"I will be Governor still, after you have done everything you possibly can to prevent it. We have got a Territorial Government, and I am and will be Governor, and no power can hinder it, until the Lord Almighty says, 'Brigham, you need not be Governor any longer;' and then I am willing to yield to another Governor."
This "sermon" was preached at Great Salt Lake City, June 19, 1853, and is published in the "Journal of Discourses," vol. i. p. 188.
Brigham had appointed his second counsellor, Willard Richards, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the departure of Secretary Harris. So the saints had fairly succeeded in ridding themselves of the obnoxious officials,—the remaining Judge, and the District Attorney, being Mormons in good standing.
The Hon. Z. Snow then proceeded to hold his court, unmolested by gentile law or judges. He tried and convicted several Spaniards of buying Indian children for slaves, took the children from the Spaniards, and turned them over to the "brethren."
The Indians now began to be hostile, and the brethren were obliged to cease pursuing the gentiles, and prepare to defend themselves against the "Lamanites." During the years 1852-53-54, more or less disturbances prevailed.
In October, 1852, Judge Shaver arrived, as successor to Judge Brochus; and Lazarus H. Reed, of New York, was appointed Chief Justice, to succeed Judge Brandenburg. Judge Reed arrived in the Territory in June, 1853. Of these, Brigham said,—
"One of our judges, Judge Shaver, has been here during the
winter, and, as far as he is known, he is a straightforward, judicious, upright man, and a good adjudicator in the law. He and Judge Reed, who has lately arrived, I believe will do the best they can, and all is right."
Judge Snow continued to hold his office until succeeded by Judge Stiles, in the fall of 1854.
Judge Shaver lived among the saints until his death, and was "buried with the faithful."