Sept. 26. The first hand-cart train crossed the Plains, and arrived at Great Salt Lake City.
1857. (The winter of Mormon discontent.) March. Judge Drummond reported calumnies against the Mormons.
April. Surveyor General Burr and other United States officials left Utah Territory and returned to the United States.
The Territorial Legislature petitioned Congress to send better officers, or to permit the Mormons to appoint bonâ fide citizens and residents.
Mail communication with the States—the “Y Express” established by Mr. Brigham Young—was cut off, to keep the Mormons ignorant of the steps taken against them, and this continued for nearly a year. The Press in the United States generally opined that the Mormons were to be “wiped out.”
May 14. Apostle Parley P. Pratt killed by Hector M‘Lean in Kansas.
June 29. Brigadier General W. S. Harney, commanding Fort Leavenworth, was ordered to take charge of the army of Utah. He was removed after declaring that he would “hang Brigham first and try him afterward,” and was succeeded first by Colonel Alexander, and afterward by General Johnston.
Sept. 3, 4. Indians aided by white men massacred 115 to 120 emigrants at Mountain Meadow.
In this month 1400 men, artillery and liners of the 5th and 10th regiments, appeared upon the Sweetwater, followed by 1000 more, making the whole force amount to 2400 men, a kind of posse comitatus to enforce obedience to the federal laws.
Sept. 15. Mr. Brigham Young issued the remarkable document subjoined.[245] General Wells was ordered to occupy the passes in the Wasach Mountains, and 2016 Mormons prepared to defend their hearths and homes against the violence of the United States. Captain Van Vliet arrived at Great Salt Lake City.