[Published on 04/20/20 by Digital Imaging Lab (1142)] It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any copyright clearances. Permission to publish material from this/these transcript(s) must be obtained from the Supervisor of Reference Services and/or the L. Tom Perry Special Collection Coordinating Committee. [Notes added by transcribers are in square brackets. Dashes in square brackets indicate unclear words or letters. indicate words the author inserted to a previously written line.] VMSS 792 - Thomas L. Kane papers on Utah Expedition (S3_SS6) Number of pages: 287 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F11_I1_p001.jpg) Washington City 31 December 1857 My dear Sir[-] I send you the promised letters & return that of Mr. Polk. They are as strong as I can write them after taking a review of the whole ground & I hope they may prove satisfactory. If you had not expressed an inflexible determenation, I would again advise a reconsideration of your purpose. If you go, may Heaven protect you! The purity of your motives & the energy of your character are beyond all question. Ever your friend Col. Thomas L. Kane James Buchanan ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F11_I2_p001.jpg) Washington City, 31 December 1857. My dear Sir/ As you have been impelled by your own sense of duty to visit Utah & having informed me that nothing can divert you from this purpose, it affords me pleasure to commend you to the favorable regard of all officers of the United States whom you may meet in the course of your travels. Possessed as you are of my confidence & being well informed of as to passing events, you may have it in your power to impart to them useful information from this side of the Continent. I do not doubt that they will, in the exercise of whatever descretion their instructions may permit, render ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F11_I2_p002.jpg) you all the aids & facilities in their power in expediting you on your journey undertaken of your own accord, to accomplish the pacific & philanthropic objects you have in view. Heartily wishing you success, I remain Very respectfully Your friend James Buchanan Col: Thomas L. Kane. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F11_I3_p001.jpg) Washington City 31 December 1857. My dear Sir, You furnish the strongest evidence of your desire to serve the Mormons by abandoning the comforts of friends, family & home, ac voluntarily encountering the perils & dangers of a journey to Utah at the present inclement season of the year, at your own expense & must without official position. Your only reward ^ be a consciousness that you are doing your duty. Nothing but pure philanthropy & a strong desire to serve the Mormon people could have dictated a course so much at war with your private interests. You express a strong conviction in which, however, I do not participate, that a large portion of the Mormons labor under a mistake as to the intentions of the Federal Government towards them. If this be so, my late message will disabuse their minds. My views therein ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F11_I3_p002.jpg) expressed, as I have already informed you, have undergone no change. These sentiments were expressed in sincerity & truth, & I trust that your representations of them may meet with the success you anticipate. I trust that the people of Utah may be convinced ere it is too late that there exists no duties of higher obligation than those which they owe to their country. They cannot doubt your friendship & the services which you have rendered to them in times past will conciliate their regard. At the same time I deem it my duty to say, that whilst reposing entire confidence in the purity & patriotism of your motives & entertaining a warm personal regard for yourself, I would not, in view of the hostile attitude they have assumed against the United States send any agent to visit them on behalf of the Government. If the case were otherwise, however, I know no person to whom I should more cheerfully confide such a mission than yourself. With every sentiment of personal regard, I remain truly your friend Colonel Thomas L Kane. James Buchanan ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F11_I4_p001.jpg) Philadelphia, December 31. 1857 To His Excellency Governor Young, My Dear Sir, Colonel Kane wished me to go to see the President to make him repeat his committals with respect to his intentions, and then write to you personally my impressions in their full strength. I have replied that nothing the President or Assistant Secretary of State could add to the strength of my convictions on the subject. I have no doubt whatever of the Presidents sincerity or his desire to give every power to Colonel Kane the support of whose family and political friends has at this exigency been made by the devine will of value to him. Colonel Kane has also asked me if it would not be well to write an argumentative letter for our people at large exhibiting the necessity of their exerting themselves to make the military as comfortable as possible at Rush Valley – by building them quarters with dispatch, entertaining the sick and officers at the City, &c. I have offered to write what he desires, but believe that after conversing with him me he prefers not accepting what would seem to reflect a doubt as to his own just influence with you. I am most fully ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F11_I4_p002.jpg) convinced of the wisdom of Colonel Kane's far seeing views as to our present and future interests, and believe that he is devinely guided. But he can present them to you better than any one else. Ever your true friend, John M. Bernhisel. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I1_p001.jpg) My dear Tom, I have been so strenuous an opponent of your whole project, and have said so many things against it which may come back hereafter unpleasantly to your memory, that I think it right, to say to you, once for all at the moment of our parting, that you carry with you all of blessing that a father’s prayers can invoke. Yet I do not think you are to succeed; and I want you to be prepa- red for the worst. The Mormons can hardly have misconceived the honest and kindly aims and purposes of the President, and I do not believe you will be able to impress them with the feeling of our American people. You know, and I know, how anxious Mr. Bucha- nan is to prove himself their friend; and you know — or if you do not, I do — that if the Mormons once assail our troops, the sentiment Col. T. L. Kane– ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I1_p002.jpg) the sentiment of the country will never be satisfied while a Mormon Community survives on this continent. Yes such is the judicial blind- ness that seems to cover your friends in Utah, — gallant and near sighted as I know many of them to be, — and such too on the essential embarrass- ments, in which evil counsel and preci- pitate action have involved the question, that I have very faint hopes connected with your mission. Mr. Buchanan’s letters to you are certainly strong and clear enough, if they could be met in a corresponding spirit. You wrong him and me too, if you suppose that my opp[---]ion to your scheme has made their phraseology less definite than his oral pledges to yourself. Coming from a Statesman of his elevated in- tegrity and habitual caution, they have surprized me by their strength. Were I the President, I could not have committed myself, even to you, as fully as he has done. Virtually those letters engage him for all that you can honestly ask. Still, I repeat it: you are going, I apprehend, ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I1_p003.jpg) I apprehend, to fail, — and I close this letter by a farewell assurance to you that the Home Welcome in all its cordiality awaits you, whether you fall or succeed. God Bless you, dear Tom — J. K. KANE U. S. Courtroom,) Phil. 4 Jan. 1858 ) I have concluded to let your wife throw my letter into your trunk:– it may make a home reminiscence for you when you find it. J.K.K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I1_p005.jpg) Jan 4, 1858 Col. T. L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I1_p006.jpg) Thos. L. Kane Esq. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I1_p007.jpg) Phila. 4 Jan. 1858 Put in T.L.K's baggage by his wife at his father's request. Colonel Thomas L. Kane J.K.K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I1_p009.jpg) Given me by Judge Kane to put into T. L. Kane's trunk that he might find it after he started for Utah on his Peace Mission. Jan 5, 1858 E.D.K COPIED BY M.D. FEB. 1971 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I2_p001.jpg) Eyre & Spottiswoode's best 1849. Be first in order following down the line, and kiss them for me too. Feb. 5. 1858 My dear One: What shall I trust this threatened MailBag with? Words that really strive to express my adoration and so disclose to strangers the secrets of our common hap= piness? No; — with honest mauvaise honte I send — my daguerreotype, the face of a poor man who with all his 35 years of wrinkling can swear that now for two months his breast has not harbored one ignoble or impure thought. — He had no flower to father: it is winter here - but he felt he had a right to dedicate to you such a 58 days of the life which is your own. It cost something to face that littl[-] camera lens in the staring daylight, and it cost something more not to destroy the ugly result when it first appeared clearly to view. Add $6, cost prices:— and I know you will keep it, till I bring the crows feet and frown furrows home them= selves, and my darling will kiss them as she does our own babies' beautiful dimples; and, that day, I will feel beautiful, and young - and happy, which I know I never was when young. — I am still gaining health and strength, remembering all my promises to you. My first idle man's letter will tell you how much I owe to the devotion of my Mormon friends words cannot express it – I was going to say – certainly they do not express it by words. Perhaps it is God inspires them to it: – perhaps you have been praying to him for me – perhaps I, even do a little in that line – toward sunset, and only a moment or two, and when you are concerned. More I cannot say; but — we will not perhaps feel the pane of glass so cold between our lips when I return — I mean the one that said you were inside the House of G., whilst I stood in the street. –. Expect to hear from me by the next semi monthly mail, but be not surprised if it be not carried through Heaven bless you, and them all. Sunday morning. Health still improving— honor bright! 5 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I2_p002.jpg) page 98 typewritten copy Feby 5, 1858 To Wife (Love Letter) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I3_p001.jpg) Dated Feb. 6, 1858— San Bernardino, 6th February, /58 Amasa Lyman Esq. Dear Bro, I hastily pen you these few lines, by way of Express, which I have diligently and successfully accomplished agreeably to the instructions of Doctor J.M. Bernhisel from Washington. The Bearer, Osburne, of whom you will learn more fully on an interview with that gentleman, has been here three days. His appearance has created an alarming excitement among the people, particularly the Anti Mormon a Mr. Pickett of Los Angeles, (who now resides in this County) their ringleader, who immediately convened a Mass Meeting formed a Committee, adopted resolutions to visit this stranger, and know his designs, which they believed were strictly opposed to the views of the General Government The conduct of the gallant Doctor throughout has gained the applause of the respectable portion of this community and Mr. Pickett foreman of this committee was fully satis- fied of the integrity and uprightness of this Gentleman in the brief interview of an hour and a half and delivered his report to the meeting who were anxiously expecting the same and resulting in the unanimous voice of “God Speed Him.“ I desire that you will send me back my carriage and team, if you can release the same, and expedite the thing for this gentleman. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I3_p002.jpg) The Ranch has been effected, of the unsold lands and writings are being executed for the $18000 00/100 Hoping that self with the Saints are well & enjoying the blessings of Heaven. – Yours ever in the Kingdom Ebenezer Hanks ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I4_p001.jpg) Written to Col. Thos. L. Kane (on his way to S. Lake from San Bernadino where he had been nearly mobbed on an overnight stay by an antimormon gang This was to absolve a suspect found innocent soon after "A. Osborn" was a name Thomas L. K. assumed on the journey. Actually it was the name of his "colored" servant San Bernardino Feb 9th, 1858 My Dear Sir By request of Edward S. Hope, I have been induced to drop you a few lines relative to the report of his having been the cause of the mob excitement the night previous to your departure. Mr. Pickett retracted all he had said which acquitted Hope en- tirely of all blame You will please contradict any false statement which you may hear relative to the matter having tendency to injure the character of Mr. Hope in Salt Lake. With my best wishes for your health happiness & safety I am Very Respectfully Yours W. B. Jewell P.S. Mr. Mitchell wishes to be remembered by his friend Dr A Osborn in return for which he sends his best wishes W.B.J. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I5_p001.jpg) Dear heart that is mine: Rejoice that your true love and Red Cross is safe. All there was to fear is now gone through and exists only as a story to repeat to you and be remembered for the children and grand children. Turn your thoughts now only to the happy years which the future has in store for us — think of what we are to engage upon; what we as surely shall accomplish as partners in good works together: – and, take my word of honor for it, that I will bring you home a healthier and a happier man for your companion than you have ever known ——. Though, a more faithful, more admiring more intensely loving grateful husband never has lived than Yours — Th. L. K. Utah Mts. Feb 18. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I5_p002.jpg) Utah Mts. Feby 18. 1858 page 100 of typewritten copy ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F12_I6_p001.jpg) Great. Salt Lake City Feb. 25/58 My Dear friend Thomas L. Kane I will not multiply words upon paper but I will be happy to wait upon you at my Beehive House at Eight o clock this Evening My carriage will be ready to receive you at your present lodgings at half past seven. I cannot express my joy and surprise at your arrival God Bless you Brigham Young [following two lines not a part of the original document] in BY's own handwriting. on[--] on display at Kane Memorial Chapel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p001.jpg) ABOUT MAR.15.1858 Copy of Letter of Col Thomas L. Kane to about Brigham Young written from his first stop at Camp Scott from Salt Lake City after his conference with Brigham Young Describes trip to Camp Scott of the US. Army to see incoming governor Alfred Cumming and Col. A. S. Johnston to endeavor to head off and prevent the impending attempt to conquer the Mormons. Again, I am only able to attend to the duty of writing to you a short time before the departure of the Mail. It leaves, I am told, the day after tomorrow morning, and I desire to write to my Father for you, as well as, if possible, to Mrs Kane my wife. It is the misfortune of such a life of action with phases changing as constantly as my own present one, that the occurrences of one day efface the recollection of those of another. I trust however that my mind is not too much pre-occupied to recall the points most deserving your immediate attention If so, I may be sure the only injustice done will be to myself. In the field, I promise you, I can take care that neither the interests of my Country nor those of the Administration shall suffer. I am more content to be limited in my privi -lege of writing to you than I should have been a week ago. I have found the state of affairs at Camp Scott less favorable than I had reason to anticipate, and the briefer I can make the narrative of my disappointment, the less the recollection of it will give me pain. Upon other matters, I may as well apologise in advance, I cannot think it my duty to be brief. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p003.jpg) [insignia containing the word Paris] I shall be exposed to too many accidents during the next month or two, to be justified in suffering the memory of certain facts to be lost with me. Besides you must remember that without official position as I am here, I cannot give you the sum of many particulars in the form of brief and authoritative conclusions of my own. My chief value to you now, is, I think, as a collector of facts, as your friend, your true and grateful friend, Sir, who can best serve you by putting himself in the witness-box, and giving you that evidence which your own directing mind can act upon. Pardon at least, therefore, this wordy preface. I may anticipate that you re- -ceived the two remarkable letters written to my Father and yourself from the "Lion House” at Salt Lake City, of which it was not discreet to speak at that time (meritoriously) as the joint composition of an eccentric great man and myself. I remained a day and a half longer, after they were written, the inmate of Young’s mansion, during which I was pleased to observe, as I believed the effects which even so guarded a commital had upon the minds of the Ex-Governor and his circle of intimates. Unless the most consummate and astute of hypo- ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p005.jpg) [insignia containing the word Paris] -crites, they were familiarising themselves with the thoughts of Peace. The Pacific Railroad – a project of my own for artesian wells at certain points along the Southern Desert route to both the Tejon & Cajon Passes, &c–, A great Express Mail Contract for carrying the mails from Indepen- -dence to S. Francisco in 26 days:– such seemed to be the points to which their conversation most profitably and easily turned. Mr Young's remarks to me grew additionally frank and confidential, and it seemed to me, more independent of the fear that I would misconstrue them myself or mis- -represent them to others. He volunteered to ask me if I would not like some letter in his handwriting "before going over to some of your people in the Camp–" some writing of authority from me yourself.” The evening I left the house (I think it was) he spoke out for the first time on a matter which I had not touched upon. He confessed to me that he had regarded the "sending that salt" in the light of an overture. "Wasn’t that to be taken as a waiver of my position expressed to Van Vliet? Wasn’t it so represented here by those who opposed my doing it? Hadn’t I a right to think it would be a lead to my sending in other supplies, and the inter- -change of good offices and feelings? What am I to do?” he said. "How much am I to submit to be ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p006.jpg) [insignia that contains the word Paris] railed at all round?" After this, I remember he broke out into a tirade of the most unquestionable sincerity. "And how was it - it (sic) received? How was the men, the man with the bad frost- bite just the same – the men who had lugged it all that way through the snow received? Was it gentlemen told them to turn about and go back told them if they once showed their faces again they would be shot? – Gentlemen, don't tell me that. What was said about that by some not a hundred miles from here? * I know well enough what was said." Etc. Etc. The same night he escorted me to my boarding house and bade me Goodnight & Godspeed with an effusion that was deeply touching. Arrived at my boardinghouse where I had a number of visitors at once, I saw that something had transpired which occasioned a stir in the community, and soon learned that news had been recieved of a massacre of the Saints at Salmon River. It was a small affair, I * Those who were opposed to sending the salt said whispered "What did Br. Brigham send that salt all the way up to the Mts for "You goose – to put in the snow to help to make it freeze. I think it was a heap through for one man's heel and toes." ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p007.jpg) I fancy, since I could only obtain the names of two, ("Brothers McBride & Miller") as killed, & three others wounded, but of course it was exaggerated out of its true proportions, and by the excited attributed, quite as much of course, to the United States. Brigham Young called upon me the next day to see me off according to promise. I thought his manner dry, and he alluded to the matter too tersely to please me. After this during my progress through the Salt Lake Valley to Ogden, and in fact until I left behind me the last Mormon settlement, it was "Salmon river" here, "Salmon River" there to such an extent — men & women all wishing to regard it in the light of a Wyoming or Miss Jane McCrea murder, that I several times questioned myself if his views were per- -haps affected somewhat by the popular excitement. It was with great gratification therefore that as I was leaving one of my camping grounds places about 45 miles from Gr. Salt Lake City two I saw two horsemen come up who had been riding all night, and who, dismounting from their horses (which had been badly hurt by falls on the ice) gave me the letter which I copy. (Insert copy of letter Note: x Wyoming Valley Massacre by Indians in Colonial Pennslvania EK ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p008.jpg) [insignia that contains the word Paris] My own opinion was then, and still is: that Young intended by this note to say: "Go on. Things have not changed. I am still strong enough and confident enough of my power to wish and work for peace.” Delighted to receive it, I send him by his own son as encouraging an answer as I could frame. See Note Book I have not a copy of my letter to Judge Kane. I think however it desig- -nated what were the (real) fears of the more reasonable Mormons. The soldiers and the courts - that they would have Illinois & Missouri over again with them. That the soldiers would be drunken, quarrelsome and licentious — and that the Judges would not punish them. That the Courts would issue process to all who sued for it, vexing the prominent men, with ar- -rests & prosecutions without end, and that the soldiers would support them in this course. That with regard to their recent acts of treason- -able insubordination, the officer commanding the army of the U. S. here, would proclaim martial law, by which they would be punished summarily; or else that the Judges would approve the finding of Bills by grand juries summoned from their enemies x militarily without any real trial or rather proof. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p009.jpg) enemies alone, and try them with juries composed of other enemies, and finally would call on the soldiers "to see every man hanged the Saints loved, or the chose to have a mind to.” In reply to this I offered Young himself, and his immediate friends the assurance of pardon ’’for meritorious service to the U.S.” on the strength of our interview confidentially communicated: to others I sought prove the groundless character of such apprehensions. (I had my own misgivings with respect to the questions of Free admission to Bail, and Martial Law, and did not press on Mr Young a Proclamation which I however went so far as to draught for him ’’enforcing” on all who respect my authority" &c, immediately to admit our forces.) I told them frankly that I could not promise them that Martial Law had might not have been declared in Green River County, but said that I knew I could assure them how soon it would be at an end after the announcement of their submission, and I pledged my- -self that if I found a different state of things from that which I assured them of, that I would either send them word in terms to stay their hands from war no longer, or, (this in case of a less decided show of facts) cross the mountains again and place myself in their hands. This I did emphatically and upon my honor as a gentleman ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p010.jpg) = and upon my honor as a gentleman. I arrived in St. Bridger on the evening of the 13th. Although the snow proved deeper in the drifts in the Mts. than was expected for a winter of which has the reputation of being uncommonly mild I never for more than a single day doubted that my effort to cross wd. be successful. Having not been as practised as yr. regulars officers of the army & navy in recounting common place perils "on the raging canawl" I only add to my mention of the fact that I did arrive as above that I thereupon directly <2> became the debtor of the kind hearted officer commanding He took me off my horse and put me to bed in his own couch, and as I learn that he is notoriously a gallant and efficient officer I will write that his name is Captain (W.E.)? Robinson, of Conn. whom if my kind word or glass of wine can ever help to promote it shall henceforth ever be forthcoming. —I come now to the recital which I am glad to make you briefly X— but a little consideration of the state of things beforehand shd. have prepared me beforehand for my disappt. A mixed society of about 2000 womanless men - soldiers officers teamsters & camp followers generally had been compelled to halt within one summer days hard riding within less than the distance between Philadelphia and Washington from the little [---] capital where they had promised themselves a Capua of enjoyment and luxury and compelled to pass an entire winter in extreme discomfort and pri[--] and a state of idleness & inaction itself the most painful thing in the world sufficiently shocking to contemplate. Im= prisoned within their camp bounds - when chewing at their toughest saltless beef or swearing through their hardest oaths round the smokiest tent fire, they cd. do nothing against the Mormons. They cd. only talk against them — Weary as I was of those who cd. talk and think nothing but the Mormon Question [---] I left the Valley. I find that I have only exchanged one set of ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p011.jpg) set of monomaniacs for another. As is the natural course of things in such cases too, the little Mutual Admiration Society (and mutual detraction) Society had come to feel fully impressed of the importance of its peculiar position and the fact that it was the eye mark of the world and must therefore consent to settle the Utah question for the nation. &{In the Indian country in fact we always attend to such things} Do not regard me as speaking thus censoriously of the military. To assail the enemy or in Halleck’s language to "swear at least to meet them undismayed" is their first (if they wd. but believe it their only!) duty. In a very different temper I mean to intimate my fear that lest the Spirit which becomes them has extended farther. For, to leave the Jocose entirely, it is difficult ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p012.jpg) For to leave the jocose entirely it is difficult for the strongest and most dispassionate mind to resist the endosmotic pressure of such an atmosphere of opinion Mr Webster and "my boarding house" is an instance in point with which you may be familiar. Philadel- -phians remember a case more strictly parallel in the memorable Blanket Agitation which after raging a season among the 2.000 inmates of our Blockley Almshouse came in time to render the conversation of every resident physician a nuisance to genteel society – through his inability to converse on other more pleasing topics. I observe, that I am tempted to keep my language away from that which it displeases me to think of. — To the point. I am not able. I cannot in honor. I dare not take upon myself the responsi -bility of advising the Mormons as I did a fortnight ago, to admit this army and its followers indis- criminately? within their Valley. I I am not entirely satisfied that our officers will be able to control their soldiers – much less their disorderly retinue of Camp followers and attendants [and keep them from committing excesses & offenses against the laws.] II I am not satisfied that the Mormon citizens of Utah will be tried for their offenses by juries impartially chosen, or that such attention will be paid to the forms of law as will per- suade the world [of our intention to do them justice] that justice will be done them. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p013.jpg) Upon the first head I do not feel at Liberty to speak diffusely - wishing to pay particular regard to the friendly personal relations at present subsisting between myself and Colonel A. S. Johnston. I simply express to you the opinion which I have formed. Under my No. 2. I would respectfully call your attention to a fact which sooner or later, must reach the ears of the Mormons and awaken their alarm, if I should evade admitting it to them myself. – My reading of books has not particularly informed me if the ’'rabble rout” which follows other armies is as dis- solute and wicked as that which I find gathered around this one. Gambling, stealing - fighting- stabbing it seemed last fall past hope that they would not involve themselves and the few about deserving better in the fate of the rats in the barrel. I would regard the course of the Territorial Government regard had to this matter solely as deserving of high commendation. Indeed it was a fine feat to organise this very vile material as part of the machinery of Law, and with only the assistance of one man acting as Judge to make it try, condemn and punish itself till it became suitably afraid. This has been done, - with such thorough -ness in fact that now they will not suffer themselves to commit any offence in open day except gambling ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p014.jpg) which in a camp perhaps it might seem ridiculous to affect to regard as such. But now for the bad conse- -quences of "straining a point or two". The Court orga- -nised by our one Judge here, in Green County with its Grand Jury composed of "inhabitants" (+) Note. (See the Organic Act) proceeded to indict nearly every pro Mormon citizen of Utah enjoying influence there and whom it is desirable to conciliate or reward for his patriotic feeling toward the U.S. When I last heard from the Court they had found 75 true single Bills with a fine prospect of getting up more. When the Mormons hear of this familiar as they are with the character of nearly every sportsman & professed Anti-Mormon upon the so called Grand Jury, how shall I persuade them that this is not "Illinois & Missouri over again” and that the Juries of 12 by whom their lives will be had in charge will be composed of different materials? I wish to avoid all appearance even of unkind criticism in speaking of the acts of Judge Eckels. I respect in him a gentleman of both energy and mental activity assiduous to cultivate relations with me of a flattering character. While his two Associates have never even left the U.S. to come out here -and while he has been without Commissioner, District Attorney, or Deputy District Attorney, I have to give him credit with Governor Cumming for the entire achievement of establishing order. Indeed the ’’bandits ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I10_p015.jpg) and sportsmen in the willows” he has informed me are even now threatening his life for his efforts to pull down their tents. But your Appointee is, I am compelled to say, perhaps an over eager prosecutor and certainly one of the most indiscreet of speakers. Ignorant that he is surrounded by persons who report and misrepresent his every word and action – having, a secret that would make me laugh if it were less deplorable, as near him as certain witnesses for the prosecution of whom he takes counsel - (and which cunning rascals are Mormons in communication with Salt Lake City) he boasts to all the world of what he intends to do when he reaches the little capital, how A. Z. and B. Y. and Co. naming each one, cannot escape ”his halter”, and how convinced he is that Mercy to the Union orders that blood shall freely flow &c &c. Falsehood, Mr. Buchanan, falsehood I am sure. If I were a Mormon I think I would trust my life to him as readily as any other – especially if the District Attorney pressed unfairly for my conviction and was I was without other counsel for the Defence than Judge Eckels. But here on Black’s Fork, you see, he too can only talk, and he does talk. And he is reported to have said among other things that – he will in no case admit to Bail a person accused of Treason. All of which – at the present critical juncture – is Bad – Very Bad ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I11_p001.jpg) Gov. A. Gumming, Sir: I consent to be the bearer of a communication to Mormons on the following terms: First that the letter <(*)> which I shall write to qualify as far as I am able the detrimental effects of Col. Johnston’s course shall be copied off for me by some one whom you may designate and the original retained in your possession. Second that some gentleman of approved veracity and honor shall accompany me to serve as my witness of the interview which I may be able to obtain. Very respectfully I dislike seeming to wish to divide [---] Your obedient servant Thomas L. Kane. Mar. 15, <15-16> 1858 (*) marked (a) M[--]. Porter never sent me the statement promised of their being afraid to go out with me. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I12_p001.jpg) To, Col. Thos L. Kane Ecklesville U.T. Head Quarters. Department of Utah Camp Scott U.T. March 15th 1858. Sir, President Brigham Young is not cor- rectly informed with regard to the state of the supply of provisions of this army. There has been no deficiency nor is there now. We have abundance to last until the government can renew the supply. Whatever might be the need of the army under my command for food, we would neither ask nor receive from President Young and his confederates any supplies while they continue to be enemies of the Government. If Mr Gerrish desires, to have his cattle sent to him I will interpose no obstacle or con- dition, farther than I desire that they may be delivered to him on the Muddy, ten miles in ad- vance of this camp. President Young says Mr Gerrish "is supposed to be detained in Col. Johnston's camp." The supposition is erroneous, Mr Gerrish started for the eastern states some weeks since. He has at all times been at liberty wherever he pleased, as is every other American citizen, without question from ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I12_p002.jpg) any one, except to Salt Lake City or some position occupied by an armed body of Mormons opposed to the Government – all intercourse with the enemy being prohibited by the 56 & 57th Articles of War. However unfortunate the position now occupied by that portion of the Citizens of Utah belonging to the Sect of Mormons, it is of their own seeking, and it is one from which they can be relieved by the mere act of obedience to the procla- mation of Governor Cumming. Having the question of peace or War under his own control, President Young would, should he choose the latter, be respon- sible for all the consequences. I beg to ask of you the favor to com- municate my reply to President Young. With great respect Your obt. servt. A.S. Johnston Col. 2d Cavalry Comy. Dept, of Utah. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I12_p003.jpg) Recd. Mar. 15. 1858 3½ P. M Answer <(*)> despatched Mar 16. 1858 8 ½ AM. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I13_p001.jpg) Camp Scott, Green R. Co. U.T. Mar. 15. 1858 Col. A. S. Johnston U. S. A Commanding Department of Utah, Sir: With respect to the "person or persons" who may at this time be exposing themselves through a "desire to communicate on business" etc., I am only able to state that the guide who ac- companied me as far as the vicinity of what is called Muddy Creek a distance of – I fancy 11 or 12 miles from Fort Bridger was a slightly built man of swarthy complexion with dark eyes and mounted upon a black Indian honey slow of foot. His name given me was Lewis Robinson and he is or was the reputed owner and late occupant of the premises at and around Bridger – for which reason I selected him to point me out my way. If this person either alone or in the company of others has been driven off from the vicinity of the Salt Lake Road west of this by being fired upon, I have little hope that the effort which I am about to make to look him up will prove suc- cessful ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I13_p002.jpg) Successful. – But that it wd be out of my place on my part I wd. express my regret at the Strictness of your Orders. I presume that I can only request conformably to your letter of this morning that you will give such orders as will ensure protection to any one small party or single individual not known to be armed discovered at a considerable distance beyond your farthest out post, in the neighborhood of the High Road West and not observed to be approaching or otherwise conducting himself or themselves in what may be deemed a suspicious and exceptionable manner. [text wrapping horizontally through the original text] I am informed that I need a "Countersign" to enable mee to pa[--] satchels &c when des[--]s of "Comm[--]satory" as [the following text written upsdie down at the top of the page] proposed will you be good enough to provide me with that which you think I shd have. With great wishes, Yr. obt. sert. Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I13_p003.jpg) Copy Answer to A. S. J Mar. 15. 1858 Despatched by "Jean" within one hour after receipt of A. S. J. 's ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I14_p001.jpg) Gov Thomas. L. Kane. Ecklesville W.IS. [The following is written sideways on right side of note] Returned CONTAINED NOTE OF MAR. 15, 1858 B. YOUNG EVENING (EMPTY BECAUSE NOTE WAS) Contd note of B. Young returned Mar 15, evening ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I1_p001.jpg) End If I had only time It wd. be so [-] take [-] little to correct public opinion with on a matter in which I perceved that [--] are befouled by interested persons — But I[---] it is too late. — I have no time and I feel that I have done wrong in speaking out so [---]y th[--] note which I became on the half sheet only of note paper [-] The rest of this blessed Sunday I must give to rest — for tomorrow at I we set out — and it is my intention if we meet with no respectable resistance to harry the Governor through with all speed — and yet while by drives in her ambulance — I must not let any moment be out of my saddle My hero. drinks whiske push & [---]ws the ideal, drinks whiskey smokes pipe, and is fond of talking "Human Nature" — "It comes to the same thing" and what good will do you suppose that will do us after we are dead & gave buried — but — I do not believe a mere enraptured poet in action ever rose above the Earth than the same [---] fancying for himself to hear some trumpet call of patriotism or [--] catching the sight of the Star Spangled article which he rejoic[-] to follow. He sees every mistake which has been committed, politically, upon the Utah Question He will be very hard on them if he gets the chance, but my word for it he will sit the thing straight as I have promised Mr. Buchanan. He was made [-] his arrangements with Judge Eckels to carry out his instructions — and I [---] learn from his lady "set all his house" in order. — Write me in case I shd. be kept out here longer, and generally do what you can to help us against this Judge. With all his fair speaking to me, I fear, he is a bad man. He wished to force on the trial of one Johnston, a Mormon [---]y for High Treason tomorrow morning, and I believe wd. have done so. with her own student of law for had he been able to get had his <[--] [---] of everything> witnesses been on hand. I do not believe as was intimated to me that he desired to embarrass the [---] negotiations to which he is opposed — but he was [The following is written sideways at the top of page over the above text] Can you read my writing I Do not find fault with my handwriting to you. but praise the [---]s I took for Mr Buchanan my fingers being quite stiff with riding out in buckskin fur gloves or goat, or ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I1_p002.jpg) has been fully informed <[---]> of the prejudicial influence that a trial "by the Camp wd. exert at the present critic[--]l season. A regard for the Governor's safety at least we ought [---] wd. teach him more prudence <(or disinterestedness) [---]> than he exhibits. I wished very much to write two letters. one to the President containing calculations and predictions of the future, and the other to Bishop Potter or my dear old friend Barclay with regard to what wd be the course of Defence pursued by the Mormons. This is a different strain and for publication in the Records or the Observer of of New York I am convinced that with [--] army in their present [---] bettered position around Bridger. — no such general attack assault as Johnson contemplates (or contemplated on the 1st March) will be attempted. I am confident there will <[--]> be no pitched battle or engagement of importance joined of any kind. My impression is that the Mormons will employ their force entirely in impeding the march of our soldiers, and delaying their advance till the last family is removed from Salt Lake City and whatever their Moscow fire has spared may be thoroughly destroyed in [---] other [---] Kimball confessed to me that a number of families had already removed from Salt Lake "into the Mtains" S West, and he was the bearer to me of a letter from Young in which he begged the favor of a confidential expression of opinion from me "have a copy made in my Memorandum Book. Anticipating that Kimball wd. have I shd. observe that it was written in anticipation of that Kimball wd. have unfavorable news from me [---] the escort which accompanied me within 40 miles of Bridger having returned without favorable intelligence, or the Mails as he expected. Still I can connect its statements with two or three facts in my possession in an [-]t unavailable manner. Young says. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I1_p003.jpg) I can give you one posed me by a woman herself, “I’ll tell you in confidence Colonel, where it is the women of our state are going. Our Cache is near what we call the — (Valley South of the Virgen).. We’ve enough for one while, may be. . But we calculate to put in and raise enough for our men folks, ourselves. And when any of them that’s out on the hills (soldiers) can’t pick up enough hunting and taking helping themselves – they’ll be welcome to what they want, I tell you, Now I want to know: Supposing some of your soldier’s came acrost us, wd. they rob us their business be to rob us and leave us to starve the next winter. We’d tell ‘em, as long as we had a pint of barley it wd. be sheared with the first Saints come along. – Madam, replied I a good officer wd. make you prisoners and keep you in custody with plenty to eat till the winter was over and your <(to [-]'ort or Depot)> of husband to find how well you had been treated But wdnt. we starve on the road going back with them wdnt. they think: had came in And. they make out to surprise us, if they carried provision enough along with them for that . No, she exclaimed with a triumphant screech of exultation <(passing Irish Jenny’s “I was in hopes”) – when they c[--]t broke down our rancas (du[--]s) ^ ([---]) <(for)> (irrigation) and tramped in our crops – then they didn’t slay of us — wd. all starve — we wd. starve.” (This I took down from memory several days ago) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I1_p004.jpg) I suppose some of the o[---]s think they have to reprove[-] me with they their heads <&c.> laid distracting their e[---]ils I but I am sure Young does not. I think he has been opposed to the effusion of blood from the first <[---]>, and [--]ll has only been glad to to be saved from [-] [--] any terms. But suppose the answer to be in fact that which I [-]an suggested Mr. Kimball, that [---] our next move wd. be to issue warrants [---] for Mason — and y[-] [-] make employing the military forees <[-]> making arrests of offenders as long as a criminal was supposed to [---] <[---] bed> among the mtains. Suppose in [---] I suppose that in this manner or [--] consequence (as <[--] is more [---]able) of [---] early collision between the forces — was [---] begun — I cannot tell you dear father what an amount of suffering I think wd. necessarily be inflicted. Not among the leading hereseanehs — certainly not among the dishonest & u[---] of them — whom the devotion of their followers would shield like h[---] their queens — who cd. keep [--] resistance as long as it was perfectly safe to do so, and then retire at their [---] forward any one of the points of the compass to dissappear among the dwellings of white men — or take shipping for replaced the l[--]clared Is, [-] heaven only wd. knows where. Not among the boys , "the har[--]" <"the heaters of mountaineers"> [-]ear[--] warriors already in the field — whose lives are such that the whole prospect of war presents itself to their minds is that of a l[-]eeired and consecrated most magnificent[-] spree. These love to do Indian — love to act Indian — and Indians or savages they [---]d be after the first season's campaign in fact as well as none. It would be slow work enter[---]ing then — one only one — then and their Indian robber allies. In the end. however, —with a Pele[---] to smoke. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I1_p005.jpg) a cave full of them here and a neck of the words in uniform to truth out a swamp covert of them here and a Pelessies maybe perchance by good last to smoke out a caves full of them there — I think it (may) be done. But meantime. What will become of the women & children and the timid peacefully inclined whom it is proposed to "write in sentiment" by dear[---] and destroying every interest they have at stake to incline them in favor of peace. What is to be done to & with the dirk belted females who seemed t[-] me uniformly are the craziest of the crazy as they are. What is to be done with those who will aid and abet their husbands in rebellion in every conceivable degree and who will decide when they are to be treated with leniency & when severity. You can see what numbers of doubtful cases and cases not doubtful will arise by reading over the details of the glories of France loutes les glories de la France in Algeria. I can give you one put at me by a woman herself." I'll tell you in confidence Colonel, she said where the women of our stake are going. Our cache is near the — valley, north of the Virgin (see (2)) 2. What will become of the fate of the real they which we shd. long shd. perish. — the bad evil Religion itself — the Mormonism This will be the <[---] special> subject of my letter to the Bishop. I can prove with sorrowful f[--] what an impulse will be given to it every where — what a clover of an[--] female approbation — the ch[-]rmen Lecturer will delight in who appears before his British audience "in deep black" for his murdered wife family" — or "in the costume which he wore upon the occasion of his memorable escape from the American soldiers at,— "or if the veriest speak that ever co[--]ted pins, may be described to a provincial public us. Elder Peter Funk — Thomas Peter — suspected of being the last survivor of the massacred Council of Twelve." "The way the [---] scripture tickets and [---]es for spiritual t[---] & muffins wd be is coming in" — wd be frightful. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I2_p001.jpg) To President B.? (Private) Great Salt Lake City, March 4, 1858 My dear Sir, The hazard of entrusting letters to the mail here is so great, that I must confine my writing to that which is matter of notoriety — at least in the circle with which I am at present associated. A com- munication of a more formal character will be posted along with this to your address. I think that I hazard nothing in conveying you the gratifying intelligence that you will be rewarded for the humane efforts which you have made to avoid the calamities of war. I have the highest authority here indeed for stating, that my timely coming has prevented the effusion of blood, and contributed to strengthen the hands of those - and they are not few here - who seek to do good and whose patriotism is as elevated as any which labors elsewhere to confirm the bands of the Union. As regards the immediate emergency, if I were to say as I would like to, that the presentation of your autograph letter and message operated emphatically to prevent an impending movement hostile to our troops in Green River Co: I might perhaps seem to detract from the merits of a gentleman, whom I am gratified to name as my friend since I discover how much our country is indebted to him: I allude to Governor Young. From the commence- ment nearly of the unhappy difficulties between Utah and the United States, his commanding influence has been exercised, to assuage pas- sion, to control imprudent zeal, and, at all risks, either of his own per- son or that of others, to forbid and ensure a just condemnation for bloodshed. Not only last Autumn, when the Mormons were repeat- edly (and I may conclude upon examination quite unnecessarily and unwisely) fired upon, but without remission since, it has been his care to protect our soldiery from perils which he had better reason than others to know were menacing them. It ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I2_p002.jpg) It is scarcely the language of hyperbole to say that since the cold weather set in – there has not been an hour in which our army has not been in danger – though they have lived and slept in peace through the whole winter guarded by his arm. This is not a fact which I would state on Young's authority. Such is the violence of feeling among those opposed to the Administration, that they volunteer me evidence against themselves upon a trial for High Trea- son, rather than miss an opportunity to vent their feelings of dissatis- faction at the restraint imposed upon them. To prevent Indian outbreak also I have reason to believe that Governor Y's influence has been directly exercised in favor of our army. Upon this head, however, I must remember that I am in possession of evidence derived solely from the Mormons themselves. Had I had the necessary time at my disposal, I could have well employed it in examining into the entire question of the relations of the Mormons with the Indian tribes around them. I confess I am not satisfied with regard to more than one matter which has been the subject of public discussion. In my other letter, I have mentioned to you my intention of endeavoring to cross the Mountains if possible to commu- nicate with Governor Cummings. He has it in his power to lend me assistance at this juncture with which I will hardly be able to dispense, and no effort of mine, believe me, shall be wanting to com- mand success. But the snow is unusually deep upon a portion of the range of mountains which separates us, and my health has been somewhat impaired by my journey to this place, which was attended by a more than average share of adventure and fatigue. It is in contemplation of my inability to get through, that I commit this to the chances of the Post Office – to leave behind me to be placed a- mong your private records my parting intimation of the true position and intentions of the mistaken Brigham Young. The last news from Bridger was highly favorable. Our troops were still in a state of good health and discipline, and ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I2_p003.jpg) and such of their cattle as survived the storms of last fall were fat and heavy. The winter had proved an unusually open one, and the "range” for stock of all kinds excellent. Believe me, Sir, most respectfully and faithfully Your friend and servant, (Sg'd) Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I3_p001.jpg) Great Salt Lake City Utah Territory March 5: 1858 My dear Sir, I left St Bernardino, California, on the evening of the 6th of February, ult, and reached Williams' or Cottonwood Camp, a short distance from the Mormon Fort and Settlement of Las Vegas, early on the morning of the 14th: At the former point I was able to communicate directly with Mr. Amasa Lyman, a member of the Council of "the Twelve” stationed there; but three days more elapsed before I arrived within the Mormon settlements strictly speaking. On the 17th: I wrote to Governor Young the following: "My dear Sir, I trust you will recognize my handwriting- The date of my letter will apprise you of my journey hither. That I have made it in 6 weeks from New York, may persuade you that I am on no fool's errand, and have no want of confidence in my ability to convince you what is the true feeling of our people and the President toward yourself and the good citizens of Utah. I send this to you by express, to urge you to postpone any military movement of importance until we meet and have a serious interview. If you cannot see the expediency of doing so on other grounds, I entreat it as a favor – in requital of the services which I rendered your people in their less prosperous days —in the name of the sin— certify with which I remain Their friend to serve them faithfully A. Osborne. " My expectation was that this would be delivered to Governor Young at Salt Lake City on the morning of the 20th. I have not been assured that this was the case; but from the expedition with which I found that Indian runners had passed through inter The President. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I3_p002.jpg) (*) Afterwards ascertained to be the fact mediate points upon the road think it most probable that Governor Young learned that a friend was travelling with all haste to communicate with him as early as the 19th. (*) On the morning of the 20th: violent snow storms set in, and before the day ended, I was assured by those most competent to speak upon the subject that it was evidently not limited in its range. With the close of the 21st: there was no longer room to doubt. that all the passages of the Wahsatch range were so blocked up as to render any military movements for the time out of the question. I was thus reconciled to the extreme slowness of my own advance. I halted one day at Cedar City to change mules and men and rest myself, but using the best dispatch and travelling both night and day – no matter what track was followed, so eneumbered proved the way, that it was matter for congratulation that I was able to reach Great Salt Lake City on the 25th: Arrived within a few miles of the City, I sent forward to Gov: Young the following: My dear Governor: Your friend of old times is new within an hour's march of your dwelling where he asks you to name an early hour for the interview which he has travelled so far to seek; and, so near you, having no more occasion for the name of his colored servant Osborne, signs himself Yours truely Thomas L. Kane. A polite note from Gov. Y. was delivered at my lodgings not long aftter appointing 8 O'clock of the same evening for our interview. I found the Governor surrounded by a large circle of friends and advisers – by whom I was more or less cordially received according to the character of my acquaintance with them – and said to him: "Governor, I have come as a citizen of our common country to bring you authoritie information concerning the state of things near the seat of government as they affect the interests of Utah. I ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I3_p003.jpg) I have it in my power to satisfy you fully of the present attitude of the people of the United States and the intentions of the Federal Executive towards you. This duty accomplished, I may turn you to think of our soldiers who are among the snows outside of these moun- tains. I might say I would intercede for them, invoking the memory of our former friendship and mutual confidence: —But I am per- suaded that before our conversation reaches this point, your own patri- otic impulses will move you; to take immediate measures to insure their safety, supply their wants, and bid them all a cordial welcome to your hospitable valley. Governor Young, may I solicit the honor of a private interview?" Governor Young retired with me agreeably to my invita- tion. The particulars of our conversation upon this and on subsequent still more deeply interesting occasions, I defer communicating until favorable results certain of which I hope I am not over sanguine in anticipating, privilege me to do so. As soon as the progress of af- fairs here may invite the step, I shall set out for Fort Bridger to communicate with Governor Cummings and our other friends there. Though my next opportunity of writing from this place therefore will be by the mail leaving for California Mar. 20 inst: I shall probably be unable to avail myself of it. The snow upon the mountains immediately East of the valley is stated to average 5 feet, and in places has the unusual depth of 25. feet for a considerable distance. But I confidently anticipate being able to send letters from Bridger home, across the Plains. Believe me, Sir, most respectfully and truly Your obedient servant Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I3_p004.jpg) Received about April 15/58 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I4_p001.jpg) Received O March 9, 7 A.M. Submitted to Col. Johnston March 14 4 P.M. Returned by Maj. Porter– " 7 " " " Great Salt Lake City, March 9, 1858. Tuesday 8 O’clock PM Col. Thomas L. Kane Dear Sir, We have just learned through the southern Indians that? the troops are very destitute of provisions. Mr. Gerrish, a Merchant formerly of this place and who ?is now supposed to be detained in Col. Johnson’s camp has? quite a herd of cattle here and for which he would doubtless ?like a market. We know of none that would be equal to the? Army of the United States now encamped within our borders, ?we have therefore conclud- -ed to send this herd consisting of? near 200 head of cattle, a portion of which are tolerable ?good beef. In addition to the foregoing we shall send out? fifteen or twenty thousand pounds of flour to the Army to? which they will be made perfectly welcome or pay for just as? they choose, all of which will be forwarded in a few days so ?soon as the necessary arrangements can be made & the snow will? admit. If after your arrival you learn that Col. Johnston will ?not receive the flour, we will be obliged if you will be at ?the trouble of communi- cating the fact to those who attend you? that we may be saved the trouble. I send this by my son Jos. A. and George String- -ham. ?Trusting that you are rapidly regaining your health, and? that success may attend you, I remain, most respectfully Brigham Young. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I5_p001.jpg) /a/ Sir: Without referring more fully to circumstances with which I regret to say you are as familiar as myself, permit me to say that I regard your conduct as unbecoming an officer and a gentleman I request satisfaction. My friend will make the necessary arrangements for our meeting. Yours &c. Thomas L. Kane, of Philadelphia Colonel Johnston, U. S. A. Saturday afternoon Placed in hand for delivery on the 13th March 58– ½ past 3 P.M A. Cumming near Camp Scott W. T. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I6_p001.jpg) Colonel A.S. Johnston U.S.A. Sir: You were informed of my arrival at Fort Bridger last evening by Captain Robinson. Upon reaching your Camp to day, my first call was at your quarters, where I requested of you permission to confer with His Excellency Governor Cumming on subjects of public interest. It was a matter of public notoriety that I was in consultation with the Governor at his office;– yet, at a moment when our conversation was still unfinished, and only suspended to enable me to dine, you thought fit to issue an order to have me arrested and placed in charge of your Provost Marshal. It is out of my power to pass over such an indignity without becoming redress, and I have therefore to demand full explanation and retraction at your hands without unnecessary loss of time. Governor Cumming is able I think to apprise you= ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I6_p002.jpg) apprise you of my social position and my right as a gentleman to make this demand. Yours Thomas L. Kane, of Philadelphia. Camp on "Blacks Fork”, Saturday Afternoon. The above note was sent S[---]a for the note (a) written at an earlier hour same day - in a [--] to S[---]m the Services of a friend if possible A. Cumming Mar Camp Scott NJ ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F13_I6_p003.jpg) Sir I arrived (as you [--] informed by Captn. Robintson) last evng at Fort Bridg[--] — to day I [---] [---] you in person — at your quarters — my intention to confer with Gov. Cumming and afterwards to see and com[---] with you on subjects of public interest — It was [---] K[---] [---] I was in con- sultation with the Gov at his office — for some ho[--]s – about whose with regard to whose trustworthiness there can be no question. I may through him do something to prepare the Mormons for the new & less favorable state of things which I have to confess |to them| I may off I hope to effect much too in [--] in tempering the [--] effect <[-]is> of what Young will regard as Col. Johnston's insulting refusal to accept explaining it as the act of the military power alone - which had no discretion open to it in <&c &c> the promises, &c. [--] Meanwhile you will observe we <[---]> We are the ga[--]ers by ever hour of Time, which is passed by the people of the Valley in [-] contemplation of peace turning their minds into that natural & healthful could I consider it adverse to the true interests of the Mormon people if I wanted only [--]titl I cd. communicate with a messenger in respect to whose trusty character I cd. [---] there cd. be no question. with such a one I am [--]sle (it is to their advantage) I am mistaken if I cannot contribute - Through such a one I cd hope on delivering my letter, to do much to prepare the Mormons for the less favorable state of things which I have to disclose to them I trust to God too I may be able to explain away what Young will regard as the unsettling part of Col. Johnston's refusal — exhibiting it as the act of the military authority alone — which had no desertion in the prem[--] &c. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I16_p004.jpg) [draft of a letter with many insertions and deletions] desire to have an an interview with (Mr). William. H. Kimball This is an Young man who asked did me many services during my illness in the Platte in 1846- who showed himself very grateful for the small return which I made him, and when I discovered upon my late visit to Salt Lake to be high in the confidence of Brigham Young. The Mormons whom I encountered made some difficulty in the way of enabling making me this opper[-]t[--]st: but I have I think arranged it unless they are practising a deception upon me of which I do no think them capable. It is agreed <1.> that I am to proceed the distance of one full day's journey in the direction of a stream called Yellow Creek and at night fall look out for a signal fire be visible> from certain hills appointed Upon discharging my piece near such from the vicinity of the latter, I will be received visited by those appointed to conduct me further. I (cannot) anticipate losing at least one day in a further progress Eastward. It will probably take me two days more to retrace upon my steps. I shall not probably reach Camp again before the 28 or 29 but this will give me ample time to write you by the next mail, in case I have intelligence of importance to communicate. (The [---]tions mentioned above show may indicate the I have not adverted to another topic which has been the subject of a s some slight communication between myself and Col. Johnston because I am in hopes after a further conference to influence yet favorably the mind of this officer. A few words upon it however you will not regard out of place . I found a source of visitation among the Mormons particularly those that comparatively pacific portion which is of English British naturly of English naturly [who, (in aparenthesis) are the much more paci[-]cally inclined than our nature born Americans] to be the detention at Bridger of their mails. Th Mormons you are aware are as a class what my New England friends wd term "come outers" that is persons who have for their religious tenets [--] severed to a considerable extent the ties which more naturally bound them to their relations & friends. They may be considered too in another point of view as a little nation Emigrants. and They are more pious than my own I rush when you have praised – in making remittances to friends abroad. for the Cast. among them ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I16_p005.jpg) [draft of a letter, with many insertions and deletions] among them has not some matter of business on hand which he is arranging with friends or agents outside the mts. For all these reasons the Mormons are as a Community are large and interested correspondents to the preparation of "Memorials"> You will understand then why the Mormons are greater correspondents and why they should all of them be reached touched capable of being wounded hurt> by idle stories which have reached them of their letters being "knocked about the camp, &c. through their agents with the Army receipt constant information. — Confident therefore that no objection cd. be raised on this score. I encouraged the application by the Postmasters at Salt for the mails which were arrested at this place last October. I thought I shd. have influence enough to afford them this trifling earnest of our good feeling. and though On Sunday evening, March 14? I delivered to Col. Johnston a package entrusted me which I was informed contained letters from for the Army fr received by the last Salt Lake mail via California and a letter addressed to Col. Johnston for by the Postmaster at Salt Lake City. On Wednesday morning last just as I was about to get into the I hope then you will appreciate the notions wich actuated me saddle for my trip into the mts. Major Porter the petite & efficient Adjutant of Col. Johnston <[---] entirely re[--] mistrust by me> asked me to take charge of a letter [--] on the subject, addressed by the Postmaster [---] here to the P M. of Salt Lake City. Major Porter did not inform me that this letter contained a Refusal to forward the mails as proposed — but I as I understood the fact from another source. I felt myself at liberty to hand the major refuse to be the Bearer of it.— stating in my a note which I hastily wrote for him — that I was reluctantly compelled to be the Bearer of Communications to the Mormons of whose contents I had not been made aware. And So this matter stands. I do not think it was unwise to detain this mail in the first instance Mr Buchanan If you shd agree with me — the subject may perhaps invoke your personal attention and perhaps the subject may be one which now properly excites your personal attention T.O. (*) Precautions taken by Gov. Cumming and which will contradict this notion in time ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I16_p006.jpg) [draft of a letter, with many deletions and insertions] Sole offset to all this One. Man. Fearless Resistenace & the [---]tue Law – in a[---] him [-]ole hopes we turn he has asked me — &c and as — if he were not your [---] friend to serve you which I do believe he [---] I ha[-] promised. to &c H[--] exposed – [---] for W[--] Seart[--] Why, have not been able to tell T. of his danger I show those around me that Belief to be attached but confidence in B.Y. I sleep every night truth my [---]s unlended and consider there Mechan[-]ions entirely groundless Disciplines & order of Troops. owing to intellegence [--]ied [--] in Camp that a quad attack was p[--] [---] the 1st of March. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I17_p001.jpg) [page is a draft of a letter, with many deletions and insertions.] (*Note Jun. 28. It was absolutely necessary for me to have some one American to act as if he was not bent upon their destruction. This phrase however was written to show Cumming. My only offset to all this discouraging news for you Sir, has perhaps been in your mind before I mention call it up: (That) I have found what Brigham Young wd himself wd be willing to style in his own words, A man. He differs f His views differ with my own in more than one respsect, w but he has a warm heart, an intrepid spirit, and a confidence in his own Judgment which has raised him quite above the influence of the bad unhealthy atmosphere of the Camp. I will not eulogize your personal friend (*) Mr. Buchanan, but will prove y my good opinion of your Governor of Utah by saying that I have promised engaged to serve him the utmost in my power — place my humble services at his absolute disposal, and that I will remain away from home for this purpose – till the last hopes of peace are at an end — The last hopes in my mind resting upon him. (* Note * {I may mention the fact as of public notoriety that We owe him {To Gov. Cumming’s determined opposition above we owe it that Martial Law has not been proclaimed (Now good Sirs you It have must not close without bestowing my highest praise on the good order & discipline in which. I find our troops I have had a better opportunity of observing it in consequence of its being kept on the alert since my arrival in consequence of an |anticipated <2>| attack from the Mormons who |it was announced [---] to put their forces in motion for a general assault "or— on the 1st. of March. I think I understand this – as you well – My confidence in Youngs the reliableness of Young's promises continues unimpaired, but I am pleased to state that on Friday & Saturday the troops were moved from their unsafe position – near where my own tent is at present — to the comparatively safe position near Fort Bridger. May I ask you to present my me to Miss Lane your niece – and say that I am in hopes I have discovered a plant of P.S. I have reason to hope a new species, which Mr Durand or Mr. Torrey will help me to honor with her own. 2d. P.S. <(sic)> I enclose a correspondence well between Col. Johnston & myself with respect to the firing on a poor fellow near Camp — supposed to be Mr. Lewis Robinson my guide – and whom perhaps a solicitude for my safety induced to follow me without my knowledge too near the Lines. P.S. 2d. ( will when I associate gratefully my recollections of my "Sunday in If you wish to write me, Sir it had better be under code to [---] E. Gov Cumming. T. O. Farewell &c ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I17_p002.jpg) Farewell Mr. Buchanan & God bless you — after all the good Now God Bless you — (God will bless you) — Mr. Buchanan — for all the good that you have had it in your heart to do! You were not responsible for success I do not feel that I have been — but when you have earned your right to lay down yr. head upon yr. pillow with a conscience rid of offense, and when you upon yr pillow thinking of the horrors of the war of extermenation of which the particulars will now so soon crowd in upon you — may say with a clear conscience. This has been the that of others and through no fault of mine and all the horrors fearful particulars news items of the war which is about to commence need not Farewell, Mr. Buchananan, and God bless you — God will bless you, — for all the good which you have had it in your heart to do. We were neither of us responsible for success: I do not feel that I have been But He will say that It is enough that you have done your best, and that when you lay down your hread on your pillow thinking of the horrors of this War of Extermination of which the particulars will so soon be crowding the columns of our journals that you are privileged to declare with a safe conscience: This has been the act[-] of others, and happens through no fault of mine. and if you shd. thinking of the shocking news items of this war It will not be long probably before the shocking news items of the will crowd our the columns of our journals. But you have done yr best, and may lay down yr. head upon yr pillow You must [--]p to hear [-]orri[--] stories soon of the progress of th We may expect that normal things <[---]ts of stories> will soon begin to be told in the new colums of the [---]. But you have done your best and have a right to say. This war has his [The following is written sideways on left side of page] Farewell Mr Buchanan. I [-] remember I was yr opponent, and feel how much I have to thank you for your confidence. I do not boast of the past the future will yet further prove me Your friend to serve you truly Thomas L Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I18_p001.jpg) Closing of the mail. Letter for Washington closed before I had it finished Wednesday Morning Mar. 24. 1858 Dearest,- my own Bessie: to That I put off writing to you the last — that I now only give myself the privilege of a few lines — will be proof enough to you who know me. how much I have longed to do so – what heart goes with my saying at last,.my dearest one, my wife. my own treasure and heart's darling! Disappointment, wifie; –except in having saved our troops – which perhaps I ought not to have done, when I think of the heavy odds against the Mormons, and the fierce spirit of this very party longing to assail them. Still I bid you be proud of your husband and Harry and Elisha's father. I have tested my prowess enough to be sure of what is in my blood ; and, when I come home to hide my head in our beloved obscurity – it will not be a humble one, except in the sense in which you yourself have prayed for me to bow it. – The Master ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I18_p002.jpg) may change me yet, dearie, and, if he should – (with theories right or theories wrong) we will live so much nearer one another, that you will think yourself more than repaid the price of our cruel separation. — May the dear Lord only grant it – prays Your true love ever Th. L. K. "My Lord and God I pray Turn from his haste away This world's turmoil And call him to Thy light Be it through sorrow's night Through pain or toil I have it, and all the rest, by heart now, Verena mia, and the little girl's bible has been with me and the blue flag through all — Through all what? – keep up to hear the strange story when I safe return. (*) And, meantime, say to my many, oh so many, dear friends all that affection can dictate to prove how faithfully I remember them all. 5 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I18_p003.jpg) Only one word, about my health, dearie – I forgot it too entirely to say that it cd. not be better. (*) Remember, they are over now. I am to seek no more of them. Hon[--]bright. 5 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p001.jpg) Camp On Blacks Fork, Utah Territory March 24. 1858 (25th.) My dear Father: Half an hour yet perhaps for a note to you. –What is to be done? Write my fastest, I have no more than drafted the enclosed insufferably long letter to the President. I may not have an= other mail for two or three weeks ; but, though I have been at it ever since the last intruder left my wind chilled tent, here comes the evil gray of the morning, saying: Thursday has come and you must seal up your should package and tie up your blankets for the nice little trip you must be off upon before sunrise. — What is to be done, I repeat-when I have had no time to make a copy for myself to retain, and the whole thing, as you will see, is a medley ,of facts such as it wd. be unjust to Young for me to reveal Mr. Buchanan except in most secret confidence, with others that the President will desire to state to others on my authority if he has occasion to base action upon them? The thought occurs to me to ask of you the favor, with friend Johnny Green's aid, to separate the two kinds of grain (or chaff and grain one from the other, and make me up two letters, in form like the last, that is to say, one to the President and another (private) to yourself. I might perhaps have done this myself, had I thought of it, in time= To Dear Father. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p002.jpg) of it in time; but, with my thoughts upon my single subject, I fancy I have arrived at a little of Elisha's feeling toward shabby Jane Franklin. I feel more like his devoted friend than perhaps I have just right to, and did not in writing refuse myself the comfort of fancying that I was communicating with him as a dear friend upon the matters in which I was engaged in rendering him service. And so,–drove ahead, and scribbled on and on and on as long as the time held out. — My private News for you? — Well; The Troops are saved, –at least until I shake my handkerchief – which the cruel thought occurs to me sometimes I am bound in honor no longer to delay to do. And the graceless hounds themselves have chased my pretty Peace out of sight into the Mountains again , where I pursue her, with only the faintest hope to guide me – and a little Bell which I hung myself around my neck and whose sounds in sanguine moments I sometimes think I hear. My horse and pack mule – my only companions have come – GoodBye: Heaven keep you — and ( dear Elisha again? ) Please honor my draft from Salt Lake for $600 shd. it come soon to hand., although I will have to draw from here as I said before long. I am living like a dog on $5 a day – whiskey and smoking tobacco for unwelcome visitors exclusive. Your ever extravagant affectionate son Th. L. K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p003.jpg) My dear Sir, Ask your friend Mr. Seave[-] for me to accept from me the accompanying copy of my pamphlet I wrote in defence of the Mormons, and which (r. p. 86.) I have marked with a bracket loop. You will get your best idea perhaps of the character of Brigham Young, from a Note to this passage of that history. — After Jo' Smith's death, a great change took place in the management of Mormon affairs. A contest for supremacy some of came on at once between^ Joe's colleagues ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p004.jpg) who laid claim to his mantle of poetic and divine inspiration, and a number of sobersided persons the more immediate representatives of the Masses of the faithful, men who were regarded as less loftily gifted in a spiritual point of view, but who had earned a high amount of public confidence in their administration of responsible and important business trusts. At this time, the whole Mormon community at Nauvoo happened to be trembling for their lives – the sky reddening from around them every night with the burning of their outer settlements. With this to help their judgment probably, they found sense enough to postpone a diversity of ulterior preferences for Gog and Magog, the seven angels, seven vials, seven plagues, and celestial and prophet= ic signs tokens and revelations in general, ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p005.jpg) A part of Young's history commun= icated to us is not without interest, as exposing the origin of some of the charges against him and the other Mormons of Utah. It seems that after the assasin= ation of Jo Smith at Warsaw in Illinois, a change took place in the management of Mormon affairs. A contest for supremacy came on between some of Joe's colleagues == who laid == (r.p.2.) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p006.jpg) to the more pressing care of their terrestrial personal salvation. They pitched upon Brigham Young, simply as their one most trustworthy and clear headed practical man. He accepted their leadership at a time when it was no sine= cure; and, before he was worn completely to the bone, with care and toil that was unremitting, succeeded in carrying them safely out of harm's way and planting them in full force behind the ramparts of the Salt Lake Mountains:- The best proof by the way he could possibly give of the good luck or wisdom which effected his election. The Prophets unfortunately had to be omitted in the play bill: the prophets being recalcitrant and mischievous as well as afraid to venture upon a flight into the wilderness them that promised^ anything but white reck cloths and Levitic case, they , with all and singular the entire congregation of: their their ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p007.jpg) Apocalyptic (and Hunker!)confederates, were excommunicated in open mass meeting, and sent about their business to Patmos or Jericho or where they liked it better. Dispersed through the country, these talented and pious gentlemen have since found congenial occupation misrepresenting in reviling and maligning their old associates and followers; and, while they have effected this in part indeed, by rariorum new editions of William Morgan, Maria Monk, and the like raw head and bloody bone narrative [-], publications calculated for the latitu des of Illinois and Missouri, they have certainly contributed much more towards it, by scandalous personal behavior of their own, which has natural- d ly reacted against those whose name they continue to bear. One of these unfrocked worthies is the sole surviving brother and representative of Joe Smith, and author of the spiritual = wife ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p008.jpg) wife story, which has met with such general acceptance. Another, and also a Saint of course, though by no means either Virgin not long since or Martyr, found employment ^ in a Western newspaper establishment, which afforded him facilities for supplying the reading public with its earliest tidings from the marvellous Indian country in general, and the Mormon Camp in particular. Another yet is the exemplary monarch of Beaver Island King Strang late so truly and independent potentate temporal and spiritual, but now awaiting his trial at Detroit, for Murder in the first degree. As for this most adventurous of all Joe Smith's Sancho Pancas, since he established his Government of Barataria in the Sake, he has been in the receipt of so much various and original doctrinal revelation, that he is considered to have completely perverted the ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p009.jpg) purity of primitive Mormonism. We do not care to have much to do with this sort of fragrant fish, (of one kind, or one side, more than another) but it is plain enough the Mormons of Utah should not suffer for the misdeeds of these or any other devout scape gallows, that they of all other people in the world would probably best relish hanging. The Beaver Mormons acknowledge the same Saint Smith, and have part of the same name as the Utah Mormons; but, according to our informant, they have no more to do with each other than the Orthodox Quakers of Philadelphia with the Shaking Shaking ones of Niskayuna. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I19_p010.jpg) (2) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I1_p001.jpg) (a) To Brigham Young and those around and near him ) My friends: I have heard of the wanton firing on Robinson <(("and others," or "and his party if there were Mormons with him)> and believe me experience with respect to it no less a degree of indignation than yourselves or any of your people. It was the act solely of the Military power unauthorized and as I am of opinion directly contrary to the instructions issued by the General Government. As far as I have had an opportunity of of examining too I am confident that there is no reason whatever for believing that the man who you were told provoked the Salmon R. outrage was an authorized agent of the United States or of any authorized and commissioned Agent for Indian Affairs or other Government officer of any kind. Since my arrival here I have been in constant communication with Governor Cummings who makes no secret from me of his instructions, and I give you my word with out reservation that I can reiterate my confident assurance to you that he is the faithful and determined exponent of the views of yr friend the President of the United States. He has force of character enough too to cause his wishes and opinions to be obeyed and respected by others Be calm. There is no change. and J Justice will be done you in due time. If you can send me William Kimball I will converse with him in perfect confidence I greatly desire to do so. I remain in haste Your friend to serve you Thomas L. Kane (Read to Gov C. before going out Mar 15 or early morning Mar. 16. 1858.) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I20_p001.jpg) +5 Copy Head Quarters, Department of Utah. Camp Scott U.T. March 24 th. 1858 Sir: The Colonel Commanding wishes Col= =onel Kane's horse and mule delivered at 8 A.M. to-mor= =row to the owner at Mr. Hartnetts tent, in the vicinity of Governor Cummings residence at Eckelsville – also to report at the same hour and place 1 N.C.O. and 6 Privates to es= =cort Colonel Kane beyond our Outposts at Salt Lake City – to a distance of about 8 miles from Bridger's Fort. The escort will be directed to return by way of this camp. I am Sir, Very respectfully, Your obedient servant (signed) F. J. Porter. To Asst. Adjt. Gen'l. Lieut. Colonel P. St. George Cooke, Commanding 2 d. Dragoons Smith's Fork ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I2_p001.jpg) Copy To Gov Cumming Mar16 Morning My dear Sir: In deference to your flattering view of the value of my personal efforts service service to the public enterests (which I have assumed to take on charge) I submet to you well reluctantly a reason which did not occur to me until [--]at may after you left last night. why I must limit the time to which I^ consent to the postponement which you have so forcibly urged upon me. It arises connects itself with themselves the performinces of one of the very duties which I have assumed that namely of proceeding shortly in search of the Mormons in the m[--] field The service I regard as one of the least noticeable peril ever since the outrage upon Mr. Robinson, but in case of accident - shd I not return - I wd rest under the stigma of having made an effort to submitted to insult without having [---]g[---] exacted redress this morning I have^ written a letter to Col. Johnston entreating him to reconsider do so Shd I receive from him an answer declaring to do so peremptorly e[-]d so he decline [--]y so & of a peremptory & trial character his reply to Brigham Young. Shd^his answer be unfavorable or as soon as for I am satisfied otherwise requested as shd. I otherwise be came concerned that all hope is at an exert a personal the establishment upon Restoration of must consider end of my being able to^influence^ his mind in favor of peace. I shall feel free *as they shd be more arrange any personal relations^ without further delay it incumbent upon me to press the c[--]land my personal matter to a conclusion The preceding, as recited was the course of this affair. Most respectfully and gratefully Sir Yr. friend and servant Th. L. Kan ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I3_p001.jpg) (+) 1858 1888. Ecclesville Mar. 16^81/2 [-]. M Colonel A. S. Johnston U. S. A. Commanding Department of Utah Sir: At the request of his Excellency Governor communicate Cumming I consent to bear the Reply which you request me to make for you to Prest. Brigham Young. I fear that it must greatly prejudice the public interest to refuse Mr. Young’s proposal at th in such a manner therefore at the present time. Permit me^ to entreat you most respectfully to adverting reconsider it, and, referring to my offer made you orally on Sunday afternoon, ask permission to "impart to you additional information" with res= pect to the posture of affairs at Salt Lake City, if you can encourage me to believe that by so doing I may yet hope to modify your views. I beg not to hasten yr. determination upon this head. My horse will not arrive from the Range in time for me to proceed in search of the Mormons before tomorrow. adopt the opinion that a more particul If I shall discover a more full reply If I adopt the opinion that a more particular reply is called for from me to those portions of your letter which do not in my opinion necessarily connect themselves with the subject matter of Mr. Youngs letter I shall feel at liberty to offer it at a future day I am with great respect Your obt servt Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I4_p001.jpg) Pos Alleged waylaying Mr. Kane respectfully informs Colonel Johnston that he is at present at near Colonel Johnston's quarters where he will be obliged by receiving Colonel Johnstons answer to his (Mr. Kane's) letter of this morning when Colonel Johnston has it in readiness for him March 16, 1858 A.M. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I4_p002.jpg) Colonel Johnston Head Quarters ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I5_p001.jpg) Mar. 10 1858 [--] 1/2 A. M. On way Proceeded with this and the Memorandum enclosed to the neighborhood of Col Johnston’s quarters in order to be able to deliver it immediately upon the receipt of Col J's answer to my letter urging a Reconsideration &c. in case such answers made further with Utah effort in that direction in favor of peace^ hopeless–was met with announcement of Col. Johnston and Major Porter’s visit etc. Sir: You are aware of some of the circum= stances under which I was visited at Dr. Forney's quarters on Saturday by your Provost Marshal accompanied by a Serjeant under his more tothem Without referring to them particularly^ in this note command. The character of the invitation| con= veyed me by this officer |to proceed to your resid= ence was I believe regarded by those around me as an Arrest and a personal indignity of the gravest heard order. I have since been informed that you as [--]laised have exhibited the proceeding in a different light. wd. May I^ respectfully suggest the propriety of my respect letters we hear from you in writing with regard to the manner in which you may desire that it shd be regarded by me. high Modification to receive I am with due respect J's apology etc. Your very obedient servant Thomas L. Kane Colonel Johnston. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I7_p001.jpg) Copy — Camp Scott, U. T. March 16th, 1858. Major: By direction of the Colonel Commanding, I have the honor to make the following statement with regard to an alleged surveillance exercised by me, or a Sergeant under my or- -ders, recently at Eckelsville, over the person of Colonel Kane, On the 13th last, pursuant to a verbal order conveyed to me by an Orderly from the Head Quarters of the Army of Utah, I proceeded to Eckelsville accompanied by a Provost Sergeant. On my way there I took occasion to inform the Sergeant that I was about to place him in a position to have on eye upon the movements of Colonel Kane and upon his effects, but that he was by no means to molest or interfere with his movements - but that, at Colonel Kane's pleasure, as he had expressed an intention of visiting the Col -onel Commanding, he could conduct him to the Colonel's quarters. I found Colonel Kane at Eckelsville and upon an intro- -duction to him, I represented myself as having been commissioned by the Colonel Commanding to state to him that at the expiration of his business engagements at Eckelsville, and at his pleasure, I would place a Sergeant in waiting who would conduct him to the Colonel's quarters. This was not intended upon my part as a constraint upon the movements of Colonel Kane, nor am I aware that he so understood it. Upon leaving Colonel Kane how- -ever, a conversation occurred between Governor Cumming and my -self, during which he informed me that Col. Kane was an accred -ited agint to him (a fact upon which I had not been previous- -ly informed and made such representations in the case that I ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I7_p002.jpg) did not put my first intention into execution, and therefore no surveillance in any degree was exercised by me or at my insti- -gation, at any time, over either the person or property of Colonel Kane. I am Sir, Very respectfully, Your obedt. servt. (signed) C. Grover 1st Lieut. I0th Inf To Provost Marshall Bux. Major F. J. Porter, Asst. Adjc. Gen'l. Army of Utah, Respectfully furnished for the information of Col. Kane. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I8_p001.jpg) TS Head Quarters Department of Utah Camp Scott, U.T. March 17’ 1858 Sir, I have the honor to state in reply to your communication of yesterday's date, that no order was given by me to constrain in any manner the per- -son of Colonel Kane, but an order quite the contrary was given the day after his arrival, after mid-day for the protection of his property and to prevent any incon- -venience to him or molestation, while in this camp. It ap- -pears from the report of Lieutenant Grover (herewith en- -closed for your information) that the order transmitted verbally through an orderly to Lieutenant Grover was incorrectly communicated and that Lieutenant Grover was impressed with the belief that a surveillance in a slight degree was expected from those under his command, but on being made acquainted by Governor Cumming that he was an accredited agent to him, he did not act in ac- -cordance with the impression first received. In addition a communication on this subject from Major Porter accompanies this. With great respect Your obedient Servant (Signed) A. S. Johnston Colonel 2nd Cavalry Commanding [-]o/ [-]over) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I8_p002.jpg) His Excellency Both sides Alfred Cumming Governor of Utah Territory Camp Scott U.T. Respectfully furnished for the information of Colonel Kane. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I9_p001.jpg) Head Quarters Department of Utah Camp Scott, U.T. March 17, 1858. Sir, In connection with the statement of Lieutenant Grover, Provost Marshall, I have the honor to present the following report of the facts known to me. About 1:30 P.M. Mon. 13 inst. I was inform -ed that the Sergeant who accompanied Colonel Kane from Bridgers Fort that morning, was still in attendance, hav- -ing care of his animals and other property and thought of leaving for his tent. I then asked you if it would not be well to send some one to relieve the Sergeant, and see the property taken care of, and to show Colonel Kane to your tent when he wished to make the promised visit, after communicating with Governor Cummings. Your consent was given and as the Provost Marshall can always be found and the presence of his own men ensures respect and protection, I send the orderly to him with your request that one of his men be sent to\ relieve the Sergeant in charge of Colonel Kane's property, and to show Colonel Kane to your tent when he wished to call. I am sir, very respectfully Your Obedient Servant /Signed/ F. J. Porter Asst. Adjt. Genl. (over) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F14_I9_p002.jpg) To/ Colonel A. S. Johnston Head Quarters Dept of Utah Camp Scott U.T. Head Quarters Department of Utah) Camp Scott, U.T. March 21, 1858 ) Respectfully furnished for the information of Colonel Kane. F. J. Porter Asst. Adjt. Genl. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I4_p001.jpg) Kin[--] I have had an opportunity of again inviting Col. Johnston to review his course with d[----] with respect to the Salt Lake Mails. — I have also had a most satisfactory [-]onversation with him in regard to (the n[---]g[---]t of\our Indian relations with the Indian tribes of the Region first At the Camp to which I was ^ conducted the right upon which I had my first interview with don K[--]ball I obtained from the Mormon soldiers some unpleasing details [--] in relation to additional [----] more against further outrages which have been committed [--] the ^ [-]ou[---]her Mormon settlements, and tribes gathered from them that various [--] bands of Indians are hovering between the two armies with nature address the [----] [-----] performing ^ the part of ^ Skinners & Cowboys of our Revolution. This soon after a more than satisfactery fact2|I had ^ an opportunity of verefyig for myself ; and'| if I had been enclined to doubt it.| Col. Johnston agrees with me that too much circumspect[---] cannot be en[---]sed to withhold from these every si[--] be used in our dealing's with these bands. — as they find it advantagous to their eremis [----]erses advantage to represent their d[-] misdeeds – as committed by authority of the U. S. place a most undesirable and their statements true or untrue furnish as equally pernicious weapon in on earth the hands of the war party of Utah. – when of all [----] persons in the world In we must agree at present in regarding [--] our country has am inclined at we should as o[-] of our a[-]pr[--] at [--] present moment to regard as the most detestable ^ enemies. of the U. S. to day when I write to you while imperfectly rested from recent severe fatigue and however exposure. I offer you no apologies for my style - I while confident that my words as m[--] cannot disclose me as other than ^ Respectfully & respectful Your faithful ^ friend & servant. Th. L. K. soon I wrote to you to day – as I hope ag ain to write to you – when imperfectly [----]d severe restored rested from recent ^ fatigue & exposure. I offer you no apologies for confident any [---] Lower while [-----] that my words cannot disclose one other than Your faithful & respectful friend & servant Th L. K ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I5_p002.jpg) Daguerreotype from Salt Lake City, which ought to reach you by the California Steamer of June 5. It shall show you what is the state of my health, and what a charm there is in the air of nostri monti. Can't we afford it — alas, you know, and I don't, if we can afford it - to go up to Miss Head's early in the season. Perhaps dear Mother wd. accompany you for a while. It seems so selfish in me staying away alone in this manner. If I durst speak out. I have been fortunate. My recollections of our calamity have been as it were burn't from my brain by the fierce fire And my trials – are over; while yours I fear endure. Now suffer me to write for your support the words with which you so often have sustained me "Fear not ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I5_p003.jpg) Fear not each sudden sound and shock 'Tis of the wave and not the Rock 'Tis but the flapping of the sail And not a rent made by the gale In spite of rock and tempest's roar In spite of false lights on the shore Sail on, nor fear to breast the Sea Our hearts our hopes are all with thee Our hearts our hopes our prayers our tears Our faith triumphant o'er our fears Are all with Thee; are all with Thee. In 15 minutes I shall be off A sun of Austerlitz after a whole week of dry weather which must have reduced the snow on the Mountains to its least depth. c I shall soon leave this exe= crated camp and the men that hate me and my peace behind me, and be where I can feel the pray ers of the good are reaching me in the free sweet open air.c I may afford to be superstitious you see, with every ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I5_p004.jpg) omen in my favor c Best of omens; a conscience void of offence, etc[-]tera. -- I have never in my youngest days led a purer life than the past three months which I have dedicated to you. I dedicate to you the next three. May I keep my soul as pure Your true love Th. L. K. Leaving the camp near Bridger, April 5. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I5_p005.jpg) Fort Bridger UT Mar 24 Mrs. Thomas L. Kane Philadelphia [The following is sideways on left side of envelope] Apr. 5. 1858 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I5_p006.jpg) Muddy [--]le=Missouri. The Heat. of Li[-]n Kin of Scourges Malheureux le mortel que meurt triste victime Sans qu'un frere sauvé vivé par [--]ati[--]as De M[--]tre Sources de S. Petersbourg P[-] 68 que se[--]d [illegible] [illegible] and notw[-]thstanding a series of rainbow arches Muriel ^ ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I5_p007.jpg) Col. Wm. Davenport U. S. Army. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I5_p008.jpg) Dear Patty and my own wifee typewritten copy. I saw you when you rose, and thought you said my hat waved to say so. God bless you, and those at home '-- The sea is as smooth, as a mill dam: our engines are said to be working un= usually well, and I expect to write to you from Kingston within five days. I have everything to comfort & cheer me Fare well Thomas L. Kane Robert P. Kane & E. D. W ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I6_p001.jpg) (Copy) Great Salt Lake City April 16, 1858 His Excellency Governor A. Cumming Sir: Learning that you purpose sending an Express to Col. Johnson's Camp, I avail myself of the opportunity of proffering through your Excellency to Coll Johnson and the army under his Command, inasmuch as they are supposed to be meas- urably destitute, such supplies of provisions as we have and they may need prior to the arrival of Sup- plies from the East. Trusting that you will appreciate the sincerity of the motives prompting this Courtesy, I have the honor to remain Very respectfully Yours &c. (Signed) Brigham Young ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I7_p001.jpg) Great Salt Lake City, April 18, 1858 My darling: Forgive me if you receive this after letters from me of a later date, and are disappointed to find it only a line which I have trusted to the prying curiosity of_some of the most vulgar persons I have ever been acquainted with. I ought to miss no chance however to inform you of my complete restoration to health. What a fat ugly creature I have grown, you may judge from the fact that I was weighed to day, and prove 8 lbs. heavier than my best at Elk County last summer. And I have gained strength enough to bring it all home to you. Are you glad? If I were to write more, I wd. say I have no news but good news. Your faithful ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I8_p001.jpg) [The following is written sideways on left side of page] I enclose a copy of a letter to me from Gov. C. however, by which you will see [-]omb[---] je me suis fait prier, before giving up my purpose of returning to Philadelphia — which I announced when “the Army” began to rage like the Antimormon mob os Saint Bernardino. Buchanan may as well understand the sacrifice I make in continuing to stay away from Home. [The following is written in center of page] By the way did you make out my letter about the Lynch Committee. — I wrote you from Los Angeles that to use your cipher you must take out the inttial letters of each verse in the dated chapter (s.o (Private Slip) [for self, RPK, and the fire] Dearest Father and Pat: Perhaps you will think it better to let Mr. Buchanan read my draft over in the original (*). But you must have it back from him – and not leave a copy in his hands of my conversation &c with Young — I mean his with me. – With regard to Johnston, and his outrageous conduct in precipitating the country into disastrous war, you see how my hands have been tied by our peculiar personal relations. Not gentle manly propriety merely – every sense of Christian magnanimity orders me to spare a man whose apology has humbled him as much as this unfortunate’s. – But, shd. he prove wanting further on his part – shd. his letter writers and newspaper men dare to falsify the facts — call ^ Forney, Elder, Martin, Lane and all my Philadelphia friends of the Press to punish him as he deserves – the more condignly, the better forr our honor. [-] I can probably collect evidence myself of [-]is setting the Indians on the cl[--]mons. He is a fool If he, and the Echols man (who hunts with him) hold their peace however, [I suppose] I had better husband my future means of influence – through & with them. At any rate, my hand had beter not be seen in the matter. If you have any doubt or differently in granti acceding to my request, then, best regard the whole letter to the President as to yourself) and merely let a mutual friend read it over to him. writing, my dear Father for my dear Sir, wherever it occures. (*) and your own letter too – nude as it tone appears Please lest I shd be delayed here, – (I am going to stay out till my health is strong enough to last me thirty years to come send me your views on as many law points as you think may claim my notice; and in particular how far you think this “Court” has been legally constituted &c. I have a notion of a way in which Buchanan can be saved some trouble of Pardoning. &c. How in care of peaceful negotiations bring set on fort again – how will this bloody mouthed Judge be headed off best? Your grateful son healthy hearty son Th. L[-] K. [The following is written sideways on right side of page] Governor Cumming is my friend. And in handling the soldier man for his abuse of authority he may be well contrasted with Cumming. My letter to Buchanan is all true [-] with regard to him. wait for his Imprudence, No premature flash in the Pan to detract from my present high position. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F15_I8_p002.jpg) chapter of Genesis s[-]iting the date, but the first letter occuring next the ruled line of the column as you read down –- in other words, the first letter of each line. To be certain you will have to buy a copy like Bessies -- namely Eyre & Spottiswoodes London 1849. I wd write you in cipher now if I had time, but it is slow work. You will value ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I1_p001.jpg) Tabernacle, G.S.L. City. Sunday April 25th 1858. 10 a.m. Singing by the Choir {Present. B.Y., H.C.K., D.H.W., J.T., E.T.B., W.W., E.L. Prayer by Somi Farr {Gov. A. Cumming & Col. T. L. Kane Singing by the Choir Prest B. Young (Watt reporting) Made a few remarks, showing the indefeasible right of the Saints to obey any law of God. Choir sung "The Mountain Dell" Prest H.C. Kimball (Watt reporting) Spoke of the disaffected, said they would probably soon have the privelege of going off, and predicted that the time would come when they would be glad to come back Prest B. Young introduced Governor Alfred Cumming to the congregation. Gov. A. Cumming (Song reporting) Said he had been appointed by the President of the United States, with the assent of the Senate, to be the Governor of this Territory. It was true there was a large body of armed men on the frontier, but they were not sent to destroy the Mormons, but to protect them from the lawless savages. He was sent to enforce the law. He said in all future moves, he would consult with the gentlemen who had enjoyed our confidence. He, and the officers had nothing to do with our social or religious views; we had a right to serve God in any way we pleased. He did not anticipate his would be a path of roses, he expected opposition from some misguided men. Requested the brethren, if they saw him going astray, not to treat him harshly, but to council with him as a friend. It had been represented to him that there were disaffected persons who wished to go elsewhere; It was his duty to see that they were not illegally detained. He had it in his mind to visit the southern settlements to make himself known to the people_ it was with the people he had to deal. He desired to be sustained by the women (laughter) He then handed the Clerk, a notice, requesting those who wished to leave to communicate with him, which was read. He then inquired if there were any persons in the congregation who would express the public sentiment._ He desired the people would not think he represented that miserable class of beings called office seekers. Gilbert Clements. (Watt reporting) Conceived it was an important crisis, it was whether we would submit to vassalage, and tamely submit, ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I1_p002.jpg) or whether we would stand up for our rights. It was the first time he had seen Governor Cumming, and his appearance was very prepossessing. He was pleased with many of his remarks, but some gave him infinite pain; he could not conceive how Governor Cumming's mind could have been influenced to believe that there were persons here in durance vile; the way had been open all the while time until the recent Indian disturbances, when it was not safe for any to go, Prest. Young in mildness reshamed them. He spoke of the causes of our being here, and said, we would not have been here, if we had had our Constitutional rights. Referring to Gov. Cumming's remarks about the troops being here for our protection <(the protection of the frontier)>, the speaker asked, Why in the name of God did not they come when we were weak? He said, we well know what a virgin soldiery are, especially of these United States, and enquired shall we have rulers foisted upon us by the point of the bayonet (No) Gov. Cumming comes as a stranger, shall we give up those who have led us for years (No) Mormonism had taught him to uphold the laws and constitution of the United States. The officers had been sent here previously had been sustained longer than they should have been. He said before we can reason upon this subject let that army be withdrawn and let an investigating committee come and diligently inquire into the causes of complaint, and he would say that all would come out right. He inquired What law have we broken? (cries of none) Whose rights have we trampled upon? (none) It has been said we are unwilling to pay for land, Who has refused to pay for their homestead (None) It has been said that the main object of this expedition was to put down polygamy, but it would be just as right for the North to attempt to put down slavery in the South. This Government was eminently Protestant, and this doctrine was allowed by the fathers of the reformation. The speaker then referred to the Martin Suther's Correspondence with the Elector of Hesse Cassel. Spoke of the course we had pursued towards the Indians, and said it would not been many years before they would be a civilized people, but since the approach of this army they had measurably returned to their old practices. Referred to the adverse circumstances under which we had built up. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I1_p003.jpg) (3 this City. Treated upon the course which the Administration had always pursued towards us, and related the anecdote of General Monck and the quaker. He said, we have never said we would not receive their officers, but that we would not receive them at the point of the bayonet _ a standing army was only fit for tyrants. We could not receive Governor Cumming unless he would use his influence to have the army withdrawn, and presents us in a favorable light to this nation. Gov. Cumming. (Long reporting) Inquired whether or not there was any distinction made against Utah, in appointing officers, or whether it was not the law for all Territories. Gilbert Clements (Wall reporting) Said that a petition had been sent, with 4 or 5 names to each office, and if the President had not wished to send any of them, he was requested to send good men, and instead of sending one from that list of names, he appointed men from the very States from which we had been driven, and had sent an army to back them up. Gov. Cumming (Song reporting) Wished a definite answer whether there was any distinction made between Utah and the other Territories G. Clements. (Watt reporting) Replied by quoting the memorial from Connecticut concerning Kansas affairs, and said, the President is withdrawing the troops from Kansas, why not from Utah? Gov. Cumming said there was no distinction G. Clements. (Watt reporting) Showed that there should be no distinction between residents of States and Territories. Gov. Cumming (Song reporting) Said he was not here at the point of the bayonet_ he came in here without even a pen knife for his protection. He said, Set me be judged by my acts" Elder John Taylor (Song reporting) Said that Gov. Cumming could have trusted himself much better without an army than with one, and if they had to stay at Bridger it was because of their own acts, and not of ours_ He would be glad to see Gov Cumming treated courteously while he remains here. Referred to Gov Young's letters last fall inviting the officers in. Said he knew that Gov. Young had pursued the most pacific course that could have been, under the circumstances; that had it not been for the mercy of Gov. Young ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I1_p004.jpg) that army would have been sleeping the sleep of death. Said he, they fired upon our men, did they return the fire? No they did not. Said, nominally there was no distinction between the Territory of Utah and other Territories in regard to appointing officers; but had any other Territory petitioned for certain men for officers, if the President given them their choice he would have been hooted from Maine to Missouri. Gov Cumming. Said there had prejudice arisen against certain individuals, and he had come to dispel that prejudice. Elder John Taylor. Referred to our treatment in Missouri. Said they had granted preemption rights to settlers in all the Territories but Utah. Gov Cumming After the Indian title has been extinguished Elder Taylor. Why then has the Indian title not been extinguished? Gov Cumming Said he came as a self constituted Commissioner to report to Washington. He had found the records of the Supreme Court and other Courts perfect, and he was prepared to report that to Washington. He had been misrepresented, let this matter be a matter of calm consideration. He came with the expectation of making this his home, calmly to discuss principles of vast importance. Elder Taylor. Said those troops must be withdrawn before we can have any officers palmed upon us. Prest B. Young (Watt reporting) Said the matters which Bro Taylor wished to bring before the people he did not wish to hear, he had seen enough of them. Spoke of the usual custom in appointing officers to the Territories. Referred to our petition for officers, and said they had walked over the law in appointing a post master &c but Said there was no necessity for extinguishing the Indian title the land was purchased, and it was a question whether this Territory was Indian Territory or not. He had been mortified to see the enthusiasm manifested here to day. Said he had used his influence and powers of mind and reason to keep the people from doing that which they believed to be their imperative duty . He hoped and believed that all matters would be amicably adjusted, and we in peace again. Singing by the Choir. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I1_p005.jpg) [April 25. 1858 Contd) (5 Prest B. Young (Watt reporting) Said that if there were any here who wanted to withdraw from this community, or who wished protection from Governor Cumming, they could raise their hands [5 hands up] A man in the congregation said he was not a member of the Church and was not when he came in_ he wanted to go to California Bro Kent Said he had always believed that Prest Young would give those liberty to go that wished. He wanted to do right. He had enjoyed freedom here. Mrs Cobb. Bore testimony to the liberty she enjoyed here. Gov Cumming Said it was not his disposition to stir up division in the Church, but rather to prevent it. Benediction by Judge Phelps. 2 p. m. Singing by the Choir Present B.Y., HCK., D.H.W. O.H. E.S. W.W. Prayer by Daniel Spencer Singing by the Choir Prest Daniel Spencer (Song reporting) Informed the congregation, as they were mostly strangers, of the Thursday night ward meetings, and requested them to attend. Gave the Bishops instructions to leave some person in charge of their wards. Suggested that the Bishops report to Bishop Hunter once in two days the vacant houses in the city, and gave the incoming brethren some general instruction. Prest B. Young (Watt reporting) Spoke of the present move of the Saints, and said God would over rule it for good, and it would redound to His honor and glory. Referred to our treatment in Missouri and Illinois, while the officers asserted that they were maintaining the supremacy of the law. Spoke of the liberty given to the people, and contended that they had always had liberty to please themselves about staying. Exhorted the brethren to be patient and let God work. He said he did not think we were prepared to meet the blow, and therefore he thought the Lord would avert it for the time. Urged the Saints to purify themselves. Spoke of the course now being pursued by the adminis= tration towards us as a people. Said Gov. Cumming could do us good by reporting us favorably. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I1_p006.jpg) Prest H. C. Kimball (Long reporting) Said he was going to leave this City this week, and told all the brethren to leave as soon as possible, but not to tear their breeches. Prest. D. H. Wells Said their would be a detail made for Ogden, and Davis County, and one for this CIty, and the others would be at liberty to remove as soon as possible. Prest B. Young (Watt reporting) Told those who wanted to go away to go in peace. Prest Kimball said this is our home, it is dedicated to the Lord, and we will build the Temple here, and one in Jackson County. Advised the brethren to take their window out and board them up and leave everything safe. Elder John Taylor made a few remarks N. C. Dunbar Sung "I would be a Mormon" and "Oh Zion". Choir sung "Come, come ye saints" Benediction by Orson Hyde. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I1_p007.jpg) Mr Hankins ' Sketch of Report of Greeley ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I2_p001.jpg) Remarks. By Governor Alfred Cumming,Tabernacle, Sunday morning, April 25th 1858. (Reported by J. [-]. Long) I feel rejoiced, my friends, at this opportunity which has been presented of meeting you face to face. I have but a few words to state to you. I have been sent by the President of the United States, with the consent of the Senate to be the Governor of this Territory. It is a source of pleasure to me that I have the pleasure of the friendship of this gentleman that has introduced me to this stand. I am not ignorant of the gross misrepresentation that has been made by the enemies of this people with regard to you. It is true that upon your frontiers there are a large num- -ber of armed men. I will say to you in the presence of these gentlemen, that this force is not sent for any aggression upon the Mormon people, but for their protection; remember what I say, protection against the lawless savage that has been committing depredations upon you from time to time. I come here ladies & gentlemen, but I am not an orator I am not an educated man, and therefore cannot address you as such a man. I expect to long remain with you, therefore misrepresentation would be a foolish course, I came here with the instructions to enforce obedience to the laws and powers of our common country, and this duty I will endea- -vor to perform temperately, and I intend to perform it strictly and to regard the law as supreme. I feel assured that I shall have the aid & co-operation of the men and women that now surround me, and that they will be willing to main- -tain the constitution of our common country You are a Territory of the United States, and there appears ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I2_p002.jpg) to have been something that has been very obnoxious to the Govern- -ment, as well as some things that have been obnoxious to you; but it is common usage that the officers of Territories are sent by the President of the United States, with the consent of the senate. I hope that you will soon be found in the grand galaxy an entirely independant state The enforcement of the law is my first duty in this Territory, and the other is, that I am to prevent the perversion of the law. It has been said that those who have been in this country, have perverted the law, when they should have been the fulfillers of it. This I trust, will not take place under my admistration. I shall in all matters connected with my future course which I deem it necessary to pursue, consult with such gentlemen as have enjoyed, hitherto your confidence. It is not necessary, I presume, believing, that there is not one person in this society that need me to say, that I or the government officers who have come, T[---] or those who may be sent have nothing to do with your social habits; nothing whatever to do with your religious opinions, or the manner in which you try to serve God. God is above all! He will try your hearts as well as others.' But let not vain man throw an obstacle in the way of that great power. I desire then having said these few words, to leave the mat- -ter for your consideration, I shall be cheered by the acquain- -tance of the strangers with whom I expect to associate, and I hope that we shall be friendly together. I do not expect a path of roses, and I do not expect to attain a victory without a trial. I expect some office seeking demagogue will try to influence men's minds to thwart me in my holy work. I say fear God, & think of him when you try to thwart a good man I may not know you all personally, but if I are err in my administration do not say, 'that old man has come with views different to ours, & we will treat him as he deserves'. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I2_p003.jpg) 3 I desire, friends, that you will come and counsel me. I shall not be obstinate, and it will be with the utmost pleasure that I shall receive you. I shall endeavor to enforce the laws of the consti -tution of the United States. I will now close that subject. I will now say a few words upon another subject. It has been represented to me that certain persons in the Territory of Utah have been restrained of their liberty & would go away but cannot. To all such persons I would say it is my official duty to say that they shall not be restrained. If such persons will make an application to me properly I will enquire into the nature of their cases, I am satisfied that no good man would desire to detain any such persons in their society, & especially among so very intellectual & highly eminantly religious peo- -ple. I have come to this beautiful valley where God seems to smile upon your works, & where everything is made to prosper by your touch. I have it in contemplation to visit the southern parts of the Territory. and to present my- -self to the people. It is with the people that I have to act, & whatever cavelling may be made with the loud mouthed demagogue, or any man who has false views of his duty to the community, those I shall treat with that silence they so justly merit. To the women of this Territory I would say that I desire to be assisted with the women. My youth has passed & I cannot be expected to have the same intentions as younger men, but I trust that I shall find & meet none but friends in the common circles of life. There is a communication which I desire to have read, & then for the present I will close my remarks, (Leo Hawkins then read a notice signed Alfred Cumming &c) My friends I am unwillingly placed in the stand be- -fore you for the purpose of asking, if there are any persons present who have wishes to present that I may wish to know. A ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I2_p004.jpg) (4 cool dispassionate way is the only way we can get at an expression of public feelings – this is what I desire. I desire this people to understand that I am not here to represent that miserable set of office seekers who are Constantly prowling round the administration, neither am I here to have an office which I declined through diffidence & an idea of my incapacity to fill it but I would desire and should be pleased that this congregation should by some kind of expression express their feeling of approval of my coming here in the way I have. I have come here on my own responsibility as a self constituted commission- -or believing that I should be protected. If there is anything in my language which is unintelligible, I should be glad to have some allusion made to it. [The following is written sideways near the bottom of the page on the right] Tabernacle April 25/58 Gov. Alfred Cummings Remarks ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P001.jpg) Speech delivered by Gilbert Clements Tabernackle April 25th 1858. Reported by G. D. Watt. As a resident of this city, and a citizen of the United States, I wish to express my feelings on this important occasion. The matter which lies before us, as Citizens of this Great Repub- lic, is of paramount importance to us: it affects our liberty- constitutional rights as an integral part of this great na- tion. Not only does it affect ourselves as individuals, but our posterity unborn will be made happy or miserable by the course we pursue at the present time. We have come, fellow citizens, to a crisis when we must make up our minds whether we will tamely submit to be robbed of our rights, or stand up for them as freemen – as men who are enti- tled to the enjoyment of those great inalienable privileges that have been purchased by the blood of our fathers; that were won in the midst of turmoil and scenes of battle. Shall we do this, or submit to a vassalage like that which our fathers endured previous to the glorious epoch of 76 when they struggled for the rights of independence, and dared maintain them? As an individual, I am glad to see his excellency Govr. Cumming this morning, which is the first time. His appearance is very prepossessing; and the remarks he has made also are very good, and have met my feelings in many respects; while in others they have given me exceedingly great pain. How his Excellency's mind could have been influenced to labor under the erroneous impression that "certain persons" in Utah are held in 'durance vile,' their liberties infringed upon so that they cannot go or come as they please, is a matter of astonishment to me; when the fact is that every man, woman and child, whose ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P002.jpg) minds are capable of understanding, must know that without res triction they have had liberty to go and come as they pleased. They must know that our leaders have declared time and time again, that the kanyons were open for all to pass and repass; and those who wished to go and had'nt means for their outfit should be helped away by Govr. Young. I appeal to this vast audience if this has not been the case; (a universal cry of 'yes' from the people) there has never been the least restriction exercised upon any persons as to their ingress or egress in this Territory, till a short time since when the Indian disturbances broke out which rendered all travel unsafe either east, west, north or south. Gov. Young in kindness to the few people that wanted to leave this place_ and that few the miserable exception to the united wishes of this entire people–were men who were afraid their actions would soon be made known, and held up before the public gaze to be disgraced as they deserved–even these parties our Gov. has been desirious should not depart until they could go in peace and safety without losing their lives. In october last, full liberty was given for all who wished to join the soldiers camp at Ham's Fork to depart in peace. Only one woman desired to go to join her husband who was with the Troops; and she was safely escorted thither at Gov. Young's expense in his own carriage. It is a foul libel on the character of this people to say that persons are held here by force against their wishes when our city for years has been a perfect. thoroughfare of travel from the East to the west and Vice Versa. Sir, I only express the universal feeling of this great peo- ple, when I say, that we have no desire to leave these mountains and return to the land which gave us birth. We have suffered too much in a country which disfranchised us as freemen, robbed us of our property, imbrued her hands in the blood of ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P003.jpg) our best men, and banished us beyond the pale of her civiliza- tion. (great sensation) Nine tenths of this vast audience before me would not have been here, had they been permitted to en- joy the common rights of American freemen in the land of their birth _ those rights for which their fathers bled and died! (applause) We have left that land, and rent assunder the en dearing ties of consanguinity, For what? Because we could not worship God according to the dictates of our conscience, and tread in the peaceful path of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Because we would do this, we have been persecuted and driven from our homes and firesides. We purchased lands in Missouri and Illinois, opened farms, built cities, planted orchards, erected mills, constructed bridges, made roads, and have had to relinquish them all by the power of ruthless mobocracy. We have labored day and night, to show ourselves good citizens of the United States, but our good feelings to our country have been impugned, our motives mis- judged, and our characters calumniated. We are martyrs to that most detestable of all human crimes, religious persecution. Through the hardships we have passed consequent upon our drivings thou- sands have perished and filled an untimely grave. We cannot be blamed, therefore, in preferring these bleak and inhospitable regions for the fair and smiling landscape that was once our home. We have come among the savages of the desert and found a home which was denied us by christian (?) civilization. It has been said by Gov. Cumming in his impressive speech which we have just had the honor of listening to, that, "the invading army" which is now upon our borders, has not come to infringe upon our liberties, but to protect us," I take a very different view of the subject: from the day that the news reached us that an "Expedition against Utah" was about ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P004.jpg) starting out, that our mail was closed in order that intelligence might not reach us of their approach; the conviction was at once settled in my mind that the present administration intend- ed neither more, nor less, than to carry on a religious crusade against this innocent and unoffending people. Every subsequent movement has only served to confirm and strengthen this con- viction. But had there been any dubiety in my mind on the subject; if there had been the least ray of hope within me as to the good intentions of the Government in sending an army to this Territory, I assure you, fellow citizens, it would have vanished away by the apology of his Excellency for the presence of the "invading army" "To protect us!" It is the most miserable, mean and transparent subterfuge I ever heard in my life; and exhibits a degree of surpitude of which I would fain acquit the administration. In the name of common sense why did they not come when we were weak _ when we were a mere handful in these wild and inhospitable regions, surrounded on every hand by a subtle and savage foe? We have had to leave our homes and farms time and time again to go on Indian expeditions to protect our infant settlements from the depredations of the red skin; and the general government has winked at our difficulties, thinking perhaps we would be used up by the numerous savage tribes that surround us; (hear hear) and now when we have from one become a thou- sand, and from a few became a strong nation, and abund- antly able to take care of ourselves, behold! they are filled with compassion towards us; and come along with "the Gospel according to gunpowder" to protect us. (immense ap- plause, loud cheers and other (demonstrations of approval in which Govr Cumming cordially joined.) What sublime sympathy! What an overflowing of the "milk of human kindness"!! It is the tenderness of the crocodile which never ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P005.jpg) sheds tears till it is about swallowing its victim!!! (continu- ed applause) And who, I ask, are the guardians of our liberties? Into whose kind arms are we to fall and be shielded from all "the ills that flesh is heir to"? Are they our own fellow= citizen soldiers? No! they came in the form of a foreign army, officered, it is true, by American heroes; but the ranks entirely filled with aliens_ Men who have no fellow feeling with us at all, whose daily boast was when crossing the plains that they would, on their arrival in this city, revel in every kind of licen- tiousness and immorality with our wives and daughters. These men would laugh at our misery, and take pleasure in the shedding of our blood. While this country has open- ed up new fields of comfort and competence for the industri- ous, virtuous, and down trodden sons of the old world, who have found it an asylum for all their woes and sorrows, and the goal of all their earthly hopes; at the same time it has been a great sewer that has received the scum of the earth, which set- tles by degrees in its vast resevoir_ the restless gambler, the prow- ling burglar, the scapegrace, and libertine, all gravitate in it. And from this floating material is the army of the United States composed; and it is no sinecure for an american officer to control such unruly elements. Shall we, therefore, as free born american citizens ever submit to have rulers forced upon us by a "Possee Commitaties" of foreign bayonets?" Loud cries, "No never.) From past experience we know too well the state of society that would soon exist here, were an army sta- tioned in our city, In the fall of '54 Col. Steptoe's command arrived in this valley on their way to California. The season being advanced they wintered amongst us; and never did a ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P006.jpg) people treat an army more kindly than we did. Many of our most respectable citizens vacated their large houses to accom modate the Troops during the winter, which was unusually severe and lived in log cabins or tents. We supplied them abundantly with provisions, and their animals with forage, we got up entertainments during the long winter months to amuse them; and in return for all our kindness they filled our streets with drunkenness, and endeavored to fill our houses with crime. As a man, I have no feelings whatever against Gov. Cumming. As I remarked at the commencement of my speech, his appearance is prepossessing. He has got a good open countenance, that marks a straightforward honorable man; (laughter) yet at the same time he is an entire stranger to us, imported fresh from Missouri which has made so many widows and orphans around me. Can it be expected from us that we will relinquish our consitutional rights, and have no voice in the selection of our own officers? (loud cries of "Never") or shall we submit to have the fetters forged which our fathers broke, and tamely endure a worse than colonial bondage from which they were emancipated? (Never, No Never) shall we give up him who has governed us for years with such happy results– who has proved himself to be no summer friend, (one simultaneous "No.") who in our dark days of adversity and sorrow stood faithfully by us in every storm, who has been a co-partner with us in poverty, naked- ness, and want, who has sympathised in all our afflictions, and led and guided us, as a tender parent would his child? I say shall we give up such a man, and allow a mere stranger to supplant him in our affections? (No Never, No never, from all parts of the house) The universal feeling of this people is that Gov. Young is, and ever will be our Governor. We may have many failings as a people; but God grant that ingratitude may ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P007.jpg) never be added to the list of our short comings, (applause) It is not on account of the prestige which the high ecclesi- astical position of Brigham Young gives him amongst us, that our suffrages are thus united. We as a people have al- ways been led by the maxim of the founder of our faith, "to "render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's," and to God the things which are God's." There are a thousand reasons why this people have such unbounded confidence in Govr Young; we have beheld with no small degree of pleasure the sound policy that has characterised all his official acts in the ad ministration of all the affairs connected with this Territory- the impetus he has given to every branch of industry- the combination of capital which has been effected by his instrumen- tality, and the happy results of the same in developing the re- sources of the country.– the opening of public works in this city and other places to give labor to the unemployed and save them from idleness, and its concomitant vices - drunkenness and immorality. But above all we have ever seen him mete out even handed justice to every man - saint or sinner, gentile and "Mormon," neither courting the smile or fearing the frown of any one; with him the Constitution has been honored and the laws sustained; and by his shining example has kept a people otherwise isolated, true in their allegiance to their constitution and country. (hear, hear.) No wonder, then, that he is the man of our choice. But alas! we have fallen from the proud height of american citizens to the level of Russian serfs and must be turned over by a bigoted administration to a mas- ter about whom we know nothing! The principles of my religion teach me to honor and esteem all men, if the principles of honor and truth dwell in them. No matter from what state he may hail, I greet him as a brother and a friend, Social distinctions should ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P008.jpg) not separate us in our feelings; we are all citizens of the [---] Great Republic. But at the same time the ruler should have some kindred sympathies with the ruled; should know their past history and future prospects. I do not say that Govr Cumming is devoid of this; but shall we give up certainty for an uncertainty? We have always sustained the officers of the united states who have been sent amongst us, and upheld the laws in every particular. The law has never "been diverted from its proper channel" in this Territory but carried out to all intents and purposes. We have borne with corrupt officials to an extent that no other people would have endured in any other state or Territory in the Union. Some of our immaculate judges deplored our poligamy; and with base turpitude wallowed in adultery and fornication! with hypocritical cant, they exhorted us to sustain the law, yet trampled under foot our municipal laws against drunkenness and gambling! In most instances the officials who have been sent here have been broken down politicians – mean contemptible office seekers who had nothing to recommend them but their adept- ness in all kinds of crime and immorality – the foul excrescence of gambling dens and brothels; and we have every reason to believe that the present "demonstration against Utah" has been predicated by the administration upon the misrepresentations of one of these corrupt scoundrels, who at the present time is a stink in the nostrils of all good men throughout the union. I refer to that unhung vagabond Judge Drummond "upon whose testimony" says a new york Editor "I would'nt hang a dog." (groans) We are called upon by Gov. Cumming to "calmly consider" the circumstances in which we are un- happily placed; not, however by any act of our own but by the precipitate movement of the administration; for they have acted on the interested misrepresentations of disappoin ted demagogues, who because we would not send them to ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P009.jpg) to Congress, swore they would destroy us. Govr Cumming remarked in his speech, "that there is a strong prejudice existing in the states against us as a people." This is alas! too true, we have never done anything, however, to merit it, and if a fickle public opinion is exasperated against us without cause, are we to blame- the innocent object of its wrath? His excellency can do as much good as a people, and prove himself a true patriot of his country, if he will use his weighty influence with the Government and nation in disabusing their minds of their prejudices, and the foul aspersions that have been thrown upon our character as a people. He has been many years in the service of the Government and his character is un- impeachable, so far as I know, and I have no doubt there will soon be a re-action in the Government & public mind towards us, we would request your excellency to state in your despatches to Washington that tho' we as a people have been wronged, cruelly wronged, of all our rights, and robbed and banished by an ungrateful coun- try, still the fire of pure american democracy burns warm in our bosoms, and the warm impulses we inherit from our revolutionary Sires are not yet extinguished. (great applause) We wish these Troops immediately recalled, that we may no longer be menaced by their presence. This we look upon as the first preliminary to attend to in order that all obstacles may be removed for the adjust- ment of all real or imaginary difficulties. Nor will we ever consent to receive any appointee until that army is removed from our Territory. If government is not satisfied with us let them (after the army is withdrawn) send on an investigating committee to inquire into all ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P010.jpg) matters; we court investigation, and will not shrink from the severest scrutiny. Kansas, before troops were quartered upon her, had this privilege. Do not make Utah an excep- tion to this as well as to every other privilege. Let us have an opportunity of bringing our "dark deeds" to light; or must we be judged without a hearing, and be denied the right of a common culprit to speak in our own de- fence, we will willingly submit to the severest cross exa- minations- we are not afraid of the law for we have never broken it. Upon what, fellow citizen, have the "Mormons" trespassed in any state or Territory and sought to injure him in person or property? Then why hound us to death by a brutal soldiery! There are thousands before me this day from every state in the Union who enjoyed rights and privileges and were called the "Sovereign people," but by some calamity have been deprived of their franchise, and not per- mitted to have any voice in the selection of their own officers. Have we lost every privilege through leaving a state and becoming the denizens of a Territory? Are we not un- fortunate as a people to be the pioneers of our nation- to plant civilization in the sandy desert, and extend the public domain a thousand miles in the wilderness, only to behold our liberties and improvements perish together! It is not denied, but publicly acknowleged both in and out of congress that the "Expedition against Utah" has mainly for its object the extinction of poliga- my in this Territory. But what right has the administra- tion to put down by force of arms a domestic institution, and religious principle which the constitution has never condemned? Could they not with the same propriety make an aggression on the south, and immediately plunge the ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P011.jpg) nation into civil war. At the present time they certainly present an anomaly to the world by sending an army to Kansas to uphold slavery, and other to Utah to put down polygamy! (great applause) That "the people of the Terri- tories have the inherent right to regulate their own do= mestic institutions" is the basis upon which our liberty rests; and for any administration to deprive us of that right commits Treason against the constitution, and has become recreant to every principle of justice and patriotism. (cheers). It is said, however, that the cabinette are very de- sirious that the morals of the nation should be im- proved. We are glad to hear it for certainly they have a wide field to work in; and we trust they will begin at home first, for "those who live in glass houses should throw no stones." ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P012.jpg) Jefferson says "it is the object of all good government to teach men not to injure one another" Our forefathers had had too enlarged viens of human differences to frame a constitution that would oppress man in his domestic notions or religious opinions; but has left him perfectly free to form the one and enjoy the other. Gov. Cumming says "he is pleased with the appear ances of the City, and gratified in witnessing the industry of the people," I am glad to hear these words of encouragement; for as a people we have been so used to harshness and blo[-]s that a word of kindness is the more pleasing to our ears for its novelty. I presume no city in the world has been built up under the same trying circumstances that this has, every thing that we have got has been quarried from the wild field of nature. In '47 we entered this Valley, weary, worn, and naked after a journey of fifteen hundred miles across the Continent. The prospect was anything but encourageing, the Country was bare, barren and uninviting– the wild sage brush and prickly pear its only indigenous fruit, its dreary solitude only awakened occasionally by the war-whoop of the savage, or the howl of the wolf, or the growl of the grizzly bear. But through the kind providences of the Almighty the place has been changed as by the wand of an enchanter. The hum of industry has taken the place of solitude- the peach, the apricot, the apple and the vine, have displaced the sage brush & prickly pear, large farms have trespassed on the "reserved rights" of the bear and the wolf; and cities, Towns, and villiages stretch through our mountain valleys over four hundred miles. Schools and seminaries of learning have been organized in every ward in the Territory, and the inhabitants have advanced in every constituent element that can mark the progress of a great and good people. (loud applause) We have formed an oasis in the desert, of which the Union should be proud; and a half-way-house between the rising and setting sun that should entitle us to a Nation's gratitude (loud applause) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P013.jpg) But instead of this the nation has treated us as tho' we were enemies. Almost from the time the organic act was passed, [---] Utah into a Territory, our history has been a concatenation of insult and abuse. The expence and danger of protecting our infant sen- timents from Indian incursions have devolved upon ourselves. Oregon, and other Territories, can be compensated with millions to defray their Indian wars, while a mere pittance of our just due is grudgingly doled out to us. For years the mail facilities with which all other States and Territories are favored, have almost entirely been denied us. Frequently for five or six months not a single mail would arrive in our city from the East; and even in the summer season it would be so irregular that our business men could place no dependence in it; and when at length one of our spirited fellow citizens obtained the contract, and at a great outlay of capital formed stations along the way for hundreds of miles, and the mail carried in less than one half the time. it had been previously, the contract was busily broken by the P.O. department on the frivolous charge "the U.S. Mail were not safe, owing to the unsettled state of affairs in this city" when at the same time every man was following the peaceful avo- -cations of life; and a drunkard a loafer or rowdy could not be found in our streets. (immese cheering). We have sent petition after petition couched in the most respectful language to the various departments in the administration, praying for a redress of greivances; but they have been treated with silent contempt and renewed insult. Our Legislature during its session of 36+7 sent memorials to the President enclosing the names of from three to six fellow citizens to fill each of the several offices in the Territory, praying him most respectfully to make his own selection from those names; and if none of them suited him- tho' they all had our entire confidence – to send us at least good men, and not such characters as many who had been here before who were a disgrace to their country and sex. The only reply that we have received is, "the demonstration against Utah," an intire conf[-]s of civil offices, every one entire strangers to us even down to the post master whom ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P014.jpg) to law emphatically says "must be a resident in the district in which he acts," and accompanied by a large army to force them upon us at the print of the bayonet!! Shall we receive those app ointees? (One universal cry of "No") Shall we have the Troops quartered in our City? ("Never) But they have come for peace! (laughter) I recollect an anecdote that relates to the time of Oliver Cromwell; when the Protector died the main body of the British Army was in Scotland under the command of Genl. Monk, who immediately ordered the army to march for London: An intense excitement prevailed in the pub lic minds as to the intentions of Monk who had great influence with the army, whether he would expose the cause of the banished Charles, or favor the succession of Oliver's son. A Quaker accosted him on his march and asked him, "what he was for?" "for peace to be sure," replied the Gen., "well friend" says the Quaker "when I meet a man in the morning with sans and planes, hammer and chisels, I naturally feel to judge by his tools he is going to do some carpenter work: and when I see a General in such times going to the Metropolis for peace with an army which Knows no law but to carry out his behest, I naturally feel he has got the wrong kind of peaceable tools" (loud laughter clapping of hands and other demonstrations of joy) when your Excellency talks about peace and protection, we think you have sadly mistaken your tools to bring a 'possee Commitaters' of two thousand bayonets along with you (loud applause) Good and wholesome laws are always savory to our smell, but they stink odiously when they smell so strongly of Gun- powder. (immense cheers) As a citizen of the United States, I will never consent to receive any official till that army is withdrawn. (loud applause) Its removal is the only basis upon which we can act in settling all difficulties. It has been brought here through misrepresenta- tions and lies. Let the investigations which your Excellency has made during the past week, and the truth which has come under your observation cause it to return. (applause) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P015.jpg) 15 I feel, fellow=citizens, that there are many here who woul[-] like to speak, and have the same privilege as myself to express the indignation they feel at the course that has been pursued towards us as a people. I hope His Excellency has taken no offence at anything I have said, for I entertain the very best of feelings towards him. The course he has pursued for the last few days in investigating the false statement about the burning of the Un= ited States Library and the Records of the Supreme Court, has the approval of all honest men; and he will find all other matters equally satisfactory. I hope he may realize his wish 'to do us good', and if he orders back his "passe commitatus" we will take it as an earnest of better things to come. In conclusion, let me say that tho' we are 'Mormons' we love our country, and revere the institutions bought by the blood of our fathers. We hope to live and perpetuate the principles of pure American Democracy to our posterity. Altho' dark clouds hang over us this day, and we see party spirit rife throughout the length and breadth of our great Republic, and the foundation of our Constitution's being sapped and undermined by those who should be its pillars, yet should things come to the worst, Utah knows too well her duty to shrink from it. I am proud to reiterate the sentiment which dropt from the lips of Secretary Babbitt three years ago, at the annivers= ary of the 4th of July, "Should the Constitution of our country ever be in danger of being overthrown, I believe Utah will be foremost in the Van to rescue it." Yes! we hope to see the day when the reins of Government will be in the hands of honorable, highminded men, whose interest it will be to promote the welfare and happiness of the people–the whole people in every State and Territory of our great Union –who will feel that "standing armies are only fit for tyrants," but the safe guard of a President is the affections of the people. (Loud and continued applause) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P016.jpg) Note 1 16 Reported by J. [-]. Long. After the speech of Mr. Clements; Gov. Cummings said: I would appeal to the gen= tleman who has addressed this congregation with such skill and evident ability, as must have been apparent to all: I would appeal to him with regard to one thing, and request that he will state to this people that no digression has, attempted to be perform= ed by the government to the exclusion of the rights of this people with those of other Territories. If the gentleman has heard what I have said, he will make the response, whether there has been any digression or not, or whether this has been the same as with all the Territories. Mr. Clements replied: In answer to His Excellency, I would respectfully say, that for years there has been a manifest difference on the part of the Government towards us and the people of other Territories: 1st. Preemption rights have been with= held from us, but granted to the people of all other Territories. (Applause.) 2nd. While large appropriations have been made to other Territories for Indian purposes, public buildings, educational purposes, &c., &c., we have been excluded from any. 3rd. The postal facilities that all other Territories enjoy we have been denied. (loud applause.) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P017.jpg) Gov. Cumming said: may I take the liberty of passing upon that gentleman's time (Voice: don't angry.) I am not angry, but I wish to consider things cooly and dispassionately. I have not the pleasure of your name, Sir, but I wish to ask, whether there has been any digression in regard to this Territory and other Territories of the United States. (Voice: Yes, there has.) Mr. Clements replied: The reasons that I have already given Your Excellency, abundantly prove, I think, that we have not been treated like any other Terri- tory. There has not been only been a digression, but a course has been pursued to us palpably oppo- site to that which has been pursued to the other Territories. (great applause.) Gov. Cumming remarked: I then understand that the gentleman admits, that there been no digres- sion from the law of '91. The law was adopted in '89, and the Congress established it as a rule in '91, and that law has been the basis of Territorial appointments. Then, fellow citizens, you hear from me, and it is confirmed a friend whom you know for his integrity and intelligence, that there are no at- tempts to make any difference between the people of this Territory and any other which has been organized as the germ of a future state. I have come here to carefully investigate this ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P018.jpg) 18 3 [-]ter. One gentleman gives me a suggestion to keep my temper, which I trust I shall always do. I have come here with no assurance of being treated well, but I come believing in your intelligence, and that I should be protected. I met some gentlemen on the way, and was treated courteously by them, (Voice, why didn't you come last fall?) but now I am here, and you have me for what I am. I can ap= peal to gentlemen, whose names are revered by you, when I say, that I have a desire for the promotion and the independence of a people who have dared to strike for liberty such as is guarranteed by the constitution and the laws which emanate from it. I do not desire to come as an interloper. I come here direct from the source of power; and I am not for the bayonets that come to enforce your respect. I trust I shall yet live to see the day, as old as I am, when I shall be glad to remem= ber the day I first met with you. If you do not believe me to be the man that I say I am, the time may not be far remote when one not much better may be sent here; and in fact, I am assured that such will be the case, provided another should have to be appointed in my stead. I know my own heart, but I know not what may be upon the hearts of others. As to the dictation which this gentleman alludes to, he knows as to the peculiar mode in which I should be received, if I were to transcend my limits. Should ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P019.jpg) 4 19 any unpleasantness arise during my administration then let me be judged by my acts, and if I am then condemned let me be invited here, and have a plain, open enquiry about my conduct, and I promise that I will not be found a ragged thing hanging about your skirts when you do not want me any longer. With these feelings I trust I shall be received as a friend. Mr. Clements replied: I am sorry your Excellency does not understand me, for I have already stated a number of instances in which Utah has been treated differently from other Territories. The law of '89 was not designed to trample on the rights of the people in the Territories, not infringe upon their constitutional privileges. The case of Utah has unfortunately been an exception in reference to officials. The appointees to other Territories have generally been acceptable, so far as I am acquainted, to the people; in our case they have been in the majority of cases objectionable; and the whole question narrows itself down to this: _ Is the arbitrary right vested in the President to force upon the people of the Territories, officers they do not want, and withhold from them men of their own choice? We admit that a usage has obtained for the President to appoint officers for the Territories, but does that usage allow him to force against their united wish officials upon them? ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I3_P020.jpg) We say, if it does it is repugnant to our Constitution, and subversive of all our institutions, the spirit of which is, that all sovereign power emanates from the people, and surely this power is entirely wrenched from them, if they are compelled to receive officials at the point of the bayonet. If I reside in any state I have a voice in the selection of every officer in the state. By becoming a 'squatter sovereign' in a Territory am I disfranchised and my 'sovereignty' become that of a slave? Utah is an exception, for if a petition had come from the Legislature of any other Territory containing from three to six names for the several offices in the Territory, and praying the President to make a selection from the list, he would not have dared act towards them as he has done to us. The Memorial of our Legislature to the President was the unanimous feeling of this entire people, and the only reply we receive is a batch of men opposite to those we asked for;_ even down to the Postmaster they are all strangers, and come at the point of the bayonet. I feel therefore, that we would be recreant to every claim we have as freemen and american citizens if we do not take every means to resist such unconstitutional measures. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p001.jpg) Remarks. By Elder John Taylor, Tabernacle, Sunday morning, April 25th 1858. (Reported by J. V. Long) These are strange occurrences to be taking place in our midst, here on the sabbath day, when we have met to worship God; they are rather new in our history. However, there is very fre– –quently something up associated with Mormonism, and which we must receive as among the current scenes that are transpiring, as we pass along through this stage of existance. Although strange, it is practical; there is something that is matter of fact about it; and something in which we as individuals, and as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, as well as members of the great lady politic of the great confederation of the Uni- -ted States, and as men and women, are all interested. It is customary on such occasions as this, when any political topic is discussed in which the interest & happiness of the masses are concerned, that there should be a great deal of excitement; & it is natural that the feelings of the hu- -man mind should be raised from their foundation, particularly under the circumstances in which we are present placed; & if it were not so now we should be something more than human. I am glad, however, to see the order which generally prevails, & I hope that it will continue to be so; & however other men may feel in other cities, I hope to see this community act & feel as saints of the living God, not to act according to the civilization of the world, but according to that which exists among us. In relation to Governor Cumming, I will say, that some time ago I addressed a letter to Captain Marcy and I expressed my feelings relative to officers coming here under the feelings & influences that he & others have come. I presume yours are the same, if we can judge by what we have heard this morning. Governor Cumming could have trusted himself so much better, & it would have been so much better for him to have been com- -fortably housed in this City, than to have been out yonder. Governor Cumming, if you and the gentleman who came with you, had come as representatives should have come, you would have been received as gentlemen, & you have been treated ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p002.jpg) as courteously as you or any other gentleman could be any where in the United States; but you & the officers have been obliged to stay in those inhospitable climes which have protected us from their and it is because of your own acts and not of ours presence; ^ & it is because there is something within our bosoms that will not allow itself to be trampled upon. There is a time when forbearance will be borne no longer. As a man, Governor Cumming has found that he can pass about perfectly safe, he can travel in our mountains, valleys & Kanyons, if the Indians do not molest him, without even a pen knife. We are a frank people here. Remarks have been made that there might be interested demagogues who might be seeking after office. I trust we are not as they are in the cabals of the east, but we do speak the feelings that burn in our bosoms; we are not hypocrites, we do not act on that principle. In relation to Governor Cumming; I know nothing about the gentleman, but I should be glad to see him courteously treated as I would every other gentleman, while he remains here. In relation to the difference of sentiment between us and him, I would say that notwithstanding that, we wish to treat all men as gentlemen while they are with us, & we wish to entertain no other feeling, if we can be met on honourable terms by religions or political gentlemen. When we can do this we are ready, & we never should be found taking up arms, except our most sacred rights were infringed upon. Governor Young last fall, & during the most exciting time sent letters & giving the officers an invitation to come in here and spend the winter. Then, I ask, why did you not come here? (Govr Cumming, Snow prevented it) There was a way open all the time that the correspondence was carried on between Govr Young & Col Alexander, & I do know that Govr Young sent the most friendly in- -vitations for the officers to come in here; & I do know that Govr Young has pursued the most pacific measures that was possible to pursue. When I speak of these things, they are things that we positively know. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p003.jpg) If we had been disposed for war & bloodshed, could we not have easily cut off all supplies? Why, they came straggling along in the most miserable condition. Some have said that we have been disposed to plunder & that we have taken their cattle. What have we done it for? To weaken their forces & spare their lives! For as sure as God lives if they had come a little further they would have been dead men; & if it had not been for Govr Young, as it was, they would have been dead men, & your entire army, sir, would now have been sleeping the sleep of death! He felt as a Governor should feel, & he felt that the man who had been elected to the highest of- -fice in the United States had led a few ignorant men to intrude upon our rights! If they had been our enemies, who have from time to time abused us, there would not have been one left to tell the tale! No, Sir, not one! Who was it that came? A number of honorable men of the U. S. Army, many of whom it may said, braver could not be found, & as such Govr Young looked upon them. They have battled for the rights of this country & they have battled with Mexico, & Govr Young looked upon this & felt it, and said shall we take their lives because they are placed in this position by a miserable the representative of this nation? No, says he, we will save them! What was the dif- -ficulty he had to cope with? It was the feelings of the peo- -ple whose rights have been so often trampled upon. Hold on said he! Hold on said Genl Wells, spare their lives! That is the crime that he has been guilty of. (Govr Young; and for that they would hang me.) We had men play- -ing around them & laughing at their imbecility & I have seen the officers come up to Genl Wells, & say in the name of God, why wont you let us loose on those men, & we will cut them off? But the time had not come, but when it does come it will spread fire & desolation wherever it goes! We are free, & we will be free! (Voices: ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p004.jpg) hear hear.) Talk about an Army coming for peace; It is nonsense to think of such a thing. Govr Cumming, we speak frankly here, & we believe there is something under that white heap, something that is perfectly understood by us, & it is sung from Maine to Missouri and from Lousianna to Wisconsin, "destroy them from the earth". Dont we read the journals, when your mail comes in, and when the scamps on the road have not robbed us of our letters? We are not asleep here, and we know all that has been done in your camp & in the United States, and we know what is going on in the world. We are not asleep; we are alive; we are active, we are enerjetic; we understand ourselves & our friends; we understand the policy of the general government of the U. States; and we understand the policy of that Army, and of the Editors of the organs of the Government; and we understand the whole catalogue of their proceedings. We are not in the dark, we know what we are doing. Talk about distinction between us & others sir; (Govr Young; Do not be so personal in your remarks.) I do not wish for any discussion, but permit me to say with all defference to Govr Cumming, _ for I have been a stranger in strange places, & I do not wish to be personal _ I do not wish to inflict a wound upon any person's feelings who is a stranger. I do not want any circumlocution neither do I want to wade anything, and Govr Cumming has asked a straight for- -ward question, relative to whether there is any difference between this and other Territories in the appointment of officers. Nominally and theoretically there is no distinc- -tion between the President of the United States with and by the consent of the senate appointing officers for this & other Territories In relation to this and all other things we wish to be fair. I very much question one thing, viz. if the representatives of any other Territory of the United States with the consent of the whole had petitioned Prest, Buchannan, and given him four or five different ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p005.jpg) 5 names for every office, I very much question but what the President would have given them their choice. Do not you think so? (Govr Cumming: I think that predjudices have arisen against you, & I have come to disband them.) In relation to this matter I have no doubt you are right, respecting the prejudice. But if the President of the United States had not granted a petition of that kind to any other Territory, he would have been hooked & condemned through every part of these united States, and I mean to say he would have been looked upon as Anti-republi- -can, and as anti-American, and I am at the defiance to prove to the contrary. We do not wish to come out with anything technical, but we wish to come at facts. Now let us come at some. Did the Government of the United States, when some thirty thousand of our people were driven from the states of Missouri & Illinois housless, did they know that many of them laid down their lives, and that many were chased by their enemies till they could be tracked by their blood? Did not Pres't Buchanan's petitioners represent this thing? And did not he and the administration know that many of our women were ravished in the state of Missouri by what is called civilization? And did they not know that many of our Elders were imprisoned in that state contrary to law? And did they not know that some of our brethren were killed and that their flesh was taken to those prisoners to feed them on? And now with all this knowledge they have appointed us a Governor from the state from whence we were driven, & most inhumanly treated (Govr Cumming I am a Georgian Sir, I am a Georgian; I was only there holding a civil office.) The gentleman says he is a Georgian, & I am glad of it. (voices hear hear.) but still these things took place in the state of Missouri, ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p006.jpg) and were not these things known to the United States government? Did we have any redress? Answer you who were driven from there. (Hundreds of voices answered No.9 Did you purchase lands there? (The same parties answered, Yes.) Did you pay for them? (Yes.) Did you get anything for those lands? (No.) The catechism is very straight gentlemen, but Govr Young is desirous that I should not go into these matters & they are truly very painful to reflect upon. We will come to things of a more recent date. We do not wish to act impolitely or through passion, but is it not a well known fact that in every other state and Territory they have given grants of pre-emption? (Govr Cumming: The Indian title has not been extinguished here.) Why has not the Indian title been extinguished here? Because, we are Mormons, Gentle- -men, I am only judging from the feeling that was manifested by the members of Congress when I was in New York and by the Editors of public journals. I have had the honor of associating with gentlemen there and I know their feelings, and when I speak of these things they are things that I know. I ask again why is not the Indian title extinguished? Perhaps it might be if any other people were to come here, so that a difficulty might be created and Government get rid of the knotty question. But I will not go into these things, for I could enumerate a whole string of them, but I will let them all go, throw them into a bundle and let them go for what they are worth (Govr Cumming: I am desirous that the people should know that preliminary to all Indian treaties it is customary to have the surveys of all Territories. There have been reports circulated against You, but I have not come predjudiced, neither have I ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p007.jpg) come Mormon, but I come here to enquire into your condition, and what do I find? I find the records of the courts in a perfect condition, I find them all. As a self constituted commissioner by virtue of my office I have come to enquire into all these matters. Then let us get rid of all feeling of excite- -ment. There is a great difference between such highly educated, and talented gentlemen as those who have addressed you, and myself, for I do not know how to express myself or to use my languge as my friend Taylor or the other gentle- -man. but I have come for the purpose of doing good, and when the darkness comes, or if I find that I am not wanted, I shall not be found loafing about. I have come with the expectation of making my home here; my wife has come with me, my children are dead. I come not as a traveller, but I come to stay among you, & to have an interest with you, and I am pleased to hear from you and to learn that I am the Governor, of an honorable constituency who know their rights and who are willing and ready to maintain them.) Elder Taylor resumed, As it is about time to dismiss our meeting, I will not detain you with many more remarks but there is one thing I will say, those troops must be withdrawn before we can have any officers palmed upon us! (Thou- -sands of voices responded, hear hear.) Govr Cumming wished to hear from the ladies whereupon one arose in the congrega- -tion and said: I wish to bear my testimony to the liberty I have enjoyed in this Territory. I gathered with this people to Nauvoo, and then I moved with the church to this city, and since then ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I4_p008.jpg) I have been twice back to visit my family in the states; I have gone there and returned at my pleasure, and I have enjoyed the liberty that I could desire or wish for, and I know that all other ladies enjoy as much liberty as I do, and in fact I have known nothing but liberty since I have been here. Govr Cumming said: I am rejoiced to have the opportunity of hearing from the lady who has just spoken, and I am glad to know that she and the ladies here are satisfied with the liberty the enjoy in this Territory; and I will repeat again that the remarks I have made are not to make contention, but only for the purpose of guaranteeing a fair privilege to the people & to show that they have the opportunity of going away, and if any persons feel disposed to ad- -dress themselves to me, or to Govr Young they can do so, I do not wish to control the matter. I hope that after the somewhat unaccustomed excitement we shall be prepared to retire to our homes, there to await till our new duties call us away again. I presume my place of residence is known to most of you, if it is not you can learn it from the gentlemen who are here, and you can come not under any excitement, nor under the influence of passion. I do not wish this from any per- sonal considerations, but it is one that I am bound to respect, and I desire to have this matter understood, that I do not wish to hear the minds of the people for my own gratification, but I wish not to deprive the congregation of the privilege of saying anything they may have to say, ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I5_p001.jpg) 1 Remarks by President B. Young, April 25th 1858 Reported by G. D. Watt. I do not arise to discuss any subject, and the cir= cumstances that brother Taylor was inclined to bring before the people I do not wish to hear them myself, and I know there are a great many here that do not, for we have already seen too much of such scenes. I want to make a statement with regard to officers of Territories. It has been the custom for the President of the United States to appoint Territorial officers, such as Governor, three Judges, Attorney, and Marshal for each Territory, and Indian Agents for the States and Territories. I wish to answer a query that will arise in the minds of the people with regard to Utah being treated different from any other Territory by saying, I presume that there never was a Territory that made choice of their officers but this Territory, or that suggested any thing of the kind to the General Government. When a new Territory is commenced we see broken down politicians flocking to that Territory seeking for office under the Territorial government, hoping yet to gain the high honor of being appointed representative of that people in Congress. This is generally the case as we have witnessed with ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I5_p002.jpg) 2 regard to the officers for this Territory. I shall close my remarks on this point by making one statement: we have requested the General Government to appoint men of our own choice to be the dispensers of the law in this Territory. This is perfectly legal; it is our right, no doubt. The United States government in its several departments has taken the liberty to pick up, men who are unacquainted with us, without giving us a voice in the selection of any officer whatever. The law pertaining to Postmasters is, that no Post Master shall be appointed outside the city or town containing a distributing office, but the general government has taken the liberty not to see this, and has even come down to the ap= pointment of a Post master for the Territory of Utah, so as not to have a Postmaster of our people. They can walk over the law with impunity. We have not gained a single officer of our own choice through our petitioning. As to Indian titles I wish to inform the congregation that the Territory of Utah was taken from what is now called New Mexico, and California. I do not think the Government intends to extinguish the Indian title from this Territory as it is purchased Territory. It has been a question before our courts whether it is an Indian Territory or not. It has been organized into counties, and it is no matter whether they purchased the land from the Indians or not; it does not concern us; but in other Territories they have purchased the lands from the Indians always ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I5_p003.jpg) 3 before they surveyed them; but this has been obtained by conquest and money, and they don't intend to ex= tinguish the Indian title. It is late, and time to bring our meeting to a close. I have felt a little mortified to see so much enthusiasm manifested. I would like to see men and women cool, and not become excited upon any subject. I will take the liberty to say to my friend Governor Cumming that he may be ensured, and so may everybody, that had it not been for the influence I have over this people, it is not for me to say where the United States army now with= in our borders would have been this day. I have used my powers of reason, and my influence to teach the people not to do that they believed to be their imperative duty. I look forward in hope that all matters will be amicably adjusted, and we shall be in peace here. It is true the people are moving, the reason of which I can explain before the congre= gation, or to any gentleman at any time. They are removing, and will continue to move – the result God knows. All things are under his control, and all people are before him, and we will do his pleasure, and trust in him, and be willing to be worn out as it is prophesied years ago, and we will take joyfully the spoiling of our goods, and will bear manfully whatever the providence of God shall put upon us; and with regard to our future position pertaining to this world we will see ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F16_I5_p004.jpg) what comes. Trust in the Lord; do good; walk humbly with your God; love mercy, seek after the good, and eschew evil, and the Lord will never fail to bless that people who love the truth, and deal honestly. You have heard a Note read here from Gov. Cumming concerning persons who feel themselves re- strained in the exercise of their liberties; who wish more liberty, and to withdraw from this community. What have I said to you? Have I not told you all the day long that we would help you away. If there are any such here who want protection at the hands of Governor Cumming, men or women, will you have the kindness to be manly enough, to manifest it here – if there are those here who feel to withdraw from this community, and who feel restrained in their liberty – by a show of hands. (Four persons showed hands, two of whom were not in the church) [The following is written sideways in bottom right corner] Tabernackle April 25 ‘58 President B. Youngs Remarks. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I10_p001.jpg) Executive Office Great Salt Lake City U. T. May 12, 18 1858 I beg to recommend to your favorable attention Messrs. (2 lines blank) the company escorting my friend Col. Kane to Florence on their assistance way to the States and upon their return. Any convenience which you may furnish in providing provender forage, or animals if they stand in need of them - will oblige Yours truly A Cum[-]ig To — Governor of Utah Territory Commanding at Laramie Comanding To— FH Kearney 4 2 copie [----] Draft of requested Safe conduct from Gov, Cumming for escorts of Col. Kane on way East from Utah at conclusion of his mission E. [-]. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I11_p001.jpg) Great Salt Lake City. May 12. 1858 My dear Sir: I regret to be obliged to answer your letter of the ?8th inst the in haste. I would thank you for your complimentary ?notice of make[-] myself which [-]t contains, but more for the tender? which you offer of your continued exertions to advance the public? good. I know the value of your services and exhort you? particularly to persevere. particularly that persuading [-] I trust ^ you will succeed in ?[illegible deletion] those who respect your opinion and who are ?moving South opi[---] that there is no ground for the apprehension? which they appear to entertain. You may assure them that no ?effort on my part will be spared to restrain the troops at ?Bridger from a further advance until further advices are received by me from the President of the United States from this city until a reply is received ?by me to dispatches which I have transmitted ^ to to the Secretary of State at Washington. I am Sir very respectfully your obedient servant President Brigham Young. addressee This seems to be a draft of or copy of letter from Gov. Alfred Cumming to Brigham Young E.K. Gov. CUMMING to B.Y. 5/12/68 on ED. Kanes birthday ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I12_p001.jpg) TS Great Salt Lake City, U.T May 12th 1858. My dear Colonel Enclosed please accept the return of your Drafts upon R. P. Kane Esq. of Philadelphia. In remembrance of our most cordial friendship I am sure you will not deny me the favor of having extended to you the scanty hospitality of our mountain home; nor feel offended at what I consider a just though exceedingly poor return for many very great favors. May the peace of Heaven dwell with you and each member of your good and highly esteemed house. Ever and most sincerely Your friend, Brigham Young ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I12_p002.jpg) 461.05 200 188.87 100. 250.08 Philada., Decem. 1. 1858, Received the amount of the drafts for the above amounts drawn at Great Salt Lake City on Robert P. Kane Esquire to the order of William H. Hooper John M. Bernhisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I12_p003.jpg) Dolls. 200.00 Gt. Salt Lake City May 7, 1858, At five days sight, this first of Exchange (second unpaid) pay to the order of Wm. H. Hooper Two hundred dollars, value received, and charge as advised to account of___________________ To Robert P. Kane, Esq. Thomas L. Kane. Philadelphia Pa. Dolls. 200.00 Gt. Salt Lake City May 7, 1858. At five days sight, this second of Exchange (First unpaid) pay to the order of Wm. H. Hooper Two hundred dollars, Value received, and charge as advised to account of________________________ To Robert P. Kane, Esq. Thomas L. Kane. Philadelphia Pa. Received December 1st, 1858, the above amount from Colonel Kane John M. Bernhisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I12_p004.jpg) Dolls. 46105 Gt Salt Lake City May 7, 1858. At five days sight, this first of Exchange (Second unpaid) pay to the order of Wm. H. Hooper Four hundred and sixty one dollars and five cents, value received, and charge as advised to account of _______________________________________________ To Robert P. Kane, Esq. Thomas L. Kane. Philadelphia, Pa. Dolls. 46105 Gt. Salt Lake City, May 7th, 1858, At five days sight, this second of exchange (first unpaid) pay to the order of Wm. H. Hooper Four hundred and sixty one dollars and five cents, value received, and charge as advised to account of_______________________________ To Robert P. Kane, Esq. Thomas L. Kane. Philadelphia, Pa. Received December 1st, 1858, the above amount from Colonel Kane. John M. Bernhisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I12_p005.jpg) Dolls. 10000 Gt. Salt Lake City May. 7. 1858. At five days sight, this first of Exchange (second unpaid) pay to the order of Wm H. Hooper One hundred dollars, value received, and charge as advised to account of _______________________________ To Robert P. Kane Esq, Thomas L. Kane Philadelphia Pa, Dolls. 10000 Gt. Salt Lake City May 7. 1858 At five days sight, this second of exchange (first unpaid) pay to the order of Wm H. Hooper One hundred dollars. Value received, and charge as advised to account of __________________________________________ To Robert P. Kane, Esq. Thomas L. Kane Philadelphia Pa, Received December 1st 1858 the above amount from Colonel Kane John M. Bernhisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I12_p006.jpg) Dolls. 18887 Gt. Salt Lake City May. 7. 1858. At five days sight, this first of Exchange, (second unpaid) pay to the order of Wm H. Hooper One hundred and Eighty eight dollars, and eighty seven cents. Value received, and charge as advised to account of______________________________________ To Robert P. Kane Esq, Philadelphia Thomas L. Kane Pa, Dolls. 188.87 Gt Salt Lake City May. 7. 1858 At five days sight, this second of Exchange (first unpaid) pay to the order of Wm H. Hooper, One hundred and Eighty-eight dollars and eighty seven cents, Value received, and charge as advised to account of______________________________________________________ To Robert P. Kane, Esq. Philadelphia, Thomas L. Kane Pa. Received December 1st 1858 the above amount from Colonel Kane John M. Bernhisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I12_p007.jpg) Dolls. 25008 Gt. Salt Lake City May 7th 1858. At five days sight this first of Exchange (Second unpaid) pay to the order of Wm H. Hooper Two hundred and fifty dollars and eight cents Value received and charge as advised to account of _______________________________________________ To Robert P. Kane Esq Thomas L. Kane Philadelphia, Pa. Dolls. 25008 Gt Salt Lake City May 7th 1858. At five days sight this second of Exchange (first unpaid) pay to the order of Wm H. Hooper Two hundred and fifty dollars and eight cents, value received, and charge as advised to account of ____________________________________ To Robert P. Kane Esq. Thomas L. Kane Philadelphia, Pa. Received December 1st 1858 the above amount from Colonel Kane. John M. Bernhisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I13_p001.jpg) typewritten copy. Gr. SaltLake May 1858 My darling: Think of my dear Mother, and perhaps you can make up for some of my sins of disobedience where it is no longer in my power to atone for them.– You can keep her alive to see me, if any body can, and you are the one who will comfort Bessie and dear Patty.– My poor John! How hard for him, there!– Comfort them, whenever you remember that you are not here to comfort me – comfort them all. Oh, my dear one, thank you for having been the dear daughter you always were! I write this let= ter for the purpose of expressing to you my gratitude, though I think you will see me in little more than a month after you receive it. I want a line sent to my address to Fort Laramie, [ink blot] a line – something longer and better directed to "Fort Kearney, Grand Island," and a letter to wait for me at the Post Office at "Weston Missouri." I will telegraph as soon as I reach St. Louis. Keep letters in the Post Office there. – Th. L. K. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I13_p002.jpg) Mrs. Th. L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p001.jpg) May 2, 1858 (Letter of A. CUMMING MAY 2, 1858 handwriting of T.L.K. Pencil corrections in handwriting of gov. Cumming.) "Sir: "You are aware that my comtemplated journey was necessarily "postponed in consequence of the snow on the mountains and in the "Cañons between Ft. Bridger and this city. In accordance with my "determination communicated in former notes, I left Bridger on the "5th. and arrived here on the 12th. instant." Some of the incidents of my "journey are related in "the annexed note addressed by me to Colonel "A. S. Johnston on the 15th instant. (A ¶ "The Note omits "to state – that I met <3> armed parties of " at Lost and Yellow Creek" <&> "as well as at Echo Cañon. At every "point I was recognized as the Governor of Utah, and received with "a military salute. When it was arranged" with the commander of my "escort that I should pass through Echo Cañyon at night, I inferred "red that <[it was with the object> the intention of concealing| the barricades and other defences. "|from my observation.|' I was therefore agreeably surprised by an illumina "tion " in my honor The bonfires of the soldiers "kindled from the base "to the summits of the walls of the cañon "not only "[shed a bright light upon] " the dark valley below" but "disclosed" even the most remote of 'the "snow capt mountains which surrounded us]". "When I arrived at the "next "Station", I found that the Emigrant Road over the "Big Mountain" "was impassable. I was able to make my way however down the valley of the weber cañon ¶ Since my arrival, I have been employed in examining the Records of the Supreme and District Courts, which I am now prepared to Report upon as being perfect and unimpaired. This will doubtless be acceptable information "to those who have entertained as impression to the contrary ¶I have also examined the Legislative Records and other p. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p002.jpg) ( and other books belonging to the office of the Secretary of State, which are in perfect preservation. The property return though not made up in proper form, exhibits the public property for which W. H. Hooper late Acting Secretary of State is responsible. It is the same for which the Estate of A. W. Babbitt is liable, that individual having died whilst in the office of Secretary of State for Utah. I believe that the books and charts stationery and other property appertaining to the Surveyor General’s office will upon future examination be found in their proper place except some instruments which are supposed to have been disposed of by a person who was temporarily in charge of the office. I cannot verify the matter however in consequence of not having at my command a schedule or property return. The state of the large and valuable Territorial Library has also commanded my attention, and I am pleased in being able to report that Mr. W.C. Staines the Librarian has kept the books and records in most excellent condition. I will at an early day transmit a catalogue of this library and schedules of the other public property with certified copies of the Records of the Supreme and District Courts (of the United States for the Territory) exhibiting the character and amount of the public business last transacted in them. On the 21st. inst. I left Great Salt Lake City and visited Tuilla and Rush Valleys, in the latter of which lies the Military Reserve selected by Colonel Steptoe, and endeavored to trace the lines upon the ground from field notes which are in the Surveyor General’s office. An accurate plat of the Reserve, as it has been measured off, will be found accompany- ing a communication which I shall address the Secretary of War upon this subject. ¶On the morning = ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p003.jpg) On the morning of the 24th. instant, information was communicated to me that a number of persons who were desirous of leaving the Territory were unable to do so and considered themselves to be unlawfully restrained of their liberty. However desirous of conciliating popular opinion, I felt it incumbent upon me to adopt the most energetic measures to ascertain the truth or falsehood of this statement. Postponing therefore a journey of importance which I had in contemplation to one of the Settlements of Utah County, I caused public notice to be given immediately of my readiness to assist all persons who were or deemed themselves to be aggrieved, and on the ensuing day, which was Sunday, requested the following Notice to be read in my presence to the people at the Tabernacle. Notice It has been reported to me that there are persons residing in this City and in other parts of the Territory who are illegally restrained of their liberty. It is therefore proper that I should announce that I assume the protection of all such persons, if any there be, and request that they will communicate to me their names and places of residence, under seal through Mr. Fay Worthing, or to me in person during my stay in the City. A. Cumming Governor of Utah Territory I have since kept my office open at all hours of the day and night, and have registered no less than 56 men 33 women and 71 children as desirous of my protection and assistance in proceeding to the United States. The large majority of these people are of English birth, and state that they leave the Congregation from a desire to improve their circumstances and realise elsewhere more money by their labor. A number of the leading men among the Mormons have promised to furnish them flour, and assist them in leaving the country. My presence = ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p004.jpg) My presence at this meeting in the Tabernacle will be remembered by me as an occasion of intense interest. Between 3 three and four thousand persons were assembled for the purpose of public worship; the hall was crowded to overflowing; but the most profound quiet was observed when I appeared. President Brigham Young introduced me by name as the Governor of Utah and I addressed the my audience from ’’The Stand”, or pulpit. I informed them that I had come among them to vindicate the national sovreignty; that it was my duty to secure the supremacy of the Constitution and laws; that I had taken my oath of office to exact an unconditional submission on their part to the dictates of the law. – I was not interrupted. In a discourse of about forty minutes duration, I touched (as I thought best) boldly upon the leading questions at issue between them and the General Government. I remembered that I had to deal with men embittered by the remembrance and recital of many real and some imaginary wrongs, but did not think it wise to withhold from them the entire truth. They listened respectfully to all that I had to say — approvingly even, I fancied, when I explained to them what I intended should be the character of my administration. In fact the whole manner of the people was calm; betokening no consciousness of having done wrong, but rather as it were indicating a conviction that they had done their duty to their religion and to the country. — I have observed that the Mormons profess to view the Constitution as the work of inspired men, and respond with singular readiness to appeals to their interest in its favour. for th its support. —Thus the meeting might have ended. But, after closing my remarks, I rose and stated that I would be glad to hear from any who might be inclined to address me upon topics. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p005.jpg) upon topics of interest to the Community. This invitation brought forth several powerful speakers, who evidently exercised great influence on the masses of the people. They harangued on the subject of the assassination of Joseph Smith Junior and his friends – the service rendered by the Mormon Battalion to an ungrateful country – their sufferings on the plains during their dreary pilgrimage to their mountain home, etc. etc. The Congregation became greatly excited, and joined the speakers in their intemperate remarks, exhibiting more frenzy than I had expected to witness among a people who habitually exercise great self control. A Speaker now represented the Federal Government as desirous of needlessly introducing the national troops into the Territory – "whether a necessity appeared for their employment to support the authority of the civil officers, or not" – and the wildest uproar was the result. ensued. I was fully confirmed in the opinion, that this people, with their extraordinary religion and customs, would gladly encounter certain certain death, rather than be subjected to the a submission to the <[---]> military power which they (wrongfully) consider to involve a loss of honor mockery of a trial by a jury composed of the followers of a camp. —In my first speech
I had informed
them they were entitled to a trial by their peers, that I had no intention of stationing the army in immediate contact with their settlements, and that the military posse would not be resorted to until all other means of arrest had been tried and failed. I found the utmost difficulty in explaining these points, so great was the [text written along the left margin] ensued certain they (wrongfully) consider to involve a loss of honor ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p006.jpg) ( was the excitement. Eventually however, the efforts of Prest. Young were successful in calming the tumult and restoring order. before the adjournment of the meeting. – I should may add that more than one speaker has since expressed his regret at having been betrayed into intem - perance of language in my presence. — The President and the American people will learn with gratification the auspicious issue of our difficulties here- I regret the necessity which compels me to mingle with my congratulations the announcement of a fact which will occasion grave concern. The people, including the inhabitants of of this City, are removing from every settlement in the North- ern part of the territory. The roads are every where filled with wagons laden with provisions and household furniture: the women and children, often without shoes or hats, driving the flocks they know not where. They seem not only resigned, but cheerful: it is the will of the Lord; - and they rejoice to exchange the comforts of home for the trials of the wilderness. Their ultimate destination is not yet I apprehend definitely fixed upon. ’’Going South” seems sufficiently definite for most of them, Young, Kimball, and most of the influential men have left their magnificent houses without apparent regret to lengthen the long train of wanderers. The masses every- where announce to me that the torch will be applied to every house indiscriminately throughout the country, so soon as the troops attempt to pass the Mountains. I shall follow these people, and endeavor ?to rally them. Numbers whom I have met appear to ?be in dread of the Indian tribes of the vicinity, whom? the distressed condition of the whites has encouraged? to commit extensive depredations. I may at least? quiet the apprehensions of these persons and induce? them to return. A military force might- [text written along left margin] NOTE: * On the afternoon of Sunday last Prest. B. Young is reported to have spoken in the Tabernacle as follows: ”I have a good mind to tell a secret, right here. I believe I will tell it any how. They say there is a fine country down South there. Sonora is it: is that your name for it. Do not speak of this out of doors, if you please.” ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p007.jpg) ( might ?overwhelm many of them involving men women and ?children in a common fate; but there are among the ?Mormons many brave men accustomed to arms and ?to horses, men who would fight desperately as ?guerillas, and if the settlements are des- troyed will? subject the country to a protracted and expensive ?war without any compensating benefit . They will, I ?am sure, submit to trials by their peers, but they ?will not brook the idea of trials by juries composed? of teamsters and followers of the Camp, nor of an army encamped in their midst. I have adopted means to reach recall the few ?remaining Mormons in arms who have not yet, it is? said, complied with my request to withdraw from the? Cañons and Eastern frontier. I have also taken ?active measures to protect the buildings which have been? vacated in the Northern settlements. I am sanguine ?that I shall succeed in saving a great part at least of these? valuable improvements. I shall leave this City for the? South tomorrow. After I have finished my business there, I shall return as soon as possible to the Army, to? complete the arrangements which will enable me before ?long, I trust, to announce that the road between California ?and Missouri may be travelled with perfect safety by? merchant trains and emigrants of every description. I ?shall restrain the operations of the military for the present ?until I shall have time to receive from the President additional instructions if he deems it advis necessary to ?give them. I am? Very respectfully Your obedient servant (signed) A. Cumming Governor of Utah Territory ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I1_p008.jpg) Copyies of Letter of Gov. Cumming to Dept. of State May 2. 1858 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p001.jpg) Provo May 7th 1858 Col Kane Dear Sir I take the liberty of sending a few lines wish the enclosed fo[-]m believing you to be a "friend of the Saints" This poem is the story of "Athe[-]l and Annie M. Lean as they would tell it if at liberty. The seal of Tyrany is again upon their lips and voices. Yet may they not speak: The writer is the mother of those guiltless Captives about whom much has been said and written in the U. S. and for whom as innocent blood has been shed as ever flowed in mortal veins. I have dear Sir greatly desired an interview with you and called at Mr Staines for that purpose but to my regret you had left about half an hour before for the south. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p002.jpg) If you think this Poem worthy of publication, I will take it as a great favo[-] if you will put it in the proper channel prefaced in any way you think best. My children have been wr[-]ng from me by the hand of unrelenting tyrany and are now held by religious bigotry that cannot be penetrated by truth or reason. My Eldest Son James Fitzroy McLean according to the best information I have is at Yellow Springs College, under the special charge of Prof Weston. I mesure he is not permitted to read any thing from me or to write to me. I have a great desire that this poem should [-]each him. I have no knowledge where my other two children are but think it most likely they are in N. [-]. with my parent J. S. & Ann McC[-]mb. I believe you Sir to be one inspired by God to stand in the defence of oppressed ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p003.jpg) innocence and was much as you continue to act obedient to this inspiration I know the God of Israel will bless you: and Millions will rise up and call you blessed. I pray God my Eternal Father to preserve your life, and prosper you in every righteous desire of your heart in the name of Jesus amen. Eleanor McC[-]mb ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p004.jpg) Col Kane Present ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p005.jpg) 1st The Voice of an Infant Captive [-]hen I was yet a tender little child Scenes to me most sadly strange and wild Began to tinge the teeming cup of life With sorrow, bitterness and painful strife: My mother is a woman mild and kind, And loves to cultivate the infant mind, She always strove to keep us clean and neat, And in the paths of virtue led our feet. She taught us how to sing, and how to pray, And to love wisdom's peaceful, pleasant way; And yet - her life was full of toil and woe, Which name could cure and very few could know. F'or my poor father early learned to drink. Of that dark cup, which soon or late must sink, All to sad victims to the gates of death, For surely this is in the inebriate's breath, That he must one day have his certain fate, ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p006.jpg) 2nd Amid the wretched sons of crime and hate, if at the wine cup he yet rather sips, Than press his guiless infant's tender lips, Or come at [-]ce to bless his faithful wife, Who shares with him the toils and cares of life. How oft I'v[-] seen her anxious face grow pale, When with old whiskey, Brandy wine or ale, He came enraged his face inflamed, His language such as never should be named; And yet she strove his darling vice to hide, Although the breach became more deep and wide, She ne'er betrayed him to her dearest friend, still hoping each fearful scene would be the end. Now my father drank most deeply at night, And in his home he fixed the secret blight, Of dread of angry words and deadly blows, Which wife and children and God only knows. My mother [-]fte[-] helped him to his bed, Then went alone her bitter tears to shed, And if some one inquired where father was, She said he's sick, without a moment's pause. Sometimes he'd come for months to cheer and bless His wife and children with a fond caress And then we'd bliss instead of bitter tears And joy and hope instead of trembling fears: ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p007.jpg) But in course of a half score years and more, The mons ter a more fearful aspect wore, And scenes of violence began to mark my my father's course: and one night when very dark He put mother by f[-]rce into the street, Where she'd vice of all names, and grades to meet. First we children screamed, then in silence wept, But could not know that night, where mother slept. The doors were locked, and we must go to bed The noise to hush, and hide the tears we shed But there came a day when we must be released, For all the time our faith in God increased, And he did stretch faith his mighty arm, To take us from these scenes of dread alarm. T'was a sunny day, on a western coast, In a city that wealth and fame could boast, my brothers and I beside our mother knelt, And prayed to God our father's heart to melt, Or else take us out of his cruel hands, no more to obey his unkind commands. When done we said, good morning mother dear, And off to school without one thought o[-] fear, That he would ever send us far from her sight, Whose presence gave to life its dearest light. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p008.jpg) When we were from our home just out of sight Pa from a car[-]iage quickly did alight He said he wished to take us on a ride Down to the shipping by the waters side. We straight obeyed, well pleased with such a treat. Ne'r dreaming of the fate we might that hour meet, He took us on board a splendid steam ship, Of all the crowd she'd made the quickest trip. And then he said you now must go away, With grand pa and ma many years to stay. We asked once more to see our mother's face, E'en we should leave that most hallowed place, Where she'd taught us how to live, and how to die, That we might rise and reign wi[-]h saints on high. But while we spoke the gallant ship set sail. And then no words or tears could aught avail, For by the power of involuntary force, The ship kept on her sure and steady course. Out fa[-]her left and we were quite alone, Our grief to spend, our losses to bemoan. For there was on that ship no voice or face, That we had ne'r heard or seen in other place! And methinks we must have perished then had not mother told us of a time when ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p009.jpg) God is pledged the innocent to defend, And bring their sorrows to a final end! My eldest brother knelt beside the berth Oh! t'was the sad est hour I've known on Earth [-]e asked our father in heaven to save, From sickness, death, and a watery grave, And in the name of Jesus as mother did, we asked that god in mercy would forbid, That we should long be banished from that one, Who'd been our chiefest joy since life begun. Where the scene will end I cannot now tell. But till mother comes I say to joy farewell! Part 2nd Came now my nurse and other scenes embrace These Captive Infant's mournful fate to trace For yet they like in cruel fetters bound Tho guiltless blood is crying from the ground For all such suffering ones to be released And till tis done the cry will be increased. "Our mother came not many months ago And took us in a way that none might know ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p010.jpg) 6th Our infant hearts again with glad-ness beat, For an oppressor we hoped no more to meet. But Oh! There came a day, a fatal day, While we were journeying in a peaceful way. Too soon our father met us on the [-]oad, Our trembling hearts wish grief again to goard. Because his arm was strong he tore us away, Tho we’d rather gone to the grave that day. Than parted from our mother’s warm embrace, Perchance on earth no more to see her face. We cried aloud, but Ah! we cried in vain He said we ne’r should see her face again And then he dragged us on through cri[-]ce and death The same foreshadowed in the drinkers breath. They tell me now my father’s hands are red With innocent blood by him lately shed That he has slain a servant of the Lord Who ne’er done him harm, in thought dead on ward And now I ne’er expect one day of rest, Till wish my mother, and my Saviour blest. For in the Kingdom of God’s own dear Son, With faithful saints we hope, we shall be one. [The following is written sideways on right side of page] Eleanor M. Ca[--] ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p011.jpg) Music "Had I never known Thee" The Mother's Lamentation Oh! My lost, my loved, my dear ones, How my heart is filled with pain, When the morning and the evening, Comes but brings thee not again, Chorus -- Oh my Annie! Annie darling! Can I never see the more! And my Albert pure and gentle, Now for thee my tears I pour. On that fatal day I'm musing, When my Lambs were torn away, While their bitter tears were streaming, Oh! it was a dreadful day! Oh! My father in the Heavens, Wilt thou hear me when I pray, Thou that feedest the tender [---] Feed my lambs from day to day. Let thy spirit gently lead them, Till the storm of life is oer, On the way to glory speed them, [sideways text on right side of page] Let us meet to part no more! ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I3_p012.jpg) Yet another Lost and loved one, Now claims a kindred strain, He's my first my ^[gallant] brave son, Oh! will he never come again? Ah! Fitzroy, my gallant, brave one, Wilt thou never come again? To thy mothers bleeding bosom, Without a blot upon thy name? Me'thought I heard the last and loved ones Exclaim we'r comeing home. For soon the nations great and small ones All must share the gen'ral doom. And the Lord has surely promised, That he'll bring us safely home, To our mother taken from us, And again we'll never roam. Oh! my Annie! Annie darling, soon we'll meet to part no more, And my Albert pure and gentle, Then [-]hy griefs will all be oer! Eleanor. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I4_p001.jpg) G.S.L. City, May 8th, 1858. For your own eye. My Dear and Tried Friend: – Though our acquain= tance from its commencement, which now dates from many years past, has bever been marked by that frank interchange of views and feelings which should ever characterize the com= munications of those who have the welfare of mankind at heart, irrespective of sect or party, as I am well assured by a long and intimate acquaintance, is a feeling signally shared by yourself in common with your best friends; yet, so far as I can call to mind, I do not remember to have ever, either in cor= respondence, or in familiar conversation, except, perhaps, by a casual and unpursued remark, alluded to matters of religious belief, as en= tertained by myself and others who are commonly called "Mormons," nor do I remember that you have ever overstepped the most guarded reserve on this subject in all your communica= tions with me. So invariably and persistently has this peculiarity marked our friendly and free interchange of views upon policy and general topics, that I have at times imagined, and still am ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I4_p002.jpg) prone to imagine, that you are more or less inclined to scepticism even upon many points commonly re= ceived by the religious world. The faith embraced by the Latter Day Saints is so naturally philosophical, and so consistent with and enforcive of every valuable and true principle that should govern in every department of life, that I am strongly of opinion that a plain, candid exposition of the faith of the ever= lasting gospel, which I have so much at heart, can not, probably, fail to at least interest a person of your reflective turn of mind. Such being my conviction, your permission to me to converse fam= iliarly with you upon a subject of so much import, previous to your departure for your home, or to write to you upon your return to the society of your family and friends, will confer a highly esteemed favor upon, most truly, Your Friend and the Friend of all good and honorable men, Brigham Young Col. Thomas L. Kane. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I5_p001.jpg) (Copy) G.S.L. City, May 8th, 1858. His Excellency Governor Cumming, Sir: You are familiar with many, if not all, of the malicious charges which enemies to American rights and liberty have so widely and industriously circulated against the citizens of Utah, and, so far as the brief time since your ar- rival in our settlements has permitted, you have personally become cognizant, one by one, of the entire falsity of these charges, to the full number and extent that they have come under your observation, as have already all of the more important. You have also freely addressed a large assemblage of citizens in the Tabernacle in this City, and could discern that their bosoms actually glowed with enthusiasm in behalf of freedom of conscience, respect for the rights of man and every principle couched in the Constitution of our country. These and other facts which have come within your observation, together with the well known important position I am understood to occupy with the citizens of this Territory, compel me, notwithstanding my full and sincere admiration of your conduct and official course and a strong desire to lend you such aid therein as maybe in my power, so far as you may deem it proper to require it, to frankly inform your ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I5_p002.jpg) Excellency that I cannot be responsible for the safety of certain Government appointees, such as Dr. Garland Hurt, H. F. Mornaell, C. L. Craig, and, perhaps, others which your better judgment will probably dictate, should they venture to come into our settlements where the history of their strenuous efforts and desires to bring on a collision between us and the Federal Government is understood. Governor Cumming will observe that I do not discuss or entertain the question of the amount of danger these parties would incur in the Valley; but whether I as an individual will assume the responsibility of en- couraging them to expose themselves at this time. I might, perhaps, qualify other portions of my letter, but do not consider this desired by Governor Cumming – whose purposes as I understand them, my letter best promotes by my frank committal as above. At the same time, in a country where the people are so justly esteemed sovereign, all rulers must realize that their influence and real security are and rightly should be based upon their own correct official and private conduct, which of itself insures the protection and respect of all good men, in Utah at least to as great an extent as elsewhere. You need not to be informed that your highly commendable efforts in behalf of law, order and the extension of civil and religious rights, are most cheerfully and promptly sustained by the people as well as by myself, thereby, as Utah has already declared, demonstrating the perfect freedom enjoyed by all who ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I5_p003.jpg) are disposed to do right, and, as a direct consequence, the worse than uselessness of quartering troops within or near our Settlements. From these and kindred reasons, by you well understood, you will readily per ceive that the nearer approach of United States troops will at once greatly complicate and jeopardize the loyal efforts of yourself and your numerous friends, at least until a candid investigation has preceded their further movement towards our Settlements. On your way from the army to this city, you met a small number of men on duty, as a guard against Indian depredations; when your judgement dictates that there is no further necessity for their re- maining to watch the hostile demonstrations of evil disposed Indians, or the movements of any armed bodies of men who will not listen to your counsels, at your request the persons now performing that duty will most cheerfully repair to their respective homes. I have the honor to remain Most respectfully, (signed) Brigham Young ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I6_p001.jpg) Col Kane Dear Sir When you are quietly at home in the city of "Brotherly Love" this may perchance remind you of a lone desolate mother who sought your presence while in the Valley of the Rocky Mountains – to whose story your patiently listened with evident interest and Sympathy. I [-]nclose with this a letter to my dear James Fitzroy who according to the best information I have is in a College located at Yellow Spring Ohio, The Hon Horace Mann being President of th[-] [--]st and my son in the special charge of Prof Preston. I send by you in hopes through your influence it may reach my son, from whom I have not a line in three years. If you can do any thing that will weak= en the prejudice, that with-holds from me a knowledge of the life and welfare ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I6_p002.jpg) of my children you will have the lasting gratitude of a mother who is childless while her children yet live. Praying you may have a prosperous journey, and be blest with every righteous desire of your heart. I remain Salt Lake City Most Respectfully & May 10th 1858 Obediently yours E. J. McLean ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I7_p001.jpg) Executive Office Great Salt Lake City U.T. May 11. 1858 Hon. Lewis Cass Secretary of State, Sir: I have returned from the South after having seen and conversed with large numbers of those migrating the Mormons who are journeying in that direction. I have reasons to hope that my intercourse with these persons has contributed to allay fears on their part which are perhaps unreasonable. I regret to have been an eye witness however to scenes of great trial & suffering. I have the gratification of authorizing you to announce that the Road in now open between Missouri and California, and that Emigrants and others , adopting the usual precautions for their safety against Indians, may pass through Utah Territory without hindrance or molestation. Parties will do well however to report themselves at Bridger, where any information which I may be possessed of of importa[-] for their guidance will be communicated to them. I have the honor to be &c. I am Sir very respectfully Your obedient servant Governor of Utah ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I8_p001.jpg) Great Salt Lake City U. S. May 11. 1858 My dear Colonel, May I ask of you the favor to carry the enclosed letter for me and drop it in the letter box of some good Eastern Editor. I am told, you leave to morrow. I am on of fifty thousand whose hearts are all sad to part with you. Your gallant philanthropy in the dark midnight of our strong experience has engraven your name on our affections , deep and indelibly, for ever. God bless you! Proud to be your friend James Ferguson ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p001.jpg) Photostat all pages & clip together — Executive Office G. S. L. City. Utah Ty Hon James L. Orr, 12th May – 1858 – Sir, In our last conversation at Leavenworth you kindly invited a correspondence when I should have arrived in Great Salt Lake City; I have therefore concluded to address this note to you written in the midst of perplexing engage- ments, and on the eve of my departure for Camp Scott. I will endeavor to give you a brief but intelligible statement of the condition of affairs in this Territory, with my views in relation to future action and its probable results — accompanied by such suggestions as in my opinion are most likely to promote the public interest. It will be remembered that at the date of my commission and instruction— an alledged refusal on the part of this people to receive the Civil Officers of the Territory— their expulsion of citizens on account of their religious opinions— restraining individuals, male and female of their liberty— destroying the records of the U. S. Courts— destroying or embezzling the records and other property belonging to the Government at the Offices of the Secretary of State and Surveyor General, together with the Territorial Library;— purchased with an appropriation from the United States;—charges to this effect had been the origin and were the sum and substance of the (original) Utah Difficulty. That difficulty no longer exists.— ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p002.jpg) It has been removed without the necessity of resorting to military force. Without being accompanied by a single soldier, the Governor appointed has been received, and entered upon the duties of his office: the other Territorial Civil Officers will also soon, I trust, be at their posts prepared for the performance of their official duties. The adjustment of the past difficulties too has been attended with sufferings certainly severe enough to impress upon this people a remembrance of the penalties of disobe- dience There is an almost universal . The people have left their homes, their farms, their workshops. The highways are thronged with wagons, cattle and sheep: Women and little children are exhausted with unwonted labor; wandering they know not where, anxiously awaiting future developments, which are to determine whether they will apply the touch to their homes, or return to enjoy the comforts which they have so promptly forsaken at the "call of duty." In short we are at every moment presented with touching scenes of suffering and unhappiness. This has become the new aspect of the Utah dif- ficulty— involving new subjects of solicitude and calling for renewed action— to save all the improvements from being burnt, entire settlements from ruin— to prevent the inhabitants from migrating to a region beyond the limits of the Territory where it would be less advantageous to have them, and where, at some future time they would give the government more trouble than here. These subjects occupy my thoughts and employ my utmost energies. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p003.jpg) These people must be induced to return to their homes and their employments. If I am so unfortunate as to encounter such opposition as will thwart my efforts to avert the perils of a collision between the army and people and blood be spilt, we may expect a long, expensive, unsatisfactory guerilla war, in which a small band would probably perpetrate frightful acts of atrocity, whilst the mass of the community would appear to be the most loyal and pacific of men. I am fully aware of the prejudices and difficulties I must encounter, yet I do not despair of settling this second Utah affair by a bloodless victory. But Congress and the Administration must aid me. I must have a full, an intelligent, an im- -partial bench - a Secretary of State, a District Attorney: and they should not only be willing but able to give me counsel upon matters of law. You know that I am not a politician nor a lawyer. I therefore desire the advantage of a consulting wise and experienced counsellors. If the Governor is to be deprived of the benefits resulting from the presence of certain officers, he should at least escape the opposition of those who are present. I infer from the tone of communications coming ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p004.jpg) from Camp, that numerous intriguers "correspondents and others have assailed me with bitterness – My friends at Washington will not expect me to sac- -rifice the public interest even for the purpose of advancing certain officers of the Army. How far it may be a question of legal propriety to constitute a Grand Jury from the teamsters and other followers of the camp & employe's of the army is one of a class of subjects upon which I would very much like to be advised. Mr. Hartnett the Secretary of State is not a lawyer or a man of business experience; so that I am compelled to grope in the dark, especially during the absence of the District Attorney – who by the way has not I believe devoted his individual attention to the law. Would it not be well to have the Attorney General furnish instructions meeting the questions which will probably arise? — There are several officers appointed who are deservedly obnoxious to the people here. are I think specially so and it may be necessary to consider the propriety of appointing several new civil officers, and of issuing instructions to the officers already here to conform their actions to a course of policy intimated by the Governor as circumstances arise. The great distance between this Territory and the seat of Government at Washington and the altogether unprecedented condition of affairs here, lead me to counsel the utmost legal extension of the powers of the Executive. This community is divided on the war question there is a peace party & a war party. I esteem it to be the duty & policy of my administration to support the former & break down the latter. B. Young is at the head of the peace party. There are in ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p005.jpg) the community other dignitaries of as old a standing in the Church who have great influence among the people in leading them to action but the spiritual influence of no one in the Territory is equal to his. He is a man, earnest, intelligent & pf great experience in addition to all which he is vested with the authority to announce the terrors awarded to those who sin against the "Holy Ghost" the most awful doom to which Mormon humanity can be subjected There is a division in ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p006.jpg) the ranks, probably: all fear Brigham Young; but many also hate him, in consequence perhaps of the pacific measures attributed to him. However this may be, my chief hope of control over this extraordinary people, is exerted through this man. I believe that I have obtained his confidence and will therefore exercise some ascendancy over his actions. If this be true, it is of importance, especially as connected with a certain degree of personal popularity which I feel that I have acquired with the masses. If events here should have an untoward result so far as peace is concerned, the country may reasonably antici- pate a war of several years duration, at an expense of many millions; and the terrors of war would be visited upon those who are least deserving of them. It would have the effect of confirming the dangerous spirit of this people, and extending their influence abroad. There is an accumulation of mail matter at Bridger destined for the inhabitants of the valleys, which I hope to forward to this place in a few days. If I be not opposed in this matter, I shall have done much to appease angry feelings excited in the community. There are at Washington many large accounts, the payment of which has been, perhaps unnecessarily, deferred. It would be wise to advance the settlements of all just accounts as speedily as possible. Large amounts of money have from time to time been appropriated for Territorial purposes in Utah, which for some reason have not been disbursed; this matter should be enquired into. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p007.jpg) ( The hostile character of the Indians of this Territory leads them to frequent depredations upon the settlements, of extensive and most annoying character. These tribes I shall be compelled to chastise, I fear. I have warned some of them of my intentions, which has already produced some beneficial effects, causing a restoration of some stolen property There should, however, I think, be treaties held with these people, and liberal arrangements made for annuities. When I received my instruct- ions from the Secretary of State, he also fur- nished me a copy of the orders for the guidance of the officer in Command of the Utah Expedition, which, I presume, have not since been materially modified. I esteem it of the utmost importance that I should be advised of any modi- fications, which will affect the civil administration of this Territory. The military may be in receipt of instructions under which they may feel themselves compelled or authorized to act. Therefore, I would suggest that all such orders should be subjected to minute inspection from the Administration. You will use your own judgment as to how far this note shall be circulated. It has been a question with me whether the substance of this note, should or should not be Communicated directly ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p008.jpg) . to the President, but I have been so much and constantly engaged, I feel myself compelled to limit myself to this hasty note to yourself– I have assumed my position in regard to Utah affairs– and unless I receive advices of an opposite character, will presume that my official conduct is approved of by the President & his administration – I have been advised by a personal friend in the Camp, that immediately after my departure from that place for this City, Chief Justice Eckels charged a jury against polygamy in this Territory – This unwise and unauthorized act, if known here, would have greatly added to the perils and difficulties of my situation, and it is there- fore quite obvious, that I shall demand his removal, if I find the statement to be true, on my return to camp – Respectfully yr. obt. Servant, Hon. James L. Orr, A Cumming. Washington – D.C– Govr of Utah Terry ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F17_I9_p009.jpg) The other Copy of This Letter of gov. Cummings released me by y[--] Colonel o[--] without M[-] a note accompanying it — I afterwards placed in Gov Cobbs hands with the suggestion that it might perhaps be will for the Prest. to be apprised of the character of the concluding paragraphs — in case Gov. Cummings views were called in question before the Cabinet as to the removal of [-] [---] of of Judge Eckels. In the nearly complete copy of this letter to Col. Orr made by that gentleman & enclosed the President those paragraphs were omitted The President acknowledged to me the Receipt of the copy from Coll. Orr ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I10_p001.jpg) Fern Rock near Philadelphia, July 20, 1858 My dear Sir: May I ask your authority for the statement, with reference to me, over your signature in today’s Press? - I remember meeting you with pleasure and have no doubt of your kind feelings toward me. But I am persuaded that it wd. be or might be highly prejudicial to the public inter= est for me to be communicative with relation to my Utah mission, and I am anxious that this fact shd. be known. I received a letter ten days ago signed by certain eminent citizens of Philadelphia, uniting with a number of the friends who have found their way to my sick= room to persuade me that I ought to report to the Nation to do justice to myself &c. The letter was in terms so flattering = ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I10_p002.jpg) so flattering, and the gentlemen some of them so respectable and having such high claims to advise with and admonish me that perhaps it was taken for granted that I cd. make but one answer to it. - But I felt constrained to decline its friend- ly request. For the present, at least, I must adhere to my rule of silence. Yours most sincerely Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I11_p001.jpg) Rough Draft FernRock July 20, 1858. My dear Judge Black: I wrote_ or rather dictated to you a Note which you ought to have answered before this. in my opinion. I am very little more than half disposed to write again to save you trouble: but you ought to be informed that the gentlemanly Mormon courier who was in waiting for Utah despatches, went his way last night without them. I shall not send the letter to Young which was enclosed you; you may perhaps will save the President the trouble of pondering upon it. if he was save the President bother if it is not too late not already unfortunately done so, and for that; and return the missive in question by Mail to Yours faithfully Thomas L. Kane (Jeremiah Black Pres. Buchanan's atty general) EKK. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I12_p001.jpg) Philada. July 26: 1858. My dear Sir; I only received your kind note of the 18th. on my arrival at home last evening; but had not the pleas =ure to receive that written by Mrs. Kane. I shall avail myself of an early opportu= =nity to see you, and any advice or other service I can ever render to you will afford me the highest pleasure. My grati- =tude to your lamented father will never cease, and my admiration and love for your departed brother and yourself will endure with life; and whatever I could do for you I would do with a grateful heart. When the letter, signed by many of your friends, was handed to your brother it was with the verbal request that he should say to you that the desired publication should be made only when in your own judgment the public welf= =are would prudently permit it. But it was right that you should then know how highly we apprecited your signal effort in the cause of humanity. It was right that we should exert upon your mind any influence we might have to induce you, as soon as health should permit, and while recollection was fresh, to prepare the narrative of what you had seen and done. I well know that you can afford to wait for time to remove all misrepresentations; but the history of the achievement should not be in any danger of being lost, by a shrinking modesty, or from any other cause. The truth of history makes its demand upon you; and ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I12_p002.jpg) the claims of relatives and friends are importunate of gratification. While you rest in the happy consciousness of the accomplishment of a great good, that desives no other reward, they think that you should have all that is due to your name and fame. It is true that even this end may be more effectually attained after there shall have been a further development of events, resulting from the turn you gave to affairs at the critical moment, and there may then be less jealousy on the part of others who are actors in the historic drama; but let us have secured in your own well told narrative all that you saw and did in the most brilliant episode in American history: I say this because no individual of his own [---] in so short a time, with great risks, has achieved so great a good, by averting a tremendous evil, at the accomplish= =ment of which humanity would have recoiled, and the government have suffered great discredit, without every possible effort to avoid it having been previously exerted. You will perceive then the advice I am likely to give if you should yet have occasion to ask it. The public interest while events are in progress is of paramount consideration; but to no other suggestion that would deprive the world of your narrative, as one of your friends, proud to be considered as such, would I ever consent. Eli K Price. Thos. L. Kane, Esquire. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I12_p003.jpg) Philadelphia, July 26, 1858 My dear Sir: I only received your kind, note of the 18th on my arrival at home last evening, but had not the pleasure to receive that written by Mrs. Kane. I shall avail myself of an early opportunity to see you, and any advise or other service I can ever render to you will afford me the highest pleasure. My gratitude to your lamented father will never cease, and my admiration and love for your departed brother and yourself will endure with life; and whatever I could do for you I would do with a grateful heart. When the letter, signed by many of your friends was handed to your brother, it was with the verbal request that he should say to you that the desired publication should be made only when in your own judgment the public welfare would prudently permit it. But it was right that you should then know how highly we appreciated your signal effort in the cause of humanity. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I12_p004.jpg) It was right that we should exert upon your mind any influence we might have to induce you, as soon as health should permit, and while recollection was fresh, to prepare the narrative of what you had seen and done. I well know that you can afford to wait for time to remove all misrepresentation; but the history of the achievement should not be in any danger of being lost, by a shrinking modesty, or from any other cause. The truth of history makes its demand upon you; and the claims of relatives and friends are importunate of gratification. While you rest in the happy consciousness of the accom= plishment of a great good, that deserves no other reward, they think that you should have all that is due to your name and fame. It is true that even this end may be more effectually attained after there shall have been a further development of events, resulting from the turn you gave to affairs at the critical moment, and there may then be less jealousy on the part of others who are actors in the historic drama; but let us have secured in your own well told nar= rative all that you saw and did in the most brilliant episode in American history. I say this because no individual of his own high ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I12_p005.jpg) impulses, in so short a time, with great risks, has achieved so great a good, by averting a tremendous evil, at the accomplishment of which humanity would have recoiled, and the govern- ment have suffered great discredit, without every possible effort to avoid it having been previously exerted. You will perceive then, the advice I am likely to give if you should yet have occasion to ask it. The public interest, while events are in progress, is of paramount consideration; but to no other suggestion that would deprive the world of your narrative, as one of your friends, proved to be considered such, would I ever consent. Eli K. Price. Thos. L. Kane, Esq. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I13_p001.jpg) Washington July 26, 1858 My dear Sir The President's illness made it long be- fore I could get the con- ference with him which I desired to have before reply- ing to your letter. He did not authorise me to make any definite answer to your question. But I could per ceive his unwillingness to make himself responsible directly or indirectly for any communications on the subject matter of your letter which were not written either by himself or by some officer ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I13_p002.jpg) of the Government. I can not say that I do not fully approve this rule; nor do I doubt that it ought to be implicitly adhered to, though neither he nor I believe it at all necessary in regard to a paper written by you. It would be wrong not to add that your voluntary and patriotic services are highly valued. I am not mistaken in saying that the Administration feels the [---] respect for your talent, and the fullest con fidence in your integrity. I am most respectfully Yours &c J. S. Black Col. T. L. Kane. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I14_p001.jpg) Fern Rock, Thursday Evening July 29,1858 My dear Sir: A letter from you which I have this morning leads me to fear that you may have omitted to state to the President the circumstances under which my communication of the 3d. was sent you. I shd. like him to be informed that upon the evening of our interview in Washington, the conversation, as I remember turning on the Instructions which it was intended issuing to the District Attorney for Utah, it was your proposal to write me a letter such as it wd. be useful for me to despatch to Utah. - It seems a trifle; but I am anxious that there shd. be no misunderstanding of the circumstances under which I have given my attention to public affairs since they have ceased to have their recent claim upon me, and I wd. have the President perceive that I considered my self bound to fulfil a promise made you. Although my communication was certainly not ’’designed for the = Hon. J. S. Black ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I14_p002.jpg) for the President’s notice, I thank you for showing him how cordially I desired to write to Young and the peace = Mormons respecting his Administration. I think too I |shd.| ^[ought to (*)] be gratified to feel how completely my responsibility for the future is at an end. Upon the occasion of our latest interview, at this place, you engaged to let me know which of my letters from Utah had not reached the President. ~ I have not received the letter enclosed on the 3d. inst. which my letter of the 20th. requested you to return me. I am most respectfully Your obedient servant Thomas L. Kane Envelope marked Mailed July 30, 1858 Copy enclosed the Prest. July 30. 1858 (*) changed to ’’ought to” be in the original to Black, left ”shd. be” in Prests' copy by EDW. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I15_001.jpg) Fern Rock July 30. 1858 My dear Mr. Price: This stress of warm weather enfeebles me again, but I will call to thank you for your second favor very soon. — My connection with the government is at an end, and I have done with public affairs as I sincerely hope, forever. But - I can hardly divest myself yet of the influence which I acquired among the Mormons, nor can I for some time still entirely shake off the responsibility which it leaves with me. If the Mormons were tranquil enough to hear from me more than I Hon. Eli K. Price. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I15_002.jpg) than I have [ever] confessed to them — how badly I find they have been used, for instance, or how much harm I see their forces might have done us; if I could even trust them with my candid opinion of the persons in elevated station who have, unfortunately, still to do with their affairs— — in such a case I might more safely mention the facts which it wd. interest the country at large to know, but which at present would exert a de- pressing influence upon the still embarassed friends of Peace in Utah, and might encourage the War Party to measures whose effect wd. be disastrous in the extreme. My forbearance is not shown Mr. Buchanan, but I recognize a duty to the Ruler of my Nation, as long as I have not convicted him of doing public wrong. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I15_003.jpg) I have said enough perhaps; but I can indicate other reasons when we meet, why the public wel- fare may be promoted by my silence - why, also, (if I am free to think of myself at all in the matter), I should remember how well I am rewarded for my exertions, by having earned the good opinion of so eminent a citizen and so disinterested a patriot as it has been my privilege and encouragement to know you to be. Believe me faithfully Your friend and servant THOMAS L. KANE. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I15_004.jpg) Fern Rock July 30th, 1858 My dear Mr. Price: This stress of warm weather enfeebles me again, I will call a thank you for your second favor very soon. My connection with the government is at an end, and I have done with public affairs as I sincerely hope, forever. But I can hardly divert myself yet of the influence which I acquired among the Mormons, nor can I for some time still entirely shake off the responsibility which it leaves with me. If the Mormons were tranquil enough to hear from me more than I have con- fessed to them — how badly I find they have been used for instance; or how much harm I see their forees might have done us; if I could even trust them with my candid opinion of the persons in elevated station who have, unfortunately, skill to do with their affairs — in such a case I might more safely mention the facts which it would interest the country at large to know, but which at present would exert a depressing influence upon the still embarassed friends of Peace in Utah, and might encourage the [-]an Party to measure whose effect would be disastrous in the extreme. My forbearance is not shown Mr. Buchanan, but I recognize a duty to the Ruler of my Nation, as long as I have not convict- ed him of doing public wrong; I have said enough, perhaps, but I can indicate other reasons when we meet why the public welfare may be promoted by my silence — why, also (if I am free, to think of myself ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I15_005.jpg) as all in the matter), I should remember how well I am rewarded for my exertions, by having earned the good opinion of so eminent a citizen and so disinterested a patriot as it has been my privilege and encouragement to know you to be. Believe me faithfully, Your friend and servant, Thomas L. Kane. Hon Eli K. Price ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I16_p001.jpg) My dear Sir: I regret to ask your attention for the enclosed letter. But, soon or late, every thing seems to fall upon your overburdened shoulders: my efforts to deal with others save you no trouble whatever. Faithfully your friend and servant Thomas L. Kane The President. Fern Rock, July 30, 1858. Substituted for the above Respectfully enclosed by Mr. Thomas L. Kane for the information of Mr. Buchanan. Fern Rock July 30. 1858 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I1_p001.jpg) Washington 21 June 1858. My dear Sir/ I shall be happy to see you this (Monday) morning as early as may be convenient. We may be necessarily interrupted; but in that event I know you will exercise patience. From your friend very respectfully James Buchanan Col: Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I1_p002.jpg) Col: Thomas L Kane at Brown's Hotel Washington City ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I2_p001.jpg) G. S. Lake City, Utah Tery. 25th June, 1858. Col. Kane, Dear Sir: I enclose for your perusal one of many attacks on my husband. Is it, or is it not, well to notice them? The one I send, has been extensively copied – Towards your – self, it is wanting in respect & courtesy, but it accuses him of direct falsehood – It appeared, first in the St. Louis Republican of 25th May (Daily) and again in the 26th May (Tri-weekly) - The Republican has long been considered one of the leading papers, not only of St. Louis, but of the West generally - and from its usual candor and prudence has held a deservedly high place among newspapers - '’H.G.P." Henry Clay Pate, a well known contributor, (I believe, now, an editor at Westport,) formerly of St. Louis, introduces the article in question, giving it an additional force, as not being anonymous. In St. Louis, we lived long enough to have become acquainted with nearly all the leading people there, which makes the reports in question more important—// The gentleman Commrs arrived at the same time with ourselves. We have been here a little more than a fortnight. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I2_p002.jpg) The inhabitants are nearly all at Provo - waiting until the Army shall have passed through the City - and until all becomes quiet again- The army arrives here tomorrow. Several of the loading Mormons, whom I have seen, shake their heads and say "We hope all will be well" but look anxious. The army encamped about two miles west of the city - across the Jordan - for the present- You will see published accounts of the conference here, after the arrival of the Commissioners- Several of the Mormons, President Young among them, took occasion to say that Govr- Cumming had already arranged this matter with them, with the exception of the offering a pardon, which pardon the gentlemen Commrs- had brought with them, and which they, (the Mormons) received. They did not receive it in a very humble way, by the bye. "We are pardoned for having been rebels, We deny that we have been such- but– we receive the pardon-" &c Five reporters from the east are here- New York Times, Tribune & some other leading papers have their letter writers here- We see nothing of them. I have twice been informed that they are engaged all this week in writing for the leading eastern papers, under proper direction - matter to be sent by to-night's mail. that the representations to be made are to this effect- ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I2_p003.jpg) "that Col. Kane and Govr Cumming had been "to Salt Lake City, and had been will received. "and that some negotiations had been entered "into, but that nothing was really accomplished, "until the Commissioners arrived” I am acquainted with the Commissioners, and believe them both to be highly honorable men, who would only allow to be said, just what they believed themselves— but I have reason to believe differently from this– I have seen several of the leaders in the Church, & they have told me that the matter was as much settled as it now is, before the Commrs arrived- Here is the question again, is it well to notice what these reporters say? A great deal more of the same sort is being said and done– with which I will not trouble you– You know how my husband feels about these matters– He says, "Truth always comes out–" and so do I believe too– yet I think that Truth may some- times be helped up out of her well, with advantage both to herself and others– what you said to me about this, when you left the Camp, has lain in my mind, and has induced me to send this letter to you. Mr Stains, in whose house we are, till another is made ready for us, said to-day, "I wish Col. Kane knew some things" "Why do ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I2_p004.jpg) you not write and tell him, Mr S. ?" "Oh, I have been hoping to hear from the Colonel, I had rather hear from him first." I like Mr Staines so far as I am yet acquainted with him – Gen. Wm Kimball, too, makes a very agreeable impression upon my mind. We have often thought of you upon your return journey - You seemed so unwell the day you left us, that Mr Cumming was very uneasy about you– I trust you arrived at your home in safety, and found all your beloved ones well. Please present my regards to Mrs Kane, with whom I feel almost acquainted, so often have I heard you speak of her— I remain your friend Ew Cumming I am requested to write a Post script to the above note without having seen a [---] of its contents as I am very busy I wrote down "good evening" - hoping that you have quite recovered from the fatigue of your long journey and are now in the enjoyment of society and friends" Your friend A Cumming ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I3_p001.jpg) Dated June 29, 1858 Bernhesel My Dear Sir, I am sure no one regrets more than myself the unfriendly remarks of which your friend has been the subject, and I am sure I agree with you entirely that being circulated by our enemies their intention is undoubtedly to do harm to us. Perhaps I can add a fact or two to those within your knowledge of his connection with the Mormons. I have never heard but opinion ex pressed with regard to Colonel Kane for refusal of presents from us after our com munity had become rich, many at Salt Lake city and elsewhere were desirous of his accept ing something at least a re-imbursement of the sums which he had given to our poor when they were suffering in Iowa and Nebraska We considerit ^[it] our interest to have him represent us, that is to be our representative, in name as he had been in fact until we were ready to come forward and apply to a Territorial Government. An early scheme was to have our population united with that of other adjacent territory acquired from Mexico and ask admission as a State with Colonel Kane to be the Utah Senator. This he would not consent to because his plan was to have a separate Territorial government, which he thought most for the interest of the United States and ourselves. He might have been Governor of Utah but he refused this place also and urged upon ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I3_p002.jpg) Mr Fillmore's administration to appoint Governor Brigham Young Governor Young and others in Utah with myself as delegate in Washington have been it may be assumed competent to discharge or attend to the bussiness of the Territory, another fact which you appeared to be anxious to have [-]e ad[-]ert to in conversation, was that he wrote some serious strictures against the institution of poly- amy at the close of 1852 which when it was first acknowledged by the Church. But his earlie[-] connection with us was never forgotten, they knew what his feelings were toward them by those which they entertained for him. He reckoned with confidence upon the gentlemen of his battalion but I am sure he has told his friend[-] that he met with others, nay I would say thousands as anxious to prove to him their affection by evidences of their patriotism and love for the American Union. Anything which I [-]ught to say in con- versation on this head I am quite as ready to put in writing. Very respectfully Your obedient servant Robert Patterson Esq. John M. Bernhisel Philadelphia June 29. 1858 ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I4_p001.jpg) Copy July 3.'/58 E.D.K. to Judge Black My dear Sir, Mr. Kane dictated the en- closed to send by a Mormon who has been anxiously waiting for several days to carry despatches from him to Mr Brigham Young. He requests me "to enclose it to Judge Black and ask him to write me back that I am safe in giving Young such positive assurances. Say that if you can an- swer me with some spirit on this head and send me the extract from his instructions to Mr Wilson or something of the kind it will do much good. We think Mr Kane convalescent the fever has subsided, and he is himself ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I4_p002.jpg) very hopeful, and very anxious to go to work again. He has been far too unwell since you left us to work for some time yet with safety. Believe me, my dear Sir, Yours very respectfully, E.D.W.K. July 3. [text written upside-down] E. D. K. to Judge Black ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I5_p001.jpg) Thos. L. Kane. To Brigham Young Fern Rock Near Philada July 5th 1858 My dear Sir, You cannot be more anxious to hear from me, than I am to write to you: for our news from Utah being entirely derived through Camp sources, the friends of your people are not without tidings that distress them. They see that the base creatures round Bridger have not yet given up their plans, and know that they ought to urge you earnestly to con- -tinue to thwart them by your forbearance. Give way: Go on giving way: be superior to all provocation this single summer through;– and I promise you as complete ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I5_p002.jpg) a triumph for the future, as the most hopeful among you ever dreamed of. The Administration will do right. I am their avowed supporter, and you know I would not be so, if I had cause for doubt. Governor Cumming's instructions, as I read them to you, have not been varied. His powers are unimpaired. The President sup- -ports him; and the country, (for I have had time to feel its pulse) will stand by the President in every measure taken for your protection. But you must not expect at once to see things as they are. Men require time given them - to change a line of conduct; - to consider new ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I5_p003.jpg) facts,- not only to say "The war is ended, we will give over thinking of our war measures: but to add, yes, peace is upon us, and these and those peace measures we acknow- -ledge necessary - and now, we have sufficiently matured them - the public may know that they are fully decided upon". Besides you must not think it unnatural that you are not fully trusted - by persons with whom - bear it in mind — you are for the first time brought into friendly relations. Wrong as you may think them it - undeserved as you must know I certainly think it - you must expend a little time to earn a character, and compel the preju- ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I5_p004.jpg) to recognise who and what you are. Having told you this much of what I know to be the real state of facts, you will understand how little reliance you should place upon the idle words of the newspapers. The Contractors and others whose teeth are broken if the Government spends no more money, if they cannot force a war, can still gain by persuading people to the contrary until they have thrown some of their own bad bargains and unprofitable engagements upon foolish persons outside. Neither the Union nor the Herald are recognised organs, nor do they express the views of the Administration. When you read in such journals as the Harper’s Weekly how deeply those Methodist Know Nothings (and the rest of the world which has advanced no further than to their state of "Civilisation") regret that the fine chance is passing away of assailing you as rebels when it is unfortunately illegal to do so as heretics - let this confirm your faith in what I told you, that the surest way of disappointing your enemies is to sacrifice everything for peace. I have not yet attended to any of my own affairs though I find them shockingly involved. Nor have I allowed my thoughts to turn to my duties to my mother to my wife & children, or the last wishes of my father. But the first thing which I shall do on rising from my sick- -bed will be to write to you fully and to Gov. Cumming to whom I beg you will whenever you think of me continue to be generous and kind. Repeat my saying to all who profess to love me. "Your enemies" last hope lies in provoking you to war: Your friends are all laboring with you to compel a peace. Whose hopes will you cast down - your friends’ or your enemies? Yours with sincere affection Thos L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I5_p005.jpg) T.L.K TO BRIGHAM YOUNG July 5, 1858 draft of letter My dear Sir, You cannot be more anxious to hear from me, than I am to write to you: for our news from Utah being entirely derived through Camp sources the friends of your people are not without tidings that neces- -sarily distress them. We see that the wicked men round Bridges have not yet given up ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I5_p006.jpg) [Column 1] their plans, and we know that we [--]ight to urge you our utmost to continue to thwart them by forbearance. Give way: Go on giving way: be superior to all provocation this single summer, through; — and I promise you as complete a triumph for the future, as the most san- -guine among you has ever dreamed of. The Administration will do right. I am their avowed supporter and you know I [Column 2] would not be this if I had if I had cause for doubt . Governor Cum- -ming's instructions as I read them to you have not been varied. His powers are unim- -paired. The President will support him in all that he has done. And the country for I have had time to feel its pulse) will stand by him in every measure which he may takes for your protection. But you must not expect at once to see things as they are. Men [---] have ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I5_p007.jpg) time given them to change a line of conduct, — to consider new facts, — not only to say "The war is ended, we will give over think -ing of our war measures; yes, peace is whom us. And now such peace measures we acknowledge are necessary, we have sufficient- -ly matured them — let the public know that they are fully resolved upon." [-] Besides you must not think it unnatural that you are not fully trusted by [---]s with when you, are for the first time brought into friendly relatives among as you may think it —and [-]served as you know must know I certainly think it — you must c[---] a little time to earn a character and [---] the prejudiced to recognize who and what you are. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I6_p001.jpg) Washington July 7, 1858 My dear Madam I prefer to consult the President before replying fully to your note. I write now to say that I have received it and will give the subject very early attention. Please to give my most respectful regards to Col. Kane with many thanks and to all the family convey the expression of my warmest wishes for their welfare - Most truly [---] J. S. Black Mrs. E.D.W. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I7_p001.jpg) Philada. July 8th. 1858 Dear Sir; In common with other citizens we have felt a deep sympathy with you and interest in the object of your late perilous journeys to and from Salt Lake City. We have reason to believe that you have rendered a very important service to our Country and humanity, in averting the conflict of arms and shedding the blood of American Citizens. We think it due to the occasion, to yourself, and to the truth of history, that a full, clear and minute narrative should be written of all that you have witnessed, suffered and done during your absence. Its publication would remove strange prejudices and misrep= =resentations, and afford information that would be both interesting and useful to the public. As soon as your health will permit we would respectfully ask that you should pre= =pare and publish such a narrative, omitting nothing because it may relate to yourself, and only what may in your judgment be required by a regard to the public welfare in respect to events now in progress of development. We are with sincere respect and regard Your friends, Eli K Price. Henry Wharton To Thomas L. Kane, Esq. F. Fraley G.M. Wharton Chs. [-]. Biddle Samuel H. Perkins ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I7_p002.jpg) W. M. Dilghman W H Draytin [---] Cuyter H. C. Townsend. John Cadwalader ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I8_p001.jpg) (Dictated) Fern Rock, July 1858 My dear Mr. Price: Will you excuse me from preparing you a formal answer? I am sure I thank you and my other friends for your letters and kind admonitions, and ask only to plead the truth, that, my work being done, I thought I had a right to return to the obscurity for which I am adapted and devote myself solely to the care of my health and support, and my long-neglected duties to an afflicted family. I had my own reasons for believing that the public interest would be best promoted by my holding my tongue upon Mormon matters, – and as concerns "History" - I suppose it has always been written by individuals who have had an interest in composing it to suit themselves. Your kind and courteous letter of the 8th inst. again revives a subject which I had hoped I might lay aside. I must admit the truth of your remarks — indeed I preserve quite enough of the old Adam to feel tempted on my own account to expose a few eminent humbugs and salt some of the leeches who drop off so slowly from their hold upon the Treasury:- But I have no evi= dence that any change has taken place in Utah since I left it, and I know the state of things there must continue critical, requiring the utmost address and discretion on the part of Government, and, on the part of those at least who volunteer to serve their country, the utmost quietness and circumspection I hope soon to ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I8_p002.jpg) get about and explain this fully to all to whom I feel as much indebted as yourself. I am, you know, with what profound and sincere respect, Your obliged friend and servant Thomas L. Kane Eli K. Price, Esquire. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I8_p003.jpg) (detailed) FernRock July 156 1838 My dear Mr. Price: Will you excuse me from preparing you a formal answer? — I am sure I thank you and my other friends for your letters and kind admonitions and ask only to plead the truth that, my work being done, I thought of had a right to return to the obscurity for a which I am adapted and devote my self solely to the care of my health and support and my long neglected duties to an afflicted family. I had my own reasons for believing that the public interest wd. be best promoted by my holding my tongue upon Mormon matters, — and as concerns "History" — I suppose it has always been written by individuals who have had an interest in composing it to said themselves. Your kind and courteous better of the 8th. inst again revives a subject which I had hoped I might lay asie. I must admit the truth of your remarks — indeed I preserve quite enough of the old Adam to feel tempted on my own account to expose a few eminent humbys and salt some of the leeches ho drop off so slowly from their hold upon the Treasury — : but I have no evidence that any charge has taken place in Utah since I left it, and I know the state of things there must continue critical, requiring the utmost address and discretion on the part of Government, and, on the part of those at least who volunteer to serve their country, the utmost quietness and circumspection. I hope soon to ge about and explain this fully to all whom I feel as much indebted as yourself I am, you know with what profound and sincere respect Your obliged friend and servant Thomas L. Kane Eli K. Price Esqre. [The following is written sideways on left side of page] (copy) ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I9_p001.jpg) (copy) Fern Rock, near Philadelphia July 20, 1858 My dear Sir: There has found its way to my room this morning a number of The Press in which a correspondent s[-]gning "Occasional" says: "I understand that Colo. Thomas L. Kane will when the proper opportunity affords state his case to the people." &c. (6 lines) I have been annoyed enough by the unwar= ranted liberties taken with my name, but this certainly caps the climax of injurious gratuitous misrepresentation. I shall write at once to inquire the Correspondent’s authority and request a contradiction of his statement. I need not say to you, who know me, I fancy, by this time, that I have consistently adhered to my determination with regard to the newspapers and newspaper people= Mr. Buchanan. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F18_I9_p002.jpg) people. I acquainted Judge Black, when he was out here, fully, with the course which I had pursued and intended to pursue. It has been little merit of mine that I have kept my seclusion since -- as I am recovering slowly from an attack of illness which seized me the night after his arr the Judges arrived in Philadelphia. But you may be sure I was in hopes of being able to join you at Bedford, but my medical advisers think I had better avoid excitement: and, as soon as I am strong enough, I shall run away and hide myself among the mountains of Elk County. Your friend sincerely Thomas L. Kane ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I1_p001.jpg) Attorney General’s Office Augt. 16th 1858. Col. Thos. L. Kane; Sir: -- The President has just returned from Bedford. I enclose your letter addressed to Brigham Young. I admit that it is somewhat late in the day to do this. I could explain this delay and everything else, if the time suited, and you had faith. I desire very earnestly for many and obvious reasons to preserve your friendship, and to prove that you have done nothing for this Administration in vain. I am, Very respectfully, J.S. Black ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I2_p001.jpg) William Cumming to TLK. Augusta 8th Sept. 1858 Col. Thomas L. Kane My Dear Sir Please to accept my sincere thanks, for the friendly interest you express, in relation to my brother the Governor of Utah. Though your acquaintance with him was short, you did not mistake his character; nor indeed would it have been easy to do so, forced as you both were into sudden intimacy, by your common pur- pose, to avert the disgrace & the calamity of civil bloodshed. The merits of his pacific policy, were at first somewhat obscured, by the representations of thwarted ambition, or baffled revenge. But the public in acquiring more information, is forming, if it has not already formed, the just conclusion, that the best friends of the country were the preservers of peace. That the pacification was con- summated by the Commissioners, in proclaiming the general pardon, must be conceded. The world however sees, that the ground was prepared for them; honorable natures will feel, that in igno- ring this fact, they gave no signal proof of their own modesty or candour. If the present current of public opinion is not interrupted, by enemies of the Govn., it may perhaps be well for his friends not to run the risk of distrubing it, by a special agitation of the subject. Those who really performed the important services, have not yet perhaps been properly re- cognized; & few wrongs are more keenly felt than the withholding of acknowle- ledgements believed to be due. At the same time, there are very few wrongs indeed, which it is so necessary to redress, with a delicate caution. The "laudum immensa cupido” is esteemed a noble profession, but any unlucky manifestation of it brings out at once, the whole swarm of buzzing & stinging things. Still if ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I2_p002.jpg) credit has been given to any calumnious version, of those brief but momentous occurrences, with which your own name must always be connected, it seems to one that it would be both just, & expedient, to disabuse the com- munity by a simple statement of facts. This under your own name should be the all-sufficient corrective. You rightly suppose that the antecedents of Governor C. are altogether honourable; & if it should ultimately be deemed advisable to notice them, I trust some proper channel of communication can be designated. While I thus frankly present these suggestions, I am really glad, that the whole decision rests with yourself. Your perfect acquaintance with the subject, & your sentiments towards the party chiefly concerned, are an ample guaranty that the course you adopt, will be such as he would approve. Before writing the above, I had a consultation with Col. H. H. Cumming of this City - the only other surviving brother of our family. His opinions coincide substantially with my own. If it should become necessary, I shall beg leave to refer to him, as even better informed than myself of whatever relates to Govr C. To conclude, My Dear Sir, I repeat my thanks for the kindly evinced towards my relative; & earnestly hope that you may be speed- ily restored to perfect health. Very Respectfully Your Obdt. Servt. Wm. Cumming Augusta Sept. 8, 1858. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I3_p001.jpg) San Francisco Sept, 2d. 1858. My dear Sir, The receipt of your note of the 4t[-]. Augt., gave me much pleasure. I cannot easily forget the [--]ning [-]ongs & cultiv= =ated talk of Dr. Osborne, From our first acquaintance I will confess, that I sus- =pected the learned Dr. O_ to be somebody; & it is really pleasant to find my belief verified. The great success of your late Mission to Utah, will I hope, am[-]ly compensate you for the [-]ough Treat- -ment, and hard scene[-] you met with, in the way ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I3_p002.jpg) to it's accomplishment. It will afford me, my dear [-]i[-], very great pleasure to meet you again. Perhaps I shall visit the Atlantic States shortly; and if I do, I shall not pass Philadelphia without gratifying my desire to see 'Fern Rock' & its attractions. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Very Truly yours [-]. Ord ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I3_p003.jpg) Col Thomas L. Kane Philadelphia Penna. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I3_p004.jpg) Lab ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I4_p001.jpg) My Dear Sir, Inclosed herewith you will receive the copy you desired me to transmit to you. With high respect Yours very truly John M. Bernhisel Colonel Thomas L. Kane Washington December 8, 1858. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I4_p002.jpg) P I called on Colonel Kane on my way to Washington; he asked me if I had written to Captain Hooper to say that he had never yet received some drafts drawn by him for his trav- eling expenses. Upon this I presented to him your letter containing the drafts of which I was the bearer, and which you procured from Captain Hooper; he insisted however upon paying them, but told me it was not through any reluctance to feel indebted to you, but only because he was anxious not to misconceive at any time what he would have the world to know that he made his journey at his own expense in the interest of the whole United States and of humanity as well as of the friends he loves in Utah; he ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I4_p003.jpg) said he would write you what he felt, if he thought the rascally mail carriers would ever let his letters reach you. The Colonel informed me that he had the money for the drafts in the bank since June. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p001.jpg) P. Philadelphia March 28; 1859. My dear Sir, In reply to your communication of yesterday I take great pleasure in stating that I have quite a vivid recollection of some of the points of a conversation I had with Hon. John M. Bernheisel, the Delegate from the Mormons to the U. S. Congress. During the week preceding the first of January 1858 I accompanied you to the City of Washington for the purpose of calling upon the president to arrange if possible some of the necessary preliminaries of your intended expedition to Utah with a view of effecting a peace with that people. I think we arrived in Washington on the morning of Saturday, December 26: 1857. I called upon the President and informed him that you were in Washington for the purpose of having another interview with him in relation to your intended trip. to Utah. The President asked me if you were still determined upon going; and said he considered the undertaking a very hazardous one, fraught with dangers and difficulties, on all sides; that while he did not believe it was possible for you to reach Salt Lake at that season of the year; and that even if you should he could not help doubting that any good would result from your visit. I told him that your mind was fully made up, that you intended to go with the sanction and approbation of the Administration if they 1. saw fit so far to aid you; but if such ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p002.jpg) prestige and aid was withheld, you would go without it; that go you would. I said also to the President that I was satisfied you had some influence with that people, and that you believed the American Army was in great peril and thought you could, in a great measure, avert the coming danger. My impression is that in this conversation I said to the President that I had reason to believe that Mr. Bernheisel thought well of your intentions and did not doubt your power to do something if you could get into the country. I recollect distinctly that in reply to a remark made by me of which the above is the substance, the President said ’’And have you seen Mr Bermhisel? - He does not come to see me.” I replied that I had not, but that I thought I could see him before I left the city. It was in consequence of this conversation that I requested you to procure for me an inter= view with Mr. Bernhisel. This you did at your own room on Saturday afternoon. In the course of the conversation with Mr. B. I remarked that you had determined upon, what was considered by many of your friends, a hazardous undertaking. He said, Yes, he thought so, but that you seemed fully bent upon your purpose; that while he would desire to persaude you not to go, he was nevertheless con= strained, under the circumstances, to give you all the aid in his power. I asked him why he considered the experiment a dangerous one. He said that it was very ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p003.jpg) doubtful whether you could arrive at Salt Lake in safety; that his own people had at that time arrived at such a point of hostility with the United States that they would sacrifice you if they discovered your design in visiting them. He said that such was the feeling, especially a= =mong the outer settlements through which you would of necessity pass, that he feared very much whether you would ever be able to reach the city; that if you should be able to do so, however, you would be safe enough, for he considered the kind feelings of Gov. Young and the better class of the people towards you per= sonally, were such that you would be perfectly safe — though he seemed some= what in doubt whether the time for your intended friendly offices had not transpired. I asked Mr. Bernhisel what he thought of the report of Mr. Vanolete as to the condition of our army and the preparations which the Mormons had made and as to extent to which hostilities had been carried by them. I am not at this date able to give you a very satisfactory statement of his reply; but my recollection is quite clear that he said in substance that he thought the account could be re= lied upon in all respects. He said the Mormons were fully prepared for resist= ance; that his belief was they would re= sist to the last; and that although they would not try their strength in any reg= ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p004.jpg) ular action, they would nevertheless be able to cut off our supplies, and by various annoyances to our army , greatly embar- rass this Government. and [--]p up [--] p[---] [---] [---]. He also said that the troops at Fort Bridger were in danger, but I could not learn from him in what respect, although I tried to do so. I spoke of the absurdity of such a proceeding on their part and said it could result in no possible good in the end; that such a course while it might be the cause of a heavy expenditure to the United States, and of great suffering and shedding of blood on both sides, must eventually prove disastrous to the Mormon people. ¶ here He said that he felt that it would be so, but that such was the state of public feeling among the people that he could not see how it was to be averted, al- though he was anxious and would do everything in his power to restore a condition of loyalty among his people and establish a permanent peace. ¶ here He said, however, that it was very doubtful whether this could be done; that there was much feeling arising from the fact that many persons be- lieved there was on the part of the Uni- ted States a pervading sentiment of hos- tility against them, growing out of the want of congeniality between our religion and theirs. My impression is, that he in- stanced the non-fulfillment of the contract for carrying the Mail to Salt Lake, and ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p005.jpg) the sending out of an army to "exterminate” them, as some of the grounds on which the Mormons believed that there was a hostile sentiment in this country against them. I think he also referred to the fact that if such was not the case, the Mormons, up to the time of Vanolets visit, had never been informed otherwise. He certainly did complain about the removal of Gov. Young as Commissioner of Indian Affairs without any notice to him; and said that the con= sequence was that depradations had been committed by the Indians for which their people thought the government at Washington was responsible; and that this had tended much to increase the bad state of feeling against the U. S. and any person who should be sent there to compel a submission. It is however due to Mr. Bernhisel to say that while stating these thoughts as well as in his whole conversation with me he appeared greatly to deprecate the existence of hostilities, and manifested a lively interest in anything which might have a tendency to avert the consequences of their continuance. It was in this connection that he spoke of you and of the unlimited confidence many of the Mormon leaders and people had in your word as a gentleman; and said that there was no person here nor there who could exercise such a wholesome influence as yourself. He said he had no doubt they would rely upon any statement 5 you might make; and that anything ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p006.jpg) said by you as to the sentiments and views of the President in relation to the designs of our government, would have a powerful weight with the Mormons. <¶> He expressed <¶ here> great regret that you had not thought of going out at an earlier date; and said he had no doubt that had you gone there during the latter part of the sum= mer and given them assurances of the prosecution of offenders and of the pardon from the President of such persons as they might desire, his belief was that you could have excited a powerful influence in persauding his people to return to their allegiance to the U. S. He seemed, however, to doubt whether any= thing could then be accomplished, inas= much as all their preparations had been made to attack our army, and that many of the people had become so anxious for an opportunity for revenge that he feared even your influence would be of no avail; but that if any one could produce a better state of feeling in that country it would be yourself, provided you could arrive there in safety — That so great was the danger in this respect that he could not think you would be justified in making the effort. His remarks upon your influence with the Mormons were so pointed and decided that I felt some curiosity to know how it was that you had ingratiated yourself into the affections of this strange ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p007.jpg) people. I remarked to him, "How is it that Col. Kane has such influence with your people?" I said jocosely, "He is no Mormon, and does not, I believe, ap= prove of those peculiarities in their religion which appear to be the principal obstacle to a cordial affiliation between you and the rest of the U. S..” He said, "Oh no! He is no Mormon, and of late years has treated us very coldly; we think on ac= count of our religion which we all very much regret; but our friendship for and confidence in him is of a different na= <¶ here> ture.” ¶ I asked him what it was. He expressed some astonishment that I had never heard. He said you had endeared yourself to the whole people by your friendly offices to them during their times of greatest distress in Illinois. And my impression is, that he said that you had expended from your private means a large sum of money in relieving them from hunger and exposure at a time when they were in a perishing condition; and that your conduct on that oc= casion, prompted as it was by no other motive than philanthropy, would never be forgotten by them. I have in the foregoing remarks given you the substance of the conver= sation referred to. Of course many in= cidents which then made an impression on my mind, strengthening my conviction as to the importance of your intended mission, are at this late date effaced. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p008.jpg) But so much did this conversation satisfy me that you were right, notwithstanding the wishes of all your friends (including the President) that you should not at that season of the year persist in your determination to visit Utah, that I re- peated to the President all that had oc- curred between Mr. Bernhisel and myself. I may also add that it seemed to make a favorable impression upon him. I have thus hastily drafted what I recollect of the matter. I am sorry I cannot call to mind more of what occurred between Mr. Bernhisel and myself. But what I have written is entirely at your disposal to do with as your good discretion may dictate. I am sincerely your friend James C VanDyke VAN DYKE Col. Thomas L. Kane. The preceding statement by Mr Vandyke of the conversation with me which he describes, is correct as far as I can remember. But, the interview being a prolonged one, I cannot at the lapse of time undertake to recall the expressions used by me in answer to his nu- merous questions. The interview was requested by Mr Vandyke. I afterwards saw President Buchanan on the <(date or approximate date here)> Respectfully your obedient Servant John M Bernheisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p009.jpg) COPY OF VAN DYKE'S LIETTER Philadelphia, March 28/1859 My dear Sir, In reply to your communication of yesterday I take great pleasure? in stating that I have quite a vivid recollection of some of the points of a conversation I had with Hon. John M. Bernhisel, the Delegate from the Mormons to the U. S. Congress. During the week preceding the first of January, 1858, I accompanied you to the City of Wash- ington for the purpose of assisting as far as I could in arranging some of the necessary preliminaries of your intended? expedition to Utah with a view of effecting a peace with that people. I think we arrived in Washington on the morning of Saturday, December 26, 1857. I called upon the President and informed him that you were ?in Washington for the purpose of having another interview with him in? relation to your intend- ed trip. The President asked me if you were still determined upon going; and said he considered the un- dertaking a very ?hazardous one, fraught with dangers and difficulties on all sides; that he did not believe it was possible for you to reach Salt Lake at that season of the year; and that even if you should he could not help? doubting whether any good would result from your visit. I told him that your mind was fully made up, that you intended to go with the sanction and approbation of the Administration if they saw fit so far to aid you; but if such pres- tige and aid was withheld you would go without it; that go you would. I said also to the President that I was satisfied you had some influence with that people, and that you believed the American Army was in great peril and thought you could, in a great measure, avert the coming evil. danger. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p010.jpg) My impression is that in this conversation I said to the President that I had reason to believe that Mr. Bernheisel thought well of your intentions and did not doubt your power to do something if you could get into the country. I recollect distinctly that in a reply to a remark? made by me of which the above is the substance, the President said "And have you seen Mr. Bernhisel? — He does not come to see me." I replied that I had not, but that I thought I could see him before I? left the city. It was in consequence of this conversation that I requested you to procure for me an interview with Mr. Bern- heisel. This you did at your own room on Saturday afternoon. In the course of the conversation with Mr. B. I remarked that you had determined upon, what was considered by many of your friends, a hazardous undertaking. He said, Yes, he thought so, but that you seemed fully bent upon your purpose; that while he would desire to persuade you not to go, he was neverthe- less constrained, under the circumstances, to give you all the aid in his power. I asked him why he considered the experiment a dangerous one. He said that it was very doubtful whether you could arrive at Salt Lake in safety; that his own people had at that time arriv- ed at such a point of hostility to the United States that they would sacrifice you if they discovered your design in visiting them. He said that such was the feeling, especially among the outer settlements through which you would of necessity pass, that he feared very much whether you would ever be able to reach the city; that if you should be able to do so, however, you would be safe enough, for he considered the kind feelings of Gov. Young and the better class of the people towards you personally, were such that you would be perfectly safe - though he seemed somewhat in doubt ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p011.jpg) whether the time for your intended friendly offices had not transpired. I asked Mr. Bernhisel what he thought of the report of Mr. Van Vleit as to the condition of our army and the preparations which the Mormons had made and as to extent to which hostilities had been carried by them. I am not at this date able to give you a very satisfactory statement of his reply; but my recollection is quite clear that he said in substance that he thought the account could be relied upon in all respects. He said the Mormons were fully prepared for resistance; that his belief was they would resist to the last; and that although they might not try their strength in any regular action, they would nevertheless be able to cut off our supplies, and by various annoy- ances to our army Keep up a protracted war and greatly embarrass this Government. He also said that the troops at Fort Bridger were in danger, but I could not learn from him in what respect, although I tried to do so. I spoke of the absurdity of such a proceeding on their part and said it could result in no possible good in the end; that such a course while it might be the cause of a heavy expenditure to the United States, and of great suffering and shedding of blood on both sides, must eventually prove disastrous to the Mormon people. He said that he felt that it would be so, but that such was the state of public feeling among the people that he could not see how it was to be averted, although he was anxious and would do everything in his power to restore a condition of loyalty among his people and establish a permanent peace. He said, however, that it was very doubtful whether this could be done; that there was much feeling arising from the fact that many persons believed there was on the part of the United States a pervading sentiment of hostility against them, growing out of the want of ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p012.jpg) congeniality between our religion and theirs. My impression is, that he instanced the non-fulfilment of the contract for carrying the mail to Salt Lake, and the sending out of an army to "exterminate" them, as some of the grounds on which the Mormons believed that there was a hostile sentiment in this country against them. I think he also referred to the fact that if such was not the case, the Mormons, up to the time of Van Vleits visit, had never been informed otherwise. He certainly did complain about the removal of Gov. Young as Com- missioner of Indian Affairs without any notice to him; and said that the consequence was that depredations had been committed by the Indians for which their people thought the government at Washington was re- sponsible; and that this had tended much to increase the bad state of feeling against the U. S. and any per- son who should be sent there to compel a submission. It is however due to Mr. Bernhisel to say that while stating these thoughts, as well as in his whole conversation with me, he appeared greatly to deprecate the existence of hostilities, and manifested a lively interest in any- thing which might have a tendency to avert the conse- quence of their continuance. It was in this connection that he spoke of you and of the unlimited confidence many of the Mormon leaders and people had in your word as a gentleman; and said that there was no per- son here nor there who could exercise such a wholesome influence as yourself. He said he had no doubt they would rely upon any statement you might make; and that anything said by you as to the sentiments and views of the President in relation to the designs of our government, would have a powerful weight with the Mormons. He expressed great regret that you had not thought of going out at an earlier date; and said he had no doubt that had you gone there ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p013.jpg) during the latter part of the summer and given them assurances of the prosecution of offenders and of the pardon from the President of such persons as they might desire, his belief was you could have exerted a powerful influence in persauding his people to re- turn to their allegiance to the U. S. He seemed, how- ever, to doubt whether anything could them be accom- plished, inasmuch as all their preparations had been made to attack our army, and that many of the peo- ple had become so anxious for an opportunity for revenge that he feared even your influence would be of no avail; but that if any one could produce a better state of feel- ing in that Valley country it would be yourself, provided you could arrive there in safety- That so great was the danger in this respect that he could not think you would be justified in making the effort. His remarks upon your influence with the Mormons were so pointed and decided that I felt some curiousity to know how it was that you had ingratiated yourself into the affections of this strange people. I remarked to him, "How is it that Col. Kane has such influence with your people?" I said jocosely, "He is no Mormon, and does not, I believe, approve of those peculiarities in their religion which appear to be the principal obstacle to a cordial affiliation between you and the rest of the U.S." He said, "Oh no! He is no Mormon, and of late years has treated us very coldly; we think on account of our religion which we all very much regret; but our friendship for and confidence in him is of a different nature." I asked him what it was. He expressed some astonishment that I had never heard. He said you had endeared yourself to the whole people by your friendly offices to them during the times of their greatest distress in Illinois. And my impression is, that he said that you had expended from your private means ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p014.jpg) a large sum of money in relieving them from hunger and exposure at a time when they were in a perishing condition; and that your conduct on that occasion, prompted as it was by no other motive than philanthropy, would never be forgotten by them. I have in the foregoing remarks given you the substance of the conversation referred to. Of course many incidents which then made an impression on my mind, strengthening my conviction as to the impor- tance of your intended mission, are at this late date effaced. But so much did this conversation satisfy me that you were right, notwithstanding the wishes of all your friends (including the President) that you should not at that season of the year persist in your deter- mination to visit Utah, that I repeated to the Presi- dent all that had occurred between Mr. Bernheisel and myself. I may also add that it seemed to make a favorable impression him. I have thus hastily drafted what I recollect of the matter. I am sorry I can not call to mind more of what occurred between Mr. Bernhisel and myself. But what I have written is entirely at your disposal to do with as your discretion may dictate. I am sincerely your friend (Signed) James C. VanDyke Col. Thomas L. Kane. The above is a correct copy of Mr. Van Dyke's letter Geo. Q Cannon The preceding statement by Mr. Vandyke of the conversation with me which he describes, is correct as for as I can remember. But, the interview being a prolonged one, I cannot at this lapse of time undertake to recall the expresisons used by ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I5_p015.jpg) me in answer to his numerous questions. The interview was requested by Mr Vandyke. I [text has faded] President Buchanan on the [text has faded] Respectfully your obedient servant John M. Bernhisel The preceding statement by Mr Vandyke of the conversation with me which he describes, is substantially correct as far as I can remember But, the interview being a prolonged one, I cannot at this lapse of time undertake to recall the expressions used by me in answer to his numerous questions. The interview was requested by Mr Vandyke. I afterwards saw the President on the 5th of January 1858. Respectfully your obedient servant, John M. Bernhisel ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I7_p001.jpg) I am [--]. Hon. Jeremiah S. Black Attorney General. Respe Note. We mistook our relative positions. I thought it of most importance How much they got out of me: they thought how much I might be committing them. I hope they will not find out whose language alone has weight with the Mormons. For further impudence Mr. Kane's correspondence being closed with the Attorney General he [some illegible text in this portion] has the honor to inform begs to ad[--] Mr. Black that to cease further correspondence with him. Mr. Kane returns Mr Black's a letter after [--] returning a copy of it to him postmarked Washington, 1858. ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I8_p001.jpg) They overrated our numbers. We never had more than 2 or 300 playing around them. Septem. 24. Gen. W. Left. Made forced march of 2 days after they met [-]a[--]lict. When they got to Green R. they were so used up – &c. False Report that they ^[had passed Han's Fork and] were coming along in. Hurriedly packed out Echo as we I rode along. When they did make a move they went up Han's Fork So W. went to Head of Echo to meet them at bend of Bear R. or thereabouts When ^[Col] Beatty went into Camp with dispatch from Gov Y. Alexander had turned back to go down Han's Fork. He was half frozen to death He had word he might go to Ft. Hall. He said [---] he wished he had heard it the night before. He said I will never leave the Territory: "Col Beatty how far is to the Territorial Line? Our strength lies in the efficiency & endurance of our men: their being bound together and obedient to orders -- brothers, & Jesuits. Endurance. We had men laid around their camp 4 & 5 days in the grass and among the hills with only what biscuits they cd. carry in their pockets -- during the worst cold weather -- during the march up Hans Fork. When they were suffering in their tents our boys without cover and down on their knees in the snow & pray it might fall deeper - and hedge up the way of their enemies We depend upon no pitched fight. As for the [--]ks of Echo they were only throw[-] up that are when they ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I9_p001.jpg) [text in pencil is a more legible version of the original text. To improve readability, only the original text has been transcribed.] portance to put a good man in it, throw it away. Either give it to a Mormon as a pride=sop, or ap= point no one to it. (b.) Amplify definition of New. (Difference between Fish and Fishy. Prefer mackerel to what stinks of the greasy band) Private history of the poor devils. 4. Make all the Washington offices behave themselves. Accts. &c. And no abusive correspondence on the part of eloquent Clerks in Bureaus tolerated. 5. Besides taking care that the Union and Herald write reasonable and not like the Herald, scandalous articles, Let one article, at least, hold out hopes, (which I shall bring some of our own papers out upon.) hopes of the One thing needful. This 6 6. Admission as a State. How refused this, &c., &c., Develop this fully (D.) If we are not to adopt a liberal policy, then my earnest advice is that we the U. S. make the utmost avail (of the golden hours of Truce* This best at any event, for besides accidents, Mr. B. may have a foolish or Douglass cancerous successor. Military Roads, Artesian wells, knowledge of passes. Two measures contributing to this Exportation of Heads of Missouri Measure would have Cumming's support, (Hobby of his) Mail Carriage by Mormons. Would have Young's support. (Hobby of his), This I prepared to press before coming in. More incum= bent now, other contracts given out. Express 18 days.—in a year 14. Special Express 10 days. This is to be added here. That if public opinion will not suffer them to have appointees ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F19_I9_p002.jpg) Mormons before their admission as a state Mormons before their admission as a state. We must do something to persuade Utah her feelings and interests and ours are identical, – and muse some thoughts and feelings in common, &c. common, etc. Close. close. Obeying a suggestion of a gentleman present will write from Philadelphia upon any one of the points I have made, upon which you are in doubt or may wish to have developed more fully. (Lea[--] Brief) "In conclusion, let me say that in case the Administration adopt the more humane and reasonable of the two alternatives, under which alone under which alone may the Utah question admits of consideration – it may efficient rely upon receiving my cordial and efficient sup– of facts, etc port. I know my power and knowledge of facts &c. If it costs me all next winter, I will guarantee them the support of the country." ----- new page (VMSS792_S3_SS6_B14_F20_p001.jpg) Gathered by Tom. In Utah April 1858