The following is the petition to the President, which was signed by several thousand persons:—
"To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States:—
"Sir,—We, your petitioners, citizens of the Territory of Utah, respectfully represent that,
"Whereas, From the most reliable information in our possession, we are satisfied that His Excellency Stephen S. Harding, Governor, Charles B. Waite and Thomas J. Drake, Associate Justices, are strenuously endeavoring to create mischief and stir up strife between the people of the Territory of Utah and the troops now in Camp Douglas, (situated within the limits of Great Salt Lake City,) and, of far graver import in our nation's difficulties, between the people of the aforesaid Territory and the Government of the United States:
"Therefore, We respectfully petition your Excellency to forthwith remove the aforesaid persons from the offices they now hold, and to appoint in their places men who will attend to the duties of their offices, honor their appointments, and regard the rights of all, attending to their own affairs and leaving alone the affairs
of others; and in all their conduct demeaning themselves as honorable citizens and officers worthy of commendation by yourself, our Government, and all good men; and for the aforesaid removals and appointments your petitioners will continue most respectfully to pray.
"Great Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah, March 3, 1863."
The best reply to the charges contained in the foregoing petition, is the counter-petition sent to the President by the military officers of General Connor's command, of which the following is a copy:—
| "Headquarters, Column for Utah, Camp Douglas, Utah Territory, near Salt Lake City, March 8, 1863. |
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"To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States:—