lieut. 3d Infantry, - C. V.; Michael McDermott, 1st Lieut. 3d Infantry, C. V.; John - Quinn, 1st Lieut. 2d Cavalry, C. V.; Cyrus D. Clark, 1st - Lieut. 2d Cavalry, C. V.; Francis Honeyman, 2d Lieut. 3d - Infantry, C. V.; S. E. Joslyn, 2d Lieut. 3d Infantry, C. V.; - James Finnerty, 2d Lieut. 3d Infantry, C. V.; Edward Ingham, - 2d Lieut. 3d Infantry, C. V.; Anthony Ether, 2d Lieut. 2d - Cavalry, C. V.; J. Bradley, 2d Lieut. 2d Cavalry, C. V.; Geo. - D. Conrad, 2d Lieut. 2d Cavalry, C. V."[97:A] - -But to return to the meeting, and subsequent proceedings:-- - -The next morning, the Committee appointed to wait upon the officers and -"request" them to resign and leave the Territory, called upon Governor -Harding, at his residence, and presented him with a copy of the "Deseret -News," containing the reported proceedings of the meeting. - -The Governor treated them with much courtesy, and after examining the -paper, addressed the Committee, as follows:-- - - "Gentlemen, I believe I understand this matter perfectly. You - may go back and tell your constituents that I will not resign - my office, and will not leave this Territory, until it shall - please the President to recall me. I came here a messenger of - peace and good-will to your people, but I must confess that my - opinions have changed in many respects. But I came also, sirs, - to discharge my duties honestly and faithfully to the - Government, and I intend to do so to the last. It is in your - power to do me personal violence,--to shed my blood; but this - will not deter me from my purpose. If the President can be - made to believe that I have been unfaithful to the trust he - confided to me, he will doubtless remove me; and I then shall - be glad to return to my home in the States, and will do so, - carrying with me no unjust resentments towards you or any one - else. - - "But I will not be driven away; I will not cowardly abandon - my post. I may be in danger in staying; but my purpose is - fixed. I desire to have no trouble; I am anxious to live and - again meet my family,--but if necessary, an administrator can - settle my affairs. - - "Your allegations in this paper are false,--without the shadow - of truth. You call my Message insulting, and you dare not - print it for fear your people may read it for themselves. To - say that I have wronged you when I said that you are disloyal, - is simply preposterous. Your own people--your public teachers - and bishops--admit the fact. - - "Let me say to you in conclusion,--and as this is said to be a - land of prophets, I too will prophesy,--If, while in the - discharge of my duties, one drop of my blood be shed by your - ministers of vengeance, that it will be avenged, and not one - stone or adobe in this city will be left upon another. I have - now done, and you understand me." - -During this reply the Committee sat quiet, with the exception of Elder -Taylor, who several times attempted to make some explanation; but the -Governor refused to hear him, and went through with his remarks without -stopping to listen, or reply to any new matter. - -Elder Taylor then turned to Judge Drake, and remarked that he might -consider the resolutions as addressed also to him. - -The Judge responded as follows:-- - - "The communications you have made are of some importance, and - as they are intended to affect me, I desire to say something - before you go. - - "It is no small thing to request a citizen to leave his - country. Are you aware of the magnitude or of the baseness of - what you have undertaken? I deny that you have any cause for - such conduct toward me. I am an American citizen, and as such - have a right to go to every part of the Republic. I have the - right to petition, or ask the Government to pass laws; or to - amend them. You, Taylor and Pratt, are men of experience, and - reputed to be men of learning, and ought to know better than - to insult a man by such means. - - "It is mean and contemptible. On your part, Taylor, a - foreigner, it is impudence unequalled; and Pratt, a citizen, - ought to know better than to trample on the rights of a - citizen by engaging in such a dirty enterprise. Your - resolutions are false, and those who drafted them knew them to - be so; and I am informed that in the meeting at the - Tabernacle, Brigham Young called me a fool, and a tool of the - Governor. [Here Taylor admitted that such was the fact.] - - "Go back to Brigham Young, your master,--that embodiment of - sin and shame and disgust,--and tell him that I neither fear - him, nor love him, nor hate him,--that I utterly despise him. - Tell him, whose tools and tricksters you are, that I did not - come here by his permission, and that I will not go away at - his desire, or by his directions. I have given no cause of - offence to any one. I have not entered a Mormon's house since - I came here; your wives and daughters have not been disturbed - by me, and I have not even looked upon your concubines and - lewd women. - - "I am no skulk from the punishment of crimes. I tell you, if - you, or the man whom you so faithfully serve, attempt to - interfere with my lawful business, you will meet with trouble - of a character you do not expect. - - "A horse-thief or a murderer has, when arrested, a right to - speak in court; and unless in such capacity, or under such - circumstances, don't you ever dare to speak to me again." - -The Committee rose to depart, and one of them said, "We have our -opinions." "Yes," replied the Judge, "thieves and murderers can have -opinions;" and thus closed the interview. - -The Committee then proceeded to call on Judge Waite at his residence, -where they were received politely and with due consideration. In answer -to their request for his resignation and withdrawal from the Territory, -he replied as follows:-- - - "To comply with your wishes, gentlemen, under such - circumstances, would be to admit, impliedly at least, one of - two things,--either that I was sensible of having done - something wrong, or that I was afraid to remain at my post and - perform my duty. - - "I am not conscious either of guilt or fear. I must therefore - respectfully decline to accede to your request." - -These replies were published in California, and in the Eastern papers, -and gave general satisfaction. The people rejoiced that at last the -Government had representatives in Utah who could neither be wheedled nor -bullied out of their rights, nor frightened from the performance of -their duty. - -In Utah the excitement for a time ran high, and doubtless nothing but -the presence of the military saved the federal officers from personal -violence. - -The state of popular feeling there is well shown by the following -extracts from the correspondence of the "Chicago Tribune":-- - - "Excitement ran high, and groups of men were to be seen on the - corners of the various streets, busily engaged in canvassing - the subject, their earnest gestures and eager attitudes - portraying the depth and intensity of the frenzied feeling - which actuated them. - - "One of the Judges sought to be ostracised (Judge Waite) was - accosted, while passing quietly along the sidewalk, by a group - of excited men, and threats of an alarming character made use - of to intimidate him. - - . . . "The few 'gentiles' resident here were also to be - observed in earnest discussion of the question, and with - compressed lip and countenance, on which 'thought sat sedate,' - awaited, cold and determined, the approach of coming events. I - opine that many a bowie and revolver were hastily examined and - adjusted, of which the passer-by had no thought or knowledge, - which, in an emergency, might have been made useful. - - "It was a spectacle of true courage to see these federal - officers, clothed with important duties, stand up and assert - their rights, when they knew but too well that this 'request' - upon the part of the meeting and the Committee had a far more - grave significance, if that request were not complied with. - - "They have been called on by a number of citizens and - gentlemen since the visit of the Committee, and have received - but one expression of opinion as to what has passed; and that - is, that the proceedings throughout were an outrage, and only - intended to get rid of men who cannot be used against the - interest of the General Government, and whose fidelity to duty - makes them alike hated and feared by the Mormon leaders." - -The following, from the same correspondence, will show the conduct of -Young during this emergency:-- - - "While the objects of all this wrath pursue the even tenor of - their way, and sleep soundly, with scarce a casement barred, - unmindful of the threatened storm without, yet not so with - him, 'the Lord's Anointed,' who appears to dream dreams and - see visions, that to his distempered fancy seem to foreshadow - the 'handwriting on the wall,' at the great day of his - judgment which is to come. Like unto the great magician, the - famous Fakir, who upon a time, by his incantation, raised a - demon which he could not control, which would not 'lay' at the - conqueror's command, and from which he fled in dismay; so, in - the present instance, the 'Lion of the Lord' is sorely - affrighted at the hideous aspect of the devil ('of a muss') he - has raised, which, he has the sagacity to see, may not 'down' - at his bidding, but may return to plague the inventor. - - "There is abundant evidence to show that he is alarmed at his - own creation, and foreseeing that he has provoked justice, - incensed mercy, seeks to guard against the retribution which - he knows the offended majesty of loyalty and law should visit - upon him. - - "The night succeeding the action of the mass meeting, some - fifty armed sentinels or guards were on duty, in and about - Brigham's premises, which number has since been augmented to - several hundreds, a portion of whom serve as pickets, or - night-patrol, on the different streets leading toward Camp - Douglas. It has been currently reported that orders have been - issued to arrest Brigham and his counsellors, and hence these - precautionary measures to guard against any sudden inroad of - troops from Col. Connor's command. . . . - - "On the 8th inst., the Sabbath succeeding the date of the mass - meeting, Brigham delivered a very treasonable and violent - harangue in the Tabernacle, to an immense audience, which - filled almost to suffocation that capacious structure. . . . - 'We have always,' he said, 'done everything in our power to - show our loyalty. Is there anything that could be asked that - we would not do? Yes; let the present Administration ask us - for a thousand men, or even five hundred, and I'd see them - damned first, and then they couldn't have them! What do you - think of that? [Loud cries of "Good, good!" and great - applause.] We have liars, murderers, and thieves among us, who - are watching us, to report something against our loyalty. - Their object is to send another army here to "wipe us out"; - but let me tell them that cannot be done; "they can't come - it,"--putting his thumb to his nose, and making the peculiar - gyrating movement with the fingers, so very expressive among - rowdies and shoulder-hitters. At this antic, a long, and loud, - and universal shout and laughter went up from all parts of the - house, joined with clapping of hands, and stamping of the - feet, in one general din and uproar. - - "'It was said that we were disloyal because we burned some - seventy government wagons, at the time Johnston's army came - here. Well, let me ask, _what the devil were they doing out - here_? Coming here to destroy, and wipe us from the face of - the earth; and we only took and destroyed some of their good - things, so that they had to _gnaw mules' bones_, and eat - cattle which had frozen to death; that's what they did. - - "'I swear some, my brethren and sisters; but it is always in - the pulpit,--never anywhere else.' - - "Following Brigham came 'brother Heber,' a large, gross man, - bald-headed, and with a harsh and disagreeable voice, and - apparently fast approaching the age of 'the lean and slippered - pantaloon.' His remarks were in the main but a re-hash of - those made by Brigham, save in one or two noticeable points, - as follows:--'They say I am a secessionist, _but that's a - lie_. Then they say I have more than one wife; well, I _have_ - several wives, and lots of children, and by the help of the - Lord I'll have many more of them!' - - "Speaking about anticipated trouble with the General - Government, he said:--'The entire power of the United States - cannot destroy us, for the Lord will fight our battles.' - - - "_Brigham fears Arrest._ - - "Yesterday Col. Connor rode into the city, and called on Judge - Waite at his residence, and made a stay of perhaps an hour or - so. Immediately after his departure, a signal of distress was - hastily thrown to the breeze, from a small flag-staff on - Brigham's 'Lion House.' . . . . Immediately a commotion was - seen, and soon armed men began to pour along the different - streets, and the report was carried, as on the wings of - lightning, to the uttermost parts of the city, that an order - was being made out for the arrest of Brigham and his - counsellors, and that Col. Connor had been down to make - arrangements for enforcing the writ. Men with muskets and - rifles,--some few with antiquated swords,--of all ages, from - the brawny youth to the old white-haired sexagenarian, came - pouring along, singly and in groups, by twos, by threes, and - the half-dozen or more, pressing hurriedly on towards - Brigham's premises, zealous, and ready to yield up life, if - need be, in defence of the 'Prophet of the Lord.' Altogether - some two thousand 'citizen soldiery' collected, and stood - guard during the watches of the night, over the beloved - Brigham and his harem. Verily, 'The wicked flee when no man - pursueth.'" - -That Brigham really feared arrest at this time, and believed that a -movement was on foot for that purpose, is evident from the following, -taken from the "Latter Day Saints' Millennial Star," published in -London. It is a portion of a letter written for that magazine by David -O. Calder, a clerk in the tithing-office:-- - - - "AMERICA. GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, March 13th, 1863. - - "_President G. Q. Cannon_: - - "Dear Brother,--You of course have learned through the New - York press of our 'expected collision between the military and - citizens of Utah,' and will learn through Capt. Hooper, (he - being just informed by telegraph to write to you,) that - comparative peace is restored. I shall now give you some - details of the trouble. - - "As you are aware, we have been of the opinion that the - mission of the troops despatched from California last year was - not altogether to be confined to the guarding of the mail and - telegraph lines, and the protection of the California - emigration, and consequently have been watchful of their - proceedings; the more so, that they made their winter-quarters - within the city limits, and on one of the most commanding - benches above the city, instead of being distributed at the - several posts along the line of travel. - - "We also have been made acquainted with the doings of Governor - Harding, and Judges Waite and Drake; that they were - corresponding with the authorities at Washington, and moving - everything that could be moved to bring the army here in - contact with the people, and to have the War Department send - on two or three thousand more troops. - - "These and other movements compelled the citizens to be on - their guard, and prepared for any emergency. On Monday last, a - reliable person overheard Colonel Connor and Judge Waite in - conversation. The Colonel says, 'These three men must be - surprised.' The Judge replied, 'Colonel, you know your duty.' - In half an hour after, from a signal given, which was - previously understood, about one thousand citizens were armed, - and on duty, and in another half hour another thousand men - were on duty. This sudden demonstration proved to them that - their secret was known, and that we were fully prepared for - them. In the mean time our 'outside' friends in this city - telegraphed to those interested in the mail and telegraph - lines, that they must work for the removal of the troops, - Governor Harding, Judges Waite and Drake, _else there would be - difficulty, and the mail and telegraph lines would be - destroyed_. Their moneyed interest has given them great energy - in our behalf. They have placed their line at the disposal of - President Young, to be used to Washington, or New York. We - fully expect the Colonel, Governor, and Judges will be - recalled." - -Here, it will be noticed, is the same covert threat contained in Brigham -Young's speech, that the mail and telegraph lines would be destroyed, if -the federal officers should be retained at their posts. It is to be -regretted that this standing menace should so far have had its effect, -as to induce the President, some two or three months afterward, to -recall Governor Harding from his position. It is true, by transferring -him to the Chief Justiceship of Colorado Territory, his removal was -disconnected with any censure of his administration. It still remained, -however, a substantial yielding to the arbitrary demands of Brigham -Young, and as such, had a direct tendency to encourage him in his -lawless proceedings, and to postpone for years the solution of the Utah -problem. - -Judges Waite and Drake had, immediately after the demonstration of the -3d of March, written to the President, giving it as their opinion that -the laws were nugatory, and the Organic Act entirely inoperative in the -Territory, and declining to hold any terms of the District Court in -their respective districts until they should be properly supported by -the military power of the Government; at the same time giving it as -their opinion, that such a support should be at least five thousand men, -well armed, equipped, and provided. - -The failure to furnish this force, and the subsequent change in the -governorship of the Territory, satisfied them that the Government was -not then prepared to meet the questions which had arisen in such a -manner as the dignity and honor of the nation required, and accordingly -all effort to further counteract the evil effects of this intolerant -theocracy were, for the time, abandoned. - -Judge Waite, after holding, with his associates, in July, 1863, a term -of the Supreme Court, _at which there was not a single case on the -docket_, left the Territory in disgust, and established himself in the -practice of his profession in Idaho City, Idaho Territory. He resigned -his office, and was succeeded, in the spring of 1864, by Judge McCurdy, -the present incumbent. - -[Illustration: James Duane Doty] - -Governor Harding was succeeded, in May, 1863, by James Duane Doty, who, -at the time of his appointment, was Superintendent of Indian Affairs. -Governor Doty is a man of sound judgment, and of large experience in -public affairs; and does as well as any man could in his embarrassing -position. But his governorship is merely nominal. With the form and -semblance, he lacks all the substance of power; and where he should -_order_, he must satisfy himself with request and expostulation. - -Judge Drake still remains in Utah, and with all the talent, energy, and -experience necessary to fill his position to the great benefit of the -people, he is obliged to remain entirely inactive, and goes through the -forms of holding court, with scarcely an attempt to administer justice -to the whole people, so well persuaded is he that all such attempts are -futile in the present condition of affairs. - -Gen. Connor also remains, and, considering the small force at his -command, has accomplished wonders. By his bold and fearless vindication -of the rights and interests of the Government, guided, at the same time, -in all his acts by great discretion and moderation, he has compelled -some show of respect for the federal authority. - -Neither Gen. Connor nor Judge Waite had the slightest intention of -arresting Brigham Young at the time alluded to in March, 1863. The -astute leader of the Mormons had a spy listening to the conversation of -those gentlemen, and the spy aforesaid heard some things, and thought he -heard others. He reported to headquarters the supposed result of his -discoveries, and it must be admitted that those who had been placed -under this insulting espionage took no great pains to correct the -impression which prevailed, and which so quickly and so thoroughly -developed the disloyal sentiments which the people had imbibed under the -infamous teachings of Brigham and his corrupt priests, apostles, and -bishops. - -Mark the language used by Mr. Calder. "On Monday last, a reliable person -overheard," &c. Here the infamous system of espionage maintained over -the federal officers by Young, stands plainly confessed. But the fact -was well known, and he reaped no great benefit from it. - -So thoroughly was he frightened, that, to save himself the ignominy and -humiliation of a public and forcible arrest, he went privately to his -friend, Chief Justice Kinney, and gave his bonds for his appearance at -Kinney's court, to answer to any indictment that _might be_ found -against him for polygamy. - -The grand jury, of course, found no indictment, and the incident is only -worth mentioning as curiously illustrative of the extent to which he was -operated on by his fears on that occasion. - -A brief notice of the federal officers stationed and residing in Utah, -while the writer was living in that Territory, will close the present -chapter. - -Hon. Stephen S. Harding, who was Governor from the spring of 1862 for -about one year, is from Milan, Indiana. He is about fifty years of age; -is a sound lawyer, and a man of extraordinary energy and decision of -character. These traits are modified, in some degree, by considerable -ambition, and great love of approbation. In his administration of Utah -affairs, so far as he was governed by this feeling, he labored for the -respect and approval of the great body of the American people, rather -than of the masses by whom he was immediately surrounded. - -That he possesses much personal courage is evidenced by many of his -official acts, some of which he had reason to believe would subject him -at once to personal danger. The presence of the military in the -immediate neighborhood was sufficient to prevent any open outbreak; -still there were many ways in which his personal safety might be -jeopardized, without subjecting the perpetrators of the acts to -punishment. - -So well is this understood in Salt Lake, that it requires a high degree -of moral courage to enable one to do any act offensive to "the powers -that be" in the Holy City. - -Every attempt was made to seduce him from the path of duty, not omitting -the same appliances which had been brought to bear upon Steptoe and -Dawson, but all in vain. - -His family remained at Milan, except his son, Attila, who was with the -Governor at Salt Lake, and acted as his private secretary. - -Hon. James Duane Doty, the successor of Harding, and the present -Governor of the Territory, was, for nearly two years previous to -receiving the appointment of Governor, Superintendent of Indian Affairs -for the Territory. He was appointed to succeed Harding in April or May, -1863. - -James Duane Doty, Governor of Utah, was born at Salem, in the County of -Washington and State of New York, on the 5th day of November, A. D. -1799, the last year of the last century. - -He emigrated to Detroit, Michigan, where he was admitted to the Supreme -Court, and settled in the practice of the law in the year 1818, and was -one of the earliest emigrants to that State. - -The next year he was elected Clerk of the Common Council of the City, -and appointed Secretary to the Legislature, which was then composed of -the Governor and Judges of the Supreme Court; and was also appointed a -Notary Public, and soon afterwards Clerk of the Supreme Court of the -Territory by the Judges of that court. - -In 1820 he accompanied Governor Cass, as Secretary, in his expedition to -the sources of the Mississippi, travelling a distance of over four -thousand miles through the Indian Country in a birch-bark canoe, from -the 20th of May to the 20th of November. - -In this year he revised the laws of the Territory, which were published -by the authority of the Legislature. - -In 1821 he was admitted an attorney of the Supreme Court of the United -States at Washington. - -In 1823 the country north of lakes Huron and Michigan, and west of lakes -Michigan and Superior, was made by Congress a judicial district, and he -was appointed by James Monroe its Judge, with the title of "an -additional Judge of the Territory of Michigan." He performed the duties -of this office until the year 1832,--having married, and fixed his -residence at Green Bay, then the largest settlement in the country north -or west of Detroit. - -In 1832 he was appointed by the Secretary of War a Commissioner to -locate Military Roads from Fort Howard, at Green Bay, to Fort Crawford -on Prairie du Chien, and to Fort Dearborn at the mouth of Chicago Creek, -now the site of the city of Chicago,--between which points there were -then scarcely twenty white inhabitants. - -In 1834 and 1835 he served in the Legislative Council of Michigan, -having been elected by the voters west of the Lake; and introduced the -measure of a State government, which was adopted by the Council. - -He contended for the right of the people to form a government for -themselves, under the provisions of the Ordinance of 1787. - -By this measure a territorial government was obtained for Wisconsin, and -a permanent separation from Michigan of the country west of Lake -Michigan, which had been attached to that Territory in 1818, when -Illinois was admitted into the Union. It had been sought in vain of -Congress from the year 1825,--the application having been successfully -opposed by the party averse to laying the foundation of new -non-slaveholding States. - -In 1837 he was elected Delegate to Congress from Wisconsin, and -continued to serve in that office by reëlection until the year 1841, -when he was appointed Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs in -that Territory; and as Commissioner held treaties at Oeyoowurah, on -Minnesota River, with the Dakotahs, and with the bands of that nation on -the Mississippi River. - -It was in 1837 that he laid out the town of Madison, and succeeded in -making it the seat of government,--one of the most valuable services -which he ever rendered that State. It is now considered one of the most -beautiful sites for a town. When selected by him there was not a white -settler within forty miles, and it was occupied by Winnebago Indians. - -He was elected and served as a member of the Convention to form a State -Constitution in 1846 for Wisconsin. - -In 1849 he was elected in the Third District of Wisconsin a -Representative in Congress, and was reëlected in 1851,--serving on -several committees. It was during his first term as a member that he was -declared an Abolitionist--now no longer a term of reproach--by Father -Ritchie and the Southern leaders, because he declined to vote for a -repeal of the duty on lead. - -In 1861 he was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the -Territory of Utah; and in 1862 was appointed a Commissioner to negotiate -treaties with the Shoshonees,--which were held by him in 1863. These -were the first treaties ever made by the United States with this nation -of Indians. - -In May, 1863, he was appointed Governor of the Territory of Utah. During -his long public service he has had the acquaintance, and enjoyed the -friendship, of most of the eminent men connected with the Government of -our country. Of those who were on the stage when he entered public life, -it is believed that but one is now living,--Gen. Cass, who was his -generous patron in boyhood, and has been his friend during this long -period of an eventful life. - -He is now believed to be the oldest pioneer living west of Lake -Michigan. In the performance of his duties he has traversed the -Continent,--having stood on the shores of the Atlantic and Pacific; on -the latter of which he reached the point in his westward march, where, -when the eye is directed over that vast ocean towards the East Indies, -the West appears to terminate and the East begins. - -Hon. Thomas J. Drake, Associate Justice, is from Pontiac, Michigan, -where he had resided from early manhood. He is now over sixty years of -age. He has a thin, wiry frame, dark hair, and a nervous, bilious -temperament. - -His mind is vigorous and clear, and his virtue and integrity of the old -Roman order. Of blameless life and manners, all the shafts of his -accusers fall harmless at his feet. - -The wrongs and iniquities he has witnessed, added to personal -ill-treatment, has engendered an intense hatred of the despots who sit -enthroned over the people of Utah, but he has the most kindly feelings -toward the great body of the people. - -Lacking all adequate power, he is obliged to sit quietly by, and see -wrongs perpetrated, which he is utterly unable to redress. - -Judge Waite, the Associate of Harding and Drake, was from the State of -Illinois, where he had resided since the year 1840. - -At the time of his appointment, in February, 1862, he was thirty-eight -years of age. He was then living near Chicago, in which city he had -resided and practised law since 1853. - -Of Chief Justice Kinney mention has already been made. Suffice it to -add, he was, in the summer of 1863, elected as Delegate to Congress from -Utah, and took his seat the following winter. He doubtless aspires to -still higher honors from the same Territory. - -Hon. John Titus, who succeeded Kinney, and is the present Chief Justice -of the Territory, is somewhat past fifty years of age,--a gentleman of -much dignity and urbanity of manners. He is large and well formed, and -has an active temperament. - -His duties as yet have been exceedingly light, and will probably -continue so while he remains in the Territory. The Mormons withhold from -him all the cases they can control. He is outspoken against polygamy, -making no reserve whatever of his opinions on that question. - -Chief Justice Titus was appointed from the Philadelphia bar. - -Dr. Frank Fuller was Secretary of the Territory about two years, and was -succeeded by Mr. Reed, in the fall of 1863. - -Dr. Fuller is from New Hampshire, and a dentist by profession and -practice. He was attentive and obliging in his official intercourse with -all parties. He is a polished gentleman also in social intercourse. - -He was one of the few federal officers in Salt Lake at that time who was -so fortunate as never seriously to offend Brigham Young. Doubtless his -position brought him less in collision with that gentleman than was the -case with other officers. If he saw any difficulties approaching, by a -little shrewd management he carefully avoided them. If in thus steering -between Scylla and Charybdis he did not always meet the approbation of -his fellow-officers, he managed at least to avoid any open differences, -and thus kept up the appearance of friendship with all. - -He enjoyed for a long time the confidence and apparent respect of -Brigham, to a greater degree, perhaps, than Kinney himself. - -From Salt Lake he went to San Francisco, where he engaged in dealing in -mining stocks. - -From the time of Dawson's hasty departure in the fall of 1861, until -Governor Harding's arrival in July, 1862, he acted as Governor of the -Territory, and his administration gave general satisfaction to the -Mormons. - -Amos Reed, Esq., who succeeded Dr. Fuller as Secretary in 1863, and who -now holds that position, came into the Territory with Governor Doty from -Wisconsin. - -During the winter of 1863-64, while Governor Doty was absent in -Washington, Reed was the acting Governor, and as such evinced a high -order of administrative talent. The affairs of the Territory were, -during that time, conducted with much discretion and judgment, and so -far as was in his power, the rights and interests of all classes were -respected. - -[Illustration: General P. Edward Connor] - -General P. Edward Connor was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and migrated -to the United States, with his parents, at a very early period of life. - -Having reached the age of manhood, he enlisted in the regular army of -the United States, and served an honorable term, as private, for five -years, on the frontier. - -At the breaking out of the Mexican War, he raised a company of Texas -Volunteers, and as captain, led them with distinguished success and -heroism at the battle of Buena Vista. He was mentioned in official -dispatches, with high encomiums for bravery. At this battle he was -severely wounded, and received a pension from the Government. At the -close of the war he settled upon the Pacific coast. - -Captain Connor resided in Stockton, California, for ten years, prior to -the rebellion, engaged in private business, wherein he attained a -handsome competence. - -He was married at Stockton, and now has two children living. During his -residence in Stockton, Captain Connor took an active interest in -military affairs, and commanded a uniform company. - -At the breaking out of the present rebellion, he was tendered the -appointment of Colonel of the Third Regiment of Infantry, California -Volunteers. With the expectation that his regiment was to be sent East, -he promptly raised and organized it. - -The exigencies of the service, however, required his presence in Utah, -and in the summer of 1862 he led the 3d Infantry, and part of the 2d -Cavalry, Cal. Vol., across the Plains, in a most successful, though -arduous march, and established his camp where it would command the City -of the Saints. - -Amid the snows and storms of the winter of 1862-63, he planned and -prosecuted a successful campaign against hostile Indians, and on the -29th of January, 1863, fought the hard battle of Bear River, defeating -and almost annihilating the savages, under the leadership of Bear Hunter -and Lehigh. - -For the brilliancy of this action, Col. Connor was promoted by the -President to be Brigadier-General of United States Volunteers, which -rank he now retains. - -He is a man of strong common sense, excellent and quick judgment, -invincible energy and determination, firmness amounting to obstinacy, -and the strictest integrity. - -His administration in Utah has been eminently successful. By Brigham -Young he is at once hated and feared. He is but little past forty years -of age. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[97:A] The above embraces all the commissioned officers then stationed -at Camp Douglas. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -BRIGHAM AS PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH. - - Organization of the Mormon Church.--Functions of the various - Officers. The Two Priesthoods.--Mode of Treating Dissenters or - "Apostates."--Divisions in the Church.--The Gladdenites.-- - History of the Morrisites.--The Josephites.--Return to the - true Mormon Church. - - -In his capacity as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day -Saints, Brigham Young possesses and wields despotic power over "this -people," and rules them by his single will, in all their affairs, both -spiritual and temporal. - -This is owing, not to any peculiarity in the church organization. Any -organization which should recognize him as the absolute head of the -church, and dispense with every system of checks and balances, would -answer the same purpose. Once admit the necessity of a spiritual head, -and fail to require from him any responsibility, and all that remains -is, to establish a grade of agents and mediums for the transmission of -his will and wishes to the masses, and the system is complete. - -Such a grade is fully established under the Mormon system. - -First,--_The First Presidency_. This consists of three, chosen from -those who hold the high-priesthood and apostleship, and its office is to -preside over and direct the affairs of the whole church. It consists of -a President and two Counsellors. The President is also Seer, Revelator, -Translator, and Prophet. He rules in all spiritual and temporal -affairs. - -Secondly,--_The Apostles_. These are to build up, organize, and preside -over churches, administer the ordinances, etc. - -Thirdly,--_The Seventies_. The Quorums of the Seventies are to travel in -all the world, preach the gospel, and administer its ordinances and -blessings. There is, also, the Patriarch, whose duty is to bless the -fatherless, to prophesy what shall befall them, etc. - -Fourthly,--_High-Priests and Elders_. The High-Priest is to administer -the ordinances, and preside over the _Stakes_ of the church; that is, -over the churches established abroad. - -The Elders are to preach and to baptize; to ordain other Elders, also -Priests, Teachers, and Deacons. All the foregoing officers are of the -Melchisedec Priesthood. - -Fifthly,--_The Aaronic Priesthood_, which includes the offices of -Bishop, Priest, Teacher, and Deacon. - -The _Bishop_ presides over all the lesser offices of the Aaronic -Priesthood, ministers in outward ordinances, conducts the temporal -business of the church, and sits in judgment on transgressors. - -The _Priest_ is to preach, baptize, administer the sacrament of the -Lord's Supper, and visit and exhort the saints. - -The _Teacher_ is to watch over and strengthen the church, etc. - -The _Deacon_ is to assist the Teacher. - -There is also a High Council, consisting of Twelve High-Priests, with a -President. The office of the Council is to settle all important -difficulties. - -The Priesthood comes direct from Heaven, and was lost to man, until the -keys of both orders of the Priesthood were given to Joseph Smith, by an -angel from Heaven, in 1829. After the death of Smith, they came into the -hands of Brigham Young. - -From this _resumé_ of the church organization, it will be seen that it -is sufficient for the purpose. All these officers are but mediums for -the transmission of the will of the President. Nor is it confined to -spiritual affairs. Under the form of a church organization, this system -absorbs not only the religious, but all the civil and political liberty -of the individual member. The High Council forms an apparent check on -the power of the President; but when it is considered that this body is -composed of persons nearest the President, and under his immediate -influence and control, in other relations in the same organization,--as -High-Priests, etc.,--it will be seen that the check is only nominal, and -forms no real protection to the rights of the people. - -The orders of the Priesthood, to which these officers are respectively -attached, are thus distinguished:-- - -The Melchisedec Priesthood hold the right of Presidency, receive -revelations from Heaven, for the guidance of the church, and hold the -keys of all its spiritual blessings. - -The Aaronic Priesthood hold the keys of the ministering of angels, and -have the right to administer in outward ordinances. This Priesthood must -be filled by lineal descendants of Aaron. - -It will be seen that the mission of all the officers of the Melchisedec -Priesthood--the Apostles, High-Priests, Seventies, and Elders--is to -propagate the gospel, and make converts; while the government of the -church and of the people is committed to the Aaronic Priesthood. - -Of these the chief is the Bishop, who is accordingly the civil and -religious magistrate of the ward in which he resides. - -There are other civil magistrates, whose duties are but little more than -nominal, except in Salt Lake City, where the occasional large influx of -"gentiles" who will not submit to this spiritual government, renders -necessary an approximation to the forms of civil proceedings to which -they have been accustomed. - -The "saints" themselves are not expected to go before other than the -ecclesiastical magistrates. When brought unwillingly before a civil -magistrate, the same being a Mormon, the case receives a favorable -consideration. - -Rare exceptions may be cited where, from motives of policy, this rule is -relaxed or departed from. For instance, in the winter of 1863-64, Jason -Luce, a Mormon, was tried, convicted, and shot, for the murder of a -gentile in Salt Lake City. But the murder was of the most cruel and -unprovoked character, the crime was perpetrated on the street, and the -evidence was open and abundant. Much indignation existed among the -miners, many of whom were congregated in Salt Lake City at the time. - -If this had not been the first instance in the history of Utah of the -execution of a Mormon, under judgment of a Mormon court, for the murder -of a gentile, it might be taken as evidence of an intention to do -justice to all. As it is, it should be marked to their credit; and it is -only to be hoped that subsequent events may not prove it to have been an -act of policy merely. - -The machinery of the Mormon Church, through which the people are -governed in all their affairs, civil as well as religious, is well -described in the following extract from the Salt Lake Correspondence of -the "Chicago Tribune" of May, 1863:-- - - "The machinery of the church consists of Brigham, who is - greatly pleased and flattered by the blasphemous title of the - 'Lord's Anointed,' the Second and Third Presidents, College of - Twelve Apostles, Patriarchs, Quorums of Seventies, - Counsellors, Presidents of 'Stakes,' Bishops, Elders, and - Teachers; and last but not least, the Danites, or 'Destroying - Angels,' who are scattered throughout the Territory, and who - superintend the temporal and spiritual affairs of the people - in every city, village, 'stake,' and hamlet in the same. - - "These various organizations and persons, from the Second - President to the red-haired Danite, who is simply the employed - assassin of the Great Head, are the shafts, driving-wheel, cog - and spur-wheels, belts and pulleys of the great machine called - the Church, and as such are made to perform their various - functions with a precision and fitness of things, that is - wonderful indeed. - - . . . "Brigham, like a skilful engineer, stands on the platform - of his locomotive, with hand placed upon the lever, sheltered - in the caboose, with peep-holes in front, on the right and on - the left, and the crook of whose finger causes the whole train - to move forward or back, or to switch off on the track of some - new dogma, to which he lures on the unsuspecting passengers - and precious freight, with the catchpenny whistle of - 'Revelation!' which is most persistently sounded when he hears - the restive murmurings of those who may catch but a - premonitory glimpse of the awful precipice to which he is - hurrying them on, as to a terrible and eternal destruction." - -The motive-power is religious delusion, which is constantly applied by -Brigham, who thus drives along the whole combination with fearful power. - - "And in that train may be found all that makes up the hopes - and fears, the joys and sorrows, the love and hatred, of that - 'moral and physical phenomenon,' the Mormon Church,--not only - here, but scattered throughout all Europe, and the 'Isles of - the Seas,' who have ventured their all--their lives and - fortunes, their bodies and souls--on the solution of that - dearest of all problems to their minds, the ultimate triumph - of the 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints' (as it is - blasphemously called) over all governments, powers, and - principalities of earth!" - -In reference to the organization of the church, and the functions of the -respective priesthoods, the following is Brigham's own explanation of -the whole matter. In this exhibit will be seen how little importance he -attaches to the High Council. - -Speaking of laying the corner-stones of the Temple, he says:-- - - "I am not a visionary man, neither am I given much to - prophesying. When I want any of that done I call on Brother - Heber,--he is my prophet; he loves to prophesy, and I love to - hear him. - - "Now, who do we set, in the first place, to lay the chief, the - South-East corner-stone? We begin with the First Presidency, - and the Apostleship. Who comes next in the church? The Bishop - is the next standing authority in the Kingdom of God; - therefore we set the Bishop at the second corner-stone of the - building. The Melchisedec Priesthood, with the altar, - fixtures, and furniture, belonging thereto, is situated on the - East, and the Aaronic Priesthood belongs on the West; - consequently the Presiding Bishop laid the second - corner-stone. - - "The High-Priests' Quorum, do they come next in order? No, not - any more than the Elders, nor the Elders any more than the - High Council, nor the High Council any more than the Teachers, - Deacons, or Priests. The High-Priests' Quorum is a standing - quorum, abiding at home. So is the Elders' Quorum. But the - place of the Bishop is in the temporal affairs of the church. - So, then, what shall we say? Why, out of due respect to the - High-Priesthood, which is nothing more than right and - reasonable, we say to the High-Priests, 'Lay the third - corner-stone.' - - "We started at the South-East corner, with the Apostleship; - then the lesser, Aaronic Priesthood, laid the second stone; we - bring them in our ranks to the third stone, which the - High-Priests and Elders laid; we take them under our wing to - the North-East corner, which the Twelve and Seventies laid, - and then again join the Apostleship. It circumscribes every - other priesthood, for it is the Priesthood of Melchisedec, - which is after the order of the Son of God."[119:A] - -But all this arrangement and subordination does not suffice to prevent -disaffection in the church. This will arise, and results in differences, -schisms, and divisions. - -Not to notice smaller matters of difference, three systematic and -organized attempts have been made by large bodies of Mormons, since -their arrival in Utah, to throw off their allegiance to Brigham Young. -They have all been met and treated by him with a fierce bitterness, -indicating how thoroughly he is alarmed by such movements. - -The third of these is now in progress, and promises to be successful. - -The first of the "apostasies," as they are called by the Mormons, was -headed by Gladden Bishop, in 1852-53, and his followers were called -"Gladdenites." - -Some idea of the manner in which they were met by Brigham, and of his -mode of dealing with apostates generally, may be gathered from the -following extracts from a sermon preached by him in March, 1853:-- - - "I will ask, What has produced your persecutions and sorrow? - What has been the starting-point of all your afflictions? They - began with apostates in your midst; those disaffected spirits - caused others to come in, worse than they, who would run out - and bring in all the devils they possibly could. That has been - the starting-point and grand cause of all our difficulties, - every time we were driven. I am coming to this place,--I am - coming nearer home. . . . Do we see apostates among us now? We - do. - - "When a man comes right out like an independent devil, and - says, 'Damn Mormonism and all the Mormons,' and is off with - himself to California, I say he is a gentleman by the side of - a nasty, sneaking apostate, who is opposed to nothing but - Christianity. I say to the former, 'Go in peace, sir, and - prosper if you can.' But we have a set of spirits here, worse - than such a character. When I went from meeting last Sabbath, - my ears were saluted with an apostate, crying in the streets - here. I want to know if any one of you who has got the spirit - of Mormonism in you, the spirit that Joseph and Hyrum had, or - that we have here, would say, 'Let us hear both sides of the - question. Let us listen and prove all things.' What do you - want to prove? Do you want to prove that an old apostate, who - has been cut off from the church thirteen times for lying, is - anything worthy of notice? I heard that a certain - picture-maker in this city, when the boys would have moved - away the wagon in which this apostate was standing, became - violent with them, saying, 'Let this man alone; these are - saints that you are persecuting.' [Sneeringly.] - - "We want such men to go to California, or anywhere they - choose. I say to those persons, 'You must not court - persecution here, lest you get so much of it you will not know - what to do with it. Do not court persecution.' We have known - Gladden Bishop for more than twenty years, and know him to be - a poor, dirty curse. Here is sister Vilate Kimball, brother - Heber's wife, has borne more from that man than any other - woman on earth could bear; but she won't bear it again. I say - again, you Gladdenites, do not court persecution, or you will - get more than you want, and it will come quicker than you want - it. - - "I say to you, Bishops, do not allow them to preach in your - wards. Who broke the roads to these valleys? Did this little - nasty Smith, and his wife? No. They stayed in St. Louis while - we did it, peddling ribbons, and kissing the gentiles. I know - what they have done here,--they have asked exorbitant prices - for their nasty, stinking ribbons. [Voices, 'That's true.'] We - broke the roads to this country. - - "Now, you Gladdenites, keep your tongues still, lest sudden - destruction come upon you. I say, rather than that apostates - should flourish here, I will unsheathe my bowie-knife, and - conquer or die. [Great commotion in the congregation, and a - simultaneous burst of feeling, assenting to the declaration.] - Now, you nasty apostates, clear out, or 'judgment will be laid - to the line, and righteousness to the plummet.' [Voices - generally, 'Go it, go it.'] If you say it is all right, raise - your hands. [All hands up.] Let us call upon the Lord to - assist us in this and every other good work."[121:A] - -In the same discourse he commanded the Bishops to "kick these men out of -their wards," and warned the apostates themselves that "they were not -playing with shadows," but "it was the voice and the hand of the -Almighty they were trying to play with, and they would find themselves -mistaken if they thought to the contrary." - -In accordance with this bloody teaching, many unfortunate apostates who -were unwilling or unable to leave the country, "bit the dust." They felt -the literal edge of the bowie-knife thus from the pulpit unsheathed for -their destruction. Many of the murders committed during the succeeding -six or seven years were fully authorized by these instructions; and yet -Brigham, unable to deny that they had been committed, has openly boasted -that his enemies have been unable to trace any of them to him, and -fasten them upon him. - -He unsheathes the bowie-knife, and issues a general mandate; but when -the murder of some individual dissenter is brought to his door, he turns -away and says, "Thou canst not say, I did it." - -The second organized opposition to Young was made by Joseph Morris and -his followers. - -The rise and progress and subsequent history of the people called -"Morrisites," is as follows:-- - -On the 19th of November, 1860, a man dressed in ordinary working-clothes -wended his way on foot from Slatersville, a settlement in Weber County, -north of Salt Lake, to the Holy City. This was Joseph Morris, and the -object of his visit was to deliver to Brigham Young two letters which he -had written, under the supposed influence of the Spirit. - -It seems that for some reason the life of Morris had been threatened, -and having been driven from the place where he had been living, he was -now going to appeal to the President in person for protection. Morris -had received, previous to this time, many revelations, some of which -looked to a purification of the church,--all of which he had -communicated to Brigham and the Apostles. - -On his way to Salt Lake he met John Cook, brother of Richard Cook, at -that time a Mormon Bishop, presiding at South Weber. To him Morris -communicated his views and projects, and made so favorable an impression -that both the Cooks soon afterward espoused his cause, and became his -zealous supporters. - -Morris delivered his letters to the President at his residence, but -received no reply. - -He then proceeded to the house of Mr. Cook, on the Weber River, about -thirty miles northward from the city. - -Not only the Cooks, but a number of their neighbors, now began to -entertain favorable opinions of the claim of their new acquaintance to -inspiration. - -Others who conceived that the divine right of Brigham was being -endangered or infringed upon, determined to put Morris to death, or -drive him from their midst. But Bishop Cook stood in the way. - -In this emergency President Young was appealed to, who sent two high -ecclesiastics, Messrs. John Taylor and Willford Woodruff, both -Apostles, to investigate the matter. They appointed a general meeting at -South Weber, and invited the Bishops of the surrounding settlements, -with as many of their people as possibly could, to attend. - -The meeting convened on the 11th of February, 1861, and the delegates -commenced their court of inquiry by demanding whether there was a man in -the ward who professed to be a prophet? And whether there were any -individuals who entertained him, or professed faith in his claims? - -To the astonishment and consternation of the Mormons, seventeen of the -believers, with Bishop Cook at their head, arose and declared that they -would enjoy and defend the right of conscience, by adhering to their new -faith, though it should bring upon them the most bitter persecution, and -the loss of their lives. An old man named Watts arose, and in an -inflammatory speech, recommended that the adherents of the new Prophet -should be "cut off under the chin," and laid away in the brush; at the -same time accompanying his words with a motion of the hand, drawing it -across his throat. This, he said, was what ought to be done, according -to his understanding of the laws of the church. - -After some further discussion, in which Watts was boldly rebuked by Cook -for the utterance of such sentiments, the question was put to the -parties on trial, whether they believed that Brigham Young was a -Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. They all answered in the negative. Mr. -Taylor testified that he knew Brigham to be such, and said those who -believed to the contrary must be excommunicated from the church. They -were then subjected to the process of excommunication. - -It will be noticed that the right of Brigham to preside over the church -as its temporal head, was not questioned by Morris or his followers. - -From this time the followers of Morris increased in numbers with -wonderful rapidity. - -On the 6th of April, 1861, five persons were baptized into the new -church in the Weber River. On the same day of the same month, thirty-one -years previous, the Mormon Church had been instituted by the baptism of -six persons. Encouraged by this augury, a church was organized, and the -work commenced in earnest. Converts flocked to them from all parts of -the Territory. - -In three months the new church numbered about three hundred persons. Its -highest number did not exceed five hundred. - -In the mean time difficulties arose between them and the surrounding -Mormons. The Morrisites refused to train as militia. Heavy fines were -imposed in consequence, and much property sold on execution for their -payment. - -These fines and exactions were increased until the Morrisites refused -longer to submit to them. A number of fines of $60 each had been -imposed. When the sheriff appeared and proposed to arrest those who -would not or could not pay, he was resisted. Further proceedings were -then suspended for the present. - -In the spring of 1862 a team, consisting of two yoke of cattle, which -had been sent to mill from the Morrisite settlement, was, together with -a load of flour, seized and retained by one William Jones, who -threatened in like manner to retain all that should be sent until some -difficulties between him and them should be settled to his satisfaction. -The Morrisites, standing in immediate need of the flour, sent a _posse_ -of men, and took not only the flour, but Jones and two associates -prisoners. - -Application was now made to Chief Justice Kinney, who immediately issued -writs for the arrest of the leading Morrisites, and writs of _habeas -corpus_ for the Mormons held in custody. - -These writs being disregarded, a _posse_ of several hundred men, headed -by Robert T. Burton, sheriff of Salt Lake County, well armed and -equipped, and having several pieces of cannon, were sent to execute the -writs, and enforce obedience. This force was augmented on the way by -volunteers, and additional arms, until they approached the settlement of -the Morrisites, with a force of about a thousand well-armed men, and -five pieces of artillery. - -Early on the morning of the 13th of June, some of the _posse_ appeared -on the heights above South Weber settlement, and took possession of the -Morrisites' cow-herd, killing such as they desired for beef. During the -morning, Sheriff Burton sent a proclamation to the leaders within the -Morrisite "fort,"--for such they had constructed,--calling upon them to -come out and deliver themselves up, according to the requirements of the -writs in his hands, and warning them of the consequences, if they -refused. - -This not being responded to, about an hour later the _posse_, most of -whom had been hitherto out of sight, commenced to defile over the -bluffs, and to occupy a prominent position commanding the camp. - -Morris now called a meeting of those within the fort. Scarcely had they -assembled, when a cannon-ball came into the congregation, killed two -women, and wounded a girl. From this time cannonading and musketry fire -was continued with but little intermission. - -The camp consisted of a few houses built of willows, like basket-work, -and plastered, and of tents, and covered wagons. Still the fight was -kept up by these deluded people for three days, during all which time, -fighting with the energy of desperation, they held this immense force at -bay. On the evening of the third day, a white flag was raised, and the -whole camp surrendered. The Morrisites stacked their arms, under guard -of a detail from the _posse_, who had by this time entered the fort. - -Amidst much confusion, the men and women were separated, and large -numbers of the men were placed under arrest. Morris, and a leader by the -name of Banks were shot in cold blood; also two of the women. All these -were killed after the Morrisites were unarmed, and their arms in the -possession of the sheriff. The _posse_ had two men killed. The -Morrisites ten in all. - -After the Morrisites had been taken prisoners, their houses were -searched and plundered, and property, consisting of watches, jewelry, -clothing, &c., taken, to the amount of many hundreds of dollars. - -The prisoners were taken to Salt Lake City, and placed under bonds by -Judge Kinney for their appearance at his court. They were afterwards -tried, and large numbers of them were fined and imprisoned. All of those -imprisoned were afterward pardoned and released by Governor Harding. - -Thus ended "the Morrisite War." The Morrisites were now "scattered and -peeled," and so remained until May, 1863. At that time Gen. Connor -established a military post at Soda Springs, a beautiful place at the -northern bend of Bear River, about 175 miles north of Salt Lake City. -Before starting with his expedition, Gen. Connor gave notice that all -persons wishing to go up and form a settlement at that point, would be -furnished by him with transportation. The result was, that about eighty -families, consisting of over two hundred persons, nearly all Morrisites, -availed themselves of this offer,--removed, with their goods and -household gods, and established themselves at Soda Springs. - -This settlement continues to exist and flourish, and may now be looked -upon, it is to be hoped, as a permanent point where the weary emigrant -may pause and rest on his long journey over the Plains, and be free from -the whims, exactions, and dangers of Mormonism. The place is now in -Idaho Territory, and returned eighty-one votes at the territorial -election of 1864. - -Although the court and juries were fast to bring to punishment those who -had resisted the writs, yet Burton, the leader of the _posse_, who shot -four persons after they had surrendered, was not even indicted by a -Mormon grand jury. The evidence was laid before them, but without -avail. - -The following affidavit of a man of much respectability, now residing at -Soda Springs, shows what was the conduct of Burton on the occasion -alluded to:-- - - "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, } _ss._ - TERRITORY OF UTAH. } - - "Alexander Dow, of said Territory, being duly sworn, says: - - "In the spring of 1861, I joined the Morrisites, and was - present when Joseph Morris was killed. The Morrisites had - surrendered, a white flag was flying, and the arms were all - grounded and guarded by a large number of the _posse_. - - "Robert T. Burton and Judson L. Stoddard rode in amongst the - Morrisites. Burton was much excited. He said, 'Where is the - man? I don't know him.' Stoddard replied, 'That's him,' - pointing to Morris. Burton rode his horse upon Morris, and - commanded him to give himself up in the name of the Lord. - Morris replied, 'No, never, never.' Morris said he wanted to - speak to the people. Burton said, 'Be d--d quick about it.' - Morris said, 'Brethren, I've taught you true principles,'--he - had scarcely got the words out of his mouth before Burton - fired his revolver. The ball passed in his neck or shoulder. - Burton exclaimed, 'There's your Prophet.' He fired again, - saying, 'What do you think of your Prophet now?' - - "Burton then turned suddenly and shot Banks, who was standing - five or six paces distant. Banks fell. Mrs. Bowman, wife of - James Bowman, came running up, crying, 'Oh! you blood-thirsty - wretch.' Burton said, 'No one shall tell me that and live,' - and shot her dead. A Danish woman then came running up to - Morris, crying, and Burton shot her dead also. Burton could - easily have taken Morris and Banks prisoners, if he had tried. - I was standing but a few feet from Burton all this time. And - further saith not. - - "ALEXANDER DOW. - - "Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 18th day of April, A. - D. 1863. - - "CHARLES B. WAITE, - - "_Associate Just., U. T._" - -This Burton is the same man who is now the Collector of Internal Revenue -for Utah Territory! - -The next movement, and one which promises seriously to interfere with -the schemes of Brigham Young, is under the auspices of the Mormon Church -East, or the "Josephites," as they are called, in contradistinction to -the "Brighamites." - -Joseph Smith, the son of the Prophet, resides at Nauvoo, in Illinois, -near where his father was put to death. He claims to be the head of the -true Mormon Church, and of course repudiates Young for the same -position. He is opposed to polygamy, is loyal to the Government and laws -of the United States, and is said to be a good and worthy citizen. - -For several years there have been indications of a "breaking up" among -the followers of the Pretender, Brigham, and a rallying around the -standard of the legitimate House of Joseph. In the States, those who -have gone back to their first love are to be numbered by thousands. - -[Illustration: Joseph Smith] - -In Utah the progress of disintegration, and of secession from the church -as there organized, is slower, and accompanied by more danger. - -But in July, 1863, the "fulness of time" having come, the movement was -commenced in earnest, and a system of proselyting inaugurated, which has -already drawn hundreds of deluded people back to their duty to -themselves and their country, and which even now threatens the power of -Brigham so strongly that it seems almost tottering to its fall. - -During the latter part of the month mentioned, E. C. Briggs and -Alexander McCord, two missionaries, sent by the Church East, for that -purpose, arrived in Salt Lake, and announced themselves as harbingers of -a better gospel,--as messengers of the true Church of Christ on earth. -Taking their lives in their hands, they had crossed the Plains alone, -and the Lord had protected and sustained them. - -It may be supposed that their arrival caused considerable excitement at -Salt Lake City. - -Briggs called on Young and acquainted him with the nature of his -"mission." The Prophet became very angry; refused him the use of the -Tabernacle, or any other building in the city; forbade him preaching -to the people, and said if he remained in the city, he (Young) would not -be responsible for his personal safety. Briggs declined to avail himself -of this polite hint to leave; and notwithstanding these thunders from -the Vatican, he went boldly to work, and "daily ceased not to teach and -preach Jesus Christ." - -He talked with the people, visited them at their houses, prayed with -them, and sang with them. - -The effect was electrical. Singly, by dozens, and by scores, the people -began to fall off from the great apostasy, and to return to the -mother-church. Persecution commenced from the first day of his labors. -He and McCord were forbidden all the houses of the city, by an order of -Brigham which none dared to disobey. One house, that of a gentile, was -still open to them, and there they held their meetings, which were well -attended. - -Before spring their numbers had increased to over three hundred. About -half of that number returned across the Plains in the spring of 1864, -and so strong was the excitement, and so bitter the persecution and -enmity of the "saints" toward this comparatively handful of seceders -from Brigham's authority and dominions, that Gen. Connor deemed it -necessary and advisable to send a strong escort with them as far as -Green River, about 145 miles. - -Besides this number who departed for the region of the rising sun, large -numbers of the westward-bound emigration were stopped, and having their -eyes opened by missionaries of the same stamp, were induced to withhold -their steps, at least until another season. - -The Josephites in Salt Lake, although the subjects of bitter and -unrelenting persecution from the Mormons, found favor and protection -from Gen. Connor and the military under his command. - -They will doubtless continue to flourish and increase, and it is -possible that in this way Utah may be brought to loyalty and good -citizenship, without bloodshed or commotion. It is but a possibility, -however, as Brigham will not see himself thus undermined without -desperate efforts to prevent it. - -In Europe whole churches have already changed, or "gone over," from the -apostasy of Brigham to the old church, with Joseph at its head. - -Briggs is President of the Twelve Apostles, and is admirably fitted for -the work before him. He is a man of great energy and heroism, and takes -hold of his mighty task as though it were but the work of a summer day. -Nowhere can be found a better exemplification of the self-sacrifice and -sublime heroism of the Christians of the Middle Ages. - -The following are the Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of -Latter Day Saints, under the presidency of Joseph Smith, son of Joseph -the Martyr:-- - - "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and his Son Jesus - Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. - - "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and - not for Adam's transgressions. - - "We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind - may be saved by obedience to the Laws and ordinances of the - gospel. - - "We believe that these ordinances are: 1st. Faith in the Lord - Jesus Christ; 2d. Repentance; 3d. Baptism by immersion for the - remission of sins; 4th. Laying on of hands for the gift of the - Holy Spirit; 5th. The Lord's Supper. - - "We believe that men must be called of God, by inspiration, - and by laying on of hands by those who are duly commissioned - to preach the gospel, and administer in the ordinances - thereof. - - "We believe in the same organization that existed in the - primitive church, viz.: Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Teachers, - Evangelists, &c. - - "We believe in the powers and gifts of the everlasting gospel, - viz., the gift of faith, discoursing of spirits, prophecy, - revelation, visions, healing, tongues and the interpretation - of tongues, wisdom, charity, brotherly love, &c. - - "We believe the word of God recorded in the Bible; we also - believe the word of God recorded in the Book of Mormon, and in - all other good books. - - "We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now - reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many more great - and important things, pertaining to the kingdom of God and - Messiah's second coming. - - "We believe in the literal gathering of Israel, and in the - restoration of the ten tribes; that Zion will be established - upon the Western Continent; that Christ will reign personally - upon the earth a thousand years; and that the earth will be - renewed, and receive its paradisaical glory. - - "We believe in the literal resurrection of the body; that the - dead in Christ will rise first, and that the rest of the dead - do not live again until the thousand years are expired. - - "We believe in being subject to kings, queens, presidents, - rulers, and magistrates; _in obeying, honoring, and sustaining - the law_. - - "We believe in being virtuous, chaste, temperate, benevolent, - and in doing good to all men. - - "_We believe that the church in Utah, under the presidency of - Brigham Young, have apostatized from the true order of the - gospel._ - - "_We believe that the doctrines of polygamy, human sacrifice, - or killing men to save them, Adam being God, Utah being Zion, - or the gathering place for the saints, are doctrines of - devils_, instituted by wicked men, for the accomplishment of - their own lustful desires, and with a view to their personal - aggrandizement. - - "_We believe in being true and loyal to the Government of the - United States_, and have no sympathy or fellowship for the - treasonable practices or wicked abominations indorsed by - Brigham Young and his followers." - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[119:A] April 6, 1863. _Journ. of Dis._, Vol. I. p. 135. - -[121:A] March 27, 1853. _Jour. of Dis._, Vol. I. p. 82. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -BRIGHAM AS TRUSTEE IN TRUST FOR THE CHURCH. - - Nature of the Trusteeship.--The Tithing System.--Brigham's - Private Speculations.--The Emigration Fund.--The Hand-Cart - Company. - - --"He was a man - Who stole the livery of the Court of Heaven - To serve the Devil in; in virtue's guise - Devoured the widow's house and orphan's bread; - In holy phrase, transacted villanies - That common sinners durst not meddle with." - - -As Trustee in Trust for the Church, Brigham Young is in his element. -Here his genius shines preëminent, giving him the character, at home and -abroad, of a good, as he certainly is a successful, financier. - -But here, upon the outset, let no one be misled by the words employed to -designate the capacity in which he handles and manages the funds of the -church. It is called a "_trust_," because he is supposed to use the -money for the benefit of the church. - -But this _Trust_ is very general and indefinite in its character. It has -no prescribed duties or conditions. It has no guards or limits. _It has -no prescribed nor acknowledged mode of accountability._ - -Many years ago, attempts were made at the General Conferences, to -exhibit a balance-sheet of receipts and disbursements. These were -confused and unsatisfactory; and lest they should be too closely -examined, they have of late years been entirely abandoned,--the -increasing faith of the saints in their leader rendering it entirely -unnecessary that any explanation should be made of the disposal of their -funds. - -Again: a corps of clerks are employed in the tithing-office, and are -paid out of the public tithing-fund salaries ranging from $1000 upwards. -They are supposed to keep a complete system of accounts, showing all the -receipts from this net-work of fiscal veins, and all the disbursements -through the various arteries of the religious body. But beyond the -receipt and deposit of moneys, and the keeping of the tithing account -with individual members of the church, the duties of these clerks are -merely nominal. Each has another part to perform. The reader will smile -to be informed that these clerks are really the principal stock actors -in the Salt Lake Theatre. Having but little office business, their time -is thus turned to a good account, reading novelettes and newspapers, a -plentiful supply of which may be found in their several offices. The -theatre is the private property of Brigham, and the proceeds go into his -own pocket, disconnected with any real or imaginary embarrassment -arising from the relation of Trustee. Hence it will be seen to be good -"financiering" for the tithing-clerks, under pay of "the church," to -perform for the benefit of "Brother Brigham." Should they fail to comply -with his wishes, he has only, as "Trustee in Trust," to dispense with -their services. This may be mentioned as a notable instance of the -"shrewd financiering" of Brigham Young. - -These clerks simply keep the accounts with individuals, and receive and -deposit the money and property paid in to the tithing-fund. They also -keep the accounts of laborers on the temple and other public works. - -It is needless to say they are entirely under the control of Brigham. -According to the Mormon creed, the temporal affairs of the kingdom -should be entirely directed and controlled by the Aaronic Priesthood. -The presiding Bishops of this priesthood are agents to perform the will -of the head of the order, who is the President himself. - -To keep the public mind quiet and satisfied, it is stated from the -pulpit that the accounts of Brigham Young, as an individual, and those -which he keeps as trustee for the church, are entirely separate and -distinct, and that not a dollar of church money goes to the private use -of the President or his family, without being duly charged and accounted -for. But these public declarations are all the assurance the people have -that such is the fact. The system of book-keeping by double entry is -entirely ignored as an invention of the gentiles; and if an -investigation of the accounts should be instituted, it would be -conducted under great disadvantages, and could have no certainty in its -results. - -Notwithstanding these protestations so frequently made from the pulpit, -there is a growing conviction among the masses that the increasing -evidences of the individual wealth of Brigham, notwithstanding his -immense outlays, can only be accounted for in one way,--by the gradual -absorption and assimilation of the funds of the church with his own -private moneys. Indeed he does not hesitate to affirm, boldly, that if -he wishes to build a grist or a saw-mill, or to engage in any other -enterprise, he borrows from the tithing or other public funds the -necessary means, paying it back by instalments when convenient, or -turning in some other property that he has no immediate use for. In -these private arrangements and trades, between himself _in propria -persona_ and himself in his fiduciary capacity, it is not to be supposed -that he would make them to his own disadvantage, or that he would -voluntarily assume losses which he could just as well throw upon the -church at large. With this scape-goat upon which to throw his -unfortunate speculations, and with a large revenue derived from -legislative gifts, in the shape of timber canyons, herding-grounds, -ferries, and other franchises, it is not strange that his worldly store -should be constantly and largely augmented. He boasts that he takes no -thought how to make money or get rich, and yet riches constantly flow to -him. He has said, he can "drop dollar for dollar with any monarch in -Europe." He looks after the Lord's interests, and the Lord looks after -his interests! - -The following are some of the principal Legislative Acts in favor of -Brigham Young, passed by the Legislative Assembly of Utah:-- - -_An Act in relation to City Creek Canyon, approved December 9, 1850._ -This gave Young the sole control of City Creek and Canyon, for which he -was required to pay into the treasury the sum of $500. Under this grant -Brigham exacts from those getting wood in the canyon, every third load; -and as this is the only wood within fifteen miles of the city, this -alone is the source of an immense revenue. Besides, he has built upon -City Creek two or three mills,--he having the exclusive use of the -water. It is estimated that Young's income from this canyon alone is -$10,000 per annum. - -_An Act passed February 5th, 1852, granting to Brigham Young the waters -from the channel of Mill Creek._ - -_January 20, 1854._ An Act providing that all property left by any -deceased or absconding person, to which there is no claimant, shall pass -into the Perpetual Emigration Fund. Brigham is President of this -Society, and custodian of the fund. This Act adds largely to the income -of the Trustee President. - -_January 19, 1855._ An Act appropriating to Brigham Young $2500 for -building an Academy in Salt Lake City. The Academy was never built. - -_December 18, 1855._ An Act granting to Brigham Young exclusive right of -herd-ground known as Kansas Prairie. - -_Same date._ _An Act granting to Brigham Young the whole of Cache Valley -for a herd-ground._ This valley is fifty miles long, and more than ten -miles in width, and the richest and most productive valley in the -Territory. - -_December 27, 1855._ An Act granting to Brigham Young all of Rush -Valley, except the United States Reserve, for a herd-ground. Another -extensive tract of country. - -_January 4, 1856._ An Act granting to Brigham Young exclusive right to -establish a ferry over Bear River. - -_January 5, 1856._ An Act granting to Brigham Young a ranch and -herd-ground in Lone Rock Valley. - -_January 12, 1856._ An Act granting to Brigham Young exclusive right to -control the road and coal-beds in Coal Canyon, San Pete County. - -_Same date._ _An Act making an appropriation to Brigham Young of $1000 -from the Territorial Treasury, to enable him to pay for a share in the -Deseret Iron Company._ - -_January 22, 1864._ An Act authorizing Brigham Young to establish a toll -on the Tooele Road. - -After reading all these donations and munificent franchises, one can -appreciate the point of the joke perpetrated by Brigham, when he says -"he takes no thought how to get rich, and yet riches constantly flow to -him." - - -THE TITHING SYSTEM. - -The object of tithing, as stated in the "Book of Doctrines and -Covenants," is to exalt the poor, and humble the rich,--taking from -where it is not wanted the surplus property of the church, and placing -it where it is needed. The law of tithing, as originally instituted, -calls for one tenth of the annual increase and gains, after providing -for the wants of the family. When the poor were amply supplied, the -residue was to be used for purchasing inheritances for the saints, -building houses for public worship, etc. - -Of late years, however, tithing assumes an entirely different form, and -is much more comprehensive in its scope and exacting in its demands. The -"saints" in Utah, Europe, and throughout the world, are required to pay -one tenth of their income, without any reference to their ability to -meet the demand. Thus the laboring man in Utah, who receives but one -dollar and fifty cents per day,--not enough to support his family -comfortably,--is assessed tithing to the amount of about forty-five -dollars per annum. - -But this is not all. Every emigrant and new-comer is expected to pay one -tenth of his entire possessions. Upon this point much strictness -prevails. On the arrival of the faithful in Zion, they are visited by a -bishop and clerk, and inventories of all their property taken. One tenth -of everything must then be sent to the tithing-office, not even -excepting household furniture, cooking utensils, or clothing. Should the -party be in possession of a little money, he is urged to pay the tithing -all in cash. - -A very good idea of the extent to which this tithing system is carried -may be formed from the following tithing-song, sung at a meeting of one -of the quorums, and published in the "Deseret News," No. 6, Vol. V.:-- - - - "TITHING-SONG. - - _Air._ The King of the Cannibal Islands.] - - "Come, Mormons all, attention pay, - Whilst I attempt to sing my say; - I've chosen for my text to-day, - 'Come forward, and pay up your tithing.' - These may not be the very words, - Which ancient Holy Writ records; - But Malachi, I think, affords - A verse which with the sense accords. - It seems that he had cause to scold - The saints, or Israelites of old; - In fact, they needed to be told, - 'Come forward, and pay up your tithing.' - - _Chorus._ - - "Then if to prosper you desire, - And wish to keep out of the fire, - Nay, if you to be saints aspire, - Come forward, and pay up your tithing. - - "Just as it was in the olden times, - With ancient saints in other climes, - The call is _now_, 'Bring out your dimes,'-- - 'Come forward, and pay up your tithing.' - Our Prophet says, 'When Elders preach, - The law of tithing they should teach; - Pay up themselves, and then beseech - All those who come within their reach.' - This makes me now entreat of you - To follow counsel; right pursue; - And whilst all evil you eschew, - 'Come forward, and pay up your tithing.' - - _Chorus._ - - "Then if to prosper, etc. - - "Now, male and female, rich and poor, - Who wish to keep your standing sure, - That you salvation may secure, - 'Come forward, and pay up your tithing.' - A tenth, that is, and nothing less, - Of all you do or may possess, - In flocks and herds, and their increase, - With pigs and poultry, ducks and geese: - A tenth, indeed, of all your toil, - Likewise the produce of the soil; - And if you've any wine or oil, - 'Come forward, and pay up your tithing.' - - _Chorus._ - - "Then if to prosper, etc. - - "HENRY MAIBEN. - - "GREAT S. L. CITY, 1855." - -Not only the extent of this exaction, but the penalty for non-payment, -is fully set forth in this song, to wit, exclusion from the church, and -deprivation of all spiritual blessings. What greater penalty can be -placed before a true Mormon? - -The administration of the law of tithing has been excessively cruel in -Europe. Many of the saints in England, who, from infirmity, age, or -incapacity to labor, have been supported by the parish, receiving one, -two, or three shillings per week, have been anathematized and cut off -from the church, because they could not pay their tithing out of their -parish allowance, and support life from the remainder! - -From the European Mission alone, over $500,000 of British gold has found -its way into the pockets of Brigham Young. No account has ever been made -of this vast amount, nor is there any public work or project requiring -expenditure of church-money, which has not been more than provided for -by the home tithing-fund. - -The poor in Utah suffer severely from this exaction. You may see -families barefooted, women and children nearly naked, destitute of even -the necessaries of life, the husband making every effort to meet the day -of tithing, fearful of losing his soul's salvation should he fail. Cases -of extreme destitution have not been, in former years, comparatively -numerous; but as the rich become richer and the poor poorer, by the -operation of this system, these cases become more marked and frequent, -and already a rumbling of discontent is heard among the masses, which -occasionally reaches the throne, and which will soon break forth in loud -peals of thunder, demanding justice for a long oppressed and outraged -people. - -Again, there is a standing tithing-price which must be paid for flour -and other necessaries, by those who are engaged upon the public works, -or who are obliged to work for their richer brethren. These always pay -their laborers in produce at tithing-prices. But these prices are -usually far beyond the cash value of the same article in the market. In -1862-63, the tithing-office price of flour was $6 per hundred. The wages -of workmen were nominally $2 per day. But if a poor saint worked for his -more affluent brother, as in most cases he was obliged to do, he -uniformly received his pay in flour at $6. It was not uncommon to see a -laboring man going home at night, with his sack of flour, the result of -his day's work, or of the labor of two or three days. At the same time -the market-price of flour did not exceed $3 per hundred. If the poor -man, who was obliged to take all his pay in flour, wished to purchase -some sugar or groceries for his family, he must exchange for the same -his flour, at half the price paid for it. Thus did the dignitaries of -the church "grind the face of the poor." - -The masses were induced to submit to this state of things, by the -assurance that flour would rise to a price much greater than $6, and -when it should do so, the balance would be upon the other side, and the -poor would be the gainers, as they should never pay more than that sum. - -In the winter of 1863-64, flour rose rapidly, owing to the new markets -opened up in Idaho and other mining regions. Now the time had come when -the predictions and prophecies concerning the rise of flour had been -fulfilled. But the church authorities, notwithstanding the solemn -promises which had been made to the people, raised the tithing-price of -flour to $12 per hundred. This was "the last straw that broke the -camel's back," and came near producing a revolution. One day a workman -in the "church" (_alias_ Brigham's) blacksmith shop, called at the -"tithing-store" for his flour, as was customary, the same being his -wages for work for a stated period. At the store the flour was weighed -out, and he was given a ticket at $12 per hundred. This was the first -time he had been charged over $6. The blacksmith left his bag of flour -at the store, and proceeded, fired with indignation, to the President's -office. Inquiring for him, he was told the President was out, and he -could not see him. He replied he must see him, and should remain until -he did. After some time the President appeared. "Brother Brigham," said -the excited workman, "you are a liar and a hypocrite." This caused a -great excitement at once. The clerks sprang instantly from their places, -some surrounding Brigham, others the blacksmith. The latter proceeded: -"Have you not repeatedly given the people your solemn promise that they -should never be charged by the church over $6 per hundred for flour? You -with your wives and families are rolling in wealth, surrounded with -everything the heart can wish. But go with me, and I will show you cases -of destitution and suffering which will cause your soul, if you have -one, to shudder with horror." - -The clerks that were here ordered to put him out of the office, which was -done immediately, but the enraged man, now that his lips were unsealed, -continued to talk, in a loud tone of voice, until a number of people, -attracted by curiosity, gathered around him. To them he explained the -cause of the difficulty, and inveighed in unmeasured terms against those -who were living in luxury and extravagance upon the industry and -hard-earned savings of the poor. - -The crowd was finally dispersed, and one of the clerks sent to the -outraged blacksmith to inform him that he could have the flour at $6. He -replied that he would die of hunger ere he would ever taste of it or -touch it. The next day Brigham drove down to the poor man's house, -taking the flour in his carriage, and induced him to accept it, and the -same day the tithing-price of flour was reduced to $6 per hundred. - -The best articles of everything paid in for tithing--the choice hams and -beef, the best butter, cheese, etc.--are laid away until the families of -the first Presidency, the clerks, and a few of the elect are supplied. -The balance is served out to the mechanics and laborers. Thus the church -dignitaries literally live off of "the fat of the land." Often when -butter, or some other article not quite so abundant as usual, is called -for by the workman, he is told "there is none in the store," while at -the same time large quantities are stowed away; and scarcely is he out -of sight, before some member of higher standing in the church visits the -same store, and his wants are amply supplied. - -As Brigham is not scrupulous on the subject of appropriating the means -of the "church," that is, of the people, minor officers, as Bishops of -settlements, do not hesitate to speculate upon their own account. This -is more or less tolerated, according to the faithfulness of the party to -the interests of the heads of the church, and his diligence in -"attending to counsel," or, in other words, in obeying orders. It is -notorious that the Bishops all become quickly wealthy. Appoint a man -Bishop of a settlement, and in two or three years his fortune is made; -and he who previously lived in a log-cabin, with barely the necessaries -of life, is soon in possession of a fine house, with carriages, horses, -&c., at his command. Every Bishop is expected to "build up the kingdom" -by having numerous wives. If he has less than half a dozen, he is -scarcely considered as "doing his duty to the church," and at once -exposes himself to remark, if not to censure. - -Many incidents might be mentioned illustrative of the manner in which -property is accumulated by the Bishops. When the army under Col. Johnson -was located at Camp Floyd, a Bishop of one of the southern settlements -sold to the officers at the camp, at fifty cents per pound, all the -butter which had been paid in for tithing, and accounted for it at the -general tithing-office, at the tithing price,--twenty-five cents per -pound. - -Frequently the people would in this way be deprived of luxuries which -had been sold, and the proceeds of which had gone into the pockets of -the Bishops and other officers of the church. On one occasion Kimball -alluded in his sermon to the complaints of the people, that they could -not get butter or anything else to eat on their bread. In response he -told them, if their bread was hard and dry, "dip it in City Creek." - -On the departure from the Territory of the army under Col. Johnson, -Brigham bought a large quantity of bacon at one cent per pound, selling -it again to the laborers on the public works at twenty-five cents. The -large contracts of purchase are usually awarded to him, partly because -he has more money with which to fulfil them, and partly because men of -lesser means do not wish to cross his path, by interfering with his -financial operations. A large quantity of condemned crackers were -purchased at the same time, at a nominal sum, many of which were -afterward dealt out to the laborers on the public works, at fifteen -cents per pound. - -Soon after the arrival of the saints in Utah, their attention was -especially directed to the building of a temple. Promises were made to -them, that upon its completion, the Saviour, together with angels, would -enter therein, and minister unto those who remained faithful. There they -were to receive blessings that could be obtained in no other place. This -has been held out as a strong inducement for the payment of money. Over -$100,000 has been paid for the accomplishment of this object by the -British saints alone. Not a dollar of this money has been used for that -purpose, as all that has been done upon the temple has been more than -paid for by the people of Utah.[143:A] - -The work upon the temple has proceeded very slowly, and the foundation -is but little above the surface. Many of the saints are dissatisfied -with its progress, and ask each other why more has not been accomplished -during the fifteen years that have rolled away since its commencement; -and especially while such ample means have been constantly on hand,--the -tithing system furnishing an immense revenue, and no other public work -on which to expend it? And why it is that $200,000 should be expended by -Brigham Young upon a theatre for his own benefit, and nearly as much -more upon a hotel now being built, and house added to house and building -to building in his own enclosure, while the temple is neglected? These -questions have much significance, and doubtless the day is not far -distant when the people will insist upon an answer more satisfactory -than they have yet received. - -The immense fund realized from the tithing system, and which is -constantly at Brigham's disposal, enables him to improve many -opportunities that are offered for private speculations. These he is not -slow to perceive, nor does he permit any advantage of that kind to -escape him. A very common speculation is to send a brother who is doing -well, and accumulating a handsome property, upon a foreign mission. The -call to go upon a mission is considered a trial of the brother's faith, -and he is not expected to decline. Should he desire to sell his house or -other possessions, rather than to leave them in the hands of agents, -brother Brigham stands ready to purchase them at a reduced price. In -this way a large amount of property falls into his hands. If the -missionary returns at all, he comes nearly impoverished, and commences -anew to acquire property. - -In 1862 there were two distilleries in Salt Lake City, the owners of -which, Moon & Bradley, were rapidly increasing in wealth. Brigham -professed much indignation, telling them "they should welter in hell for -manufacturing the intoxicating draught to destroy their brethren." As a -sort of expiatory act for their offence he sent them upon a mission to -raise cotton in Southern Utah. As soon as they were gone, he opened a -distillery himself, in the name and under the sanction of the city -council, under pretence of regulating the traffic by law. Thus he -managed to monopolize the large profits from the manufacture of ardent -spirits, an immense quantity of which is used in Salt Lake City and -throughout the Territory. - -Among the various inducements held out to the poor saints in Europe, has -been the promise to each of a city lot in Salt Lake, of one acre and a -quarter, upon the payment of the cost of survey, $1.25. On their -arrival, they find to their astonishment, although there are plenty of -vacant and unfenced lots, that they have to pay to Young or Kimball $100 -or $150 for a lot. On one occasion a poor Dane having purchased a lot -upon credit, built a small house upon it, but his wife falling sick he -was unable to pay for the lot at the time agreed upon. Kimball compelled -him to pull down the house and remove the material; and the Dane was -obliged, in consequence, to pass the winter, with his family, in his -covered wagon. Fortunately the winter was a mild one, or they might have -perished. - -The saints are fond of dancing, and in the winter season social parties -for that purpose are numerous. Each ward has a commodious house, built -by taxation, which is used for schools and public meetings. But for -dancing their use is forbidden, and the people are obliged to pay -Brigham $100 per night for a building called the "Social Hall." Yet this -hall was built from the proceeds of tithing paid in by the very people -who are thus obliged to pay for the rent of it! - -Mr. Taussig, a simple and unpretending man, had succeeded in -establishing a substantial tannery well stocked with leather. By some -designing persons he was induced to refuse the payment of his taxes, on -the ground that they were exorbitant, and the Territorial Collector sold -the property, which was bought by one of Brigham's agents, and the poor -man reduced to poverty. - -In the fall of 1857, Brigham called a mass meeting in the Tabernacle, -and after dilating upon the disadvantages the people were laboring under -in being without a currency, established a bank, calling upon the -faithful to bring in all their gold and silver, and receive the new -paper currency in exchange. This was done. In a few months the bank was -suspended, and depositors were paid in labor tithing, for the currency -held by them, in exchange for their gold and silver. - -One Mr. Tennant, a gentleman residing in Lancashire, England, embraced -Mormonism. His property was estimated at over $70,000. He was soon -marked as a victim. By appliances and representations brought to bear -with much assiduity, he was induced to purchase of Brigham Young a house -in Salt Lake, which he had never seen, and pay for the same the sum of -$20,000; about four times its value. In addition to this, large sums of -money were obtained from him by the Elders, under pretence of his -becoming a share-holder and partner with Young in grist-mills, sugar -machinery, iron-works, &c., solemnly assuring him in relation to its -safe investment and future profits. Mr. Tennant died while crossing the -Plains, leaving a wife, with a young child. On arriving in Salt Lake, -Mrs. Tennant, instead of being comfortably installed in the house -purchased by her husband, found herself placed in lodgings, the -carriage, horses, and other property seized upon, and herself placed -under the control of a guardian. This, together with the loss of her -husband, so worked upon her mind, that she became insane. Afterward -Brigham gave her in marriage to Daniel Spencer, as his fourth or fifth -wife, and thus completed the wrongs for which the poor woman will call -him to account in the day of judgment. She now lives upon a miserable -pittance doled out from the tithing-office. - -A Mr. Williams, well known to the writer, became a Mormon in England. He -was a man of considerable property, and while on his way crossing the -Plains, was induced to invest $15,000 in an iron company formed for -working the iron mines in Southern Utah. The money was paid over, and -invested by the Elders, in goods, in St. Louis. The goods were duly -transported across the Plains, and unloaded within the enclosure of -Young, in Salt Lake City. Mr. Williams received, in St. Louis, a receipt -for his money, stating that the same would entitle him, upon his arrival -in Utah, to certificates of stock in the company. But he never was able -to get any stock or other equivalent for his money, nor any statement of -the affairs of the company. Indeed, the dignitaries of the church, after -one or two conversations upon the subject, refused to converse with him -further in relation to it. Soon after, the Legislature of Utah, composed -in good part of the same men, repealed the Act incorporating the -company, and thus the whole thing "vanished into thin air." In 1862, -which was several years after the money had been paid, Mr. Williams took -legal advice, and was told he could file a bill in chancery, against all -persons implicated in the transaction, requiring them to answer under -oath. He hesitated to do so, giving as a reason that he thought "the -time had not yet come," and that such a course would imperil his life. - -This mode of getting money by the Elders from the wealthy saints, and -the retaining the same, is not only excused, but openly justified and -encouraged by Brigham. The following extract from one of his published -sermons will show his views upon these questions, and the character of -his morality and financial integrity:-- - - "I wish to impress another thing on your minds. An Elder who - is willing to preach the gospel, borrows a hundred or a - thousand from you, and you never breathe a word of complaint - against him, until you come home to this valley; but after you - have been here for a few days, you follow me round and fill my - ears with complaints against this brother, and ask me what he - has done with your money? I say 'I do not know.' Thus you are - distressed, and in misery all the day long, to get it back - again. If an Elder has borrowed from you, and you find he is - going to apostatize, then you may tighten the screws upon him; - but if he is willing to preach the gospel without purse or - scrip, _it is none of your business what he does with the - money he has borrowed from you. If you murmur against that - Elder, it will prove your damnation._ . . . - - "No man need judge me. You know nothing about it, whether I am - sent or not; furthermore, it is none of your business, only to - listen with open ears to what is taught you, and serve God - with an undivided heart."[147:A] - -Stephen Goddard owned a store on Main Street, Salt Lake City, which he -desired to sell. He was offered its value by a gentile, but before -selling, consulted "Brother Brigham." The President said he wanted the -store, and would give him $8,000 for it. To this Goddard demurred, as -the sum was less than half what he had been offered. Young said when the -Lord wanted his property, that should be the end of it, and the price -was none of his business. Goddard and Bishop Woolley, who was present, -retired outside and talked the matter over. The Bishop remarked, "He -thought when a man had worked hard to accumulate property for the -benefit of his family, he should be permitted to sell it for a fair -price." This was overheard by a spy, and reported to headquarters. The -Bishop was sent for and sharply reprimanded. He was told that he was in -a spirit of apostasy. Goddard, afraid to do otherwise, sold the store to -Young for $8,000. - -Besides the property acquired through the machinery of the tithing -system, a large amount is obtained under the "law of consecration." -Under this law, those saints who can be induced to do so, place their -whole property in the hands of the President, as trustee in trust for -the church, to be used when the necessities of the church require it. -The object is to guard against apostasy. Brigham Young says:-- - - "The rulers of Great Britain have tried to make every - capitalist identify his interest with the Government that has - sustained the kingdom. Brethren, do you wish this heavenly - kingdom to stand?. . . Imitate the policy of that earthly - kingdom; identify our interest with the kingdom of God, so - that if our hearts should ever be weaned from loyalty to the - sovereign, all our _earthly_ interest is bound up there, and - cannot be taken away. . . . - - "If a man has the purse in his pocket, and he apostatizes, he - takes it with him; but if his worldly interest is firmly - united to the kingdom of God, when he arises to go away, he - finds the calf is bound, and, like the cow, he is unwilling to - forsake it. If his calf is bound up here, he will be inclined - to stay."[148:A] - - -THE EMIGRATION FUND. - -The published object and design of this fund is to emigrate the poor -saints from Europe and other foreign countries to Utah, the Zion of the -church. In those foreign countries there is a continual weekly -subscription paid in for that purpose. - -Every emigration season, each Conference is permitted to send persons at -the rate of one for every Ł10 sterling so subscribed. Each one so -emigrating, is required to enter into obligations, before leaving -Liverpool, for the repayment of the same, as soon as possible after his -arrival in Salt Lake City. Parties in Utah, also, wishing their -relations brought over, must pay the required amount, before they are -sent for, unless in some special cases, where notes are accepted in -payment. The sum of Ł4 10_s._ is required to pay the transportation of -each person to the first American port, and the remaining Ł5 10_s._ -thence to Salt Lake City. The emigrants are stowed away like cattle, on -the freight cars and on the decks of the boats and vessels, and thus by -having them conveyed in the cheapest manner possible, considerable of -the amount paid for transportation is saved, making a large sum in the -aggregate, all of which goes into that "treasury of the church,"--the -pocket of Brigham Young. - -Again: as _all_ are obliged to pay their passage-money, either in -advance or after their arrival in Utah, and as a large portion of the -sum is previously raised by contribution, of course the amount, in -thousands of cases, is duplicated, and paid twice into the same -treasury. - -The transportation across the Plains costs the church nothing at all, -except a slight diminution of the tithing-fund _prospective_. The teams -are furnished, so many from each ward and settlement, and the owners are -given credit for the use of the same in tithing account. Large -quantities of provisions are furnished and sent out to meet the incoming -saints, but these, although donated and sent by their friends, are all -charged to them by the careful priests and elders. - -Before starting across the Plains, meetings are held, and the saints are -counselled to give up all their money and valuables, so that they may be -preserved on their journey. One man, in obedience to this "counsel," -gave up his money, together with a valuable gold watch and chain. -Afterwards, remembering that he had not provided any tobacco for the -journey, he asked for a dollar back, to purchase some, which was refused -him. - -Much cruelty is exercised on the Plains for the slightest disobedience. -A young man, brother of Walter Sanders, of Salt Lake, was whipped -nearly to death for being unable to travel as required. - -Several years since, Brigham, with the view of saving still more from -the emigration fund, projected the plan of bringing the saints across -the Plains in hand-cart companies. Under this arrangement, every person, -male and female, was expected to assist in drawing a hand-cart; each -cart being drawn by three persons, and containing a certain quantity of -provisions, clothing, &c. - -One of the companies, under the lead of Franklin D. Richards, was -detained on the frontiers until common prudence should have dictated -their remaining until another year. In consequence of the lateness of -the season, before the journey was half performed, winter was upon them, -and their sufferings beggar all description. - -Mrs. Chapman, a very intelligent English lady, who crossed the Plains in -this company, related to me many incidents of this dreadful journey. - -They started from the frontier very late, sometime in October, I think; -and to allay the fears and forebodings of the saints, Richards -prophesied, in the name of Israel's God, that the elements should be -controlled; and that the winds and snows of winter should be stayed -until the faithful arrived in Zion. Entirely unacquainted with the -country and the route before them, they were reassured, and went boldly -forward, trusting in their leader. - -In order to lighten their loads and facilitate their progress, every -article of clothing that they could possibly spare, was left behind; -barely sufficient being taken to prevent them from freezing. - -It may be supposed that only the very poor were subjected to this -terrible ordeal. Not so. Many families of means made the journey in this -way, being assured that this sacrifice would add to their exaltation in -the eternal world. They had not proceeded far when the snow began to -fall, and many became sick from want and exposure. When a river was to -be crossed, they were driven into the water,--men, women, and -children,--and were told, if they had sufficient faith, they should, -like the Israelites of old, go over dry shod. Many of the men carried -their wives and children over the streams, as long as they were able. If -any were unable longer to drag their carts, they were obliged to lighten -them by throwing away clothing, cooking utensils, and even -provisions,--thus necessitating a reduction from their daily allowance -of food. Fuel was scarce, and it was often necessary to go into the -snow, waist-deep, to procure it. Mrs. Chapman's husband, a strong, -athletic man, formerly a member of the Queen's Guards, from constant -exertion and exposure, at length fell sick, and though there were a few -wagons for the sick and feeble to ride in, they were not admitted into -them so long as they were able to walk. - -The poor man continued to grow worse, and it soon became evident that he -must die. One morning, when the train was ready to start, the Captain -came to the tent of the sick man, and finding him dying, said to Mrs. -Chapman, "Your husband must die; leave him in the hands of God, and -proceed on your journey." "What!" said the heart-stricken woman, "leave -my husband on this barren waste, a prey to wolves? No; while there is -breath in his body, I shall remain by his side, and share his fate. -Leave us if you will, for the wild beasts of the desert cannot be more -cruel than you have been." In five minutes more, he breathed his last; -and throwing him into a hole dug in the sand, they dragged the weeping -wife and children from all they held dear on earth. In a few days the -same woman left her baby, too, on the sands of the desert, a prey to -wolves. She says, "I never see Franklin D. Richards, but I feel -hand-carts from the crown of my head to the sole of my feet." - -One day, as they approached their Mecca, an old white-haired saint said -to the Captain, in a weak voice,--"Captain, I feel as if I should die, -drawing in this hand-cart; can't I ride a little while?"--"Draw till you -die then," replied the hard-hearted wretch, "for I'll be d----d if you -can ride." "Oh, well," said the old man, "I suppose I shall draw till I -die." He took out his watch. "A quarter of four. It will soon be over. -Ten minutes. Oh dear; oh, my God! Five minutes to four,--four;"--and the -old man fell down in his place,--he was dead. - -Every day witnessed the death of large numbers by cold and starvation. -Those who survived were more like walking skeletons than human beings. -They were covered with vermin, and loathsome to behold. Some were so -badly frozen that their flesh fell from their bones. Many remained -disabled for life. - -"Oh Religion! what crimes are perpetrated in thy name!" When Mormons -speak of the hand-cart company, they shudder and grow pale. All this -suffering was the result of an attempt, on the part of the leaders of -the church, to save a still larger sum from the emigration fund. It was -a speculative experiment, which was never repeated. These people bought -their carts with their own money; but on their arrival in Salt Lake, the -carts were claimed by Brigham, in behalf of the church, and were -afterwards sold from the tithing-office at five dollars each. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[143:A] Persons who are known to possess property, are called upon to -pay for seats in the temple. A lady residing in one of the northern -settlements, was cajoled into paying Ł50 for that purpose. The good -lady, upon arriving in Utah, found that the famous temple, in which -she had purchased a seat, was scarcely above its foundations. - -[147:A] _Jour. of Dis._, Vol. I. p. 340. - -[148:A] _Jour. of Dis._ Vol. I. p. 202. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -BRIGHAM AS PROPHET, SEER, AND REVELATOR. - - Brigham's Position as Head of the Church.--Mormon Theology.-- - Brigham's Theology, or Utah Mormonism.--Adam as God.--Brigham - Young as God.--Human Sacrifice.--Introduction of Polygamy.-- - Polygamy no part of the original Mormon Religion.--The - Revelation, or Celestial Marriage.--The Ceremony of Sealing.-- - Consequences and Incidents of the Doctrine.--Incest.--Summary - of the Mormon Religion. - - -Not only is Brigham Young the temporal head of the church, its chief -business agent, and the sole custodian of its funds, but he is the -spiritual head, the established fountain, in whom is gathered from on -high all spiritual blessings, and from whom they are expected to flow -through the various officers of the priesthood, and thus be distributed -to the faithful among the masses. Standing in this capacity between the -people and the Supreme Being, he is at once Prophet, Seer, and -Revelator. As Prophet and Seer, he sees and foretells to the people what -is to befall them, as the result of certain courses of action. As -Revelator, he reveals and translates, to the comprehension of the -people, the hidden will of God concerning them. - -An acknowledgment of this relationship of Brigham with the Divine Being -is made a test of fellowship; as in the case of the Morrisites, who, -although they admitted his right to preside over the church as its -temporal head, denied him the attributes of prophet and revelator. Hence -they were cut off from the church. - -Acting in this capacity, he not only prescribes a course of conduct for -his followers, but promulgates, from time to time, doctrines, to be -received, believed, and advocated. Thus the theology or creed of the -church changes, from time to time, to suit the changing opinions, the -whims and caprices, or the passions and lusts, of its head and leader. -What is here said, therefore, of the Mormon religion, must be understood -in reference to the received doctrines and tenets of the church in -former years,--many of which still remain, but incorporated with new -dogmas, and any part or all of which are liable at any time to be -changed, modified, or entirely overthrown. - - -MORMON THEOLOGY. - -There are many Gods, and they are of both sexes. But to us there is but -one God,--the Father of mankind, and the Creator of the earth. - -Men and women are literally the sons and daughters of God,--our spirits -having been literally begotten by God, in the heavenly world, and having -been afterwards sent to the earth, and invested with these tabernacles. - -God is in the form of man. He has a body, composed of spiritual matter. -There is no difference between matter and spirit, except in quality. -Spirit is matter refined. - -God is omnipotent, but not personally omnipresent. He is everywhere -present by his Holy Spirit. His personality is generally expressed by -the phrase, "He has body, parts, and passions." He resides in the centre -of the universe, near the planet Kolob. This planet revolves on its axis -once in a thousand of our years, and one revolution of Kolob is a day to -the Almighty. - -Jesus Christ was the Son of God, literally begotten by the Father, and -had the Spirit of God in the body of a man. After his resurrection, he -had a body of flesh and bones only, typical of man's resurrected body. -He differs in nothing from the Father, except in age and authority,--the -Father having the seniority, and consequently the right to preside. - -The Holy Spirit is a subtle fluid, like electricity. It is the subtlest -form of matter, and pervades all space. By its agency all miracles, so -called, are performed. Miracles are simply the effects of the operation -of natural laws. But they are laws of a higher character than those with -which we are acquainted. This Holy Spirit is communicated by the -laying-on of hands by one of the properly authorized priesthood, and the -recipient is then enabled to perform wonderful things, according to his -gift,--some having the gift of prophecy, some of healing, some of -speaking in unknown tongues, etc. - -There are three heavens,--the telestial, the terrestrial, and the -celestial. - -The _telestial_ and _terrestrial_ heavens are to be occupied by the -various classes of persons who have neither obeyed nor rejected the -gospel. The telestial is typified by the stars,--the terrestrial, by the -moon. - -The _celestial_, or highest heaven, has for its type the sun, and is -reserved for those who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on -His name, and were baptized by one having authority from Him, and who -afterwards lived a holy life. - -The earth, as purified and refined, after the second coming of Christ, -is to be the final habitation of those entitled to the glories of the -celestial kingdom. Jerusalem is to be rebuilt, and Zion, or the New -Jerusalem, is to be built in Jackson County, Missouri, whence the saints -were expelled in 1833. - -There is a fourth class of persons, not entitled to either of these -heavens. They are those who sin against the Holy Ghost; that is, those -who apostatize after receiving the Holy Spirit. These go into -everlasting punishment, to remain with the devil and his angels. - -The gospel, which people are called upon to obey, in order to gain a -place in the celestial kingdom, is,--_First_, They must believe in Jesus -Christ as the Son of God, and in His authorized priesthood. _Secondly_, -They must repent of their sins; _Thirdly_, They must be baptized by -immersion for the remission of their sins; and, _Fourthly_, They must -receive the laying-on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. - -God, having become nearly lost to man, revived His work, by revealing -himself to Joseph Smith, and conferring upon him the keys of the -everlasting Priesthood,--thus making him the mediator of a New -Dispensation, which is immediately to precede the second coming of -Christ. All those who recognize the divine authority of Smith, and are -baptized by one having authority, are the chosen people of God, who are -to introduce the Millennium, and to reign with Christ, on earth, a -thousand years. - -Previous to the year 1852, it was also an orthodox principle of the -Mormon religion, that a man should have but one wife, to whom he should -be true and faithful. - -Those who have any curiosity to pursue the subject further, will find -these views and doctrines fully explained and illustrated in the -religious writings of the Mormons,--of which the following are some of -the principal: Book of Mormon; Book of Doctrine and Covenants; Works of -Orson Pratt; Key to Theology, by P. P. Pratt; The Only Way to be Saved, -etc., by L. Snow; Pearl of Great Price; Voice of Warning, by P. P. -Pratt; Catechism for Children, by John Jaques; Deseret News, 14 vols.; -Journal of Discourses, 6 vols.; Latter-Day Saints' Millennial Star, -London, 26 volumes. - - -_Brigham's Theology; or Utah Mormonism._ - -The doctrines taught and practised by the present head of the Mormon -Church differ so much from the previously established tenets of the -church, that they require a separate consideration. - -One of the most important innovations upon the established doctrines of -the church, is in relation to the Godhead. In April, 1852, Brigham put -forth the startling doctrine that Adam is God, and to be recognized and -honored as such! This announcement created some consternation among the -Mormon theologians, and some of them had the courage to oppose it. The -following is the "Revelator's" own exposition of this doctrine:-- - - "When the Virgin Mary conceived the child Jesus, the Father - had begotten him in his own likeness. He was not begotten by - the Holy Ghost. And who is the Father? _He is the first of the - human family_; and when he took a tabernacle, it was begotten - by his Father in heaven, after the same manner as the - tabernacle of Cain, Abel, and the rest of the sons and - daughters of Adam and Eve. . . . It is true that the earth was - organized by three distinct characters, namely: Elohim, - Yahovah, and Michael, [Adam;] these three forming a quorum, as - in all heavenly bodies, and in organized element perfectly - represented in the Deity, as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. - - "When our Father Adam came into the garden of Eden, he came - with a celestial body, and brought _Eve, one of his wives_, - with him. He helped to make and organize this world. He is - Michael, the Archangel, the Ancient of Days. _He is our Father - and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do._ . . . - Jesus, our elder brother, was begotten in the flesh by the - same character that was in the garden of Eden, and who is our - Father in heaven."[157:A] - -It is manifest that Young is not so much at home in theology as when -engaged in financial schemes and money speculations. So disgusting and -blasphemous are these ideas, and so unacceptable were they, even to -Mormons, who were not prepared to see the basis of their religion thus -rudely overthrown, that Brigham finally felt compelled to caution the -Elders not to preach the new doctrine concerning Deity, until the people -should be better prepared to receive them. - -Mahomet is the great exemplar and prototype whom Brigham Young aims to -imitate, and doubtless he took from the Koran his ideas about the deity -of Adam. Thus in chapter two of the Koran, we have the following:-- - - "And when we said unto the angels, 'worship Adam,' they all - worshipped him, except Eblis, [Lucifer,] who refused." - -From the following affidavit of John Stiles, father of Judge Stiles, -formerly one of the United States Judges in Utah, a man of much probity -of character, and well known in Salt Lake City as "Father Stiles," it -appears that the blasphemous pretensions of Brigham Young do not stop -with Adam, but that, among the brethren, he has encouraged a doctrine, -which he dare not put in print;--no less than _to arrogate to himself -the attributes of Deity_. - - "TERRITORY OF UTAH, } _ss._ - GREAT SALT LAKE CITY. } - - "In the spring of 1856," John Stiles says, "I resided in the - 11th Ward of Great Salt Lake City, in the Territory of Utah. I - was appointed by the quorum to which I then belonged, as a - Missionary High-Priest for the said Ward. My duty was to look - after the morals of the people of the Ward, and especially to - see that there was no false doctrine taught there. I - subsequently found that there were not only immoralities, but - also false doctrines among some of the people, as I supposed - at the time. Many people believed and taught the doctrine, - that Brigham Young was all the _God_ that we were amenable to. - I found by opposing that doctrine, that I gave offence to the - authorities of the Ward, and was consequently called to answer - for my opposition before the Bishop of the Ward, although he - had no jurisdiction over me. As a High-Priest I was amenable - to a higher authority, but not to him. - - "In a public assembly he wished me to state my views on the - question, whether _if Brigham Young was not God, who was?_ I - told him I would do so. I rose and stated that my idea of the - being of God was expressed in a passage of Scripture, and I - need only repeat the passage to explain the idea. The passage - was: 'To us there is but one God, _the Father_, of whom are - all things, and we in Him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom - are all things, and we by Him.' I subsequently, in - explanation, cited this passage of Scripture: 'This is life - eternal, that we might know thee, the only living and true - God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.' I then sat down, - and the Bishop rose and said: 'Brethren, we perceive that - Father Stiles runs round Brigham.' I replied, 'Yes; I do not - mention Brigham Young on the same day with God, as of the same - Godhead.' His (the Bishop's) First Counsellor, then moved that - Father Stiles be cut off from the church. This was seconded - by the Second Counsellor. This was proposed to the assembly as - a question by the Bishop, and I was cut off accordingly. I - subsequently discovered that by my opposition and explanation, - I gave offence to the authorities of the Mormon Church, and - was cut off from the church and dismissed from the place of - Missionary High-Priest of that Ward. I have never been - restored as Missionary High-Priest. - - (Signed,) JOHN STILES. - - "Sworn to and subscribed before me at Great Salt Lake City, - this April 26th, 1864. - - "JOHN TITUS, - - "_Ch. Justice of Utah_." - -Another doctrine of a startling character, promulgated by one of Young's -counsellors and endorsed by him, is that of _human sacrifice for the -remission of sins_. - -It was first announced by Jedediah M. Grant, Second Counsellor to the -President, in the following language:-- - - "Brethren and sisters, we want you to repent and forsake your - sins. And you who have committed sins that cannot be forgiven - through baptism, _let your blood be shed, and let the smoke - ascend_, that the incense thereof may come up before God as an - atonement for your sins, and that the sinners in Zion may be - afraid."[159:A] - -Again:-- - - "We have been trying long enough with this people, and I go in - for letting the sword of the Almighty be unsheathed, _not only - in word, but in deed_."[159:B] - -In accordance with such bloody teaching, it is said that an altar of -sacrifice was actually built by Grant, in the temple block, upon which -these human sacrifices were to be made. On the 21st of September, 1856, -Grant said:-- - - "I say there are men and women here that I would advise to go - to the President immediately, and ask him to appoint a - committee to attend to their case; and then let a place be - selected, and let that committee shed their blood."[159:C] - -This horrible proposal to immolate upon the altar of sacrifice the -erring saints, was fully endorsed by Brigham Young as follows:-- - - "There are sins that men commit for which they cannot receive - forgiveness in this world, or in that which is to come; and if - they had their eyes open to see their condition, _they would - be perfectly willing to have their blood spilt upon the - ground_, that the smoke thereof might ascend to Heaven as an - offering for their sins, and the smoking incense would atone - for their sins; whereas, if such is not the case, they will - stick to them, and remain upon them in the spirit-world. - - "I know, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting - people off from the earth, that you consider it is strong - doctrine. It is to save them, not to destroy them. I will say - further, I have had men come to me, and offer their lives to - atone for their sins. It is true that the blood of the Son of - God was shed for sins, through the fall, and those committed - by man, yet men can commit sins which it can never remit. As - it was in ancient days, so it is in our day; and though the - principles are taught publicly from this stand, still the - people do not understand them; yet the Law is precisely the - same. There are sins that can be atoned for by an offering - upon the altar, as in ancient days, and there are sins that - the blood of a lamb, of a calf, or of turtle-doves cannot - remit, _but they must be atoned for by the blood of the man_. - That is the reason why men talk to you as they do from this - stand. They understand the doctrine, and throw out a few words - about it."[160:A] - -But the greatest change of all in the Mormon religion, made by Brigham -Young, was the introduction and establishment of polygamy. - -This was no part of the Mormon system of religion as originally -established. On the contrary, it was expressly repudiated by all the -Mormon writers and speakers, previous to 1852, and in Europe for some -years afterward. - -The Mormon religion was founded by Joseph Smith and his coadjutors, and -the principles and doctrines of the religion were, in the first -instance, such as they established. The Book of Mormon is the historical -foundation, corresponding with the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. -Afterward, a volume of revelations to Smith and others was collected and -published, called the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. This corresponds -to the Christian's New Testament. It may be safely asserted, therefore, -that previous to the innovations of Young, the Mormon religion was -embodied in these two volumes. Their authority in the church is -universal and unquestioned. - -Let us examine these volumes, and see whether they teach or countenance -polygamy. - -The Book of Mormon nowhere contains a word in favor of it. On the -contrary all of its principal characters were monogamists. Such was -Lehi, the patriarch of Mormon history. Such also were Ishmael and -Nephi.[161:A] That the people of Zarahemla were monogamists, is evident -from what is said concerning them on page 146. - -But we are not left to inference as to the testimony of this volume -concerning this practice. On page 119 we have the following:-- - - "Behold the Lamanites, your brethren, whom ye hate because of - their filthiness and the cursings which hath come upon their - skins, are more righteous than you; for they have not - forgotten the commandment of the Lord, which was given unto - our fathers, that they should have, save it were one wife; and - concubines they should have none; and there should not be - whoredoms committed among them. And now, this commandment they - observe to keep; wherefore, because of this observance, in - keeping this commandment, the Lord God will not destroy them, - but will be merciful unto them; and one day they shall become - a blessed people."[161:B] - -Again:-- - - "And it came to pass that Riplakish did not do that which was - right in the sight of the Lord, for he did have many wives and - concubines, and did lay that upon men's shoulders which was - grievous to be borne; yea, he did tax them with heavy taxes; - and with the taxes he did build many spacious - buildings."[162:A] - -And again:-- - - "And he [Noah] did not walk in the ways of his father. - [Zeniff.] For behold, he did not keep the commandments of God, - but he did walk after the desires of his own heart. And he had - many wives and concubines. And he did cause his people to - commit sin, and to do that which was abominable in the sight - of the Lord. Yea, and they did commit whoredoms and all manner - of wickedness. And he laid a tax of one fifth part of all they - possessed." . . . "All this did he take to support himself, and - his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their - wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of - the kingdom."[162:B] - - "And it came to pass that he placed his heart upon his riches, - and he spent his time in riotous living, with his wives and - his concubines; and so did also his priests spend their time - with harlots."[162:C] - -As if to place this matter beyond any question, we have the following -still more explicit testimony, on pages 115 and 118:-- - - "And now it came to pass that the people of Nephi, under the - reign of the second king, began to grow hard in their hearts - and indulge themselves somewhat in wicked practices, such as - like unto David of old, desiring many wives and concubines, - and also Solomon his son." . . . - - "The word of God burdens me because of your grosser crimes. - For behold, thus saith the Lord, this people begin to wax in - iniquity; they understand not the Scriptures; for they seek to - excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the - things which were written concerning David, and Solomon his - son. Behold David and Solomon truly had many wives and - concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith the - Lord: wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people - forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, - that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the - fruit of the loins of Joseph. Wherefore, I the Lord God, will - not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. - Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of - the Lord; for there shall not any man among you have, save it - be one wife; and concubines he shall have none; for I, the - Lord God, delighteth in the chastity of women. And whoredoms - are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of - Hosts."[163:A] - -Here it is stated as coming from God himself, that the polygamy and -concubinage of David and Solomon were abominable before the Lord. And -yet we every day hear David and Solomon, as well as Abraham, Jacob, and -others, cited by those practising polygamy, as their illustrious -prototypes, whose example is worthy of all imitation. - -Orson Pratt, the ablest writer on Mormon theology, is compelled to admit -that the Book of Mormon is opposed to polygamy. He says:-- - - "Do you believe that the Book of Mormon is a divine - revelation? We do. Does that book teach the doctrine of - plurality of wives? It does not. Does the Lord in that book - forbid the plurality doctrine? He forbid the ancient Nephites - to have any more than one wife."[163:B] - -Elder Pratt then endeavors to blunt the force of this testimony in the -following manner:-- - - "Why were the ancient Nephites restricted to the one-wife - system? Because, first, the number of males and females among - them, at the time the command was given, was about equal. - Secondly, there was no probability that judgments, wars, or - any other calamities which were to befall their nation, would - produce a disproportionate number of males and females. - Thirdly, this small remnant of the tribe of Joseph, were, at - that time, about equally righteous; and one was about as - capable of raising up a family in righteousness as another. - And, lastly, the Lord himself informs them, in the same - connection with the quotation which I have just made, that if - He would have them practise differently from what He had - previously taught them, it must be by His command."[164:A] - -Thus, in the attempt to weaken the force of the evidence furnished by -the Book of Mormon against polygamy, Pratt acknowledges, in the most -explicit manner, the validity of the argument against it, founded upon -the equality in the numbers of each sex. Two of the four reasons why the -Nephites were to retain monogamy, relate to the equality in the numbers -of the sexes. But there is a substantial equality in the numbers of the -sexes, not only in the United States, but in Utah Territory. (See U. S. -Census.) - -Let us now turn to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and see if we can -find in that volume any authority for polygamy. The following passages -will determine the question:-- - - "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave - unto her, and none else; and he that looketh upon a woman to - lust after her, shall deny the faith, and shall not have the - spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out."[164:B] - -Again. In 1845, the year after Smith's death, an Appendix was -authoritatively added to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, containing -the following, which is extracted from the section entitled -"Marriage":-- - - "2. Marriage should be celebrated with prayer and - thanksgiving; and at the solemnization, the persons to be - married standing together," etc., "he [the person officiating] - shall say, calling each by their names, 'you both mutually - agree to be each other's companion, husband and wife, - observing the legal rights belonging to this condition; that - is, keeping yourselves wholly for each other, and from all - others, during your lives.' And when they have answered - 'yes,' he shall pronounce them 'husband and wife,' in the name - of the Lord Jesus Christ and by virtue of the laws of the - country, and authority vested in him. . . . - - "4. . . . Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached - with the crime of fornication and polygamy; we declare that we - believe that one man should have one wife; and one woman but - one husband, except in case of death, when either is at - liberty to marry again."[165:A] - -Can anything be more explicit than this? Polygamy is not only expressly -repudiated by the church, but is classed by the side of fornication as a -crime. - -Thus we find that polygamy is contrary to both books of the Mormon -Bible. That it is, in fact, strongly condemned in those volumes. - -It is, therefore, no part of the Mormon religion, as given to the world -by Joseph Smith. - -But polygamy is practised in Utah. Whence did it arise, and upon what -foundation does it rest? - -Like slavery, and all other great social evils, it had its origin, -doubtless, in an abuse of the passions of man. - -It was first publicly announced and recommended in Utah Territory on the -29th of August, 1852, by Orson Pratt and Brigham Young, at a -politico-religious meeting, held in Great Salt Lake City. - -On that occasion, President Young said:-- - - "You heard Brother Pratt state, this morning, that a - Revelation would be read this afternoon, which was given - previous to Joseph's death. It contains a doctrine a small - portion of the world is opposed to; but I can deliver a - prophecy upon it. Though that doctrine has not been preached - by the Elders, this people have believed in it for years. - - "The original copy of this Revelation was burnt up. William - Clayton was the man who wrote it from the mouth of the - Prophet. In the mean time it was in Bishop Whitney's - possession. He wished the privilege to copy it, which Brother - Joseph granted. Sister Emma (wife of Joseph Smith) burnt the - original. The reason I mention this is, because that the - people who did know of the Revelation, suppose it was not now - in existence. - - "The Revelation will be read to you. The principle spoken upon - by Brother Pratt this morning, we believe in. - - . . . "Many others are of the same mind. They are not ignorant - of what we are doing in our social capacity. They have cried - out proclaim it; but it would not do a few years ago; - everything must come in its time, as there is a time to all - things. I am now ready to proclaim it. - - "This Revelation has been in my possession many years; and who - has known it? None but those who should know it. I keep a - patent lock on my desk, and there does not anything leak out - that should not."[166:A] - -The Revelation, so called, which was read at the close of this sermon, -purports to have been given to Joseph Smith, July 12, 1843. It is very -lengthy, consisting of twenty-five sections or paragraphs. It is -published in full, in Burton's "City of the Saints," and in various -other publications. The following synopsis exhibits all that is -essential of this extraordinary Revelation. - - -THE REVELATION. - -SECTION 1. "Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph, -that inasmuch as you have inquired of my hand to know and understand -wherein I, the Lord, justified my servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as -also Moses, David, and Solomon, my servants, as touching the principle -and doctrine of their having many wives and concubines: Behold, and lo, -I am the Lord thy God, and will answer thee as touching this matter." -[The balance of this section is prefatory, declaring that a new law and -everlasting covenant is about to be revealed, and that he who abides not -that covenant shall be damned.] - -SEC. 2. All covenants, contracts, vows, etc., not made and sealed by -the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed (Joseph Smith) both -as well for time and for all eternity, are of no efficacy or force after -the resurrection. - -SEC. 3 represents the necessity of having everything sanctioned by the -Almighty. - -SECS. 4 and 5. Persons married for life only, or for time and eternity, -but not by the proper authority, not bound to each other after this -life. - -SEC. 6 provides that if a man marry a wife by the law of God, and by the -new and everlasting covenant, and if they abide in the covenant, and do -not shed innocent blood, then the covenant shall be binding throughout -time and eternity, "and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods -which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things." - -SEC. 7 declares that such shall be gods in the eternal world. - -SEC. 8 states that none can receive such exaltation except those who -receive and abide the law of God. - -SEC. 9. "Verily, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according -to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise according -to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression -of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of -blasphemies, and if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent -blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter -into their exaltation, but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and -shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of -redemption, saith the Lord God." - -SEC. 10 explains that shedding innocent blood, and assenting unto the -death of Christ, is the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall -not be forgiven in the world nor out of the world. - -SECS. 11 and 12 refer to Abraham as the father of the faithful, and him -to whom the promises were made. "This promise is yours also, because ye -are of Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham." "Go ye, -therefore, and do the works of Abraham; and enter ye into my law, and -ye shall be saved." - -SEC. 13 intimates that Sarah acted in accordance with the command of God -in giving Hagar to Abraham. - -SEC. 14 refers to the concubines which Abraham received, and says, "they -bare him children, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness." The -latter part of the section is as follows: "David also received many -wives and concubines, as also Solomon, and Moses my servant; and also -many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this -time; and in nothing did they sin save in those things which they -received not of me." - -SEC. 15. "David's wives and concubines were given unto him, of me, by -the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the -keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me, -save in the case of Uriah and his wife; and therefore he hath fallen -from his exaltation, and received his portion; and he shall not inherit -them out of the world; for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord." - -SEC. 16 prescribes certain regulations concerning those who commit -adultery, and provides that in case the husband commits adultery, and -the wife is innocent, and the fact is revealed by God to Joseph, the -wife shall be given by Smith to one who has not committed adultery, "but -hath been faithful, for he shall be made ruler over many." - -SEC. 17. "And verily, verily I say unto you, that whatsoever you seal on -earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever you bind on earth in my -name and by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the -heavens; and whosesoever sins you remit on earth shall be remitted -eternally in the heavens; and whosesoever sins ye retain on earth shall -be retained in heaven." - -SEC. 18. "And again, verily I say, whomsoever you bless I will bless, -and whomsoever you curse I will curse, saith the Lord; for I, the Lord, -am thy God." - -SEC. 19. "And again, verily I say unto you, my servant Joseph, that -whatsoever you give on earth, and to whomsoever you give any one on -earth, by my word, and according to my law, it shall be visited with -blessings, and not cursings, and with my power, saith the Lord, and -shall be without condemnation, on earth and in heaven." Then follows a -declaration to the effect that Smith has found favor with God, and that -he will forgive his sins, etc. - -SEC. 20 commands Emma Smith "that she stay herself, and partake not of -that which I commanded you to offer unto her; for I did it, saith the -Lord, to prove you all," etc., and continues as follows: "And let mine -handmaid, Emma Smith, receive all those that have been given unto my -servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those who -are not pure, and have said they are pure, shall be destroyed, saith the -Lord God; for I am the Lord thy God," etc. - -SEC. 21 commands Emma Smith, wife of Joseph, to abide and cleave unto -Joseph and none else, under penalty of destruction. She is also exhorted -to forgive Joseph his trespasses. - -SEC. 22 forbids Joseph putting his property out of his hands. - -SEC. 23 touches upon the law of the priesthood, and says of any one who -is called of God, as was Aaron, "if he do anything in my name, and -according to my law, and by my word, he will not commit sin, and I will -justify him." Joseph is to be justified, etc. - -The last two sections are as follows:-- - -SEC. 24. "And again, as pertaining to the law of the priesthood: if any -man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse another, and the first gives -her consent; and if he espouse the second, and they are virgins, and -have vowed to no other man, then he is justified; he cannot commit -adultery, for they are given unto him; for he cannot commit adultery -with that that belongeth unto them, and to none else; and if he have -ten virgins given unto him by this law, he cannot commit adultery, for -they belong to him, and they are given unto him; therefore is he -justified. But if one, or either of the ten virgins, after she is -espoused, shall be with another man, she has committed adultery, and -shall be destroyed; for they are given unto him to multiply and -replenish the earth, according to my commandment, and to fulfil the -promise which was given by my Father before the foundation of the world, -and for their exaltation in the eternal worlds, that they may bear the -souls of men; for herein is the work of my Father continued, that he may -be glorified." - -SEC. 25. "And again, verily, verily I say unto you, if any man have a -wife who holds the keys of this power, and he teaches unto her the law -of my priesthood as pertaining to these things, then shall she believe, -and administer unto him, or she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord your -God; for I will destroy her; for I will magnify my name upon all those -who receive and abide in my law. Therefore it shall be lawful in me, if -she receive not this law, for him to receive all things whatsoever I, -the Lord his God, will give unto him, because she did not believe and -administer unto him, according to my word; and she then becomes the -transgressor, and he is exempt from the law of Sarah, who administered -unto Abraham according to the law, when I commanded Abraham to take -Hagar to wife. And now, as pertaining to this law: Verily, verily I say -unto you, I will reveal more unto you hereafter; therefore let this -suffice, for the present. Behold, I am Alpha and Omega. Amen." - - * * * * * - -Such is the foundation upon which is built the superstructure of Utah -polygamy. And the system itself, what is it in its theory and practical -application? The mode of its institution has been shown. Its -ceremonials, and many facts illustrative of its tendency and effects, -will be given; and it is for our readers to determine how much it is -better than promiscuous intercourse, and to discover, if they can, its -redeeming features, as distinguished from such a state of society. - -No man who has a wife already, has any right to make propositions of -marriage to a lady, until he has consulted the President of the whole -church, and through him obtained a revelation from God upon the subject. -If the revelation be favorable, he must next obtain the approbation of -the parents, and _thirdly_, he is to consult the lady herself. - -It is also necessary that the first wife be consulted. If she refuses -her consent, however, the lover husband may take an appeal to the -President; and unless the wife can give to the President satisfactory -reasons why her consent is withheld, the husband may proceed to -introduce another wife into the family, against her will. The plan is, -either to divorce the first wife, and damn her eternally, or to torment -her daily, until, with a broken heart and a crushed spirit, she goes to -the altar, and there gives another to her husband. Thus the semblance of -her approbation is obtained. - -The exquisite cruelty of this abominable practice will appear most -vividly from the marriage ceremony. - - "When the day set apart for the solemnization of the marriage - ceremony has arrived, the _bridegroom_ and the _wife_, and - also the _bride_, together with their relations, and such - other guests as may be invited, assemble at the place which - they have appointed. The scribe then proceeds to take the - names, ages, native towns, counties, States, and countries of - the parties to be married, which he carefully enters on - record. The President, who is the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator - over the whole church, throughout the whole world, and who - alone holds the keys of authority in this solemn ordinance, - calls upon the _bridegroom_ and his _wife_, and the _bride_, - to arise, which they do, fronting the President. The wife - stands on the left hand of her husband, while the bride stands - on her left. The President then puts this question to the - wife: 'Are you willing to give this woman to your husband, to - be his lawful and wedded wife, for time and all eternity? If - you are, you will manifest it by placing her right hand within - the right hand of your husband.' The right hands of the - bridegroom and the bride being thus joined, the wife takes - her husband by the left arm, as if in the attitude of walking. - The President then proceeds to ask the following questions of - the man: 'Do you, brother, (calling him by name) take sister - (calling the bride by name) by the right hand, to receive her - unto yourself, to be your lawful and wedded wife, and you to - be her lawful and wedded husband, for time and for all - eternity, with a covenant and promise on your part, that you - fulfil all the laws, rites, and ordinances pertaining to this - holy matrimony, in the new and everlasting covenant,--doing - this in the presence of God, angels, and these witnesses, of - your own free will and choice?' The bridegroom answers, 'Yes.' - The President then puts the question to the bride: 'Do you, - sister, (calling her by name) take brother (calling him by - name) by the right hand, and give yourself to him to be his - lawful and wedded wife, for time and for all eternity, with a - covenant and promise, on your part, that you will fulfil all - the laws, rites, and ordinances pertaining to this holy - matrimony, in the new and everlasting covenant,--doing this in - the presence of God, angels, and these witnesses, of your own - free will and choice?' The bride answers, 'Yes.' The President - then says: 'In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the - authority of the Holy Priesthood, I pronounce you legally and - lawfully husband and wife, for time and all eternity; and I - seal upon you the blessings of the holy resurrection, with - power to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, - clothed with glory, immortality, and eternal lives; and I seal - upon you the blessings of thrones, and dominions, and - principalities, and powers, and exaltations; together with the - blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and say unto you, be - fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, that you may - have joy and rejoicing in your posterity, in the day of the - Lord Jesus. All these blessings, together with all other - blessings, pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, I - seal upon your heads, and enjoin your faithfulness unto the - end, by the authority of the Holy Priesthood, in the name of - the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.'" - -The scribe then enters the _marriage_ on the records, and the parties -retire. The wedding is then celebrated with a feast at the husband's -house, and a "Mormon dance." The new wife is assigned a room,--if indeed -the happy husband's domicil contains two rooms,--and her experience in -"plurality" begins. - -In well-regulated Mormon families, the first wife stands at the head of -domestic concerns. She carries the keys of the storehouse, makes the -purchases for the family, and deals them out to the plural wives, in -much the same manner as other housekeepers do to their cooks. The -husband's will is law, and from it there is no appeal, except in extreme -cases, when the Bishop may be consulted. - -If a husband has lost his wife by death, before he had the opportunity -of attending to this holy ordinance, and securing her as his lawful wife -for eternity, then it is the duty of the second wife, first, to be -sealed or married to the husband, for and in the name of the deceased -wife, for all eternity; and, secondly, to be married for time and -eternity herself, to the same man. Thus, by this holy ordinance, both -the dead and the living wife will be his in the eternal worlds. But if, -previous to marriage for eternity, a woman lose her husband by death, -and marry a second, and if her first husband was a good man, then it is -the duty of the second husband to be married to her for eternity, not -for himself, but in the name of her deceased husband, while he himself -can only be married to her for time; and he is obliged to enter into a -covenant to deliver her up, and all her children, to her deceased -husband, in the morning of the first resurrection. - -Thus, by these refinements, a religious veil, captivating to the fancy, -is thrown over the institution to hide its deformity. The same -distinctions are carried through all the various relations of life; -hence in case a widow is married to a widower, three ceremonies are -necessary, in order fully to establish the eternal relations of all the -parties. - -Incest is the practical result of some of the branches of this -new-fangled system of sealing and marriage. It has already been shown, -by the report of the Committee on Territories in the United States -Senate, and the Message of Gov. Harding, that a mother and her daughters -(by a former husband) all live together, as wives of the same -husband.[173:A] - -A still more revolting relation is sometimes maintained. It is called -"heirship," and is plainly enough sanctioned by Young, as follows:-- - - "The text is, the right of heirship. I will, however, make an - addition to the scripture, before I proceed further with my - remarks, and say, 'the right of heirship in the Priesthood.'" - -After asserting that the right of heirship belongs to the first-born -son, he says:-- - - "There are sisters in the church that have been bereaved of - their husbands, who died full of faith in the Holy Gospel, and - full of hope for a glorious resurrection to eternal life. One - of them is visited by a High Priest, of whom she seeks - information touching her situation, and that of her husband. - At the same time the woman has a son, twenty-five years of - age, who is an Elder in one of the Quorums of the Seventies, - and faithful in all the duties connected with his calling. She - has also other sons and daughters. She asks this High-Priest - what she shall do for her husband, and he very religiously - says to her, 'You must be sealed to me, and I will bring up - your husband, stand as proxy for him, receive his endowments, - and all the sealing, keys, and blessings, and Eternal - Priesthood for him, and be the father of your children.' Hear - it, ye mothers! The mother that does that, barters away the - sacred right of her son. Does she know it? No. But you that - will hear, and be made to understand the true principles that - govern this matter, go from this place, and do hereafter as - has been done in by-gone days; instead of the children being - robbed of their just rights, the woman shall lose her - children, and they shall yet stand in their place, and be put - in possession of their rights. Let mothers honor their - children. If a woman has a son, let her honor that - son."[174:A] - -But we will not pursue these disgusting details further. - -Capt. Robert Burton, the famous English traveller, thus epitomizes the -Mormon faith:-- - - "In the Tessarakai Decalogue above quoted, we find syncretized - the Shemitic Monotheism, the Persian Dualism, and the Triads - and Trinities of the Egyptians and the Hindoos. The Hebrews - also have a personal Theos; the Buddhists, avataras and - incarnations; the Brahmins, self-apotheosis of man by prayer - and penance; and the East generally holds to quietism,--a - belief that repose is the only happiness, and to a vast - complication of states, in the world to be. - - "The Mormons are like the Pythagoreans, in their procreation, - transmigration, and exaltation of souls; like the followers of - Leucippus and Democritus in their atomic materialism; like the - Epicureans in their pure atomic theories, their _summum - bonum_, and their sensuous speculations; and like the - Platonists and Gnostics in their belief of the Ćon, of ideas, - and of moving principles in element. They are Fetichists in - their ghostly fancies, their _evestra_, which became souls and - spirits. They are Jews in their theocracy, their ideas of - angels, their hatred of gentiles, and their utter segregation - from the great brotherhood of mankind. They are Christians, - inasmuch as they base their faith upon the Bible, and hold to - the divinity of Christ, the fall of man, the atonement, and - the regeneration. They are Arians, inasmuch as they hold - Christ to be 'the first of God's creatures,' a 'perfect - creature, but still a creature.' - - "They are Moslems in their views of the inferior status of - womankind, in their polygamy, and in their resurrection of the - material body. Like the followers of the Arabian Prophet, they - hardly fear death, because they have elaborated - 'continuation.' They take no leap in the dark; they spring - from this sublunary stage into a known, not into an unknown - world; hence also their worship is eminently secular, their - sermons are political or commercial, and--religion being with - them not a thing apart, but a portion and parcel of every-day - life--the intervention of the Lord in their material affairs - becomes natural, and only to be expected. - - "Their visions, prophecies, and miracles are those of the - Illuminati; their mysticism that of the Druses, and their - belief in the Millennium is a completion of the dreams of the - Apocalyptic sects. Masonry has evidently entered into their - scheme; the Demiurgus whom they worship is 'as good at - mechanical inventions as at any other business.' - - "With their later theories, Methodism, - Swedenborgianism,--especially in its view of the future - state,--and Transcendentalism are curiously intermingled. And, - finally, we can easily discern, in their doctrine of affinity - of minds and sympathy of souls, the leaven of that faith - which, beginning with the Mesmer, and progressing through the - Rochester Rappers, and the Poughkeepsie Seer, threatens to - extend wherever the susceptible nervous temperament becomes - the characteristic of the race."[176:A] - -According to this learned author, Mormonism is a conglomeration of all -the _isms_ from Adam to the present time. - -The predominant characteristics of Mormonism are, the concentration of -power in one individual,--the entire unity of church and state,--and the -united efforts of the people and their leaders to establish and maintain -a kingdom, spiritual and temporal, which shall spread over the whole -earth, and result in the complete subjugation and subordination of all -other kingdoms, principalities, and powers. - -The establishment of polygamy among such a people, was no difficult -matter. It was but an easy step from materialism to sensualism. Here the -passions and lusts harmonize with the love of power and dominion. - -The following toasts were given at a celebration on the 24th of -July,[176:B] 1856. Therein the Mormons speak for themselves. - - "_Mormonism._ A plurality of worlds, a plurality of gods, and - a plurality of wives, with all truth in all eternity." - - "_President Brigham Young._ With the keys of heaven and earth - to open and shut, and all Israel to sanction." - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[157:A] _Jour. of Dis._ Vol. I. p. 50. - -[159:A] _Deseret News_, October 1, 1856. - -[159:B] _Ibid._ - -[159:C] _Ibid._ Vol. VI. p. 235. - -[160:A] Sermon by Brigham Young, published in the _Deseret News_, -October 1st, 1856. - -[161:A] _Book of Mormon_, pp. 3, 12, 33, 43. - -[161:B] _Ibid._ p. 119. - -[162:A] _Book of Mormon_, p. 535. 5th sec. of 4th chap. of Book of -Ether. - -[162:B] _Book of Mormon_, p. 167. - -[162:C] _Ibid._ p. 168. - -[163:A] _Book of Mormon_, pp. 115, 118. 1st and 2d chapters of the -Book of Jacob. - -[163:B] Article on Celestial Marriage, in _The Seer_, Vol. I. p. 30. - -[164:A] _The Seer_, Vol. I. p. 30. - -[164:B] _Doctrine and Covenants_, p. 125. - -[165:A] _Book of Doctrine and Covenants_, pp. 330, 331. - -[166:A] Sermon of Brigham Young, published in the _Deseret News_, -Extra, of September 14, 1852. - -[173:A] The marriage of brothers and sisters was at one time openly -encouraged by President Brigham Young. George D. Watt, reporter for -the _Deseret News_, married his half-sister, and lived with her as a -wife, for about twelve years. She passed as the wife of Young, for -several years, owing to the presence of gentiles and the prejudices of -the saints. She has since been convinced of her error, and joined the -"new organization," and with her three children returned to the -States. - -[174:A] April 8, 1858, _Deseret News_, Vol. III. No. 12. - -[176:A] _City of the Saints_, pp. 397, 398. - -[176:B] The 24th of July, 1847, was the day when the first Mormons -arrived in Salt Lake Valley. The 24th of July is therefore celebrated -by them as the 4th is by gentiles. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -BRIGHAM AS LORD OF THE HAREM. - - Brigham's Block.--The Lion House.--The Tithing-House.--The - Bee-hive House, Office, etc.--Description of the Harem.--Plan, - Rooms, etc., of each Floor, and who occupies the same.--Life - at the Harem.--Brigham at Home. - - -[Illustration: The Prophet's Block.] - -Brigham's Block consists of about twenty acres, situated in the northern -part of the city, and on the "first bench." These "benches" are level -plateaus, or ridges running along at the base, and parallel with the -mountain sides, and rising one above another, in regular succession. -They are supposed to have been formed by the action of water, which -doubtless at one time, covered the whole country, half way to the -mountain tops. These benches overlook the city, which is mostly built on -the flats, or bottom lands of the Jordan River. From Brigham's Bench the -view is particularly beautiful, including the lake spread out in all its -grandeur to the westward, with mountains rising in and beyond it, and -mountains bounding the horizon in every other direction. - -The grounds are surrounded by a wall from eight to ten feet in height, -built of pebble-stones, cemented with mortar, and strengthened and -supported by semicircular buttresses, at equal distances. The main -entrance faces south, and the gateway is surmounted by a huge eagle -carved in stone, which sits in a very uncomfortable position, and looks -as though desirous of soaring to his native hills, or of making a -descent upon some of the denizens of earth. His business is to watch and -see who enters this sacred precinct, and to see that every third load of -wood brought from City Creek (or Brigham's) Canyon, which leads into -this enclosure from the north, is deposited at the Prophet's door. The -only entrance into this canyon is _through_ this gate, and the canyon -itself contains the only wood within fifteen miles of the city. The gold -also, which it is well understood lies embedded in City Creek Canyon, is -thus pretty well guarded. - -The grounds are regularly laid out by William C. Staines, one of -Brigham's adopted sons. The Prophet himself is very fond of fruit, and -has carried its culture to a considerable degree of perfection. Large -numbers of apple, pear, peach, and apricot trees, have been set out, and -are producing every year. Grape culture also has not been neglected. It -is a custom here to present the President with a specimen of every new -variety of fruit and vegetable raised, and he receives very graciously -anything presented, from a barrel of brandy to an umbrella, and is sure -to think more of the donor, ever afterward. - -Everything bears the mark of utility, and nothing is expended for show, -or merely to gratify taste. No expensive flower-garden or green-house is -to be seen, and this is perfectly characteristic of the Prophet, who is -thoroughly utilitarian in all his views and tendencies. - -On the southwest corner, and fronting the temple block, stands the -tithing-store and office, and the Deseret printing-office. A description -of the tithing-office and store, with its concomitant system, is given -elsewhere. Back of the tithing-office, is a cattle-yard and barn, and -numerous other buildings connected with tithing operations. Also a long -row of buildings for various mechanical purposes: a carpenter's shop, -shoe-shop, etc., with a blacksmith's shop in the rear. A number of small -tenements are scattered over the premises, in which some of the -employees reside. - -The next large building, east of the Deseret store and printing-office, -is the "Lion House," or Harem. - -Further to the east, and connected with the Harem by a covered -passage-way, is Brigham's general business office. This is a large -room, with three desks on either side; those to the left on entering, -being appropriated to the clerks of "Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for -the Church," and those to the right, used by the clerks of "B. Young & -Co." At the end opposite the door is a large platform railed off, and a -gallery runs round the upper wall. The bookcases are of the yellow box -elder-wood, highly polished. A business-like air pervades the room, and -all is neat and clean. - -Still further east and connected by another passage-way, is the private -office of the "President." This is a plain, neat room, about twenty-five -feet square. A large writing-desk and money-safe, tables, sofas, and -chairs, and a "store" carpet, make up the furniture of the room. Back -of, and adjoining this, is the _sanctum sanctorum_; the Prophet's own -private bedroom. Few, even of the family, are permitted to enter this -room without special invitation. Here is the "veil," behind which the -Prophet receives his "revelations." Here he consults on his most private -and important matters. He usually occupies this room alone, and when he -desires the company of one of his wives, sends a message to that effect. -When he is sick, he designates one of them to attend upon him. - -The next building to the eastward is the Bee-Hive House, so named from -models of bee-hives, on the top and in front of it. The honey-bee is the -Mormon symbol, as according to "Reformed Egyptian," _Deseret_ means "the -honey-bee." As yet, however, the term applies only by faith, to Utah, as -that industrious insect is almost an utter stranger to her borders. - -The Bee-Hive House is a large, handsome adobe building, excellently -plastered on the outside, and dazzlingly white. It is a two-storied -tenement, and balconied from ground to roof. On the top is an -observatory, surmounted by a bee-hive. Its cost was about $65,000, and -it is the best edifice in the Territory. - -Eastward still, and farther back from the road, stands the school-house, -a white building, with green blinds, and a cupola. Here the children of -the Prophet, about fifty in number, are educated. Though not an educated -man himself, nor a patron of learning, among the people he employs good -teachers, and takes considerable pains in the education of his children. - -Farther to the right, upon an eminence, stands the "White House," -occupied by Mrs. Young, the first wife, and her children. This is a very -lonesome-looking old house, just such a one as you might fancy to be -haunted. It was the first one built by Young, and glass being then very -expensive, the windows are few and small. - -These, with other smaller buildings, make up the improvements on the -Prophet's Block, and constitute a small town of themselves. - - -THE HAREM. - -The "Lion House" is a three-storied building. First, a basement, built -of stone; then the main building, of wood, with peaked gable, and -narrow-pointed Gothic windows, and steep roof. This house cost over -$30,000, and would have cost more, but for the economy of the owner. It -was completed, ready for the shingles, and the shingles were waiting. At -a meeting in the Tabernacle on Sunday, he announced that he had a -mission for all the carpenters, and asked if they would accept it. They -raised their hands, and were then coolly told to "shingle the Lion House -in the name of the Lord, and by the authority of the Holy Priesthood." A -large lion, carved in stone, is placed upon a pillared portico, in front -of this edifice, "resting, but watchful." - -[Illustration: Plans of the Lion House. - - - BASEMENT STORY. - - East. - - +----+--+------+------+----+--------+--+----+-+---------------+ - |No. | | |Pantry|No. |Weaving |--|No. | | General | - |19 | | |No. 18|17 | Room |--|15 | | Cellar | - | | | | | |No. 16 |28| | | No. 14 | - +----+--+------+------+----+--------+--+----+-+---------------+ - | Main Hall. No. 25. | - N. | +---------+ +-----------+ | S. - | 27 ||||||||||| Basement. ||||||||||||| 26 | - +------+---------+-------+----+-+-----+---+-+-----------------+ - | | No. | No. | No. | Dining | - | School Room | 21 | 22 | 23 | Room | - | No. 20 | | | | No. 24 | - +------------------------+------+-----+-----+-----------------+ - - West. - - No. 14. General Cellar. - No. 15. Ash House. - No. 16. Weaving Room. - No. 17. Coachman's Room. - No. 18. Pantry. - No. 19. Back Hall. - No. 20. School Room. - No. 21. Wash Room. - No. 22. Kitchen. - No. 23. Dish Room. - No. 24. Dining Room. - No. 25. Main Hall. - No. 26. Stairs. - No. 27. Stairs. - No. 28. Hall. - - - PRINCIPAL STORY. - - East. - - +--+----+----+----+-+----+---------+-+----+-------+ - | | A |No. |No. | |No. | No. 6 | |No. | 5 | Steps. - | +----+10 | 9 |C| 7 | +----+E+----+ | -- - | | B | | | | | | D | | | | ---- - +--+----+----+----+-+----+----+----+-+----+-------+---------+ - | Main Hall. |Portico. | - N. | 11. +---------+ No. 13. +-----------+ 12. | | S. - +------+-----+------+----+----+----+------+-------+---------+ - | | F |No. | | | - | No. 4 +---+--+ 3 | No. 2 | No. 1 | - | | G | | | | - +------------+---+-------+---------+--------------+ - - West. - - No. 1. Parlor. - No. 2. Emeline's Room. - No. 3. Mrs. Cobb. - No. 4. Clara Chase. - No. 5. Lucy Decker's Rooms. - No. 6. Clara Decker. - No. 7. Lucy Bigelow. - No. 8. Doesn't appear on the plan. - No. 9. Emily Partridge. - No. 10. Aunt Fanny's Room. - No. 11. Stairs. - No. 12. Stairs. - No. 13. Main Hall. - A. Aunt Fanny's Bed Room. - B. Emily's Servant's Room. - C. Hall. - D. Clara Decker's Children. - E. Hall. - F. Emmeline's Children. - G. Clara Chase. - - - UPPER STORY. - - East. - - +----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ - |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. | - |38 |37 |36 |35 |34 |33 |32 |31 |30 |29 | - +----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+---------+ - | Main Hall. | Upper | Lion. - N. | +---------+ No. 49. +-----------+ |Portico.| S. - +----+-+--+----+-+--+----+----+----+----+-+--+----+---------+ - |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. |No. | - |48 |47 |46 |45 |44 |43 |42 |41 |40 |39 | - +----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+ - - West. - - No. 29. Twiss. - No. 30. Unassigned. - No. 31. Hall leading to Portico. - No. 32. Mrs. Hampton. - No. 33. Harriet Cook. - No. 34. Mrs. Weston. - No. 35. Eliza Snow. - No. 36. Spare Room. - No. 37. Margaret Pierce. - No. 38. Hired Help. - No. 39. Harriet Barney. - No. 40. Eliza Burgess. - No. 41. Harriet Seeley. - No. 42. Charlotte Cobb. - No. 43. Zina D. Huntington. - No. 44. Martha Bowker. - No. 45. Spare Room. - No. 46. Unassigned. - No. 47. Ellen Rockwood. - No. 48. Susan Snively. - No. 49. Main Hall.] - -The following is the inside plan of the Lion House:-- - -_Principal Story._--No. 1. Parlor. You enter the parlor from the left, -and find a long, narrow room, with a large window in front, and four on -the side, all heavily curtained. A beautiful Brussels carpet--design, a -large bouquet of flowers, a rose, surrounded with other flowers and -leaves, with a light ground--covers the floor. Two centre-tables, of -solid mahogany, are placed at equal distances from the ends of the -room. An elegant rose-wood piano sits at the lower end of the room. -Between the windows hangs a large mirror, under which is a melodeon. A -large sofa, upholstered with dark crimson velvet, occupies the opposite -side, and near this is a bureau, with silver candlesticks and other -ornaments. The chairs are painted to represent mahogany, and gilded. The -room is painted and gilded in the same manner. A large stove in the -corner, near the door, completes the furniture of the drawing-room of -the Harem. - -The family meet in this room, every morning and evening, at the ringing -of the bell, to attend family prayers. The favorite wives, Emeline, -Lucy, and Clara Decker, receive their company in the parlor, while the -less favored ones entertain theirs in their rooms. - -There are said to be underground passages from Brigham's houses to -Kimball's on the north, and Wells's on the south. Also apartments under -the Lion House, where he secretes his wealth and punishes his refractory -wives. I cannot vouch for the truth of this assertion, but give it as a -rumor. I am credibly informed, however, that all the carpenters and -masons who worked on the lower story of this building have disappeared. - -The three favorite wives before named, receive and entertain the friends -of the Prophet, who visit at the Lion House. He very seldom introduces -here any outside the church. Gentile visitors are usually entertained at -the Bee-Hive. - -No. 2 is Emeline's room, just back of the drawing-room. She formerly -occupied No. 4, but was removed to No. 2, because Brigham, in going to -her room, was obliged to pass several other rooms, thus creating remark -and jealousy among the other women. He therefore had a hall, No. 8, -prepared, leading from his office to No. 2, to which room he removed his -favorite wife. Here he formerly spent much of his time. She dressed his -artificial curls, petted and caressed him, and worshipped him -alternately as her God. The furniture in Emeline's room consists of a -three-ply carpet, mostly red, a high post bedstead, with white and red -curtains, sofa, table, chairs painted to resemble oak, a large square -mirror, oil-shades, wardrobe, and fireplace. - -No. 3. Mrs. Cobb formerly occupied this room, but now resides in a neat -cottage outside the walls. A three-ply carpet, red and yellow, common -bedstead, standing in a recess, fall-leaf table, chairs painted oak, -oil-shades with white curtains, a small mirror, also a small closet and -a fireplace, constitute the furniture of this room. This was the home of -a woman who had lived in a comfortable and commodious house in Boston, -as its mistress and head, with a large and interesting family around -her. All this she left for the ridiculous delusion called Mormonism. To -what extremes will not religious fanaticism and mistaken zeal lead its -devotees! - -No. 4 is a large, pleasant room, with bedroom attached. This was -occupied by Clara Chase and her children, before her death. She was once -a favorite with Brigham, which will account for her superior -accommodations. This room is furnished as follows: a carpet similar to -Emeline's, common bedstead placed in a recess, common table, nice large -gilt mirror, red and white curtains, wardrobe, and fireplace. - -No. 5. This room, opposite the parlor, belongs to Lucy Decker, the first -wife in plurality, and is rather plainly furnished. Rag-carpet, common -bedstead, stand, mirror, oak chairs, wardrobe, small cupboard and a -fireplace, curtains of the prevailing colors red and white. A -sitting-room and two bedrooms are allowed Mrs. Lucy Decker, as she has a -number of children. - -No. 6. In Clara Decker's room stands a beautifully carved bedstead, -arched overhead with heavy damask curtains, chairs like parlor, stand, -settee, Venetian blinds, and oil-shades. Brigham's portrait in oil, half -size, hangs on the wall, also a large mirror. A rag-carpet covers the -floor. A bedroom and recess are attached to this room, and from its -superior furniture it is easy to infer that its occupant is a woman fond -of show, as well as a favorite with the Prophet. - -No. 7. Lucy Bigelow's room contains a common bedstead, three chairs, a -stand, wardrobe, carpet, mirror, and white curtains. - -No. 8. Hall leading to Emeline's room. - -No. 9. Emily Partridge, one of the "proxies," occupies this room. A -common carpet, calico curtains, a fall-leaf table, bedstead, and the -usual quota of chairs, make up the furniture of this woman's home. - -Formerly a tin pail and tin wash-dish constituted the toilet set of most -of the wives, but since the Prophet has had so many fat government -contracts, and his purse has become plethoric with public money, and -from the continued inflow of tithing, he has indulged his "women folks" -with crockery ware. As Uncle Sam is rich, and a good easy-going soul, -why should he not furnish "Harems" for his "loyal and law-abiding -citizens?" - -No. 10 is Aunt Fanny Murray's room. Her furniture consists of a red and -yellow carpet, home-made bedsteads, oak chairs, a fall-leaf table, and -oil-shades. A sitting-room and a small bedroom belong to Aunt Fanny. But -you ask, Who is Aunt Fanny? She was in her young days, Fanny Young, and -had a great awkward brother, called Brigham. She married a Mr. Murray, -to whom she was devotedly attached. She was a gentle, kind creature; and -when her husband died, she became dependent on her brother. She had long -been a believer in Mormonism, and was with the Mormons at Nauvoo. After -the death of her husband, she was, by the earnest persuasion of her -brother Brigham, induced to be sealed to another. She protested at the -time, and said it would break her heart. And in relating the story to a -young friend, years afterward,--"Bessie," said she, "my poor, poor heart -is breaking now;" and laying her hand on her heart, she wept aloud. Aunt -Fanny has gone to her rest. She has suffered want and privation, mental -anguish and bodily pain, for her religion. Who shall say that her dear -heavenly Father, whom she so blindly worshipped, will not reward her -with a crown of glory in His kingdom above, when she shall rejoin the -partner of her youth, free from the shackles of tyranny and -superstition? - -Nos. 11 and 12 are staircases. - -No. 13. Main Hall, extending the whole length of the building; it is -lighted from a large window at the further end. - -This completes the principal story of the Lion House. - -_The Basement Story._--No. 14. General cellar, where all kinds of -vegetables and provisions are stored. - -No. 15. Ash-house. - -No. 16. Weaving-room. The wives spin, color, and prepare the yarn, and a -man is kept employed in weaving. A large quantity of cloth is made at -the Harem every year. Brigham's motto is, "No drones in the hive." - -No. 17 is the coachman's room. - -No. 18. Pantry. Milk, pies, cake, bread, and cooked provisions, are kept -in this place. - -No. 19. Back Hall. - -No. 20 was formerly occupied as a school-room and dancing academy for -the Youngs. - -No. 21. Wash-room. - -No. 22. Kitchen. - -No. 23. Dish-room. - -No. 24. The Dining-room is about fifteen by forty feet. Two tables -extend its whole length, allowing only a passage-way at each end. A -third table extends two thirds of the length of the room. Also a -side-table, and chairs of different sizes, to accommodate the various -ages of the family group. - -Each wife has her seat at the table, and her children sit with her. The -wives who have children are seated at the heads of the tables in the -order in which they came into the family,--they taking the preference -over those who have no children. This is the case in every -well-regulated Mormon family. Among Mormons, the title of mother -includes that of queen, and is consequently the highest distinction a -woman can attain. If a woman has no children, she is miserable, and her -position in society a very unpleasant one. She can only redeem herself -by urging her husband to take more wives. Many women do this, and -afterward labor incessantly for the new mistresses and their children. - -Lucy Decker, the first "plurality" woman, presides at one of the long -tables. At the head of the short table, Brigham always presides, when he -takes his meals at the Harem. On his right sits Clara Decker, with her -children, and on the left, Emeline, with hers. This order is strictly -observed. This preference causes much unhappiness on the part of other -wives less favored. - -No. 25. Main Hall. - -Nos. 26 and 27 are staircases. - -No. 28. Small side Hall. - -_Third Story._--This floor is divided in the centre by a wide hall, and -ranged on either side are ten small rooms, of nearly uniform size, with -one door and window each. These rooms are about twelve by fifteen feet, -and are occupied principally by those of "the women" who have no -children. The windows are of the Gothic style. - -No. 29 is occupied by "Twiss," and has a carpet, common bedstead, three -oak chairs, a little toilet-stand, small mirror, and plain white -curtains. - -All these rooms are similarly furnished. All are neat and clean. Harriet -Cook, Ellen Rockwood, and Twiss, display more taste than the others in -the arrangement of their little cages. - -In addition to these articles, Harriet Cook has mahogany chairs, instead -of oak, and a large cupboard, painted to represent mahogany. All the -rooms are furnished with stoves, except three, which have fireplaces. - -No books, except the Book of Mormon, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and -Mormon Hymn-Book, will be seen in any room except Eliza Snow's; she -being a woman of considerable literary taste, and withal a -writer,--having made a number of contributions to Mormon -literature,--her room is indicative of the same, being well supplied -with books and papers. - - -_What the Women do._ - -The internal arrangement of affairs at the Harem is very similar to that -of a young ladies' boarding-school. Each woman having her own room, her -affairs are all centred there. The culinary department is under the -control of such of the wives as Brigham from time to time appoints. She -is the stewardess, and carries the keys. A cook is employed,--generally -a man,--and several servants besides, who are all under the control of -the stewardess. - -When the meals are prepared and ready, the bell rings, and each woman, -with her children, if she have any, files down to the dinner-table, and -is seated as before stated. - -Each, on rising, has her children to attend to, and get ready for -breakfast; this over, she commences the business of the day, arranges -her rooms, and sits down to her sewing or other work, as the case may -be. - -A sewing-machine is brought into requisition, and one of the number -appointed to use it. For the benefit of those who want a sewing-machine, -it may be well to state how this one was procured. One day a man from -St. Louis came to offer one for sale, stating that his price was ninety -dollars. Brigham bought it, promising to pay the man whenever he should -call. The man being poor, called in a few days. He did not get his pay. -He called again, a number of times, with the same result. One of the -wives became quite indignant, and said,--"If I was in his place, I never -would ask it from one so high in the priesthood. He had better give it -to him than to ask pay of him." The poor man never received his money, -and as soon as he could get the means, left the Territory. This is the -manner in which the Prophet becomes possessed of much of his property. - -Most of the women spin and make their every-day clothing, doing their -own coloring. They are quite proud of the quantity of cloth manufactured -in their establishment every year. All work hard, and take but very -little out-of-door exercise. Parties and the theatre are the favorite -amusements. At the theatre, Brigham and one or two of the favored wives -sit together in "the King's box," but the remainder of the women and the -children sit in what is called "Brigham's corral." This is in the -parquette, about the centre of the area. The Prophet goes down once or -twice during the evening to the corral, and chats for a few moments with -one and another, but in a short time he can be seen beside his "dear -Amelia" again. - -At the Mormon parties, much gayety prevails. Appearances are maintained, -somewhat, by paying more respectful deference to the first wives, on -such occasions. Gentiles, with whom the saints are on good terms, are -well received and kindly entertained at these parties, and all join in -giving themselves up to the influences of mirth and festivity. Dancing -is not only a favorite amusement, it is more; it is cultivated to such -an extent that it becomes a passion. - -Brigham's women, though better clothed than formerly, still work very -hard. They are infatuated with their religion, and devoted to their -husband. If they cannot obtain his love, they content themselves with -his kindness, and endeavor to think themselves happy. As religion is -their only solace, they try to make it their only object. If it does not -elevate their minds, it deadens their susceptibilities, and as they are -not permitted to be _women_, they try to convince themselves that it is -God's will they should be _slaves_. - -A music-master, a dancing-master, and a teacher of the ordinary branches -of an English education, are employed in the family school. Also a -teacher of French. His children have much better advantages than any -other in the Territory. Dancing and music are the leading -accomplishments, and everything else is made subordinate to these. - - -_Brigham at Home._ - -Much interest naturally attaches to the inner life of such a man as -Brigham Young. His time is much occupied. He rises early, calls the -whole family together; they sing a hymn; he prays fervently, and they -separate for the duties of the day. In past times, he ate at the Harem. -His fare is very simple, usually consisting of a bowl of milk, covered -with cream, and dry toast or bread. - -His next duty used to be, to "see the women folks," to whom he was -friendly and kind, but no more. He is not Brigham the husband, but -Brigham the Prophet and Seer. The women fear and reverence him as their -God, watch his countenance as he gives them counsel, and look upon every -word he utters as the "key" to some great mystery. He pays much less -attention to them now than formerly, but is kind and considerate in his -conduct toward them. - -This duty done, he next proceeds to his office, to receive his visitors, -and to transact any business that may be there awaiting his attention. -His counsel is sought upon all subjects, even in the minutest domestic -affairs of the people. So numerous are these applications for advice and -assistance, that many are turned away with a very brief answer, while -some are denied access entirely. - -Theoretically, no one but he can "seal" or give plural wives in -marriage, and such at first was the practice. But in later years, this -power has been delegated to Kimball and others, and to the Bishops of -distant wards. The divorces of such can only come from him; and from -this source alone he derives a handsome revenue. He once said from the -pulpit to the people, that "the divorce money which he received through -their d--d foolery, furnished him with plenty of spending money." - -No speculations are entered upon, no enterprises begun, without -consulting "Brother Brigham." This he encourages and commands. "If you -do not know what to do, in order to do right, come to me at any time, -and I will give you the word of the Lord on the subject." - -This mode of directing the people, though laborious and perplexing, has -its advantages. Their secret thoughts and plans are thus laid open to -his view, and facts are sometimes brought to his knowledge very -important and essential to be known, having a direct bearing upon the -permanent maintenance of his rule and authority. The people, too, by -such frequent consultations, are led to believe that their prosperity, -happiness, and safety, are all dependent upon the favor and assistance -of their leader. If any one becomes contumacious and troublesome, he has -the earliest information of the fact, and soon devises means to be rid -of the annoyance. - -It is a common expression among the people at Salt Lake, "When I obey -counsel, I am prospered in everything; when I neglect it, I prosper in -nothing." - -Years ago, Brigham was kind and fatherly toward his followers. If he met -one of them in the street, he gave him a cordial greeting and a hearty -shake of the hand, with an inquiry concerning his family and prospects. -But of late, the Prophet, having become rich, has grown haughty and -proud, and as he rides along in his fine carriage, surrounded by his -courtiers and sycophants, the toiling, hard-handed brethren, who receive -no friendly recognition, sometimes shake their heads and mutter -sentiments strangely discordant with those generally expressed in -conversation. - -The feeling of dissatisfaction at the distance placed by the Prophet -between himself and his followers, has grown, as that distance became -more perceptible, until it has become quite universal among the poorer -classes. The poverty-stricken saint, as he takes home upon his back or -his wheelbarrow a sack of flour, or piece of meat, obtained with -difficulty by his daily toil, beholds his Prophet, his spiritual guide, -clothed in fine raiment, seated in a splendid carriage, by his side a -courtesan, a so-called wife. He sees the smile and kind word, which -should be given to his suffering and down-trodden people, lavished upon -a harlot. He turns in disgust, and with a weary and troubled spirit, -seeks temporary rest in his own humble home. Here kind poverty has -protected him from the vices of his leaders, and he thanks God inwardly, -after all, that he has not yet abandoned the wife of his youth. To such, -the new preachers sent by the "Josephites," to bring the people back to -virtue, to loyalty, and to the original Mormon religion, appear as -angels from heaven, and hence the ready assent given to their teachings, -and the rapid defection from the established church. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE WIVES OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. - - Mary Ann Angell Young, the first wife.--Her Family.--Lucy - Decker Seely, the first wife in Plurality.--More of "My - Women": Clara Decker, Harriet Cook, Lucy Bigelow, Twiss, - Martha Bowker, Harriet Barney, Eliza Burgess, Ellen Rockwood, - Susan Snively, Jemima Angell, Margaret Alley, Margaret Pierce, - Mrs. Hampton, Mary Bigelow, Emeline Free, or the Light of the - Harem.--Proxy Women: Miss Eliza Roxy Snow, Zina D. Huntington, - Amelia Partridge, Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Smith, Clara Chase, the - Maniac.--Amelia, the last love.--The Prophet in Love the - Thirtieth Time. - - -_Mrs. Mary Ann Angell Young._ - -This lady is the first living and legal wife of the Prophet. She is a -native of New York, and is a fine-looking, intelligent woman. She is -large, portly, and dignified. Her hair is well sprinkled with the frosts -of age; her clear, hazel eyes and melancholy countenance indicate a soul -where sorrow reigns supreme. She has been very much attached to her -husband, and his infidelity has made deep inroads upon her mind. Her -deep-seated melancholy often produces flights of insanity, which -increase with her declining years. - -Bereft of her husband's society, she naturally clings to her children, -of whom she has five: Joseph, Brigham A., John, Alice, and Luna. They -all reside with her. She formerly occupied "the Bee-Hive House," but as -the number of her husband's wives increased, it became necessary that -additional accommodations should be furnished the "plural" portion of -the family. The first wife was obliged to vacate her residence for the -benefit of new comers. She was removed to a great barn-like house on the -hill. This building looks more like a penitentiary than anything else. -It was the first house built upon the premises, and, as before stated, -is very deficient in the number and size of its windows. - -Mrs. Young seldom receives guests, and her husband himself scarcely ever -pays her a visit. - -When I looked upon this poor, suffering woman, as she sat at church, -surrounded by her husband's mistresses, I seemed for the first time -fully to realize the true character of that "institution" which has -crushed the hearts of many noble women. - -She is very kind to her children and dependents, and is much beloved by -them. She has not succeeded so well in gaining the affection of "the -wives." With them she is very unpopular, and by some of them she is -often mocked and upbraided. It is said, "one hates whom he has injured." -This may account for much of this feeling among the "plurals." - -Joseph, or "Joe Young," as he is familiarly known in Utah, is a fast -young man. He has been on a "mission," travelled in Europe, smokes, -chews, gets drunk, swears, preaches the gospel, has three wives whom he -whips and otherwise shamefully abuses, and is a good Mormon, in full -fellowship in the church. While at a fashionable watering-place, at -Great Salt Lake, in the summer of 1863, he insulted a gentile lady. The -gentleman who accompanied her, being an officer, promptly knocked him -down, and this not seeming to be satisfactory, afterwards challenged -him. Joseph's friends interfered, and obtained a settlement of the -difficulty. - -Brigham A. is more respectable. He has also been on a "mission." This is -equivalent to saying that he has been wild and reckless, as it is the -Mormon custom to send all who are unruly and hard to manage, or who have -committed crimes, on a mission. It is thought that by "bearing the pure -vessels of the Lord" to such poor wicked wretches as the gentiles, they -will perchance themselves become purified. - -John, being the youngest, has not developed his tastes so fully. He -seems inclined to seek after the loaves and fishes of office. He was -Sergeant-at-Arms of the Council in the winter of 1863-64, and will -doubtless be one of its members when he is old enough, should his father -then reign in Utah. - -Mrs. Alice Clawson is the oldest daughter. Rather amiable, with fair -hair, blue eyes, and of _petite_ stature. She is one of the performers -in her father's theatre. As an _artiste_ she is "flat, stale, and -unprofitable." But being Brigham's daughter, and good looking, she is -applauded to the echo. She is one of three wives of Hiram B. Clawson, -who is the Prophet's chief business agent and manager. Quick, shrewd, -and unscrupulous, he is a fit instrument with which to accomplish the -purposes of such a man. - -In the year 1851, a Mr. Tobin came to Salt Lake with Capt. Stansbury. -While there, he met Miss Alice, fell in love with her, and they were -engaged to be married. Mr. T. had occasion to leave Salt Lake on -business, and did not return until 1856. He then renewed his engagement -with Alice, but afterward, for reasons satisfactory to himself, broke -it. This subjected him to the vengeance of her father, which never -slumbers. Tobin and his party were followed, attacked in the night, on -Santa Clara River, 370 miles south of Salt Lake City. Several of the -party were severely wounded. They lost six horses, and were compelled to -abandon their baggage, which was completely riddled by bullets. During -Tobin's absence, Alice had been engaged to another, who had been sent -off to the Sandwich Islands, by her watchful father. Hiram B. Clawson, -the confidential clerk of the President, next appeared as a candidate -for the young lady's hand. He had already one wife, but was anxious to -secure a second. - -A little incident in their courtship, will illustrate the manner of -obtaining No. 2. - -"Good-morning, sister _Clawson_," said a young friend whom she met in -walking. - -"What do you wish me to understand?" said Alice. - -"Nothing more than that your father gave his consent this morning, in -my presence, to your marriage with Hiram Clawson." - -"There, Alice," said brother Clawson, who at this moment made his -appearance, "did I not tell you? You would not believe me." - -"This matter begins to be serious," said Alice, "now that my father has -given me away to a man that has one wife already, and is courting -another beside me, both of them much handsomer than I am." - -Hiram was nettled, for it was true that he was courting a third wife, -and of the three Alice was the least beautiful. She then proposed, -playfully, to elope with an old gentleman, a friend of the family. "I -would do so," she said, "before I would be given away like an old mule, -to a man who already has one wife, and is seeking for others." - -Yet Alice, though doubtless giving expression at this time to the -sentiments of her heart, was afterward prevailed upon, and consented to -become No. 2 in the harem of Hiram B. Clawson. Hiram, having commenced -at a much earlier age than his father-in-law, may, if unchecked in his -career, yet rival him in the number of his wives and the extent and -magnificence of his "plural" establishment. - -Luna Young is a _character_. She is very wilful and headstrong. She -always governed her sister Alice, and even her father could not control -this wayward child. - -She is the fourth daughter, by the first wife, two having died. She has -light hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion. She is very haughty and -beautiful. Slender as the gazelle, and free and joyous as a bird, -brooking no control, she was the light, and often the annoyance of her -father's house in her girlish days. She is now married, and very likely -will become amiable and docile, under Mormon discipline. - - -_Lucy Decker Seely._ - -This is the first wife in "plurality,"--or the second "woman." - -Lucy Decker was married to Isaac Seely, and had two children. She -afterward became a Mormon, and went to Nauvoo to reside. Her husband, -Seely, was somewhat dissipated, but treated her well. She, however, saw -Brother Brigham, and loved him. He visited her, told her that Seely -could never give her an "exaltation" in the eternal world; that he, -being "high in the priesthood," could make her a queen, in the first -resurrection. - -She yielded to these inducements and the promptings of her inclination, -left her husband, and was "sealed" to Brigham Young. - -Lucy Decker has brown hair, dark eyes, small features, a fair skin, and -of short stature; but quite _en bon point_. She would strongly remind -you of a New-England housewife, "fat, fair, and forty." In common with -nearly all the inmates of the Harem, she is of very ordinary intellect, -and limited education. - -Her first child, after marrying Young, was named Brigham Heber, and was -the first-born in Mormon polygamy. He is now a lad of about eighteen -years of age. - -Lucy Decker is still one of the favorite wives. She lives in the -"Bee-Hive," and keeps a sort of boarding-house for the work-hands. She -has had eight children by Brigham, all of whom are living. A story is -told which illustrates well the disposition and character of these -polygamous children. "Brigham Heber" was in the habit of playing while -the family were at breakfast. One morning, after breakfast was over, -this boy, then only ten or twelve years of age, went into the kitchen, -and undertook to help himself to anything he could find. Mr. Smith, the -cook, would not permit it. Brigham Heber seized a fork, and with oaths -that would put a pirate to shame, swore he would stab the cook. Smith -caught him, wrenched the fork from his hand, and pushed him into the -hall. He and Oscar, son of Harriet Cook, swore they would kill Smith the -first time they should catch him out. - - -_More of "My Women."_ - -_Clara Decker_, sister of Lucy Decker, is a short, thick-set person, -very much like Lucy in appearance. She is much more intelligent and -agreeable than her sister, and in every way her superior. - -She is also quite a favorite with the Prophet; has three or four -children, and is much attached to her "husband." - -_Harriet Cook_ was early in plurality; having been sealed to Brigham, at -"Winter Quarters," on the Missouri River, while the Mormons were on -their way to Utah. This was five years before polygamy was publicly -proclaimed in Utah as a divine institution. Harriet is very tall, has -light hair, blue eyes, a fair complexion, and sharp nose. She is rather -slender, but has much power of endurance, and a look of determination. - -When all is going on smoothly, she is as calm and serene as a May -morning; but let Brigham or any one else in the establishment cross her -path, and the blue eyes at once light up, and give evidence of a coming -storm. When irritated and aroused, she denounces the whole Mormon -religion, including polygamy, and says, "the whole thing is a humbug, -and may go to the devil for aught she cares." Brigham, though a stern -disciplinarian, makes good his escape, at such times, and the "women" -all keep at a respectful distance. - -When she is in a religious mood, which is seldom the case, she says: "I -don't profess to know much, but there is one thing I _do_ understand, -and that is Mormonism. Whenever Brother Brigham (all the wives call him -Brother) goes behind the veil, I make him tell me what he sees and hears -there. I mean to know all about it." She is the "smartest" of all the -women. She has one son in plurality, named Oscar. He is a wild, ugly -boy, and curses his mother _ad libitum_. Brigham cares nothing for this -woman, and avoids her as much as possible. - -_Lucy Bigelow_ is of middling stature, has dark brown hair, blue eyes, -aquiline nose, and a pretty mouth, and is very pleasant and affable. She -is very pretty and ladylike in the ball-room, but does not appear to so -good advantage in the nursery and kitchen. She is the one who was the -subject of a well-turned repartee at the anniversary ball in Salt Lake -City, on the 24th of July, 1863. Governor Harding, on that occasion, -having danced with several of the wives of "Governor" Young, became -somewhat enthusiastic and extravagant in his compliments. Among other -fine sayings, he remarked to one of the wives, upon leading her on to -the floor,--"The President has introduced several of his wives to me as -'Mrs. Young,' 'Mrs. Young,' 'Mrs. Young.' As well might the astronomer -point me to the stars of heaven, without giving me their names." -"Governor, I understand your compliment, and appreciate it. The name of -this particular star is Lucy." - -She has but little influence over Brigham, and he seldom visits her. - -_Twiss_ has sandy hair, inclined to curl, round features, blue eyes, low -forehead, complexion fair, face somewhat freckled. She is short and -stout. This woman makes a good servant, and is always ready to wait on -her lord and master. She prepares his linen, and is content. She has no -children. - -_Martha Bowker_ is low in stature, with black hair and eyes. She is very -quiet. Is plain and sensible; neither showy nor interesting. Very neat -in dress, very ordinary in intellect and acquirements. She is of few -words, and rather quick-tempered. Very little influence over the -Prophet. - -_Harriet Barney._--This lady is tall, slender, and graceful. She has -hazel eyes, light-brown hair, mild, sweet expression of countenance, and -is indeed a beautiful woman. Her character is as lovely as her face, and -the suffering and sorrowing always find a friend in her. She is patient -and forbearing, and would rather suffer wrong than do wrong. Her kind -and sympathetic nature, and excellent character, place her far above all -the other inmates of the Harem. - -Believing in polygamy, she left her husband, and became one of the -plural wives of the President of the church in which she believed. She -loves, with all the intensity of her nature, him for whom she has -sacrificed everything. Of course, she deeply feels his neglect, but, -like a true woman, complains not. Having sacrificed her happiness upon -the altar of her faith, she continues to love, to endure, and to suffer. - -She had three children by her first husband; none since. - -_Eliza Burgess._--Her parents resided in Manchester England, and came to -Nauvoo in the early days of Mormonism. Soon after, they both died, -leaving Eliza an orphan. She was thrown upon the cold charities of the -world, and Brother Brigham, ever the friend of _youth_ and _beauty_, -_took_ her into his family. She served seven years, and then desired to -marry another. She applied to Young for his consent, but the Prophet had -other projects inconsistent in their nature with the proposed marriage. -"Eliza," he said, "you have been so long in the family, that I need you. -I wish to marry you myself. Will you not be my wife? Brother S. is a -very good man, but I can give you a greater exaltation. I can make you a -queen." This argument was conclusive, and Eliza gave up her lover, and -married Brigham Young. - -In person Eliza is small, with large dark eyes, dark hair, and dark -complexion. She is quick-tempered, and is of the class--English -serving-girl. She is the only one of the Prophet's women who is not -American. She has several children. - -_Ellen Rockwood_ is of medium size, slender, with light hair, -light-brown eyes, and fair complexion. She is the daughter of the warden -of the penitentiary, who is a "regular down-east Yankee." Ellen is -rather quiet, even-tempered, but quite narrow-minded. Her health is -poor, and she spends most of her time in embroidery and needle-work. She -has no children, and, per consequence, very little influence with her -husband. He calls upon her in her little room, about once in six months. - -_Susan Snively._--A middle-aged woman, of medium size, dark hair, light -eyes, dark complexion, and expressionless face; the plainest of all the -women. She is good and kind in her nature, quiet and retiring. She spins -and colors yarn, and is a good housewife, of the type--New-England -farmer's wife. Having no children, she adds nothing to the kingdom and -glory of her husband, and is estimated accordingly. - -_Jemima Angell_ is the sister of Mary Ann, the lawful wife. She is an -elderly lady, with dark hair, gray eyes, and pensive countenance. Of low -stature, but quite robust. Her first husband died out of the church, and -she is merely sealed to Young, for her exaltation in another state. She -lives in a little house by herself, and seldom receives a visit from her -spiritual husband. - -_Margaret Alley._--Short and small; light hair and eyes, rather -lengthened features, but mild expression of countenance. Being much -neglected by her husband, she became very melancholy. She died in 1853, -leaving two children. - -_Margaret Pierce._--Of medium height, light hair, and blue eyes, sharp -nose, and very variable in temper. She has several children, but not -much influence with her husband. - -_Mrs. Hampton._--This woman is very tall, and noble in appearance, has -round features, large lustrous eyes, dark hair, and fair complexion. She -was early married to Mr. Hampton, by whom she had six children. They -removed to Nauvoo, where Hampton died. Mrs. Hampton was afterward sealed -to Young. - -When the Mormons were driven from Nauvoo, Mrs. Hampton was, for some -reason, left behind. She then married a Mr. Cole, by whom she had one -daughter, named Vilate. When this child was about four years old, Cole -went to California. Young then sent for Mrs. Hampton to come and live -with him. She obeyed, and became, a second time, one of his plural -wives. During this time Cole wrote letters frequently, and sent her his -likeness. - -About this time, Feramorz Little, one of Young's nephews, married Julia -Hampton, daughter of Mrs. H., and half sister to Vilate Cole. Mrs. -Hampton lived at the Harem about eight years, and superintended the -culinary department. Some misunderstanding having arisen between her and -the Prophet, he again cast her off. It is said that she was unwilling to -be sealed over the altar for eternity to Young, preferring her first -husband in the eternal world. Her son, Nephi Hampton, provided a house -for her at Ogden, a pleasant town forty miles north of Salt Lake, where -she now resides. - -Vilate is now about fourteen years of age, beautiful and accomplished. -She and Brigham Heber, now about twenty years old, were engaged to be -married, but his father disapproved the match, and laid a plan to defeat -it. In the fall of 1863, Feramorz Little sent for Vilate to come down to -the city, and proposed to have her board with him and attend school. His -real object was to secure her for his fourth wife and at the same time -prevent her marrying the son of the President. During all this time the -girl frequently inquired, with much anxiety, about her father. - -In 1863 Cole enlisted in the 2d Regiment of Infantry, Nevada Volunteers, -and came to Salt Lake City expressly for the purpose of finding his -daughter. After much inquiry he ascertained where his wife and child -were living, and wrote a letter to Vilate. The mother received the -letter, read it, and put it in the fire. Thus the matter rested, until -Vilate came to the city. One day she said to her sister Julia, (Mrs. -Little,) "Would it not be strange if my father was among the soldiers?" -Said Julia, "He is. Didn't you know it? Nephi told me all about it." -This gave her new courage, and thenceforth she made every effort to see -her father. For some time she was closely watched, and Cole, who had -found where she was, was denied admission to her; but the girl's -resolution remaining firm, Little, fearing she would leave him, finally -permitted an interview. The happy meeting of the father with his only -child, after an absence of eleven years, who shall describe? Cole still -remains in Utah, devoted to his daughter, whom he visits frequently, and -is not without hope of getting her away from her unfortunate -associations. The task is a delicate and difficult one, and in his -efforts to accomplish it, he has the sympathy of every father. - -_Mary Bigelow._--I can give no description of this woman. She was sealed -to Young at "Winter Quarters," and came on with him to Utah. After a -time she left the Harem, and what became of her is unknown to me. - - -_Emeline Free, or the Light of the Harem._ - - ----"O Nourmahal! - Thou loveliest, dearest of them all; - The one whose smile shone out alone - Amidst a world, the only one - Whose light, among so many lights, - Was like that star, on starry nights, - The seaman singles from the sky, - To steer his bark forever by!" - -Emeline is tall and graceful; with mild, violet eyes, fair hair, -inclined to curl. She has long been the favorite of the Prophet,--the -light of his eyes, and the joy of his heart. - -Mr. and Mrs. Free, her father and mother, were opposed to polygamy, and -Brigham went one day to convince them of their error. The beautiful -Emeline was the first he sought to win, and he argued and expounded the -new doctrine with wonderful zeal and fervor. At length the parents were -convinced. The Prophet of the Lord stepped up to Emeline, laid his -saintly hand upon her shoulder, and said, in fervid accents, "Emeline, -will you be my wife?" "Yes, sir," was the reply. This was their -courtship. She at once became the favorite, and many a heart grew sad -when she became an inmate of the Harem. - -Brigham distinguished her in every way; gave her better rooms than the -rest, and servants to wait upon her. She grew to love him, and obtained -a powerful influence over him. There is no weapon so powerful as a -woman's tears. This Emeline believed, and often acted upon, to bring -back her truant lover, when she thought too much attention was paid to -others. Finally, so great became the jealousy of the other wives, that -the husband of these contending fair ones constructed a private hall -leading from his office to Emeline's room, that he might visit her -without observation or constraint. He devoted himself to her -exclusively, and she reigned supreme over the sisters. She received her -company in the grand saloon; she occupied the seat of honor at the -table, at the right hand of her husband. In short, she was the mistress -of the Harem. - -At that time the most of the women did their own work, and stayed in -their own rooms, so that there was but little communication with each -other. She has eight children, but is still a young-looking woman. - -But, alas! "the course of true love never did run smooth," and Emeline -was doomed to have a rival. When the Prophet "took" Amelia, his last -love, poor Emeline was heart-broken. She was taken very sick, and her -life was, for a long time, despaired of. From her "sisters" she received -no sympathy. The bitter cup which they had been obliged to drink, was -now commended to her own lips. From the confiding and happy wife, she -has become the rejected and suffering mistress, and must now drag out -the remainder of her days a faded, cast-off woman. And Amelia, the -present queen, what of her? She too, will soon take her place by the -side of Emeline and Mary Ann. Other and younger women will take the -place she now occupies, and in their turn be cast off, to suffer with -her. - - -"_Proxy Women._" - -This is a very common term in Utah, and signifies that a woman is -married to one man for "time," and sealed to another for eternity. All -her children belong to the man to whom she is sealed, no matter which -may be their father, or whether the mother ever married the celestial -husband "in time." This is a refinement upon the Jewish doctrine, which -required a man to "raise up children to his dead brother." - -Of this class of women Brigham Young has four, all of whom, while they -live with him for "time," are sealed to Joseph Smith for eternity, and -to Joseph must they be delivered over, with their children, in the first -resurrection. - -"Miss" _Eliza Roxy Snow_ is of middling stature, dark hair, well -silvered with gray; dark eyes, noble intelligent countenance, and quiet -and dignified in manner. She is the most intellectual of the women. - -Her literary taste and acquirements are good, and she has composed some -very creditable hymns for the church of which she is a conscientious and -devoted member. A volume of her poems has also been published, some of -which evince genius of a high order. - -She is quite exclusive in her tastes, and associates but little with the -"women." She occupies a small room on the third floor of the Harem, -about twelve by fifteen feet in size. A neat carpet covers the floor; a -common bedstead occupies one corner. There are some oak chairs grained, -with crochet covers, white window-curtains and bed-spread, her "own -handiwork." Behind the door is a neat little wardrobe. On a shelf over -the window, stands a vase of artificial flowers. A stand, covered with -books, usually occupies the centre of the room, and these articles, with -a neat little stove, make up the furniture. - -This is the _home_ of "the sweet singer of Israel." She has cast the -charm of her genius over the rude materials, and there is an air of -neatness, comfort, and refinement about her little sanctum which is not -apparent in any other portion of the house. Here she receives and -entertains her company. She occupies her time chiefly in writing, and in -needle-work. She is highly respected by the family, who call her "one -of the nobles of the earth." When tired of writing and study, she walks -out and visits her friends. If any one is sick in the house she looks -after the invalid, and shows every kindness and attention. She soothes -the afflicted, and cares for the infirm and aged. She and Zina D. -Huntington are the most lady-like and accomplished of the wives. - -The following verses, written by Miss Eliza R. Snow, will show her style -as well as the religious fervor and fanaticism for which she is -remarkable. - - - [For the _Deseret News_.] - - "_The Ladies of Utah to the Ladies of the United States Camp, - in a Crusade against the Mormons._ - - BY MISS E. R. SNOW. - - Why are you in these mountains, - Exposed to frosts and snows? - Far from your sheltering houses, - From comfort and repose? - - Has cruel persecution, - With unrelenting hand, - Thrust you from home and kindred, - And from your native land? - - Have you been robbed and plundered, - Till you are penniless, - And then in destitution - Driven to the wilderness? - - No, no; you've joined a crusade - Against the peace of those - Driven to these distant valleys - By cruel, murderous foes. - - Amid the dreary desert, - Where hideous red men roam; - Where beasts of prey were howling, - We've made ourselves a home. - - Can woman's heart be callous, - And made of flint and steel? - Perhaps you'll learn to pity, - When you are made to _feel_. - - Should sickness prey upon you, - And children cry for bread, - With bitter self-reproaches - You'll rue the path you tread. - - We love with purest feelings, - Our husbands, children, friends; - We've learned to prize the blessings - Which God in mercy sends. - - We have the ancient order - To us by prophets given; - And here we have the pattern - As things exist in Heaven. - - We'd fain from human suffering - Each barbéd arrow draw, - But yet self-preservation - Is God's and Nature's law. - - The Scriptures are fulfilling, - The spoiler's being spoiled; - All Satan's foul devices - 'Gainst Zion will be foiled. - - _Great Salt Late City_, Oct. 13, 1857." - -This is given not as a fair specimen of her poetry, for she has written -much better, but to illustrate how completely she was devoted to the -interests of her people at that exciting period of their history. - -_Zina D. Huntington Jacobs_ is of large form, well proportioned, high -forehead, with light hair and eyes. She is of a melancholy temperament, -as is plainly indicated by the expression of her countenance. She has -three children, and has charge of the children of Clara Chase. - -Zina has some literary ability, and sometimes writes poetry. She has a -special office in the family, which is to act as governess for all the -young ladies, accompanying them in their attendance to singing-schools -and other public places. Zina came to Utah with her husband, Dr. Jacobs. -Young became attached to her, sent the Doctor on a mission, and in his -absence appropriated to himself the wife and children. Dr. Jacobs is -still in California, and is an "apostate." Zina stands in great awe of -Brigham, who treats her with marked coldness and neglect. - -_Amelia Partridge_ is rather tall, with a fine form, black hair, dark -eyes, dark complexion, sweet expression of countenance, and very mild -and amiable in disposition. She and her sister Eliza had been servants -in the family of Joseph Smith, in Nauvoo. - -Amelia has four children, to whom she is devotedly attached. She is a -kind and gentle mother, patient and forgiving,--one of the excellent -ones of earth. She takes but little interest in family matters, outside -of the circle of her own children. - -_Mrs. Augusta Cobb_ is a native of Massachusetts, and formerly resided -in Boston. She is a large, fine-looking person,--dark hair, gray eyes, -and clear complexion. She is very stylish in appearance, and of -dignified demeanor. She was converted to Mormonism at Boston, fifteen -years ago, left her husband and a very interesting family of children, -and with one little girl, Charlotte, came to Utah, and took up her -residence at the Harem, as a plural wife of Brigham Young. - -She is high-spirited and imperious. She once returned to her family in -Boston, and remained two years, but was too deeply involved in the -meshes of Mormonism to be satisfied away from Zion, and again returned -to Salt Lake. She now lives in a neat little cottage near the Lion -House, and is supported by Young. Her son, James Cobb, after finishing -his course of study in the East, came to Salt Lake, and after some -years, through the influence of his mother, joined the church. Previous -to becoming a Mormon, he expressed much anxiety about his mother and -sister Charlotte,--now an interesting young lady,--and used many -arguments and entreaties to induce them to leave, but finally himself -yielded to the seductive influences which surrounded him. - -Charlotte at one time enjoyed the proud title of "the belle of Salt -Lake." She has steadfastly opposed polygamy, and hence has remained -unmarried. - -_Mrs. Smith_ is an elderly woman, who admired Brother Brigham very much, -and desired to be sealed to him, to insure her salvation. Young did not -reciprocate her sentiments toward him, but compromised the matter by -sealing her to Joseph Smith for eternity, and to himself for time. After -this ceremony had been performed, he committed her to the care of the -Bishop of the ward, directing him to support her. - -There are many of this class of women in the Territory. - - -_Clara Chase, the Maniac._ - -This woman was of medium height, dark hair and eyes, rather sullen -expression of countenance, low forehead, and her features indicative of -deep-seated melancholy. When Young married her, he treated her with -marked consideration. He assigned to her an elegant apartment, in which -hung the only oil-painting of himself. She from the first distrusted the -principle of polygamy, and had many misgivings of conscience in regard -to her course in marrying the Prophet. - -For a time she lived in this way, in a strait between two opinions. When -her husband treated her kindly, she tried to be happy, but when he was -cold and unfeeling toward her, she was driven well-nigh to desperation. -In the mean time she had four children, two of whom are now living. They -are bright and intelligent girls, fourteen and sixteen years of age. - -As she approached her fourth confinement, her fits of remorse became -more frequent and more terrible. She reproached herself with having -committed the _unpardonable sin_. Her condition was truly pitiable. -During her sickness Brigham treated her with such coldness and neglect, -that she became actually insane, and raved incessantly.--"Oh, I have -committed the unpardonable sin! Oh, warn my poor children not to follow -my bad example. I am going to hell. Brigham has caused it. He has cursed -me, and I shall soon be there. Oh! do not any of you go into polygamy. -It will curse you, and damn your souls eternally." When her husband -appeared, she cursed him as the author of her destruction. - -The "President" and his two "counsellors" "laid hands" on her, but all -of no avail. Dr. Sprague, the family physician, was sent for; but her -poor wrecked spirit would no longer abide where it had suffered so much, -and she died a raving maniac. - - -_Amelia, or the Last Love._ - -_Amelia Folsom_ is a native of Portsmouth, N. H. She is tall, and well -formed, with light hair and gray eyes, and regular features. She is -quite pale, owing to ill health. Has but little refinement of manner. -When at the theatre, sitting in the King's box, with her husband, the -observed of all observers, she may be seen eating apples, throwing the -skins about, chatting with Brigham, and occasionally levelling her glass -at some one in the assembly. - -She plays and sings, but with indifferent skill and taste. She was, for -a long time, unwilling to marry the President, but he continued his suit -with a pertinacity worthy a better cause, and by repeated promises of -advancement made to herself and her parents, finally succeeded. For -several months he had urged his suit, during which time his carriage -might be seen, almost any day, standing at her father's door, for hours -at a time. He told her she was created expressly for himself, and could -marry no one else on pain of everlasting destruction. She plead, -protested, and wept, but he persevered, and at length, when all other -arguments failed, he told her he had received a special revelation from -Heaven on the subject. She had always believed in Mormonism, and had -been taught to have faith in revelation. "Amelia," he said, "you must be -my wife; God has revealed it to me. You cannot be saved by any one else. -If you will marry me, I will save you, and exalt you to be a queen in -the celestial world, but if you refuse, you will be destroyed, both soul -and body." - -The poor girl believed this hellish impostor, and yielding to his -wishes, became his wife. For several months after her marriage, Amelia -was sad and dejected, but of late she has rallied, and now appears the -gayest of the gay. This marriage took place on the 29th day of January, -1863,--more than six months after the passage by Congress of the -anti-polygamy law,--and was public and notorious. Here was perpetrated -in one act, the double crime of destroying forever the happiness of a -young lady and setting before his people the example of an open -violation of a law of the land. Yet for both crimes he goes unpunished, -and continues to sit in his chair of state, clothed in authority and -power, not only the wonder, but the admiration, of thousands outside of -the Mormon Church! - -Amelia is evidently living under constraint, and acting an assumed -character. She is playing the _rôle_ of a happy wife, with a breaking -heart. At the time of her marriage, her heart had been given to another, -to whom she should have been married. That she compromised her -character, in marrying Young under the circumstances, is a fact too -notorious to be concealed,--and this connection has brought more odium -upon polygamy than any the "President" ever formed. - -Nevertheless, Amelia stands the recognized Queen of the Harem. She leads -the _ton_, and is the model woman for the saints. Thousands bow low as -she passes, and think themselves happy to receive her passing -recognition. She is now a queen, and is to be a goddess in the celestial -world. The new wife sometimes becomes restive and impatient, and treats -her liege lord rather shabbily. She is at times notional and imperious, -and somewhat coquettish,--to all of which her husband submits with good -grace for the present, and pets her as a child. - -The Bee-Hive House, formerly occupied by Mrs. Young and her family, has -been vacated for Amelia. Servants are at her disposal, and her -establishment is extensive and imposing. - -Brigham spends much of his time with his new wife, and often dines with -her. One evening a friend was taking tea with the newly-married couple. -Amelia behaved quite naughtily toward her lord. After tea was finished, -they remained at the table, eating nuts and confectioneries. Amelia -threw her shells through an open window, on the opposite side of the -room. Her husband said, "Amelia, don't do that; put your shells by your -plate." "I sha'n't do it," replied the fair one; "I'll throw them where -I please." Young was silent for a time, but became so annoyed that he -again said: "Amelia, I wish you wouldn't do that any more." "I don't -care," replied the spouse, pettishly, "I'll throw the shells where I -please, and I'll do as I please, and you may help yourself." And pulling -her guest by the dress, she said; "Come, let's go up-stairs, and let him -_grunt_ it out." - -The theatre was dedicated by prayer and a grand ball. This was in the -winter of 1862-63. Brigham led off in the dance with Amelia, and all was -smiles and sunshine. On another occasion, he honored another one of "the -women" with his hand for the first cotillon. This so displeased Amelia, -that she refused to dance with him at all. He coaxed, she shrugged her -shoulders, and shook her head. It was only after much condescension and -solicitation on his part that she granted her forgiveness, and consented -to dance with him. This gay Lothario of sixty-three then led forth his -blushing mistress, and "all went merry as a marriage-bell." - -Amelia has lovers still, for one of whom she entertains considerable -feeling. He was sent to "Dixie," or the Cotton District, in Southern -Utah, on a mission. He soon returned, however, to Salt Lake, and by his -presence in the city, causes the Prophet considerable anxiety. - -Amelia is tyrannical, and rules the women of the Harem with a strong -hand. Poor Emeline is quite broken-hearted. Naturally very sensitive, -this blow prostrated her upon a bed of sickness, from which it was -feared she would never recover. But she lives to drag out a miserable -life,--neither wife nor mistress, but a castaway. - -In fact all the women are miserable and unhappy. A common remark, in -reply to the usual salutation, is, "Oh, I've got the blues to-day." - - -_The Prophet in Love the Thirtieth Time._ - -Miss Selima Ursenback is a native of Geneva, Switzerland, and with her -parents and brother came to Utah in the fall of 1862. She is an -accomplished musician, and at once became a favorite with the Mormons. -Several concerts were given, at which she figured as _prima donna_, and -although she sang in French, the melody of her voice and the artistic -character of her music gained for her an established reputation. - -Brigham heard, and was delighted. Her voice was music to his ravished -ear, and, for the thirtieth time, the little god let slip his arrow, and -launched it into the Prophet's heart. - -Says a celebrated writer:-- - - "Now there are various ways of getting in love. A man falls in - love just as he falls down-stairs. It is an accident. But when - he runs in love, it is as when he runs in debt: it is done - knowingly, intentionally, and very often rashly and foolishly, - even if not ridiculously, miserably, and ruinously. - - "The rarest and happiest marriages are between those who have - grown in love. Take the description of such a love in its rise - and progress, ye thousands and tens of thousands who have what - is called a taste for poetry. Take it in the sweet words of - one of the sweetest and tenderest of English poets, and then - say whether this is not the way that leads to happiness and - bliss. - - "'Ah! I remember well (and how can I - But evermore remember well) when first - Our flame began; when scarce we knew what was - The flame we felt. When as we sat and sighed, - And looked upon each other, and conceived - Not what we ailed,--yet something we did ail; - And yet were well, and yet we were not well; - And what was our disease, we could not tell. - Then would we kiss, then sigh, then look; and thus, - In that first garden of our simpleness, - We spent our childhood. But when years began - To reap the fruit of knowledge, ah, how then - Would she with graver looks, with sweet, stern brow, - Check my presumption, and my forwardness; - Yet still would give me flowers, still would me show - What she would have me, yet not have me know.' - - "Falling in love, and running in love, are, as everybody - knows, common enough, and yet less so than what I shall call - catching love. Where the love itself is imprudent, that is to - say, where there is some just, prudential cause or impediment - why the two parties should not be joined together in holy - matrimony, there is culpable imprudence in catching it, - because danger is always to be apprehended, which may have - been avoided." - -It is plain to be seen, our Prophet did not walk into love,--he did not -run into it. He caught it, as a man catches the measles. It broke out, -and showed itself all over, in smiles, bows, and sweet honeyed tones. It -is also plain that he should not have caught it. Had he not the charming -Amelia, dear Emeline, sweet Lucy, pretty Twiss, his darling Lucy No. 2, -poetic Eliza, meek Zina, and his dear, dear Jemima, Martha, Ellen, -Susan, Hattie, etc., etc. How could any man, much less a prophet, wish -for more? - -But he said to himself, "I have not a French lady in the family to teach -my daughters that charming language. I have no _prima donna_ to conduct -their musical education. Then my last love--my pretty, naughty, -bewitching Amelia--is so cross and fitful, she leads me such a crazy -life, she frets and scolds, and I cannot drown her voice, even with my -'sacred fiddle.' [He had frequently boasted that with his violin he -could put a stop to the scolding of any of his women.] - -"Then my French lady is accomplished. She can receive my foreign guests. -She is so clever, that she can assist me in my business projects and -plans; and if she should prove unkind,--which God grant she may -not,--and if her sweet lips should scold, I should have a great -advantage,--_I could not understand her_. Then her name,--Selima! How -poetical. None of my wives have such a poetical name. With her in my -Harem, I could rival the Sultan himself. Yes, sweet, adored Selima, _you -shall be mine_. You shall be the high priestess of my affections, and -all my common women shall serve you." - -The Prophet plead his suit, but Selima was like stone. He had a young -man in his employ who dared to love Selima. The rival lovers met face to -face. The Prophet was furious,--"She is not for you, sir, she is not for -you. Leave my service, and never dare to aspire to that young lady's -hand again." - -Alas, that love so devoted, so pure and disinterested as Brigham's, -should fail to be rewarded by the object of its choice. But no sooner -had the poor singing-master, for such he was, left the Territory for -California, than another rival appeared in the field,--a California -volunteer,--a dangerous rival; one who would not fear to follow up any -advantage he might gain over his spiritual competitor. - -To destroy the romance of the whole story, Selima, charming but -sensible Selima, becoming disgusted with the whole affair, soon after -left for Switzerland again, leaving her lovers to settle the matter -among themselves. - -For once in his life, Brigham Young was foiled, and that by a woman. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -POLYGAMY. - - Condition of Woman among various Heathen Nations.--Influence - of Christianity.--Mormonism and Woman.--Brigham offers to set - the Women Free.--Arguments in Favor of Polygamy.--The Argument - against it.--Abraham and Sarah.--Appeal to Mormon Women.-- - Their Unhappy Condition.--Evil Effects of the System.-- - Illustrations. - - -Woman is looked upon and treated by all heathen nations as an inferior -being, created for the convenience and comfort of man. - - "According to the ancient Rabbis, the rib which had been taken - from Adam, was laid down for a moment, and in that moment a - monkey came and stole it, and ran off with it, full speed. An - angel pursued, and though not in league with the monkey, he - could have been no good angel; for, overtaking him, he caught - him by the tail, brought it maliciously back instead of the - rib, and out of that tail was woman made. What became of the - rib with which the monkey got clear off 'was never to mortal - known.' - - "The Hungarians think it infamous to be governed by a - woman,--and when the crown fell to a female, they called her - King Mary instead of Queen. - - "Aristotle calls woman a monster, and Plato makes it a - question whether she ought not to be ranked among irrational - creatures. - - "Mahomet, too, was not the only person who has supposed that - women have no souls. Among the Afghans, twelve young women - were given as compensation for the slaughter of one man. Six - for cutting off a hand, an ear, or a nose; three for breaking - a tooth, and one for a wound of the scalp. By the laws of the - Venetians, and of certain other Oriental people, the testimony - of two women was made equivalent to that of one man. - - "According to the Brahmins, the widow who burns herself with - the body of her husband, will, in her next state, be born a - male; but the widow who refuses to make the self-sacrifice, - will never be anything better than a woman, let her be born - again as often as she may." - -The Jew begins his public prayer with a thanksgiving to his Maker for -not having made him a woman. The Moors do not allow women to enter their -mosques or places of worship. - -Mussulmen hold that there is a separate paradise for women, considering -them unworthy to occupy the same as the men, except such beautiful women -as are assigned to the male occupants as a reward for a virtuous and -religious life on earth. "Sit not in the midst of women," said the son -of Sirach, in his wisdom; "for from garments cometh a moth, and from -women wickedness." - -"It is a bad thing," said Augustine, "to look upon a woman, a worse to -speak to her, and to touch her, worst of all." John Bunyan thanked God -that he had made him shy of the women. "The common salutation of women, -I abhor," said he, "their company alone, I cannot away with." "Look at -the very name woman," says another author, "it evidently means woe to -man, because by woman was woe brought into the world." - -The Turk does not exclude woman from his heaven, but she is there only -to minister to his passions and wants. She bears to his lips the golden -goblet, filled with the nectar of the gods. - -The Indian hunter believes his squaw, as well as his faithful dog, will -bear him company to those shadowy hunting-grounds beyond the dark river. - -Among all these heathen and degraded nations, polygamy has prevailed. -Among them all, woman has been but the slave of the stronger sex. Her -feelings have been outraged, her spirit crushed, and her heart broken; -or, which is still worse, her nature has become imbruted and insensible -to all the finer feelings and nobler impulses of her sex. - -But behold the day-star from on high, the lowly Jesus. He came to bring -deliverance to the captive, to let the oppressed go free. No longer is -woman to be degraded and despised. The holy covenant of marriage which -Moses, by reason of the hardness of their hearts, permitted the Jews to -break, was henceforth to be kept inviolate. "It hath been said, -whosoever shall put away _his wife_, let him give her a writing of -divorcement. But I say unto you, that whosoever shall put away _his -wife_, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit -adultery; and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced, committeth -adultery." And again,--"For this cause shall a man leave father and -mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and _they twain_ shall be one -flesh." - -The position of woman, and her duties in life, are well defined in the -New Testament Scriptures. If married, she is to direct her household -affairs, raise up children, be subject unto her husband, and use all due -benevolence toward him; but his duties are equally well defined. He must -love his wife, even as Christ loved his church and gave himself for it; -and the fourth verse of the seventh chapter of Corinthians distinctly -states that the rights and duties of the marriage relation should be -reciprocal, granting no exclusive privilege to either. Is not this -reciprocity necessarily and entirely destroyed, when the husband brings -other wives into the family? - -In the face of the direct and positive teachings of Jesus and his -Apostles, the "Latter-Day Saints" of Utah, or rather their leaders, have -instituted the heathenish and horrible practice of polygamy. And to add -to the blasphemy of the scheme, it is all done in the name of the Lord. -In this nineteenth century, they have reduced women to the heathen and -Jewish standard. - -Foremost in the ranks of their oppressors stands Brigham Young. -Following in the footsteps of Mohammed, he declares that women have no -souls,--that they are not responsible beings, that they cannot save -themselves, nor be saved, except through man's intervention. To be -saved, a woman must be "sealed" to a good man,--he can save her; or, if -he does not, her sins will be upon his head. Under this system, woman -was created expressly for the glory of man; hence the more women and -children a man has, the more glory. - -This doctrine is openly put forth in the most disgusting form. - -Said Brigham, in a public discourse, Sept 20th, 1856,-- - - "It is the duty of every righteous man and woman to prepare - tabernacles for all the spirits they can; hence if my women - leave, I will go and search up others who will abide the - celestial law, and let all I now have go where they please." - -And in accordance with the same view, he publicly proclaimed that after -a certain day which he named, all of his women who were dissatisfied -should be free to leave him. The following is his language:-- - - "Now for my proposition: it is more particularly for my - sisters, as it is frequently happening that women say that - they are unhappy. Men will say,--'My wife, though a most - excellent woman, has not seen a happy day since I took my - second wife.' 'No, not a happy day for a year,' says one; and - another has not seen a happy day for five years. It is said - that women are tied down and abused; that they are misused, - and have not the liberty that they ought to have; that many of - them are wading through a perfect flood of tears, because of - the conduct of some men, together with their own folly. - - "I wish my own women to understand that what I am going to say - is for them as well as others, and I want those who are here - to tell their sisters,--yes, all the women of this - community,--and then write it back to the States, and do as - you please with it. I am going to give you from this time to - the 6th day of October next (the day the semi-annual - Conference was to meet) for reflection, that you may determine - whether you wish to stay with your husbands or not, and then I - am going to set every woman at liberty, and say to them,'Now - go your way,--my women with the rest,--go your way.' And my - wives have got to do one of two things: either round up their - shoulders to endure the afflictions of this world, and live - their religion, or they may leave, for I will not have them - about me. I will go into heaven alone, rather than have - scratching and fighting around me. I will set all at liberty. - 'What, first wife too?' Yes, I will liberate you all. I know - what my women will say. They will say, 'You can have as many - women as you please, Brigham.' But I want to go somewhere, and - do something to get rid of the whiners."[219:A] - -It does not appear that these unhappy women availed themselves of this -opportunity of getting rid of their misery, by being cast off upon the -world, in an Indian country, nearly a thousand miles from civilization. - -It may seem very strange, that so many women are led into the snare of -polygamy. The most specious arguments are advanced, and inducements held -out, by the wicked and designing leaders of the Mormon Church, to blind -and deceive unsuspecting and simple-minded women. They are told that -"the laws of Christendom differ widely from those of the other three -fourths of the whole family of man;" that they are the laws and -practices of "a wicked and perverse generation," and differ also from -the doctrines taught in the Bible. It is a noticeable fact that the -Bible is only quoted on the subject of polygamy. On all other topics, -the books of Mormonism are used. These being, as already shown, adverse -to their favorite institution, resort is had to the Old Testament -Scriptures. - -Abraham is constantly cited as the great exemplar and pattern. It is -urged that the family order observed by him is the order established -among celestial beings, in the celestial world. That God sanctioned the -practice, and is himself a polygamist. - -That many virtuous and high-minded women should infinitely prefer to -unite their fortunes to _one_ good man, rather than to have each a -wicked husband who could bring her no exaltation in another world. -"Shall such virtuous and innocent females, though they may be poor, and -low in the scale of fortune's partial smiles,--shall they be denied the -right to choose the objects of their love? Must they, through the -operation of hideously contracted laws, be virtually doomed to resort to -infamous prostitution, entailing disease, infamy, and death upon -themselves and their offspring, or to marry an inferior grade of -corrupt, vicious men,--debauchees, gluttons, drunkards, and idlers,--or -remain in perpetual celibacy, and frustrate the designs of their -creation, and violate the first and foremost command of God,--to -multiply and replenish the earth?" - -They are pointed to Jacob, also, who had several wives, and who was the -father of the twelve patriarchs, after whom all the tribes of Israel -were named. From one of these wives, Christ himself lineally descended. -Various other instances are cited from the Jewish -Scriptures,--especially the fact that the Lord gave unto David some of -the wives of Saul. "Hereby we learn that God himself gives many wives to -those who are faithful, _and takes them away from transgressors_." The -faith of Abraham was indorsed by Christ and his Apostles, and those who -have the same faith are called heirs of the promise. Hence an effort is -made to bring the New Testament also to the support of polygamy, -notwithstanding it is so plainly condemned in that volume. Indeed, it is -unblushingly asserted that not only the Apostles but Christ himself -practised polygamy! "The grand reason," said J. M. Grant, one of the -First Presidency, in a discourse delivered in the Tabernacle in Great -Salt Lake City, "why the gentiles and philosophers of that school -persecuted Jesus Christ, was because he had so many wives. There were -Elizabeth and Mary, and a host of others, who followed him." - -To Abraham and Sarah was the promise made--"In thee and in thy seed, -shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." The sisters are called -upon to follow the example of Sarah, and to give plural wives to their -husbands, even as Sarah gave Hagar unto Abraham. "If you suffer with her -(Sarah) you shall reign with her. You shall be heirs of the same -promise, and crowned with glory in the celestial world." - -By these specious arguments and falsehoods, are thousands lured on to -their destruction. Oh! could this volume reach the eye of all such,--as -it surely will of many,--to them I appeal to examine carefully the -foundation of the system to which they are committing themselves. To -them I respectfully and earnestly submit some considerations and facts -worthy of their serious attention, before they enter irretrievably upon -their own ruin. - -Polygamy, or plurality, so called, is not only contrary to the laws of -our country, which we are all in duty bound to uphold and obey, but it -is adverse to the genius of our free institutions, and is, moreover, -contrary to the laws and instincts of our nature, and to the suggestions -of a sound reason. - -In the first place, is polygamy reasonable or natural? - -In pursuing this inquiry, the first fact that stares us in the face is -the equality in the numbers of the male and female sexes, in all -countries, and in all ages of the world. If polygamy were the natural -relation between the sexes, the number of females born into the world -would far exceed the number of males. So far from that being the case, -there is a larger number of males, and the excess about equal to the -greater loss of life, among males, by wars and accidents; thus leaving a -substantial equality in the numbers of those living. - -The following figures will show the number of males and females in the -United States, at the close of each of the last five decades:-- - - Excess of Per cent. - Year. Males. Females. Males. of Excess. - 1820 4,898,127 4,740,004 158,123 3.2 - 1830 6,529,696 6,336,324 193,372 3 - 1840 8,688,532 8,380,921 307,611 3.5 - 1850 11,837,661 11,354,215 483,446 4.1 - 1860 16,086,059 15,359,021 727,038 4.5 - -Thus it will be seen, that nature has made no provision for the practice -of polygamy in this country. On the contrary, there has continually been -an excess of the male population. This fact is owing, in part, to the -large excess of males in the immigration from foreign countries. - -Let us pursue this subject a little farther. In 1851, the population of -Great Britain and Ireland was,--males, 13,537,052; females, 14,082,814. -Excess of females, 3 per cent. But emigration, and the heavy wars in -which that country had been engaged, had been draining off the male -population for many years previous. - -In Prussia, in 1849, there were then living,--males, 8,162,805; females, -8,162,382. - -The mortality of males is greater than that of females. To compensate -for this, more males are born. - -In England, the excess of male births is 5 per cent.; in France and -Russia, 6 per cent.; in the United States, from 5 to 12 per cent., -according to the locality. - -If, now, we turn our attention to the Territory of Utah, we shall find a -similar state of facts. By reference to the United States Census of -1850, it will appear that there was, at that time, an excess of males in -every county in the Territory, amounting, in the aggregate, to 712; the -total number of males being 6,046, and of females, 5,334. The national -census of 1860 shows the following result: males, 20,255,--females, -20,018. - -There has always been, in this Territory, as there is in every new -country, a scarcity of females. No person, therefore, could take more -than one wife, without, as a necessary consequence, compelling some -other person to live without any. - -This subject is placed in a still stronger light, by reference to the -report of the Territorial Superintendent of Common Schools, dated -January 14, 1863, and published in the "Deseret News," Vol. XII. No. 31. - -By that report it appears that the number of boys between the ages of -six and eighteen, is greater than the number of girls between four and -sixteen, in every county in the Territory but one. The total, so far as -the Superintendent had been able to obtain reports, is as follows:-- - - Number of boys between six and eighteen 3950 - Number of girls between four and sixteen 3662 - ---- - Showing an excess of boys, to the number of 288 - -The thanks of the public are due to Mr. Campbell, for bringing to light -facts having so important a bearing on this subject. - -Thus it will be seen that in this Territory, as well as in all other -parts of the country, has nature failed to make any provision for the -practice of polygamy. On the contrary, ever true to herself, even now, -after polygamy has been practised over ten years, during which time it -has been openly encouraged, nature is reëstablishing her own laws, and -maintaining the substantial equality in the numbers of the sexes; thus -placing the seal of condemnation on this practice, and saying, in the -plainest language, "Let every man have his own wife, and let every woman -have her own husband." - -In considering whether polygamy is reasonable or natural, other -arguments present themselves. - -This practice tends necessarily to the degradation of woman. Instead of -being a companion of man, socially his equal, sympathizing with his -moral and intellectual nature, and sharing in all his pursuits and -enjoyments, she becomes, under this system, merely the minister to his -passions and physical comfort, or the servant to assist in the increase -of his worldly store. - -It is impossible that several women should live on terms of such -intimacy with the same man, all at the same time on a social equality -with him and with each other. The idea of plurality necessitates that of -subordination and inferiority. Rules must be established and observed, -to insure even the appearance of harmony. But this necessary assumption -of superiority and power, on the part of the man, at once mars, if it -does not destroy, all the finer and holier of the marriage relations. -The husband loses respect for her who sits at his feet, rather than by -his side. A full and perfect communion of thought and feeling ceases to -exist. A sense of inferiority on the part of the wife blunts her pride -and ambition, and renders her careless of intellectual and moral -progress, and insensible to many of the highest and noblest duties of -her sex. She gradually conforms herself to her position, however hard it -may be at first to do so, and thus her place in the social scale is -lowered. - -It need scarcely be asked whether this is an evil. Both reason and -history answer the question plainly in the affirmative. In all ages of -the world, the most enlightened and prosperous nations have been those -who sought to refine and elevate woman by the practice of monogamy, or -the one-wife system. Witness Egypt, Greece, and Rome, among the ancient -nations; and among the moderns, the United States, Great Britain, -France, and other European countries. - -A reference to those nations will also illustrate and prove the remark -already made, that the practice of polygamy is adverse to free -institutions. In all countries where the most freedom has prevailed, has -monogamy existed,--a coincidence so remarkable as to authorize the -deduction that the relation of cause and effect exists between these -facts. The love of home is intimately associated with the love of -country and of liberty, and whatever tends to refine and purify the -former will inevitably exalt and strengthen the latter. - -Again: polygamy tends to destroy the unity and sanctity of home, by -permitting a man to have families in different places at the same time. -"The supposition," says an eminent jurist, "that a man can have two -domicils, would lead to the absurdest consequences." Hence such an idea -has always been rejected in courts of justice. And yet this very thing -is attempted in Utah, where it is not uncommon to have different -families of wives and children located sometimes many miles apart. -Indeed, one of the Twelve Apostles has families scattered all along -between Salt Lake City and the southern boundary of the Territory,--a -distance of over three hundred miles. - -Polygamy requires a law of descent peculiar to itself, and this law, -differing, as it necessarily must, from that in force in all the -surrounding States and Territories, leads to endless difficulty and -confusion in the titles to property. - -The evils of polygamy are aggravated by the fact that the consent of the -first wife is not made necessary to the union of the husband with -subsequent ones. The prevailing doctrine on this subject is -authoritatively stated in the following words:-- - - "When a man who has a wife, teaches her the law of God, as - revealed to the ancient patriarchs, and as manifested by new - revelation, and she refuses to give her consent for him to - marry another according to that law, then it becomes necessary - for her to state before the President the reasons why she - withholds her consent; if her reasons are sufficient and - justifiable, and the husband is found in the fault, or in - transgression, then he is not permitted to take any step in - regard to obtaining another. But if the wife can show no good - reason why she refuses to comply with the law which was given - unto Sarah of old, then it is lawful for her husband, if - permitted by revelation through the Prophet, to be married to - others without her consent, and he will be justified, and she - will be condemned, because she did not give them unto him, as - Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham, and as Rachel and Leah gave - Bilhah and Zilpah to their husband Jacob."[225:A] - -In the case last supposed, in the foregoing extract, if the marriage -ceremony is performed in the usual manner, the first wife is obliged to -stand between her husband and the hated bride, and falsely admit that -she gives her consent, when asked if she "is willing to give this woman -to her husband to be his lawful and wedded wife, for time and for all -eternity." - -The result of such a state of things is what might be expected. -Jealousies, strifes, and heart-burnings arise, resulting in most cases -in the breaking-up of the family, or the casting-off of the less -congenial elements. - -It is useless to deny these results. The facts are too patent to admit -of any dispute. The alarming frequency, and I may say recklessness, with -which divorces are applied for and granted, is a fact familiar to all, -and can only be traced to the causes just stated, unless, indeed, we -should--as I am unwilling to do--impute it to the promptings of caprice -and passion. Having resided in the Territory nearly two years, it would -be impossible for me, unless I had, in the mean time, shut my eyes to -what was going on around me, to be ignorant of the state of things to -which I have briefly alluded. - -It has been urged as an argument in favor of polygamy, that it tends to -lessen the evils of prostitution. Even if this were true, the argument -would have no validity, if at the same time that this evil is abated or -suppressed, others are introduced, more serious, lasting, and -wide-spread in their influence upon society, our country, and the world. -But it never has been clearly shown that polygamy has such an effect. -The argument is made by comparing the most favorable localities where -polygamy prevails with the most unfavorable monogamic districts; for -instance, with the large cities of the United States. But it remains to -be seen what condition any one of those cities would be in, with -polygamy in full blast; and until it be shown that its condition would -be improved, the argument remains of but little force. - -Another argument in favor of polygamy, perhaps worthy of notice, is, -that it tends to a more rapid increase of population. Admitting the -object is a desirable one, it has not been shown that it can be attained -in that way. As has been remarked by an able writer, the question is, -not whether ten men would not have more children by forty women than by -ten; but whether the forty women would not have more children, each -woman having "her own husband." - -Some other reasons have been given in justification of polygamy, which I -consider too absurd to require even a passing notice. - -In a former chapter, the so-called Revelation on Celestial Marriage has -been given, and it was there shown that polygamy was an innovation upon -the Mormon religion. - -I desire now to call the attention of the women of Utah to a few -observations on the nature of this pretended revelation, and the -circumstances under which it was given to the world. - -1. It was, even if given as assumed, kept secret for nine years. -Polygamy was privately practised by the leaders of the church for -several years, during which time, according to Brigham's admission, it -was not "preached by the Elders," and was therefore studiously concealed -from new converts. Indeed, not only was it "not preached," but it was -strongly denounced during the same period. - -On the first of February, 1844, the following notice appeared in the -"Times and Seasons," the church organ, published at Nauvoo. - - - "NOTICE. - - "As we have lately been credibly informed, that an Elder of - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, by the name - of Hiram Brown, has been preaching Polygamy, and other false - and corrupt doctrines, in the County of Lapeer, and State of - Michigan: - - "This is to notify him and the church in general, that he has - been cut off from the church for his iniquity; and he is - further notified to appear at the Special Conference, on the - 6th of April next, to make answer to these charges. - - "JOSEPH SMITH, - - "HYRUM SMITH, - - "_Presidents of the Church_."[227:A] - -This was seven months after the time when, according to Brigham Young -and his associates, the Revelation concerning Celestial Marriage had -been given to Smith. But here both Joseph and Hyrum Smith call polygamy -a "false and corrupt doctrine." Can any true follower of Smith, or -believer in his divine mission, believe for a moment, in the face of -this declaration, that Smith had received any revelation on the 12th of -July, 1843, sanctioning polygamy? - -Again, six weeks later, Hyrum Smith wrote as follows:-- - - "NAUVOO, March 15, 1844. - - "To the Brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day - Saints, living on China Creek, in Hancock County, Greeting: - - "Whereas, Brother Richard Hewett has called on me to-day, to - know my views concerning some doctrines that are preached in - your place, and states to me that some of your Elders say, - that a man _having a certain priesthood_, may have as many - wives as he pleases, and that doctrine is taught here; I say - unto you, that that man teaches _false doctrine_, for there is - no such doctrine taught here, neither is there any such thing - practised here; and any man that is found teaching privately - or publicly any such doctrine, is culpable, and will stand a - chance to be brought before the High Council, and lose his - license and membership also; therefore he had better beware - what he is about."[228:A] - -Polygamy was condemned at the General Conferences of the European -churches, in England, during the year 1846, and subsequently. - -In July, 1845, Parley P. Pratt, in the "Millennial Star," published at -Liverpool, had denounced the "Spiritual-Wife doctrine of J. C. -Bennett,"--which was one of the earliest manifestations of polygamy in -the church,--as a "doctrine of devils" and of "seducing spirits," using -this language: "It is but another name for whoredom, wicked and unlawful -connection, and every kind of confusion, corruption, and -abomination."[228:B] - -In May, 1848, Orson Spencer, then editor of the "Star," used the -following language:-- - - "In all ages of the church truth has been turned into a - lie, and the grace of God converted into lasciviousness, - by men who have sought to make 'a gain' of godliness, and - feed their lusts on the credulity of the righteous and - unsuspicious. . . . Next to the long-hackneyed and bugaboo - whisperings of polygism, is another abomination that sometimes - shows its serpentine crests, which we shall call sexual - resurrectionism. . . . The doctrines of corrupt spirits are - always in close affinity with each other, whether they - consist in spiritual wife-ism, sexual resurrection, gross - lasciviousness, or the unavoidable separation of husbands and - wives, or the communism of property."[229:A] - -In July, 1850, at a discussion held at Boulogne, France, John Taylor, a -well-known Mormon Apostle, when charged with the belief and practice of -this doctrine, said:--"We are accused here of polygamy, and actions the -most indelicate, obscene, and disgusting, such that none but a corrupt -and depraved heart could have contrived. These things are too outrageous -to admit of belief. Therefore, leaving the sisters of the 'White Veil,' -the 'Black Veil,' and all the other veils, with those gentlemen to -dispose of, together with their authors, as they think best, I shall -content myself by reading our views of chastity and marriage, from a -work published by us, containing some of the articles of our -faith."[229:B] He then read from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the -article on marriage, already quoted from. - -Here we have the following facts:-- - -In 1830 the Mormon Church organized, and the Book of Mormon was -published, in which polygamy is strongly condemned. - -In 1831, the same doctrine condemned, in a revelation to Joseph Smith, -which was afterward published in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. - -In July, 1843, the revelation in favor of polygamy, _said to have been -given_ to Joseph Smith. - -In February, 1844, polygamy publicly denounced by Joseph and Hyrum -Smith. - -In March, 1844, the same practice again denounced by Hyrum Smith. - -In June, 1844, the death of Smith. - -In 1845, the publication of the article on Marriage, in the Appendix to -the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in which polygamy is called a -"crime," and is again strongly condemned and repudiated. The same year -the Spiritual-Wife doctrine of J. C. Bennett, denounced by P. P. Pratt, -in England. - -In 1846, polygamy condemned at the Conferences of the European Mormon -churches in England. - -In 1848, "polygism" and "sexual resurrectionism" severely denounced in -the "Millennial Star," published in Liverpool. - -In 1850, polygamy denounced and repudiated by Apostle John Taylor, in -France. - -And yet, in the face of all these facts, in 1852, we have the same -doctrine publicly given to the church, accompanied by the announcement, -that it had been believed and practised by the church for many years. - -Now, it will not be pretended by any one, that polygamy was any part of -the Mormon religion previous to 1843. - -Take, then, the period from 1843 to 1852. How was it during those nine -years? Which shall be taken as evidence of what was the teaching of the -Mormon religion, on that subject, during that time? The Book of Doctrine -and Covenants, the Notices published by Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the -declarations of Pratt and Spencer, the action of the churches in -England, and the assertions of Taylor in France, or the announcement -made in Great Salt Lake City in 1852? Are we not, at least, as much -authorized to take the former as the latter? - -If the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the writings of Joseph and Hyrum, -the continued and persistent declarations of the Mormon leaders, and the -action of the Mormon churches be taken, then polygamy was no part of -Mormonism up to 1852. And if not previous to that time, it was not -afterward, for Young did not pretend to give it at that time as a new -revelation, but rested the doctrine entirely on the revelation said to -have been given to Joseph in 1843. - -2. A singular feature of this revelation is, that in it God is made -expressly to contradict what he is represented as having said in the -Book of Mormon. - -According to the Book of Mormon, as already quoted, God said the -polygamy and concubinage of David and Solomon were abominable before -him. The following is the language: "Behold David and Solomon truly had -many wives and concubines, which thing was abominable before me, saith -the Lord." - -This was the testimony of the Almighty, as to the manner in which he -viewed the conduct of David and Solomon, up to July, 1843, when he is -represented in this revelation as indorsing those very acts which, in -the Book of Mormon, he had so strongly condemned. - -3. Again: This revelation classes Isaac and Moses with Abraham, Jacob, -David, and Solomon, as polygamists; when in fact neither Isaac nor Moses -ever practised polygamy. How could the All-wise Being make such a -mistake? - -4. The most remarkable circumstance connected with this revelation -remains to be considered,--It was in direct contradiction to the laws of -the land. - -At that time, July 12, 1843, Smith resided at Nauvoo, Illinois, and was, -of course, together with all the other inhabitants of that city, -amenable to the laws of Illinois. - -The following statute was then in force in that State, the same having -been passed February 12, 1833:-- - - "SEC. 121. Bigamy consists in the having of two wives or two - husbands at one and the same time, knowing that the former - husband or wife is still alive. If any person or persons - within this State, being married, or who shall hereafter - marry, do at any time marry any person or persons, the former - husband or wife being alive, the person so offending shall, on - conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding one - thousand dollars, and imprisonment in the penitentiary not - exceeding two years." [The remainder of this section relates - to evidence, and prescribes certain exemptions.] - - "SEC. 122. If any man or woman, being unmarried, shall - knowingly marry the husband or wife of another, such man or - woman shall, on conviction, be fined not more than five - hundred dollars, or imprisoned not more than one year."[232:A] - -In the face of this law, which was then in full force, the revelation to -Smith declares: "If any man espouse a virgin, and desire to espouse -another, and the first give her consent; and if he espouse the second -and they are virgins, and have vowed to no other man, then is he -justified."[232:B] Thus justifying the violation of both sections of the -law. People may well hesitate, before believing in the authenticity of -such a revelation. - -Here, again, God is made to contradict himself; for not only in the -Christian but in the Mormon Bible, He is represented as enjoining upon -His disciples to obey the laws and civil authorities. The Book of Mormon -abounds in such teachings. The Book of Doctrine and Covenants is to the -same effect:-- - - "We believe that every man should be honored in his station; - rulers and magistrates as such being placed for the protection - of the innocent and the punishment of the guilty; and that to - the laws all men owe respect and deference, as without them - peace and harmony would be supplanted by anarchy and - terror."[232:C] - -Here, again, I may quote from Mr. Orson Pratt, whose writings have been -freely used, as of high authority in "the church." - - "Would it be right for the Latter Day Saints to marry a - plurality of wives in any of the States or Territories, or - nations, where such practices are prohibited by the laws of - man? We answer, No; it would not be right; for we are - commanded to be subject to the powers that be."[233:A] - -Since, then, it was not right to violate the laws of the land, then in -force in Illinois on this subject, how came God to give a revelation -sanctioning such a violation of the State law? And that too, without -making, in the revelation, the least allusion to the law which was to be -so grossly violated? - -Again: Who was authorized to keep this revelation secret, no secrecy -being enjoined in the revelation itself? - -But enough concerning this extraordinary document. It seems strange, -indeed, that any reasonable man or woman can look upon this so-called -revelation, announced under such suspicious circumstances, and involved -in so many contradictions, as a sufficient authority or excuse for the -establishment of a custom which would overturn our most cherished social -institutions, and throw us at once back thousands of years in -civilization. - -The conclusion would not be changed if it were admitted that the -doctrine of celestial marriage is a part of the Mormon religion; for -that has nothing to do with polygamy. On the contrary, this doctrine is -expressly founded upon the relation between Adam and Eve before the -fall. The following is the language:-- - - "The first marriage we have on record is that of our first - parents. . . . Here was a marriage in which the Lord in person - officiated,--a marriage between two immortal beings. . . . He - joined them in one, as one flesh, to be indissolubly united, - while eternal ages should roll on, or God himself endure. . . . - Did death tear asunder husband and wife, divorce that which - God had joined together as 'one flesh,' immortal and eternal - in its nature? The atonement of Christ will repair the breach, - will restore the immortal Eve to the immortal Adam, will join - them again as one flesh, never more to be separated, and will - again let the lawful husband enjoy the society of his lawful - wife. . . . - - "Therefore, if the children have been married for eternity, as - well as for time, by the authority of God, the same as their - first parents were, they will, with them, raise up, after the - resurrection, an endless posterity of immortal beings. . . . - But those who do not, in this life, enter into the eternal - covenant of marriage, after the pattern set by the first - immortal pair, can never obey the first great command."[234:A] - -The foregoing extracts convey a very intelligible idea of this doctrine; -and from them it will be seen it is founded entirely upon the relation -between Adam and Eve. Those who would enjoy the blessings of celestial -marriage, must, "in this life, enter into the eternal covenant of -marriage, after the pattern set by the first immortal pair." What was -that pattern? Adam and Eve were monogamists. Adam lived with the wife of -his youth, and had no other, for nine hundred and thirty years, and -according to Pratt, he is to live with the same woman, in the same -capacity, throughout all the ages of eternity. Surely he must be very -astute who can discover in this "pattern" any sanction for polygamy. - -I might enlarge, indefinitely, upon the arguments against polygamy. I -might go into the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, and show that it had -been, in many ways, condemned by the Almighty. That not only had Adam -been limited to one wife at the creation, but when the world was -destroyed by a flood, one wife only to each man was taken into the -ark;--that God blessed Abraham's posterity through the issue of his -first and lawful wife, and in order to do that, worked a miracle upon -Sarah; thus sanctioning monogamy in the strongest manner possible. I -might refer to the warning of Malachi: "Take heed to your spirit, and -let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth." I might refer -to the fact that Lamech, the first polygamist, was a murderer; and that -the most prominent polygamists of old were men guilty of the most -heinous crimes. And turning from the Old Testament to the New, I might -quote the words of Paul,--"To avoid fornication, let every man have his -own wife, and let every woman have her own husband;" and the words of -Christ,--"From the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. -For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to -his wife; and they twain shall be one flesh." - -But I choose to pass over all these things, and for my present purpose -rest the moral character of this practice upon the assertion, already -quoted from the Book of Mormon, that the polygamy and concubinage of -David and Solomon were abominable before God. No Mormon can gainsay this -testimony. - -In conclusion, to review what has been said. I have endeavored to show -that polygamy is unreasonable, and contrary to the plain provisions and -teachings of Nature; that it tends to degrade woman, and to confuse and -break up the family relation, thus weakening the attachment to home and -country. Other evils consequent upon this system have been pointed out. -The arguments by which it is supported have been examined, and have been -shown to be weak or invalid. - -A word further as to the case of Abraham and Sarah. Did God sanction the -polygamy of Abraham? - -"Now Sarai, Abram's wife, bare him no children; and she had a handmaid, -an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, 'Behold -now the Lord hath restrained me from bearing; I pray thee go in unto my -maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her.'" From this it -appears that Sarah, and not God, was the author of Abraham's polygamy. -She had lost all hope of having children herself, and was willing to -adopt those of her handmaid. Hagar being her slave, she intended to own -her children. She soon, however, perceived her fatal error. Hagar wished -to assume the rights and privileges of a wife. This Sarah would not -listen to for a moment. - -Hagar despised her mistress, and Sarah appealed to Abraham. Abraham -said, "Behold thy maid is in thy hand, do unto her as it pleaseth -thee." "And Sarah dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face." -Isaac was born. The son of Hagar was seen mocking, and Sarah desired -Abraham to cast him out. "And the thing was grievous in Abraham's sight, -because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, 'Let it not be grievous -in thy sight, because of the lad, and because of thy bond-woman; in all -that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; _for in Isaac -shall thy seed be called_.'" - -Again: "God tempted Abraham, saying, 'Take now thy son, thine _only -son_, Isaac,'" &c. And again: "Thou hast not withheld thy son, _thine -only son_." For this reason God blessed Abraham, and said, "In blessing -I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the -stars of the heaven, or the sands on the sea-shore;" but, "in Isaac -shall thy seed be called." - -God thus plainly and unequivocally condemned Abrahamic polygamy, refused -to recognize Ishmael as a legitimate son, and disinherited him. He -thence went forth, as a cast-out bastard, whose "hand was against every -man, and every man's hand against him." - -Sisters in Israel! You are told that Sarah is the mother and pattern for -all women. She is held up as a bright example of conjugal loyalty and -faith for females--wives and mothers--of all ages. Follow, then, her -example. If through a mistaken faith and false doctrines, you have been -induced to give mistresses to your husbands, turn them from you; purify -your homes, as Sarah did, and the same God who blessed her will bless -you, and multiply your children. - -Sisters in Israel! If you have been led astray by wicked and designing -men, and have been caught in their snares, arise, and by the help of the -Lord your God, break the bonds of wickedness, and go forth and purify -yourselves by fasting and prayer; and the God who blessed Hagar in the -wilderness will bless you, and show you a fountain, even the blood of -Christ, which will cleanse you from all sin. - -May God guide and direct the afflicted women of Utah, and speedily -deliver them from their thraldom. - -The practical working of polygamy is what might be expected from a -system the fundamental principles of which are in direct opposition to -the laws of God and man. - -A few instances and illustrations will be given, from among a thousand -which might be adduced to show the unhappiness and misery it entails -upon all parties concerned, and especially upon those females who are so -unfortunate as to be drawn into it. - -A Mr. Cushion was engaged to be married to Miss Susan McBride, when he -was taken sick and died. He had been a great favorite of Heber C. -Kimball, Second President of the Church, who desired he should be saved -and glorified in another world. But to that end, he must have a family. -Accordingly Heber visited Miss McBride, and urged her to marry the man -whom she had loved, _by proxy_; explaining to her that it was a -religious duty which she owed to her affianced husband. The poor girl, -puzzled and troubled, and desirous of being in the society of the loved -one, and contributing to his happiness in the next world, consented. - -Heber then applied to Robert T. Burton, and induced him to marry the -girl. Burton is the Sheriff of Salt Lake County, and Collector of -Internal Revenue for the United States Government! He is a fit -instrument to carry out any scheme of the heads of the church, and -required but little inducement to undertake this one. The poor girl was -thus disposed of, by being sealed to Cushion for eternity, and to -Burton, as his third wife, for time. She was taken home, and domiciled -with the other two. - -These worthy matrons were not pleased with the appearance of a new wife, -and claiming their rights as the only real wives, who had been sealed to -their husband both for time and eternity, resolved at once to make it -exceedingly uncomfortable for the new-comer. This they did effectually, -and Susan's life was a very unhappy one. But time passed on, and she -became the mother of several children. - -Susan was not allowed equal privileges with the other two. She had but -one small room, in which she cooked, ate, slept, and spun, while the -other two had splendid chambers and parlors,--for Burton is wealthy. -When she complained to Burton, he said,--"Susan, you know I have only -married you for time, and you must not expect the same privileges which -I grant to my other wives, who are married for eternity, and who will -exalt and glorify me in the celestial kingdom. You ought to be thankful -for what you do receive, and not fret about my other wives." - -The first wife takes control of Susan's children, in contradiction to -the entire theory of this complex and unnatural relationship, and the -mother is frequently obliged to see them severely punished, and suffer -in silence. One day the first wife's boys and one of Susan's were in the -barn, doing some mischief. The first wife went out and commanded the -boys to come away. Her own boys ran past unharmed, but when Susan's boy, -the youngest of the three, came out, she caught him, beat him, threw him -on the ground, and kicked him. - -This is but one of many instances, where women are living in this way, -being married to one man for time, and sealed to another for eternity. -This narrative was given me by one who had lived in the family for -several months, and saw and heard what is herein stated. - -A coarseness of feeling and sentiment, scarcely credible, is another -result of this state of society. Kimball one day met a Mr. Taussig, a -Prussian brother. "Brother Taussig," he said, "are you doing well?" -"Yes, sir," was the reply. "Then you do well for the church too," said -the Second President; "how many women have you?" "Two, sir." "That is -not enough; you must take a couple more. I'll send them to you. Do you -hear?" "Yes, sir." On the following evening, when the brother returned -home, he found two women sitting there. His first wife said: "Brother -Taussig," (all the women call their husbands "brother,") "these are the -sisters Pratt." They were two widows of Parley P. Pratt. One of the -_ladies_, Sarah, then said: "Brother Taussig, Brother Kimball told us to -call on you, and you know what for." "Yes, ladies," replied Brother -Taussig, "but it is a very hard task for me to marry two." The other -remarked, "Brother Kimball told us that you were doing a very good -business, and could support more women." Sarah then took up the -conversation: "Well, Brother Taussig, I want to get married, anyhow." -The good brother replied, "Well, ladies, I will see what I can do, and -let you know." - -The next day, Brother Taussig visited the Bishop, and effected a -compromise. By marrying Sarah he was released from the other. After he -had lived awhile with the three wives, Sarah became dissatisfied, and -applied to Brother Brigham for a divorce. Brother Taussig was summoned -before the President, and made but feeble resistance to the application, -admitting that he could not properly maintain more than two wives. The -divorce was granted, and Brother Taussig was called upon by the clerk -for $10. For not having the money, he received a cursing from the clerk, -and Sarah was retained in the royal presence, with the assurance that it -was "no divorce," until the money was brought in. Brother Taussig went -on to the street, borrowed it, and brought it into the office,--and thus -ended this disgusting serio-comic conjugal farce.[239:A] - -Other incidents are more serious in their nature. One of them, which -came to my knowledge, would be too horrible to relate, were not the -facts well authenticated. - -An old man, a brewer by occupation, married a young girl, as a second -wife. The husband and the first wife abused her shamefully. Finally, -after a long course of ill-treatment, the husband descended to the level -of the brute. On one occasion, which was but a few days after her -confinement, exasperated by her refusal to yield to his wishes, he -dragged her out of bed by the hair, took her down cellar, and kept her -there several days and nights, upon bread and water, until her cries and -entreaties were overheard by persons in the Overland Stage-Office, which -was near by. The matter was investigated, and the poor and almost dying -woman released from the clutches of the fiend. She was taken violently -ill, and soon after lost her reason entirely. - -No notice was taken of this transaction by the church authorities, and -the inhuman husband went unpunished. - -Wife-whipping is by no means uncommon in Utah. Many names might be -mentioned of men of high standing in the church, who make no scruple of -using personal violence to keep their wives in due subordination. It is -a common saying, that a man who is good at managing cattle, will be able -to manage his women. - -One would suppose that it would be very difficult to induce women to go -into "plurality" under such circumstances. On the contrary, so -infatuated are they with the religious view of the subject, that many of -them look upon it as a duty to be performed, and a cross to be borne, no -matter at what sacrifice. - -One of the sisters, in conversation with me, expressed her views upon -polygamy as follows: "Oh, it is hard," she said, "very hard; but no -matter, we must bear it. It is a correct principle, and there is no -salvation without it. We had one, (meaning a plural wife,) but it was so -hard, both for my husband and myself, that we could not endure it, and -she left us at the end of seven months. She had been with us as a -servant, several months, and was a good girl; but as soon as she was -made a wife, she became insolent, and told me she had as good a right to -the house and things as I had, and you know," she said, "that didn't -suit very well. But," continued she, "I wish we had kept her, and I had -borne everything, _for we have got to have one_, and don't you think it -would be pleasanter to have one you had known, than a stranger?" I told -her I thought it would, if it had to be done, but I hoped my husband -would not take one. She said, "He'll have to do it, if you and he want -to be saved." - -That the system of polygamy is really distasteful to the women of -Utah,--that they are unhappy and dissatisfied, especially the first -wives, is sufficiently shown by the public admissions of the church -authorities. The admission of Young to that effect, made in the -strongest language, has already been given. Jedediah Grant, one of the -"three," also conceded the same fact in a sermon preached at the Bowery, -in September, 1856, in the following language:-- - - "We have women here, who like anything but the Celestial Law - of God; and if they could break asunder the cable of the - Church of Christ, _there is scarcely a mother in Israel but - would do it this day_. And they talk it to their husbands, to - their daughters, and to their neighbors, and say _they have - not seen a week's happiness since they became acquainted with - that law, or since their husbands took a second wife_." - -Nothing but the strong appeals constantly made to their religious faith -and moral sentiments, could hold them where they are for a single day. -Many instances might be given, illustrating the workings of the system. - -The writer has no disposition to bring private individuals into public -notice, especially those who deserve only to sink into obscurity. But as -this is a subject which affects the whole country, and must eventually -be disposed of upon the basis of _facts_, we shall give two or three -other instances, citing cases of persons so well known, that the facts -will not be questioned for a moment. - -Mr. Townsend, a hotel-keeper at Salt Lake, married a young wife. The -other wife became disgusted, and refused to remain in the house. So, in -another house back of the hotel, lived the first wife, leading a -miserable, unhappy life, looking upon the second wife as an interloper, -having an unutterable contempt for her, and refusing to speak to her. - -Mrs. Captain Hooper, an intelligent and lady-like woman, says she does -not like to think of the subject,--would rather not talk about it; -admits that if her husband were to take a second wife, it would make her -very unhappy, but says it is a part of her religion, and she believes it -would be her duty to submit. It is known that Brigham urges Captain H. -to take a second wife, and it is thought the Captain will be forced into -it by the absolute power, whose behests he must obey, no matter how -contrary to his own inclinations it may be. He was once seen to come out -of the President's office with tears in his eyes, after having had a -conversation upon the subject. - -T. B. H. Stenhouse, an active, intelligent man, holding the office of -Postmaster at Salt Lake, under the Federal Government, has a beautiful -and accomplished wife, and an interesting family of eight children. For -a long time after arriving in Utah, he remained true to his wife. She -lived in constant apprehension that her husband would "go into -polygamy," and so much was she opposed to it, that she once said to me -in his presence, that if he did, she could not and would not live with -him longer. - -Mr. Cook, the Superintendent and Assistant Treasurer of the Overland -Stage Company, who was accidentally killed in California, was, during -his lifetime, on intimate terms with Stenhouse, and is supposed to have -exercised considerable influence to prevent him from embracing the -pernicious system. It is known that on one occasion, Cook, hearing that -Stenhouse contemplated something of the kind, threatened him with a -prosecution under the Anti-Polygamy Law of Congress. - -Cook was killed, as stated, and soon after, Stenhouse, freed from any -restraint except the church and his own pliable conscience, married -Celia, daughter of Parley P. Pratt, a pert little miss, fourteen years -of age, and took her into his family, with his eight children and the -wife with whom he had lived so many years. And this too, in open -violation of a law of the United States, under the government of which -he holds a lucrative commission! - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[219:A] _Deseret News_, October 1, 1856. - -[225:A] _The Seer_, Vol. I. p. 41. - -[227:A] _Times and Seasons_, Vol. V. p. 423. - -[228:A] _Times and Seasons_, Vol. V. p. 474. - -[228:B] _Millennial Star_, Vol. VI. p. 22. - -[229:A] _Millennial Star_, Vol. X. p. 137. - -[229:B] _Taylor's Discussion at Boulogne_, p. 8. - -[232:A] _Illinois Laws of 1833_, p. 198. See also Gales' _Revised -Statutes_ of 1839, p. 220, and _Revised Statutes_ of 1845, p. 173, the -same law having been reenacted in 1845. - -[232:B] _Revelation_, Sec. 24. - -[232:C] _Book of Doctrine and Covenants_, p. 332. - -[233:A] _The Seer_, Vol. I. p. 111. - -[234:A] _The Seer_, Vol. I. pp. 43-47. - -[239:A] To explain the part which Brother Kimball acted in this -affair, it afterward appeared that he was anxious to have Sarah -provided for because he wanted the house that Sarah lived in, for his -daughter, who was about to marry a son of Parley P. Pratt. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE ENDOWMENT. - - - - -_Dramatis Personć._ - - - ELOHEIM, or _Head God_, Brigham Young. - JEHOVAH, Heber G. Kimball. - JESUS, Daniel H. Wells. - MICHAEL, or _Adam_, W. C. Staines. - SATAN, W. W. Phelps. - APOSTLE PETER, Orson Pratt. - APOSTLE JAMES, John Taylor. - APOSTLE JOHN, Erastus Snow. - WASHER, Dr. Sprague. - CLERK, David O. Calder. - EVE, Miss Eliza R. Snow. - TIMOTHY BROADBRIM, _a Quaker_, Wilford Woodruff. - DEACON SMITH, _a Methodist_, Orson Hyde. - PARSON PEABODY, _a Presbyterian_, Franklin D. Richards. - ELDER SMOOTH-TONGUE, _a Baptist_, Phineas H. Young. - FATHER BONIFACE, _a Catholic_, George A. Smith. - BROTHER and SISTER JONES, } - BROTHER and SISTER WHITE, } - SISTER MARY BROWN, _to be sealed to_ BROTHER WHITE, } _Endowees_. - _Several other Candidates_, } - - - - -ACT I. SCENE I. - - - [_Enter Candidates._ - -_Clerk._ Good-morning, brethren and sisters. Be seated. Brother White, -please state the time and place of your birth, date of your marriage, -and the time when you were baptized into the church. - -_Bro. W._ I was born November 3d, 1801, in the town of Portsmouth, in -New Hampshire. I was married January 1st, 1824, and was baptized into -the church April 1st, 1860. - -_Clerk._ Have you paid your tithing punctually? If so, produce your -receipts. [These are read, and handed back.] That is sufficient. You are -entitled to receive your endowments. - -Sister White, will you state when and where you were born, and when you -became a member of the church? - -_Sister W._ I was born September 18th, 1815, in the State of New York, -and became a member of the church in 1852. - -_Clerk._ Sister Mary Brown, please state when and where you were born, -and when you became a member of the church. - -_Sister Mary._ I was born June 20th, 1849, in Great Salt Lake City, and -was baptized into the church in 1860. - -[The Clerk propounds the same questions to all the candidates, and -enters their answers in the record.] - -_Clerk._ You will now proceed to the washing-room, the brethren on the -right, and the sisters on the left. - -_Apostle Peter._ You will remove your shoes, that the dust of earth may -not pollute the holy ground on which you are about to tread. - -[The candidates are then washed in tepid water, and each member blessed -with a blessing peculiar to each. They are then pronounced clean from -the blood of this generation, and a new name is given to each by the -Apostle Peter. They then return to the waiting-room, where the brethren -are anointed with oil, the sisters receiving their anointing in their -own washing-room. - -This ceremony consists in pouring olive-oil upon the head of each, well -rubbed into the hair, nose, eyes, and mouth, and allowed to run down -over the person. It is accompanied by a blessing, similar to that -received at the washing. Brain to be strong, ears to be quick to hear -the words of God's servants, eyes to be sharp to perceive, and feet to -be swift to run in the ways of righteousness. This is the anointing -administered preparatory to being ordained a "King and Priest unto God -and the Lamb." - -Thus greased and blessed, the "garments" are put on. A dress of muslin -or linen is worn next to the skin, reaching from the neck to the ankles -and wrists, and in shape like a little child's sleeping garment. Over -this a shirt, then a robe, made of fine linen, crossing and gathered up -in plaits on one shoulder, reaching to the ground before and behind, and -tied around the waist. Over this is fastened a small, square apron, -similar in size and shape to a masonic apron, made of white linen or -silk, with imitation of fig-leaves painted or worked upon it. A cap made -from a square yard of linen, and gathered into a band to fit the head, -and white linen or cotton shoes, complete the dress of the candidates.] - - -SCENE II. CREATION. - -_Eloheim, seated upon his Throne._ - - [_Enter_ JEHOVAH, JESUS, and MICHAEL. - -_Eloheim._ "Ye powers of Heaven!" This day hath Satan, our rebellious -foe, been vanquished. Lest he again presumptuous rise, let us create new -worlds, and people them with beings who by slow degrees shall rise and -fill the place of those by him deceived. Go forth, ye heavenly -messengers; examine well the boundless realms of space, and bring report -from thence back to the Eternal Throne. - -_Jehovah, Jesus, and Michael_, [all]. Eternal father! Great Eloheim, -Maker and King of the celestial worlds. Joyful we go, thy mandates to -fulfil. - - [_Exeunt_ JEHOVAH, JESUS, and MICHAEL. - -_Eloheim._ Far into chaos proudly ride my messengers. Winds bear them -onward, o'er the deep profound. - - [_Reënter_ JEHOVAH, JESUS, and MICHAEL. - -_Jehovah, Jesus, and Michael_, [all]. Almighty Ruler. The way is clear. -Send forth thy Word alone, and worlds will rise, and circle into space, -obedient to thy call. - -_Elo._ "Silence, ye troubled waves! your discord end. Thus far extend, -thus far thy bounds. This be thy circumference, O world!" - -_Jeh._ Behold the Earth. "Matter unformed and void; darkness profound -covers the abyss." - -_Mich._ But see, "the Spirit of God outspread, and vital virtue infused, -and vital warmth throughout the fluid mass. Like things to like! The -rest to several place disparted." And in the air, "the Earth, -self-balanced, on her centre hangs." - -_Elo._ "Let there be light." - -_Jesus._ "Hail! Holy light. Offspring of Heaven, first born." - -_Elo._ The light is good. Let darkness flee into the shades of night, -and light make up the day. - -_Mich._ Hark! "the celestial choirs, when orient light, exhaling first -from darkness, they behold,--birthday of Heaven and Earth; with joy and -shout, the hollow, universal orb they fill." - -_Elo._ "Let there be a firmament amid the waters, and let it divide the -waters from the waters." - -_Jeh._ "Behold the firmament,--expanse of liquid, pure, transparent, -elemental air, diffused in circuit to the uttermost convex; partition -firm and sure, the waters underneath from those above dividing." - -_Jesus._ The water still doth compass all the Earth, moulding the -plastic mass, and doth implant, within her genial breast, the seeds of -various life. - -_Elo._ "Be gathered, now, ye waters under Heaven, into one place, and -let dry land appear." Land, freed from your prison-house, arise, and be -called Earth. Ye waters,--seas. Now "let the Earth put forth the verdant -grass, herb yielding seed, and fruit-tree yielding fruit after her kind, -whose seed is in herself, upon the Earth." - -_Mich._ Oh, sight sublime! The Earth, till now, barren and fruitless -was; "her universal face" now clothed in "pleasant green." Listen, ye -Gods! The morning stars, which in the vast expanse of Heaven, circle -their rounds, together sing. The sons of God, swift-winged angels, shout -for joy. - -_Elo._ "Let there be lights, high in the expanse of Heaven, to divide -the day from the night; and let them be for signs, for seasons and for -days, and circling years; and let them be for lights, as I ordain their -office, in the firmament of Heaven, to give light on the Earth." "Two -great lights,--great for their use to man,--the greater to have rule by -day, the less by night; the stars I also set in the high firmament, to -illuminate the Earth, and rule the day in their vicissitude, and rule -the night, and light from darkness to divide." - -_Jeh._ Behold, "the thousand, thousand stars, that now appear, spangling -the hemisphere," the luminaries bright, that rise and set, and crown the -glory of the fourth new day. - -_Elo._ "Let the waters generate reptile, with spawn abundant; living -soul; and let fowl fly above the Earth, with wings displayed, on the -open firmament of Heaven, and the great whales, and each soul living, -each that creeps, and in the waters generate, and each bird of its -kind,--let each be blessed;" "be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas and -lakes, and running streams, the waters fill: and let the fowl be -multiplied." - -_Jesus._ Let Heaven rejoice, let Earth be glad, and hail the dawning of -the fifth new day. - -_Elo._ This is the sixth and last morn of creation. Let every creature -forth, from his genial mother, cattle and creeping thing, and beast of -earth, each of his kind. All, all is good, and pleasing in my sight. - -_Jesus._ "Now Heaven in all her glory shines. Earth, in her rich attire, -consummate, lovely, smiles; air, water, earth, fowl, fish, and beast are -here, and yet there wants the master work of all yet done; a creature -endued with reason, which erect may stand, and self-acknowledged, govern -all the rest." - -_Elo._ "Let us make man, in our own image, man in our similitude, and -let them rule over the fish and fowl of sea and air, beast of the field, -and over all the earth, and every creeping thing, that creeps the -ground." Thou art created male and female, in the form and likeness of -the Gods. Go forth, be blessed; "be fruitful, multiply, and fill the -earth, subdue it, and throughout dominion hold" over all, all else that -breathes upon its bosom. Now all is finished, all complete and perfect. -Immortal Gods, let us to our high seat ascend, that from our lofty -throne our perfect works we may behold. - -[To represent the creation of man, Jehovah, Jesus, and Michael stroke -each candidate separately, pretending to form; and by blowing into their -faces, pretend to vivify them. They are then supposed to be as Adam, -newly made, and perfectly ductile in the hands of their makers. A deep -sleep then falls upon the new Adam, and ribs are extracted, out of -which, in another apartment, their wives are formed. They are then -commanded to awake, and their wives are introduced to them; after which -they file by twos into the garden.] - - -SCENE III. GARDEN OF EDEN. - - [_Enter_ ADAM and EVE, and Endowees. - -_Eve._ "Well may we labor, still to dress this garden,--still to tend -plant, herb and flower, our pleasant task enjoined." "Let us divide our -labors," each where seemeth good; and thus, as night draws on, our task -will be accomplished. - -_Adam._ "Sole Eve, associate sole, to me beyond compare, above all -living creatures dear! A doubt possesses me, lest harm befall thee, -severed from me; for thou knowest what hath been warned us, what -malicious foe envies our happiness." - -_Eve._ "Offspring of Heaven, and all Earth's Lord! That such an enemy we -have, who seeks our ruin, both by thee informed, and from the parting -angel overhead; but that thou shouldst my firmness therefore doubt, to -God or thee, because we have a foe may tempt it, I expected not to -hear." - -_Adam._ "Daughter of God and man, immortal Eve,--for such thou art; -from sin and blame entire; I, from the influence of thy looks, receive -access in every virtue. Why shouldst not thou like sense within thee -feel when I am present, and thy trial choose with me,--best witness of -thy virtue tried." - -_Eve._ "If this be our condition, thus to dwell in narrow circuit, -straitened by a foe, how are we happy still, in fear of harm?" - -_Adam._ "O woman, best are all things as the will of God ordains them; -therefore go; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more." - -_Eve._ "With thy permission then, and thus forewarned," I go. - -[Enter Satan, in the form of a serpent, half man, half snake. He -discovers Eve in a bower of roses, and watches her at a distance.] - -_Satan._ "Thoughts, whither have ye led me?--what hither brought us? -Hate, not love, but all pleasure to destroy." [He approaches Eve.] -"Wonder not, sovran mistress, fairest resemblance of thy Maker fair, at -my appearance, half man, half beast, but approach and view this goodly -tree, the fruit of which such wonders work." - -_Eve._ "Serpent, we might have spared our coming hither," for "of this -tree we may not taste or touch; thus hath our God commanded." - -_Satan._ "Indeed! Hath God then said, that of the fruit of all these -garden trees ye shall not eat, yet lords declared of all in earth or -air?" - -_Eve._ "Of the fruit of each tree in the garden we may eat, but of the -fruit of this fair tree, amidst the garden, God hath said, 'Ye shall not -eat thereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.'" - -_Satan._ "O sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant; mother of science! -Now I feel thy power within me clear, not only to discern things in -their causes, but to trace the ways of highest agents, deemed however -wise. Queen of this Universe! Do not believe these rigid threats of -death;--_ye shall not die_." Your tyrant ruler knows full well, that in -the day ye eat thereof, ye shall be as Gods, and good from evil know. -"Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste." - -[Satan plucks the fruit and presents it. Eve receives it, and after -considerable hesitation, tastes, and finally eats it. Adam soon after -enters.] - -_Eve._ "Hast thou not wondered at my stay? Thee have I missed;" for I -have tasted of the tree to us forbidden, and such delight till now have -never felt. Taste thou, [offers him the fruit,] and be a God. - -[Adam stands amazed and sorrowful, dropping a garland from his hand.] - -_Adam._ "O fairest of creation! Some cursed fraud of enemy hath beguiled -thee, and me with thee hath ruined; for with thee certain my resolution -is to die." [He eats.] Oh, fruit delicious, fit indeed for Gods. From us -withheld, lest being Gods, we cease to obey our tyrant Lord. - -[They soon begin to see their true condition. They reproach each other. -They discover their nakedness, make aprons of fig-leaves, and wear them. -The voice of Eloheim is heard in another part of the garden.] - -_Elo._ "Adam, where art thou? Why hast thou fled and hid thyself? What -hast thou done?" - -_Adam._ O Lord, my Maker and Preserver! Thy voice I heard, when thou -didst walk amid the trees, but being naked, I did fear to see thy face. -Confusion dire and shame filled all my soul. - -_Elo._ "Who told thee thou wast naked? Hast thou then eaten of that -tree, to thee forbidden?" - -_Adam._ The woman whom thou gavest me did give this fruit unto my lips; -and I did eat. - -_Elo._ O woman, fair but frail. Why hast thou done this deed of sin? - -_Eve._ "The serpent me beguiled, and I did eat." - -_Elo._ "Because thou hast done this, thou art accursed above all -cattle, each beast of the field. Upon thy belly grovelling thou shalt -go, and dust shalt eat, all the days of thy life. Between thee and the -woman I will put enmity, and between thine and her seed: her seed shall -bruise thy head, thou bruise his heel." And thou, O Eve, "thy sorrow I -will greatly multiply by thy conception: children thou shalt bring in -sorrow forth, and to thy husband's will thine shall submit; he over thee -shall rule." And thou, O Adam, "because thou hast hearkened to the voice -of thy wife, and eaten of the tree concerning which I charged thee, -saying, 'Thou shalt not eat thereof;' cursed is the ground for thy sake; -thou in sorrow shalt eat thereof all the days of thy life; thorns also -and thistles it shall bring thee forth unbid; and thou shalt eat the -herb of the field; in the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till -thou return unto the ground; for thou out of the ground wast taken; know -thy birth; for dust thou art, and shalt to dust return." - -_Elo._ [To Jehovah, Jesus, and Michael.] "Behold the man is become as -one of us, knowing good from evil; and now, lest he in some unguarded -hour put forth his hand, take of the tree of life, and live forever, we -must forth from hence expel him." We will place from Eden eastward -cherubims, and flaming sword, turning which way soever he may attempt an -entrance. - -_Adam._ "O miserable of happy! Is this the end of this new, glorious -world?--and me, so late the glory of that glory? Accursed of blessed, -hide me from the face of God, whom to behold was once my height of -happiness." - -_Eve._ "O unexpected stroke, worse than of death! Must I thus leave -thee, Paradise?--thus leave thee, native soil,--these happy walks and -shades, fit haunt of Gods, where I had hoped to spend, quiet though sad, -the respite of that day that must be mortal to us both? O flowers! that -never will in other climate grow, my earliest visitation and my last at -even, which I bred up with tender hand, from the first opening bud, and -gave ye names! Who now shall rear ye to the sun, or rank your tribes, -and water from the ambrosial fount? Thee, lastly, nuptial bower! by me -adorned with what to sight or smell was sweet! From thee, how shall I -part, and whither wander, down into a world, to this obscure and wild? -How shall we breathe in other air, less pure, accustomed to immortal -fruits?" - -_Elo._ O man, thy cries of penitence and woe have reached my ears. I -will a plan unfold, obedience to which, rendered with deep humility, -shall by degrees redeem and bring you back to Heaven. - -My holy priesthood I henceforth establish upon Earth. To those endowed -with that high calling, as unto me, shalt thou with reverence bow. Their -power supreme, commands indisputable, in my stead, I appoint them unto -you. They are to act henceforth as I myself. - -[Here oaths of inviolable secrecy, with the penalty of throat-cutting, -are administered to the awe-stricken and intimidated neophytes. They are -sworn to render implicit obedience to the priesthood, and to depend upon -them for everything; especially not to touch any woman, unless given -through the priesthood. - -A sign, a grip, and a key-word are given to the endowees, and the _First -Degree of the Aaronic Priesthood_ is conferred.] - -_Elo._ You are now endowed with one law of purity, one key of truth, and -one power of priesthood. Go forth into the world, ye fallen ones, and -seek for truth. Obey the voice of God and his holy priesthood, and I -will send to Earth a Saviour, that through faith and obedience you shall -again inherit your lost estate, again enjoy the ambrosial fruits in the -celestial kingdom of the Gods. - - [_Exeunt all._ - - -SCENE IV. THE WORLD. - - [_Enter_ ADAM, EVE, Endowees, and Sectarians. - -_Timothy Broadbrim._ I feel the movement of the Spirit to speak unto -thee. Thou knowest that the world is lost in sin and wickedness. But ye -should "resist not evil," but "overcome evil with good." "If a man take -away thy cloak, give him thy coat also." Raise not thy hand to harm a -fellow-creature. "Charity suffereth long and is kind!" See that no -brother be in want; look ye after the widow and the fatherless. - -_Deacon Smith._ Brethren and Sisters,--I rise to address you a few -words, founded upon the following passage of Scripture:--"And there -shall be weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth." Oh, this is a -fearful doom. Oh, ye sinners, hear. There is a lake which burns with -fire and brimstone; you are on the very brink; do you not see thousands -of the damned weltering in its burning waves? You are, as it were, on a -greased plank, sliding, and sliding, as swift as the wheels of Time can -roll, down to this awful gulf. [Sisters begin to shriek and faint.] Flee -from the wrath to come; fly to Jesus; come to the mourners' bench; cry -mightily to God for help. He alone can save you. Come, come, come to -Jesus. Brethren and sisters, sing,-- - - "Where shall the guilty soul find rest?" etc. - -_Parson Peabody_ [speaking through his nose]. My dear hearers, this is a -fallen world. We are all in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of -iniquity. Satan, the great enemy of mankind, is ever seeking our -destruction. Let us close our hearts against his wiles, and come to -Jesus, and if we are of the elect, foreordained from before the creation -of the world, we shall be saved; and if not, we shall be lost. We can do -nothing of ourselves. We are in the hands of a just and wise God, who -doeth all things well. - -In the language of the divine poet,-- - - "If you can, if you can't; - If you will, if you won't; - You'll be damned if you do, - You'll be damned if you don't." - -Let the brethren remember their covenants, and let them bring their -offspring to the altar, and there consecrate them to God, through the -ordinance of sprinkling; and if they are to be saved, they will be -saved. Otherwise, though not a span long, they will go down to the -bottomless pit. - -_Elder Longface._ Brethren,--The subject of my discourse will be found -in the following text: "Whom he did predestinate," &c. - -We learn from this,--1st, That we are sinners. 2d, We need a Saviour. -3d, That we must be baptized by immersion. 4th, That we should exclude -from the communion-table all such as are not immersed. 5th, That many -are called, but few chosen. 6th, That those who are chosen will be -saved, without their own action in the matter. 7th, That those who are -not chosen will be damned, no matter what they do, in and of their own -strength; and lastly, in order to have the least opportunity to be -saved, you must join the Baptist Church. - -The Lord grant that many may embrace the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, -and unite with "our church," and be saved. The brethren will sing,-- - - "O, when shall we see Jesus," &c. - -_Father Boniface_ [with pages, robes, candles, &c.]. _Te Deum laudamus._ -[They sing.] O Divine Queen of the skies, Holy Mother of God, to thee we -lift up our voices. Grant us thy divine intercession with thy dear Son, -that we, through his precious blood, may be made clean. Bless thy -believing children, make them faithful to their Holy Father the Pope, -diligent in counting their beads, and saying their matins and vespers. O -Holy Mother, keep them from all sin; especially grant them grace to eat -no meat on Friday, and we will ever adore and bless thee, Father, Son, -and Holy Spirit. Amen. - -Let the choir sing _Ave Maria_. _Benedicite._ - - [_Enter_ SATAN. - -_Satan._ Good-morning, brethren. I love you all; you are my friends. I -am gratified to find you so faithful in assisting me to build up my -kingdom. Rest assured, you shall be rewarded. You shall be kings and -princes when I succeed in setting up my throne upon the Earth. - - [_Enter Apostles_ PETER, JAMES, and JOHN. - -_Peter._ Why dost thou tempt the children of men, and lie in wait to -deceive them? - -_Satan._ "Let me alone. What have I to do with thee," thou follower of -Jesus? I know thou hast the holy priesthood of God,-- - -_Peter, James, and John_, [all.] And in the name of the Lord Jesus -Christ, and of the holy priesthood, we command you to depart from hence. - -[The Devil foams, hisses, and rushes out, chased by the Apostle Peter.] - -_James._ My children, hearken now unto my voice. When in these last days -God saw the lost condition of mankind, his heart was moved with pity, -and He sent with me Peter and John, and commanded us, saying, "Go ye to -Earth, and seek me a good man, of the lineage of Joseph, who was carried -away into Egypt, and of the lineage of the prophets, even Joseph Smith. -Restore to him the lost priesthood. Bestow upon him the keys of power; -make him Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, and let him reëstablish my church -upon the Earth." Behold, this was done, and the same power and authority -has now descended from Joseph to Brigham. Hear ye him, the -representative of God on Earth. Him reverence and obey, and ye shall -advance toward the kingdom of Heaven. - -[An oath, penalty, the heart to be plucked out, with agonizing details, -is administered. The utmost secrecy is impressed, and the _Second Degree -of the Aaronic Priesthood_ is conferred, with signs, grips, &c.] - - - - -ACT II. SCENE I. - -_Room with an altar in the centre._ - - - [_Enter Apostles_ PETER, JAMES, and JOHN, with the candidates for endowment. - -_Peter._ Dearly beloved, you are now in the way of salvation. Be -faithful to each other, and all your brethren. Betray not the secret -things of Zion to the ungodly gentiles. Think not with your own -thoughts, but come to the priesthood. They are the mediators between God -and man. Obey, without murmuring, whatever they command, though it may -seem to you unjust or unreasonable. Your hearts are not so fully -sanctified as to enable you to judge as to the merit of their acts. Be -ever ready and willing to forsake father or mother, husband or wife, -houses or lands, for the glory of Zion, and the upbuilding of God's -kingdom on the Earth. And more especially, brethren, as you value your -eternal salvation and temporal welfare, speak no evil of the Lord's -anointed. - -[An oath is now administered, with particulars the most disgusting and -revolting. Another sign, key-word, and grip, are communicated, and the -_First Degree of the Melchisedec Priesthood_ is conferred.] - - -SCENE II. - - _Another room with an altar in the centre; on it the Bible, - Book of Mormon, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants. Jehovah in - the room, and Eloheim in the next, looking on. The candidates - are ranged round the altar. The Apostles are also present._ - -_Peter._ You are now in a saved condition, and acceptable in the sight -of God. You are to enter on the work of the Lord, in truth and -sincerity. - -"Behold now," saith the Lord, "the wicked and ungodly gentiles; they -have slain the Prophet Joseph, persecuted the saints, and mocked at my -priesthood. Therefore, O Israel, arise in thy strength, go forth and -revenge the wrongs of my people on this perverse generation. They have -spilled the blood of the saints, and wasted their substance. Therefore -let their blood be spilled, and let their substance be wasted." - -Let the curse of God rest on this nation and Government. Let wars and -famine, and cruel pestilence overtake them, and let the Church of God, -in its glory and power, rule over all the nations, and fill the whole -earth. - -Therefore, brethren, be ye vigilant; and let no opportunity pass to -vindicate the name of your God; and if you cannot do it, teach it to -your children. Let them take it from their mother's breast. Teach it to -them from your bed of death, and leave it for an inheritance, that all -people may know that the God of Israel has set his hand to gather his -people, and to destroy the wicked from off the face of the earth. - -[Here another oath is administered, binding the endowee to revenge the -death of Joseph Smith on this generation; to cherish constant enmity -toward the United States Government, doing all in his power for its -overthrow; to baffle its designs, to refuse submission and renounce all -allegiance, and to obey the church authorities, and no other. - -Curses the most frightful, penalties the most barbarous, accompany the -obligation, to add to its binding efficacy, and to insure secrecy. A new -sign, grip, &c., complete the _Second Degree of the Melchisedec -Priesthood_.] - -_John._ You are the children of the Most High, endued with powers and -blessings. Your robes of righteousness, which you must henceforth wear, -in token of your covenants, are on the wrong shoulder, and none but -God's priesthood can set them right. [The robes are changed to the other -shoulder, and the candidates are stationed in a circle, around the -altar.] - -_Peter._ Little children, you are now chosen of God to carry on his -mighty work, and He, through his servant, will teach you how to pray, -that your supplications may reach the eternal throne, and call down an -immediate answer. - -[Peter kneels on his right knee, takes hold of the hand of one of the -standing brethren, all of whom are united by a fantastic intertwining of -hands, and prays slowly, all repeating his words after him:] - -"O, God, ruler of the celestial world, we have this day taken upon -ourselves covenants and powers from thy hand. Make us faithful to those -covenants; and if we obey not thy commands, let thy curses descend upon -our heads. Make us quick to hear and obey God's servants in the holy -priesthood, and if we ever divulge anything that we have received, let -the curses this day pronounced, fall upon our heads. Make us faithful in -Zion and in the upbuilding of her cause, and at last receive us into thy -celestial kingdom, with all the gifts, powers, and blessings this day -pronounced upon the faithful in Israel. Amen." - -_Peter._ Brethren, you are now members of the holy orders of God's -priesthood. Henceforth you are entitled to all the blessings and -privileges of the same. - -[The endowees, fitted for Heaven and celestial glory, pass "behind the -vail," a new name is whispered very softly and quickly to each; certain -marks, resembling the Masonic square and compass, are cut in the under -garment, on the left breast; also a similar one on the knee. The -candidates are then ushered into the full light and glory of the -celestial kingdom. The brethren turn back to the vail, and admit their -wives, whose garments are marked in a similar manner.] - - -SCENE III. THE CELESTIAL KINGDOM. - - _In the centre of this apartment is an altar, nicely - cushioned, with a cushioned ledge to kneel upon. The men kneel - upon one side and the women upon the other, each brother - holding the hand of his wife, also of the woman to whom he is - to be sealed, with the patriarchal grip. The ceremony of - sealing for eternity then commences._ - -_Eloheim._ Children of Earth, you have been redeemed by the blood of the -Lamb, and the power of my holy priesthood. You have been faithful unto -the end, and shall now receive a crown of glory. In like manner as I -gave Eve unto your father Adam, while he was yet pure and holy, I give -unto you wives and children, that you may be Gods in your season, and -that worlds may be peopled by your posterity. [Each candidate is asked -the usual questions, and after the answers have been received, Eloheim -proceeds:] - -Because of your faithfulness in all these things, I seal upon you the -blessings of the Holy Resurrection, with power to come forth in the -morning of the first resurrection, clothed with glory, immortality, and -eternal lives; and I seal upon you the blessings of thrones and -dominions, and principalities, and powers, and exaltations; together -with the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and say unto you, be -fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, that you may have joy -and rejoicing in your posterity, in the day of the Lord Jesus. All these -blessings, together with all other blessings pertaining to the new and -everlasting covenant, I seal upon your heads, and enjoin your -faithfulness unto the end. - -[The candidates dress, get a lunch, and return to the "celestial -kingdom" to hear a lecture by Kimball, explanatory of the whole scheme. -The signs, tokens, marks, and ideas are many of them taken from the -Masonic Order. "The intention of the mystery is to teach unlimited -obedience to Brigham, and treason against the country."] - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -BRIGHAM AS GRAND ARCHEE OF THE ORDER OF THE GODS. - - Organization of the Order of the Archees.--The Grand Archees. - --The Archees.--The Danites.--Organization of Brigham's - Celestial Kingdom.--Doctrine of Adoption.--Case of Dr. Sprague. - --Description of Leading Danites: Bill Hickman, Porter - Rockwell, Robert T. Burton.--Affidavits.--Recent Attacks on - Emigrant Trains. - - "There on that throne, to which the blind belief - Of millions raised him, sat the Prophet Chief. - . . . . . . . . . - On either side, with ready hearts and hands, - His chosen guard of bold believers, stands; - Young fire-eyed disputants, who deem their swords - On points of faith more eloquent than words; - And such their zeal, there's not a youth with brand - Uplifted there, but, at the Chief's command, - Would make his own devoted heart its sheath, - And bless the lips that doom'd so dear a death." - - -The Order of the Danites has been, for many years, an established -institution in the Mormon Church. - -Brigham and his two Counsellors form the First Presidency of this Order, -under the style of Gods, or Grand Archees. These are, at present, Young, -Kimball, and Wells. A few, also, of the Apostles, hold the rank of Grand -Archees. These have the power of life and death. - -Next in importance, is a body of men called Archees. They are entitled -to sit in Council with the Gods or Grand Archees, in matters relating to -the taking of life. This "Quorum," as it is called, also includes some -of the Bishops and Presidents of other quorums in the church. Their -office is to examine cases of offenders thought to require a summary -disposal, and submit the result of such examination to the Grand -Archees. In some cases, where the utmost discretion is required, they -act as agents and swift-winged messengers, to carry into effect the -decrees of the Gods. - -The Archees have discretionary and independent power over the lives of -all gentiles and "apostates." - -Next in rank are the Danites, whose office is to assist the Archees in -the execution of their bloody deeds. These are formed into bands of -fifty men each. One band, at least, belongs to each Archee, they serving -under him as minutemen. These "Danite Bands" are generally composed of -inferior officers and teachers, constables, and policemen, and those -who, having committed heinous crimes, as murder, theft, adultery, &c., -would sooner be sworn to serve in this bloody office, than have their -deeds exposed and receive their justly merited punishment. - -The officers in all these grades are solemnly sworn to secrecy, and to -the duties of their respective offices, on pain of instant death. - -Where the danger of discovery is imminent, and the matter in hand too -important to be trusted to the Danites, the Archees meet and perform the -dirty work themselves; as in the case of Secretary Babbett, Brewer, and -the unlucky attempt on Dr. Hurt. In other cases, the Danites are called -upon; instance the Parishes, Potter, Bowman, Mountain Meadows, &c. - -The Danites are also expected to act as spies upon the federal officers -and other gentiles; to watch the feelings and spirits of the saints, and -to report the first indications of disaffection. Such cases are at once -attended to, and if they are deemed of a dangerous character, are -summarily disposed of. - -The spoil is divided, one half going to the Grand Archees, and the other -half to the Archees and Danites who are employed in the commission of -the crime. - -When Judge Cradlebaugh attempted to bring to justice the perpetrators of -the Mountain-Meadow Massacre, and various other crimes, several bishops -and many other leading Mormons fled to the mountains, where they -remained several weeks. Their place of refuge they named "Mount Kolob," -which means "the residence of the Gods." - -The remark is frequently made in Utah,--"Brigham is the only God I care -a d-- about." The deep meaning of this is only to be explained by -reference to this organized system of crime, taken in connection with -the organization of the "celestial kingdom." - -The theory is, that Brigham Young is a God in embryo. That he is laying -the foundation here for a celestial kingdom. That there will be created -for him a world, which his posterity will inhabit, and of which he will -be the King and God. - -His kingdom will be constituted as follows:-- - -1st. Himself as God. - -2d. His wives as Goddesses and Queens, each ruling her own posterity, -with Brigham as husband and God. - -3d. His sons and their families. - -4th. The daughters, by the celestial law, would, when married, pass out -of their father's kingdom, and be added to the husbands'. To obviate -this difficulty, every man who marries one of the President's daughters, -is obliged to be adopted by and sealed to his father-in-law. The -daughter is thus retained to augment her father's kingdom, by the -addition of her family. This is one reason why female children are so -lightly esteemed in Utah. They cannot add to the father's glory, but -must go to glorify others. - -5th. Many young men who have no families, and therefore no kingdoms, are -sealed to Brigham, to add to his celestial glory,--in some instances, -also, men of families, who have not ambition enough to aspire to -kingdoms of their own. This relationship pertains to this world as well -as to the next. Brigham becomes a father to them here, supports them if -necessary, and demands their respect and obedience. - -A case recently occurred in Salt Lake, which fully illustrates the power -which Young exercises over this class of his subjects. - -Dr. Sprague, an Eastern man, has been at Salt Lake about twelve years. -During most of that time he has officiated in the Endowment House, in -the washings and anointings. He has also had charge of the Tabernacle, -and acted as family physician to the inmates of the Harem. - -He has a wife and two children. His son is on a mission, and the -daughter, a little girl of thirteen, is an invalid. Mrs. Sprague is a -model New-England housewife. She has toiled early and late to procure -the comforts, and some of the luxuries of life. By the most persevering -effort, they at length succeeded in building a beautiful house, and -Doctor Sprague's garden is the prettiest in Salt Lake. - -The family removed to their new residence in the fall of 1862, and had -but just furnished it. By the Mormon law of adoption, the property of -the adopted child belongs to the father, or is under his control. Dr. -Sprague is the adopted son of Brigham Young. His whole property is worth -not less than $10,000. - -Mrs. Emeline Free Young has been very melancholy since Brigham married -Amelia. Her health continued to decline until it was thought advisable -to remove her from the Lion House, the scene of her joys and sorrow, and -situate her more pleasantly. Accordingly one day Brigham called on Dr. -Sprague and wife, and coolly told them that he wanted their place for -three or four years, for Emeline, until he could build her one. At the -end of that time they could have it again, and in the mean time they -could live in the house formerly occupied by J. M. Grant, which he would -have repaired for their use. - -The husband and wife were astonished and confounded at this request, and -Mrs. Sprague, under the first impulse of her indignation, said "she did -not relish the idea of giving up her house to people who read novels -every day." "Very well," replied the Prophet, "if you prefer to incur -my displeasure rather than to let me have your home, you can do so." -With this he left them. - -The Doctor and his wife began thinking the matter over. It would never -do to incur the displeasure of Brother Brigham. He was their father in -this world, and their God in the celestial kingdom. Then the Doctor was -advancing in years, and should he lose his situation in the Endowment -House and Tabernacle, where would be the support for himself and family -in his declining years? He had served his adopted father so long and -faithfully, should he break with him now? It would never do; so, after -many sleepless nights and much anguish of spirit, he made up his mind to -make the sacrifice. As to Mrs. Sprague, she cared not for herself, but -her poor sick child! She had lived for years almost entirely in the -beautiful garden, and how could she leave it now? With frail and -faltering step she had wandered amid the flowers and fruit, culling this -bright geranium and that lovely rose, plucking this beautiful -strawberry, and that luscious bunch of grapes, and by this sweet -communion with Nature, the child seemed to receive afresh the -life-giving principle. She was now to be torn from her little paradise, -by whom, and for what? No wonder if the heart of the mother grew -somewhat stony at the reflection. - -When the poor girl heard that she must leave these "delightful shades," -she wept until oblivion wrapt her senses, and in a fit of convulsions, -she forgot, for the time being, at least, her cruel fate. - -The sisters came to condole with Sister Sprague; said it was too bad. -"Sister Sprague, it is too bad, but you had better do it than to have -Brother Brigham's curse resting upon you." - -Emeline, who is really a kind-hearted creature, came and wept with -Sister S., saying she did not want her home, "but Brigham," said she, -"has set his mind upon it, and we don't any of us _dare_ to speak to him -about it." - -Young remained inexorable,--the change was made; and to-day the whilome -favored wife and now cast-off mistress of Brigham Young, occupies the -beautiful residence of Dr. Sprague, the fruit of his many years of toil -and economy. - -_Bill Hickman_ is one of the most notorious of the Danite leaders. He is -now about fifty years of age. He is a man of medium size, heavy set, of -florid complexion, troubled of late years with weak eyes, causing him to -wear goggles. He is of Southern birth, and a strong secessionist, but -professes much friendship for the United States Government, and the -federal officers. He is wily and cunning, with much of the _suaviter in -modo_, and is something of a lawyer. He glories in a household of seven -"women" and about twenty children, but does not maintain them in the -highest style. - -_Porter Rockwell_, another noted character, is somewhat of the same -style of Hickman. Shorter of stature, with the Utah floridity of -complexion, and very voluble in conversation. Anything that is all right -with Rockwell, is "on the square." It is "wheat"; and nearly every act -and expression of a stranger, is of that character. - -_Robert T. Burton_, Sheriff of Salt Lake County, and Collector of -Internal Revenue, who bids fair to rival or outdo all the others in his -lawless deeds, is a tall, wiry man, one it would be hard to hit with a -bullet. He is cool and imperturbable; in fact, never thrown off his -balance, never wanting in case of an emergency. No fitter person to -carry out the plans of Young could be found within or without the -Territory, and upon him Brigham relies implicitly. With or without a -"writ," he is always ready. - -It is not my purpose to enter into a history of the many crimes to be -traced with more or less certainty to the doors of these and other -Mormon leaders. Some of them will be found collated in the appendix to -the speech of Judge Cradlebaugh, already mentioned. Others are touched -upon in the pages of this volume. - -One or two affidavits, from a large number in the writer's possession, -will here be given, to illustrate the workings of the Mormon system, and -to show how little the perpetration of crime stands in the way of the -prosecution of the plans and purposes of the church leaders. - - "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, } _ss._ - TERRITORY OF UTAH. } - - "---- of said Territory, being duly sworn, says:-- - - "About ---- years ago, I was living on the ---- River, in the - ---- Ward, and was Bishop of that Ward. Was in good standing - in the Mormon Church. - - "During that summer, a man who had had a difficulty with a - Bishop living near me, was killed. When the man was missed, - the Bishop refused to help look for him. Myself and several - others turned out, and after considerable search, found the - body. It was perforated by two balls. One had entered the - back, the other, the back of the head. The difficulty related - to a girl, whom the Bishop wanted to marry, for a plural wife. - - "A relative of the murdered man went to Salt Lake City, and - related all the facts to Elias Smith, Probate Judge of Great - Salt Lake County, (Mormon,) asking his advice. This relative - told me afterward, that Judge Smith said, 'Keep still for a - while.' Nothing was ever done. No examination, coroner's jury, - or investigation of any kind. - - (Signed) ---- ---- - - "Subscribed and sworn to before me, at Salt Lake City, this - 18th day of April, A. D. 1863. - - "CHARLES B. WAITE, - - "_Associate Justice for Utah Territory_." - - [Taken in presence of two witnesses.] - - - "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, } _ss._ - TERRITORY OF UTAH. } - - "----, of said Territory, being duly sworn, says:-- - - "I have resided in the Territory of Utah about eight years. - Some time in the fall of 1855, two men, one of them named - Frank Keene, rented a house on East Weber, in Weber County, in - this Territory. They rented of a Mr. Cox, and paid the rent up - to the last day of March ensuing. Some time in February Cox - endeavored to take possession of the house. The tenants - remonstrated, and the matter was referred to the Teacher of - the district. Cox was a Mormon; the tenants were not. The - Teacher decided they should remain until the lease expired. - Cox appealed to the Bishop of the Ward, Abiah Wadsworth. - Wadsworth heard the case. The Bishop at first confirmed the - decision of the Teacher; but immediately afterward, he said, - as the tenants were gentiles, they must leave; and turning - round to his clerk, directed him to write a notice to them to - leave within a week. There were two or three feet of snow on - the ground. Frank Keene was destitute of means. They both left - as ordered. Nearly a month remained of the time for which rent - was paid, and there was no pretence that the lease had been - broken. It was a very severe winter, and a famine was - prevailing. - - "The next winter, a man by the name of Jones was denounced, - and his life threatened, in a church meeting. The cause was - this: He had loaned Lorenzo Snow, in England, one hundred - pounds sterling, to print the 'Book of Mormon' in the Italian - language. Upon arriving in the Territory, Jones tried to get - payment of the money, but could not. It was because he - insisted upon having his money, that he was denounced. - - "The meeting was held at Centreville; and so much excitement - was raised against Jones, and so many threats made against - him, that he fled for his life. At the same time, the order - was given, that no one should feed or entertain him, but he - should be left to perish. Stoddard, one of the High-Priests, - told me that the Bishop was so angry that he came down from - the stand to kill Jones, in the meeting, but he fled. I saw - Jones some weeks afterward. He corroborated these statements, - and said the Bishop tried to kill him. - - "I have often heard the doctrine of cutting the throats of - apostates preached from the pulpit, particularly during the - year 1856, when, for several months, I scarcely attended - meeting without hearing such preaching. They would say, 'If - you find a man with his throat cut, pay no attention to it.' - - "At one time, my life was threatened by a Danite, and his - intention to take my life was sanctioned at a meeting, by the - Bishop and authorities. No cause was alleged, except a trivial - remark made by my wife, reflecting slightly on one of the - First Presidents. The remark had been exaggerated and - attributed to me, and although it was fully explained, I was - followed and threatened for over a year. At that time my wife - and myself were members of the Mormon Church, in good - standing. - - "In December, 1857, Bishop Abiah Wadsworth, of East Weber - Ward, gave permission to his friends to steal cattle for beef, - from gentile merchants, and aided them in so doing. In - carrying on these operations, they took cattle belonging to - Mormons who had purchased them of gentile merchants. Having - the brand of those merchants upon them, it was supposed they - belonged to gentiles. The taking of the Mormon cattle gave - rise to a church meeting to investigate the affair. I was - present at that meeting. The result was, that those who had - taken cattle which were proved to belong to Mormons, should - pay for them. It was also determined at the same meeting, that - those who had taken cattle belonging to gentiles, should pay - their value to Brigham Young, as Trustee of the Emigrating - Fund. The gentile owners of these cattle had been driven out - of the Territory. - - (Signed) ---- ---- - - "Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 2d day of May, A. D. - 1863, at Great Salt Lake City. - - "CHARLES B. WAITE, - - "_Associate Justice for Utah Territory_." - -The names of these affiants, and some of the circumstances tending to -identify them, are omitted, as the writer does not feel at liberty to -place their lives in danger. We do not hesitate to say, however, that -the evidence furnished by them is entirely reliable. Both of these -witnesses saw Burton shoot Morris, and corroborate Dow's affidavit on -that point. - -Many of the murders committed on the Plains, and attacks on emigrant -trains, usually attributed to Indians, may be traced to the Mormons. -Some light is thrown upon these transactions by the following statements -furnished by men who were crossing the Plains in the summer of 1863. - - - _Statement of James P. Veatch._ - - "I am going to Oregon. Am from Newbern, Marion County, Iowa. - - "We travelled on the road from Salt Lake City to within eight - miles of the City of Rocks, when we turned north, and went - about three miles. There we struck the old California Road, - which passes by the City of Rocks. Just before reaching the - road, we came to a large camping-ground, or corral, covering - about an acre. - - "Here we saw rifle-pits and entrenchments, and some half a - dozen ox-yokes,--also bones of cattle. We then proceeded east, - on the same road, some three or four miles, where we found a - wagon-bed,--also a letter written by a man named Bradley, and - directed to Indianola, Warren County, Iowa. About half a mile - farther, we found a small provision-box. [This statement was - made at a camp on Snake River, a few days after Veatch and his - party had passed the scene of the massacre.] We also found a - Bible, a copy of Wesley's Sermons, and a large Testament. - These books were pretty well decayed. Some of them we still - have. Also a volume entitled 'The Wide, Wide World.' - - "About seventy-five yards farther, we found two graves of - grown persons; no names on them. They had the appearance of - being last year's graves. We then drove four or five miles, - and camped near a creek emptying into Raft River. - - "Next morning, after going about two miles, we came to where - five or six wagons had been corralled. Here feather-beds had - been opened, and feathers scattered; many were still matted on - the ground. There was an old chair or two partly burned; also - a chest, with the hinges torn off, and the lock broken open. - Also several books: a spelling-book, Bible, melodeon - note-books, etc. Also 'The Journeyings of the Children of - Israel.' The name of James H. Smith was in the Bible and - another book; that of Caroline Smith in another. [Some of - these books are now in the writer's possession.] - - "There were also the bones of twelve or fifteen head of - cattle, which must have been killed last summer. There were - signs of men having been there within a few days. There is no - emigration on the road this season; but there were the fresh - tracks of three wagons,--mule and horse teams. - - "About three fourths of a mile beyond this place, we crossed - the creek. There I saw three or four skull-bones. Others of - the company saw more of them. At this place a skeleton was - found, nearly complete. A little farther on, we found a - cast-iron cooking stove, broken in pieces. Men had lately - been at this place. A handful of buckshot was found. - - "Near the junction of this with the Oregon road, we saw two - graves,--one of a man from Keokuk, Iowa, buried in August, - 1862; the other, of a lady 23 years of age, named E. J. Adams, - and marked, 'Shot by Indians on the 9th, and died on the 12th - of August, 1862.' - - "Fourteen wagon-tires _and a twelve-pound cannon-ball_ were - found at this place. We carried the ball to our - camping-ground, and there left it. - - "Two young men, Francis Kelsey and Harrison Edwards, told us, - that when they went down, about five weeks ago, they saw two - wagons nearly complete, at the place where we noticed the - wagon-bed, but when we passed, they were gone. - - "I know that a train went from Newbern, Iowa, starting about - the 11th of May, 1862, bound for Oregon. George Leeper, from - that train, was killed by Indians. A train from Indianola, - Iowa, was attacked by Indians last summer, their property - taken, and several of their number killed and wounded. The - survivors were assisted back to Salt Lake City, _by the - Mormons_. John Gamble, of Knoxville, Iowa, can give further - information concerning this matter; also Rev. Joseph Howard, - Newbern, Marion County, Iowa." - - - _Statement of W. F. Lawrence._ - - "I am from Appanoose County, Iowa. At our first camp, after - striking the Oregon Road, I saw three wagons approaching; they - were going eastward. A man from the wagons came to our camp. - He was a short, thick-set person, with light complexion, light - hair, and full, round face, considerably freckled; downcast - look. He said he was from the outside settlements of Salt - Lake, near Lovelands, and was out here gathering up old irons. - Said they came to a place on Snake River, where they could - walk across on the rocks, but did not dare to go farther, for - fear the Indians would steal their horses. Said his party - consisted of three white men and one Ute Indian, whom they had - brought along to recover their horses, should the Indians - steal them. - - "He asked if they could camp with us; and being told they - could, said he would go up and drive the wagons down; but - instead of doing so, the party went off in a direction which - would be twenty miles to water,--and this was near sundown. - - "The night before, a man had been among our cattle, and when - our guide cried 'Halt!' he ran off toward the road. This man - was supposed to be young Bernard, the '_Mormon from the - outside settlements_.'" - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -RECENT EVENTS.--CONCLUSION. - - Personal Appearance and Character of Brigham Young.--His - Aims and Purposes.--Solution of the Mormon Question.--New - Complications.--Military Reviews of Mormons.--Governor Durkee. - --Counteracting Influences.--The Mines and Miners.--Rev. - Norman McLeod.--The "Salt Lake Vedette."--Administration of - General Connor.--Murder of Brassfield.--Order of Young for the - Expulsion of the Gentiles.--Order for the Murder of Eighty - Men.--Difficulties concerning the Public Lands.--Murder of Dr. - Robinson.--The Gentiles flee in Terror.--The Government fails - to protect its Officers and Citizens.--The Hero of Three Wars - of the Republic hunted through the Territory.--Rev. Mr. McLeod - warned not to return to Utah.--The Reign of Terror commenced. - --The Gentiles call for Help. - - -Brigham Young is a man of medium height, compact frame, with a manner -deliberate and impressive. There is less of ostentation, however, in his -bearing toward strangers than might be expected in a religious -pretender. His hair is sandy, and inclined to curl; features regular, -and expressive of great determination. - -In conversation he is pleasant and affable, but is restive under the -slightest contradiction or opposition. Strangers are favorably impressed -with the first visit to his office. They go to see and hear, and Brigham -looks well and is a good talker. He has talent, and is not destitute of -genius; when, therefore, he is master of the field, and has the choice -of topics, he never fails to make himself interesting, if so disposed. -Indeed, is it not in itself interesting to see and hear the Mohammed of -America? - -His early education was very limited, and his sermons are illiterate. -But in that most important of all fields of education, a knowledge of -mankind and of human nature, he is proficient. It is true, that even -here he sometimes grossly errs in his estimate of men. This is because -his experience is mostly confined to certain phases of human nature. In -those phases he is an adept. Outside of them, he brings to bear a strong -judgment, upon a limited range of facts, and if he misses the -conclusion, he has the tact to retrieve his error as speedily as -possible. He has no pride of consistency, which conflicts in the -slightest degree with the accomplishment of his purposes. If necessary -to attain his ends, he is one thing to-day, and another to-morrow, and -all in the name of the Lord! - -Much has been said as to his sincerity in his religious professions and -belief. In his younger days he may have been sincere; doubtless was. The -character of his religion, and the degree of his sincerity, at the -present time, may be inferred from the following incident. - -A physician at Salt Lake was urged by Brigham to join the church. He had -lived in the city several years, and was doing a good business, and it -was pressed upon him as a reciprocal duty. The Doctor, like too many of -his profession, was tainted with infidelity. "I wouldn't mind joining -your church," said he, "but I don't believe in your religion. In fact," -he added, with emphasis, "I don't believe in _any_ religion." "Oh," -replied Brigham, "that don't make any difference. Come and be baptized, -and it will all be right!" - -The Doctor _was_ baptized, and became a good enough Mormon. He received -as his reward, from the hand of Brigham, a beautiful young lady as a -"second wife." - -Young's talent is all of a practical character,--his shrewdness is ever -ready to extricate him from any difficulty or emergency. As a financial -and political leader, he is far superior to Joseph Smith. As a religious -leader, he is much his inferior. Smith was brave; Young is cowardly. -Smith was enthusiastic and impetuous, while Young is cool and -calculating. - -Brigham is a good speaker. Oratory, however, he uses as a means to -accomplish certain ends; and he seldom, even when most excited, says -anything that has not its object. His manner in the pulpit is -impressive and authoritative; and he sometimes rises to a high degree of -eloquence. His illustrations are apt, his sentences frequently pungent -and sarcastic. - -He is lamentably deficient in moral sense. No falsehood staggers him, no -blasphemy shocks him. Why, then, should he hesitate at the perpetration -of any crime which will conduce to the accomplishment of his -life-purpose. Even the traveller Burton, his admirer and panegyrist, -thus frankly expresses his doubts as to this phase of his character: "I -cannot pronounce about his scrupulousness; all the world over, the -sincerest religious belief, and the practice of devotion, are sometimes -compatible not only with the most disorderly life, but with the most -terrible crimes; for mankind mostly believes that '_Il est avec le ceil -des accomodements_.' He has been called hypocrite, swindler, forger, -murderer. No one looks it less." This is, perhaps, true; but therein -lies his hypocrisy. - -We have already shown that polygamy originated in the passions and lusts -of himself and followers, and was afterward reduced to a system and -promulgated as part of the Mormon religion. So with other phases of the -system. The Celestial Kingdom, the Grand Archee, the Prophet, the Seer, -the Revelator,--all tend to self and self-aggrandizement. Everything -must yield and become subservient to the purposes of his unholy -ambition. Principles, conscience, the moral sense, Christianity, the -divine brotherhood of man, human liberty and republican institutions, -the sacred associations of the home-fireside and of the family altar, -all the thrilling sentiment and ennobling effect of love, the purity and -fidelity of the marriage relation, all the rights of property and life, -all the relations of man to God,--yea, God himself, with all the -machinery of Heaven and the spiritual world, including angels, spirits, -and demons,--are brought under contribution to this one man, and made to -revolve about him,--a confused constellation of chaotic elements from -the mental, and moral world. Neither social nor political restraint -does he recognize. Setting himself above all law, human and divine, he -becomes a law to himself and his deluded followers. - -How long this state of things is to last, how big this God-defying -creature is yet to swell ere he is checked in his tyrannical and -blasphemous career, how long this theocratic monarchy is to stand in the -centre of the Republic, remains to be seen. - -But the question will be asked, "Is there any remedy other than by the -strong hand? And would not that increase rather than diminish the number -of his followers?" Whether there can be any peaceful solution of the -question is doubtful. Inflamed by power, blinded by ambition, he will -not tamely submit to the laws and the constituted authorities, so long -as he has thousands of obedient followers around him, ready to move as a -single man at his word of command. - -The only hope of a peaceful result lies in the gradual assimilation of -the "gentile" with the Mormon element. A wonderful change is already in -progress in this respect, caused by the presence of United States -volunteers, the influx of miners, and the preaching of true religion. -This is seen by Young, who already trembles, as he turns his thoughts -into the future. - -Fearful that the migration of miners into the Territory would tend to -lessen his power, and desirous of removing the government troops from -Camp Douglas, he spent several months in the spring of 1864, in inducing -the farmers to unite in raising the price of their produce, and -enlisting the people generally in favor of a combination against the -gentiles. To the same end he has been laboring for years. - -On Monday, the 8th of August, 1864, a Convention of Delegates from the -several Wards in the Territory assembled, in accordance with this scheme -and by direction of the "President," at the Tabernacle, in Great Salt -Lake City, to adopt measures for the establishment of the prices of -produce _upon a gold basis_. - -The scheme signally failed. Temporarily, supplies for the troops were -brought across the Plains, and were purchased as they could be had. But -General Connor more than hinted that if this plan should be persisted -in, what supplies he could not purchase at a fair price with the -currency of the country, he would _take_. This had the desired effect, -and after some further spasmodic efforts, this attempt to lay an embargo -upon the traffic of the people with the Government, was abandoned. - -This meeting, like every other in Utah, merely gave expression to the -preconceived views and preconcerted measures of the leaders. No steps -were taken to raise the wages of the mechanic or laborer. Brigham -denounced the mechanics bitterly, because they were opposed to raising -the price of produce, calling them a parcel of thieves and rascals. He -indulged in a tirade of abuse and vulgar language, unfit for -publication. - -This may be cited as one of the instances in which he misjudged human -nature. By espousing the interests of one class against those of the -other, instead of attempting to reconcile them, he introduced a new -element of discord into his already inharmonious kingdom. Two of the -delegates at the meeting had sufficient manly dignity and moral courage -to plead the cause of the mechanic and laborer; also of the poorer class -generally; showing the amount of misery and suffering that would be -entailed upon them by the adoption of the proposed measures. To which -Young replied, in a tone of sarcasm and contempt, that even if he were -to build houses for the poor, and provide them with all the necessaries -and comforts of life, they would not be satisfied unless they had free -admission to his house and the privilege of listening to his daughters -playing on the piano. - -The fact that leading Mormons were found to vindicate the people, -notwithstanding the degraded condition which such language implies, and -openly to oppose Young's measures in a public meeting, is a hopeful one, -and of deep significance. - -In pursuance of the same policy of segregation of the faithful, and -preparatory to the accomplishment of his ambitious schemes, Young has -established a system of militia training and reviews, confined -exclusively to Mormons. This system he sedulously fosters and maintains, -commanding the Mormon militia as _Governor of the State of Deseret_. - -On the 2d of November, 1865, such a review was held on the plains of -Salt Lake Valley, near the Jordan River. On that occasion Governor -Durkee, who had lately arrived in the Territory as the successor of the -lamented Doty, visited the Mormon troops and marched in a procession -headed by Brigham Young. The Organic Act of Utah makes the Governor the -Commander-in-Chief of the Militia, and it would seem to have been more -consonant with the spirit of that provision, and more conservative of -the dignity of his position, to have headed the procession, or if not -permitted to do so, to have dispersed it as an illegal assemblage. - -General Connor, who has lately returned to Salt Lake from a brilliant -Indian campaign, is the military commander of the Department of Utah. He -does not look with favor upon the marshalling of military forces -composed exclusively of Mormons, and considers such gatherings but -little better than displays of rebels in arms. The progress of events -will soon determine whether the military organization of the Mormon -militia is conducive to loyalty and good order, or to anarchy and -rebellion. - -Notwithstanding these attempts to organize and nationalize his -followers, there are, within the dominions of Brigham Young, and among -the masses of his adherents, various conflicting elements, furnishing -hopeful indications to the statesman and the lover of his country. It -may reasonably be expected that Young will soon appear to the deluded -people in his true character; not as a branch of the Divinity, but as a -selfish, corrupt, ambitious, and very dangerous man. - -To this end, every attempt to enlighten and disabuse them, should be -encouraged, and such changes in the Organic Act should be made as may be -necessary to protect the rights of gentiles resident in the Territory. -The extraordinary jurisdiction now exercised by the Probate Courts -should be taken away and limited to the District Courts. The Governor -should not only be authorized, but _required_ to take the leadership and -control of the militia of the Territory. The laws of Congress against -polygamy should be rigidly enforced. Mormon postmasters and other Mormon -federal officers should be removed. These and kindred measures should be -adopted and enforced, until the authority of the Federal Government -shall be fully vindicated and acknowledged. - -Among the agencies already at work to accomplish this desirable end, and -to redeem Utah from her enthralment, may be mentioned the discovery of -mines of precious metals, and the large influx of miners,--the preaching -not only of a purer Mormon faith, under the auspices of Joseph Smith -Jr., but the promulgation of the Gospel itself, and of the principles of -Christianity in their purity, by Rev. Norman McLeod, a Congregational -minister of great boldness and talent, who is now firmly established in -the Territory,--the extended and controlling influence of the "Union -Vedette," a daily and weekly paper published at Salt Lake City, and -edited with an ability which is but a synonym for immense moral, -intellectual, and political power,--and above all, the military -administration of General Connor, who, by the discreet but firm hand -with which he has held a check upon the movements of unprincipled church -leaders, by the establishment and support of the journal just mentioned, -and by the encouragement given to gentiles and disaffected Mormons, has -done more to undermine and overthrow the whole system of Mormonism than -all other influences combined! - -Much is to be expected from the discovery of valuable mines of gold, -silver, and copper, in various localities in Utah. Already mining camps -have been established, mining companies formed, and villages and -settlements of miners are springing up in different directions. In Rush -Valley, west of the Oquirrh, or West Mountain, about forty miles -southwest from Salt Lake City, is a flourishing mining town called -Stockton, which has been built entirely since the winter of 1863-4. The -mines in this valley are good, and are attracting much attention abroad. -Over fifty ledges have been discovered, which prospect well in gold and -silver. In Cottonwood Canyon copper mines have been discovered yielding -75 per cent. of pure ore. Extensive arrangements have been made for -bringing on machinery, building mills, &c. - -It has steadily been the policy of Brigham to discourage prospecting, -and to prevent, if possible, the opening of these mines to the gentile -public. It has long been known that such mines existed, not only from -the whisperings and traditions of dissatisfied saints, but by the -boastings of Young himself, whose vanity would not permit him to be -entirely silent upon a subject so well calculated to magnify his own -importance. On one occasion he said to Bishop Simpson, "I can stand in -my door and see plenty of gold and silver." - -These hidden riches, thank God, have been brought to light. Miners are -flocking in by thousands, and their rights will be protected, if -necessary, by the strong arm of a strong government. - -Mormonism must soon give way before the advancing tide of American -civilization. - -Brigham Young, with his band of desperadoes, may not much longer despise -and trample upon our laws, and outrage the rights of our people. If he -is to be permitted to continue his system of heathen polygamy, he will -be obliged to leave the Republic he has discarded and would have -overthrown, and fleeing from the scenes of his impieties and his crimes, -set up his kingdom in some new refuge,--perchance in the Sandwich -Islands, which have long been one of the stakes of Zion. - -The events of the last two years have not been of a character to inspire -confidence either in Young and his associates, or in the policy, or -rather want of policy, of the government, in connection with the affairs -of that Territory. The same spirit of lawlessness and violence which -has marked the entire history of the Territory still prevails. Partially -repressed for a few years, and kept in check by the determination and -known bravery of General Connor and his officers, it has now, since -their retirement from the service and the withdrawal of nearly all the -military stationed at Camp Douglas, broken out more fiercely than ever. - -The disbanding of the volunteers was immediately followed by -denunciations of the gentiles, and threats and warnings of every -description. A letter containing the representation of a bloody hand was -sent to the "Vedette" office. - -Anonymous communications were frequently received by leading gentile -citizens. Fiery and vehement declamation was indulged in from the -rostrum; and the prophecy was frequently made that in a few months not a -gentile would be left in the Territory. Yet that class of proscribed -citizens kept on in the even tenor of their way; the "Vedette" appeared -as usual, always bold and determined in its opposition to the wrong and -injustice prevailing around it. There was danger that the prophets would -be brought into disrepute and contempt. - -At this juncture, it having been determined "in council" that a blow -should be struck, the community was startled by the announcement of one -of the most atrocious murders recorded in history. - -On the evening of the second of April, 1865, Squire Newton Brassfield, a -resident of Austin, Nevada, temporarily residing in Salt Lake, was shot -down in the streets while in the company of the United States Marshal, -and under his protection. The particulars, as well as the pretext for -this bloody murder, are fully given in the following editorials taken -from the "Salt Lake Vedette," of April 4th, 1865:-- - - "We are called upon this morning to chronicle one of the most - cold-blooded and inhuman murders that has ever fallen under - our notice--unparalleled even in the bloody record of Utah's - foulest crimes. The victim of this last exhibition of the - hellish doctrine of 'blood atonement,' promulgated by these - fiends of hell from the rostrum of their Tabernacle, is Squire - Newton Brassfield, late a resident of Austin, Nevada, by - business a freighter, and aged about thirty years. The - circumstances which led to his murder are briefly as - follows:-- - - "On the evening of the 27th ult. Mr. Brassfield was married by - Judge McCurdy, of the Supreme Court, to Mary, _second_ wife of - A. N. Hill, a Mormon missionary now in Europe. A short time - after the marriage, Brassfield went with his wife to her late - residence to get her clothes and household goods which had - been packed up ready for removal. While there he was arrested - by the city police, charged _with resisting an officer_, and - lodged all night in the county jail. The next morning he was - taken before the Probate Court to answer the charge, and bound - over in the sum of five hundred dollars to await the action of - the Grand Jury. The next day two indictments were brought - against him, one on the charge above named, and the other for - larceny,--for being present and assisting in taking away his - wife's goods and clothing. He gave bail in the sum of one - thousand dollars. On Monday last his counsel, Major C. H. - Hempstead, quashed the indictment for resisting an officer, - and proceeded to trial on the charge of larceny. The trial was - not concluded when the court adjourned on Monday, and was to - have been continued on the following day. - - "The wife had two children, one nine and the other five years - of age. About these children a contest was evident--Mrs. - Brassfield claiming them, and the friends of Hill being - determined to keep them from her. The mother obtained a writ - of _habeas corpus_ from Judge McCurdy, and the Hill party from - the Probate Court, each claiming the right to the custody of - the children. The writ of Judge McCurdy was first executed, - and a hearing held by him last Saturday night. Major Hempstead - argued the case for the petitioner, and claimed that as Hill - had a wife living at the time of his alleged marriage with - Mrs. Brassfield, it was illegal and void, and that, as there - was no legal father, the mother was entitled to the custody of - the minor children. Thus the legality of polygamous marriages - was made a direct issue in the case. Judge Snow appeared - against the petitioner and in the capacity of Deputy - Attorney-General of the Territory, and desired further time to - prepare the case of the defendant, and the hearing was - continued until Monday evening at seven o'clock. - - "At that hour the house was crowded, the friends of both - parties being present in large numbers. After a few - preliminary remarks and the filing of some papers by Judge - Snow, the hearing was again adjourned until Wednesday morning - at ten o'clock. The children in the mean time had been - committed to the custody of the United States Marshal, Hosmer, - until further orders of the court, and on Monday the writ from - the Probate Court was served on him, when he appeared before - Judge Smith and stated that he held the children by order of - Judge McCurdy, and declined to produce them in that court, - when he was threatened with an attachment for contempt, and - warned that unless he produced the children _he would be - imprisoned in the county jail_! The Probate Court of Salt - Lake, imprisoning a United States Marshal, for obeying an - order of the Supreme Court! Our readers can make their own - comments. - - "Thus stood the several phases of the case at the adjournment - of Judge McCurdy's court on Monday evening. The court - adjourned at about half-past eight o'clock, and on his way - home, and while in company with the United States Marshal, - Hosmer, Mr. Brassfield was shot and killed; adding another to - the long list of victims of Mormon 'law' and Mormon - 'justice.'" - - - "STATEMENT OF MARSHAL HOSMER. - - "About half-past eight o'clock on Monday evening, the second - instant, I was accompanying Mr. Brassfield home to the - National Hotel from Independence Hall. As we turned the corner - by the small building west of the hotel, a man who stood - between the bay-window and door of that building advanced one - step from the corner and fired at Mr. Brassfield, the shot - taking effect in his arm and side; four buck-shot entered the - arm, one striking the elbow joint and breaking the arm. The - fifth shot, which was much larger than the others, entered his - right side. When the gun was fired Mr. Brassfield fell, and - said, 'O my God! I am shot!' He was carried into the - International Hotel, where he lingered in agony about - forty-five minutes and then expired. The assassin, after - firing, ran across the street, and turning the corner by the - theatre, continued in a northerly direction. As he passed the - St. Charles Restaurant, he was fired at twice by a policeman. - I lost sight of him as he turned the corner of the theatre." - - - "THE FEELING AMONG THE PEOPLE. - - "It would be useless to deny the fact that in the opinion of - the gentile community of this city, the killing of Mr. - Brassfield was a deliberately planned scheme, concocted and - advised by men high in authority in the Mormon Church. It is a - reminder of the days that were, and a foretaste of what will - be again 'when the troops are removed.' The community is - struck dumb at the appalling audacity of the affair. Men say - but little, but the lowering brows and compressed lips - everywhere visible, bespeak a rising storm, which, when it - bursts, will be very hard to control." - - - "THE SPIRIT OF ASSASSINATION. - - "From time to time during the past nineteen years, the people - have been almost palsied with the announcement of dark and - fearful crimes committed within the limits of this - Territory--crimes of the greatest magnitude and of the - blackest character have been perpetrated, and in no known - instance have the guilty parties been brought to the tribunal - of justice. - - "The Mountain Meadow massacre, the Parish, Potter, and Forbes - murders, the assassination of Sergeant Pike on the main street - of Salt Lake City, in broad daylight, were all committed with - an impunity and immunity from punishment having no parallel - elsewhere in the country. - - "Last Monday evening the community was astounded with the - intelligence of another foul assassination committed on - Theatre Street, only a few steps east of Main Street. - - "The man who was assassinated was known throughout Nevada, and - more particularly at Austin and Reese River, as one of the - best and most reliable citizens of that State, and was engaged - in the freighting business between this place and Reese River. - His conduct, while here, was that of a good, quiet, peaceable - citizen, violating no law of the land, interfering in no way - with the legitimate business of any person, and honored and - respected by all who knew him." - -This high-handed outrage was immediately followed by a fulmination from -Brigham Young, warning the gentiles to leave the Territory, and throwing -out various dark hints of the consequences in case the warning should be -disregarded. - -The serious character of this order was well understood in that -community, and had the effect to cause many citizens to quietly take -themselves out of harm's way. - -For the information of those who may doubt whether anything criminal was -intended by this edict, or whether Young would scruple in the use of -means in carrying out his plan of getting rid of the gentiles, we refer -them to the Order of Brigham issued in 1858, for the murder of eighty -men by his Danite followers. The following is a copy of the Order:-- - - "SALT LAKE CITY, _April 9, 1858_. - - - "SPECIAL ORDER. - - "The officer in command of escort is hereby ordered to see - that every man is well prepared with ammunition and have it - ready at the time you see those teamsters a hundred miles from - the settlements. President Young advises that they should be - all killed to prevent them from returning to Bridger to join - our enemies. Every precaution should be taken and see that not - one escapes. Secrecy is required. - - "By order of Genl. DANL. H. WELLS. - JAMES FERGUSON, _Asst. Adjt. Genl._" - -The teamsters alluded to were eighty in number, discharged from -Johnson's command when at Fort Bridger, and were _en route_ to -California. Maloney, who commanded the escort, is and has been for four -years employed at Camp Douglas. He was too humane to execute the order. -He however preserved it, and it is now in the possession of Hon. John -Titus, Chief Justice of the Territory. The signature of Ferguson is -authenticated under oath, by two prominent Mormons of Salt Lake. The -Mormons have on several occasions attempted to take the life of Maloney, -and only a short time since destroyed a house of his near Camp Douglas. - -About this time a new source of difficulty arose in the settlement of -the public lands. The entire body of land in the Territory belongs to -the United States Government, subject to the claims of Indian tribes -roving through the country. The land has never been open to market. But -very little of it, indeed, has ever been surveyed. - -The Mormons claim to own the valley of the Salt Lake, and all the -adjacent country; not only that which they have reduced to possession, -but the square miles of adjoining land untouched by human being. - -But the gentiles were not disposed to concede the rightfulness of these -claims. In the summers of 1865-66, various settlements were made upon -the public lands in Utah, under the National Homestead Act, by -anti-Mormon or gentile citizens. - -The Mormons affected to consider this an infringement of their rights, -and from denunciations and threats proceeded to open violence to prevent -these intrusions. - -Some account of these outrages is given in the following extracts from a -letter written by Captain S. E. Jocelyn, and published in the "Chicago -Republican," of January 4, 1867. - -As the writer is fully posted in relation to the recent history of the -Territory, I have given other quotations also, from the same letter:-- - - "CHICAGO, _Dec. 28, 1866_. - - "It has been my fortune to reside in Utah Territory during the - last four years, whence I have recently arrived in your city. - While _en route_, and since my arrival in 'America'--for so - the gentiles are accustomed to call the Eastern States--I have - observed a great and universal interest existing on all hands - concerning affairs among the Mormons. - - "As early as last spring threats were made by the Mormon - authorities toward certain parties, not Mormons, then doing - business of one kind or another in Salt Lake City, looking to - the forcible entry of their premises and the destruction of - property without due process of law. These threats were of a - general character, and it was believed that, under cover of - breaking up certain places where disreputable business was - carried on, it was the intention to destroy other - establishments of a different character, but interfering with - certain monopolies of the city and church patriarchs. To - prevent this, the local military commander, under constructive - orders from Gen. Sherman, called upon Brigham Young to exact a - promise that no violence should be done to private property - without due process of law, which, after some hesitation, was - obtained. Matters progressed smoothly until the adjournment of - Congress, for, fearing the effect on that body of any violent - measures inaugurated against gentiles, Brigham kept his - promise strictly. But no sooner did the telegraph flash across - the continent the announcement of the adjournment of Congress, - than his pent-up wrath broke forth, and he openly urged the - policy of violence toward the gentiles. With regard to the - public lands, he said repeatedly that he owned land, and - plenty of it, and any man who attempted to 'jump' the same - should have 'a preëmption title which would last till the - resurrection.' This was called forth by the fact that a number - of locations had already been made by discharged soldiers and - others upon unoccupied land lying along the west bank of the - Jordan River, contiguous to Salt Lake City, and there was - considerable talk of many others following in the same course, - induced by the prospective coming of the Pacific Railroad, and - a desire to obtain as eligible situations for homes convenient - thereto as possible. But the idea of allowing gentiles to - settle in any considerable numbers in the vicinity of Mormon - communities is totally at variance with the well-understood - policy of the leaders, and must, therefore, be prevented by - every possible means--else, what would become of polygamy? - Hence the hostility of Brigham Young to any such scheme as - they contemplated, for in it he scented danger to his favorite - institution, and hence, too, his threat of death to 'land - jumpers.' - - "Now the fact is that there has never been, to my knowledge, - one foot of land '_jumped_' in Utah; in other words, no - locations whatever have been made or attempted by gentiles - except upon totally unoccupied lands. But, in violation of the - Territorial organic act, the Legislative Assembly of Utah has, - from time to time, granted away to Brigham Young, and others, - certain valuable timber and tracts of arable lands for a - nominal consideration, and it is to protect these from gentile - intrusion, as well as for reasons already stated, that a reign - of terror has been inaugurated. - - "As early as last August, the writer of this article called - attention, in the columns of the 'Salt Lake Vedette,' to the - threats being made by the Mormon Head Centre to inflame the - passions of his followers, predicting the result which has - already been reached, and putting his language on record, that - it might be known who should be held responsible when the - event transpired. - - "On the night of September 24th occurred the Jordan outrage, - in which a number of land preëmptors were attacked about - midnight by a gang of some forty or fifty ruffians, disguised - and armed, and flagrantly abused, their houses destroyed, - themselves thrown into the river, and their lives only saved - by a promise to leave the Territory within forty-eight hours. - One in attempting to get away, was fired upon and wounded, but - effected his escape--very fortunately for the entire party - beyond a doubt, for there can be little question that the - original purpose was to put them all out of the way, which - would certainly have been accomplished had any of the forty or - fifty shots fired at the fugitive taken fatal effect. The - better nature of some of the party prevailed over the - malignant influence of the master whom they served, and they - probably hoped to reach the result he desired--terror to - gentiles--by less sanguinary means than those he contemplated. - The result proved them wrong, for the parties warned did not - leave the Territory, though any further attempts to secure - homesteads were abandoned. Then followed the demolition of a - portion of Dr. Robinson's premises, three of the city police, - including the chief, being identified as accomplices, and held - to answer therefor. Then the abduction of Mr. Weston, of the - 'Vedette,' to a remote part of the city, where he was - subjected to the most shameful indignities at the hands of a - half score of miscreants, some of whom, at least, he - recognized as belonging to the city police." - -These outrages were closely followed by another atrocious murder, only -equalled in ferocity and cold-blooded cruelty by that of Brassfield. - -On the 22d day of October, 1866, Dr. J. K. Robinson, a prominent and -influential citizen of Salt Lake City, who had recently had some -difficulty with the city authorities, was shot in the streets, but a few -steps from his own door. He had retired for the evening, when he was -called up and requested to go a short distance to attend upon a -neighbor, who, it was alleged, had broken his leg. - -He quickly obeyed the call, followed his summoners a few rods from the -house, when he was brutally assassinated by those who had him in charge. -The following allusion to this murder is from the letter of Captain -Jocelyn already quoted from:-- - - "I do not hesitate to state my most earnest conviction that - Brigham Young is the author of Dr. Robinson's assassination, - and in this I do not go one iota beyond the public opinion of - all gentiles in Salt Lake City, and, I have no doubt, of the - Mormons as well, could their secret thoughts be known. He - signified his consent, which was the victim's death warrant; - some of his satellites--probably Daniel H. Wells--made the - detail for the execution; and not the least hideous feature of - the whole affair is, that, in all probability, the - perpetrators of that most atrocious crime feel no guilt for - this deed, have no visitations of remorse or compunctions of - conscience in consequence, but consider that they have only - done their duty and proved their faith in thus obeying the - behests of their Prophet. I will trace the chain of evidence - leading to the foregoing conclusion; Brigham Young is the - Mormon Church, since therein his word is law. It is the - deliberate policy of the church to isolate Mormonism from the - intrusion of persons averse to the peculiar faith it teaches. - That such is the burden of the discourses of its leaders - throughout the Territory, and has been for years, will not be - seriously disputed by any sensible Mormon. Hence their - strenuous efforts to settle up the valleys, or the more - desirable portions, by gathering the saints together from all - parts of the world, and concentrating their force in Utah. In - Missouri they controlled one county by this means; they now - control, and will, if possible perpetuate their authority over - an entire Territory which, they hope may become a State, under - the absolute dominion of Brigham Young. To effect this, - gentiles cannot be permitted to mingle with Mormons unopposed, - nor to settle in their vicinity, on account of the dangerous - influence they would thus exert. The control of the church - authorities over personal actions extends to every possible - circumstance. When the headquarters of the District of Utah - were established in Salt Lake City by order one year ago, his - authority was exercised to prevent the lease of any buildings - for that or any other public purpose, and the person from whom - they were finally obtained was afterward 'cut off' from the - church for disregard of 'counsel' in that particular, and has - since been subjected to all manner of petty persecution in - consequence. Dr. Robinson had leased certain city property, - which he managed without regard to the wishes of the Mormon - magnates. Formerly the property of an elder in the church, it - was now the place where the 'Vedette' newspaper found refuge, - when driven from every other covert. Moreover, Dr. Robinson - was foremost in encouraging the idea that gentiles, as well as - Mormons, had rights in Utah, and among them a right to a - portion of the public domain, whereon to build themselves - homes. Acting upon this unorthodox theory, he, with others, - had procured the survey of certain lands near the city, - including the famous Warm Sulphur Springs, and had taken all - the necessary steps to perfect a title, according to act of - Congress regulating the location of cities on the public - domain. - - "The buildings in process of erection thereon were demolished, - and there the matter rested for more than a year, when it was - formally revived by Dr. Robinson, who brought the case before - the United States Third District Court, praying to be put in - possession of his property, from which he was unlawfully - restrained. - - "About the same time other parties began locating on vacant - land near the city, as already stated. No objection was made - by any person, however, until Brigham Young began his - inflammatory harangues, giving the key-note of assassination. - Early in October the semi-annual conference convened in Salt - Lake City, and it was attended beyond all precedent. To the - thousands there assembled he repeated all his violent - language,--and no man knows better how to inspire his hearers - with his own purposes,--concluding by taking a vote, in - effect, whether the policy thus strenuously urged should be - adopted and at once inaugurated. - - "What more was necessary for him to do? Not to strike the - blow, surely, for there were hundreds ready to do that; all - they wanted was to be told _who_, _where_, and _when_. The - event was predicted by the writer in a communication to the - 'New York Tribune,' dated ten days previous to Dr. Robinson's - assassination. None knew, indeed, on whom the blow would - descend, but all felt sure it was impending. To my personal - knowledge many of those who believed or knew themselves under - ban took extraordinary precautions to meet the threatened - danger. - - "On Saturday, October 20th, Dr. Robinson, acting under legal - advice, called on Daniel H. Wells, Mayor of the city, - 'Lieutenant-General' of the Utah militia, and only second to - Brigham Young in the church, to demand payment of the city for - damages done to his premises by police acting under Wells's - orders without due process of law. Wells no sooner learned - that he was the person contesting the Warm Springs case, than - he ordered him from his house, with every circumstance of - gross insult. On the night of Monday following Dr. Robinson - was murdered. The full moon made the night almost as light as - day. There were at least seven of the assassins. They did the - deed, knowing that within twenty steps a witness was observing - them. They did not rifle the pockets of their victim. The - deduction is irresistible. No mere murderers would commit so - heinous a crime under such circumstances, unless certain of - adequate backing and sure protection. He had no personal - enemies. Who desired his death? Who could protect his - murderers? I leave the answer to public opinion, which, I - trust, may soon compel our timid lawgivers to do their duty. - For myself, I have no doubt on the point. I know as well as I - ever hope to know who caused the murder of Dr. Robinson. I - feel and write warmly on the subject, for the victim was my - intimate friend. Not three days before his foul murder, he - expressed to me a sense of the danger he felt himself exposed - to in attempting, single-handed, to fight the Mormon - authorities of Salt Lake City. The event very soon proved how - prophetic were those fears. I was by his side only a few - minutes after he was stricken down--held his hand and felt the - last faint pulse that flitted from his heart when he died. Who - could look upon such a sight--a strong man basely stricken - down in his early prime by assassin hands, his family crushed - with the awful weight of such a sorrow--and not feel it a duty - to use every means which honor allows to bring the - perpetrators to punishment. During my residence in Utah I have - carefully studied the Mormon system, and confidently assert it - to be dangerous to the commonweal. I have traced the - connection between public utterances of the leaders and crimes - wherewith they have been charged, and entertain no doubt of - their guilt from evidences found in their own record. - - "Well, Dr. Robinson sleeps in the cemetery at Camp Douglas, - the second victim of Mormon hatred to gentiles, within the - year, whose ashes repose therein. They sleep as do the - Parishes, the innocents slaughtered at the Mountain Meadows, - and the hundreds of other victims who have perished to appease - the insatiate demon of blood-atonement--the tutelary deity by - whose fell assistance Brigham Young maintains his power, and - hopes to accomplish his evil purposes." - -The following comments upon the same affair, together with the closing -portion of the eloquent speech of Governor Weller before the Coroner's -Jury, are taken from the "San Francisco Bulletin" of November 16th, -1866:-- - - "SAN FRANCISCO, _Nov._ 16th. - - "The gentiles of Salt Lake may find very great attractions in - a business way in that city, but they do not dwell in very - secure habitations. Now and then one of their number is taken - off as stealthily as when a wolf pounces down upon the fold. - Bassfield made himself obnoxious by a marriage, and his days - were numbered. The manner of his taking off was well known, - but it availed nothing to trace the crime to its perpetrators. - Mormon vengeance selects a shining mark even though it lets - its bolts fly in the dark, and there is always a Mormon moral - to the tragedy. - - "The recent assassination of Dr. J. K. Robinson, in Salt Lake - City, does not differ in its diabolical features from others - which preceded it. He was a representative man, and as such, - the murder may have peculiar significance. - - "Robinson in 1864 was Assistant Surgeon of United States - Volunteers, and soon after took charge of the hospital at Camp - Douglas, near Salt Lake City, and sometime after, being - mustered out of the service, he settled down in that city as a - regular practitioner of medicine, which pursuit he followed - with success, and was a leading man, at least among the - gentiles. Indeed, it was said that no man stood higher, - socially or morally. It seems that Robinson was at the time - contesting a claim known as the Warm Springs, before the - United States Territorial Court, and with good prospect of - ultimate success. His opponents were, of course, Mormons, and - may have chosen a more expeditious way of quieting title by - quieting the claimant at the same time. But certainly a Mormon - jury could have settled the claim without blood; only there - might not have been such an impressive and saintly moral for - the benefit of the gentiles. - - "But there were other reasons why Robinson's permanent absence - was deemed far more desirable than his presence. He had been - very active in educational and religious enterprises, not - altogether after the pattern prescribed by the saints. Nearly - two years ago Rev. Norman McLeod, a Congregational minister, - commenced preaching at Camp Douglas, and finding so much - encouragement from Gen. Connor and the whole gentile - community, he established a preaching station in the city, and - finally organized a church. An intelligent congregation was - gathered every Sunday to hear a gentile preacher in the city - of the saints. Money was liberally subscribed, and a church - edifice, we believe, was in process of erection. A - Sunday-school was organized, and considerable assistance was - sent from this city. Dr. Robinson was the Superintendent of - the Sunday-school, and was very effective in all matters - connected with the new religious society. Some time in March - last, Rev. Mr. McLeod was summoned to Washington by a - Congressional Committee to state the results of his - observations concerning the attitude of the Mormons toward the - Federal Government, and such other knowledge concerning the - workings of Mormonism as he possessed. There being no - alternative, he obeyed the summons. But previous to his - departure Dr. Robinson, his intimate friend and room-mate, was - united by him in marriage with the daughter of the late Dr. - Kay, a lady identified also with the new religious enterprise. - Six months or more afterwards, and before McLeod's return, - Robinson was called up in the night on pretense that he was - wanted professionally, waylaid and murdered. - - "A fact of some significance comes out at this juncture. Gen. - Connor, who had taken a warm interest in the religious - society, and was the fast friend of Robinson and McLeod, - telegraphed to the latter, who is still at the East, advising - him not to return as his life was in danger. Thus, the leading - layman in the society was assassinated, and the pastor warned - by his best friend that it is not safe to return. It may be - said that the gentile society had, from the beginning, exerted - a quiet but powerful influence against polygamy, and already - much of doubt and skepticism on this point had begun to - pervade the Mormon community. In New Zealand and some other - places, the natives sometimes roasted and ate a missionary. In - Salt Lake they assassinate him and throw him to the dogs. At - the coroner's inquest, ex-Governor John B. Weller being - present as counsel on behalf of the friends of the murdered - man, addressed the jury and submitted the following suggestive - propositions:-- - - "'And upon this evidence I have a few plain questions to - propound, which I will leave you and others to answer. I do - not propose to discuss them, simply because I could not do so - without increasing the excitement which already exists, and - producing an exasperated state of feeling, which could not at - the present time result in any public good. - - "'1. If my associate, Judge Stout, the City Attorney, had been - murdered under the circumstances Dr. Robinson was, would the - police have exhibited a greater degree of vigilance and - energy? - - "'2. Would the attention of the 4000 people who assembled at - the 'Tabernacle' (where secular affairs are often discussed) - on the succeeding Sabbath have been called to the crime and - exhorted to use every effort to ferret out the assassins? - - "'3. Could any prominent Mormon be murdered under the same - circumstances and no clew whatever found to the murderer? - - "'4. Would any portion of the five hundred special police have - been called into requisition or ordered on duty? - - "'5. Would any of the numerous witnesses who saw the assassins - fleeing from their bloody work, have been able to recognize - and name them? - - "'6. Have we not utterly failed to prove, after full - investigation, that Dr. Robinson had a personal enemy in the - world, and have we not proved that he had had difficulties - with none except the city authorities? - - "'7. Is there any evidence that he had done anything to make - personal enemies, unless it was having the Chief of Police and - two others bound over to answer a charge of riot? - - "'8. Would he have been murdered if he had not by his land - claim raised a question as to the validity of the city - charter? - - "'9. Would the ten-pin alley have been destroyed if it had not - been his property, and that he had a suit pending against the - city? - - "'10. Would the Mayor of the city have ordered him out of his - house two days before he was murdered, if he had not - understood that he claimed damages from the city for the - wanton destruction of his property? - - "'11. Is it not remarkable that a gang of men could go to a - bowling alley, nearly surrounded by houses, within sixty steps - of the most public street in the city, between the hours of - eleven and twelve o'clock at night, demolish the windows and - break up with axes and sledges the alley, and no witnesses - found to identify the men or who knew anything whatever about - the perpetrators of the act? - - "'12. Are not the jury satisfied that some witnesses have - withheld evidence calculated to fasten guilt upon certain - parties, because they feared personal violence? - - "'13. Is there not an organized influence here which prevents - the detection and punishment of men who commit acts of - violence upon the persons or property of gentiles? - - "'14. If a Mormon of good standing had been murdered, would - the Mayor, to whom the Chief of Police reports, have been - informed of the act before ten o'clock the next day? - - "'15. Would the Chief of Police have gone to bed as soon as he - heard of the crime, and waited three days before he visited - the scene of the murder? - - "'16. Was the murder committed for the purpose of striking - terror into the gentiles and preventing them from settling in - this Territory? - - "'17. Is it the settled policy of the authorities here to - prevent citizens of the United States, not Mormons, from - asserting their claims to a portion of the public domain in - the regularly organized judicial tribunals of the country? - - "'18. Are all legal questions which may arise in this city - between Mormons and gentiles to be settled by brute force? - - "'19. Do the public teachings of the Tabernacle lead the - people to respect and obey the laws of the country, or do they - lead to violence and bloodshed?' - - "He then referred to the practices and teachings of the - Mormons and the natural results that flowed from them:-- - - "'Whilst following the practices of some of the patriarchs of - old they have also adopted the creed, "An eye for an eye, and - a tooth for a tooth." What has been the result of these - teachings upon society here? There are a number of respectable - men in this city, some of whom have families, who dare not go - upon your streets at night! Nor are they men who are afraid of - shadows. They have shown their courage upon the field of - battle in defence of the honor of the country, and would not - shrink from meeting any of them single-handed in the light of - day. But they do not choose to meet an organized band of - assassins at midnight. They dare not go to your theatre or - other public places of amusement. Is it not hard that here, in - an American Territory, supposed to be under the protection of - our national flag, citizens who have perilled their lives to - sustain the supremacy of our laws and the integrity of the - government, are compelled to remain in their houses at night - to escape the hands of murderers? men who have violated no - law, trespassed upon the right of no one, but have simply - incurred the displeasure of the dominant party? Can this state - of things be tolerated on American soil? A government which - habitually fails to give protection to its people must soon - cease to command their confidence or respect. But I do not - choose to pursue this subject further. - - "'In this connection, however, I feel called upon to notice - the extraordinary efforts which have been made and are still - being made at the Tabernacle, as well as by the press, to - destroy the confidence of the people in the courts established - by the Federal Government in this Territory. Judges selected - by the government, because of their legal attainments and - sterling integrity, have been sent out here to administer the - laws and preserve the peace and order of society. If, in the - faithful discharge of their duties under the oath they have - taken, they make a decision in conflict with the interests or - the opinions of the dominant party, they are bitterly - denounced and every effort made to impair their power and - lessen their influence. To effect this, slander and ridicule - are generally employed. If a Federal Judge will decide every - question which arises between a Mormon and gentile in favor of - the former, he can have an easy and quiet time. He can have as - much fulsome praise as he deserves. But if he decides in favor - of the latter, "uneasy lies the head that wears a crown".'" - -The murder of Dr. Robinson, following so closely upon that of -Brassfield, and the outrages upon Williamson and his companions, quite -unsettled the nerves of those gentiles who had had the hardihood to -remain, and they now fled in terror from before the face of the -infuriated fanatics, to whose tender mercies they had been turned over -by that government which should have afforded them the fullest -protection. - -The garrison stationed at Camp Douglas, instead of being strengthened as -it should have been, had been disbanded and withdrawn, till scarcely a -corporal's guard remained; not enough to inspire the least respect for -the government or its representatives. General Connor, whose name had -been a terror to the offender for three years, now found himself an -outcast and a refugee, in the land which had so lately been under his -control. Finding his life constantly in danger in Salt Lake City, he -removed with his family, a few months after the assassination of -Robinson, to Stockton, in Rush Valley, forty miles west of Salt Lake, -where he now resides. He is engaged in mining operations, and having -considerable capital invested in developing the silver mines in that -locality, cannot well leave without much financial sacrifice. His life -is in constant danger, as well as that of every anti-Mormon resident of -the Territory. - -The following extract from a letter of General Connor, dated Salt Lake, -December 26, 1866, written just before his removal to Stockton, will -give some idea of the condition of the Territory at that time:-- - - "Matters are getting worse here. You will see by the 'Vedette,' - that the merchants have addressed a card to Brigham Young, in - reference to his action in not permitting the people to trade - with gentile merchants. Several gentiles established themselves - in business in the outer settlements. Some of them have been - ordered to close their stores, and are doing so, and are glad - to get away with their lives. - - "Of the hundreds who came here to spend the winter, all or - nearly all have left, and many of the old gentile inhabitants - are leaving, or preparing to do so in the spring, if nothing - is done for us by Congress or the Administration." - -The Rev. Mr. McLeod who, previous to the murder of Robinson, had made a -visit to the States, was cautioned by his friends, by telegraph, not to -return, as his life was in danger.[297:A] - -Many fled the Territory. But a small number remained. And from that -Spartan band the cry now comes up for aid and protection. - -Will that cry be heeded by the government of their country? Or will that -same masterly inactivity which has hitherto characterized the course of -the Federal Government on this subject, still prevail? - -This is a question which now demands the serious attention of Congress -and of the country. - -If the Mormons are to remain in the country, it would seem to be time -that some system were adopted to enforce the execution of the laws among -them. I am aware that the subject is one of some difficulty, but one -would suppose that among all those who have been grappling with the -great questions of Southern reconstruction, enough statesmanship might -be found to devise some efficient mode of protecting life and property -in Utah. - -Let us at least hope the attempt will be made. - - -THE END. - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[297:A] Rev. William Roberts, also one of the ablest ministers on the -Pacific coast, was deputed, at the last annual Methodist Conference of -Oregon, to act as a missionary at Salt Lake. He proceeded to execute -the mission, but after a short stay, returned to his former charge in -Idaho, there to remain till such time as American citizens in Utah -should be protected in their lives and property. - - - - -TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES: - - -The following corrections have been make to the text: - - Page ix: Description of the Harem.[original has a comma] - - Page ix: THE ENDOWMENT.[original has a comma] - - Page 5: Here new difficulties arose.[period missing in - original] - - Page 12: following boundaries, to wit:"[quotation mark missing - in original] - - Page 20: Brochus and Zerubbabel Snow, Associate - Justices;[semi-colon missing in original] - - Page 21: spirits of the audience, he[original has "be"] turned - to the Judge - - Page 29: It is not our purpose to detract from the merits of - any one.[period missing in original] - - Page 57: taking with them their household goods[original has - "gods"], and provisions - - Page 130: and the interpretation[original has - "intrepretation"] of tongues - - Page 133: Each has another[original has "an" and "other" on - two separate lines--the hyphen is missing] part - - Page 155: _Thirdly_[original has "Thirdy"], They must be - baptized - - Page 158: The passage was: '[quotation mark missing in - original]To us there is but one God - - Page 163: this small remnant[original has "remant"] of the - tribe - - Page 228: then editor of the "Star,"[original has single - quote] - - Page 233: that which God had[original has "aad"] joined - together - - Page 255: "O, when shall we see Jesus," &c.[original has - extraneous comma] - - Page 256: the prophets, even Joseph Smith.[original has - extraneous quotation mark] - - Page 259: upon the faithful in Israel. Amen."[quotation mark - missing in original] - - Page 276: diminish the number of his followers?"[quotation - mark missing in original] - - Page 282: after the marriage, Brassfield[original has - "Brassfied"] went - - Page 287: a preëmption[original has "pre/emption" split across - a line break] title which would last - - On pages 294 and 295, in the original, all of the numbered - paragraphs are missing an opening single quote inside the - opening double quote. The single quote has been added. - - Page 296: "'[single quote missing in the original]In this - connection, however - - Page 296: "uneasy lies the head that wears a crown"[quotation - mark missing in original] - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Mormon Prophet and His Harem, by C.V. 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