secret organization whose duty it was to murder all who opposed them; that
the court records had been burned; that the government officials were in
danger of their lives, etc. Like reports were made by other persons, and
the result was that a strong feeling was created in the East against the
people of Utah.

On the 24th of July, 1857, the people of Salt Lake City were having a grand
celebration in Big Cottonwood canyon. They were having a happy time. The
band played, the choirs sang, the cannon roared, while the Stars and
Stripes waved from trees and mountain peaks. Suddenly four dusty travelers
rode into the camp. They brought news from the East, and startling news it
was: the president of the United States had sent an army to Utah to
establish law and order among the "Mormons!"

In the evening the Saints were called together, and the news was told them.
President Young spoke with power. "We have transgressed no law, neither do
we intend to," said he; "but as for any nation coming to destroy this
people, God Almighty being my helper, it shall not be."

Two thousand five hundred soldiers were on the march to Utah. General
Harney was appointed commander, but he was succeeded by Colonel Albert
Sidney Johnston. With the army came the new set of officers which the
president had appointed for the territory.

In the commander's orders it was stated that the people of Utah were in
rebellion against the United States, and that it was the duty of the army
to restore the authority of the government and aid and protect the new
officers in the discharge of their duties. On the 8th of September Captain
Van Vliet arrived in Salt Lake City from the army. He told President Young
that their intentions were not to harm the people in any way. President