Message of the President of the United States : communicating, in compliance with a resolution of the Senate, information in relation to the massacre
yes , it was actually on 9-11-1857
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36xii CONGRESS, ) SENATE. C Ex. Doc.
1st Session. . ( ( No. 42.
MESSAGE
THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
COMMUNICATING,
In compliance ivith a resolution of the Senate, information in relation to
the massacre at Mountain Meadows, and other massacres in Utah
Territory.
MAY 4, 1860. Read and ordered to lie on the table.
MAY 18, I860. Ordered to be printed.
To the Senate:
In compliance with the resolution of the Senate, adopted March 19,
1860, calling for the correspondence, &c., in relation to the Mountain
Meadow and other massacres in Utah Territory, I have the honor to
transmit the report, with accompanying documents, of the Secretary
of the Interior, who was instructed to collect the information.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, May 1, 1860.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
April W, I860.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, by reference from
you, of the resolution of the Senate calling for all correspondence, &c.
in relation to the massacre at Mountain Meadows, and other massacres
in Utah Territory, and to transmit herewith the following papers, viz:
copies of correspondence, &c., on file in the War Department, (A,)
with a copy of the letter of the Secretary of War, transmitting the
same to this department; copies of all papers on file in the Indian
Office, (B,) with a copy of the report of the Commissioner of Indian
Affairs transmitting the same ; and copies of the correspondence be
tween this department and A. Wilson, Esq., United States district
attorney for Utah, (C.) These documents are believed to contain all
the information in the possession of the governmental! relation to the
massacre at Mountain Meadows.
The information in relation to subsequent massacres in Utah Terri-
2 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
tory will be found in the correspondence (D) accompanying the report
of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
With great respect, your obedient servant.
J. THOMPSON,
Secretary.
THE PRESIDENT.
WAR DEPARTMENT, April 13, 1860.
SIR: In compliance with the request contained in your letter of the
22d ultimo, communicating a copy of the resolution adopted by the
Senate on the 19th, calling upon the President for information touch
ing the massacre at Mountain Meadows, in August, 1857, I have the
honor to transmit, herewith, copies of the papers named in the accom
panying schedule, embracing all the particulars in possession of this
department, relating to the subject.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.
Hon. J. THOMPSON,
Secretary of the Interior.
A.
Ijist of papers accompanying letter from the Secretary of War to the
Secretary of the Interior of April 13, 1860, relative to the Mountain
Meadow Massacre.
1. Hon. A. B Greenwood to Mr. Floyd, March 6, 1858.
2. Mr. Floyd to Hon. A. B. Greenwood, March 11, 1858.
3. General Johnston to General Scott, April 2*7, 1859.
a. From the Adjutant General, May 5, 1858.
b. To Dr. Forney, September 2, 1858.
c. From same, September 10, 1858.
d. Orders, April 15, 1859.
4. Captain Campbell to General Johnston, April 30, 1859.
5. Dr. Forney to same, May 1, 1859.
6. Mr. Floyd to same, May 6, 1859.
7. Dr. Forney to same, June 15, 1859.
8. General Johnston to Dr. Forney, June 16, 1859.
9. Same to Colonel Crosman, June 20, 1859.
10. Dr. Forney to General Johnston, June 20, 1859.
11. General Johnston to the Adjutant General, June 27, 1859.
a. Orders, June 23.
12. Same to same, July 13, 1859.
a. To Captain Campbell, April 17.
b. From same, July 6.
c. Dr. Brewer to same, May 6.
13. Same to same, August 17, 1859.
a. From Mr. Gumming, August 3.
b. Dr. Forney to same, August 2.
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
c. Mr. Smith to Dr. Forney, August 1.
d. To Mr. Gumming, August 5.
e. Orders, August 5.
/. To Major Lynde, August 6.
g. To Lieutenant Gay, August 6.
h. From same, August 15.
t. Orders, August 14.
j. To Commander of the Bear Kiver Expedition, August 15,
14. Same to General Scott, November 2, 1859.
a. Mr. Lander to Dr. Forney, August 16.
b. From Lieutenant Gay, August 17.
c. From Major Lynde, August 20.
d. To same, August 26.
e. From same, August 26.
/. From same, September 10.
g. From Dr. Forney, September 22.
h. From Major Lynde, October 24.
1. Mr. Greenwood to Mr. Floyd.
WASHINGTON, D. C., March, 6, 1858.
SIR: I have just received the published proceedings of a public
meeting held in Carroll county, Arkansas, in relation to the massacre
of their friends and relations on the Plains, last summer, by the Mor
mons and Indians, near Cedar City, in Utah Territory.
You will perceive by the proceedings, which I send you herewith,
that it is alleged that these barbarous wretches have now in their cus
tody some fifteen children, whose lives were spared, according to their
information ; and they earnestly invoke the aid of the government to
enable them to recover the children alleged to be in their custody.
They also call upon the delegation in Congress to bring the matter
before the proper authorities here, and obtain whatever suggestions
they may see proper to make, that will enable these distressed people
to reclaim the survivors of the massacre. Thinking the Department
of War to be the proper one to correspond with, I have thought proper
to address you, hoping you will be able to communicate something
that will to some extent relieve the friends of those who have been so
brutally murdered. They also ask that an appropriation be made to
defray the expenses which it may be necessary to incur in order to
reclaim and bring home to their relatives the children that have been
spared.
I should be pleased to receive any communication that you may
think proper to make ; and should you deem it advisable to recommend
an appropriation, I shall take great pleasure in referring your recom
mendation to the proper committee.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. GREENWOOD.
Hon. JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War, Washington city, D. C.
4 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
2. Mr. Floyd to A. B. Greenwood.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington , March 11, 1858.
"SiR: I have received your letter of the 6th instant, inclosing the
published proceedings of a public meeting held in Carrollton, Arkan
sas, the 1st ultimo, relative to the massacre of a party of emigrants
from Arkansas, by Mormons and Indians, in the month of July last.
This department has, at present, no information respecting the mas-
sacre alluded to, or the probable fate of the survivors ; but the news
paper slip accompanying your communication will be transmitted at
the earliest practicable moment to Colonel Johnston., commanding the
troops in Utah, with instructions to adopt such measures for the
recovery of the children said to be still in captivity, as in his judgment
may appear to be best calculated to attain this most desirable object ;
and should his efforts be successful, to send the persons rescued, at a
suitable time, and under proper protection, to Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas, whence they can be readily returned to their friends in Ar
kansas.
It is recommended that a small appropriation be asked for, to defray
any incidental expenses that may attend the execution of the orders
which will be given Colonel Johnston, and which cannot well be
charged to the ordinary appropriations for the military service.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.
Hon. A. B. GREENWOOD,
House of Representatives.
3. General Johnston to General Scott.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, Utah Territory, April 27, 1859.
'COLONEL: I have the honor to report that Captain K. P. Campbell
inarched for Santa Clara on the 21st instant, in command of one com
pany of dragoons and two of infantry, with orders and instructions
which have been forwarded to you. One company of his command
will return to this place with Major Prince, paymaster United States
army, who is en route to this department with a large amount of public
money for the payment of troops, to whom the government is in ar
rears six or eight months.
The motive for dispatching this force to the neighborhood of Santa
Clara is to give protection to the numerous travelers who will pass over
the southern route during the spring, and merchants' trains, and also to
make inquiries respecting murders, which were said to have been per
petrated by Indians last fall. Should it be ascertained what Indians
committed the murders, I will order a severe chastisement to be in-
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 5
flicted. Captain Campbell will,, however, make no hostile movement
against the Indians for past occurrences,, unless something transpires
while he is on the route which shall make immediate action necessary.
In the course of the debate in the Senate, which is reported in the
Globe of the 9th of March, on an amendment of the army appropria
tion bill, offered by Mr. Sebastian, for " defraying the expense of
ransom, recovery, and restoration to their homes of the children sur
viving the massacre by the Indians of the emigrant train from Arkan
sas, in the fall of 1857, $10,000," Mr. Johnson, of Arkansas says: "I
have understood that instructions were sent out from the War Depart
ment and the Interior Department for an investigation and an inquiry,
but I must say that I have not been satisfied that proper, earnest in
vestigation has been made into this horrible transaction, which the
case merited at the hands of the government."
With regard to what has been ordered in this matter, there seems
to be a misapprehension. The only communication received by me on
that subject was written on the 5th of May, and received on the 7th
of August, of which the inclosed is a copy. I was then of the opinion
that those children were in the possession of the Mormons who live
in the district of country where the massacre was perpetrated, and I
was apprised that Dr. Forney, Indian superintendent of this Territory,
had gone to visit the Indians of that district about the time of the
reception of the letter from the Adjutant General. I presumed that
the recovery of the children, whether in the hands of the Indians or
Mormons, could be best accomplished through the agency of the super
intendent, and, accordingly, sent the Adjutant General's letter to him,
for his action. Inclosed I send his letter acknowledging the receipt of
of the Adjutant General's letter, and a statement that he " had found
ten of the children." (He does not say that he received them from
the Indians, and I presume he did not.) He has now seventeen, who
are supposed to be all who survived the horrible slaughter of men,
women, and children at the Mountain Meadows. My action was
limited to such measures, by my instructions, as would lead to the
recovery of the children, and I found, when I turned them over to
him, that measures were already successfully in progress, through the
superintendent, who was finally successful, and there was nothing
further that I could properly do.
The implication (in the belief of many) of the inhabitants, or a con
siderable portion of them, of that district in the committal of that
atrocious crime, was not a subject for investigation or inquiry on my
part. The judiciary have the subject before them, which will, I da
not doubt, result in discovering the perpetrators.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel Second Cavalry and Bvt. Brig. General U. S. A.,
Commanding*
Lieut. Colonel L. THOMAS,
Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the Army, New York city.
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
3 a.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
Washington, May 5, 1858.
SIR : I have the honor herewith to transmit a newspaper slip, giving
the proceedings of a public meeting held in Carroll county, Arkansas,
some time ago, in relation to the massacre of a party of emigrants from
Arkansas, by Mormons and Indians, in the month of July last.
The Secretary of War considers that, in the progress of the military
operations in Utah, it may be in your power to gain information
respecting the children supposed to be still in captivity, and, perhaps,
adopt some measures which may eventually lead to their recovery from
the Indians. He desires, therefore, that you will improve every oppor
tunity which may offer giving any promise of the realization of an end
so much to be wished for; and should the efforts you may institute be
successful, the persons rescued might be sent, under proper protection,
to Fort Leavenworth, from which point they could readily return to
their friends in Arkansas.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. COOPER,
Adjutant General.
The COMMANDING OFFICER,
Department of Utah .
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., September 2, 1858.
SIR : The inclosed letter from the Adjutant General of the army,
conveying the wishes of the Secretary of War that "all proper means
may be taken to ascertain the fate of the Arkansas emigrants mas
sacred last year by a party of Mormons and Indians in this Territory/'
&c., was received during your absence from the city in the direction of
the scene of this massacre.
The commanding general has learned that you have interested your
self in recovering some of the surviving children of this party, and as
this matter is one for the action of your branch of the public service,
he respectfully transfers these papers to you that proper measures may
be taken to carry out the wishes of the government.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Dr. J. FORNEY, Supt. Indian Affairs,
Great Salt Lake City, U. T.
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
3c.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT INDIAN AFFAIRS UTAH TERRITORY,
Great Salt Lake City, September 10, 1858.
SIR : Your polite note, inclosing a letter from the Adjutant General
in regard to the massacre of Arkansas emigrants near Cedar City, in
this Territory, was duly received, and in reply I would say that I have / .
found ten of the children, who are now in my possession, and am using /
every endeavor to ascertain the whereabouts of the others, with pros
pects of success.
I remain yours, respectfully,
J. FORNEY,
Supt. Indian Affairs Utah Territory.
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
3d.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, Utah Territory, April 15, 1859.
Special Orders No. 26.]
One company of dragoons and two companies of infantry from
Camp Floyd, under the command of Captain R. P. Campbell, second
dragoons, will leave for Santa Clara on the 21st instant, and be gov
erned by special instructions from these headquarters.
A medical officer will be assigned to the command.
The command will be rationed for fifty days.
The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary trans
portation.
By order of Brevet Brigadier General A. S. Johnston :
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
4. Captain Campbell to General Johnston.
CAMP NEAR BEAVER CITY, UTAH TERRITORY,
April 30, 1859.
MAJOR: I have the honor to inform you that I arrived at this place
yesterday, where the express overtook me. The officers and men of
my command are all well, only the minor ailments incidental to a
march, and the horses and mules are improving in condition.
There has nothing of the slightest importance happened since the
command left Camp Floyd, there was a slight fall of snow, the fourth
day after leaving Camp Floyd; the command left the service that
morning.
8 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
I shall leave here to-morrow morning with as much forage as I
started with.
I am remaining in camp to-day, both on account of a storm that
began this morning and it being the- day for muster.
I met Dr. Forney at Meadow creek, he came into my- camp with the
Indian Konosh on a visit ; he was camped at the Indian farm on Corn
creek, where Konosh lives, some miles off the road. The doctor had
with him fifteen or sixteen of the children of the emigrants who were
murdered at the Mountain Meadows. These children say that they
have never been with the Indians. I did not see the children, but the
judge saw them, and talked with them. A good deal of information
can be derived from them in relation to the massacre, as some of them
are old enough to remember the affair very well. The express arrived
here at 10 o'clock on the night of 29th proximo.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
KEUBEN P. CAMPBELL,
Captain Second Dragoons, Com'g Santa Clara Expedition.
Major J. F. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant General, U. S. A.,
Camp Floyd, Utah Territory.
5. Dr. Forney to General Johnston.
SPANISH FORK, INDIAN EESERVATION,
May 1, 1859.
DEAR GENERAL: Thank God that I am this near home from my
southern trip. I had a very laborious and difficult trip, at the same
time, however, interesting, and my inquiries of the causes and final
consummation of the awful Mountain Meadow affair, may lead to ex
traordinary developments.
I succeeded in getting sixteen children, all, it is said, that remain
of the butchering affair. I have the children with me, they seem
contented and happy, poorly clad, however. I will get them fixed up
as soon as possible. All the children are intellectual and good look
ing, not one mean looking child among them, they average from three
and a half to nine years old. Most of them know their family names,
and a few recollect the place of their former homes, others have some
recollection of it.
What is more important than all, is, that at least four of the oldest
of the children knoiv, WITHOUT DOUBT KNOW, enough of the material
facts of the Mountain Meadow affair, to relieve this world of the white
hell-hounds, who have disgraced humanity by being mainly instru
mental in the murdering at least one hundred and fifteen men, women,
and children, under circumstances and manner without a parallel in
human history for atrocity. I gave Judge Cradlebaugh, a few days
ago, the names of such persons who, I have reason to believe, par
ticipated in the affair, and when brought to trial can furnish the
evidence to convict them. Some of these men are by this time arrested,
I think.
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 9
With proper caution all the men can be arrested. I send Mr.
Rodgers back with the judge, with a business letter to some of the
church dignitaries.
I met the military command ten miles south of Fillmore, all seemed
in good spirits. The country south of Cedar City is poor, but little
grass and no grain.
The Indians south, at this time, are quiet and peaceable. To the
Mountain Meadows there is good grass, that far the command should
go, for reasons you ivill learn by and by.
Excuse this hasty and imperfect letter.
Very respectfully and truly yours,
J. FORNEY.
General A. S. JOHNSTON,
Commander of Utah Department, Utah Territory.
6. Mr. Floyd to General Johnston.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May 6, 1859.
SIR: The change which seems to have taken place in the condition
of things in Utah Territory since the date of your former instructions
renders some modification of those instructions necessary.
Peace being now restored to the Territory, the judicial administra
tion of the laws will require no help from the army under your com
mand. If the service of the United States troops should be needed
under any circumstances, it could only be to assist the executive au
thority in executing the sentence of law or the judicial decrees of the
court, and that necessity could only arise when the services of a civil
posse were found to be insufficient. You will therefore only order the
troops under your command to assist as & posse comitatus in the execu
tion of the laws, upon the written application of the governor of the
Territory, and not otherwise. The fidelity with which you have
obeyed the instructions of this department heretofore given you, is the
fullest guarantee that you will, with the same zeal and efficiency, con
form to these.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN B. FLOYD,
Secretary of War.
Brevet Brigadier General A. S. JOHNSTON,
Conig Department of Utah, Camp Floyd, Utah Territory.
7. Dr. Forney to General Johnston.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, UTAH,
Great Salt Lake City, June 15, 1859.
DEAR SIR : I informed you sometime ago that I had then sixteen
children in my possession, all (it was then supposed) that were re-
10 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
maining of the terrible massacre in Mountain Meadows valley, in
September, 185 7.
Since my hasty letter to you from Spanish Fort, another child has
been recovered, and is now also in my possession.
I have collected these children in pursuance to instructions from the
Indian department, and in compliance with those instructions, they
must soon be en route for Leavenworth.
Messrs. Russell, Majors, and Waddell offered the Indian depart
ment, free of charge, two large wagons, twelve yoke oxen, and the
necessary gear, to transport the children to Leavenworth in company
with one of their returning caravans.
These unfortunate fatherless, motherless, and penniless children
certainly demand more than an ordinary degree of sympathy. I have
secured the services of four females to accompany them to Leaven
worth. I will also provide suitable clothing, blankets, and such
appliances as will be deemed necessary. I am also directed to furnish
them with provisions, and I presume cooking utensils, fuel, &c.
My instructions from the office of Indian affairs plainly indicate the
desire that I should send these children by the means of transportation
offered by Messrs. Russell, Majors, and Waddell ; but I am induced to
believe that, was the department advised of the objections so obvious
to this mode of transportation, I feel satisfied that my instructions
would have been materially modified or changed, and therefore, after
mature reflection and consultation with several gentlemen, I am in
duced to assume the responsibility of changing the direction of this
matter, provided I can obtain two or three ambulances, one baggage-
wagon, a suitable number of mules, and a proper military escort from
the officer in command of this department.
I therefore respectfully request that you will advise me whether this
arrangement can be made without subjecting the service to any im
portant inconvenience.
As the caravan with which it is proposed to send the children leaves
in a few days, an early reply is respectfully requested.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient ser
vant,
J. FORNEY,
Superintendent Indian Affairs Utah Territory.
General A. S. JOHNSTON,
Com'g Department Utah, Camp Floyd, Utah Territory.
8. General Johnston to Dr. Forney.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., June 16, 1859.
SIR : General Johnston desires me to inform you that he will provide
the escort and transportation needed for the children surviving the
massacre in the Mountain Meadow valley, asked for in your letter of
the 15th instant, and will also take great pleasure in aiding you to
the full scope of his authority here, and on the road, in your humane
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 11
efforts to transmit in comfort and safety those children to Leavenworth.
The party will be escorted by a company of dragoons as far as Fort
Kearny, whence their safety will be secured by the commander of
that post.
The party will be sent for and placed under charge of the escort the
day before it marches, which will be towards the end of next week,
and by the Timpanogos route, if sufficiently repaired.
A day's notice will be given you of the transportation being sent
to the city.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Dr. J. FORNEY,
Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Great Salt Lake City, U. T.
9. General Johnston to Colonel Crosman.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd; U. T., June 20, 1859.
COLONEL: The commanding general directs that three light spring
wagons, and one baggage wagon, be prepared to transport to Fort
Leavenworth the children retained from massacre at the Mountain
Meadows, in this Territory, and also one spring wagon for the three
children of the late Daniel Foster, of Connecticut, and the person in
charge of them.
The spring wagons will be provided with seats, and arranged for
the comfort of the children.
The spring wagons for the first-named party will be needed about
the middle of this week to bring the children to this camp, preparatory
to placing them under charge of the escort, which will probably leave
about Saturday next.
I am, colonel, your obedient servant,,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Lieut. Col. GEORGE H. CROSMAN,
Deputy Quartermaster General, Camp Floyd, U. T.
10. Dr. Forney to General Johnston.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
June 20, 1859.
DEAR SIR: I received your letter, in answer to mine to General
Johnston, in relation to the transportation to Fort Leavenworth of the
seventeen children, and also your two letters on the same subject.
I can hardly find language to express my thankfulness, to General
Johnston and yourself, for the favorable consideration of my request.
Have the kindness, my dear sir, to say to General Johnston that I
12 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
appreciate his kindness, and return to him, in behalf of the unfortunate
children, sincere thanks for the generosity in aiding me to convey
those little ones in comfort and safety to Leavenworth, instead of in
two ox- wagons and in company of sundry ox-drivers.
I will he at Camp Floyd to-morrow evening.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. FORNEY.
Superintendent Indian Affairs, U. T.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General, Camp Floyd, U. T.
11. General Johnston to the Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., June 27, 1859.
COLONEL : I have the honor to report the departure from this place,
yesterday, of companies A and C, second dragoons, under the command
of Captain Anderson, second dragoons, and to-day of light company C,
third artillery, with the field battery, under the command of Brevet
Major Reynolds, for the places of their destination, respectively, as
announced in general orders from the headquarters of the army.
At the request of Dr. Forney, superintendent of Indian affairs, who
informed me that the transportation provided by tbe Department of
the Interior was unsuitable for the purpose, I have ordered spring
wagons to be furnished for the conveyance to Fort Leavenworth of the
seventeen children whose lives were spared at the Mountain Meadow
massacre. I have directed that they shall be provided with subsistence.
Major Whiting, who will be allowed to avail himself of his certificate
of disability, on his arrival at Fort Leavenworth, has been instructed
to see that good care is taken of all the children, and that they are
provided with every thing needful on the route. These children also
accompany the dragoons, and their commander is charged with their
safety as far as Fort Kearny, whence they will be provided with a
sufficient escort to Fort Leavenworth.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, and Bvt. Brig. Gen'l U. S. A., Com'g.
Colonel S. COOPER,
Adjutant General U. S. A., Washington city, D. C.
11 a.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., June 23, 1859.
Special Orders No. 50.]
I. In pursuance of General Orders No. 2, of the 16th ultimo, from
the headquarters of the army, light company C, third artillery, and
companies A, G, and F, second dragoons, will be relieved from duty
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 13
in this department, and will proceed to their respective posts in the de
partment of Oregon, and the department of the West.
********* ****
III. Company F, second dragoons, is assigned to Fort Laramie, com
panies A and C to Fort Kearny. -^v
Companies A and C will inarch from Camp Floyd on the 26th in
stant; company F, at FortBridger, will march one day after the other
companies pass that post, and will keep that interval between them.
Subsistence (y of the meat ration bacon) for ten days will be provided
at Camp Floyd, and twenty -two days at Fort Bridger; the additional
beeves being taken from the drove at that post.
To this command is intrusted the safety of the orphan children re
tained from the massacre in the Mountain Meadow valley in this Ter
ritory, and also the reclaimed children of Mrs. Verguson, widow of
the late Daniel Foster, of Connecticut. To these infant wards of our
country the command will render every proper assistance asked for by
the person specially charged with attending to their comfort.
On arriving at Fort Laramie the most efficient company of the two
assigned to Fort Kearny, will, if not restricted by modifying orders,
proceed to execute the duty specified in section 6, paragraph 1, of Gen
eral Orders No. 2, from the headquarters of the army.
The other company, escorting the parties intrusted to the two, will
continue to Fort Kearny, where a new escort to Fort Leavenworth will
be provided.
IV. At the request of the superintendent of Indian affairs for the
territory of Utah, Brevet Major Daniel P. Whiting, seventh infantry,
will supervise the care of these parties of children now being restored
by the government to their friends and relations, and will Carry out on
the road, and at Leavenworth, the wishes of the superintendent. The
Foster children under the immediate charge of Ordnance Sergeant
Black will be delivered to the depot quartermaster at Fort Leaven
worth, who, before their arrival, will receive from the Secretary of War
instructions in regard to forwarding them to their mother.
******* ******
By order of Brevet Brigadier General A. S. Johnston:
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
12. General Johnstcn to the Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., July 13, 1859.
SIR: I have the honor to inclose, for the information of the honor
able Secretary of War, the report of Captain Campbell's expedition
to the southern district of this Territory.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. Second Cavalry, andBvt. Brig. Gen, U. S. A., Comd'g.
Col. S. COOPER,
Adjutant General U. S. A., Washington city.
14 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
12 a.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., April 17, 1859.
SIR: The commanding general designated you to command an expe
dition to a southern portion of this department, and has assigned to
you, in Special Orders No. 26, one company of dragoons and two of
infantry.
The commanding general orders that you proceed to Santa Clara,
and remain in that portion of the country as long as the interests of
the government and the objects of the expedition require.
The objects of the expedition are, the protection of travelers on the
road to California ; to inquire into depredations which are reported in
the accompanying letter as having been committed by Indians in the
vicinity of Santa Clara ; and to furnish a company to escort to this
camp Paymaster Prince, in charge of public funds.
The commanding general directs you to report the result of your
examination into past depredations by Indians, that if necessary addi
tional force may be sent to you; and without his orders, not to use
your force to chastise Indians except for depredations arid murders
committed while you are in their vicinity, and which need prompt
punishment.
The paymaster's escort (which will return to California) will be
relieved by a company of your command, or by your whole command
if the exchange takes place at Santa Clara, and there is no object to
be accomplished by remaining longer in that vicinity. The new escort
will return by easy marches to this camp.
Should you think it advisable to remain on the road for a longer
time than you are provisioned, you will report the fact, and make
timely requisition for supplies, which will be sent to you.
You are desired to take from Cedar City forage for the return to
California of the paymaster's escort, and also to furnish them subsist
ence if needed. The latter will be replaced from this camp. A guide
and interpreter will be directed to report to you.
I am. sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Captain R. P. CAMPBELL,
Second Dragoons, Com'g Santa Clara Expedition.
126.
FORT BRLDGER, July 6, 1859.
MAJOR: I have the honor to inform you that, in pursuance of instruc
tions received from the adjutant general's office of this department,
dated April IT, 1859, I left Camp Floyd, Utah Territory, on the 21st
of April, 1859, to proceed to Santa Clara, in order to protect travelers
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 15
on the road to California, and to inquire into certain depredations said
to have been committed by the Indians in that vicinity.
My command consisted of one company of dragoons and two com
panies of infantry.
Nothing of interest occurred until my arrival at the Mountain
Meadows, which are situated about one hundred and fifty miles south
of Camp Floyd, and on the southern rim of the basin. Here I found
human skulls, bones, and hair, scattered about, and scraps of clothing
of men, women, and children. I saw one girl's dress, apparently that
of a child ten or twelve years of age. These were the remains of a
party of peaceful inhabitants of the United States, consisting of men,
women, and children, and numbering about one hundred and fifty,
who were removing with their effects from the State of Arkansas to
the State of California. These emigrants were here met by the Mor
mons (assisted by such of the wretched Indians of the neighborhood
as they could force or persuade to join them), and massacred, with the
exception of such infant children that the Mormons thought too young
to remember or tell of the affair. The Mormons had their faces painted
so as to disguise themselves as Indians.
The Mormons were led on by John D. Lee, then a high dignitary
in the self-styled Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and
Isaac Haight, now a dignitary in the same.
This affair began by a surprise. The emigrants were encamped near
a spring, from which there is a ravine. Along this ravine the Mor
mons and Indians crept to the spring during the night. When the
emigrants arose in the morning they were fired upon, and some twelve
or fifteen of them killed. The emigrants then seized their arms and
defended themselves so bravely that, after four days, the Mormons and
Indians had not succeeded in exterminating them. This horrid affair
was finished by an act of treachery. John D. Lee, having washed the
paint from his face, came to the emigrants and told them that if they
would surrender themselves, and give their property to the Indians,
that the Mormons would conduct them safely back to Cedar City. The
emigrants then surrendered, with their wives and children. They
were taken about a mile and a half from the spring, where they, their
wives, and their children, (with the exception of some infants,) were
ruthlessly killed.
The infants were taken to Cedar City, where they were either sold
or given away to such of the Mormons as desired them. It is a noto
rious fact that these infants never have been with the Indians. The
property of the emigrants was taken to Cedar City, where it was put
up at public auction and sold.
These facts were derived from the children who did remember and
could tell of the matter, from Indians, and from the Mormons them
selves. This affair occurred in the month of September, in 1857.
On leaving the Mountain Meadows, I proceeded on with my command
to the river Santa Clara, where I arrived on the 8th of May, 1859. I
sent for Jackson, the chief of the tribe said to be most hostile to the
Americans. He acknowledged that he had committed some outrages
on the people of the United States. He made the most humble protes
tations of future good conduct, in which I put some reliance, if he is
16 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
not encouraged to commit overt acts by the Mormons. These Indians
are a miserable set of root-diggers, and nothing is to be apprehended
from them but by the smallest and most careless party.
The commanding general having concluded that the objects of the
expedition were accomplished, I returned to Camp Floyd, Utah Terri
tory, agreeably to his instructions.
I am sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,,
K. P. CAMPBELL,
Copt. Second Dragoons, Com' g Santa Clara Expedition.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General U. S. Army.,
Camp Floyd, Utah Territory.
12 c.
CAMP AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS,
Utah Territory, May 6, 1859.
CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report, that this morning, accom
panied by the detachment of men furnished by your orders, I proceeded
to inter the remains of the men, women, and children of the Arkansas
emigrant train, massacred by the Mormons at the Mountain Meadows,
Utah Territory, in the month of September, 1857.
At the scene of the first attack, in the immediate vicinity of our
present camp, marked by a small defensive trench made by the emi
grants, a number of human skulls and bones and hair were found
scattered about, bearing the appearance of never having been buried ;
also remnants of bedding and wearing apparel.
On examining the trenches or excavations, which appear to have
been within the corral, and within which it was supposed some written
account of the massacre might have been concealed, some few human
bones, human hair, and what seemed to be the feathers of bedding,
only were discerned.
Proceeding twenty-five hundred yards in a direction N. 15 W.,
I reached a ravine fifty yards distant from the road, bordered by a
few bushes of scrub oak, in which I found portions of the skeletons of
many bodies skulls, bones, and matted hair most of which, on
examination, I concluded to be those of men. Three hundred and
fifty yards further on, and in the same direction, another assembly of
human remains were found, which, by all appearance, had been left
to decay upon the surface. Skulls and bones, most of which I believed
to be those of women, some also of children, probably ranging from
six to twelve years of age. Here, too, were found masses of women's
hair, children's bonnets, such as are generally used upon the plains,
and pieces of lace, muslin, calicoes, and other material, part of
women's and children's apparel. I have buried thirteen skulls, and
many more scattered fragments.
Some of the remains above referred to were found upon the surface
of the ground, with a little earth partially covering them, and at the
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 17
place where the men were massacred ; some lightly buried, but the
majority were scattered about upon the plain. Many of the skulls
bore marks of violence, being pierced with bullet holes, or shattered
by heavy blows, or cleft with some sharp-edged instrument. The
bones were bleached and worn by long exposure to the elements, and
bore the impress of the teeth of wolves or other wild animals.
The skulls found upon the ground near the spring, or position of
first attack, and adjoining our camp, were eight in number. These r
with the other remains there found, were buried, under my supervision,,
at the base of the hill, upon the hill-side of the valley.
At the rate 2,500 yards distant from the spring, the relative posi
tions and general appearance of the remains seemed to indicate that
the men were there taken by surprise and massacred. Some of the
skulls showed that fire-arms had been discharged close to the head. I
have buried eighteen skulls and parts of many more skeletons, found
scattered over the space of a mile towards the lines, in which direction
they were no doubt dragged by the wolves.
No names were found upon any article of apparel, or any peculiarity
in the remains, with the exception of one bone, the upper jaw, in
which the teeth were very closely crowded, and which contained one
front tooth more than is generally found.
Under my direction, the above-mentioned remains were all properly
buried, the respective locality being marked with mounds of stone.
I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient
servant,
CHARLES BREWER,
Assistant Surgeon United States Army.
Captain R. P. CAMPBELL,
Second Dragoons, Commanding Paymaster s Escort.
13. General Johnston to the Adjutant General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., August 17, 1859.
COLONEL: I have the honor to transmit, for the information of the
General-in-Chief, a letter from the governor of the Territory, inclosing
one from the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, relating to the murder
and robbing of an emigrant party by Indians, probably Bannack and
Shoshoriees, and my reply, which will show my action thereon ; and
also Lieutenant Gay's report of a successful attack made by him upon
the depredating band of Indians.
I beg leave to observe, in relation to the tenor of my reply to Gov
ernor Gumming, that recent orders of the honorable Secretary of War,
a copy of which is transmitted herewith, places this Territory on the
footing of a State, or any other Territory, as to the means of obtain
ing the cooperation and aid of the federal troops in cases contemplated
by the act of 3d of March, 1807, except when, in the opinion of the
governor of this Territory, their assistance may be necessary for the
Ex. Doc. 42 2
18 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
enforcement of the sentences and decrees of the courts. This, you
will perceive, is a specific grant of power to the governor, and my
authority to furnish troops on his requisition is strictly limited to the
class of cases mentioned ahove. It is therefore that I have informed
him I will refuse a compliance with any requisition from him for troops
intended to be employed for any purpose not specifically authorized "by
my orders. I presume it will not he argued that under any circum
stances he could he authorized to call for troops for military purposes,
for the performance of duties which are strictly enjoined upon the
commander of the department, and more especially as the offense to be
punished occurred beyond the limits of this Territory, in Oregon.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. Second Cavalry, and Brevet Brig. Gen., U. & A.
The ADJUTANT GENERAL,
Headquarters of the Army, New York city.
13 a.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, UTAH,
Great Salt Lake City, August 3, 1859.
SIR : I have the honor to inclose herewith a note addressed to me by
J. Forney, Esq., superintendent of Indian affairs, covering a letter
addressed to him by Samuel Smith, of Box Elder, detailing a state
ment of the killing of certain emigrants, on the northern route to
California, in the vicinity of the Goose Creek mountains.
The superintendent leaves here to-day for Box Elder.
Verbal information, communicated by the bearer of the note from
Smith, induces the belief that a larger number of persons have been
slain than is indicated by the written communication. I therefore
respectfully request that you will detach a suitable command, with
instructions to communicate with Superintendent Forney, at Brigham
City, with a view of arresting the murderers and furnishing protection
upon the road.
Your compliance with this request will oblige, very respectfully,
your obedient servant,
A. GUMMING,
Governor of Utah Territory.
General A. S. JOHNSTON.
136.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, UTAH,
Great Salt Lake City, August 2, 1859.
SIR : Inclosed is a copy of a letter just received. The bearer of the
letter gives additional information, which, with the letter, leaves
scarcely a doubt but that an emigrant train has been attacked, and a
portion or all murdered by Indians supposed to be from the State of
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 19
Oregon. It is said the murder was committed near the Goose Creek
mountains. A small military force should be sent north. I will go
north to-morrow.
I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
J. FORNEY,
Superintendent Indian Affairs for Utah.
His Excellency A. GUMMING,
Governor of Utah.
13 c.
BRIGHAM CITY, Box ELDER COUNTY, U. T,
August 1, 1859.
DEAR SIR : Agreeable to your request, that I should inform you
whenever any movements of the Indians took place of any importance
in this part of your superintendency, I wish to say to you that some
Indians came in yesterday from the north, with reports that some
whites had been murdered some two hundred miles north of this, on
the California road. The reports were so vague and contradictory
that at first I did not consider it worthy of credence. But having
afterwards learned that some Indians had in their possession some
horses, mules, oxen, and other property unusual for them to traffic in,
trying to trade the same to citizens in the suburbs of this city, I
thought best to institute an inquiry in reference to the matter. I fear
the report is too true, though there is much contradiction in regard to
the circumstances and extent of the murder.
One report is, that two Indians entered a camp of emigrants to do
some trading, and were killed by said emigrants. The Indians then
gathered their forces, and revenged their death by killing five men
and two children belonging to said camp. Other reports make the
number of the whites killed more, and state other causes for the
massacre.
I send this by Mr. Nichols Bishop, of this settlement, who will give
you further particulars. I send by him a daguerreotype, which has
been obtained from the Indians by one of our citizens, and given to me
to send down to you. It is stated by the Indians to belong to some
of the murdered party.
Yours, with much respect, &c.,
SAMUEL SMITH.
Dr. FORNEY,
Superintendent Indian Affairs.
13 d.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., August 5, 1859.
SIR : Your letter of the 3d instant, requesting that a detachment
of troops may be sent on the northern California route,, for the appre-
20 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
hension of Indians said to have murdered a party of emigrants , and
for the protection of travelers on that route, has been received, and I
will, in consequence of the information contained in your letter, but
not in compliance with your requisition,, dispatch a force, as I would
do should the like information come from any source entitled to credit,
to arrest those who may be found on inquiry to have been engaged in
the murder, and to punish any others who may attempt to rob or
murder on the route.
In view of the very specific orders of the Secretary of War, of recent
date, limiting my authority to comply with your requisitions for the
aid of the United States troops to cases which in a single contingency
may occur, I feel it a duty to refuse a compliance with your requisi
tions for troops in any other case whatever than those specified.
Should any extraordinary exigency occur, such as is contemplated
by the law approved 3d March, 1807, for the use of the military force,
the mode is there pointed out by which the aid of such force can be
obtained, which of course is well known to you.
I have the honor to transmit an extract from my orders mentioned
above.
With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Col. Second Cavalry, and Brevet Brig. Gen., U. S. A.
His Excellency A. GUMMING,
Governor of Utah.
13 e.
[Extract.]
HEADQUARTTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., August 5, 1859.
Special Orders No. 65.]
1. A company of dragoons will march from Camp Floyd on the
8th instant, for the northern road to California, for the purpose of
giving protection to emigration thereon, and attending to other duties,
which will be assigned it in special instructions from the commanding
general.
A subaltern from one of the infantry regiments will be assigned to
the command, also a medical officer.
The company will be rationed for forty days, and will take charge
of fifteen days' provisions for the troops of the Humboldt expedition
under Major Lynde, seventh infantry ; two sevenths of the meat ration
will be bacon.
The necessary transportation and supplies will be provided from the
depot.
********
By order of Brevet Brigadier General A. S. Johnston:
F. J. PORTEK,
Assistant Adjutant General.
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 21
13 /.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., August 6, 1859.
MAJOR : The commanding general directs that on your return march
you occupy some point or points near the crossing of Bear river, most
suitable for you to keep the road under observation, and at the same
time recruit your animals, and remain in that vicinity till you have
only sufficient provisions to last you to this camp. He wishes you
from those points to send, always under an officer, parties to patrol
several days at a time the country most occupied, or likely to be occu
pied, by Indians. To enable you to perform this duty the amount of
grain ordered to be collected at Bear river, of which I notified you in
my letter of the 3d instant, has been increased, and fifteen days' pro
visions sent to you under charge of Lieutenant Kyan. I inclose a
letter reporting a rumored massacre by Indians of an emigrant party
on the California road, the circumstances of which you will inquire
into, and, if the report be true, make every effort to arrest or punish
the murderers.
In selecting camp ground on your return to this post, the command
ing general wishes you to avoid, if possible, in every case camping in
the immediate vicinity of any of the settlements, and to prevent mem
bers of the command lingering in or frequenting them.
I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General^
Major ISAAC LYNDE,
Seventh Infantry, Commanding Huiriboldt Expedition.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., August 6, 1859.
SIR : I am desired by the commanding general to furnish you the
accompanying letter, reporting a rumor of Indians on the northern
road to California having murdered a party of emigrants, and to in
struct you in his name as follows :
You will proceed, as rapidly as the condition of your animals and
regard for their future efficient service will permit, to Bear river,
where you will inquire into the truth of this reported massacre, and
the circumstances attending it, and arrest all you may find to have
been engaged in the murder.
Your command and Major Lynde's are to remain on the California
road; the latter near the crossing of Bear river, and yours west of it,
as long as your provisions will hold out and permit you to return to
this camp by the time they are consumed. You will, therefore, after
making at Bear river all necessary inquiries, continue to the reported
22 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
scene of the massacre, giving protection to emigrants, arresting ma
rauders, and recovering and restoring stolen property.
It is desirable to avoid bringing on unnecessarily hostilities with
Indians ; but if they should resist your demands for the restoration of
property or the delivery of depredators, you will take both by force;
and if met by any hostile demonstrations, or any depredations are
committed while you are in that country, and it be possible to reach
the offenders, or those engaged in committing the reported massacre,
you will inflict upon them exemplary and decided punishment.
In selecting your camping places, while passing through the settle
ments, going and returning, the commanding general wishes you to
avoid, if possible, in every case halting and camping in the vicinity of
any of the towns, and to prevent members of your command lingering
in or frequenting them.
You are desired to avail yourself of all proper occasions to commu
nicate to these headquarters, and report all matters of interest.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Second Lieutenant E. GAY,
Second Dragoons, Commanding Detachment.
13 h.
Box ELDER, U. T., August 15, 1859.
SIR: I have the honor to report that, having arrived yesterday
within six miles of this place, I went into carnp, and two hours after
wards had reliable information that a large body of Indians were
encamped somewhere in the canon leading from this valley to Cache
valley. I was informed, at the same time, that within five or six days
past they had stolen a number of animals from this and the adjoining
settlements, and that they were the same party who had murdered and
robbed an emigrant train on Sublett's Cut-off.
I immediately resolved to attack them. At ten o'clock, p. m. , I broke
up camp and moved quietly to this village. Here I left my wagons
with a guard, and proceeded with a command of forty-two men, taking
with me four pack-mules, with four days' rations, in order to be pre
pared, if necessary, to pursue them in the mountains. By two, a. m.,
I had everything prepared for the march, and having procured a guide
who professed to know the Indian encampment, entered the canon.
After a rapid march of two hours the encampment was indicated by a
number of ponies grazing, and in a moment afterwards by the Indians
jumping up from their beds under the bushes and running up the
mountain sides, which w r ere here covered with undergrowth. I imme
diately formed my men and charged upon the main body of them. In
this charge several of the enemy were killed and wounded. They then
scattered and took position behind rocks, &c. Here they were charged
and driven up precipices beyond the reach of men on horses. I then
dismounted my men and kept up a fire at least an hour and a half,
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 23
which for an hour was briskly returned by the enemy ; but he gradually
ceased to fire. The precipitous nature of the ground rendering it
utterly impossible to pursue him, I drove off his horses and returned
to this place. The attack commenced just before the dawn, and con
tinued until after sunrise.
I am satisfied that the encampment was selected with a view to
defense ; and for this purpose they probably could not have found a
more advantageous place in the whole Wasatch range of mountains.
(It is known as Devil's Gate canon.) As soon as the Indians were
discovered, my Mormon guide " slid" quietly from his horse, and was
seen no more until my return, near this town, I overhauled him. He
was unable to give any satisfactory reason for his desertion. I have
since learned that he came into town during the action and reported
"that we would never get out of that place." The horse he rode was
one I had furnished him, and, strange to say, was found with an Indian
on his back. The latter was shot, and the horse taken. If my guide
had desired to lead me into a fatal ambuscade, he could not have taken
me to a spot better adapted for the purpose.
The guide and many others estimated the Indian force at from 150
to 200 warriors ; the number killed was about twenty, as near as we
can calculate. I had no men killed, but four severely, though proba
bly not mortally, and two slightly wounded. Nine of my horses were
wounded. The number of horses taken was twenty, nearly half being
American horses.
It is a source of great satisfaction to me to know that one of the
horses captured proved to be one which the Indians had taken from
the train on Sublett's Cut-off, at the time of the massacre of July.
Probably more belonging to the same train would have been captured,
had not the Indian animals stampeded during the action, which could
not be prevented, owing to the small guard that could be spared from
the company for the purpose of securing property.
I am much indebted to Lieutenant Ryan for his services on this oc
casion, which were performed with a masterly intrepidity and coolness
during the whole action.
Assistant Surgeon J. Moore receives the heartfelt thanks of myself,
as well as the soldiers under my command, for his immediate and kind
attentions to the wounded, and his continual personal attendance since.
The company behaved nobly on this occasion. I have the honor to
refer the general commanding to the list of wounded accompanying
this report.
It is rumored to-day that 200 Bannack Indians arrived in Cache
valley yesterday. These, with the number of Indians already there,
will make probably about 500. A large emigration is near a point on
Bear river, twenty miles from this (Cache) valley. I shall wait here
long enough to care for my wounded and recruit my horses, when I
shall proceed to Bear river, in order to prevent the Indians from in
terfering with emigration.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. GAY,
Second Lieut. , Comp'y G, Second Dragoons, Com'g.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General, Department of Utah.
24 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS.
Box ELDER, U. T., August 13,. 1859.
Company G, Second Dragoons. List of men wounded in action with
Indians, in Devil's canon, near Box Elder, Utah Territory, on August
13,1859:
First Sergeant Thomas J. Durnin, severely.
Corporal K. F. Cordua, severely.
Bugler Henry Wintertower, severely.
Private Jacob Eggersteat, slightly.
Private Samuel Smith, severely.
Private Michael Tiernay, severely.
E. GAY,
Second Lieut. Second Dragoons, Commanding Company.
13 i.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., August 14, 1859.
Special Orders, No. 71.]
1. A company of dragoons will be despatched from Camp Floyd to
the vicinity of the California crossing of Bear river, where it will unite
with the command under Lieutenant Gay, second dragoons, and
establish a depot to operate from.
Two companies of infantry will, as soon as practicable, follow the
company of dragoons to the same point.
These commands will be rationed for twenty days.
These companies will be employed, under the direction of the senior
officer present, in protecting emigration and punishing depredators.
2. The commander of the Humboldt expedition will, on arrival at
the depot, or vicinity, take command, and, with his present command,
continue to carry out the objects of the expedition as conveyed in
special instructions.
3. Subsistence, to last to the 20th October, for Major Lynde's present
command, Lieutenant Gay's company, and the companies mentioned
in this order, will be sent to the depot in the contractor's trains.
4. The appropriate staff departments will provide the necessary
supplies and transportation.
As government transportation at command is very limited, transpor
tation for the companies will be restricted to absolute wants. The
contractor's train will carry additional articles if needed.
5. After permitting the quartermaster's animals now with him to
recruit for a few days, Major Lynde will send to the depot all transpor
tation not required to bring all his command to this camp at the time
their supplies are expended.
By order of Brevet Brigadier General A. S. Johnston.
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 25
13/.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., August 15, 1859.
SIR: In addition to previous instructions, somewhat modified by
Special Orders No. "71, accompanying, the commanding general orders
you as follows:
1. That while in the Indian country the troops be kept well in hand,
and small detachments be not lightly risked.
2. To be cautious in attacking parties, lest they should prove to be
unoffending Indians ; but to punish, if they merit it, to the full extent
of your power, all offenders who may array themselves against peace
and the traveling community.
3. If the Indians sue for peace, demand the surrender of the parties
engaged in late marauding, and the outrages on Bear river last spring,
and the restoration of all property in their possession belonging to
others than themselves.
4. Insist that travelers through their country shall not be molested,
and impress upon the Indians that all offenses against travelers and
the settlements will be punished even to the extermination of their tribes
if necessary.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General.
OFFICER COMMANDING BEAR RIVER EXPEDITION,
Cache Valley, Utah Territory.
14. General Johnston to General Scott.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
Camp Floyd, U. T., November 2, 1859.
COLONEL: I have the honor to transmit Major Lynde's report of his
march from this post to near the sink of the Humboldt river, whither
he had been ordered to escort a party of emigrants from this Territory,
and to give protection to the emigrants generally on the route. It also
embraces a report of his operations, with additional force, in the region
between Bear and Snake rivers, in Washington Territory.
The troops under his command, consisting of three companies of
dragoons and three of infantry, were kept actively employed during a
part of August, September, and October, in scouting on the emigrant
route, and, I do not doubt, vigilantly and faithfully exerted themselves
to punish depredators.
I have ascertained that three parties were robbed, and ten or twelve
of their members, comprising men, women, and children, jnurdered.
One of these parties was plundered before, and two subsequent to the
arrival of the troops. The perpetrators of the robbery of the first
party were severely chastised by a detachment of dragoons, under the
command of Lieutenant Gay. The troops failed to discover the robbers
26 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN .MEADOWS.
of the last two parties that were attacked. They are supposed to he-
vagabonds from the Shoshonee or Snake and Bannack Indians, whose
chiefs deny any complicity with these predatory hands.
There is abundant evidence to prove that these robber bands are
accompanied by white men, and probably instigated and led by them.
On that account I am inclined to believe the disclaimer of the Indians
referre