"It is an unusual proceeding for officers of the army to join in representing to the Government their knowledge of facts and opinion of proceedings, having reference to civil authority, or to the actions of the people for expressing their displeasure at the conduct of their officers.
"The condition of affairs in the Territory of Utah, however, and the result of this condition of affairs, which culminated in a mass meeting in Salt Lake City on the 3d inst., in our opinion demands from us a respectful statement to your Excellency of the matter having allusion to ourselves, simply as an act of duty we owe to our Government.
"We do not propose to inquire into recommendations affecting the laws of the Territory, made by the Governor and Associate Judges of the Supreme Court of Utah. The Government must know, as regards the justice or injustice of the proposed amendments to existing laws, made by the officers above named.
"But when the community residing in Salt Lake City solemnly declare in their petition to your Excellency, that Governor Harding, and Judges Waite and Drake are studiously endeavoring to create mischief and stir up strife between the people of the Territory and the troops now at Camp Douglas (situated within the limits of Salt Lake City), they simply assert a base and unqualified falsehood.
"On the contrary, it has been the aim of these gentlemen to
preserve friendly relations between the people of Utah and the troops, who have also labored to the same end, now stationed at Camp Douglas.
"And further; during a period of nearly five months, we know that Governor Harding, and Judges Drake and Waite 'have attended to the duties of their offices, honored their appointments, regarded the rights of all, attended to their own affairs,' and have not disturbed or interfered with the affairs of others, outside of their legitimate duty to the Government; 'and in all their conduct,' His Excellency Governor Harding, and Judges Drake and Waite, have, during our acquaintance with them, 'demeaned themselves as honorable citizens, and officers worthy of commendation by your Excellency, our Government, and all good men.'
"And we further represent to your Excellency that these officers have been true and faithful to the Government, and fearless in the discharge of their duties to all. They have, on all proper occasions, spoken plainly to the people of their duty. They have not been subservient to any person or persons, and they stand proudly preëminent as in contrast with other officers who have represented in the past, and who do now represent, the Federal Government in this Territory.
"Our respectful opinion is, that there is no good and true cause for the removal of His Excellency Governor Harding, and Judges Drake and Waite, from the offices they now hold.
"With much respect, we have the honor to remain your Excellency's obedient servants,—