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James Buchanan (1791-1868) 1860 Messages on Utah (Washington, D.C: 1860) |
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J. H. Carleton's 1859 Report | Cradlebaugh's 1863 Speech | Children of the Massacre
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UTAH TERRITORY. M E S S A G E 36th CONGRESS, 1st Session. SENATE. C Ex. Doc. No. 42. MESSAGE THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, COMMUNICATING, In compliance with 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, 1860. 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 zz, 1860. 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 between 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 Territory 2 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 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 touching the massacre at Mountain Meadows, in August, 1857, I have the honor to transmit, herewith, copies of the papers named in the accompanying 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. List 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 27, 1859. 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. 12. Same to same, July 13, 1859. b. From same, July 6. c. Dr. Brewer to same, May 6. 13. Same to same, August 17, 1859. b. Dr. Forney to same, August 2. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 3 d. To Mr. Cumming, August 5. e. Orders, August 5. f. To Major Lynde, August 6. g. To Lieutenant Gay, August 6. h. From same, August 15. i. Orders, August 14. j. To Commander of the Bear River Expedition, August 15, 14. Same to General Scott, November 2, 1859. b. From Lieutenant Gay, August 17. c. From Major Lynde, August 20. d. To same, August 26. e. From same, August 26. f. 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 Mormons 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 custody 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 recommendation 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,
"SIR: I have received your letter of the 6th instant, inclosing the published proceedings of a
public meeting held in Carrollton, Arkansas, the 1st ultimo, relative to the massacre of a party of emigrants
from Arkansas, by Mormons and Indians, in the month of July last.
Washington, March 11, 1858. This department has, at present, no information respecting the massacre 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 Arkansas. 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,
Hon. A. B. GREENWOOD,Secretary of War. House of Representatives. 3. General Johnston to General Scott.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
COLONEL: I have the honor to report that Captain R. P. Campbell marched for Santa Clara on the 21st
instant, in command of one company 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 arrears six or eight months.
Camp Floyd, Utah Territory, April 27, 1859. 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 perpetrated by Indians last fall. Should it be ascertained what Indians committed the murders, I will order a severe chastisement to be inflicted. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 5 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 appropriation bill, offered by Mr. Sebastian, for "defraying the expense of ransom, recovery, and restoration to their homes of the children surviving the massacre by the Indians of the emigrant train from Arkansas, in the fall of 1857, $10,000," Mr. Johnson, of Arkansas says: "I have understood that instructions were sent out from the War Department and The Interior Department for an investigation and an inquiry, but I must say that I have not been satisfied that proper, earnest investigation 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 superintendent, 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 considerable 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 do not doubt, result in discovering the perpetrators. With great respect, your obedient servant,
A. S. JOHNSTON,
Lieut. Colonel L. THOMAS, Colonel Second Cavalry and Bvt. Brig. General U. S. A., Commanding. Assistant Adjutant General, Headquarters of the Army, New York city. 6 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 3 a.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE,
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.
Washington, May 5, 1858. 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 opportunity 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,
The COMMANDING OFFICER,Adjutant General. Department of Utah. 3 b.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
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 massacred
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.
Camp Floyd, U. T., September 2, 1858. 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,
Dr. J. FORNEY, Supt. Indian Affairs,Assistant Adjutant General. Great Salt Lake City, U. T. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 7 3 c.
OFFICE OF SUPERINTENDENT
INDIAN AFFAIRS UTAH TERRITORY,
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 prospects of success.
Great Salt Lake City, September 10, 1858. I remain yours, respectfully,
J. FORNEY,
F. J. PORTER,Supt. Indian Affairs Utah Territory. Assistant Adjutant General. 3d.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
[Special Orders No. 26.]
Camp Floyd, Utah Territory, April 15, 1859. 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 governed 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 transportation. By order of Brevet Brigadier General A. S. Jofnston:
F. J. PORTER,
Assistant Adjutant General. 4. Captain Campbell to General Johnston.
CAMP NEAR BEAVER CITY, UTAH
TERRITORY,
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.
April 30, 1859. 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,
REUBEN 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 RESERVATION,
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 extraordinary developments.
May 1, 1859. 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 looking, 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 know, 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 instrumental 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, participated 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 will 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,
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.
Washington, May 6, 1859. Peace being now restored to the Territory, the judicial administration of the laws will require no help from the army under your command. If the service of the United States troops should be needed under any circumstances, it could only be to assist the executive authority 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 execution 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,
Brevet Brigadier General A. S. JOHNSTON,
Secretary of War. Comi'g Department of Utah, Camp Floyd, Utah Territory. 7. Dr. Forney to General Johnston.
SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, UTAH,
DEAR SIR: I informed you sometime ago that I had then sixteen children in my
possession, all (it was then supposed) that were remaining
Great Salt Lake City, June 15, 1859. 10 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. of the terrible massacre in Mountain Meadows valley, in September, 1857. 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 department, 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 induced 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 important 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 servant,
J. FORNEY,
General A. S. JOHNSTON,
Superintendent Indian Affairs Utah Territory. Com'g Department Utah, Camp Floyd, Utah Territory. 8. General Johnston to Dr. Forney.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
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
Camp Floyd, U. T., June 16, 1859. 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,
Dr. J. FORNEY,
Assistant Adjutant General. Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Great Salt Lake City, U. T. 9. General Johnston to Colonel Crosman.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH,
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.
Camp Floyd; U. T., June 20, 1859. 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,
Lieut. Col. GEORGE H. CROSMAN,Assistant Adjutant General. Deputy Quartermaster General, Camp Floyd, U. T. 10. Dr. Forney to General Johnston.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY,
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.
June 20, 1859. 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.
Major F. J. PORTER,
Superintendent Indian Affairs, U. T. 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 the 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 S. COOPER,
Colonel 2d Cavalry, and Bvt. Brig. Gen'l U. S. A., Com'g. 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, companies A and C to Fort Kearny. zzz -^v Companies A and C will march from Camp Floyd on the 26th instant; company F, at Fort Bridger, 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 retained from the massacre in the Mountain Meadow valley in this Territory, 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 General 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 JOHNSTON 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, and Bvt. 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 expedition 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 additional 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 subsistence 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. 12 b. FORT BRIDGER, July 6, 1859. MAJOR: I have the honor to inform you that, in pursuance of instructions 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 companies 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 Mormons (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 Mormons 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 notorious 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 protestations 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 Territory, 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, accompanied 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 emigrants, 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 positions 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 Shoshonees, 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 Governor Cumming, 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 obtaining 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 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 above. 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 circumstances 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, 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 statement 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. CUMMING, Governor of Utah Territory. General A. S. JOHNSTON. 13 b. 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. CUMMING, 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 apprehension 20 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 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 requisitions 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, S. JOHNSTON, Col. Second Cavalry, and Brevet Brig. Gen., U. S. A. His Excellency A. CUMMING, Governor of UTAH. 13 e. [Extract.] HEADQUARTERS 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. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant General. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 21 13 f. 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 occupied, 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 zzzKyan. 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 members 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 Humboldt 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 instruct 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 marauders, 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 settlements, 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 communicate 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 camp, 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 were here covered with undergrowth. I immediately 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 continued 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 probably 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 occasion, 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 interfering 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, transportation 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 transportation 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 j. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH, Camp Floyd, U. T., August 15, 1859. SIR: In addition to previous instructions, somewhat modified by Special Orders No. zzz71, 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, murdered. 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 referred to, of having any knowledge of the robberies or any share in the plunder. It is more than probable that these bands are composed of vicious tools in the hands of worse white men. Notwithstanding the number of persons engaged in depredating upon the emigrants is insignificant, yet, from the facilities afforded in an open, mountainous country of watching the movements of the troops employed for their protection, frequent opportunities are afforded for making attacks with out risking an encounter with any portion of the troops, and, after having perpetrated a robbery, by scattering in retreat, successfully elude both search and pursuit. The facility for committing these depredations lies in the circumstances mentioned, and in the straggling, unarmed, and helpless condition of the emigrants, (if provided with arms they are frequently too lazy and reckless to carry them,) which renders them an easy prey to a contemptible enemy. There are some who are always ready for an emergency; but these form the exception. It is, therefore, in my opinion, impracticable to protect travelers, with their flocks and herds scattered over so extensive a route, by moving columns, and it indicates the necessity of having fixed points on these routes, from which troops may act during the season of travel. I would, therefore, respectfully suggest a method by which protection can be assured to the thousands of emigrants, and their tens of thou sands of horses, cattle, and sheep, which annually make the great overland journey to the States of California and Oregon, and WASHINGTON Territory. I purpose to effect this object by establishing temporarily, that is, during the summer and fall months, a force of infantry and cavalry on the Port Neuf, (near the junction of the Soda springs and Lander's road,) and another detachment similarly composed, on Goose creek, near the Goose Creek mountains, with orders to scout the country bordering the emigrant roads south of Snake river, and to furnish at Beaver creek, on Lander's road, an escort every five days, commencing the 25th of June, for parties who may desire protection. This escort will be taken from the detachment on the Port Neuf, and relieved at Raft river by another from Goose creek, which will accompany the emigrants to the Humboldt, beyond which, if circumstances require, they can be conducted to a point of safety. To give protection to the emigration which may branch off at Raft river for Oregon, I design only to patrol as far as the Salmon Falls of Snake river the road to Oregon, as it will be impracticable to send frequent escorts, on account of the scarcity of grass arid water, and to relieve the settlers in the northern part of this Territory from the demands and importunities of the Indians, who rely upon them to supply their wants and to provide a market for their spoils taken from the emigrants. I shall place a force in the vicinity of the crossing of Bear river. I purpose also to employ a portion of the garrison at Fort Bridger on the emigrant road from Green river to Beaver creek. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 27 Should any party of emigrants not wish to encounter the delay con sequent upon such an arrangement, it is earnestly recommended that they should so organize themselves for protection say in parties of at least fifty armed men as to be secure against any attack. To carry out these views, the cooperation of the DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR will be required. It will be necessary for the department to appoint agents for the Shoshonee and Bannack tribes before the commencement of the emigrating season. (I understand they have no agents at present.) These agents should reside with, watch over, and advise their respective tribes, and be instructed to warn the Indians to keep away from the roads or their vicinity; and that, if met by the troops, they will be attacked, as it will be impossible to discriminate between the friendly and hostile Indians on the routes. There can only be the presumption of guilt, if they go there. It will not be possible to detect the offenders, if those tribes are allowed to resort to the roads during the season of emigration. This restriction is absolutely necessary, to avoid involving the government in a general war with the mountain tribes. The agents should be instructed also to forbid any traders from going on or establishing themselves on any part of the route west of the South Pass, as it is wholly through Indian country, and many of these men are supposed to be instigators, if not participants, in the robberies perpetrated on the route. To give effect to this, notice should be pub lished in the local newspapers. The DEPARTMENT OF UTAH ought to be extended to include the portion of WASHINGTON Territory south of the forty-fourth parallel of latitude, to bring those tribes under the control of the commander of the DEPARTMENT OF UTAH , and to prevent, under existing orders, embarrassing complications. I beg leave also to suggest, in furtherance of the execution of this plan, that the commander of the DEPARTMENT OF Oregon should be instructed to place, for the summer, a force at or near Fort Boise, to patrol, as far as practicable, towards Salmon falls, in cooperation with the force of this department, for the protection of that part of the emigration which will diverge towards Oregon from the main route near Fort Hall. I also inclose copies of letters from Mr. F. W. Lander, superintendent of the South Pass wagon road expedition, and Dr. J. FORNEY, superintendent of Indian affairs for this Territory, relating to the Indian disturbances of the past summer. With great respect, your obedient servant, A. S. JOHNSTON, Colonel Second Cavalry and But. Brig. Gen., U. S. Army. Lieut. Col. LORENZO THOMAS, Asst. Adj. Gen., HEADQUARTERS of the Army, New York City, N. Y. 28 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 14 a. CAMP ON WEST BRANCH OF RAFT RIVER, 15 miles from City Bock, August 16, 1859. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you the following important information regarding a transaction of which you have already probably received some intelligence. An Indian lad, named No-e-no-kook, in English, "The Boy that Runs Fast," about fourteen years of age, belonging to Pocatara's band of Western Snakes, came into my camp to-day, accompanied by two other Indians of the same tribe, and informed me of the massacre of a, small party of emigrants, about twenty miles east of the junction of the Fort Hall and Hedspeth roads, on the west branch of Raft river. The attacking party consisted of about thirty warriors, of the Salt Lake or Southern Snake Indians, under the direction of a chief named Jag-e-ah, or, in English, "The Man who Carries the Arrows." This chief was the leader in the massacre. Two other principal men were present one named Sow-wich, which, translated, means, nearer than anything else, "The Steam from a Cow's Belly;" and another, called Ah-gutch, or "The Salmon." There were other Indians present, whose names are Jah-win-poah, or "The Water Goes in the Path;" Jag-en-up, or "The Mist after the Rain;" and Wah-rne-tuh-mah, which hardly bears translation. Four white men were killed, one man and one woman wounded. After the massacre, the Indian party divided, a portion crossing the mountain towards the Humboldt, but the larger number and the two chiefs going back with the stolen property towards Salt Lake City. They are now said to be either at Hush valley, a favorite haunt of theirs, in the Mormon settlements, or nearer the city. The boy brought to camp a blanket taken from the emigrants during the massacre, and which was given him by one of the murderers. He is much frightened, having been present during my treaty last season with Pocatara's band. His idea was to come in and give up the blanket and all he knew of the matter. He assures me that none of Pocatara's band were engaged in the affair, which I have little reason to doubt, as they have several times passed small parties of unarmed men, having valuable mules and horses in their possession, through their country since the treaty of last year. I find it impossible to induce the boy to accompany the bearer, Thomas Lavitto, my interpreter, to the city. He is more afraid of the Indians than the white men. I do not like to use force, as it might prevent another disclosure of crime by destroying the trust of the Indians of this vicinity in the propriety of making such facts known. I send, therefore, the blanket and the uncle of the boy, who is in possession of the facts, and can point out the Indians designated. Mr. Lavitto is also perfectly conversant with all the facts in this case as related by the boy. The boy met some of the murderers near Rush valley on their re turn from the fight, and they then told him they had stolen thirty cattle and a number of mules. Three lodges of this same tribe, or MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 29 Pay-e-ah's band of Mormon Snakes, have been on the new road via Salt Kiver valley the present season on their way to Buffalo with the party of Ti-wan-doah or "Old Snag." They stole five horses from emigrants, two of which were recovered. "Snag" can point out the Indians who stole these horses, and should be made to do so on their return home. Jen-too and other leading Indians of the Snake and Pannah tribes desire these difficulties ended, and will give all the aid in their power to accomplish such a result. This can hardly take place, however, until some of the worst of the Indians are punished. The Pannahs are now quiet. I have met about forty lodges. The Kamass Prairie and Fort Boise Pannahs have refused to come into the payment, being afraid of the troops, but have sent back three horses stolen from the whites. I recommend to your notice Thomas Lavitto, who has accompanied me amongst the Indians when it was impossible for me to obtain another interpreter., and when my party had been deserted by every other mountaineer from apprehensions of Indian troubles. Lavitto rides express to bring the intelligence I transmit, and, from the nature of it, will encounter much risk, not only now, but hereafter. It is my opinion that these marauding bands are stimulated by inhabitants of Utah Territory to steal cattle, horses, and mules for their (the whites) benefit; all my observations of the last and present season favor this supposition, and I have no doubt that the stolen property of this last massacre will be found in such hands as to fully justify the observation. I have the honor to request that this letter may be laid before Governor Cumming, and General JOHNSTON, of the UTAH army, and that a copy of it be transmitted to the honorable Secretary of THE INTERIOR. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. W. LANDER, Superintendent, &c. Mr. FORNEY, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Salt Lake City, Utah Territory. 14 b. CAMP ON BEAR RIVER, Utah Territory, August zzzIT, 1859. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that I encamped at this place on the evening of the 15th. Soon after camping I ascertained that an Indian was at the ferry inquiring which road I intended to take. A soldier, sent to the ferry to procure a guide, brought the Indian into camp after dark. After considerable talk with him I felt certain that the Indians (who were engaged in the massacre of July) were encamped in Malad valley, and that he was the principal chief of the party. Instead of going to Cache valley as I had intended, I sent, on the morning of the 16th, a non-commissioned officer and eight men to the" hill overlooking the valley with directions to examine it well with a glass. 30 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. The party returned that evening and reported that nothing could be seen of Indians although they had examined as directed and gone several miles further into the valley. Some traders passed my camp about dark and stated that fifteen lodges of Indians were encamped about twenty miles from this place on a creek running into Malad river. I left camp with forty men the next morning, the 17th, at one o'clock, and proceeded to the position indicated, arriving at dawn of day. The Indians had moved from that position, and we continued on five miles further up the valley, when rounding a spur of the mountain we discovered the Indians about a mile and a half from us, to our right, well up the mountain slope, with their animals all packed and on the move through a gorge or canon. The position being inaccessible to horsemen, I thought to entice them down into better ground, and retired about a quarter of a mile. This movement brought down twenty-five warriors on their horses to within about six hundred yards of us, where they commenced firing and yelling. I continued on, leading my horses, to a level spot about one hundred yards further, and halted, with the expectation that they might be drawn further on, when I could overtake them before they could get into the mountains. To give them still greater confidence, I had the horses unbridled and grazed. This was unavailing how ever, and I sent forward twenty dismounted men as skirmishers, who drove them back into the hills. These men were then directed to withdraw, in order if possible to get them within range of our arms. It was impossible, however, they keeping six hundred or seven hundred yards from us. The firing on both sides was kept up about three quarters of an hour without any damage on either side, with the exception of an Indian and Indian horse wounded by chance shots. The Indians finally withdrew into the mountains, and having no provisions, I considered a chase to be useless. * I grazed my animals on an old wheat field, and returned to this camp, arriving at one o'clock, p. m., to-day, making a march of fifty miles in twelve hours. The Indians must* have known of my coming a long time before my arrival, which can only be attributed to their friends among the whites in this part of the Territory. The Indian who came into my camp proves to be "Pocatillo." I have him in irons. He is said by traders and others to be about the worst Indian in this country, and I am satisfied that he, with an Indian called zzz "Sam Pitch," were leading Indians in the massacre. As soon as my horses are rested (say to-morrow night) I shall take provisions with pack mules, and with the arrangements I have made hope to be successful in surprising these Indians. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, E. GAY, Second Lieut. Second Dragoons, COMMANDING. Major F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjt. Gen. DEPARTMENT OF UTAH. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 31 14 c. HEADQUARTERS BEAR RIVER EXPEDITION, Camp near the Ford of Bear River, August 20, 1859. SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived at this place yesterday, and assumed command of the Bear river expedition to-day. The horses and mules of the Humboldt expedition are in as good condition as when we left Camp Floyd, and we have had hut two mules died and four taken by deserters since we left Bear river. I shall send the surplus teams to Camp Floyd in a few days. As I consider the protection of the emigration of the first importance, I shall send a company of infantry and a company of dragoons to the northern roads leading near Fort Hall, to protect those roads until the emigration is mostly past. The emigration by that route is very great, and the last known of the hostile Indians they were going in that direction. I shall employ the remainder of the force under my command in scouting in this vicinity. I met Mr. Shepherd's train which was attacked by the Indians, and obtained his statement of this affair. They were attacked in Hedspeth's cut-off, in the day time, while in a canon, and were fired upon from the rocks and bushes on each side of the canon while halted to attend to a sick horse. Four men were immediately killed and one mortally wounded, who had died before I saw them. They were entirely unprepared for the attack, and such of the survivors as could get off fled to a train in the rear. One woman was shamefully abused -and beaten and her leg broken, and a small child was thrown into the air and suffered to fall upon the ground, by which its leg was broken. The woman and child were recovering when I saw them. The train was robbed of about thirty-five horses and mules, and all property they could carry off, two gold watches, one silver watch, and about one thousand dollars in money. The report in circulation that two Indians were killed by the emigrants is utterly false. The Indians upon the Humboldt river and on the roads that we have traveled appeared perfectly friendly. The mail from Great Salt Lake City to Box Elder and Brigham City is not to be trusted, as many letters sent to persons of this command by that mail have not been received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. LYNDE, Major Seventh Infantry. Major F. J. PORTER, Ass't Adjt. Gen., HEADQUARTERS Dept. of UTAH, Camp Floyd, U. T. 14 d. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH, Camp Floyd, U. T., August 26, 1859. * MAJOR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th instant, with the accompanying papers. 32 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. Inclosed you will find a communication from Mr. Lander, giving important information regarding some of the Indians connected with the late massacre of emigrants. The general directs that the most prompt and vigorous measures be taken to apprehend these individuals and punish any bands that are known to have been in any way connected with the late hostilities. As the emigration will probably cease in about two weeks, it will be apparent to you that the utmost expedition consistent with success is desirable. Should the Indians mentioned by Mr. Lander be apprehended they will be put in irons and held by you until further orders. Lieutenant Gay's report was received yesterday. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LAWRENCE WILLIAMS, Aid-de-Camp. Major ISAAC LYNDE, * COMMANDING Bear River Expedition. 14 e. HEADQUARTERS BEAR RIVER EXPEDITION, Camp on Bear River, U. T., August 26, 1859. SIR: I have the honor to report that Captain Neil, fifth infantry, with his command, joined me yesterday. We have heard nothing of the hostile Indians since we came here; they have gone to the mountains. I think it very desirable to communicate with those who were not engaged in the massacre, as I think they may be induced to deliver up the murderers; but it will be a difficult matter to do, as they are very much afraid of the military. Lieutenant Gay confined "Pocatillo," a chief of a small band, and he is still in confinement here, but I am satisfied he was not engaged in the murders. I think I shall release him on his promise to bring in some of the old men of the nation to have a talk. I think there is great danger in attacking them of meeting those who are not implicated in the murders. At present the feeling of hostility against the whites is confined to a very small portion of the tribes; but, if such a mistake should occur, it would bring the whole Snake nation, if not others, upon us. Captain Wallen came here last night, and applied for transportation for his supplies to his camp, as the oxen of his train have become so foot-sore that they can go no further. I shall supply him with wagons, which will be gone from this camp ten or twelve days; when they return I shall send them to Camp Floyd. I send some nineteen teams to Camp Floyd to-day. Captain McLaws, seventh infantry, with his company, and company G, second dragoons, left this camp for the northern California roads on the 22d instant, rationed for twenty days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LYNDE, Major Seventh Infantry, COMMANDING. Major F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant General, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH, Camp Floyd, U. T., August 27, 1859. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 33 The Indians attacked a train on "Hedspeth's cut-off" on the 20th instant, killing one man and wounding three others; one of the wounded men, with a leg and arm broken, is near here. The train was burned and some fifty cattle driven off. I. L. HEADQUARTERS BEAR RIVER EXPEDITION, Camp on Bear River, U. T., September 10, 1859. SIR: I have the honor to report that I have directed the remainder of the surplus teams to be sent to Camp Floyd, and they will leave this camp to-morrow. Lieutenant Livingston, second dragoons, on his return from Captain Wallen's camp, found on Raft river a party of emigrants, consisting of six men, two women, and three children, whose train had been attacked by Indians about twenty-five miles west of Fort Hall, on Lander's road. Lieutenant Livingston sent a small party back to the place where the train was attacked, and found five men "killed," and that one woman and two children were missing. These persons are now here, and are perfectly destitute. I send them down by the train, and recommend them to the kindness of the COMMANDING general and the officers at the post. Every effort has been made by this command to reach these Indians, but without success. Captain McLaws and two companies were within twenty-five miles of the place of this attack, and at the same time, yet in a scout of twenty days he did not see an Indian. I am convinced that there are no Indians in this vicinity, and I have determined that I will leave a guard here, and with the remainder of this command proceed to Fort Hall, and by sending out a number of parties in different directions at the same time, make another effort to reach these rascals. I am convinced it is of no use to follow them, unless a number of parties act in concert; they keep their spies on the mountains and can thus avoid the troops. I shall be prepared to be absent from this camp for thirty days if I find it necessary. The Indian that I had in confinement here escaped from the guard the night after I wrote last. I have not been able to communicate with the Indians at all. He told my interpreter that if I released him he would not come back. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LYNDE, Major Seventh Infantry. Major F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant General, U. S. A., Camp Floyd, U. T. 34 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 14 g. SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, UTAH, Great Salt Lake City, September 22, 1859. SIR: Your letter of the 24th instant, asking for certain information In relation to recent depredations by Indians on the northern California road, is received. The Indians who attacked the first emigrant party on Sublett's cut off, were evidently Bannack and Shoshonees, the former belonging to Oregon, and the latter to the three bands of Shoshonees, usually roaming from Willow creek and Box Elder county through the northern part of the Territory. I was informed that from fifteen to twenty of each composed said party. A portion, or probably all the Shoshonees, returned to Box Elder some days subsequent to the depredation with some of the property supposed to belong to said emigrant party, such as mules, cattle, watches, bed-quilts, &c. The settlers purchased none of the property from the Indians, although offered at very low prices. All the Indians in and about Box Elder left a day or two previous to my arrival there; they went north through Cache valley. I received the above information in Box Elder. A few days since two persons made deposition on oath, and left it with me, stating that they belonged to a train which was attacked by Indians on Sublett's cut-off, and that one man was killed and one badly wounded, and two others slightly; these men are now at Camp Floyd. I am not in possession of any facts of depredations on "Lander's road." I sent for ' ' Little Soldier," a friendly Indian, and really among if not the most reliable of all the Shoshonee chiefs, immediately after my return from Kuby valley. " Little Soldier" assures me that all the got)d Indians, comprising the band in the northern part of the Territory, have really left there. Some have gone to chief Washakee's camp, and some to other parts, in pursuance of my advice. He also assures me that the chiefs of those northern bands have discarded all the bad Indians who assisted in the depredations, and themselves also left the country. "Little Soldier" further says, that none but the bad Indians are now on those northern roads. I will get all the information about those northern Indians that it is in my power to do, and will communicate to you any facts that may aid in the apprehension of those bad Indians. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. FORNEY, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, U. T. Major F. J. PORTER, Asst. Adjt. General, DEPARTMENT OF UTAH, Camp Floyd, U. T. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 35 14 h. CAMP FLOYD, UTAH TERRITORY, October 24, 1859. SIR: Having performed the duties assigned to me by Special Orders No. 142, from the HEADQUARTERS of this post, dated May 30, 1859, and instructions from the HEADQUARTERS of this department, dated June 5, 1859; also Special Order No. 71, dated August 14, 1859, and instructions dated August 15, 1859, both from the HEADQUARTERS of this department, I have the honor to submit the following report: I left this camp on the 12th of June, 1859, with D company, seventh infantry, and B company, second dragoons, with rations for ninety days, for the purpose of protecting emigration on the northern route to California. Eight wagons, with ox teams, left the vicinity of this camp under my protection, which caused my progress to be slow at first. These emigrants avowed themselves to be seceders from the Mormon faith, and stated that they had reason to fear molestation from the Mormons, and for that reason they sought the protection of the troops. I reached Brigham City, the extreme northern settlement on Great Salt Lake, on the 18th of June. The distance from Camp Floyd to this point is one hundred and thirteen miles. That part of the valley of Great Salt Lake, north of Great Salt Lake City, is much better than south of that city, the crops looking much better, and vegetation being at least three weeks earlier than in Cedar valley. Being informed at Brigham City that Bear river was so high that it could not be forded, I proceeded to the ferry on Bear river, which is about ten miles below the usual fording place. On reaching that point I found the river very high and difficult to cross, on account of the miry nature of the banks. I crossed my train by the ferry-boat, but, in doing so, had four mules drowned by the breaking of the ferry boat. To this point I found very little grass for the horses and mules, as nearly all the land producing grass is fenced in by the inhabit ants. From this point to the City of Rocks, a distance of about one hundred miles, the road passes over a hilly country, with plenty of grass and good water, with but little fuel except sage. Here the great emigrant roads passing north of UTAH join the northern route from Great Salt Lake to California. We have met a few small parties traveling from California to the States east. At about twelve miles from this point reached the foot of Goose Creek mountains. The ascent to the summit of the mountain on the east side is very gradual, but the descent on the western side is abrupt, and the hills very steep. At the foot of these mountains on the west side is Goose creek, a beautiful stream of clear, good water, with a valley about half a mile wide, covered with a fine growth of grass. The road followed the creek for about eighteen miles, when it leaves that valley, and passing through Rock Spring valley and Thousand Spring valley, it crosses the headwaters of the Humboldt river, passing over an abrupt divide at the head of Thousand Spring valley. -- From Goose creek to the headwaters of the Humboldt river, a distance of 36 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. about eighty miles, the grass is scarce, yet, by driving stock from one to three miles from the road, a sufficient quantity can be obtained. Water tolerably good, and in sufficient quantities. On reaching the head of Humboldt river, I found the stream was so high that I could not travel by the usually traveled road, which passes down the north side of the stream and near its banks. I had to take the road on the south side, which runs along the base of a chain of mountains, which I found very rough and hilly; but the road was tolerably good as far as the south fork of the Humboldt river, a distance of about seventy miles. The valley of the Humboldt river to this point is from twelve to fifteen miles wide, and much of it covered with excellent grass; and the sides of the mountains, for considerable distance from their bases, are covered with a fine growth of bunch grass. The road crosses a great number of small streams of the purest water, which come from the snow-capped mountains and which run into the Humboldt river. At this point the mountains close in upon the river, and the road passes over a mountainous country, and does not again touch the valley of the Humboldt for a distance of about fifty miles, near Gravelly Ford. This distance is over some of the worst hills and worst road I ever saw. Reached Gravelly Ford on the 12th of July. At this point, the road by which the mail from Great Salt Lake City to California is carried, intersects the road that I have been traveling, and here I found a mail station. Here the musquitoes and flies became very trouble some to the men and animals, and the water very much impregnated with alkali. Left Gravelly Ford on the 14th of July, and at 22| miles distance encamped at the second mail station on the river. At this point the medical officer of the expedition reported that a private of the second dragoons was so sick that it would endanger his life to move him, and that it was very uncertain how long it would be necessary for him to rest. I therefore took fifty men (twenty-five from each company) and three officers, leaving the remainder of the command under Captain L. McLaws, seventh infantry. I proceeded down the river a distance of ninety-six miles. The greater part of this distance, the valley, which does not average more than three-fourths of a mile in width, was covered with water, and deep sloughs, running parallel to the river, render it impossible to reach the main stream, except at long intervals. The water in these sloughs was so much impregnated with alkali as to render it dangerous for the animals to drink it, and the musquitoes and flies worse than I ever saw them before. The persons at the mail station reported that no Indians were in the valley, and I had seen none since leaving Gravelly Ford, except a few individuals employed about the mail stations. Believing that it was useless for me to proceed further, I determined to return. The distance from Camp Floyd to this point is 584 miles. From this point to the sink of the Humboldt is about eighty miles, as near as I could judge from the best information I could obtain. I arrived at this point on the 19th of July, and commenced my return march the next day. The valley of the Humboldt, below Gravelly ford, is narrow, and all vegetation is confined to that immediate valley. The hills and mountains are perfectly barren. There is no timber in the MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 37 whole valley, or on the mountains in sight of the valley of the Humboldt. Near the point where I crossed the south fork there is some cedar that would do for fuel, and in two or three other places there is a little dwarf cedar. The hanks of the stream are fringed with willow nearly its whole length. I rejoined Captain McLaws nine miles east of Gravelly Ford, on the north side of the river, where he had moved for a better camp on the 26th of July, and on the 29th started from that point to return by the north side of the river, as the water had fallen sufficiently to enable me to travel on that side. Sixty-five miles above Gravelly Ford, at the north fork of Humboldt, I saw fifteen Shoshonee Indians, and talked with them. They professed to be friendly to the whites, and the emigrants on the road were not troubled by them. All the Indians in this part of the country are miserably poor, nearly naked, and subsisting on squirrels and rats that they dig from the ground, they beg from the emigrants the cattle that die of disease and eat them. We are now meeting great numbers of emigrants going west, and many of them are very destitute. I relieved many of them by issuing provisions to them. I reached the head of the Humboldt on the 3d of August, and found that the distance from Gravelly Ford to this point was much less by the north side than by the south side, and the road excellent all the -way, with the finest grass and plenty of willow for fuel, and the water very good. In the Thousand Spring valley I met Mr. Shepherd's train of emigrants, who had been attacked by Indians, or men painted and dressed as Indians, on Hedspeth's cut-off, and three men killed, and one man, one woman, and one child wounded; the wounded man afterwards died. Their wagons were burned, and their stock and other property carried off. These people state that they recognized at least three white men, painted and dressed as Indians, in the attacking party, and that those white men appeared to be the leading men of the party. During the season of emigration many persons located themselves along the different roads with a few goods for the avowed purpose of trading with the emigrants, but, in fact, I believe, for the purpose of inciting the Indians to plunder the trains, and assisting them in these outrages. They are then enabled to purchase for a trifle the Indian's share of the spoil. This practice, I think, should be stopped. On the 19th of August I reached the ford of Bear river, where I found orders to establish a depot at or near that point, from which to operate against the Indians for the protection of emigration. Here I found Second Lieutenant E, Gay, second dragoons, in command of G company, second dragoons. On the same day, First Lieutenant G. A. Gordon, with company E, second dragoons, joined, at the ford of Bear river. On the 20th of August I assumed command of the "Bear River expedition," and attached the "Humboldt expedition" to that expedition, and established the depot about one mile from the ford of Bear river. On the 21st I detached two companies, (D, seventh infantry, and G, second dragoons,) under the command of Captain L. McLaws, seventh infantry, in the direction of Fort Hall, Oregon Territory, to patrol the different emigrant roads in that direction. After Captain McLaws 38 MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. left, a trader came to my camp with the information that another train had been attacked by Indians, and one man filled and one man wounded. The wounded man was brought to my camp, with one leg and one arm broken by gun-shots. On the 25th August, Captain T. H. Neill, fifth infantry, with company C, fifth infantry, and company B, tenth infantry, joined my command at the depot near Bear river. From this time scouts were kept constantly moving through Cache valley, in the canons in the vicinity, and on the different emigrant roads, and the country thoroughly examined as far as Bear River lake east, Fort Hall north, and Raft creek west, yet no traces of Indians could be discovered. Another train was attacked on Lander's road, about eighteen miles west of Fort Hall, and four men, one woman, and three children killed, and this when two companies of troops were within twenty-five miles of them. These depredations were committed by a small band of Snake Indians, that are known as the Box Elder Indians, who frequent the northern Mormon settlements and usually winter there. The country which they inhabit is so broken up by mountains with narrow valleys between them, with passes leading among them which no white man in the country knows anything of, that the Indians are enabled to evade the troops and to pounce upon any train on the road which is imprudent enough to travel without being prepared to defend themselves. Every train that has been attacked acknowledge that they were perfectly unprepared for defense. The Indians watch the trains from the hills, and if they see a train well armed and watchful, they do not molest them. I have seen many trains on the road during- the summer, who had plenty of arms; but they carried them in their wagons, and in many cases without being loaded. They would laugh at me when I told them of the necessity of always having their arms ready for instant use. The emigration has been extremely numerous during the past summer. I have met as many as 300 wagons per day, which would average four persons to a wagon, and with at least 7,000 head of stock. I could form no accurate estimate of the whole number. The only effectual means of protection for the emigration that I can suggest is, to establish two camps during the season of emigration and furnish escorts of one company or more, say twice a month. By establishing a camp of four companies at Goose creek, and one of four companies near Fort Hall, both of which points have the facilities of good fuel, water, and grass for such camps, an escort could be sent from the camp near Fort Hall, of one company, to leave the vicinity of the South Pass on the 1st and 15th of each month, to be met by a similar escort from the camp on Goose creek, near Raft creek, and to escort the trains to the Humboldt river. The Indians will not attack a train so escorted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. LYNDE, Major Seventh Infantry. Major F. J. PORTER, Assistant Adjutant General, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF UTAH, Camp Floyd, U. T. MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS. 39 B.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Office of Indian Affairs, April 24, 1860.
SIR: In response to the resolution of the Senate of the 19th ultimo, calling upon
The President to " furnish all the correspondence and facts, with such information as maybe in the possession
of any branch or Department of the government, tending to exhibit the circumstances and particulars of the
"Mountain Meadow" massacre in August, 1857, or any subsequent massacre in Utah Territory, &c., which was
referred by you to this office, I have the honor herewith to send up copies of all papers touching said
matters on file here, and copies of all letters emanating from this office upon the subjects, which contain
all the information in possession of this branch of the government. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. B. GREENWOOD,
Hon. J. THOMPSON,
Commissioner. Secretary of the Interior. List of papers from the office of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, relating to the "Mountain Meadow" massacre in 1857. 1. Letter from Acting Commissioner C. E. Mix, bearing date of 20th February, 1858, to Hon. W. K. Sebastian. 2. Letter from W. C. Mitchell to Hon. W. K. Sebastian, dated December 31, 1857. 3. Letter from Acting Commissioner Charles E. Mix, dated March 4, 1858, to J. Forney, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Utah Territory. 4. Letter from Acting Commissioner C. E. Mix, dated March 4, 1858, to Thomas J. Henley, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, California. 5. Letter from J. Forney, superintendent, &c., to C. E. Mix, Esq., dated June 22, 1858, Great Salt Lake City. 6. Letter from Acting Commissioner C. E. Mix, dated June 8, 1858, to Hon. W. K. Sebastian, United States Senate. 7. Letter from Acting Commissioner C. E. Mix, dated August 3, 1858, to Hon. W. K. Sebastian, Arkans |