Potential Resources for Steve Richardson's “Prisoners of the Utah War” Paper

(Additional Documents, mostly from various pages on Hickman website)

  My mess, consisting of nine mounted men (besides a cook) was engaged in driving the beef cattle then with the army.  Promptly at dark the Tenth Regiment took the road, followed by the several wagon trains, and we rounded up the beef cattle and started them off.  By this time the cattle had become so well trained and so accustomed to following the wagon trains that we had no trouble with them whatever.  They would keep close up to the rear of the (corn) train though we might be three miles behind or off the road hunting.  On this night we were riding along leisurely, not realizing how rapidly the army was moving on a forced march, so that when we passed through the train on the divide, <p.10> about midnight, we were fully four miles behind the regiment.

  Soon after we passed through it a force of Mormon cavalry under Bill Hickman descended upon it, set fire to the wagons and consumed them and their contents.  Hickman soon afterward told me in Salt Lake City that his force stood in a cedar forest half a mile south of the road when the regiment and its wagon trains passed, and that he started to fire the train when he heard horses' hoofs coming up from Green River, when he turned back under cover and waited until a small squad of mounted men (which was myself and my eight companions) passed.  The same night or early next morning Hickman's and other Mormon cavalry burned up the two large supply trains at Green river and Big Sandy--thus depriving the army of about 500,000 pounds of provisions intended for its maintenance during the long and severe winter then setting in. . . .

--John L. Ginn, Mormon and Indian Wars, LDS Archives, MS 6037, pp. 9-10.

Camp 14, Harris Fork
Monday, October 12, 1857.
My Dear Maria:

  Yesterday we made a march en route for Salt Lake City. I was left with my company to bring up an ox train, the cattle [p.76] of which had strayed away during the night. After 2 ½ hours it got under way, and as soon as I got to the 5th Inf. Camp, 5 miles, my orders were to leave it and join my regiment. I made a cut-off, and in the meantime orders were sent to me to act as flankers to the train. Our whole train is 9 miles long. It takes about 6 companies to guard it. I wish you could see the train as it moves along. Two Mormon spies were taken in camp yesterday by the 5th Inf. They are two brothers Hickman, brothers to the celebrated Bill Hickman who is hovering around our rear with a large party. We are in constant expectation of an attack, mostly in the night with a view of stampeding our animals. Dandy is blanketed and in front of my tent. We sleep on our arms, ready at any moment to fall in to receive our Mormon friends. It snowed yesterday morning and also last night. It goes off readily; all this is excellent for us as it wets the grass so they cannot burn it. It is a Godsend for us.

  Tomorrow I am detailed for the advance, and I hope that I may meet some of the murderers. I do think from all I can learn from the mountain men, who know them well, that they are the greatest set of villains on earth. They say that this Bill Hickman, who is one of the 70 destroying angels, has murdered more than a hundred men in this country with his own hand. We hope to meet him ere long. Our grass is much better than we expected to find. We made today 10 ½ miles over a rough road.

--Otis G. Hammond, Ed., The Utah Expedition 1857-1858, Letters of Capt. Jesse A. Gove,10th Inf. U.S.A., 
of Concord, N.H. to Mrs. Gove, and Special Correspondence of the New York Herald, 
Concord, N.H., New Hampshire Historical Society, 1928, pp. 75-76.

COLONEL ALEXANDER TO GOVERNOR YOUNG
HEADQUARTERS ARMY FOR UTAH, 
Camp on Ham's Fork, 
October 12, 1857.
SIR: 

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

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

  It is my duty to inform you that I shall use the force under my control, and all honorable means in my power, to obey literally and strictly the orders under which I am acting. If you, or any acting under your orders, oppose me, I will use force, and I warn you that the blood that is shed in this contest will be upon your head. My means I consider ample to overcome any obstacle; and I assure you that any idea you may have formed of forcing these troops back, or of preventing them from carrying out the views of the government, will result in unnecessary violence and utter failure. Should you reply to this in a spirit which our relative positions give me a right to demand, I will be prepared to propose an arrangement with you. I have also the honor to inform you that all persons found lurking around or in any of our camps, will be put under guard and held prisoners as long as circumstances may require.

  I remain sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant 

E. B. ALEXANDER 
Colonel 10th Infantry, Commanding.

BRIGHAM YOUNG TO COLONEL ALEXANDER 
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, U.T.,
October 14, 1857 
COLONEL: 

  In consideration of our relative positions--you acting in your capacity as commander of the United States forces, and in obedience, as you have stated, to orders from the President of the United States, and I as governor of this Territory, impelled by every sense of justice, honor, integrity and patriotism to resist what I consider to be a direct infringement of the rights of the citizens of Utah, and an act of usurpation and tyranny unprecedented in the history of the United States--permit me to address you frankly as a citizen of the United States, untrammelled by the usages of official dignity or military etiquette.

  As citizens of the United States, we both, it is presumable, feel strongly attached to the Constitution and institutions of our common country; and, as gentlemen, should probably agree in sustaining the dear bought liberties bequeathed by our fathers--the position in which we are individually placed being the only apparent cause of our present antagonism; you, as colonel commanding, feeling that you have a rigid duty to perform in obedience to orders, and I, a still more important duty to the people of this Territory.

  I need not here reiterate what I have already mentioned in my official proclamation, and what I and the people of this Territory universally believe firmly to be the object of the administration in the present expedition against Utah, viz : the destruction, if not the entire annihilation of the Mormon community, solely upon religious grounds.

  We have sought diligently for peace. We have sacrificed millions of dollars worth of property to obtain it, and wandered a thousand miles from the confines of civilization, severing ourselves from home, the society of friends, and everything that makes life worth enjoyment. If we have war, it is not of our seeking; we have never gone nor sought to interfere with the rights of others, but they have come and sent to interfere with us. We had hoped that, in this barren and desolate country, we could have remained unmolested; but it would seem that our implacable, blood-thirsty foes envy us even these barren deserts. Now, if our real enemies, the mobocrats, priests, editors and politicians, at whose instigation the present storm has been gathered, had come against us, instead of you and your command, I would never have addressed them thus. They never would have been allowed to reach the South Pass. In you we recognize only the agents and instruments of the administration, and with you personally, have no quarrel. I believe it would have been more consonant with your feelings to have made war upon the enemies of your country than upon American citizens. But, to us, the end to be accomplished is the same, and while I appreciate the unpleasantness of your position, you must be aware that circumstances compel the people of Utah to look upon you, in your present belligerent attitude, as their enemies and the enemies of our common country, and notwithstanding my most sincere desire to promote amicable relations with you, I shall feel it my duty, as do the people of the Territory, universally, to resist to the utmost every attempt to encroach further upon their rights.

  It therefore becomes a matter for your serious consideration, whether it would not be more in accordance with the spirit and institutions of our country to return with your present force, rather than force an issue so unpleasant to all, and which must result in much misery and, perhaps, bloodshed, and, if persisted in, the total destruction of your army. And, furthermore, does it not become a question whether it is more patriotic for officers of the United States army to ward off, by all honorable means, a collision with American citizens, or to further the precipitate move of an indiscreet and rash administration, in plunging a whole Territory into a horrible, fratricidal and sanguinary war.

  Trusting that the foregoing considerations may be duly weighed by you, and that the difficulties now impending may be brought to an amicable adjustment, with sentiments of esteem, I have the honor to remain, most respectfully, &c.,

BRIGHAM YOUNG**
*   This communication from Brigham Young, dated at Salt Lake City, Oct. 7, reads:  "Presuming that during a dearth of news from the east and your home, news from the west might enliven the monotonous routine of camp life, I have the honor to forward to you two copies each of the latest numbers of the Deseret News."  Doc. 71, p.47.
**  Another long letter of a similar tone was written by Brigham Young on Oct. 16 (Doc. 71, pp. 50-54) in answer to Alexander's letter of the 12th.  Col. Alexander answered Young's second letter on the 19th (Doc. 71, p.54) with a brief response in which he said, "It is not necessary for me to argue the points advanced by you. . .  My disposition of the troops depend upon grave considerations not necessary to enumerate, and considering your order to leave the Territory illegal and beyond your authority to issue, or power to enforce, I shall not obey it."

--LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W. Hafen, The Utah Expedition 1857-1858,
Arthur H. Clark Co., 1958, pp.74-81

  While George was held as a prisoner, Thomas was sent back and forth between the opposing camps carrying messages between Colonel Alexander and Brigham Young.  The next selections give the situation as viewed by the Mormon military forces:

Wednesday 14 Oct 1857. Went on the mountains to try the signalls which worked well.  Recieved two letters from home my family had been down with the bad cough which is going the rounds (called Horse distemper)  A number of families passing to day News that 700 head of cattle had been taken from the enemy again and that G.W. & T.J. Hickman who had gone into their enemies camp on private business were detained as prisoners, and orders were brought by Stephen Taylor for Maj Willis to march with his command to Bridger &c (His are Horsemen)
--Juanita Brooks, ed., On the Mormon Frontier: The Diary of Hosea Stout, Vol. 2, p. 642. 

Thursday, Oct. 15 [1857].  At 4 o'clock a.m. Thos. Jefferson Hickman arrived from the enemies' camp with a letter from Col. Alexander, reflecting upon our course in burning grass and wagons and supposed stopping of the mail, that he considered our course rebellious, and that he felt himself able and was determined to carry out the instructions of the President of the United States, which was to establish a military post at or near Salt Lake City, and assured us that if blood was shed, the consequences would be upon us.  T.J. Hickman and his brother had been sent into the enemies' camp on a message to see a Mr. Perry and were taken prisoners and kept several days.  Col. Alexander writes that he had released the younger, but should detain the elder until a future time.

At half past 10 a.m. Joseph Hunt and John Reed arrived from Abraham Conover; he went to Burton's camp with an express, on Bear River.  But as Burton had left per instructions for Echo Canyon and his horse being sick, he was obliged to come on foot and leave his mare which detained him three days.

Ten minutes after 7 p.m. Joseph A. Young started with an express to the City, giving an account of our late proceedings.  A letter was written by Gen. Wells to Col. Alexander advising him if he had ladies in the camp to put them in a train by themselves as we did not wish to injure them, he also prepared to forward a fatherly letter from Gov. Young to the Colonel.  At 8 p.m. an express arrived from the governor, requesting Gen. Clawson to go to the City, approving of our acts and informing us that a number of troops were forwarded to Echo canyon, a little over 300 in number.  We also received letters and the Deseret News of the 14th of October.  Night very cold.

Friday, Oct. 16.  Gen. Hiram B. Clawson left for the city at 8 o'clock a.m.  At 10 a.m. four brethern arrived from the cattle taken from the enemy.  They had poor broken down horses and reported that there was 755 head of cattle among which were a number of fat cattle and that they would be here tomorrow.

At 10:30 a.m. Morrison Meekham and Lieut. R.H. Attwood started with an express to the enemies' camp with letters from Gen. Wells and Gov. Young as well as the Deseret News. 
[p.21]  
At 11:25 a.m. Major Lewis Robison's company, 27 in number, started, principally of Capt. Willis' command.  At 12:25 the remainder of Willis' command, about 22 men, started with Barney Ward, across the country to join Major McAllister.  At the same time a wagon arrived with Orson Arnold, the young man who was shot in the thigh by accident; Dr. Dunyan is with him; he seems to be doing as well as could be expected.  At 10 minutes past 12 Major Robison started after his company, accompanied by Thos. Jefferson Hickman and Joshua Terry.  They carried with them instructions to cache the iron at Green River, and on the Gandies, of the burnt trains, and then to proceed to Washaki and ascertain, if possible, his feelings and what the enemy has proposed to him, assuring him of our friendship; he took Joshua Terry with him as interpreter and guide.  He was also to take McGraw's animals and train, if possible, and operate on the road in the place of Lot Smith, who is now too far north to guard the Sublets cut off.  Instructions were sent to Capt. Lot Smith to operate in the rear or front of the enemies' train and to Major McAllister to keep in advance and to destroy with fire or otherwise and that he and Lot Smith were to act in concert and if they found the enemy on long grass to fire it.  They were instructed to preserve No. 13, train in which Hooper's things were and to turn, if possible, the enemies' teams this way instead of destroying them.

At 7 o'clock p.m., a train of cattle arrived with about 30 men.

Saturday, Oct. 17. Alfred Higgins arrived at 9:30 a.m. with an express from the city, bearing a letter to Col. Alexander.

10 a.m., left Camp ground for Echo Canyon.  As we ascended the mountain west of Yellow Creek, we discovered an express coming from the east, and waited for it.  It proved to be Abraham and Aaron H. Conover and Thos. J. Grandon, with a letter from McAllister, showing the position of the troops; he stated they moved about 8 miles a day, and were very cautious in their movements.  We proceeded to Major Barlow's camp, Cache Cave, at which place we arrived about 11 a.m.  At 1:30 p.m. as an express to McAllister by the hands of Col. Beattie and Capt. Stephen Taylor and also the governor's letter and papers to Col. Alexander.

Major McAllister's instructions were to cease burning trains, but as soon as the enemy left the Oregon road and turned towards the city to commence cutting off their guards and pickets, but if they turned on to the Fort Hall Road not to molest them further. 

--Journal History of the [LDS] Church, 25 Oct 1857 p.20-21

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  Below you can read additional dispatches carried by Thomas Jefferson Hickman.  Note the unusual degree of courtesy and respect expressed between Brigham Young and Col. Alexander though they were on opposing sides of the pending conflict.  War today isn't as polite as it used to be.

HEAD QUARTERS.  Army for Utah,}
Camp on Ham's Fork,}
Oct. 18th, 1857.}
To His Excellency Brigham Young, Governor of Utah Territory:--

Sir:--I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th inst.  I learn by the bearers that it is not an answer to one from me sent to you by Mr. T.J. Hickman.  It is not within my province to disabuse you of the idea that the army of the United States can ever be used to oppress the citizens of the country, or to perform any other duty than to protect all law-abiding persons in their pursuits and property.  I may assert that the acts of which you complain on the part of certain officials in your Territory could never have been committed had there been an officer or a regiment of troops near enough to prevent it.

It is no part of the duty and still less of the wishes of any one connected with this force to interfere in any way with the religion of the people of Utah, whether they are members of the Mormon Church or worship under the forms of any church.  But there are certain duties incumbent upon every man entrusted with a military commission and command, and the first is obedience of orders, under all circumstances short of impossibility.

I repeat my earnest desire to avoid violence and blood-shed, and it will require positive resistance to force me to it.  But my troops have the same right of self defence that you claim, and it rests entirely with you whether they are driven to the exercise of it.

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

I am, with high respect, your obedient servant,

E.B. ALEXANDER,
10th Infy. Comdg.
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[p.4]
HEAD QUARTERS, Army for Utah}
Camp on Ham's Fork, Oct. 19, 1857}
To His Excellency, Brigham Young, Governor of Utah Territory:---

SIR:---I have received by the hand of Lt. Col. Beatie, your letter of the 16th inst.  It is not necessary for me to argue the points advanced by you, and I have only to repeat my assurance, that no harm would have happened to any citizen of Utah through the instrumentality of the Army of the U.S., in the performance of its legitimate duties, without molestation.  My disposition of the troops will depend upon grave considerations not necessary to enumerate, and considering your order to leave the Territory, illegal, and beyond your authority to issue, or power to enforce, I shall not obey it.
I am, sir, with respect,
Your obedient Servant,
E.B. Alexander,
Col. 10th Infantry Comdg.
--------

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, Great Salt Lake City,}
Oct. 28th, 1857}
Col. E.B. Alexander, 10th Inf. U.S.A., Camp Ham's Fork:---

Sir:---Having learned that Mrs. Mogo, with her infant child, wishes to join her husband in your camp, also that Mr. Jesse Jones, who has been in this city a few weeks, was anxious to see Mr. Roup, it has afforded me pleasure to cause the necessary arrangements to be made for their comfortable and safe conveyance to your care, under the conduct and protection of Messrs. John Harvey, Joseph Sharp and Thomas J. Hickman, the bearers of this communication.

       Mrs. Mogo and her infant are conveyed to your camp in accordance with my previously often expressed readiness to forward to you such as might wish to go, and is the only resident of that description in Utah, so far as I am informed.  Her husband made his first appearance here in the capacity of a teamster for Capt. W.H. Hooper.  He was then in very destitute circumstances, has since been in the employ of the late U.S. Surveyor General of Utah, and I am not aware that he has any property or tie of any description in this Territory, except the wife and child now conveyed to him in your camp.

         Should Col. Canby and lady wish to partake of the hospitalities proffered by Mr. Heywood and family, and should Capt. R.B. Marcy desire to favor me with a visit, as I infer from his letter of introduction forwarded and in my possession, or should you or any other officers in your command wish to indulge in a trip to this city, you will be kindly welcomed and hospitably entertained, and the vehicle and escort now sent to your camp are tendered for the conveyance of such as may receive your permission to avail themselves of this cordial invitation.

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

         Trusting that this communication will meet your entire approval and hearty co-operation, I have the honor, Sir, to be your ob't serv't,

BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs, U.T.
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HEAD QUARTERS, advance of the Army}
for Utah, Camp on Ham's Fork, }
Nov. 1, 1857}
Governor B. Young:

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

        The persons now in my custody are amenable for civil offences to the civil authority of the Territory, and I regret that it is not in my power to release them without the consent of the civil authorities.  As soon as Gov. Cumming arrives, his directions concerning them will be obtained, and they will be subject to his orders and control.  I can assure you again, that every attention will be paid to their welfare and comfort.

        Very respectfully, your obdt. servt.,

E.B. ALEXANDER
Col. 10th Infy, Comdg.

-------

The following letter contains the orders  to Col. Waite by which our George Washington Hickman was finally released from captivity:

Head Quarters, Army of Utah
Blacks Fork, 16 miles from Fort Bridger
en route to Salt Lake City
November 8 1857
Sir:

  The Colonel Commanding directs that if there is not sufficient evidence against Mr. George W. Hickman, now a prisoner in your charge, to convict him of being a spy, or to make him amenable to the civil authority, that he be released from confinement, his mule restored to him, and he sent immediately from camp.

  I am sir, very respectfully Your Obedient Servant,

F.J. Porter
A.A.G.
--Records of the War Department
RG 98 United States Army Commands
Department of Utah, Letters Sent, 
1857-1861,  Volume I, No. 161;
Utah Historical Society Film A-112

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EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, G.S.L. City, U.T.,}
Nov. 26th, 1857.}

Col. A.S. Johnston, U.S.A., (if he has arrived on Black's Fork) or Col. E.B. Alexander, U.S.A.:---

Sir:--Being reliably informed that your command, and the men belonging to the Mercant teams, are much in need of salt, I have taken the liberty to at once forward you a load (some eight hundred pounds) by Messrs. Henry Woodard and Jesse J. Earl.  You are perfectly welcome to the salt now sent, but should you perfer making any compensation therefor, I have to request that you inform me, under sealed envelope, of the weight received and the amount and kind of compensation returned.

There is no design or wish to spy out your position, movements or intentions, through the men now sent to your camp, but should you entertain any dubiety upon that point, you are at perfect liberty to stop and detain them outside your encampment, during the short time necessary for the delivery of their loading, in readiness to forthwith start upon their return.

Should any in your command be suspicious that the salt now forwarded contains any deleterious ingredients, other than those combined in its natural deposition on the shore of Great Salt Lake, Mr. Woodard or Mr. Earl, in charge of its transportation and delivery, or, doubtless, Mr. Livingston, Mr. Gerrish, Mr. Perry, or any other person in your camp that is acquainted with us, will freely partake of it to dispel any groundless suspicion, or your doctors may be able to test it to your satisfaction.

I have to inform you that the demonstrations which have been made upon your animals and trains have been made solely with a view to let you emphatically understand that we are in earnest when we assert, freem like, that we will not tamely submit to any longer having our Constitutional and inalienable rights trampled under foot.  And if you are now within our borders by the orders of the President of the United States, of which I have no official notification, I have further to inform you that by ordering you here upon pretexts founded solely upon lies, all of which have long since been exploded, the President has no more regard for the Constitution and laws of the United States and the welfare of her loyal citizens, than he has for the Constitution, laws, and subjects of the Kingdom of Belzebub.

Of the persons reported to be retained by you as prisoners, the two who are said to have hailed from Oregon are entire strangers to us; Mr. Grow, on his way here from the States, is probably treated by you in a reasonably humane manner, for which you have my thanks, as it saves us the expense of his board; and if you imagine that keeping, mistreating or killing Mr. Stowell will redound to your credit or advantage, future experience may add to the stock of your better judgment.

Col. Alexander, I am informed that among the mules that have come into our settlements is a small, white one belonging to you, and a favorite of yours.  This mule in question arrived in poor condition, and learning it was a favorite with you, it gives me pleasure to inform you that I immediately caused the mule to be placed in my stables, where it is well fed and cared for, and is held subject to your order, but should you prefer leaving it in my care during the winter, it will probably be in better plight for your use upon your return to the East in the spring.

Trusting that the bearers of a welcome and frankly proffered gift will be courteously received and premitted, with their animals and wagon, to peaceably start upon their immediate return, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your ob't serv't,

BRIGHAM YOUNG,
Governor of Utah Territory.

--Journal History of the [LDS] Church, 4 Jan 1857, pp. 3-4.

Utah Expedition.
FORT KEARNY, U.T., Dec. 23. ’57.
  On the 26th November, Col. Johnston was at Fort Bridger, at which place he had established his head quarters.  Col. Cooke, with six companies Second Dragoons, arrived that morning, having lost many of his animals, and the remainder were unfit for service.  From Laramie to Salt Lake there is no grass, (the Mormons burnt it in advance of the troops) consequently all the animals belonging to the expedition were very poor when winter set in, and it is reported that they are dying at the rate of some one hundred daily.  There can be no doubt that when spring opens Col. Johnston will be so much crippled that he will be compelled to await the arrival of fresh animals, and other supplies, before he will be able to commence active operations.---That the expedition is a failure for this year, cannot be questioned; and when we reflect upon the matter and see what an immense amount of public property must be lost, as well as the condition of the troops, on short rations, and living in tents in a country where the snow is usually very deep during winter, (in November it was two feet deep,) it would seem that your predictions last summer were well grounded.  That the Mormons intend to resist there can be no doubt, they are fortifying the passes that lead to the city.  They have released Jesse Jones, agent of Majors & Russell, who was taken prisoner by them some time since, and have sent him to Col. Johnston's camp.  In passing through the different canons they blindfolded him, to prevent him from obtaining any knowledge of their movements.  It is reported that Bill Hickman, who is one of the Danites, and a notorious scoundrel, has been killed by a mountain man named Baker.  I am inclined to think it is his brother who was a prisoner in Col. Alexander's camp, as report says he was released a short time before.

  Mr. Magraw, of the wagon road expedition has volunteered under Col. Johnston--those of his party who would not do so were discharged.  So this expedition is broken up without accomplishing anything, save what has been done by Lander, Chief Engineer and his assistants.  Mr. Magraw having had some difficulty with his Engineers, they, as well as the Disbursing Agent, left him and have gone to the States.

  A few nights since, a party of Cheyenne Indians attacked some Pawnees, who were occupying an old mail house within a few hundred yards of the post, which occasioned some little excitement in the garrison.  The command promptly turned out, and a detachment was sent to patrol, but the night was so dark that no Indians could be discovered.  Some doubt was felt, at first as to the fact of Cheyennes having made this attack, but next morning moccasin tracks, (without doubt Cheyenne,) were discovered, which settled the matter.  the bold attack on the part of the Cheyennes was from the following circumstances, viz: three Pawenees has stolen some horses from the Cheyennes, were pursued and the animals recovered.  In the encounter the Cheyennes had one man killed, (supposed to be a Chief,) and another severly, if not mortally wounded.  The Pawnees escaped without loss, and came immediately to the Fort where they had been some days, before this attack was made on them; which fact was, no doubt, known to the Cheyennes, and their object was to surprise them and get a scalp or two in revenge for the loss of their comrades.  An attack on the post was evidently not designed by them.

  We are enjoying delightful weather at present.---Mo. Republican.
--Liberty Weekly Tribune, Jan 15 1858.

===============================================
MURDER OF DR. G. W. HICKMAN
Special Correspondence of the Cincinnati Inquirer.
CAMP SCOTT, U.T., March 1, 1858.
One who has not been accustomed to this climate could hardly believe the rapid changes which it undergoes. When I wrote you my last letter I had to thaw my ink, and with difficulty only could I keep myself from freezing inside my tent. Now I am writing without fire, and am very comfortable. Were it not for the lack of verdure in our landscape, and the mountains, apparently within a stone’s throw of us, whose tops and sides are groaning under their heavy mantle of snow, and the ice yet bridging over our little stream, I would think I was writing this on a Summer’s day, and under a tropical sun. To-day is really a Spring day—warm, pleasant and lovely without. The thermometer marks 56° above zero. This opens well for March. It is an old saying, that when March "comes in like a lamb it goes out like a lion." If this holds good here, we are yet to be reminded that we are still in the Rocky Mountains. The old mountain men, however, say that the Winter is over. One of them told me that he saw, the other day, grass growing on the sunny side of the elevations. The snow is all gone from the valleys and lower altitudes, where the sun could shine. About two weeks ago the weather changed suddenly from cold to warm, and has continued warm ever since; but the mountain streams have not yet begun to flow.
The beef stored away for our supplies until Spring has commenced to thaw. Fears are entertained that much of it will spoil if this warm spell continues. But efforts are being made to preserve it by surrounding it with ice. If this project fails, we have about 600 head of cattle on the hoof that can be slaughtered at pleasure to supply the demand. Six hundred more can be had from Platte Bridge early in the Spring.
Divers rumors are afloat in camp concerning the attitude of the Mormons in Salt Lake. But we have no reliable information from that quarter. One of these rumors says that the Mormons are all leaving the city and seeking refuge in the mountains. Another states that they are sending only their women and children to the mountains and outside villages for security, while the fighting population are to remain and prepare to give us a hot and hospitable reception in the Spring. These rumors are brought in by Indians, who may be interested in behalf of the Mormons to circulate them.
No tidings have reached us from Capt. Marcy, whose return from Tause, New-Mexico, is expected in April, or sooner. Neither have we heard from the "Rangers," under Ficklin, who left more than two months ago to the "Flat Head" nation for Indian ponies. His return is also expected soon.
The expedition alluded to in my last article as having gone to reenforce Capt. Marcy, has been so fortunate as to reclaim 44 battery horses, which were supposed to have been stolen from the army last Fall. Those horses were brought into camp three days ago by some Utah Indians. On being questioned where the horses were found, these Indians would only reply, "Away off yonder, away off—many heap of sleeps from here." It is supposed they were reclaimed somewhere in the Utah Valley. They are in fine condition.
Two days ago intelligence came to us that the body of a man was found hanging to a tree near Smith’s Fork. Some dragoons found the body thus suspended, cut it down and buried it.
Those who found him report that he had red whiskers and a mark, as if from a cut, on his right cheek. His skull was knocked in behind. This shows that he did not hang himself. The body had the appearance of having been hanging there some months. His eyes were eaten out by the crows, and his face was so picked and mangled that nothing more was observed that would aid in identifying the individual. There are, however, strong reasons for believing the body to be that of Dr. George W. Hickman, who was released from Col. Alexander’s camp last Fall. Dr. Hickman had a red goatee on his chin, and a whitish mustache. He had a scar on his right cheek.
A few days after Dr. Hickman left our camp, it was whispered around among the mountain men here "that he had not been able to make the connection," meaning that he had been cut off before he could join the Mormons then at Fort Bridger. Dr. Hickman, as well as his brother, the notorious "Bill" Hickman, had much to do in the outrages committed against the resident mountain men. His clique, headed by "Bill" Hickman, had driven them from their homes, had stolen their horses and cattle, and had remorsely appropriated to their own use much of their property. It was stated as a fact that the mule Dr. Hickman rode out of our camp when he was released, was stolen by "Bill" H. from one of our guides, now present in our camp.
It is thus rendered highly probable that the dead body is that of Dr. H., who was murdered to gratify the malice, which all the mountaineers bear, not only to the Mormons generally, but particularly to "Bill" Hickman, the doctor and their clan. Some think, on the contrary, that it is the body of some person returning to the States from our camp or California, who was murdered for his money. But, no matter whose body it is, every means will be used to ferret out the perpetrator of the deed, and bring him to condign punishment. By the next mail I shall be able to give you more particulars concerning this inhuman affair. The body will be dissected by a surgeon with a view of identifying it.
It was not known until last week that anything more could be done by the agents of Messers. Russell & Waddle, contractors to freight for the army here, or that another disclosure of the doings of this firm could be made which could surprise anybody here. We all know, and you in the States have heard, of the inefficiency and mismanagement of the agents of this firm; but no one could ever have dreamed that, while freighting for the General Government, and receiving pay from it, they were also freighting for our enemies. It is even so. I doubt if anything else which the future may reveal concerning this firm can now astonish any one. Last week, on examining the wagons that Mr. Rupp, their agent, packed at Fort Bridger, there were found in an interior wagon 1,000 pounds of powder, and other merchandise, directed to Eldridge, the agent for the Mormon Church, with "For X. Y." underneath. "X. Y." means the Church of Mormon! This powder and this merchandise Russell & Waddle, through their agent, Mr. Rupp, carted all the way across the plains for the enemies of the Government, which employed Russell & Waddle to freight provisions for the army it was sent here to put down the Mormon rebellion! Whether Russell & Waddle knew that this powder was coming, and authorized it, I am not able to say. If they did sanction it, they can never outlive the disgrace which must legitimately fall upon them for furnishing powder to a people who are every hour preparing, and awaiting the time, to send their leaden balls through the hearts of our loyal American citizens! Let us hope the gentlemen of the firm knew nothing of this—that it was the act of their agent, Mr. Rupp. We would gladly believe that Russell & Waddle would never become a party to such transaction. But they must, to some extent, be responsible for the acts of their principal agent. However, we think their agent, Mr. Rupp, would not scruple to do such a thing, even on his own sole responsibility. He disappeared from here between two days, and forfeited his bond of $500 to appear as a witness at the next Term of the court, to be held by Chief Justice Ecklee, against some Mormons who were to be indicted for treason. This act, of itself, justifies the prevalent opinion here that he was mysteriously leagued, in some way, with the rebels.
A redeemed Mormon lady, who has sought the protection of the army here, told me the other day that Brigham Young threatens, in case the President does not "back out" from the position he has taken in his message, that he will send his "destroying angels" on a message of incendiarism, to burn St. Louis, Keokuk, Chicago, New York, and even the capital of the United States. These cities, and many others, are to be fired simultaneously. And furthermore, his followers in the States are to volunteer in the new volunteer regiments to be raised this Spring, and are to come out here for the purpose of spying inside of our own camp and inciting the soldiers to mutiny; and in case of a battle, to desert our ranks at a given signal, and to take the side of the enemy. This bravado is in perfect harmony with the sermons and the pulpit spoutings of Kimball.
We are awaiting anxiously the February mail from the States. Unless the President sends positive instructions to Col. Johnston to remain here until reenforcements reach us, this "little" army, as it is styled by our sympathizing friends in the States, will be in Salt Lake City by the middle of June. It will move from here in April, and if a battle is to be fought it will be decided soon. I am assured of one thing, namely, that it is not the intention of Col. Johnston to retrace a step which his army has taken, or is to take.
--New York Daily Tribune, Apr 16 1858, p. 6
LDS Historical Department, 112171-LIBR-88
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  In the 1880s Hubert Howe Bancroft had scores of his employees scouring the west to collect information for use in his landmark series of books of Western history.  One of them collected the following statement; to my knowledge none of it was used in the histories, but it was preserved for us in the Bancroft Collections at Berkeley:

Dictation taken from Hon. T.J. Hickman
West Las Animas,
August 19th 1886.

  Born in Randolph County, Missouri,  May 26th 1832.

  Left in 1857, went to Salt Lake and then to Denver in 1859.  In 1861 he went back to his native state and being the son of a wealthy planter and slave holder he naturally took sides with the South and entered the Rebel army.  For valient service Mr. Hickman was promoted to Captain and served faithfully during that great struggle.  He is of the Democratic faith although some of his very warmest friends are of the other party.  Being a man of positive convictions he naturally wins all who admire an honest, honorable course independent of political trickery.  He is nearly always a delegate to State Conventions and has repeatedly cast the entire vote of the county, thus showing the conficence the people have in him.  His Grandfather's brother, General Hickman was on Washington's Staff, an event of which Mr. Hickman feels some pride.  He says there is no North or South now except by points of compass.  We are one people, ready to go and lick Old Mexico at a moment's warning.

  Object in coming to Colorado was for health and to engage in cattle business.  After the war he went to Platte City, Nebraska and engaged in merchantizing, the confinement of which brought <p.2> on disease which made it necessary to go to some other climate.  His health has fully recovered.

Sheriff.
  In 1877 he was serving as Under Sheriff, and Mr. Spiers, then Sheriff, resigning, he was appointed by the County Commissioners to fill the vacancy.  Afterwards he was twice elected to that office.  At that time there was not a town incorporated in the county and Mr. Hickman was virtually police, marshal and Sheriff for the county.  There was a terribly rough element in the county at that time, and there was great danger to an officer.

  A number of men were killed by desperadoes and their capture was effected with great danger of losing life.  He was very successful however, and always got his man without much difficulty.

Irrigation.
  Mr. Hickman is very enthusiastic on the subject of irrigation, regarding it a perfect success in every particular.  He thinks this entire country will eventually become a perfect network of ditches.  The country is one of the most fertile he ever saw, producing in abundance everything that can be raised anywhere.  He expects to see the day when the entire portion of irrigable land will be found by an intelligent class of farmers and with greater success than in any other <p.3> country he ever saw.

Government System [Homesteading?].
  He is strongly in favor of such a system, and says he has studied that subject a great deal and knows that the land made salable by such a system will doubly pay for putting the ditches through.  He is willing to take the land and put all the ditches through [as] necessary.  Alfalfa is the great product of this country, because it makes such an abundance of feed.  Many pieces yielding from 6 to ten tons per acre.  This feed to cattle will yield from $60 to $100 per acre.

Offices Filled.
  Deputy Sheriff for 2 years, Sheriff for 5 1/2  years and County Treasurer for 5 years and still serving in that capacity.  Office pays about $5500 per year.

  Hon. T.J. Hickman stands very high in this county.  He is the recognized political leader of this county, and is never behind in all enterprises which tend toward the public good.  He has been closely identified with the interests of this county for several years and has gained the full confidence and esteem of the entire community.  He is absolutely reliable and his dictation is worthy of acceptation.

Yours Truly,
J.R.C., Sec.

--University of Utah, Marriott Library Special Collections, 
Ms. 584, Hope Hilton Papers, Box 2 Folder 3.

This is a copy from a manuscript Hope A. Hilton found at the 
Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley, California.
--o0o--

Thomas and Margaret were the parents of ten children whose names and birthdates follow:

 1  James M., b. 15 Oct 1851
  2  Alexander C., b. 13 May 1854, Adair County, Missouri, d. 1926 , Rochester, Minn. (Mayo Clinic)
  3  John T., b. 24 Feb 1856
 4  Martha Belle, b. 16 Sep 1858
 5  Susan Davis, b. 26 Jan 1862; 
 6  Lucy B., b. 4 Apr 1864, Missouri
 7  Mary E., b. 12 Apr 1866, Kansas
 8  Edwin (twin), b. 18 Nov 1868
  9  Benjamin (twin), b. 18 Nov 1868
10 Sharp Frost, b. 1871, Missouri

http://www.hickmansfamily.homestead.com/TJHbio.html
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[Newton Tuttle’s] Journal<6>

[August] Sat 8 [1857] in after noon a training at the Public Square

Fri 14 Just at night I went & notifyed John Ells Leiut, to be ready with his Company to March where where ever called upon to go By to Morow night with a 4 Horse team by order of Jude Allen Capt

Sat 15 I rode up to Farmington with J Allen cr to an Officer Drill & back.<7>

Mond 17 I rode up to Farmington with Jude Allen cr & back to a General Muster
[p.300]   
Fri 21 in Morning a make out Military returns<8> & sent out 5 Men from our Company & 5 from Centerville on to the road as gards &c

Sat 29 up to Farmington with br Allen to an officir Drill

[September] Sat 5 I rode up to Farmington to a General Muster with Jude Allen & back
Sat 12 in after noon to training in br Calls field  I took Command of company <9>

Mond 14 I was notified to Warn John Ellis & James O. Buckland to be ready with there Companys on Friday for a campaigne

Tues 15 fixing for a campaigne make a Shot or bulet poutch & Scabard

Thurs 17 Snow on Mountains get ready for a campaigne

Fri 18 we started out for our campaigne.<10> the Battalion was formed over by John Tilfords  we took Dinner & then Marched Down to br Stones field & camped over night

Sat 19 A call was Made on our Battalion for four horses, waggon Harnesses, our beef & 2 men to go back on the road  we broke up camp & went home  I made out the returns of our campaigne
[p.301] 
Map:  The Utah Expedition (click here to see it)
[p.302] 
Fri 25 I was called to go back on the road to fight the Soldiers. We got organised in evening & Drove to city & camped back of Tithing office

Sat 26 8 o clock A. M. We Started out on the road with 12 Men of our company Jude Allen Capt. Newton Tuttle Adjutent, & under the Command of Major J. D. T, McAllister <11> I took 32 lb of crackers & Buisket, I was Detailed back to city to get Some Horse Shoes & another man with me  we got the Shoes and Started on. We Drove over the Little Mountain to Old Hatches & Baited our Horses &c  we Drove over the big Mountain & camped a going up the Mountain Harvy Perkins broke His reach & had to put in an other
[p.303]
S 27 J. K. Crosby & A Stokers Horses gone & some others we Drove on a most to the Webber & baited, 2 Horses Died  We then Drove on & crossed the Weber & on up to Echoe Kanyon & camped. Just as we were a going to bed Wm Van Ettene came in from Bridger with an express <12> & a freight waggon Master by the name of Jones from the enemy. He said the soldiers were on Hams fork & a Driving 30 miles a Day.<13> He ordered us to start right on, we Started & drove to Cashe Cave & got there Just at Day light.

Mond 28 We got breakfust left our waggons  I left my Sack of Crackers, 2 Spoons, Keg, coat, & waggon cover We then packed our Blankets & Drove on  crossed yellow creek Drove on to the quakeing asp grove & Stoped one hour or till Sunset we then Drove on & Past a man ox express for the City crossed big Mudy & Past Wm H. Waltons train of flour for the freighters of the Soldiers stuff at the Soda Springs We camped on Little Mudy a bought 11 o clock p m their was a lot of our boys camped Here from Bridger

Tues 29 we drove on crossed Spring creek & on to Bridger in the Morning before Breakfust we had to cook our Breakfust with out any kettle or any thing else to cook in. I then fixed my things & Shod Jude Allens Horse I got Some paper &c at Fort. I stood guard from 12 till 4 1/2 past A. M

Wedn 30 In camp we Drilled a Spell. I Shod Wm Woodard Horse  In after noon packed & moved up Black fork 1 mile & camped  Gen D. H. Wells & Staff came out to Bridger

[October] Thurs 1 In camp I went Down to fort & got bag &c  a long towards night our horses were got up & we rode Down to fort & Drilled a while, had some Remarks by D. H. Wells. G A Smith & J Taylor prayer by D. H. Wells, we then went back to camp packed up & went up blacks fork 1 mile farther & camped
[p.304] 
Fri 2 After breakfust we Drove Down to Fort their was 50 men picked out to go with Lot Smith to Green river they took my Horse & I took br Hornses of Kaysville; then they picked out 50 more with my Self to go back or Down to Hams fork to Spy <14> round the enemys camp &c the 20 men that was sent Down a head of us was to come back. An express came in from city & they Said Wm Simons was Shot in Echo Kanyon by one of our Men carelessly or he shot at him thinking he was so far of that he could not hit him. It was on the bluff that I went on to, where we camped the night that Wm Van Ettene came to us on an Express for the City Gen D. H. Wells blessed us & we Started out a bought 3 P. M. Drove on crossed Smiths fork & on a bought 20 miles from Fort Bridger & camped on Blacks fork. John McCarthy got 5 Head of enemys cattle & fetched in to Bridger Just before we started out  Fort Bridger Oct 2nd 1857. Under command of Lot Smith Philo Dibble jr account of his trip  Wedn Sept 30th  In After noon went with 9 other men Down on to Blacks fork 15 miles below bridger  3 men Sent to Spy out the enemys camp; Milo Andrews came out to relieve us, our 3 men got back from the enemys camp Fri 2 we went back to Bridger & then we Started back with Lot Smith & 50 men in all for Green river we went down on to Hams fork & camped 33 miles

Sat 3 In Morning our Spy See 5 waggons & 2 men on horse back a head of them a coming towards us from Green river  we left 25 men with the pack animals. Lot took 25 & went out to them & told them to go back to the States or he would burn there waggons,<15> we then went on to green river & camped 1 [p.305] mile below the road, their was a large camp of Soldiers up by the road but we could not get a chance to Stampead their animals

S 4  25 of us went on to big Sandy & 25 followed after the Soldiers over on to Hams fork & took 60 head of cattle, 2 of the men that went back to big Sandy See 26 waggons  we then Started back a bought 1 hour before Sun Down when we got back to Green river in stead of 26 waggons we found 51. We then burnt the two trains & went back in to the hills towards Big Sandy & camped<16>

Mond 5 We went on to the Sandy got breakfust then we went up to the road & found 24 waggons we burnt 22 of them & took 7 mules & 2 saddles we then went off from the road, To camp & one of our boys or Orson Arnold got shot through the thigh by accident the ball hit Philo Dibble under the ear & past through an other mans Hat. We were 25 miles from Green river we made a litter & packed the boy with in 6 miles of Green river & camped

Tues 6 We came on to Green river and camped all Day. Wm A. Hickman with his men took 150 head of cattle

Wedn 7 We went up to the old crossing & camped all Day or 8 miles up above Buttease Lewshaw [?]

Thurs 8 We went over on to Big Sandy  We see Perry & 3 of his clerks & they Said Kinkades<17> train the nearest to us & that was 85 miles of & his was 100 Miles. 12 of us went over to Green river to get Some cattle & when they got their they found 2 hundred Soldiers camped their & they came back to camp

Fri 9 We Stayed in camp all Day  at night 3 of us started to Green river to Spy. they meet 3 mountainerers & they Said the Soldiers had left Green river<18>
[p.306] 
Sat 10 We Started back to green river we stoped to camp & 3 of us went on to Lewshaws & he said that the teamsters with 1 hun head of cattle had started for Hams fork, We then Started on & followed them up to blacks fork & could not over take them we then camped on Blacks fork a long towards Morning

My Journal

Sat 3 <19> We Started & Drove 3 or 4 Miles before Breakfust Stoped got breakfust & then Drove on to the Big bend on Blacks fork & camped  I was Detailed with Wm Linch after Breakfust on to the rockruins by the main road to hale all that past us; Milo Andrews with six men came in from watching the enemy. Wm H. Waltons flour waggons past on their way home from the enemys camp  2 men from our camp sent in to Bridger on express. Wm H Walton came up with 2 men they had been trying to get some of the enemys cattle but failed. the Indians had got them or 35 head; W. H. Walton reported 5 corn waggons of the enemy with 5 & 6 yoke of oxen to a waggon 3 miles below the forks of the road that had been Stoped by Lot Smith I went in to camp to let Major McAlister know it. I then went back to my post & stayed till 9 P.M. before we were relieved we then went in to camp

S 4 O. P. Rockwell, Wm A. Hickman & His Brother came in to camp from Fort bridger  they have burnt Fort Suply & Bridger. I was selected with a bought 40 men to go with O. P. Rockwell & get the enemys cattle if we could if not to fire the Country  we started in the morning & rode in to the hills & Lay their all Day  in evening O. P. Rockwell my self & 5 or 6 other Men went in a mongst their cattle but could not stampead them so as to get them  we then lay Down 1 or 2 hours & [p.307] then we rode in to the hills & round in a head of the enemy earley in the morning on Hams fork.

Mon 5 we commenced setting fire to the grass in a head of the enemy on hams fork 3 or 4 Miles & then went back in to the Hills  they got scared & went of & left me & a man on picket guard  we followed them 4 or 5 miles in to the hills. a bought 3 pm. we went back on to hams fork & got something to eat we had not had a chance to get any Since yesterday Morning. In eve we set fire 3 or 4 Miles More. James Walls Horse got scared hove him off & run a way  he Lost my rope Stue pan his Saddle  we then camped where we eat Dinner

Tues 6 In the morning after Breakfust we went to fireing the grass for 4 or 5 Miles then we went in to the hills a while O. P. Rockwell took 10 Men & went Down to spy out the enemys camp Just at night 18 men from Col. R. Burtons<20> camp came up to us. we then went back on to the bottom & camped or on Hams fork

Wedn 7 Shower  O. P. Rockwell & his Men came up to camp  the enemy had not Moved, we Sent George Summers & Jo Hunt up to Col. R Burtons camp for Provisions & Milo Andrews & Burdick to Gen D. H. Wells camp on express in evening a soldier came in to camp  he said he had deserted from his camp I shot a squerrel & 1 at a rabbit O. P. Rockwell came back from Soldiers camp & all quiet I Stood guard from Dark till 2 p. m. [A. M.?]

Thurs 8 O. P. Rockwell 5 in all Started Down to Spy round the soldiers camp  prety Soon he sent one back to have us all move over on to the big Bend on Black fork a bought [p.308] noon we Started out but left one ten to fire the country  we got back on to black fork just at night. In eve O. P. R. came in & reported that the soldiers had some recrutes come up to them all quiet we have not had but a few mouth fuls to eat to Day

Fri 9 Nothing to eat  we Started H. Golsborough in to the Main camp on express with the Soldier that came in to our camp  J Wall Started in on foot; Two Men started to spy round the enemys camp, we started & drove over on to Mudy. Just at night our 2 Spys came in from the soldiers camp they chased them Milo Andriews came in from main camp with a mule team with provisions, some more men from Col Burtons camp with provisions & those that we left on Hams fork to fire the grass Lot Smith has burnt 74 waggons of the enemy & took some cattle; I stood guard from Dark till one o clock P. M. [A. M.?]

Sat 10 Snowed Milo Andrews & Part of our company & all of my ten Started back to fort Bridger; The rest of our Company went back Down to the big Bend on Black fork & camped. Col. T. Calister<21> was camped Just above us

S 11 rainy we got & drove up the fork 3 miles & got breakfust O. P. Rockwel & Thomas Rich Started for the enemys camp & Meet or came on to Lot Smiths camp  T. Rich came back & we started & went Down to Lot Smiths camp 4 or 5 miles a bove Hams fork & camped with them, I Let Thomas Brannon take one of my Straps for a Belley gurt, I got my old Mare back. The Soldiers have Started. We Started 5 Men on express to Burtons camp & 2 men to Bridger on express; Wm A. Hickman Sent his 2 brothers in to the enemys camp & they have not got back yet, The one that was Shot on Green River was to in to City Last night or he past here for city, We sent out 2 men to see Which we the enemy had gone they have not got back

Mond 12 Snowed. Men came in to camp from Col Burton camp the two men we sent out to see which way the enemy had gone  they came in & said that the enemy had gone up Hams fork  we started Some men in to Bridger with the poor animals & some to get Provisions &c I went in to Lot Smiths Company & both companys started for Hams fork to Spy out the enemys [p.309]  We Drove till a bought 3 P. M & came on to Hams fork right in sight of the enemys picket guard  we struck in below theyer camp & took a heard of theyer cattle of a bought seven Hundred & 6 Mules  we then drove till in the night & camped till Day light then we Drove on to Blacks fork & Stoped  we let the enemy have l mule & some cattle to Draw one waggon up to their Main camp in evening we See singular Star or a comet in the west the enemy have took Wm A Hickman 2 Brothers Prisnors. J. H. Standiford & an other Man Sent in for more provisions

Tues 13 in camp Wm A Hickman went to see a Mountainerer to get him to go in to the enemys camp & get his brothers. O. P. Rockwell has gone in on express to Bridger we started the cattle on towards city & what men there was that wanted to go in. In evening a waggon load of provisions &c came in with more Men from Bridger. We sent 11 men back on to Hams fork to fire the country on a head of the enemy &c We killed a beef.

Wedn 14 in camp in fore noon 2 of the men came in from Hams fork they said the enemy were in camp; a bought 50 of us Started out with Lot Smith for Hams fork; T Rich with his ten went Down to green river or to B. Lewshaws & took 18 Pair of Blankets & 75 lb tobaco 3 coats & 50 lb of coffee; The rest of the company went on to Mudy. We Drove on to Hamsfork & stoped a while & got supper. I took the glass & went on to a bluff to Spy. at Dark we went back in to the Hills & camped  I shot of my rifle & cleaned it

Thurs 15 we went back on to Hams fork & got Breakfust Lot Smith & 4 Men Started of up the fork to See where the enemy was they went a bought ten Miles & Sent one man back to have us come on. As we Started to go on we See a man a going past horse back & leading an other horse & Saddle  he said his name was Jerry an Mountainerer  he had been up to the enemys camp to see a man & they took him Prisnor for 1 or 2 Days  they had just Let him go he Said that they had let one of Wm A. Hickmans brothers go. We drove on up with in 6 or 8 Miles of the enemys camp & got Dinner  Just at night we rode up a most to the enemys camp  we then turned back on to a bluff & took a view of theyer camp & camp fires we then rode Down a bought 1/4 of a Mile below their cattle & camped till a bought [p.310] Day light then we got up & saddled up & Lot started with his men to Make a brake on the enemys cattle or Horses if he could, I with 7 or 8 stayed back to take cair of the pack Mules

Fri 16 they rode on to a company of the enemy under the Comand of Capt Marcy,<22> Lot had a talk with him & then Lot made a retreat. I went on to a bluff & Had a good view of the enemys camp with the glass when Lot came up; to us with the Pack mules  we all Made our retreat over the Hills when we were a going down a bluff they came up on us & shot at us,<23> one ball hit Mark Halls Hat & one Hit a horse on the Leg. we put back a cross the hills on to Hams fork where we camped yesterday morning & we Drove on across to Mudy where the other company with Milo Andrews was; we got their just at night, I had a box of 100 caps go of in my pouch & I shot of my rifle

Sat 17 windy in Camp Thomas Rich with ten Men started for the enemys camp. Milo Andrews with his Men went on up the Mudy further; An express came in from Bridger  they Said that Major Joseph Taylor & Stowel his Adjutent the enemy have took Prisnors & theyer Pack Mules with 6 hun lbs flour I stood guard from Dark till 10 o clock  it snowed

S 18 Snowed part of our company went up to Bridger. a bought noon the rest of us went up  we stoped there & got Something to eat  in evening we Drove up to the Isleand field on Smiths fork 7 Miles a bove Bridger & camped. H. Jackson & Reevs came in to Bridger from Riches camp  a verry cold night

Mond 19 in camp all Day Lot Smith got a letter from D. H. Wells to take 50 Men & go on to bear river & watch the enemys camp
[p.311]
Tues 20 Snowed in camp all Day  Smith got an other Letter from Gen D. H. Wells. T. Rich & his men got back from the enemys camp & he said they had turned back

Wed 21 in camp all Day  I got Some things from Home  I got 2 pair socks 2 rappers l pair garments &c Some of the Boys see a grisley bear & we put chase to it but it got a way

Thurs 22 in camp  I went up to fort Suply & got My Horse an express came in from Hams fork the enemy was still moveing Down the fork

Fri 23 in camp  3 Men Started from Fort Suply for green River on express to Lewis Robinson, I went out in to the field & got some Millet seed, the Soldiers Down to where we took the big heard of Cattle

Sat 24 in camp  I went Down to Bridger Major J. D. T. Mack Allster came in  Lot Smith got a letter from him  I got Deseret news of Oct l 4th to read, the Indians say that Doct Hurt Indian agent with a bout 40 Ute Indians have gone east & that they Stoped at Jack Robinsons & Mary Anns camp 7 teamsters have come in to camp from the enemy. Lewis Robinson got back from Green river  he took 48 Horse & colts 36 pair of blankets &c that belonged to Yates<24> they cashed the stuff that was left of the trains we had burnt &c Some Indians came in to camp Major McAlister came up here & Lot Smith went Down to fort with him

S 25 snowed in camp Lot Smith Sent up from Bridger for Thomas Abbot & 9 of E. Pews men to come Down to Fort, he came up Just at night

Mond 26 in camp all Day Wm Maxwel came in with his company & a Prisnor. T. Butters & an other Indian from Jack Robinsons camp came in to our camp and we got them som Dinner
[p.312]
Tues 27 in camp an express came in from T. W. Abbot that the enemy shot at him & his men. An express came in from Gen D. H Wells for us to anoy they enemy An other express came in from D H Wells last night for Lot Smith with 50 men to go to Green river & get Some cattle that belonged to Yates.

Wedn 28 We got up our Horse & went Down to the Fort & got Some Provisions then we Started on for Green river we Drove Down a bought 12 miles & camped or a little below Smiths fork. In Evening Sidney S. Willis<25> came up with his company & camped by us

Thurs 29 we started earley & Drove on crossed the Mouth of Hams fork & across Black fork on to the south side & then struck a cross the Hills for green river 15 miles below B LewShaws we came on to Black fork a gain crossed got Dinner & then Drove on to green river got there just at Dark & camped where 2 Men were a hurding Yatese Cattle & Horse

Fri 30 we took 145 Head of cattle 7 horse & mules besides 3 that we Let the herds men have  we started at Day Light & Drove over to blacks fork & got breakfust  the herds men came to hear with us, after we eat we let the heards men go back & we Started on with the cattle Drove on in to the hills & stoped a while we then Drove on till Dark & camped we killed a beef. I stood guard from 12 till Sunrise

Sat 31 after breakfust we started on & Drove a cross to Blacks fork or to the Mouth of Smith fork & got Dinner & then Drove on just as we were a starting out Capt Warren Snow<26> came up with his company & Capt Wm Maxwel we Drove on just before we got to the fort, We meet John Sharp Jessey [Jeff] Hickman & a four Horse mule team with Jones the waggon master of our enemys & Mrs Mogo a going to the enemys camp & with Letters from Gov Young to Col Alexander we stoped a few minets at the Fort & then Drove up the camp or the Iland field & camped  some of the boys took a Sergent of the enemy Prisner
[p.313]
[November] S 1 in camp Capt S. S. Willes came in with his company from the enemys camp he had took 20 Horses from the enemy Some of the Boys was called to go home with the cattle

Mondy 2 In after noon we packed up & went Down to the fort & the other Campanys. John Thompson & 10 men went Down on to Mudy. Ephram Hanks with 30 men went Down to Soldiers  They shot at Warren Snows men & hit Some of there blankets &c. Just at night we moved up Blacks fork a bove the Fort 2 or 3 miles & camped

Tues 3 rainy  after Breakfust Gen D. H. Wells & Sute came from the Fort & we moved up Blacks fork 2 miles further & camped. Just at night, Gosbeck<27> came in from Platt Bridge or the States with his company he had left his waggons at the Platt Bridge & Packed in  he said Col A. S. Johnston<28> was this side of their on the 18th of Oct

Wedn 4 Snow & rain in camp Warren Snows company have took 105 head of cattle from the enemy. Gosbeck & his company have Started in

Thurs 5 Snowy in camp all Day John Thomson & his men got back from Mudy, I stood Picket guard from 10 till 2 o clock at night

Fri 6 Snowy in camp all Day. they Sent H. D. Height with 20 men over on to Bear river our Men Men took 275 head of the enemys cattle 1 mule & Saddle rifles &c & 1 prisnor. Just at night an express came in & Said that the Soldiers were a coming across from Hams fork to Black fork, in the evening an other express came in & they Set fire to the rest of the Stuff at the fort & a bought 12 a night they came up to us & we Packed up & moved out to wards home

Sat 7 Snowy we Drove in to a ravine of quaping asp & got breakfust we then Drove on to the Soda Spring & got Dinner. 
[p.314] 
Joseph Taylor got a way from the Soldiers in the night and came in to our camp. He Says or Joseph Taylor Says Col A. S. Johnston had come up & Says he will go in to the valley, they expect to be in to Bridger to Morrow. after Dinner we Drove over to the quake asp grove & camped

S 8 We Staied in camp till noon & then Drove on. an express came in from the city we Drove to Bear river & camped

Mond 9 Snow I was Sergent of the guard for 24 ho We Started out & Drove on to cashe cave & camped an express came from Bridger & Say the Soldiers have not Moved since the 7th

Tues 10 Snowy we Started out & Drove on to J Browns Station & camped we Sent an express to Bridger Doct Henry [actually George W.] Hickman came in from the Soldiers camp they let him go

Wedn 11 In camp they Sent Lot Smith with 20 men back to Bear river. Just at night 20 or 30 of Wm Maxwels & Warren Snows men came in to camp from the enemy. In evening John Taylor & F. D. Richards came in from city

Thurs 12 a company have gone in to city with the poor Horses I Sent J. H. Holbrooks in  S. B. Kent M. W. Merrels & Peter Carney came in to camp from city with some others with Provisions & In Evening Alexander McRay came in from Bridger. the Soldiers had not Moved

Fri 13 in Camp I went & got a load of wood & Stood guard from 3 a m till Morning

Sat 14 in camp read Deseret News of Sept 30th S. B. Kent, M. W. Merrels & P. Carney went on to Bear river. 3 teams came in from city with grain. Just at Dark Henry Jackson came in from city he Said Last Tuesday the Snow fel at home l foot Deep

S 15 In camp  a team went on to Bear river with grain. H Jackson went back to his Co 2 of our trains came up with grain. We had a Meting: In night an express came in from Bridger that the Soldiers were with in 7 miles of Bridger: E. B. Ward came in with an express from city.
[p.315]
Mond 16 on guard for 24 ho We Sent an express to Bridger & an other to city By C. H. Whelock a waggon came in from City with Letters & Papers &c 25 or 6 Horse men came in from city S. B. Kent came in from bear river & 2 other waggons that we had sent out with grain &c. In eve W. H. Walton & Hyrum Jud came in with the Davis County Cavalry a going east

Tues 17 S. B. Kent started Down to Col Merrels camp. Hyrum Jud Started for Bear river with his company

Wedn 18 In camp we Sent Some more of our poor Horses Down to the Weber. Yesterday the soldiers got up to Bridger a bought 9 A. M. an express came in by Lawrence Robinson that the Soldiers had gone up to Fort Suply; I washed Sam Henrie & 8 or 10 More Men came in to camp from Bear river in evening.

Thurs 19 In Camp I went & got a Load of wood, Sam Henrie & those that came in last night went on Down to Jones camp; Luke JohnSon & an other man with a waggon went to.

Fri 20 in camp. I took My horse & an went & got a beefs hide a bought a mile below our camp. a Company from Provo came up & went on to Bear river Col Robert Burton came in from Bearriver 25 or 6 others  the Soldiers are at Bridger. J. A. Young & B. Young, jr. G. D. Grant,<29> & J Furgerson<30> have gone to City with an express; 2 waggons have gone Down to the other camp J. C. Pirkings R Yure Wm Jackson & John Bennet came in from Bear river 3 waggons in all came in just at night we have no oats for our horse I stood guard from 3 A. M. till Morning

Sat 21 in camp Col R Burton started back to Bear river & one of the Wever Boys. 2 Men came in from Bear river & Col Cook<31> had come up to Bridger  Alford Kamble came in from city with 2 Horse team ox express. Some 50 men came in from bear river of Diffrent companys Just at Dark David Kimbol & Wever Started for City ox express.
[p.316]
S 22 In camp the Company that came in last night & Capt John Brown have gone Down to the other Stations; Ben Simons & an other Indian came in to camp from the Soldiers camp & said that theyer mules was Dieing of fast & that the Murchent trains wanted help; Just at night Isriel Ivins Charles Taylor & an other Man came in from Bear river Wm Elliot & David fair Banks came up from the other camp with 2 load of flour

Mond 23 in camp E. H. Davis took my Horse & his & went & got a load of wood; I helped shoe 5 Horse Robert Yure & Wm Jackson started for Bear river with 1 Load of flour: Wm Elliot, David Fairbanks Started for the city with two teams after grain &c John Taylor & F. D. Richards came up to our camp Just at night. & Charles Pulsifer with 4 beevs on guard from 3 A. M. till Morning

Tues 24 I got my breakfust & Edward Booth & Just at sunrise we Started with 3 beevs for Bear river to Lewis Robinson by order of our Commissary J. M. Barlow  we Drove on to within a half mile of Cashe Cave went on with our cattle when we got to the needles the other side of Yellow Creek we stoped & let our horses Bate a while & then went on  we got to Bear river Just as sun Sett or to Lewis Robinsons camp & Delivered up the cattle to him, we took Supper with him, Our boys had took 2 of the enemys teamsters Prisnors. the enemy ware a covering in the walls at Fort Bridger with canvass, We stayed all night with Wm McCrary & our Boys

Wedn 25 after Breakfust we went & got our horses, before we started Lewis Robinson Started with an express for Gen D. H. Wells Camp. in the night they Let the cattle that we took them get a way, a bought 11 A. M. We started back to [p.317] our camp  we Drove on till we see the cattle on the hill west of Yellow Creek as we Drove on to the hill we Meet Sam Parkinson & Moyes a going to Bear river with a load of oats & flour they let us have some Oats to bate our horses & then we went & Drove the cattle back the other Side of the needles & meet 2 men a comeing after the cattle on Horses they took the Cattle & we started back for our camp we got in to camp Just after Dark  in eve 2 more Men came in from Bear river  In Starting back the Cattle my Horse run in to a Dog hole fell & hove me & tore my Pants &c

Thurs 26 Gen D. H. Wells G. D. Grant E. B. Ward Judson Stodard & Lewis Robinson Started towards Bear river to look out a place for a winter Station, Doct Dunyan<32> pooled a tooth for me  Wm Young came in with a waggon load of Sundries on loaded & went back  4 waggons came from Bear river Robert Yure, Wm Jackson & Some others of our boys in evening an express came up from Joneses camp Gen D. H. Wells, Judson Stodard & G. D. Grant came back in evening fix my pants &c

Fri 27 Snowd &c  on guard  went & fetched up the Horses Robert Yure, Wm Jackson, Wm McCary, & John Bennet have gone in to city or Home  Col. P. Marrels & His Adjutent came up to our Camp  The 2 prisnors that our Boys got they took in to City  they Sent me to get an ox to kill. I went up the kanyon a Mile & could not find it. I came back & found that he had gone up Echoe Kanyon I went after him a bought 5 Miles & came back In evening 5 or 6 Men came in from Bear river they found the ox a going east & a most to Yellow Creek they fetched him in & a teamster from the enemy by the name of John Frank, I stood guard from 11 1/2 past till 3 A. M. Edward Booth & Wm Carlos ransacked my things over &c  a mean trick

Sat 28 In camp Robert Yure J. C. Perkins started for Bear river with theyer team with Provisions &c Joshuay Terry Started for City on a Mule, ten Men & a waggon went over to Yellow Creek to build a station  J. Stodard Ed Booth Wm Carlos & 2 others went as pilots &c J. M Jones James Samol [Garnol?] 4 others & John Frank the Soldiers teamster with a waggon went [p.318] Down the Kanyon, a man came up from the other camp on a horse & leading an other & went on to Bear river, Albert Kamol [?] came in from City with Grain & a 4 Horse team. Wm Maxwell with 25 men from the east & 4 teamsters of the enemy. Almerin Grow & H. S. Southworth fetched in the Uncle Sams Governer's Procklimation, to our boys Camp from Fort Bridger where they had been kept Prisnors by Uncle Sams troops J Stodard & the other 4 boys came in just at Dark  we sent in an express with the Governers Message. In evening Wm A. Hickman & Peter Conover came in from Bear river with a pack mule &c Grant Randol fetched the Procklimation up to our camp or Gen D. H. Wells

S 29 snowy &c Peter Conover & Wm A. Hickman & a Soldier teamster started for city. Albert Kamol Wm Fotheringham started for Yellow creek with a 4 Horse team with provisions &c for the Station  Ed Booth & -Kelley Started on horse back as guides, Col. C. W. West<33> & Adjutent came up from the other camp. E. H. Davis, Alexander McRay Started Down to the other camp with a mule & G. D. Grant James Fergerson, West &c 2 Men came up from the other camp with 3 Beaver the waggon that went to yellow creek, came back. Just at night Col. R. Burton H. L. Southworth, A. Seow & 8 or ten of our Boys came in from Bear river I was on guard from 3 A. M. till Morning.

Mond 30 snowy &c J. A. Young & Brigham Young jr came in from city with an express a bought Day light. Col Thomas Callister & W. S. Snow came in from Bear river Some waggons came in from City & one with Salt<34> Jesse Earl & 5 others with 5 Pack animels Started for Bridger with 8 hun lb Salt for the Soldiers & a letter from B. Young Wm A. Walton Thomas Rich John Adams & others of our Boys came in from Bear river & went on Down the Kanyon Just at night Gen D. H. Wells & the rest of those camped here Started Down the [p.319] Kanyon to the weber. I Had to Stay here with Andrew Walton, J. C. Perkings & Ansil Hatch, to Keep up this Station till they all came in from the east

[December] Tues 1 Snowy in camp just after Breakfust Ansel Harmon came up from the other Station to our camp to get a cupple Horses we Have; We Have 2 Horses & 1 mule left
Wedn 2 in camp In Morning Abel. Gar came up from the Generals camp to get His Horse he then went back Just at night Jerome Remington & 8 teamsters from the Soldiers camp came up to our camp or from the east Remington came from Yellow Creek & a 4 Mule waggon they stayed over night

Thurs 3 In camp after breakfust Reamington & teamsters started on H. W. Brissee came up from Yellow Creek a foot he had lost his Horse we let him have H. D. Heights Horse to go on Down to Gen D. H. Wells camp. Just at night Jesse Earl, Docter Wooderd & the other 4 boys came in from Bridger. Lewis Robinson & all of the rest of the Boys from the east except 10 left at yellow creek as a pocket guard came up to our camp & Stayed all night

Fri 4 snow a bought 10. A. M. we all Started to go Down to Gen. D. H. Wells camp on Weber when we got Down their he called for 25 Men from Davis County to stay their. He said that & a few that came out first could go home we started on crossed the Weber & Drove up to J. C. Little camp & Stoped all night

Sat 5 snowy a bought Day Light we all started for Home we crossed the big mountain at 1 1/2 past P. M. one of the boys froze his feet a crossing the Mountain we Drove to foot of the Mountain & got Dinner & bated our Horses we then Drove on crossed the Little Mountain at sunsett Just as we got to city the band came out to meet us & escort us in we Marched up in front of B. Youngs & were Dismised & blessed by Gen D. H. Wells & Brigham Young I then started for home & got home in eve found Folks well & a bed.

By this time Colonel Johnston had determined to establish permanent winter stations in Camp Winfield and Camp Scott, in the vicinity of Fort Bridger. When this decision had become [p.320] apparent to General Wells, he ordered all militiamen to return to their home stations, leaving only a small observation outpost at Echo Canyon, under Captain John R. Winder.

Years later Lieutenant Colonel Cooke wrote:

Although there had been a published announcement by Colonel A. S. Johnston, commanding, that the Army would winter there on "Henry's Fork," we did not credit it, and supposed it was meant to deceive the Mormons. When I was leaving our camp to report to headquarters our arrival near Fort Bridger, I told my staff I should surely receive secret orders!

Nevertheless, the army did remain there in a fortified camp, with Fort Bridger, a stone Mormon fort, on its flank, its force increased by a large battalion of teamsters, etc., armed and organized. But to the regiment was assigned the charge of herding, in distant mountain valleys, between six and seven thousand oxen, mules, and horses, to which its own were added; there, thus peculiarly exposed to renewed raids of the Mormons, had, by day, to be spread over thousands of acres. On application for assistance the smallest company in the army was sent. . . .<35>

Endnotes

*  Col. Gardner is an occasional contributor to the Utah Historical Quarterly, his "Report of Lieut. Col. P. St. George Cooke" having appeared in an earlier issue of this volume. A retired soldier, lawyer, and scholar, one of his main interests is the study and writing of Utah's military history. [Additional biographical note:  Hamilton Gardner was born in 1888 and died in 1961.]

Footnotes

1  This is the official War Department name for the campaign. In Utah it was currently referred to as "Johnston's Army", (sometimes incorrectly as "Johnson's Army"), and the "Echo Canyon War." Elsewhere it was variously called the "Utah War," the "Contractors' War," the "Mormon Rebellion," Buchanan's Blunder," and "Secretary Floyd's Treason."

2  Otis G. Hammond, ed., The Utah Expedition, 1857-1858; Letters of Capt. Jesse A. Gove . . . (Concord, New Hampshire, 1928). "The Utah War; Journal of Albert Tracy, 1858-1860," Utah Historical Quarterly, XIII (1945). The first entry in the Tracy journal is for March 24, 1858, and consequently does not cover the present story. In evaluating all three of these journals consideration should be given to the respective religious prejudices of the writers.

3  Johnston was promoted brevet brigadier general November 18, 1857, "for meritorious conduct, in the ability, zeal, energy, and prudence displayed by him in command of the Army in Utah." George W. Cullum, Biographical Register of the officers and Graduates of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point, N. Y. (New York, 1868), I, 292. His authoritative biography is by his son, William Preston Johnston, The Life of General Albert Sidney Johnston (New York, 1878).

4  Cooke had been the commanding officer of the Mormon Battalion in the war with Mexico.

5  At this time the Utah Territorial Militia, officially designated the Nauvoo Legion since 1852, functioned under a statute passed by the Sixth Legislative Assembly on January 15, 1857. The territory was divided into 13 Military Districts, roughly corresponding to the existing counties. except that Great Salt Lake County had two, and Utah County three Military Districts. Colonel Philemon C. Merrell commanded the Davis Military District. He had served as the adjutant of the Mormon Battalion during the latter part of its enlistment.

6  The Tuttle diary extended for several years before and after the period here involved, August 8 to December 5, 1857. It included a daily financial account and occasionally employed a personal code cipher system. For purposes of brevity, certain portions of the diary have been deleted (in some cases an entire daily entry; in others a portion thereof), and only the entries relating to military service are here reproduced.
The original Tuttle diary is in the possession of Mr. Leslie Foy, who kindly gave permission for its publication. Microfilm and typescript copies of the complete diary are deposited in the library of the Utah State Historical Society.

7  Under militia regulations regular drills and musters were held on Saturday afternoons, usually once or twice a month.

8  Under the territorial statutes, commanders of companies and higher echelons were required to file returns with the adjutant general of the territory for all drills, musters, parades, and other military events. Several thousand old militia documents were brought together by the adjutant general of the state of Utah, beginning about 1910. This collection, even though far from complete, contains the only set of original source records in Utah dealing with militia history. In a search for the returns Tuttle mentioned in his diary, I located numerous muster rolls for Davis County for the summer and fall of 1857, including at least a dozen from Bountiful, but none of the company to which Tuttle belonged, with Jude Allen as captain. A return for June 27, 1857, shows Major Lot Smith in command of a "Battalion of Life Guards"

9  From available evidence Tuttle held the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

10  Note that nothing whatever is stated as to the objective of the campaign. It must be frankly admitted that if Tuttle was informed as to the over-all conditions concerning the part of the Utah Militia, in which he served for almost three months, his diary nowhere makes it evident. Later entries clearly show that he was a most indifferent observer of the significant military events which occurred around him.

11  The directive to Major McAllister appears from this order in the State Adjutant General's collection:

Head Quarters 1st Division Nauvoo Legion
and of the G S L Military District
Great Salt Lake City Aug 13th 1857
Orders   )
No 3     )
Brigr Genl Wm H. Kimball
Sir,
I-You are hereby instructed to forthwith raise three hundred and ten men from your
Brigade with thirty days rations, to go back upon the road to protect our immigration now en-route
to this City.
II-You will detail as follows.
100 mounted men of the Life Guards
30 mounted men of the Lancers  ) of Maj McAllisters
30 mounted men of the Capt. Horns Co    ) commands as many mounted as can do so
150 of Col D J Ross' regiment Infantry
III-The Life Guards will start on the 14th and 15th inst.
IV-Maj McAllister with his command will start on the 18th
V-The infantry will follow by fifties as fast as they can be fitted out. On the 18th 19th &
20th if possible.
VI-Col James W Cummings of the General Staff and Robert T Burton are assigned to the
command of these forces which we are at present sending out and these troops properly officered
will report themselves to Cols J W Cummings & Robert T Burton and act under their direction and
command.
Geo. D. Grant Maj. Genl, Com'g
J. W. Simmons Adjt

What happened was that a detachment of militiamen from south Davis County was attached to Major McAllister's command, including Tuttle's group. This may account for the absence of separate muster rolls of the Davis County men after they were mobilized.

12  Mounted messenger.

13  Captain Gove (10th Infantry), in his journal entry for this day, Hammond, op. cit., 66, states: "Sunday, Sept. 27th, 1857. On Green River. The Mormons have virtually declared war. Brigham Young has declared martial law in Salt Lake City and calls upon all his people to defend their homes. The mountain men say that a large force is in the mountains and will attack us unless we keep a sharp lookout for them."

14  Captain Gove, in his journal entry for September 28, op. cit., 67, says: "It is astonishing to see how wonderfully the Mormons have their express and spy system perfected. Their object is to stampede our animals and cripple our movements in that way. I think that is now their only intention."

15  As will appear, Major Lot Smith had undoubtedly been assigned the mission of harrassing the entire army column by driving off cattle, destroying supply trains, burning grass and obstructing the route of march, especially at fords and in passes. I have been unable to find any written orders to such effect in the archives of the State Adjutant General, but such written orders were issued to Major William Taylor, of Ogden, to perform the same tasks. Captain Gove's diary of October 16, says:

. . . Capt. M[arcy] on his return captured 2 Mormons, Major Taylor and his adjutant. They were evidently on their way to get ahead of us to burn grass. Important dispatches were found on them, one a letter of instruction from Gen. Wells, dated Cache Cave Headquarters Eastern Expedition, Oct. 4th, 1857. The purpose of the whole letter was to burn grass, stampede animals, alarm camps, cut down logs across the road, destroy fords, etc. Other letters were found. A journal also was taken, giving the plan of operations and what they had done. Oh, the villians!

General Well's complete instructions to Major Taylor are quoted in Richard W. Young, "The Nauvoo Legion," The Contributor, IX (1888), 370.

16  A complete inventory of the supplies destroyed on October 4, is found in ibid., 286.

17  Livingston & Kinkead, army sutlers and contractors of supplies.

18  Captain Gove, in a letter to his wife, op. cit., 74, 75, says:

In Camp, Harris Fork, Army for Utah,
October 9, 1857.
. . . . Three supply trains have been entirely destroyed, two on Green River and
one on Big Sandy, 10 miles before or on the other side of Green River. The supplies we
have here will last us for a long time, and if grass can be found sufficient to subsist our 
animals we have nothing to fear.

19  The notations for this and the following seven days apparently are duplicate entries for the month of October.

20  Colonel Robert T. Burton, commanding officer, 1st Cavalry Regiment, Nauvoo Legion. A muster roll from the State Adjutant General's archives of "Field and Staff of the 1st Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Division, Nauvoo Legion," signed by the colonel on August 27, 1857, but relating to a muster of July 4, lists:

Name  Rank     When elected or appointed
Robt. T. BurtonColonel        June 27, 1857
Wm Pitt  Prin. Music
First Battalion
Lott Smith Major     June 27, 1857
Second Battalion
JDT McCallisterMajor          June 27, 1857

21  Colonel Thomas Callister, Great Salt Lake City.

22  Captain Randolph B. Marcy, of Massachusetts.

23  In his diary entry, under date of October 16, Captain Gove says: "My company and Captain Gardner's were ordered out to go down the creek to have a brush with Lot Smith and some 60 Mormons who were approaching our trains. We went about five miles, saw them well mounted, but not near enough to do any execution." Op. cit., 78.

24  Richard Yates, a trader on the Green River, sold powder to the Army and was suspected of being a spy. He was taken prisoner by the Mormon Militia and killed while being taken to Salt Lake City. For conflicting stories concerning this incident see Daniel W. Jones, Forty Years Among the Indians (Salt Lake City, 1890), 129-30; J. H. Beadle, ed., Brigham's Destroying Angel: Being the Life, Confession, and Startling Disclosures of the Notorious Bill Hickman (Salt Lake City, 1904), 122-27; and Tracy, op. cit., 96-97.

25  Captain William Sidney Smith Willes, Mormon Battalion member, now in command of a mounted company from Lehi.

26  Major Warren Snow, formerly an officer in the original Nauvoo Legion of Illinois, and active in organizing the early Utah Militia, first at Great Salt Lake City and later at Manti.

27  Probably Nicholas Groesbeck of Great Salt Lake City.

28  Colonel Johnston arrived at Colonel Alexander's headquarters near Fort Bridger on Tuesday, November 3. Under date of November 2, Captain Gove wrote in his journal: "I hear it rumored that Col. J. will endeavor to go into Salt Lake City this fall." Op. cit., 89.

29  Major General George D. Grant, brother of Jedediah M. Grant, one of the earliest Utah Militia officers of high rank, and currently in command of the 1st Division, Nauvoo Legion.

30  Brigadier General James Ferguson, formerly sergeant major of the Mormon Battalion, and adjutant general of the Utah Militia since its beginning under the State of Deseret in 1849.

31  Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, with six companies of the 2d Dragoons, arrived at army headquarters at Camp Scott, near Fort Bridger, on November 19. His official daily journal of the march was published in Colonel Theophilus F. Rodenbough, From Everglades to Canon with the Second Dragoons (New York, 1875), 185-92. Due to the late start from Fort Leavenworth, the dragoons had encountered extremely adverse weather conditions in the mountains. Cooke's handling of his men and animals was so skillful as to win the commendation of all his superiors. General-in-Chief Winfield Scott said: "The march in depth of winter of Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, commanding the Second Dragoons, from Laramie through the South Pass to Green River, deserves, as it has already received, special commendation." House Executive Document No. 71, 35 Congress, 1 session, 100.
Cooke was accompanied by the newly designated territorial governor, Alfred Cumming.

32  John L. Dunyon, surgeon on General Wells's staff.

33  Colonel, later Brigadier General, Chauncey W. West, for many years the leader of the Militia in Weber County.

34  Captain Gove, in a letter dated December 4, op. cit., 102-03, states: "We have had no salt for nearly two months to issue to the command. . . . Brigham Young sent in to Col. Johnston some salt and an impudent letter; the Colonel told him to go back with his salt and tell Brigham not to attempt to hold any more communication with him or his emissaries would hang; that he could not treat with him only under a white flag, as he considered him as a traitor to his government and he should treat him as such. Good!"

35  Rodenbough, op. cit., 192.
http://www.hickmanmuseum.homestead.com/Tuttle.html
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  I had passed two weeks in this way, when one fine morning the landlord where I roomed turned me out of doors, keeping my trunks for past expenses.  On that day I think I offered my services to at least fifty persons for my board, but without success, it was not my Heavenly Father's plan for me to stay in New York.

  Towards evening, almost driven to desparation, I passed a recruiting office, and resolved to enlist rather than to spend the night upon the streets.  Seeing a decent-looking fellow, the officers were glad to enlist me and soon found a government interpreter to do the talking.

  Next morning I was shipped to Governor's Island, and soon transformed from a lone and friendless tramp to a U.S. soldier, enlisted for Utah, to wipe out the "Mormons."  My temporary wants, of course, were at once relieved.

--Juvenile Instructor, Nov 1 1885 p. 333.

-----o0o-----

  My stay at Governor's Island was short.  A few days' drill prepared a lot of us to be shipped to Fort Leavenworth to be distributed among the several companies and regiments that were to make up the army sent for Utah.  I heard it mentioned frequently that this division was the "flower of the American army," and I felt to say, "May the Lord take care of the balance."  I never had in all my experience seen anything like it that was called a military organization.

  As a rule, the American army is made up of the scum of the nation--a lot of men that are worthless to society.  The drunkard, the loafer and the depraved find, when they are at their rope's end, an asylum in the army, and become the "defenders of their country."

  Everything was so unlike German--no discipline, no care of dress, no punctuality nor order--it seemed to me more like a mob than a regular army, and I soon became disgusted with my situation.

  In Germany things are quite different.  Every able-bodied young man has to serve a certain time as a soldier.  No matter how rich or how poor, he wears a coat of the same cloth, sleeps in the same kind of bed and has to perform the same kind of duty.  Hence a soldier is respected, and has admittance into any society.  Strict discipline is enforced, order and punctuality are observed, cleanliness is a specialty, dress and deportment are without a fault, and the drill is perfect.

  I have seen regiments drawn up in line for drill, and it would seem as if the commanding general had a string in his hand, which he pulled every time a command was given.  So perfectly were they drilled in the manual of arms that every motion was simulataneous.

  The reader may imagine the pains taken with a recruit.  It takes three months at least before he gets any instructions in the manual of arms.  all this time is consumed in learning how to stand, to sit, to walk, to salute, to right and left wheel and to face about.

  Preparations for starting were soon completed at Fort Leavenworth, and the march across the plains was begun.  I was assigned to the light artillery.  We had eight pieces of light caliber, very incompletely mounted.  we had no small arms, except eight old condemned cavalry carbines--one for each cannon.  It would have been next to impossible to hit the side of a barn with them at a hundred yards' distance.

  Our sabres were strapped to the caissons, and in case of an Indian attack all of us would have been cut down before we could have got them.  Only the commissioned and non-commissioned officers had revolvers.  The reason the privates had none was, as I learned, because they could not be trusted with them.  Theiy would either sell them for whisky or use them in their brawls with each other, which were of frequent occurrence.

  As luck would have it, we had no use for arms while crossing the plains.  Everything went smoothly with the exception of a good deal of hard work and fasting.  The commisary officers would sell the supplies to the different settlers or emigrants we would meet, and the boys had to go without.  The only square meals I ever had were when I had been killing some game.

  On the Sweetwater we met Captain Van Vliet, who was returning from Salt Lake City, where he had been sent by the government on business with President Brigham Young.  He reported how things stood in the valley, and the preparations the Saints were making.  this of course caused our commanders to be a little more cautious in their movements.  a great deal of cheap talk was indulged in by the young West Point recruits about what they were going to do after arriving among the "Mormons," such as hanging the leaders and appropriating to themselves their wives and daughters.

  Nothing of importance occurred until we reached Ham's Fork.  Here we could see now and again little squads of men on horseback, peeping over the hills.  Sometimes they would descend into the bottoms and set the grass on fire and burn the timber.  This caused some uneasiness, as we could not turn out our horses to feed for fear they would be run off.  The grass where we were camping had all been burned before we reached there, our supply of corn was very near exhausted, and all this began to tell severely upon our animals.

  Now and again reports would reach us that the "Mormons" had tried to run off the teams from some of the other columns, that provision trains had been burned, etc.  I could plainly see that our officers began to look at things more seriously.  Cold weather was approaching, teams were poor, provisions scarce, and the heaviest and most dangerous part of the journey was before us.

  I had by this time become so thoroughly disgusted with the life of an American soldier that I determined to throw up my commission, and leave for "greener fields and pastures new," when I found that orders had been given for our column to halt and await the arrival of the rear troops.  Here an incident in my life occurred which is worth mentioning, as it is a testimony to me today that some unseen power was watching over me, even when I did not want to believe in anything of the kind.

  The tenth infantry were camped a distance of two miles from us, and on the evening previous to my departure from the army my captain sent me there to get his watch, which was being repaired by one of the soldiers.  I took his horse--a very good one--and before leaving he handed me his revolver for fear someone should intercept me.  I got the watch, which was worth at least one hundred and fifty dollars, and started on my way back to camp, when a thought came into my head that I was pretty well fixed to go on my intended journey to Salt Lake City.  The more I thought of this the more feasible it seemed to me; so when I found a place to ford the river, my mind was made up, and I started.  No sooner had I reached the water's edge than I heard my real name called!  (I had enlisted under an assumed name).  This brought me to a stand in a hurry, and I began to reconnoitre the immediate vicinity; but I could neither find nor see anyone.  So after a few minutes' thought I came to the conclusion that it was only my imagination, and I started once more.  Again I heard the same <p.343> voice calling me, this time a little louder, which brought me again up standing.  what to do and how to account for this I did not know, for I was sure that no living mortal in that part of the world knew my name.  I finally made up my mind that I was only a coward, and did not have the courage that I had always thought I possessed, and that I would go one anyway.  But when I wheeled my horse to proceed my name was again called in a still louder voice.  A fear and trembling came over me to such a degree that I hurried from the spot and made my way for camp.  I delivered the watch, pistol and horse and retired to bed, where sleep soon ended my reflections of what had transpired.

  Next morning Colonel Alexander rode up to our camp with fifty cavalry, and we learned that he had been out all night patrolling around the different camps, watching the enemies.  I am confident that if I had started, capture, imprisonment and disgrace would have been my lot.  As it was I had spent a pleasant night, and in my dreams I was told to ask the captain for permission to go out hunting the following day, and that I should be led to meet some friends.  My spirit, which had for some time previous been oppressed, had again assumed its natural buoyancy, and I felt better than I had done for months.  After breakfast I saw the captain and asked him for permission to go hunting.  He granted the request and cautioned me to be careful and not get taken prisoner by the "Mormons."

  I took my gun, which was my private property, some ammunition and matches, and set out with a heart as light as a feather, knowing that my dream would be fulfilled.  I had procured several days' provisions, examined a map and had determined on the course I ought to take.  My steps were directed in such a way that on the following day I reached Fort Bridger, where William Hickman and a Mr. Callister met me, and proved to me friends indeed.  I do not know that I was ever better cared for in my life than I was by these men, and I felt at once at home.  A few hours after my arrival a herd of cattle were driven in, on their way to Salt Lake City.  It proved to be those that Lot Smith had taken on Green River, and Mr. Hickman furnished me a horse to assist the boys in driving the cattle.  He never even took my gun from me, which is contrary to any rule in war time.  The captain under whose charge I was placed was Sidney Epperson.

--Juvenile Instructor, Nov 15 1885 p. 342-343.

-----o0o-----

  I felt at home with my new companions.  Brother Epperson did all in his power to make me feel so, and contrary to all rules of war, my gun was not taken from me until we arrived at the camp of General D.H. Wells.  It made me feel bad to part with so good a friend as it had proven to me, but upon the promise that it should be sent to Salt Lake city and that I could call for it there, I felt better.  I enjoyed myself exceedingly.  Everybody was courteous to me and treated me with the greatest kindness.  Everything was so different to the army; a different class of people, no swearing, no fighting.  Everyone I saw and came in contact with seemed to enjoy himself, and was in possession of a different kind of spirit.  Prayers morning and night were something novel to me, but I felt the influence of prayer and I cheerfully bent my knees with the brethren.  Varied were my reflections as I passed the different camps and fortifications.  I could plainly see that the "flower of the United States army," I had just left, would never be able to make their way through those mountain passes guarded by men like those I saw, and I felt to congratulate myself upon my good fortune.  At times I used to pity the men when I heard them sing:

"Now let us be on hand         .
By Brigham Young to stand."

I pitied them because I thought they were ignorant, and kept under a religious spell.  I had only recently left the land of my birth, because I did not want to serve a despot.  Thousands of lives had been sacrificed to break up this one man's power, and here in this supposed land of liberty I found a people that were enthusiastic to sustain, as I thought, that very same power.  Little did I think then that I should soon change my mind and become as zealous a defender of that power as they were.  But I learned that I had been wrong in my conclusions.  I learned that it was a different power they were serving; in fact, I learned something about the work of God.

  Being the first specimen that came from Uncle Sam, of course I attracted considerable attention and comment; and if I had been able to converse in the English language, I think I would have experienced a considerable strain on my lungs, for everybody was anxious to learn something of what was going on outside of Utah.

  After some days' travel we arrived with our herd of cattle at the mouth of Emigration Canyon; and I shall never forget the feelings that came over me when I beheld this valley spread out before me.  I cannot describe it, neither could I account for it at the time.  A power forced me to seek some secluded spot and bend my knees in humble reverence before my Maker.  I could not utter any words, but I felt to acknowledge for the first time for many years that there was a God that would take care of me and look after my welfare, notwithstanding my efforts to ignore Him.  And I can assure you, dear reader, I felt humble; I felt my unworthiness, and in my heart did ask the Lord to forgive me and lead me in a better path.  After this a calm, heavenly feeling came over me and I arose to my feet a new man.  It seemed that I had found a haven of rest, and from that moment to the present this feeling has never left me.  I have always felt at home in Utah and with the Saints, and when I have been away in distant lands my heart has yearned for the day when I should be permitted to behold it again.  I hope and trust that I may always retain this feeling.

  On our arrival in the city I was placed in charge of Brother L. John Nuttall, who was then camped with a detachment of the boys from Provo, awaiting orders to leave for the mountains.  He also felt very much interested in me, and when ready to leave Salt Lake sent me to Provo with one of the brethren who was returning to that place.  We have been friends up to this day.  I went to board with Brother Porter for a few days, then started to work on a threshing machine belonging to Joshua Davis, Alexander Wilcken and bishop Blackburn, and engaged board with the former, and afterwards changed to Bishop Blackburn's.  As I have stated I felt at home with the people, insomuch so that I declined to accept an offer from President Young for free transportation to California.  I had made up my mind to cast my lot with the Latter-day Saints.  I was studying the language and the principles of the gospel, and as soon as I understood that the only way to receive a remission of my sins was to repent and be baptized, I went into the water and entered into a covenant with my Heavenly Father, and received the Holy Spirit, which has ever since been a lamp to my feet and guided me through many trying circumstances.  In the spring of 1858 I had an introduction to President Brigham Young.  I shall never forget it.  After a few questions he told me that if I would continue as I had commenced in this work that my enemies should not have any power over me, this I can truthfully testify has been fulfilled to this day.  I had no enemies among the people, but when the army was permitted to enter these valleys they began to look after me, and many a narrow escape I have had to keep out of their grasp; but the Lord blessed me and protected me.  In the fall of 1860 my wife and my two children arrived here from the old country; happy was our meeting after a separation of four years.  I have since then had the pleasure to perform a mission to my native home and was extremely blessed in my labors, especially in gathering my genealogy.  I obtained the names of about six hundred direct descendants of my father's family.  I had also the <p.358> privilege to bring my mother, three of my nieces and my brother home with me, and it gives me great comfort to be able to take care of my mother in her old age.  The Lord has also blessed me in increase.  In 1857 I landed here alone, no relatives nor kindred in the Church, today we number thirty-seven, with a good prospect in the future.

  I have during the time that I have been connected with the Church tried to prove myself thankful for all the blessings I have received, and with the help of God will spend the days of my life in the upbuilding of His kingdom.

  The reader can see through this little narrative of mine how the Lord works to bring about His purposes, and how he rules and overrules the destiny of His people.

--Juvenile Instructor, Dec 1 1885 p. 357-358.
http://www.hickmansfamily.homestead.com/Wilcken.html
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A PRISONER BY THE MORMONS
 
   Utah was under martial law. The troops had captured four Mormon prisoners, among them "Doc" Hickman, a brother of "Bill" Hickman's.*23*
 
   The Mormons had plotted to kill Hurt,*24* an Indian agent that was stationed near Spanish Fork, south of Salt Lake.  He had taken to the mountains and came to the soldiers' camp for protection. He brought the news of the Mountain Meadows Massacre*25* and the Parish*26* murder, also that the Mormons had the Aikin*27* brothers and comrades in prison.
 
   Chat Rennick had long before this got to be a warm friend of ours. He tried to persuade me to go back to Leavenworth with him and said he would guarantee me a train in the spring at one hundred dollars a month if I would go. But I was determined to try to get to California.  
 
   Colonel Johnston had forbidden any one going into Salt Lake City, and had his pickets out five miles. <p.197>
 
   The Mormons had twenty-five hundred soldiers stationed between here and the City. There was no other way of going except through the Mormon camps.
 
   We each bought an Indian pony. Leach and Sherwood got saddles also, but I could not get one, so I had to use my blankets for a saddle and had rope stirrups.
 
   We went to Colonel Johnston for a pass to go through their lines, but he refused us, and also forbid our going. We asked him what we should do. He told us we could either volunteer or go back to the States. He would give us fifteen days' rations to take us to Laramie where we could get another supply.
 
   This was about the middle of November and very cold weather.
 
   We were not the kind of boys that turned back. We did not care to be soldiers and winter here on quarter rations as it was evident they would have to do. Seventy-five wagon loads of provisions had been burned, we had lost twenty-five hundred head of cattle by the Indians and Mormons and those that strayed off. Colonel Johnston had sent Colonel Marcy across the country to Mexico with pack mules for supplies.
 
   We concluded to take the fifteen days' rations and make sure of that, and then try for California. As Rennick had crossed to California the year before, we concluded to make a confidant of him, tell him our plans, and ask his advice.  He tried to discourage us, saying the Mormons would never let us go through. If they did not kill us themselves they would put the Indians on us.
 
   But as he could not discourage us, he gave us what information he could as to how we could get around the pickets, and helped us to some provisions on the sly. Then we started, as was supposed, for the States.
 
   We went fifteen miles toward the States, then struck <p.198> across the bench to a stream called the Muddy,*28* and got down the bluff just at night. It was a very cold night, but we found wood and very good brass on the hill sides, and hobbled our horses for the night.
 
   Then we made some coffee and thawed out our frozen bread and ate supper.
 
   The neat day we traveled down the stream, keeping close under the bluff, till night, and camped close to thirty head of our cattle that had run off the night we left Ham's Fork.  Here we felt easy.
 
   We built a good fire, mixed some bread in the top of the sack, and baked it in the ashes, as our cooking utensils consisted only of a coffee pot and three tin cups.
 
   After supper we concluded we could make a little stake by driving these cattle back to the soldiers' camp. The soldiers were so short of food that we thought we would be well paid for them. So the next morning we mounted our ponies and drove the cattle to camp and turned them over to Rennick. He said that we should get good pay for that work. Rennick delivered the cattle to the quartermaster who said he would settle with us the next day.
 
   He came with several wagon bosses the next day to decide on a fair price to pay us. Most of the men thought that two dollars a day would be enough, but Rennick told them that we ought to have big pay, no wages about it; that we had taken big chances, lost three days in the dead of winter and our provisions; and these cattle were fifteen hundred dollars clear to the government, and the soldiers needed them badly, but the cheap men prevailed. They concluded to pay us fifteen dollars apiece. Mr. Rennick was so provoked at this that he gave us more provisions and got a pass for us to go and hunt more cattle. He went <p.199> with us out past the pickets and got us into our camp that night, then went back to the fort.
 
   We traveled all next day and reached the crossing of the Bridger road, thirteen miles from Bridger, just at dark.  Here we camped.
 
   Soon it began to snow. We stuck up some sticks and stretched a wagon cover which we had brought with us, to shield us from the storm.
 
   After supper Captain Maxwell, a Mormon officer, with twenty-eight men came riding up, and ordered us to saddle up and go with them, and be quick about it too. We had footed it all day through a foot of snow to save our ponies, and were very tired. We asked permission to stay where we were till morning. He said he didn't want any back talk. So we packed our ponies, mounted, and rode six miles as fast as our ponies could go, with about half of the men in front and the others behind us, to the Mormon camp where there were two or three hundred more men.
 
   They took our ponies for the night and in the morning sent us with an escort of five men to Bear River. Here Leach and Sherwood traded horses with the Mormons and gave their guns to boot, as guns were of no use to us now.  They got good strong ponies.
 
   Here they amused us for some time by asking questions.  We answered them as we thought best. Finally, when bed time came, they sang some of their Mormon songs and had prayer. But such a prayer I never heard before. They prayed for the destruction of Johnston's army and for the torture of all Gentiles--not excepting present company even. Although hard to listen to we stood it like majors, as we knew there was no other way, and kept as cheerful as we could. We joked with them and made ourselves quite at home, although, I confess, we were very badly scared.  Below is a sample of their songs--one verse only: <p.200>
 
		Squaw killer Harney's on the way, 
			Duda duda day,
		The Mormon boys for to slay. 
			Duda duda day.
		Come let us be on hand,
			By Brigham Young to stand, 
		And if our enemies do appear, 
			We'll sweep them from the land.
 
   Next morning they sent five men with us to their big camp at the entrance of Echo Canyon. There were nine hundred soldiers here. This is a very deep canon. The road ran close to the rocks and wound along the stream. The Mormons had stone fortifications all along on top of the mountains. They could get behind these and shoot the soldiers as they passed through. It was a very strong position.
 
   The Mormons were armed with every conceivable kind of guns from a toy pistol up.
 
   They had prayer here also before retiring.
 
   These were the poorest specimens of humanity that I had ever seen together, nearly all English, Danes, and Welsh. And such clothing!  It was impossible to tell what the original goods were.
 
   Remnants of old bed quilts and blankets served, as overcoats. They were a set of bigots--claimed that they could whip the whole world, and that Johnston's army would not be a breakfast spell for them, as they had the Lord on their side to help fight their battles.
 
  We agreed with them in everything and were very anxious to find what settlement would be the best place for us to stop at and make our home.
 
  Next morning they brought up our ponies and we prepared to start with an escort of seven men, Bill Hickman,*29* their "destroying angel", in charge. <p.201>
 
   As we started he asked each of us our names. Sherwood and Leach gave their names first. He turned to me.
 
   I said, "They call me Bill Clark."
 
   "Well, I can recollect that, for my name is Bill Hickman", said he. "I suppose you have heard. of me. You heard Doc Hurt*30* speak of me, didn't you?"
 
   I said that I believed I had.
 
   "I reckon he gives me a hard name."
 
   "I didn't hear him say much of anything. Hurt stayed at the soldiers camp and I was with the freighters", said I.
 
   "I'd like to get in reach of him with my old rifle, he wouldn't tell any more tales, and I'll get him yet", said Hickman.
 
   Then he said to me, "Ain't you afraid of me?"
 
   "No", said I, "why should I be afraid of you any more than anybody else."
 
   "Haven't you heard I was a mighty bad man?"
 
   I told him that I had heard lots of things I didn't believe.  
 
   "Why are you not afraid to go with me?"   "Because", said I, "I never was anywhere yet, but that if I behaved myself I was treated like a gentleman, and for that reason expect to be with you, and among the Mormons.  If we were very much afraid, we wouldn't have traveled three days to get around the pickets to get in here."  I lied a little.
 
   Hickman laughed and said, "Well I guess you will be." 
 
   Then I said, "Mr. Hickman, how will you trade horses?"  
 
   "I can't spare this one," said he, "I have rode him from Bridger to the City, one hundred and sixteen miles, in fourteen hours ".
 
   "He would just suit me, and you would look pretty well on my pony, and I would look lots better on yours." <p.202>
 
   He laughed and said, "You'd look better on that 'ere little pack mule ahead".
 
   I told him I thought he'd feel bad to have such a good looking prisoner on top of that little mule, and top of that load too. Then I never did like a pack saddle to ride on.  He said that he would take me into the City on it.
 
   I said that it would look lots better if lie would put me on that big mule he had loose.
 
   "At the next stop you may get on him and ride to Weber Canyon.  I'm going to leave him there."
 
   In a few miles we came to a camp and I put my things on him and rode ten miles to Weber Canyon.
 
   We had kept up a lively conversation and Hickman got quite jolly.
 
   It was just noon when we got there, and he asked us into the cook-house to get dinner with hint, saying we need not go hungry while with him, and told us to leave our provisions here, as we did not need any while we were with him.
 
   After dinner I got on my pony, and Hickman said I could ride him a few miles, or till he gave out, then he would pack me on the little pack mule.
 
   I said, "Not much. You don't know the kind of stuff that pony is made of.  He's not one that will get his master on a pack saddle." We rode on to Little's camp. This was on top of the mountain, and their last camp before reaching the City. We got here just before dark. There were two of Brigham's sons here, Joseph and Brigham, Jr.  These Mormons were a more surly and sarcastic set, full of stinging remarks to us. We kept as cheerful as we could and did not pretend to take their slurs, although hard to bear.
 
   Here they sang several of their Mormon songs. They had board seats to seat the whole camp.  They invited (?) <p.203> us to take seats near the middle with Mormons surrounding us. Then a tall, slim, hatchet faced man by the name of Little knelt in front of us and commenced to pray.
 
   He prayed for a full hour, and asked the Lord to bring death and destruction to the United States officials, to Johnston's whole army and every sympathizer, and every Gentile living. He prayed that they should all be tortured in the most horrible manner.
 
   I think it must have taken the whole combined talent of the heads of the Mormon Church to invent this prayer. It was a hard thing to listen to and keep our nerves quiet and hands off. But to look crooked would have been death to us, so we bore it with all the grace we could command. This was a long night to us, after this prayer.
 
   There were about two hundred Mormons in this camp.  After breakfast in the morning we gave our wagon cover to the Mormons, as we had no more use for it, and started out. Hickman said I might ride my pony a ways, then he would put me on the pack mule. I told him my pony was all right.
 
   We had a good deal of rough road, and going over the mountain, I would jump off and walk, and rest my pony, every chance I got.
 
   Every little while Hickman would ask if my pony was give out.
 
   I would tell him "No, nor he wasn't going to either".  Then he would start off on the jump for a while.
 
   We traveled on till noon, when we came to a station and got dinner and fed our horses well. It being very cold, we rested a good hour, then started on. It began to get warmer, and in a few miles it was muddy. Every little hill that we went over, I would walk and rest my pony. As we turned out of Emigration Canyon there was quite a hill, and I was leading my pony. <p.204>
 
   Hickman called, "Is the pony give out?"  "No", said I.
 
   We were now nine miles from the City.
 
   "Well, come on then", said he, and we went on the jump as fast as my pony could run, clear to the City, without ever letting up for a moment.
 
   I was eight or ten rods behind, doing my best to keep up, when we went down the bench into the suburbs of the City, and every Mormon woman and child was out to see Hickman and his prisoners.
 
   They could tell a Gentile as far as they could see him by their hair and dress. The Mormons all had long hair. Every house we passed, they would rush out to see us. I didn't blame them much for looking at me. I think I would have made a good picture for a comic almanac. I was six feet and an inch and slim. My pony weighed about seven hundred pounds. With my blankets roped around him and rope stirrups, gun slung across my back, my sack of clothing in front of me, and a Scotch cap with a shiny visor on my head, I didn't wonder that they stared at me.  But we kept on the jump and when the others reached Main Street they halted till I came up, then we rode down Main Street.
 
   I rode up beside Hickman and said, "You look dry. Can't we get something to warm us up?"   I had sized him up.
 
   "No", said he, "they are not allowed to sell a drop in the Territory, but you might inquire at Kimbal's there".  "Hold on, I'll see". I got off and went in and said, "Give me a little good stuff--Valley tan if you have it ."   They said, "We are not allowed to sell a drop in the Territory."
 
   I laid a five dollar gold piece on the counter and told him to give me a quart in an old tin.
 
   He took the gold piece, put it in the drawer, handed me <p.205> three dollars, took a two-quart pail, went into the back room, then came back and gave it to me. I took it out and told Hickman, as we were namesakes, we would test it first, and, if it did not kill us, we would give the others some.
 
   I drunk and passed it to him. We concluded that it would not kill us and passed it around. There was a little left, so Hickman and I finished it. Then we went to Townsend's Hotel.
 
   Hickman introduced us to the landlord as "three Gentile prisoners he had captured in the mountains", adding, "They are pretty good boys. Take good care of them, and I will be in in the morning."
 
   I persuaded Hickman to stop and take supper with us.  He consented, and the rest of the escort went their way.  He got to be very sociable and said he had a "fool Gentile brother" and he would bring him in and introduce him to us, and that he would come tomorrow and take us up to Brigham's and get us a pass to travel where we wished in the Territory, as after a while we would join the Church.  We told him we liked it here very much and would try to enjoy ourselves the best we could.
 
   He had begun, by this time, to think we were just about green enough for good Mormon converts, and we were willing that he should.
 
   A great many came in to see the prisoners, among them Hyrum Smith, Kimball,*31* and others at the head of the Church. They asked us all sorts of questions regarding Johnston's army. We were very ignorant, knew but little about it. We were ox, teamsters; all we knew about them was that their supplies were short, and they would be on short rations.  This pleased the Mormons, and they would say, "The Lord will take care of us and fight our battles", <p.206>and that Colonel Johnston's army could never come into Salt Lake City.
 
   We agreed with them in every thing that seemed to please them.
 
   Griff Williams, the mail carrier from San Bernadino, was also there that night.
 
   In the evening before going to bed, the office being clear except Williams and us boys, Williams moved over to where we were sitting and said in a whisper, "Be very careful what you say in this house. These walls have ears.  I know what I am talking about. The man who keeps this house is a villain, an one wrong statement from one of you might put you all out of the way."
 
   He said that he had just come in from San Bernardino with the mail. He had hard work to get through, both from Indians and Mormons. A cousin of his, living at Redfield, had hard work to save his life while in her own house. Finally on account of his having the U. S. mail they concluded to let him pass and told his cousin that they would "fix" him on his return. But he had had another man to take the mail back and he was waiting here for Amasy Lyman,*32* one of the twelve apostles, from California, that he was acquainted with, and expected him here in a day or two, and he would go south with him for protection. He said Lyman did not approve of the Mountain Meadows Massacre or any of the murders that had been committed in Utah. He had charge of the San Bernardino Mormons, and, after the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Brigham had ordered him and his flock home to Utah. He had just come into the southern settlements with one train and part of his wives, and was going to send a train from Johnson's Fork back to California for the rest of his family, and help others to come that were not able. <p.207> Williams was going to California with this train. A Mr. Savage was to take charge of the train. He was a good man, and Williams thought that, if we could reach his place, we might get him to intercede for us. Although, if the Mormons let us pass, the Indians would hardly let us, for the Mormons had them completely under their control, and a wink from a Mormon would settle us. The Mormons had missionaries among them to keep them stirred up all the time. These missionaries claimed that they had to promise the Indians more scalps when Williams came back in order to let him pass.
 
  Williams also said that the Mormons had had the Aikins*33* brothers and comrades--six in all--in prison for two months on one charge or another, and had just sent them out the south route with an escort with Porter Rockwell in charge, and, if we ever heard of them again, we would probably hear that the Indians had killed them.
 
  Porter Rockwell and Bill Hickman were the leading Danites, or "Destroying Angels", and with Porter Rockwell in charge was proof that they would never reach California.
 
  I will state here the condition of the Mormon Church at that time.
 
  Brigham Young and his officials had a death grasp on every man in the Church--or out of it in Utah. He made every Mormon consecrate all of his property to the Church, which was really a deed subject to the dictation of the church. They could not take any property out of the Territory, except with Brigham's Permission.
 
  Brigham also had a revelation that every Mormon must confess all of his sins and crimes to the bishops and high priest of their settlement, and they did so.
 
  He had a set of officers called Danites scattered through <p.208> the Territory, for the purpose of putting any of their brethren out of the way when they became dissatisfied with the Church, also to take care of any Gentiles they could find. Hence the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the Aikins' murder, the Parish*34* murder, the Potter murder, and a hundred others.
 
   There were many Mormons who did not sanction these butcheries, but dare not say a word against it for fear that their turn would come next, but they dare not disobey an order said to come from Brigham.
 
   Brigham Young would preach inflammatory sermons, and almost order a murder by saying, "You must make a settlement" with such and such people "or I will turn the Indians loose upon them". The bishops and apostles would do the same. It was difficult for a man not in full sympathy with all of their doings to escape their vengeance. To disobey an order from Brigham was almost certain death, and, in the outer settlements, to disobey an order from a bishop was the same.
 
   But to return to the Townsend Hotel.
 
   About ten o'clock in the morning Bill Hickman came in with his "fool Gentile brother", introduced him to us and was quite jolly. As I found that "medicine" which we had the night before at Kimbal's did Hickman so much good, I asked him if we hadn't better go and get another dose.  He thought we had. So we went to Kimbal's store and said we would like to go into his back room. He opened the door, handed me a cup, and pointed to a barrel. We went in, drew some, and all drank a little. I paid the bill, and then we went for a walk.
 
   After awhile we went to Kimbal's again. Then Hickman said that he would take us up to Brigham's, introduce us to him, and see what he could do for us there. <p.209> We went to Brigham's office, and Hickman introduced us as "three Gentile prisoners," and said, "They are pretty good boys too, and are going to stay with us. They want a pass to travel around to find a good place to stop this winter".
 
   Brigham gave us a pass and we chatted awhile, then went back to Kimbal's, as we had learned how to treat Hickman's case. Hickman then invited us to come out to his place and stay over night. He told us that, if we couldn't get anything to do to make a living for the winter, he would donate us a fat ox and twenty bushels of wheat and we could get through on that. Then he shook hands, bade us goodbye and rode away.
 
http://www.hickmansfamily.homestead.com/files/Clark.htm

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Oct 7 It was snowing very hard and the man very sick and nothing in camp to eat I was sent to hunt up the lost camp   I went 5 miles up the creek and found them at
the end of the fire and 15 other men had come from R.T. Burton's camp on Bear river, we finally all got together and eat about all there was in the camp, and started Milo Andrews off with an express and to get more provisions, that night a deserter from the soilders camp came into ours, and give us the news of their camp, he felt pleased to find friends, diferant to what he expected
"  8 We started for the big Bend on Blacks fork   got there at sundown, Capt E Pugh with 10 men was left on the fork to continue the burning of grass
"  9 Bro Sudwicks and myself crossed the river both on one horse it mired down and we had to get off into the mud and Ice and water as best we could, we was going to hunt an old camp ground to see if we could find any thing to eat but it was a failure, and I caught a very bad cold, we sent the sick man and the Deserter and 2 others into Bridger, as the soilders was again fireing their cannon we moved to higher quarters, that night the provisions came and we all felt very hungery for we
had, had nothing for over 2 days and several was sick, myself with the number, we then got the news of Lot Smith burning the Wagons ^52 and taking their teams
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Oct. 10 We were covered with snow laying in our slim beds on the ground and I very sick with mountain fever they sent the sick and some with horses into Bridger
to recruit up a little
"  11 Joseph White that had got his horse burt and was sick himself and a Brother Cooper also sick was sent home   I was still very sick but wanted to stay thinking should soon get over it, we went up to Fort supply 12 miles south where there had been a farm opened by our people mostly from Provo
"  12 News came that the soilders had moved some more up Hams fork and that 30 men was to be sent to their camp to reconoiter
"  13 All left Fort suply except 4 of us   I was some better but not able for duty, news came that O.P. Rockwell had taken 600 head of cattle and Wm Hickmans 2 brothers had been taken prisoners; 9 more teamsters from the camp and 15 of our boys came up in the evening to our camp
"  14 I was helping to dig potatoes and burring [burying] them for future use, in the evening Capt E. Pugh came up and I went down to the Island Feild 3 miles and
joined his ten as they where my neighbors at home
"  15  Our 10 was called to Fort supply to do more work
"  16 We was treading out wheat and cleaning it
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Octr 17 It snowed all night
"  18 Still snowing   we built us some wickihups for shelter
"  19 Still very cold   some more boys came in to rest
"  20 Snowed again, at noon we went to the Island feild and volunteered into Lot Smiths company of 50 best Horses with their owners expecting to go to Bear river
to head off the soilders that was still going up Hams fork leading toward the former river, but at sun down news came that the soilders was taking the back track down the fork so we did not go but others was keeping watch over their movements
"  21 In camp all day
"  22 Stephen Winegar & Willm Burrows of our ten, also Milo Andrews and a company under him with poor horses was sent home
"  23 In camp resting
"  24 We where again building Wickehups
"  25 At noon our ten was called out to go to the Soilders camp lead by Thomas Abbot   we went to Bridger and then left there at sundown to go north
through the mountains to hunt Wm Maxwells company to releive them   we started with 3 days rations, we came across a company after dark which
had come from General Wells camp on Bear river going to Bridger with supplies, we come very ne[ar]
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getting into trouble as neither one knew any pass word to give and it was too dark to see any thing but furtinatly one of our boys knew the voice of one of their company which brought relief we soon struck the muddy and followed down it for some time to find a ford which was very bad, we finally tried one place and all crossed safe but one, that had our flour upon his horse and as his horse began to climb up the opposite bank his horses hind feet stuck fast in the mud and the horse fell back wards upon his rider and wetting him as well as our flour, we could not travel very far because it was freezing so hard and they [sic] young mans cloths was freezing
upon him so we had to stop and make a fire to  dry his cloths
Octr 26 Soon after day light we saw a smoke in the distance and after we started we soon found the company that we was hunting, they directed us in the direction of where the soilders was, also pointed out to us where the picket guard was the day
before, but could not see him then, but as we went on in that direction we soon saw him as they stated, we still went on and soon saw a man riding a roan horse like he was coming from
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the camp going to the guard, the camp was then about 2 miles off, we took the precausion and sent out one man on each side taking the high ground to see if
any trap was laid for us   James R Miller & Willis Lemmon was the 2 selected, we stoped and got our guns free from our saddles and capped them and then 
started on the run scattered out, but he soon led us toward a hollow where there was
about 40 men secreted about one ^half on foot and the other mounted when some of us got within 150 yards of them they raised and fired upon us   I was the  third nearest to them, we each turned as fast as we could making distance as fast as we could
but the bullets flew around us like hail plowing in the dust and cutting off the sage brush but through the blessings of the Lord none of  us was hit nor none of our horses nor was no sign of any bullet in our clothing, they followed us for some little distance slowly, after we got out of their guns reach we got off our horses in plain sight of them and tightened up our saddles Wm Hill lost his hat, and my horse got lamed
by steping into a Badger hole which was very plentiful where they attacted us also big sage b[irds]
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We returned to the Muddy for Water and halted they sent Harvey Bliss the young man that fell with his horse the night before, and myself with my lame horse into Bridger with an express, we got there about 8.P.M. and remained for the night
Octr 27 Went to Lots camp at the Island feild
"  28 In camp resting, Lot and some of his company
went to Green River after some cattle that had been taken from a Mountaineer by the name of Yeats which was said to be acting as a spy for the soilders, he had been taken prisoner   2 of our boys came in with an express from the soilders that they where still going down the fork
"  29 Our ten came in after dark from the camp they will still going down slowly
"  30 In camp at our Wickehups at the island
"  31 News came that the soilders had now reached the old Ford where they first crossed
Nov 1 Henry Skidmore and some other boys where sent home with the cattle taken at Green River
"  2 We all left the Island feild also Fort Supply and went down to Bridger   Some was sent out to watch the camp, and the rest of us moved about one mile up Blacks fork above Fort Bridger
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Nov 3 Every thing was moved from the fort, and general Wells and companies not out on duty moved up Blacks fork about 5 miles, we built us some wickehups with bark of trees and wheat grass, and in a few hours after we had camped Bro Wells came around and asked us if we had found them ready built   the snow soon came down upon us
"  4 In camp it was very cold, News came that our boys had taken some more cattle, and the soilders had moved 4 miles up Blacks fork toward Bridger
"  5 Snow was about 6 inches deep and it was fast day, and we fasted and held meeting
"  6 At sun down news came that our boys had taken some more cattle, at midnight News came that the soilders had moved to within 7 miles of Bridger, about 20 of the best horses and men where sent to Bridger and around the camp to watch them, while the main body of our camps moved toward Bear river on the Pioneer trail it was still very stormy
"  7 About a foot of snow, at day light 20 of us went to Bridger and gathered up the cattle out of the Brush which had been taken the day before and turned loose at night, when we had all got
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them all gathered, the boys was just returning from the soilders camp with Joseph Taylor which had been taken prisoner by them some time bofore, he stole away from them at sun down the evening before, he felt well in finding our boys, we went on to the Pioneer ridge with the cattle, and camped in a hollow north of the road and it was very cold, and nearly froze before morning with little bedding and the snow very deep and so cold
Nov 8 We traveled to Bear river and camped still snowing and very cold, at night they selected the poorest horses and poorest clothed men and sent them home with the cattle to the valley
"  9 Traveled with the General's company to Echo cave & camped
"  10  We moved to a point 8 miles down Echo Canyon and camped, one of Hickman's Brothers came into camp he had been freed, his other Bro was freed some time before, he heard the soilders saying in camp that they would be in Salt Lake City in 8 days without a shot being fired
"  11 We remained in camp and it was a terrible cold windy day, we had been luckey enough to get a small tent but we could scarcely keep it over our heads
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and when we set a cup of water close by the little fire we had Ice would freeze over it, 25 of the Best horses and men were sent back to releive that number then on guard near Bridger which was poorer clothed, they ware to keep a close watch on the enemies camp
Nov 12 About 27 of our company was sent down to the Brest works that had been built by our boys about 4 miles from the mouth of the canyon, the general remained with 20 men up the canyon at Brown's station
http://hickmanmuseum.homestead.com/Ballard.html

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Scouting Johnston's Army

  As the Army neared Ham's Fork River (*Perhaps 60 miles NE of Fort Supply.), I was called upon to go out as a scout. A good Flat Head Indian horse was furnished me as I had no horse of my own. I had for a team, one yoke of broke cattle, a yoke of partly broke steers, and one yoke of unbroken steers. I went out and fell in with a company of thirty or forty men commanded by Colonel Collister. The notorious William Hickman was in the company. I continued with them. Our special duty was to watch the movement of the enemy. We kept continually on the move while near Ham's Fork and also kept out scouts and picket guards. Some of us suffered for loss of sleep.

  At one time I had been actively engaged day and night, and being sent out on picket guard with three others near the enemy's camp, we took our position after night, by a large rock that covered two or three acres of ground, close to the main road, and about three miles from the camp of our company. We took our horses a half mile from our guard post and lariated them in a ravine and left two of our party with them. A Brother Mumford and myself went back to our post to keep guard until midnight. It was expected that two should be on guard at a time, but we talked the matter over and agreed that inasmuch as we had been broken of our rest for some time, one should lie down and sleep. I took first watch. When my time had expired, I aroused Brother Mumford and I lay down on the solid rock and dropped to sleep without loss of time. It appeared to me as though I had not lain there more than ten or fifteen minutes before I was aroused with the request to go to our comrades (with the horses) and send them back to relieve Brother Mumford. I was aroused but not awakened. I had no real sense of what I was doing. I started out and wandered around for nearly an hour and returned to Brother Mumford more by accident than design. He then went with me to the horses. After starting the other two parties out, we slept, and aroused much refreshed in the morning.

  Returning to the main camp, we found that our comrades had left sometime in the after part of the night. We took their trail and it was sometime in the afternoon when we overtook them.
About this time we concluded to make a raid upon a band of mules belonging to an Army camp on Ham's fork. Our pack animals we left some five miles from the field of action, and all but twenty of the company were left to guard them. We also divested ourselves of everything that could be considered surplus, or that would in any way retard our movements. We moved up within 3/4 of a mile of the enemy's camp. The band of mules were about half way between us and the camp. Three or four men were guarding the mules. We stopped behind a ridge, cinched up our saddles and checked everything to see that it was in order for a speedy charge. As we rode up the ridge, coming in plain sight of the camp, imagine our surprise to see a full and complete company of dragoons riding up to the enemy camp. Instead of orders to charge on the herd, orders were given to retreat, which was done without delay, with the exception of Hickman and myself. I think we stayed on the ridge about half an hour. I was anxious, knowing that we had been seen, to know if that mounted company of soldiers would give chase.

  I was in no wise uneasy for my own safety, as I was aware that the soldiers were poor horsemen and their horses were no match for ours, outside of a beaten road. Our horses would dodge around among sage brush and grease wood without any guiding, while their horses would plow through the brush, checking their speed and generally throwing their riders in advance of their saddles. While Hickman and myself were on the hill, a man came in sight of us some three hundred yards off, on a very fine horse. As he was riding quartering us, he did not observe us. Hickman proposed that we should get that man's horse. I told him there would be a possibility of its leading to murder, if the man should show fight, and I did not wish to be compelled to shed blood unless it should be in a better cause, and the matter ended there. The soldiers dismounted, unsaddled their horses, and seemed to be intending to send them onto the range. We followed on after our comrades, and being mounted on good horses, we overtook them before they reached the packs.

  I was the only one out from Fort Supply. In a day or two after the above occurrence, as it was nearing night, I suddenly became impressed with a desire to go home. I lost no time in laying the matter before Colonel Collister. He raised no objections, but requested that if I found everything all right, that I return. Which I agreed to do. We were near forty miles from home.
I ate my supper and started, reaching home sometime after midnight. I found that orders had been received from President Young to abandon the place. My brethren were considered to be about ready to start out in the morning. My stock had been gathered up. It will be remembered that my family were in the valley, so it therefore remained for me to pack up and load in order to be ready to start with the company. Various things conspired to keep the company from starting as early in the day as was contemplated. I had ample time to pack and I regretted that I had not taken an hour or two for sleep during the night. I had three yoke of cattle, but only one yoke was broken. Father Sanders had but one yoke. I had more than I needed for one wagon, but he was a poor teamster and could not manage my unbroken cattle. I could not spare the yoke that was broken, therefore I put them on my wagon. As Father Sanders followed next behind me, I had to render him much assistance. So much, that my mother concluded it would be safer to ride in my wagon.

  Instead of going down to Fort Bridger and taking emigration road, we started on a cut off, on which we would travel twenty-five or thirty miles before striking the road. As we got a late start, we only traveled five or six miles and then camped for the night. One yoke of my steers were troublesome to handle. When I unyoked the near one, the other started for the range on a stampede. I went with him, holding with one hand the end of the yoke, the other hand resting on his back. In the race he kicked me pretty much all over, from the shoulder down, and even kicked several times over the yoke, one end of which was on his neck. I was not hurt and when he became short of wind and stopped to recuperate, I relieved him of the yoke. I think he never undertook the same again. But he could kick, and many times he put his foot over the yoke when hitched up in the team.

  About the time we camped, we noticed a large fire in the direction from which we had come. Some speculated about what it could be. We were not long in suspense as Barney Ward came on express and informed us that the soldiers had resumed their journey toward Salt Lake City, and at the rate they were traveling they were likely to come in ahead of us. A few of the brethren had been left at our settlement, and upon this false report, that must have been hatched up in the brain of cowards, Fort Supply was immediately set on fire and utterly consumed. Our grain was in shocks. There was an endeavor made to burn that also but without success as the straw had too much sap in it.

  The news raised much excitement in camp, which I had no part or lot in, yet I was willing to admit that there was a bare possibility that the story was not a hoax. Still I saw no occasion for manifesting fear. The order was given by President Isaac Bullock to lighten up our loads as speedily as possible, then hitch up and travel. It came to the President's ears that I was putting nothing out. He came to me requesting me to respect the order given. I informed him that I had a light load for my team and he need give himself no uneasiness about my keeping along with the company. I should require no assistance, nor in no way be a hindrance. He insisted for a few minutes. I felt as though it was a spirit of tyranny that he was exercising, and I came near an open rebellion, but I had always been respected by him, and I had respect for him. I said I would comply. This I did by putting off three or four small articles that probably did not amount to fifty pounds. We traveled all night and I think the general feeling then was that we were out of danger.

  Nothing of interest occurred, unless it was that I put my knee out of joint by putting my hand onto a fence and carelessly springing over.

  I had, some few years before, been working out poll tax on a dugway, on state roads, by what was then Gardner's Mill on Big Cottonwood. P. Rockwood was supervising. He was stepping around, as the hands thought, with an air of importance. As he stood on the bank much of the time, there was a plan formed to undermine the bank in such a manner as to let him down with it. I was barely cognizant of the fact, being engaged in shoveling the dirt away as the ones picking brought it down. They had made an extra large hole under the bank to let a large amount down at once. Those that were using the picks were on their guard. Not so with me. I was busily engaged and as luck would have it, as I was in the act of throwing a shovel of dirt and looking away, the bank came suddenly down, knocking me down and burying me from my hip down. I got out without assistance and did not think that I was hurt. I continued my labors, but it was not long before my left knee began to pain me and was growing continually worse. I was helped home and for a few days, the hurt was so painful that I used turpentine to alleviate the pain. I thereby weakened the joint. But at the time the knee joint slipped this time, I had supposed that I had entirely recovered from the hurt.

  I arrived home at Union Fort and procured a horse team belonging to Alonzo Knight. I got it from a party with whom he had left it in charge, as he was out on the road about Bridger, also. I had cached nothing of any particular value at the time we took our scare, but Father Sanders had, among other things, put off a barrel of very good vinegar. I went back more for his benefit than my own.

  I started the next day after getting home. When I got into Echo Canyon, General D. H. Wells was there with a large company of militia, and as I was traveling alone, he issued his order to have me stopped. I was invited to go before him and give an account of myself.  All of this I complied with, and I got permission to proceed by agreeing to travel in company with William Maxwell. I should overtake his company that was on its way to Bridger. I am not sure whether I overtook him that day or the next, but after overtaking him, and finding his baggage wagon heavily loaded, I took on some of the load. This enabled him to get on some faster.
Major Maxwell was an old acquaintance of Mormon Battalion days, for whom I had much regard for his kindness to me while I was sick on the way to Santa Fe. At times when I was feeble, he, having charge of a mule team, would get off the saddle mule and allow me to ride. He also rendered other attention to me.

  On arriving at Bridger, Colonel Collister was in command of a company of militia. Just as I drove up, a load of oats was brought in from Fort supply, in the sheaf. As it was near the middle of the day, I wished to feed my team and go on to Fort Supply as there was also a small company there. I went to Colonel Collister and asked him for a feed of oats for my horses. He informed me that it had been brought down for the officer's animals and that they could hardly be expected to feed any and everybody's horses. I replied that I had raised two hundred bushel and left it in the shock at the place that his oats came from, and remarked that I should suppose that I should be allowed to feed at least once out of my own oats. He saw the point at once and requested me to help myself. After feeding, I proceeded on to Fort Supply. Alonzo Knight was there and he was somewhat surprised to see his team.

  The next day, I took time to look around at the devastation of everything that could be destroyed. Some of the grain had been burned and the rest was destroyed by horses. some potatoes and turnips had been cached in a manner to escape observation. While I was thus leisurely looking around, an express came direct from General Wells, to the commander of the forces in the region, to enlist me into the service and not allow me to return. I took it very cooley, merely remarking that General Wells very likely was not aware that I had already been in service longer than half of the parties now out. I was led to wonder what had moved him to such a step as I was an entire stranger to him. All the solution that I could arrive at was that some acquaintance of mine had informed him that I was thoroughly acquainted with the country in that region and would make an efficient scout.

  Soon after, two parties called Doc and Jeff Hickman, brothers of Bill, were taken prisoners. They were taken into the U.S. Army camp. There was a desire to send some dispatch to Colonel Alexander who was then in command of the army. It was feared that if a Mormon was sent, he would be retained a prisoner. It was decided that mountaineer should be induced to go if one could be found.

  They, the mountaineers, supposing that there was going to be a bloody contest, and also being afraid their wealth in stock, which they supposed would become a prey to either army if committable, they therefore, went off and secreted themselves. I was consulted as to my knowledge or belief of their whereabouts. I did not know where they were, but I thought I could find them. It was therefore decided to furnish me the best horse in the camp, one that was considered able to hold out equal with myself. So I started out alone to hunt them up. I took a direct route to them, having no trail to guide me until I came to the gap in the mountain that they had crossed. They were on what was called Henry's Fork. Many of them knew me, and they were overjoyed to see me. Because they had kept so close, they knew nothing of what was transpiring. They had also run out of supplies. In fact, they were almost in a suffering condition. Still, they dared not venture out. They supposed there had been severe battles fought. I rehearsed the situation of affairs which they received with eagerness. I informed them that they could, with safety, send out for supplies. Jack Robinson's squaw wives got a meal, the best they could, under existing circumstances, of which I partook. I held another short conference with the company en masse. One of them had volunteered to go into the U.S. Camp after the situation of the two opposing forces had been explained. I gave them my assurance that there was no occasion to fear.

  One simple circumstance in this connection, I will relate. The men at Fort Supply, or a portion of them, were accustomed to the use of tobacco. Their supply had been exhausted for some time and they were feeling very despondent. They thought that now was the time to lay in a small supply by sending with me. They had not supposed that the mountaineers would be destitute. They, therefore, made up a purse of a dollar or two--all there was in camp. I mentioned that matter to the mountaineers and was informed that our boys could not be in a more suffering condition than they were. But now for the sequel: When I had mounted my horse and had said good-bye to the company, a man beckoned me to follow him, which I did. He conducted me to his lodge and brought out a plug of tobacco one foot in length, and handed it to me. I offered to pay for it but he would accept nothing. What surprised me was that he had kept it on hand while his associates had been without.

  The man that was to undertake the mission to the U.S. camp mounted a splendid horse. We crossed over a mountain ridge in company, then our roads separated. My course was west and his north-west. Night soon came on and being aware that it would be hard for me, without a trail, to keep my course, I selected a star, as soon as they began to show, as my guide, and formed a determination to continue directly towards it. Some time after the night had become fairly dark, it appeared to me that I was going on the wrong course and I was tempted to bear more to the right. Then I considered that I had taken my course and the best thing to do was to trust my guiding star. Had I done otherwise, I would not have found camp that night. Near the end of my journey, my horse became tired and in going down a steep bank to a small stream, it fell down in such a manner that my left foot was fastened under him. I was unable to extricate it. I therefore was compelled to make him rise with me on his back.

  I arrived at camp near midnight, having ridden something over fifty miles in a rough country. The parties suffering for tobacco got out of bed and sat by the fire, smoking and chewing the remainder of the night. They declared it was as good as a feast.

  The mountaineer arrived at Fort Bridger and found one of the Hickman boys there. He had been sent in by Colonel Alexander with a communication for President Young. He said there was no occasion for uneasiness on their account, as they were treated with civility. They were not closely confined, and he was expected to return with an answer from President Young.
I had no more calls for active service. We got out of provisions and were living on potatoes and turnips that had been raised there. Winter was coming on, as snow storms indicated. There was no officer who considered he had jurisdiction over me, under the circumstances of my enlistment, so I concluded to depart, and did so without let or hindrance. Alonzo Knight went with me. I offered to let him have charge of the team, since they belonged to him, but for some reason he refused. We put on the things that I had gone after and came on down to General Wells camp in Echo Canyon. He had us stopped and kept us three days, but as we were well treated, we made no complaint. He turned us loose and we made our way home without further trouble.

  I made up my mind to stay at home and endeavor to obtain labor to accumulate provisions for the support of my family. I rented a house and moved my family into it. Before I had time to accomplish much else, there was a call for what was called a standing army.

  The militia officers of Union Fort were called upon to raise a certain number of men to go out on the road and remain during the winter. I was among the first consulted. I told the officer that I had lost the entire summer, not having saved anything from my farming operation. I had been on the road all the time since the U.S. Army had neared Ham's Fork, and it was necessary that I should make some exertions for the support of my family. He acknowledged that my cause was just and said he would try to raise the compliment of men without me.

  Shortly after, I was beset by himself and others, some of whom appeared to think that I was the most suitable man they had in the district for the service. I told them I thought it was hardly fair for one portion of the community to bear all the burden. There were plenty of men who had seen no service, had been allowed to attend to their business, and had been successful in their farming operations. I also told them that they should try more diligently to raise the men, and should they not succeed, I would not refuse. That was what they wanted from me, for the idea seemed to prevail with some that they could not get along without me. I was soon informed that the compliment of men could not be raised without me and I said I would go, but I thought there should be something done for the support of my family.

  I, therefore, went to Bishop Richards and stated the situation and closed by asking him what ought to be done under the circumstances. He informed me that the best thing to do was to sell a yoke of cattle. I accepted the counsel, and sold the cattle to old man Van Volkenborg for wheat and potatoes. To make sure of my pay, I did not delay collection, as he was inclined to be tricky as I well knew.

  The following was Van Volkenborg's style of doing business: I sold him the cattle without yoke, bow, or chain. After the bargain was made, he wished to borrow yoke and bows. I said, "I shall probably have no use for them this winter, but" says I, "having some knowledge of your character, I am very sure that if I should lend them to you for any length of time, you would say that you had received them with the cattle when the trade was made and would likely be willing to stand a law suit on the matter." He thought I had rather a poor opinion of him and he was very sure he was not that kind of a man. I let him have the outfit. In the spring, when I went after them, he seemed much surprised and asked if he did not purchase them with the cattle. I looked at him without uttering a word, but he could see indignation in every feature. I asked again where I would find them and he went with me and produced them. That was the last deal we ever had.

  Our military company was reorganized. I was elected a lieutenant and a platoon of ten men was assigned to my jurisdiction. I was also promised a horse and outfit which was afterwards produced. The horse was furnished by Benjamin Jones. After we had got started on the road a few miles, I concluded that I would be faster on foot, and as the opportunity presented itself, I sent the horse back to Union.

  It was now severe winter weather. Snow was deep in the mountains. We camped the first night in the canyon near an old man Killian's place. It was so cold, we could not keep comfortable by a good log fire. One side would be scorching, the other would be freezing. All during the evening, I kept away from the fire, running up and down the road, scuffling with comrades whenever one would come out away from the fire. Sometimes I wallowed in the snow. I thereby, kept more comfortable than standing by the fire. Two or three parties had their feet frozen in bed during the night and had to return home in the morning. Brother Otis L. Terry had charge of the baggage wagon. He thought to knock some of the ice from the wheels and to accomplish it took a light hatchet. About the first time he struck the tire, it flew to pieces as though it were glass.

  It was a very hard day's journey to get over the first mountain. Some companies had gone over some days before, but the road had drifted up with the snow four or five feet deep much of the way. We arrived at the main camp between the mountains after night. The men and teams were worn out.

  We made a general move the next day over the big mountain and camped on Big Canyon Creek. It was not as hard a day's work as the day before. When the company to which I belonged had all got onto the summit of the mountain, I started out on a run and kept it up for three or four miles, passing companies of men, mounted and otherwise, and arrived on the camp ground with the officers in advance of the command. When my messmates came up, I had firewood sufficient for the night and a fire started.

  We were all stationed for a time on the Weber River at or near the mouth of Echo Canyon. There was quite a large force of men. Each company quartered by themselves. One Colonel Harmon was in command.

  Some log houses were built for the officers, for commissary quarters, etc. Some lumber was needed. It was thought it might be obtained at Snyder's Mill, off in the southeast direction from our camp. One other and myself were called upon to make an endeavor to reach the mill and get lumber if it was available. We succeeded in obtaining the required lumber with two good span of animals and a sled. It was hard on the team.

  About this time there had been a beef dressed and as the wolves were prowling around, someone had dragged the offal down to the river and poisoned it. A company of Indians came into camp. They soon discovered the offal, and began to clean it up for food. I learned the particulars and went to the Indians and informed them, in their own language, the condition of affairs, and told them they must not eat the offal. They dropped it and left.

  The word soon got to the Colonel's quarters that I could talk with the Indians. He sent for me and held a short conference with the Indians to ascertain what their business was, where they had come from, where they were going, etc. They informed him that their having their families with them was sure evidence that they had no evil intentions. They were furnished a dinner and allowed to depart.

  Bill Hickman came into camp with a prisoner that had been caught about Bridger, a mountaineer, that had appeared friendly to our people, while acting as a spy for the Army. They ate breakfast in our camp and started on towards Salt Lake. Shortly after, the mountaineer's horse returned to camp riderless. I supposed he had been killed. I started out and gave a thorough search for the body in the most likely places, but I failed to find it. He must have been thrown into the Weber River. Hickman, in his history, in order to implicate others, says this party was killed at Jones camp above us, at the mouth of Echo Canyon, and has a picture showing Hosea Stout holding a lantern while the deed is being done, which is false to my certain knowledge.

  Although the weather was very cold, there was a general time of enjoyment and much speculation as to how the present trouble would terminate. There were, apparently, as many different opinions as individuals.

  Firewood was plentiful. A company of men would take out the running gears of a wagon, put on a good load of wood and draw it into camp, while the horses ran on the mountain side that wind had kept clear of snow.

  Lot Smith was in the camp. It was generally known that he was the best horseman in the country. A small company of men rode into camp and were preparing to take their horses out to the band. One of their horses was fine and fat. Lot desired to go out to the band and bring up his own horse. He proposed to the man of the fat horse, to ride it out and leave it with the band. The man did not know Lot and he informed him that the horse could not be ridden without a saddle, that a man's neck was in danger that should undertake it. Lot informed him he was willing to risk it, and mounted the horse and rode off quietly, to the disappointment of the onlookers who expected to see some sport.

  Orders came to station men down on the last fork of the Weber. Major Casper's Command was called upon for that post. This was the command to which I belonged. While making preparations to move, Colonel Harmon, learned that I belonged to that detachment, and sent for me to come to his quarters. He consulted me in relation to staying with him, as he did not know how he would manage without an Indian interpreter. He kindly left it to me to decide to go or stay. I chose to go, but I informed him of one or two others, who would still remain in his camp, who could converse some in the Shoshonian language.

  We moved to our new location, and in a short time had excellent quarters prepared. Each mess of ten men built a comfortable dwelling in the form of an Indian wickiup by setting up poles, covering them with cane and grass, then banking up four or five feet high with dirt. We left a trench all around except at the entrance. It was stormy weather much of the time, some rain, some snow, making it very disagreeable while we were laboring on our new quarters. But we continued until all was complete.

  We had regular mustering, morning and evenings, for the purpose of roll call. Some men were slow about falling into line. It was ascertained that the reason was that their arms and equipment were sometimes misplaced and they could not readily find them. I instructed each and every member of my own platoon to see to it that he had a place for everything and kept everything in such order that he could lay his hands upon them at any and all times, day or night. I was particular myself and deemed it an offense for one party to meddle with the accouterments of another. But the most of the men were raw recruits that had never before seen service. They were careless and thoughtless. These things were often spoken of by the officers, but little heed was taken by the men. The officers, therefore, thought to give a practical lesson.
The time was favorable, as it had been reported that Indians had been induced by the U.S. Army to make raids upon the Mormon camps. Our officers, therefore, instructed the guards to, at a certain time of night, when the camp was in sleeping repose, raise an alarm by discharging their guns. It all worked nicely and we rallied into line in front of large log fires. It was very amusing to hear the remarks made by individuals. Some had not been able to find their guns or their pistols or butcher knife or their belt upon which some of these things should be hanging. One or two of the lieutenants reported there was a man missing from their ranks. The men seemed to think it safer to not come out. My platoon was all in line, but mistakes were made. Joseph Sanders reported, in a melancholy tone, that he did not have his own gun. Some others did not have their full equipment.

  While all these things were going on, I was in front of my men talking to them with the expectation momentarily of being fired upon by an enemy. I was troubled in mind about being formed in line by those fires, giving such a great advantage to an enemy, as our guns were all empty, and no general orders were given except to ascertain if the men were all in ranks. My first orders to my ten were to load, and I remarked that we would not stand but one fire from an enemy in that position. Immediately upon such a fire, we would scatter out and lay on the ground and endeavor to exchange shots with the enemy by shooting wherever we saw the flash of a gun. All these things transpired much faster than I can write them.

  An officer came along and informed us that it was not necessary to load our guns. It was too late in my case, but that remark, taken in connection with the fact that we were not fired upon, gave me to understand the true situation of affairs. I remarked, "It is all a hoax." This, I noticed, relieved the feelings of some and steadied their nerves to such an extent, that they could hold still. The circumstance furnished amusement for some days and some parties were subjected to many jokes.

  After we had our quarters fixed up as comfortable as was possible, we were somewhat troubled to pass off the time. We would, therefore, take opportunities between showers, as it continued stormy, to get up games of baseball, as the game was then played. I was considered the best catcher in the camp. It was very seldom that a ball would pass me, and there was no occasion for any party to stand behind me. I could catch a ball equally well with either hand, and was active enough to spring after those that came out of reach even though the ground was wet, muddy, and slippery.

  The damp weather had seemed to relax the cords of my injured leg, that had once been out of joint at the knee. In jumping around after the ball, my knee came out of joint. I sat down and had it pulled into place, but I was unable to play ball anymore. The next day or two, it again came out of joint, just by standing awkwardly on it. I became discouraged about my efficiency as a soldier. I went to the officers and informed them that the best thing they could do was to send me home on the first opportunity. They objected, stating that they would impose no duties on me, only such as I could perform, and I could lie around and nurse my leg. I asked them what would become of me if we were called into active service. They replied that in that case I should have a horse to ride or be allowed to drive the team on the baggage wagon. I accepted the situation readily.

  A few days thereafter, it was considered necessary to send an express to Willow Creek in Salt Lake Valley for the reason that the brethren in our camp, from that place, were not provided with supplies as they should have been. They had few or no cooking utensils.

  There were some feelings existing against the ward for sending men out so poorly provided for, and the general feeling was that they were not very public spirited and that they would have to be labored with in a manner that would give them to understand that they must do something for their country and do it without delay. I was asked if I would not undertake the mission. I informed them that I would go and I promised to be successful, but I would go on condition that I should not be expected to return.

  A wagon came along from some other camp, going for supplies, traveling down the Weber, as that was considered to be the most passable route. I got in and went along. I got to Union, obtained a horse and visited Willow Creek, eight miles south, without delay. I went under the impression that I should have trouble in getting them to respond to the call. But when I made my business known to an officer of the place, he manifested interest in the matter and immediately got some of the leading men together. I was enabled to state to them the situation of their men in a manner that touched their sympathy and they lost no time in raising the necessary supplies and starting them out.

--George Hawkins, ed., Autobiography of 
Henry W. Sanderson, 1990, pp. 85-100.
http://hickmanmuseum.homestead.com/Sanderson.html

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Chapter V: A Chapter of Horrors
 [p.122] ONE Yates, a trader that had been in the country before, had returned with five or six thousand dollars' worth of Indian goods, and stopped on Green River. He had several kegs of powder, and a quantity of lead and caps. He was sent to, to purchase his ammunition, but would not sell it without selling his other goods also. He came to Bridger twice, buying beef cattle for the [p.123] Government. Both times I went with him beyond all of our troops, to keep him from being hurt. He would trade at the soldier camps, then go to his house on Green River, passing up and down Ham's Fork. We kept watch of the United States camps every day, and if a party attempted to leave we would make a rush for them and run them into camp again. One day they moved up the creek about four miles, and we saw a vacancy between them and their cattle. We made a rush and drove off seven hundred and fifty head, taking all the fat cattle they had, and some mules. Horses and mules were taken several times after this.
About this time it was noised about that Yates had let the soldiers have his ammunition, and that he was acting the spy for them. One of the Conover boys was on a point near Ham's Fork one day, and saw a lone man traveling towards Green River; he got ahead of him, saw he had a good horse, and halted him, intending to take his horse and let him go. But, after learning his name, Yates, he marched him to Bridger, where he was placed in the big stone corral and a guard placed over him. I was not there when he was brought in. I came to Bridger a few days after he was taken. Thinking there would be no particular use for me for a week or two, I concluded to go home and get some fresh horses, and take home three or four of my men that needed rest.
I will here state that the office I held was that of independent captain, amenable to none but the head commanding general or governor, Brigham Young, unless [p.124] my services were particularly needed, in which case I was under obligations to act in concert with other officers.
When ready to start I was asked to take the prisoner, Yates, to the city with me, and agreed to do so. The men with me were a brother of mine. T. J. Hickman, who had come from the States with me the summer previous. John Flack and Lewis Meacham. There was a common trace-chain on Yates' ankle; fastened with a padlock. He had a fine gold watch and nine hundred dollars in gold, all in twenty-dollar gold pieces. The money was given to me to bring into the city with the prisoner, but the watch was kept, and what became of it I never knew.
We traveled about fifty miles and camped on Yellow Creek. The next morning we traveled about half-way down Echo Cañon to where the general's headquarters were located, and got breakfast. I delivered General Wells some letters, reported myself, and told him who I had along, and asked him what I should do with my prisoner. He said: "He ought to be killed; but take him on; you will probably get an order when you get to Col. Jones' camp"—which was at the mouth of Echo Cañon on Weber River. After breakfast we started for Jones' camp, some twelve miles distant, and when within three or four miles of the camp, we met Joseph A. Young, a son of Brigham's, going, as he said, to the general's camp to take orders. He hailed me (I being behind) and said his father wanted that man Yates [p.125] killed, and that I would know all about it when I got to Jones' camp.
We got there about sundown, and were met outside by Col. Jones, and conducted around under the hill, below and just outside of his camp. He had a fire built for us and sent our horses out, under guard, to grass. He then took me aside and told me he had orders when Yates came along to have him used up, and that was why he had taken me outside of his camp. Supper was brought to us, and Yates soon went to sleep on his blankets. Flack and Meacham spread their blankets and soon went to sleep also. I told them to do it, as I would guard the prisoner until I called them. My brother, being a Gentile, had been sent on to the next station, some ten miles ahead, on business. I remained at our camp-fire until eleven or twelve o'clock that night, several coming and chatting with me.
About this time all was still, and everybody supposed to be in their beds. No person was to he seen, when Col. Jones and two others, Hosea Stout and another man whose name I do not recollect, came to my campfire and asked if Yates was asleep. I told them he was, upon which his brains were knocked out with an ax. He was covered up with his blankets and left laying. Picks and spades were brought, and a grave dug some three feet deep near the camp by the fire-light, all hands assisting. Flack and Meacham were asleep when the man was killed, but woke up and saw the grave digging. The body was put in and the dirt well packed on it, after which our camp-fire, which consisted of small wood [p.126] and brush, was moved onto the grave in order to prevent notice of a change of ground.5 Our horses were immediately sent for, and we were off before daylight; went to the next station, found my brother, got breakfast, and arrived at Salt Lake that day.
The next day I took the nine hundred dollars, and we all went to headquarters. Flack and I had a talk, as we went, about the money. He said Brigham ought to give that to us as we had already been to more expense than that money amounted to, from horses used up and other losses, and urged me to get it. I told him I would try, saying to him: "You know how much I have been out, and can testify to it, and I think he will give us part of it, anyway."
Soon after dark Flack and I went to Brigham's office. He asked how things were going on out East, and I told him. He asked what had become of Yates? I told him. He then asked if I had got word from him? I told him that I had got his instructions at Jones' camp, and also of the word I had got from his son Jo. He said that was right, and a good thing. I then told him I had nine hundred dollars given me to bring in, that Yates had at the time he was captured. I told him of the expense I had been to during the war, and asked him if I might have part of the money? He gave me a reprimand for asking such a thing, and said it must go towards defraying the expenses of the war. I pulled out the sack containing the money, and he told me to give it to his clerk (I do not remember who he was [p.127] now). The money was counted, and we left. This knocked all the Mormonism out of Flack, and he has never had a speck of it in him since—making many observations of this and other things, of hard work, obeying Brigham Young, and never allowed one dollar for all he had done.
In a few days I returned East, and found Yates' goods and all his property had been taken, and stock belonging to him and other mountaineers. Soon afterwards Sydney A. Johnston came to the army, took command, and started for Bridger. We gave way, burned the fort, and fell back to Bear River, fourty miles west. At this time all the able-bodied men in the Territory were called out. Fortifications were erected at the mouth of Echo Cañon, and the troops concentrated there, while constant guards were kept circling around Bridger.
Johnston arrived there and took possession of all that was left—a stone fort and corral—and commenced preparations for winter quarters. As soon as this was ascertained, our troops began to be liberated and sent home. Snow fell deep, and finally all went home except a few guards who were left to watch the movements of the United States Army. There was a great lack of goods and groceries in Salt Lake that winter, as the merchant traders were not allowed to come in with their goods as had usually been the case.
After being at home some time, word was sent to me to have my boys look for a man that had got away from a party at what was called the Point of the Mountain, twenty-five miles south of Salt Lake City. Two boys[p.128] who were living with me went up the river and returned about noon, and two hours later a messenger came from the city and told me I was wanted at Brigham Young's office immediately. I mounted my horse and was in town in an hour, and went to Young's office. He asked me if I "had seen the boys?" I asked him what boys? and he answered, "Geo. Grant and William Kimball." I told him I had not. I then told him I had got word to come to his office, and wished to know what was wanting. He answered: "The boys have made a bad job of, trying to put a man out of the way. They all got drunk, bruised up a fellow, and he got away from them at the Point of the Mountain, came back to this city, and is telling all that happened, which is making a big stink." He said I must get him out of the way and use him up. He told me to go and find the boys, meaning Generals Grant and Kimball, they both being acting generals in the Utah militia at that time, and arrange things with them, so as to have him taken care of.
I found them, and they told me O. P. Rockwell, with a party, had made a bad job and wanted help, and I had been sent for to wind it up. Said they: "Did Brigham tell you what was up?" I told them he did, and had sent me to arrange things. They told me they had things fixed; that when the party, to which this man belonged, first came into the Territory, they had all stopped twelve miles north of the city, and remained several weeks in the neighborhood where George Dalton lived; that Dalton was in town, and they had got him to see this man (whose name I never heard, only he was [p.129] called Buck), and take him home with him, for he had confidence in Dalton. They said Dalton understood it, and they were waiting for me to come and meet him on the road. They then hunted up Dalton, and told him they had things all right now. Dalton was to leave town a little before sundown, and pass the Hot Springs three miles north of the city, and take the lower road on which there was not much travel, and I was to meet him. I was to know his team because both of his horses were white, and he was to drive very fast.
All being arranged, and the sun about an hour high. I got my horse, and the question was then asked how many men I wanted to go with me. I told them I did not want anyone. They said I must have somebody, and I told them then I would take a man that was standing by, by the name of Meacham. They got him a horse, and we went to the place appointed, and just at dark the wagon came. We called to it to halt. The man, Buck, got a shot through the head, and was put across the fence in a ditch. A rag was hung on a brush to know the place.
We returned to the city to Gen. Grant's, as per agreement, and found him at home with Gen. Kimball. O. P. Rockwell, and somebody else whose name I do not recollect now. They asked if all was right, and I told them it was. They got spades, and we all went back, deepened the ditch, put him in and buried him, returned to Grant's, took some whisky, and separated for the night. The next day Kimball and I went to Brigham Young's, told him that Buck was taken care of, and [p.130] there would be no more stink about his stories. He said he was glad of it. Buck was the last one of the Aiken's party, of whom there has been considerable said.6 I never saw any of them but this man, and him I never saw until I saw him in the wagon that evening.
Much was said that winter with regard to Johnston's army coming in. Arming, equipping, and a general preparation for fighting was the sole talk and business. During the winter Col. Kane, from Washington, came to Salt Lake City to assist in settling affairs. He went to Fort Bridger and then to Washington. Brigham Young told the people to gather up and start south, and such another moving was scarce ever seen.
About this time President Buchanan sent Gov. Powell, of Kentucky, and Ben. McCullough to Salt Lake to settle the difficulty. Brigham Young and some twenty-five of the principal men of Utah got together. Some speechifying took place concerning the former treatment of the people. The Governor told us the consequences of further resistance, and promised peace in case of submission. Brigham Young sat and heard all that was said, then got up and said: "Well, boys, we will have to let them come in—it is for the best; but never mind, I will take care of you." I was one of the party.
http://www.hickmansfamily.homestead.com/files/BDAch5.htm

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The last time I saw my father was at Murray, Utah. We were camped there. Bishop Hunter came along. I heard him say to my father that he had' been misrepresented and greatly wronged. My father replied, "Let it go, things will be made right some day." I knew him to be a kind and loving father. People seemed to like him wherever he went. All his family speak of him in the kindest affectionate way, and tell of his charitable deeds, not only at home, but abroad.

  I review some of these events for two reasons. One is because they portray my father as I knew him, for to me he was an embodiment of generosity and gentleness. The other is because in those early days of rough pioneer life men became bold and daring, and often did things which we today, with milder civilization, would refrain from doing. For these reasons, my father, like Porter Rockwell and others, often did things that brought criticism upon themselves, but what would the country have done without such daring men? They were willing to give their lives to save and protect the people and vouchsafe to coming generations a country free from the savage Indian and murderous enemies of the pioneers. 
--(Warren W. Hickman. Copy L.D.S. Historian's Office.)
--Kate B. Carter, ed., Heart Throbs of the West (Daughters of Utah Pioneers), Vol. 6, 1945, pp. 427-430
http://www.hickmanmuseum.homestead.com/WarrenWH.html
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The old lady admits that the facts in the book are correct, but is bitter because her father never got any royalties from the book.  She claims that Brigham and the apostles were responsible for his murders, and no blame attaches to Bill.  She cites that David put Uriah in the front of the Battle so he could get his wife, which was murder.  If King David got to heaven, Bill Hickman will too.  Anyway, the men Bill killed were bad characters and ought to have been killed.  He and Porter Rockwell were the only ones in the church who had guts enough to do the church's dirty work.  She says Porter swore not to cut his hair until the Prophet Joseph had been fully avenged.  Apparently he was not through with <p.2> his work when he died.  She would not admit any enmity between Porter and Bill.
http://www.hickmanmuseum.homestead.com/MrsShaw.html
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Aug. 20., 1935 ... I reviewed the event of my father & his bro. Jefferson being arrested as spies while they were trying to get back to Mo. before war was declared. Jef. by their conneiving got away one dark night. I review a few events while father was there as prisoner. One was when the army had decided to flee down Weber canyon, leaving (or to leave at 4 a.m.), capture women & children & play the part of libertines at their pleasure against helpless women.

Father told me that the soldiers (his guards) revealed the plan to him for he being a helpless prisoner, could do nothing to check the plan. The order was for the bugle to sound at 4 a.m. & in 15 min. every wheel would be on the roll toward Ogden & then to S.L. The horses & mules were already harnessed & tied to the wheels of wagons in feed to their knees. Father said he was much distressed over their damnable plans tho he had nothing in common with the people except his bro. Wm Hickman.  Father was then not a Mormon. He said that tho I was a stranger to virtually all the Mormon people, I was much distressed & could not sleep. At 12 M. I arose & look out of my prison quarters, the heavens were calm & warm as a summer's night tho it was early Nov. Again I arose at 1 a.m. & looked out but no change in the serenity of the night. At 2 I arose again & looked out. I thought: "Could it be possible that God & all nature were peacefully applauding such a damnable deed. At 3 a.m. I gain looked out & the heavens were clear & warm & not a breeze to be felt." I again said to my self, "Can it be possible that the God of heaven is sanctioning this heinous deed?" But about 3:30 a.m. a sudden wind arose for a few min. & then subsided, but in a few min. later the wind arose with a sudden bluster.  In a few min. it attained almost the fury of a tornado, and in 15 or 20 min later a blizzar of wind, rain & snow swept the plains.It increased its fury to snow & sleet.  It was the worst storm I had ever known. The fury of the storm continues till morning. And at 6 a.m. half their mules & horses lay dead in their harnesses. Not a wheeled was turned nor could there be for routes were blockaded. "That was how God applauded their damnable crime," said my father in a quiet voice.

Some time I must write the complete story of his capture, imprisonment, his final release and his return to Utah and a year later he joined the church after reading the entire literature of the L.D.S. church including, Bible, Bk. of M.; Doc & Cov. Pearl of G. Price, Journals of Discourses including tracts & the many sermons & conversations, etc. All of these sources took nearly a year's time. "I knew then, said father, that this was God's church and I joined it." Tho my father was a medical student & practitioner, he once said to me "I have long since learned to have more faith in the power of healing of the elders than I did in my medicines."
--Extracted by Vivian Karen Bush
http://hickmanmuseum.homestead.com/JEHdiary.html

From: Karen Bush [mailto:vkbush@gmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2007 2:09 PM
To: SteveRi@networld.com
Subject: Re: George W. Hickman
Hi Steve,
 
   Wow, that was very interesting to read.  Good work.  I'm glad to read some supporting evidence that our family stories about this are pretty close to what happened.  
 
You probably have these items that I copied from Josiah's journals.  But, just in case, I've copied them for you again:
 
Winter 1855 - At the age of 31 or 32 he (George) came to Utah with his brother Jefferson to visit their brother William A. Hickman, who was a Mormon and lived at West Jordon. While my father and his brother Jeff were here, the U.S. Army was sent against the Mormon people. It was claimed that these people were in rebellion. The peopel realized the terrible falsehoods told against them and they refused to allow the army to come in the valley, until an understanding was had and rigid promises made by the Governor Cummings who had supplanted Brigham Young as governor. When my father and his brother Jeff realiezed thr threatened condition of war they attempted to return to Missouri, but they were caught by the scouts of the army and taken prisoners and were to be tried as spies for the Mormons. (George) arranged for his brother to escape one dark night and successfully eluded arrest and made his way back to his home in Missouri after much privitations. (George) was left behind to be court marshalled but when the scouting Mormon Army produced an alarm amidst the U.S. army through burning their great wagon trains loaded with provisions and also due to the Mormon scouts driving off the army beef cattle, they liberated my father after 3 or 4 months improsonment without being tried. He then turned his steps back to the valley, and Mormon people. 
From Joisah Hickman's Journal: I reviewed the event of my father and his brother Jefferson being arrested as spies while they were trying to get back to Missouri before war was declared. Jeff, by their conniving got away one dark night. I review a few events while father was there as prisoner. 
One was when the army had decided to flee down Weber canyon, leaving (or to Leave at 4 a.m.) capture women and children and play the part of libertines at their pleasure against helpless women.
Father told me told me that soldier (his guards) revealed the plan to him for he being a helpless prisoner, could do nothing to check the plan. The order was for the bugle to sound at 4 a.m. and in 15 minutes every wheel would be on the roll toward Ogden and then to S.L. the horses and mules were already harnessed and tied to the wheels of wagons in feed to their knees. Father said he was much distressed over their damnable plans tho he had nothing in common with the people except his brother, Wm. Hickman. Father was then not a Mormon. He said that tho I was a stranger to virutally all the Mormon people, I was much distressed and couldnot sleep. At 12 midnight, I arose and looked out at my prison quarters, the heavens were calm and warm as a summer's night tho it was early Nov. Again I arose at 1 a.m. and looked out but no change in the serentiy of the night. At 2, I arose again and looked out. I thought, "Could it be possible that God and all nature were peacefully applauding such a damnable deed?" At 3 a.m. I again looked out and the heavens were clear and warm and not a breeze to be felt." I again said to myself, "Can it be possible that the God of Heaven is sanctioning this heinious deed?" But about 3:30 a.m. a sudden wind arose for a few minutes and then subsided, but in a few minutes later the wind arose with a sudden bluster. In a few minutes it attained almost the fury of a tornado, and in 15 or 20 minutes later a blizzard of wind, rain and snow swept the plains. It increased its fury to snow and sleet. It was the worst storm I had ever known. They fury of the storm continues till morning. An at 6 a.m. half their mules and horses lay dead in their harnesses. Not a wheel was turned nor could there be for routes were blockaded. "That was how God applauded thier damnable crime," said my father in a quiet voice. Some time I must write the complete story of his capture, imprisonment, his final release and his return to Utah and a year later he joined the church after reading the entire literature of the LDS church including, Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Journals of Discourses including tracts and the many sermons and conversations, etc. All of these sources took nearly a years time. "I knew then, said father that this was God's church and I joined it." 
1857. On the 11th of November an express arrived by Dr. G. W. Hickman and Elijah Ward; the former had been held a prisoner by Captain Marcy for some time. This express brought word that the enemy had concluded to come into Salt Lake City in 12 days on pack animals. [ B.H. Roberts, Comprehensive HIstory of the Church, Vol. 4, ch. 107. p.297]
 
Karen
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   On the afternoon of the 28th of October [1871] President D.H. Wells, Hosea Stout and William H. Kimball were arrested by the United States Marshal on a charge of murder, and were taken to Camp Douglas and kept in confinement until Monday the 30th.  On that day argument was made by the lawyers for them to be released ; but to the other two brethren bail was refused, and they are kept in confinement.  On the 31st the Court was adjourned until the 13th day of November.
   This is a grave charge to make against such a man as President Wells and the others who are accused.  It is the highest crime known to the law, and the penalty thereof is death.  If this charge was true, it would be a very serious matter ; but it is not.  Brother Wells and the other brethren are as innocent of this crime as so many babes.  Why, then, are they accused?  Because it is part of the plot which has been arranged for the purpose of destroying the work of God.  A bad man by the name of William Hickman, who, according to his own confession, has committed many murders, was arrested by the U.S. Marshall ; and for some inducement has made a confession of murders which, he says, he has committed.  To screen himself and to cover the servants of God with disgrace, he says he was counseled to commit these murders by the First Presidency, and if he had refused to comply, he would have been killed himself!  Did you ever hear of such base folly?  As though any man in this country has ever been counseled or required to become a villain and a murderer.  We feel convinced that this plot will fail, and that the wicked will be disappointed in accomplishing their designs against the Lord's anointed.
  We understand that President Young and several other brethren are also charged with having committed murder, and their names are included in the same writ with that of Brother Wells'.
--Juvenile Instructor, Saturday Nov 11 1871 p. 180.
http://www.hickmanmuseum.homestead.com/Instructor.html
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April 10, 1860
	By eight of the morning we are upon our way from Millersville. There are, at the beginning, but two of us—to wit, Charley and myself, to look after matters, and having attached to the big wagon, three pairs of mules, Charley could not disguise his anxiety at one or two crossings of the Fork (Smith's) lest the lead mules should double upon the rear [p.96] ones, and get us into difficulty in the stream. The leaders, however, rats as they were, seemed content to do their duty in a straight line and we got forward at a fair rate. Passing over a portion of the ground where our cattle failed in such numbers, on the march up in '57, I noted at the right of the road, what appeared to be an ox lying down among the sage, and I said to Charley, "Why do they allow cattle to stray so far from the fort—they surely ought to know the Indians are becoming both thievish and hostile." "Why, Captain," returned Charley, "that ain't an ox—it's only the skin of an ox. There are plenty like that, up and down the Fork, along the track of the regulars—the 'bone yard,' as we call it. Jist you see, now." Saying which, Charley drew up for a moment, and I saw plainly what I would scarcely have believed—that the animal, having lain down, starved and weak, and having probably frozen as he lay, his skin, in the dryness of the atmosphere of the region, had hardened to his frame, preserving so good an outline as to deceive the eye at but a short distance. The ants, of course, had eaten out all beneath the skin, and the ravens long since picked out the eyes—but there lay, to appearance, the ox, his feet drawn up against his body, and his head—perfectly mounted with the horns—turned partially to one side, as if gazing at us, coming up the road. The creature was of a dark brindle—black and brown—and even in looking back upon it, when now Charley had whipped up once more his mules, I could hardly realize what I had seen for myself—that the semblance was not living but only one of the many monuments of the imbecility, and misery, both to man and beast, of the expedition to Utah.
	Halt was made for dinner at a tolerably neat hut of cottonwood, near the junction of Smith's and Ham's Forks, and at this point also we are joined by a tall, blue-eyed Mormon, in an outfit of buck-skin, with fringes at the arms and legs, who was to act as outrider. So that for the day at least, Charley was relieved of any fears of the doubling back of his leaders.
	We reached by night-fall, Green River, and here drew up for change of teams at the identical adobie trading-house of Yates. Yates! He has neither been seen by any of us since the day we purchased his powder, nor is it probable he will be ever seen by any—in the flesh. The story of his horse ridden, and his overcoat worn by Bill Hickman—"Destroyer"—at Springville, as told me by the woman, shortly after he left our camp by Ham's Fork, affords, beyond doubt the key to his [p.97] fate. In some lone nook, of some lonelier canyon, his bones lie, as do those of many another victim, calling for the vengeance which shall surely come.130
	But the worst of Charley was yet to befal [sic]. For having gotten liquor at the station, he became wilder and more unmanageable than the wildest of his own mules. And with the coming on of the thicker darkness, as we wound our way along the hither bank of the River, going north, it seemed at times as though the fury of his driving must certainly end in disaster—a wrecking of the wagon, or a plunge down thirty feet of bank into the rushing water below. I tried to reason with him, and began to threaten him, when fortunately, lights at our right, and soon a hail from an island of the river conveyed the welcome information that we had gained the Ferry for the mail. We were soon across, and could discern above us trees of magnificent growth of cottonwood. Within the interior of the Ferry house, too, we realized so good a supper, and a fire in all regards so comfortable, that I decided in my own mind, we would go no farther until morning. I called one of the men who seemed Chief at the place, and told him of the condition of Charley and suggested that when he came to catch up his fresh team of mules, for the start farther on—he would not succeed. The man understood me and so it chanced that night in the darkness which now seemed blackness—that no sooner would Charley, in his drunken efforts, get one mule fast and go for another than the first was certain by some means to work loose, and break for the timber in his absence. This round of accidents was suffered for some time by Charley, his patience and legs becoming exhausted, but his brain finding relief from the fumes which had distracted it. Until finally, brought pretty well into sobriety, Charley determined, for himself, he would stay till morning.
	130 Tracy's reference to the fact that the army purchased ammunition from Richard Yates, who was a trader on the Green River and probably a deserter, lends weight to "Bill" Hickman's subsequent defense of his action on the ground that Yates was a spy. These are new items about Yates, of whose murder perhaps too much has been written on the slender basis of the known facts. Jones, however (op. cit., pp. 130-131), gives a different version.
--Journal of Captain Albert Tracy, Utah Historical Quarterly, Vol. 13.

<p.122>
As soon as the weather moderated in the spring of 1858, the people commenced to move from Salt Lake City and morenorthern settlements, south as far as Utah county. Every house in Salt Lake City was abandoned, not a family remaining. Men were detailed to set fire to and burn everything that could be burned. The people really manifested joy in these moves. No one appeared down-hearted at the sacrifices. All was life and energy.
What was known as the standing army of Utah was organized, intending to make guerrilla warfare on our enemies and hinder their progress, while the people moved en masse further and further south. There had been good crops raised previous to this year; the country was full of bread stuff and fat cattle. Provisions were prepared for future use. Not much planting was done this season, particularly in the north.
A few troops were kept in Echo and along the road. I had charge of a company at Lost Spring near the head of the canyon. In the latter part of May we received orders to break up camp and come in; that peace had been made. (The part Col. Kane took in bringing about a settlement is a part of written history.) Ex-Governor Powell, of Kentucky, and McCullough, of Texas, were sent to arrange peace. They brought printed posters declaring the people all pardoned and notifying them to return to their houses. Thus we conquered a great army and nation without bloodshed.
The whole of this move was brought about by a charge made against the “Mormons” by Judge Drummond, who had been appointed from the state of Illinois. He had left his wife and family at home and brought here with him a fancy lady (?) who sat beside him in court. This coming to the knowledge of the public, Drummond was severely criticized by the “Mormon” <p.123> press. At this he took offense, and laid his plans for deep revenge. He locked up his office, with the records in it, and arranged with a party to set fire to and burn up the whole. He then left the city in a hurry, pretending to be afraid for his life. Went back to Washington and reported the “Mormons” in a state of rebellion, stating that all the United States records were burned, and that he, a United States judge, had barely escaped with his life.
It is commonly understood that Secretary Floyd and his party took this report kindly, it giving grounds for a move by the army to the far west, thus weakening the power of the Federal Government financially, and moving much of the armament and military supplies, and giving the rebellion a better chance to get a good start before the necessary force could be put in the field by the government. So Drummond’s report was acted upon without any enquiry whatever being made to find our whether it was true or not.
No moves back were made until the army had passed through the city. This was a sorrowful day for the soldiers. I afterwards traveled and became well acquainted with many of the commissioned officers. As is common with the army officers, they were real gentlemen, and were in no way responsible for these moves. Many of them told me they shed tears while passing through the streets of Salt Lake to see pleasant homes deserted and everything a waste; that it could only be compared to a city of the dead; and that to think they were the instruments used to cause all this made them ashamed of their calling.
The army agreed to fix their quarters not less than forty miles of Salt Lake City. This agreement was kept.
During the winter Col. Marcy went through to New Mexico to buy mules and such supplies as could be obtained sooner than from the east. Quite a number of my old acquaintances from New Mexico came through in the spring. One Lewis Simmons, <p.124> son-in-law of Kit Carson, came in charge of several thousand head of sheep. I obtained permission of him to shear the wool from as many as I wished. This was quite a privilege, as wool was valuable.
My old friends and acquaintances were much surprised to find me in Utah and a “Mormon,” but they all treated me kindly, and as often as I have met them do so to this day. Not many are now alive. I went to New Mexico when quite young, and most of my early acquaintances were older than myself; few of them but lived differently to what I have, so at the present day I am almost the only one living of the pioneers of New Mexico.
While the standing army, formerly spoken of, was fitting up, I commenced working at the saddler’s trade. This I had partly learned in St. Louis before going to Mexico; had worked in the city of Chihuahua, learning something of the Mexican style of work. Some of my friends from Santa Fe wanted saddles of my make, as they had seen some good work of mine in Mexico. I made and sold quite a number of saddles to them. I now commenced to make this my business. And as “Dan Jones, the saddler,” is well known, I will let this answer on that subject.
The coming of Johnston’s army has generally been considered a money-making affair to this community. To me it has always been a question, for it cost a great deal to bring them. However, we made the most we could of a bad bargain, and got what we could out of the forced speculation.
There is one circumstance connected with my experience while in Echo Canyon service which I wish to put on record—the killing of Yates by Bill Hickman. This Mr. Yates was a personal friend of mine, a kind-hearted, liberal man of whom I had received many kindnesses, and his being murdered did not agree with my feelings, but I knew of no way to mend the matter, for I knew nothing of the killing till he was buried.
I was camped with a small party about four miles west of the <p.125> Weber valley and ten or twelve miles from Echo. One very cold morning about sunrise, Hickman and two others came to my camp. They seemed almost frozen, shaking and trembling in an unusual manner. Hickman asked me if I had any whisky. I told him I had not. He then asked if we had coffee. I replied that we had. “Then make us a good strong cup.” While the coffee was being made, he took me outside and asked me if I knew Yates. I told him I did. “Well, we have just buried him.”
He then told about Yates being taken prisoner for tampering with Indians. And after talking quite excitedly, he said, “We have got away with him. What do you think the Old Boss,” (meaning Brigham) “will say?”
Now if Yates had been killed as Hickman related in his book he would not have manifested so much interest in what President Young would say. He tried hard to draw an approval from me of what he had done. I told him I knew nothing about such modes and did not know what Brother Young would say about it.
Hickman killed Yates for his money and horse the same as any other thief and murderer would have done, and then excused himself by telling that he was counseled to do these things. I know positively that Governor Young’s orders were to avoid bloodshed in every way possible. I was continually acting and around in places and under circumstances that gave me the best of opportunities to know,
During the time that Johnston’s army was at Bridger, there was an effort made to turn the Indians against the Mormons. This partially succeeded, but did not last long. As they soon got tired of the treatment received from their new friends.
While in camp near the head of Echo Canyon in May, ‘88, a number of Weber and Goshutes came and camped on Yellow creek not far from our location. A few of us visited them. They expressed a desire to be peaceable with the Mormons. A meeting was appointed, they agreeing to come to our camp and talk <p.126> over affairs and make satisfaction for some things they admitted having done. At this conference A. Miner presided, Abram Conover and myself acting as interpreters. I do not remember all that was said at the time. The Indians acknowledged having committed various thefts, at the same time giving their reasons for having done so.
--Daniel W. Jones, Forty Years Among the Indians:  A True Yet Thrilling Narrative of the Author’s Experiences Among the Natives, Bookcraft, 1960.

THE UTAH EXPEDITION.
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   The New York Times has correspondence from the Utah expedition later than yhet received, and very minute and intelligible.  It is an interesting journal of each day’s proceedings.  The letter is dated at the camp on Ham’s Fork of Green river, October 28, (Col. Alexander’s command.)  The arrest of the brothers Hickman had been briefly reported previously:
   On the 11th of October the whole command left camp and proceeded up Ham's Fork nineteen miles.  The grass had been burnt nearly all the way.  We camped on a small spot which the fire had spared.  George and Jefferson Hickman, brothers of Bill Hickman, came to the train while on its march this day, with a note from Bill to Mr. Perry, requesting an interview on Green river to settle some business matters which he had left in Hickman's hands for settlement when he was a merchant in Salt Lake City.  After consulting with Mr. Perry, the commandant had them arrested as spies.  It snowed nearly all day, but melted as it fell.
   On the 12th we continued our march up Ham's Fork.  After camping for the night, we were surprised by the intelligence that the Mormons, under the lead of Lot Smith and Porter Rockwell, had taken some eight hundred head of cattle, being principally those that belonged to the trains, lately burnt together with a large number of beef cattle, within three miles of camp.  The men in charge of the cattle were allowed to come in.  Bill Hickman sent word by them that if his brothers were not released within five days he would scalp a dozen soldiers for it; and Smith and Porter declared that if the command persisted in advancing they should all be slaughtered.  The prisoner[s] were searched, and a belt was found on one of them which was identified as belonging to an artilleryman who had been missing for several days.  The prisoners stated that the man passed Fort Bridger on his way to Salt Lake, and there exchanged belts with him.
   OCT. 15.--Continued up Ham's Fork for the last three days--route very rough--and camped about four miles below the California road (Babbitt's Cut-off.)  Yesterday Jefferson Hickman was released and sent with an express to Brigham.  An express was also sent to Col. Johnson, informing him of our movements.  The advance party this morning nearly captured some Mormons who were setting fire to the grass in this bottom.  It has been decided to remain here until we receive some intelligence from Col. Johnson and the trains on the road.
   OCT. 16.--A party of about one hundred mounted volunteers, (soldiers and teamsters,) under the command of Capt. Marcy, of the 5th infantry, left camp this morning at daylight, for the purpose of exploring the country between this point and Muddy Creek, (a stream midway between this point and Fort Bridger.)  Capt. Neal and Lieuts. Bantchard, Lewis, and Lynde, of the 5th, and Lieut. Gore, of the 10th infantry, accompanied him.  They had not gone more than two miles from camp before a party of fifty-five Mormons came suddenly upon them from the rear.  Our party immediately formed on a hill side, and the Mormons drew up in a line, two deep, within about 150 yards.  Their captain then advanced half way and held a talk with Capt. Marcy.  He declared it to be the purpose of the Mormons to resist any attempt on the part of the United States troops to advance, and also that it was by Brigham's order that the trains had been burnt.  After this parley they were permitted to move off unmolested.  they had not gone far before they commenced shaking their blankets, yelling loud curses and shouts of defiance.  The animals of our party were so weak that pursuit would have been useless.
   Soon after some men of our party, headed by Jim Baker, an old mountaineer and guide for the command, rode to the top of the hill and discovered the Mormons at the foot, on the bank of a creek.  The Mormons no sooner saw them than one of them fired, whereupon our party returned the fire, wounding one and putting them all to the flight, they no doubt supposing that our whole party were upon them.  Baker pursued them more than a mile, and found scattered along the route several packages of provisions which had been dropped in their hasty flight.
   Our party arrived at Lower Springs, about twelve miles from Ham's Fork.  Soon after starting on our return to camp we surprised a party of five Mormons, who were carrying supplies to the party we had seen in the morning, two of whom were captured, and proved to be the leaders and important personages.  They gave their names as Colonel Taylor and Adjutant Stowell.  Their pack animals (three mules and two horses) were captured, with their loading, some six hundred pounds of flour and other provisions.  Important dispatches were found upon the person of Taylor from Lieutenant Gen. Wells, at Fort Bridger, directing all the parties in the neighborhood of Green river to return and concentrate in advance of the troops on Bear river, and stating that there were some eight hundred United States dragoons on their way to reinforce our command.  They were further directed to burn the grass, steal the animals, fell trees in our path, and in every possible manner annoy us by night and by day.
   In consequence of this information Capt. Marcy was sent back (October 18) with two companies to meet Col. Johnson, as we apprehended that our expresses may have been captured, and it was also decided that we should return and go into winter quarters on Henry's Fork of Green River, as the cattle and mules of the command were very weak.  Soon after Captain Marcy had left two express-men came into camp bringing word from Brigham Young, the purport of it being that he did not blame the officers and soldiers, as they were merely tools in the hands of a corrupt Government, and had to obey its orders, &c.  He also advised us to place all the women and children with the command in a train separate from the others, as he wished by all means to spare them.  In the evening two express-men came in from Col. Johnson, who was at the last crossing of the Sweet Water, waiting for all the trains to come up.  He sent orders for our command to return to Green River, and there await his arrival.  An express was sent recalling Capt. Marcy, who returned the next morning.
   We were visited by a severe snow-storm the previous night, which continued until noon of the following day; the snow fell to the depth of about eight inches.  Some thirty mules and horses died in the night from the cold.  The next day, October 19, we begain our return march.
   On the evening of the 21st of October one of the wagonmasters belonging to the ox-trains was taken prisoner by the Mormons while he was out hunting cattle.  The next evening about thirty Mormons came to a hill near the camp, and sent in a note by the teamster whom they had taken prisoner the previous evening, stating that they wished Col. Taylor in exchange.  Their request was not complied with, and no answer returned.
   On the 26th an express came in from Col. Johnson, bringing the news that all but one of the trains had arrived; that the dragoons were still behind, but were expected up every day, and that he would start on the 27th, and come directly to Green River and Black's Fork, and we were directed to return to that place and await his arrival.
   On the 27th and 28th the command travelled down the fork some twelve miles.
--National Daily Intelligencer, Washington DC, 18 Dec 1857