| "Territory of Utah, Great Salt Lake City. |
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"Alexander McCord says that he was mustered into the U. S. service in the Mormon Battalion, August 16th, 1846. That an advance of $42.50 was issued by the government per man, ostensibly for the purpose of clothing the command, making a total to the battalion of $22,500. That this amount was received by Parley P. Pratt, and forwarded by him to Brigham Young, who proffered to apply the same for the benefit of the families of the battalion, who were in a state of destitution. That he, Brigham, informed them he would send to St Louis, purchase goods, and deal them out for the benefit of said families at wholesale prices. Also made a covenant with them, calling upon God and angels to witness the same. That he would transport their families to them in Mexico, now California, even if he had to leave his own family behind; also would provide houses for them. That in his public address to the battalion, in relation to this subject, he strongly urged the advantages that would accrue to his church by their compliance with this requisition, making it entirely a matter of self-interest, with the sole view of accomplishing certain private
ends; and not in anywise appealing to their loyalty, or setting forth the necessity of rendering assistance to the parent government.
"That he did not fulfil the promises he had made. Some few articles were served out to their families at enormous rates,—his (McCord's) wife having to take sole-leather, for which she had no use. That when their wives appealed to him, expecting in good faith to receive according to promise, he laughed, mimicked, and made fun of them on the public stand; showing how they cried and whined. On the arrival of the money at Council Bluffs, some of the women, being entirely destitute, desired their husbands' share, and some cried for the want of it. Young ridiculed them, and told them if they insisted upon having the money, they must not look to him for support or protection; thus compelling them to accept of his terms.
"Two agents, John D. Lee and Major Egan, followed the battalion to Santa Fe, and there received a draft on Leavenworth, for the first month and a half's pay, with the understanding from the soldiers it was to be paid to their families. The authorities of the church drew the amount, and then took out the tithing for themselves, one tenth.
"One of the inducements held out by the government, was to discharge them, with their arms in Mexico, which was done. When he (McCord) arrived in Utah, October, 1847, he found his family not here, and was prevented by the church authorities from going after them; and was not permitted to leave until January following. When he reached his family at Winter Quarters, Missouri, he found no preparations made for their being forwarded to Utah, and there were none made afterwards.
(Signed,) Alexander McCord.
"Territory of Utah, ss.
"Alexander McCord, being duly sworn, says that the facts set forth in the foregoing statement by him subscribed, of his own knowledge, are true, and those set forth upon information and belief he verily believes to be true.
(Signed,) Alexander McCord."