Col. Steptoe and Brigham Young.—Brigham reappointed Governor.—John F. Kinney.—Western Utah, or Nevada.—Letter of Hon. James M. Crane.—Judge Stiles and the Records.—W. W. Drummond.
In 1854 Col. Steptoe, with about 300 men, came to Salt Lake. His command was intended for California and Oregon, but spent the winter of 1854-55 at Salt Lake City.
About this time John F. Kinney, of Iowa, was appointed Chief Justice, to succeed Reed, and George P. Stiles, Associate Justice; Joseph Hollman, also of Iowa, Attorney-General, and Almon W. Babbitt, Secretary. In the spring of 1855, W. W. Drummond, of Illinois, was appointed Associate Justice.
During the winter of 1854-55, news reached Salt Lake that President Pierce had commissioned Col. Steptoe as Governor of Utah. This alarmed the saints exceedingly. The Lion of the Lord was roused. Something must be done.
Col. Steptoe had the appointment under consideration for several weeks, and finally refused to accept it, and joined with Chief Justice Kinney and others in recommending the continuance in office of Governor Young.
The question naturally arises, Why did Col. Steptoe refuse to accept the appointment, and recommend Brigham Young? Mormons would tell you, in confidence, that Brigham "put a hook in his nose," and he was compelled to do as he did. The Prophet of the Lord had said he would be Governor, and no power but the Lord Almighty could hinder it.
Daring and unscrupulous as a brigand, having the means at his command, and the ingenuity to use them, why should he not outwit the government and deceive the people of the United States? He was determined not to relinquish, without an effort to retain them, the power and emoluments of his position. The following narrative of the manner in which he accomplished his purposes, has been furnished by a Mormon who was residing in Salt Lake City at the time, and the employment of similar appliances on more than one occasion afterward, gives the coloring of truth to the story.
There were in Salt Lake City, at that time, two beautiful and fascinating women, one of whom was by marriage nearly related to the Prophet; the other was an actress in the church theatre. Their husbands were both "on a mission." These ladies were a great deal in the society of Col. Steptoe and his officers. Much attention was paid to the military officers, and it would be but natural that these men should be both pleased and flattered by the attention of sisters occupying so high a place in the hierarchy. According to report, however, the character of these women was not such as their exalted position in the church would seem to require.
One evening Brigham called "the girls" to him, and explained that he had a plan in which he needed their assistance. They at once consented to do anything he might desire. The plan was soon agreed upon. He placed his Danites at a convenient distance around the Colonel's office, and calmly awaited developments. In a short time one of the "police" came to the Prophet, and signified that it was time for him to appear on the field. He went immediately down to the Colonel's office, which was on Main Street, and knocked for admittance. For some time no one responded, but the knocking continuing violently, Col. Steptoe asked who was there. "Brigham Young," said the angry Prophet; "and I want to come in, and I will come in." At this Steptoe opened the door, and Brigham entered the front office. He seemed excited, and without being seated, asked if Mary
and Mrs. —— were there; adding,—"I want the girls." Steptoe denied their presence; but could a prophet be deceived? "I know better," said he; "I know they are here;" at the same time walking into the back office. There, on the sofa, sat two young gentlemen dressed in the highest style, but wearing their hats. Brigham advanced, lifted the hats of the fancy gentlemen, and the ladies he was seeking sat before him. Of course, the righteous indignation of the Prophet knew no bounds. He threatened Steptoe with exposure and prosecution, and told him his life would not be safe if the friends of the ladies came to hear of the affair. He censured the girls, and told them to go home, and finally calmed down, and left the office.