NEVADA TERRITORY. -- On the 4th instant, Mr. Kirkpatrick of Sierra, introduced the following concurrent resolutions in the State Senate... [draft resolutions for the creation of a new Nevada Territory follow]

We have it on good authority that Judge Cradlebaugh, with the approbation of a number of prominent men of the Territory visits Washington to defeat any act of the kind -- He is opposed to a new Territory -- believes the most effectual way to put an end to Mormonism in Utah is to preserve the Territory intact. He believes by the time the next census is taken there will be forty thousand Gentile voters in Utah -- sufficient to out-vote the Mormons -- and that with proper representation in the Legislature they will be able to repeal all obnoxious laws and enact only such as are wholesome and demanded by the people. The country is rapodly filling up with men who detest Mormonism, who would willingly serve in the Legislature. By removing the Capital from the immediate neighborhood of the Mormons, and sending a delegation to the Legislature opposed to them, both of which in Judge C's oponion, can easily be done, he predicts [that] will end the difficulties in Utah. It is well known that the greatest dissatisfaction exists among a large number of the members of the Church, and that force and fear keep them in subjection and retrain them from any open opposition. Numbers have expressed a desire to leave, and would have left months ago, had they not feared being arrested and punished "for desertion," as it is termed by the Elders. Judge Cradlebaugh's plan, we understand, to destroy the influence of the leaders and to eradicate Mormonism, is to give the Gentiles power and the disaffected Mormons encouragement and protection. This cannot be done by a separate organization; it can, by not organizing a new Territory.


Note: Most histories of the early days of Nevada leave out this important piece of information -- that the territory's first delegate to Congress, Judge John Cradlebaugh, was initially opposed to the creation of that same territory. See the Jan. 26, 1860 issue of the Pittsfield Berkshire County Eagle for further details, including Cradlebaugh's belief that the Mormons could be forced to leave the country.

Letter from St. Louis.
________

(FROM  OUR  OWN  CORRESPONDENT)
________

ST. LOUIS, January 26, 1860.    

A Coming Expose of Mormonism.

...Judge Cradlebaugh, of the United States Court in Utah, is now in Washington, doing all he can against Mormondom. He has lately challenged Hooper, the Mormon Delegate to Congress, to a public discussion of the various Mormon questions that are now in issue before the country at large. He proposes to prove the following:

1st. That the Mormon people are subject to a theocratic government, and recognize no law as binding which does not coincide with their pretended revelations as promulgated by their "Prophet, Seer and Revelator," Brigham Young.

2d. That they have taught, and still teach, treason against the government of the United States.

3d. That they practice polygamy in a manner shocking to the moral sense of the world, and aggravate the offence by incest and murder.

4th. That they teach the doctrine of "the shedding of human blood for the remission if sin," as defined by their own ecclesiastical code, and these teachings are carried into practice.

5th. That they teach the doctrine that it is right and godly that Mormons should rob Gentiles whenever they can do so with facility and escape public exposure. The Mountain Meadow massacre is a melancholy proof of this fact.

6. That they teach the doctrine, and practice it, of mutilating men, and have declared from their pulpit, with public acquiescence, that the day was near when their valleys would resound with the voice of eunuchs.

Mr. Hooper has not condescended to reply to the challenge, so far, and it is presumed that he will not. The judge is too well informed an antagonist to be met with impunity, and the wily delegate will take especial care to avoid a conflict with him. The judge will make an expose of Mormonism through the newspapers....


Note 1: The Valley Tan of published Judge Cradlebaugh's letter in full, and added this comment: "from a private letter received by a gentleman in this city from Washington, we are informed that Mr. H. will not, and dare not accept the challenge of Judge Cradlebaugh, and that his declining to do so will be regarded in Washington and elsewhere as evidence that he cannot disprove the charges made in the letter of the Judge. It has been rumored, but on what authority we know not, that Mr. Hooper denies in Washington that he is a Mormon or connected with the Mormon church. Whether he does or not we do not know; one thing is certain, whether he represents the religious tenets of the Mormons or not, as their political representative and delegate, it would certainly appear to be his duty to vindicate his constituents from such charges as the Judge has made against them, if he felt able to do so."

Note 2: Cradlebaugh's anti-Mormon efforts in Washington, D. C. appear to have accomplished little more than to cause President Buchanan to dismiss him from office -- a development which no doubt pleased the Mormon leaders in Utah (though Cradlebaugh seized upon a technicality in the law to stay in office through the end of his term). Cradlebaugh's "expose of Mormonism through the newspaperses," came in the form of a lecture delivered in his hometown of Circleville, Ohio, in March of 1860. The text was not widely published, but an excerpt can be found in the Daily Cleveland Herald of Mar. 24, 1860, while a lengthier versions were reprinted in the Circleville Religious Telescope and in John W. Barber's 1861 book, Our Whole Country. There is considerable textual overlap with parts of Cradlebaugh's 1863 address before the House of Representatives, entitled, "Utah and the Mormons."

LETTER  FROM  A  CALIFORNIAN  AT  WASHINGTON.
______

Washington, Jan. 23d, 1860.    

Editors Alta: ...

Utah Affairs -- Judges Cradlebaugh and Sinclair.

Judges Cradlebaugh and Sinclair are here, and will, as soon as Congress organizes, expose the whole Utah management. Some one will have a load of responsibility difficult to carry. Judge C., having considerable leisure time has challenged the Utah delegate to a public discussion, in which he pledges to prove --

1. That the Mormon people are subject to a theocratic government, and recognizes no law as binding which does not coincide with their pretended revelations as promulgated by their "Prophet, Seer and Revelator," Brigham Young.

2. They have taught, and still teach, treason against the government of the United States.

3. That they practice polygamy in a manner shocking to the moral sense of the world, and aggravate the offence by incest and murder.

4. That they teach the doctrine of "the shedding of human blood for the remission if sin," as defined by their own ecclesiastical code, and these teachings are carried into practice. The murders of Jones and his mother at Pond-town, of the Parrishes and others at Springville; of the Aiken party at Chicken Creek, the mud fort at Salt Creek, and at the bone yard, and of Forbes at Springville, are the natural results of these vile doctrines.

5. That they teach the doctrine that it is right and godly that Mormons should rob Gentiles whenever they can do so with facility and escape public exposure. The Mountain Meadows Massacre is a melancholy proof of this fact.

6. That they teach the doctrine and practice it, of castrating men, and have declared from their pulpit, with public acquiescence, that the day was near when their valleys would resound with the voice of Eunuchs.

I am prepared here and now with proofs to sustain these charges, unpremeditatedly taken from numberless enormities; and occupying the position which you do here -- a member of the Mormon church, having received your endowments and taken upon yourself the oaths and obligations of the Church -- I have to say to you that I will at any reasonable time and place of your own selection meet you face to face before the people and Federal authorities here, ready, but sorrowfully, to substantiate every specification herein contained.

This has caused considerable talk, as well as astonishment, from the fact that there appears to be an immense degree of ingnorance in reference to Mormon affairs....


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Great Mistake of Buchanan's Administration.
________

When President Buchanan, after going to the immense expense of sending an army to Utah, issued his pardon-proclamation, just as that army was in position to conquer submission from the traitors, we said it was a mistake. We thought it clear that sooner or later the Mormons would have to be dealt with by force; and therefore could not understand the policy of postponing the conflict, after our Government had placed itself in a hostile attitude toward the Saints, and got a military expedition on the ground, strong enough to make a favorable result almost certain. To bring that expedition over a thousand miles of desert country, in sight of the Mormons -- all armed, provisioned and equipped for a long campaign, and then, just as the serious work should have commenced, to offer the Mormons peace on terms so easy that they would have been mad not to have accepted them, seemed to us one of those blunders that could only be explained by referring to the inexplicable workings of the circumlocation office at Washington, which appeared anxious to give the country one more startling example of "how not to do it." Instead of whipping the Mormons, as the troops should have been allowed to do, and hanging Brigham Young, and a dozen other of the "Apostles," the army was quietly quartered in their territory, and the Federal Government undertook to pay the Saints handsomely for supporting the soldiers. This their presence was turned into a godsend to the Mormons; each soldier was only a good customer -- and doubtless that arch-politician Young has gained an immense amount of additional popularity among his brethren, for his wisdom in provoking the "war," and his adriotness in evading the fighting, and turning the event into a gold mine, for the enrichment of his people. That all the "glory" of the campaign was carried off by the Mormon leader, there can be no question; and that he gathered into his impoverished coffers the best portion of the millions wasted by our Government upon it, is also clear. If it were possible, we have no doubt that Brigham would pay, to-day, as much as a million, cash for just such another expedition against the Mormons as President Buchanan sent out two years ago.

Events that have been constantly occuring ever since the commission of that regal blunder by our President, have shown that in settling the Mormon quarrel we did nothing more than postpone the day of trial, which is sure to come. The Mormons have constantly harbored the bitterest hatred against our Government and people. They have never lost an opportunity to injure and outrage "Gentiles," when they could do so with safety. They have systematically instigated the savages to deeds of bloodshed, and furnished them with arms and ammunition. And, in short, while professing peace, they have waged a perpetual war upon us. Latterly their deeds have become more ipen and bold. And the massacre in Washoe Valley may be but the signal for the beginning of another Mormon and Indian war, as expensive, but far more important than the last. Such a war will not be allowed to terminate in the same absurdly useless manner. No Administration would dare to follow the policy of Mr. Buchanan, since experience has so fully shown its weakness. But the next Mormon war will be a fight of extermination. If the United States ever pays for another invading army to Salt Lake Valley, Brigham and his prophets must be prepared for bloody work. The Mormons are in "the road" of the great march of settlement and Christian civilization, and they must be "wiped out." The sooner the work is begun the better.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Utah.

The Washington correspondent of the New York Tribune says that a majority of the House is in favor of the anti-polygamy bill.

Judge Robb, of Utah, will resign; also Judges [Sinclair] and Cradlebaugh -- or be removed....

John Hartnell, late Secretary of Utah Territory, died at St. Louis on the 15th March.


Notes: (forthcoming)

OUR  SALT  LAKE  CORRESPONDENCE.
______

Salt Lake City, U. T., May 16, 1860.     

...

Trial of Dr. Forney.

A Comission is in session, at this city, composed of Surveyor-General Stambaugh and Major Montgomery, U. S. A., investigating certain charges as preferred by Judge Cradlebaugh, to the Commisioner of Indian Affairs, at Washington city, against Superintendant Jacob Forney. Amongst the charges are that Superintendent Forney purchased goods from different mercantile firms at this city, receiving from them 10 per cent. on the gross amount of purchase money; that the purchased cattle with Government funds, and speculated for his for his private benefit; and that he caused false vouchers to be made, thereby defrauding Government. The Commission has been in session near two weeks, but nothing has yet been found against Dr. Forney. The books of several business firms have been examined, and the papers of the Superintendent compared and overhauled. It appears to be more of an Inquisition than a Commission, and if the same proceedings are going to continue as they are at present, it will take six months to complete it. The charges, as preferred by Judge Cradlebaugh, are not verified under oath, nor signed officially. Up to the present time nothing at all that will implicate Dr. Forney has transpired, although there has been some contradictory swearing. Colonel Stambaugh seems to be the principal examining officer.


Notes: (forthcoming)

The Utah Judgeship.
______

The present administration appointed an Associate Justice of the Territory of Utah. The commission continues for the period of four years, and yet he has already been removed by President Buchanan. This usurpation of authority, on the part of the president, is regarded as wholly illegal and unwarranted by the Judge, who refuses to yield to his named successor, Mr. Flenniken. The law says that the incumbents shall hold fir four years, and that all the Judges appointed for Territories shall be commissioned for that period. Per contra, the contestant alleges that the right to appoint carries with it the right to remove, and that unless this were the case in the Territories, the President would be powerless to protect the people against abuses. And the new appointees and friends insist that Cradlebaugh has been guilty of heinous offences. It will be a long time, probably, before this disputed question is settled. Flenniken will duly present his commission to the holding Judge. He will disregard the demand to abdicate. The former will apply for a writ of quo warranto before another Judge, and if this is decided adversely to Cradlebaugh, he will appeal to the Supreme Court.

The charges brought against the present Judge have not, and probably can not, be sustained. So far as our information extends, he has performed the duties appertaining to his judicial position faithfully, and to the entire satisfaction of the great mass of the respectable portion of the citizens of the Second Judicial District. The attempt of selfish and unscrupulous partisans to hurl him from his office, seems to have had weight with the "old public functionary," who has ordered him to vacate for another. But it is quite another thing to "remove" an incumbant de facto, with the law on his side.


Notes: (forthcoming)

CRADLEBAUGH vs. BUCHANAN. -- The Territorial Enterprise of the 2d inst. says:

On Monday last Judge Cradlebaugh opened the U. S. District Court in Carson. There being no business to transact, he adjourned for three weeks. Before he adjourned, however, he remarked to the bar and audience, that there was another person here claiming to be District Judge for this District. He denied his authority, although Judge Flenniken had been appointed, confirmed and assigned to this District. He said the President had no right to remove a Judge; that he intended to resign on the 4th of March next, and until that time he would hold court. That it was due to his friends who had accommodated him with money do to do. That for the reason of the Government failing to honor his drafts for nine months since, his friend Wm. M. Lent, seeing his great necessity, had advanced him money upon his salary up to the 4th of March, and he intended to serve that time out. He said further, that any attorney who wished to withsraw his suit from his court in which answer had not been filed, he would permit him so to do; in other cases, papers could bot be transferred from his court elsewhere, unless by consent of counsel on both sides.


Notes: (forthcoming)

(BY  PONY  EXPRESS.)

Letter from Washington.
________

(EDITORIAL  CORRESPONDENCE.)

________

The Pony Express that arrived here on Tuesday night last brough us two letters from Washington, of the date of the 22d and 19th of January... we here extract from it such passages as have a special California interest...

On the motion of Mr. Latham, the Senate has called for a very interesting report made by Major James Carleton, U. S. A., in which he presents abundant evidence that the Mountain Meadows massacre of overland emigrants to California was the work of the Mormons.

A bill has passed both Houses paying Indian Agent Dodge, Fairbanks, and the Pacific Mail Steamship Company, the expenses of restoring to their friends in the States the surviving children of those who were murdered in the aforesaid Mountain Meadows affair.


Notes: (forthcoming)

PROFANING THE GRAVE. -- An expedition was sent from Fort Tejon, in April 1859. to bring [together] the remains of the large train that was lost in the Mountain Meadows massacre. This was done and a monument erected on the spot. By late arrival from Potosi, it appears that of that mausoleum not one stone now stands upon another, and that thebones interred at its base again lie bleaching on the desert! The Star remarks that ladt May Brigham Young visited Mountain Meadows, the outer boundary of his dominions; two days after he left the mausoleum was destroyed. For the slaying of the "Apostle" Parley Pratt, in Arkansas, his particular friend in Mormonism, he Prophesied at Salt Lake that vengeance should be executed upon Arkansas, and that "the bones of her children should bleach on the plains without burial, so help me God!" Has Brigham's visit any connection with the erasure of that pile?


Note 1: See the comments attached to the article reproduced from the Utah Daily Union Veidette of Dec. 24, 1864.

Note 2: While Brigham Young is not known to have delivered such a prophecy in direct connection with avenging the death of Parley P. Pratt, his words of Dec. 13, 1852 may be of interest here: "a [Mormon] battalion of over five hundred men... discovered the gold mines of California... Thus was opened up a flood of treasure... [whose seekers] have left their bones to bleach upon the interminable plains." -- See also the text of the discourse delivered by Brigham Young on Mar. 3, 1861: "I will tell you another prophecy of Joseph's, of which both Jews and Gentiles are my witnesses. Joseph said that the bones of hundreds of the Missouri and Illinois mobocrats, who drove the Saints from those States, should bleach on the plains, and their flesh should be meat for wolves. Are you witnesses to that, in coming over the Plains? Yes, hundreds and hundreds of those characters that started to go to the gold mines, their flesh was meat for the wolves, and their bones are there bleaching to-day, so far as they have not been buried, or entirely rotted away. That is another prophecy of Joseph's."

FUFFIANISM IN SAN BERNARDINO. -- A private letter to the Star says that a wonton and unprovoked attack was made upon a most respectable citizen lately, in the city of San Bernardino, at a locality known as Whisky Point. It seems, adds that journal, that a Mormon spy or worse named Batron, with a gang of Salt Lake outlaws, attacked the gentleman alluded to in the most ferocious manner, which but for his presence of mind would have resulted in a bloody tragedy. Major Carleton, the commander of this district was up in San Bernardino lately and we are very sorry he did not take charge of these fellows. We have no doubt they are the gang who razed the monument built by Major Carleton at the scene of the Mountain Meadow massacre, as we are satisfied they took part in that fearful tragedy. We wish our military commander would send a party to San Bernardino and arrest this gang of desperadoes.


Notes: (forthcoming)

NEWS  OF  THE  2d DECEMBER.
_____

Quincy, November 2 -- P.M.     

Congress met to-day at noon.

House. -- In the House, 114 members answered roll call... Bernhisel of Utah and Cradlebaugh of Nevada, were sworn in...


Note: Considering the fact that Judge Cradlebaugh had been opposed to the establishment of Nevada as a territory, he no doubt entered upon his new duties with mixed emotions. At least he did not have the displeasure of serving in the House alongside William H. Hooper, whom he had challenged to a debate on Mormonism two years earlier. Elder John M. Bernhisel replaced Hooper in the Utah seat, after Bernhisel's two year absence from the nation's capital. The "war of the rebellion" had been in progress for seven months when John Cradlebaugh was sworn in as the territorial delegate from Nevada. Within a few months the Judge temporarily left Congress, to raise a regiment of Union infantry in Ohio. President Lincoln gave him the commission of Colonel, but Cradlebaugh served out the remainder of his delegate's term before he joined his troops on the southern battlefields.

From Pahranagat to the Colorado.
______

(FROM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT.)
______

Callville, June 25, 1866.    

...

Muddy River Valley -- Mormon Settlements.

The Valley of the Muddy is more extensive, and the character pf the soil better than that of the Pahranagat. Above the point where the stream crosses the California road, this valley is occupied by a large tribe of Indians who cultivate the soil to some little extent, and who are better armed, clothed and more intelligent than any Indians I have yet seen. These Indians are the especial dread of emigrants and travelers between Salt Lake and San Bernardino; but at the present time they are, for reasons presently to be mentioned, especially anxious to secure the friendship of the Americans.

In the valley, south of the road, are the three Mormon settlements known as St. Thomas, Simondsville and St. Joseph. These villages are located from thirty to forty miles a little [west] of north from Callsville, near the [intersection] of Muddy with the Virgin river, and contain a population of about three hundred souls. The houses are built of adobes after the Mexican style. A good flouring-mill has just been completed, and fine crops of wheat were being harvested as we passed through. The land is cultivated entirely by irrigation; extensive ditches have been constructed to convey the water over the land, and no matter what may be thought of the peculiar religious tenets of the people, these signs of enterprise extol a tribute to their industry under adverse circumstances...

Indian Troubles -- Great Excitement among the Saints.

For several months past troubles have been brewing all over Mormondom between the Saints and Indians. In the North, I hear of an expedition of Brigham's reserve in search of some band of Indians, and great excitement exists among Mormons and Indians in this section. Just before arriving at the first Mormon settlement on the Muddy, we encountered a large body of well-armed Indians, and as they had previously stolen our stock on every opportunity, we were apprehensive of difficulty, but they seemed particularly anxious to secure our good will rather than enmity, and were very bitter in their expressions of hostility to the Mormons. Upon our arrival at St. Joseph, we found the people assembled to consult as to the policy to be pursued in apprehension of an attempt by the Indians to kill and drive off the Saints and appropriate their crops and goods. One of the twelve apostles, Erastus Snow, from St. George, was present and presided over their deliberations and ot was finally decided to move all the settlements into one and inclose it with an adobe wall. All through the valley we met Indians and their number is constantly increasing. They acted as if they thought that the surest passport to our favor was to manifest their hatred of the Mormons in every possible manner. They did not hesitate to charge, by name, prominent Mormons with being the instigators and principal actors in many of the enormities perpetrated upon emigrants crossing the plains.

Mountain Meadow Massacre.

They are thoroughlyposted in relation to the raids of Gen. Conner's command against the Indians farther North; the excitement existing in relation to the Mountain Meadow massacre; the endeavor made by the Governor to ferret out and punish the actors in this, the bloodoest drama ever perpetrated on American soil; the part that they are charged by the Mormons with being the sole perpetrators of that tragedy, and they fear that they will soon be held to a rigid accountability. It was to this valley of the Muddy, that a large portion of the stock taken from the massacred train was brought, and here was killed the only adult, a man by the name of Williams, who escaped from Mountain Meadows. These Indians do not hesitate to acknowledge their connection with the massacre, but charge the Mormons with being the instigators and chief actors in the tragedy. The tales they tell are horrible beyond description, and while it would be unjust, considering their present relations with the Mormons, to take all their statements for truth, it is impossible to resist the conviction that revenge for the killing of Parley Pratt, in Arkansas, was the inciting cause of the Mountain Meadows massacre, and that a band of Danites were the directors of the perpetration. I was astonished at the details by these Indians of circumstances and names; in the latter particular their statements were very explicit, extending even to giving us the name of the lady under whose charge the surviving children were taken East. The Mormons have long been noted for their shrewd management of Indians, but events now transpiring indicate that their influence with the savages is lessening. The result may be the arrest and punishment of the white miscreants who planned the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children at Mountain Meadows....


Note 1: There appears to have been a falling out, between the Utah Mormons and the Indian natives of the Muddy River country during the mid-1860s, relative to the old 1857 emigrant massacre, the Mormon settlement west of Call's Landing, etc. Although the Indians of the Muddy River region were not the primary participants in the late 1860s "Black Hawk War," they were generally sympathizers with the northern Utes and other Indian tribes who were then more actively involved. See the Portland Oregonian of Feb 7, 1867 for more details.

Note 2: Part of this report was reprinted in the Utah Daily Union Vedette, of July 27, 1866.

The Mountain Meadows Massacre.
______

In the letter of an occasional correspondent from Callville in yesterday's Bulletin it was intimated that the Mormons were exciting the United States authorities to punish the Indians for the massacre known by the above name. The Mormons having their own troubles with the Indians are now accusing those collected in the neighborhood of Muddy river of being the murderers, and in possession of the cattle and other plunder obtained by the crime. It will be remembered that in 1857 a large train of emigrants from Arkansas were attacked at Mountain Meadows by a band of Indians or white men, and every adult, numbering 144 persons of both sexes, slain, and a large quantity of stock, wagons, carriages, jewelry, clothing and other property carried off. After the massacre, 18 children, from eight years of age down to eight months, were picked up amongst the bushes into which they had crawled for shelter. James Lynch, formerly Superintendent of the United States post as Camp Floyd, has informed us that he was instructed by the United States authorities to inquire into this matter while stationed at the above post, and he had communications with John De. [sic - D.?] Lee, Hamlin, Bishop Smith and other Mormons, and they all acknowledged that the attack was made by Mormons, assisted by five Piute Indians, John De. Lee boasting that he was the leader of the attacking party. They admitted also the finding of the children and that there had been a consultation about them, one Mormon brute advocating their death on the ground that "they should destroy the nits while killing the lice." More humanr counsels, however, prevailed, and Hamlin took charge of 16 and John De Lee of 2. These children were found by the United States authorities, in Santa Clara, in 1859, in miserable condition, and were given up to our informant. The eldest, a sharp, intelligent child of 10 years old, named Mary Dunlap, remembered distinctly the occurrences of two years before, and pointed out to Mr. Lynch the men who had taken part in the massacre. Mary Dunlap also testified to articles of dress, and jewelry worn by John De Lee's wife and other persons as being part of the plunder which she recognized; also carriages and wagons which formed part of the train then in possession of the Mormons with whom she had been loving. Over 30 witnesses testified to facrs proving the guilt of the Mormons in this matter before Judges Cradlebaugh and Eckell[s], Territorial Judges in Utah.

The children were subsequently removed to the States, and Mary Dunlap, the eldest survivor of the catastrophe, is living in Kansas City, Missouri, and can, we are informed, substantiate the charges against the men who are now seeking to throw the blame on the Indians. Mr. Lynch left by this day's steamer for Guayquil, Republic of Ecuador; but if through the instrumentality of the Judges named above or any other parties, an attempt should be made to bring the real assassins to punishment, he will be found ready to proceed to any part of the United States to depose to the above and other facts which came to his knowledge while employed in the Government service at the time the first enquiry was made.


Note 1: James Lynch's initial arrival in San Francisco was related in the Bulletin of Aug. 24, 1859. For more on James Lynch and the child survivors of the 1857 massacre, the the report given in the Memphis Commercial Appeal, during the first part of June, 1905.

Note 2: The following item appeared in the New York Times of Oct. 10, 1893: "A reunion of the survivors of the Mountain Meadow massacre is to take place here [at Harrison, Ark.] this week. James Lynch of Washington, represents the survivors in a suit against the United States, and he reached Harrison a day or two ago. The massacre occurred in September, 1857, and only fifteen children escaped death, ten of whom are now living, five of them in Boone county. -- Capt. Lynch says the Mormon Church has been sued for $256,000, and that the case is likely soon to be settled in favor of the plaintiffs. The wagon train had $70,000 in money, and $26,000 in cattle, besides household effects. -- Capt. Lynch was in the United States Army and assisted at the rescue. He has since devoted almost his entire attention to the survivors."

BRIGHAM YOUNG MAKES A SPEECH. -- December 23d. Brigham Young made a speech at the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, which is thus reported by the Vedette.

He stated that he had invited the strictest scrutiny, and had advised vigilance to be used in the discovery of the perpetrators of the murder of Dr. Robinson. He excused himself for not having adverted to the subject before. He alluded to the Mountain Meadow massacre, denouncing it in unmeasured terms, saying he did not believe there was a being in human shape, except savages, who could have committed so base a crime. He alluded extensively to the subject of the patronage of Gentile merchants by Mormons, and counselled them to pass by the stores of those who, he said, were here for no other purpose but to destroy the Saints. He argued that there was in this community a class of men who were striving to deprive the Mormons of their houses, lands and money, and that all who patronized that class would be cut off from the Church. He launched forth many an invective against a certain sheet (which we forbear to publish), said sheet not being named but left to the conjecture of his audience. He frequently alluded to the subject of his published "Reply," and reiterated over and over again his determination to adhere to the policy expressed in his "Reply," and advowed his intention to carry it out to the very last day of his existence. He argued that the Mormons were doing no more than had been done by the professors of other religious denominations, in withholding aid and support from their enemies.


Note: Given the report circulated by the Bulletin in its issue of July 19th, saying that "the Mormons were exciting the United States authorities to punish the Indians for the massacre" conducted in 1857 at the Mountain Meadows, the modern reader can only wonder if President Young was limiting the "savages, who could have committed so base a crime" to the southern Indians. No matter to whom he was referring, the actual Mormon participants in the old secret murders must have felt uneasy in their hearing that Young had denounced the 1857 action "in unmeasured terms." Whether or not he himself ordered the terrible slaughter, the Mormon involved had thus far been able to feel vindicated in their deeds of nine years past. With Young's denunciation of the massacre, however, the stage was set for at least the eventual possibility of the Mormon leadership admitting to some non-Indian participants having been active in the massacre.

U T A H.
________

An Unfounded Report of a Fight with Indians --
The Mormons and the Mountain Meadow Massacre

Salt Lake, September 19th. -- A report from Washington of a fight with Indians near Beaver, and the consequent interruption of the Wheeler expedition, is without foundation...

The Mormon papers are still excited over the disclosures with regard to the Mountain Meadow massacre. The News to-night says the animus, charging the Mormon authorities with this crime, is despicable...


Note: The Bulletin evidently missed the AP newswire release of the Klingensmith affidavit earlier in the month, so perhaps the paper's readers were somewhat confused by its references to that document (made out on Lincoln Co., Nevada on April 10, 1871, but held back from public view until the 15th anniversary of the Mountain Meadows tragedy). The Massachisetts Lowell Daily Citizen and News had some advance notice of that affidavit -- in its issue for April 18, 1872, it reported, in passing: "The miners in the southern portion of Utah are forming secret organizations to oppose the secret influence of the Mormons, among other objects to bring to justice the perpetrators of the Mountain Meadow massacre." Lincoln county lies on the eastern border of Utah, immediately adjacent to Iron and Washington counties, where the events associated with the 1857 massacre transpired. Perhaps "the miners" mentioned in this news item were mostly Utahns who had crossed over the Nevada border to work the mines near Pioche. That is where ex-Bishop Klingensmith made out his 1871 affidavit.

U T A H.
________

Lecture against Polygamy -- Mountain Meadow Massacre...

Salt Lake, September 23d. -- Rev. Norman Mcleod lectured last night against polygamy to an immense audience, the same gentleman lectures Wednesday night; subject "Brigham unmasked."

The Mountain Meadow massacre particulars are still the exciting topic. The Gentile press do not hold the Mormon people as a community responsible, but their leaders. Affidavits corroborating Bishop Smith's statement are being obtained. There is no doubt as to where the guilt of this horrible butchery belongs....


Notes: (forthcoming)

MOUNTAIN  MEADOWS.
________

Story of the Massacre by an Eye Witness -- The Affidavit of
Philip K. Smith -- The Mormons Charged with the Burchery.

SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 13, 1872. -- The following is the affidavit in full by one of the least guilty among the participants in the affair, showing conclusively that the terrible Mountain Meadows massacre was the act of Mormon authorities. It will be remembered that a large company of emigrants on their way to California was known to have been killed, with the exception of the small children. When their massacre was discovered, the Mormons set afloat the story that they had perished by the hands of the Indians; but from time to time circumstantial evidence has appeared indicating that they were murdered in cold blood by the Mormons, in revenge for previous outrages upon the latter perpetrated in Illinois and Missouri. A competent witness now states, under oath, that the Mormon militia attacked the emigrants, and, after a fight of several days without result, sent in a flag of truce, offering them protection if they would lay down their arms. These terms being complied with, the entire party was butchered by their captors.

THE  AFFIDAVIT.

(view original publication of this statement)

Notes: (forthcoming)

U T A H.
________

Further Corroboration on the Mountain Meadow Massacre...

Salt Lake City, September 25th. -- Affidavits have been taken to-day on the Mountain Meadow Massacre, fully corroborating the testimony of Bishop Smith and giving further details, showing still more positively the guilt of the Mormon leaders. Testimony is also being obtained proving the identity of the assassins of Dr. Robinson....

Mrs Stenhouse, wife of a former Mormon elder and authoress of the expose of polygamy in Utah, is preparing to deliver a series of lectures in Eastern cities on Mormonism....


Note: Evidently the April, 1871 disclosures by ex-Bishop Philip Klingensmith was instrumental in convincing other witnesses to Mountain Meadows massacre events to come forth with their own certified testimony. See the 1875 booklet, The Lee Trial!, for details.

U T A H.
________

Indian Murder -- News from the Wheeler Expedition --
Corroboration of Smith on the Mountain Meadow Atrocity...

Salt Lake City, September 26th. -- A dispatch to Mayor Wells to-day from Spring City says: "The Indians were upon us this morning, and a man was shot dead while driving a load of lumber, and his little son badly wounded."

The Wheeler Expedition rendezvoused at Beaver on the 22d inst. They report everything favorable, and no trouble whatever with the Indians.

A correspondent of the Pioche Record indorses Philip K. Smith, formerly Bishop of the Mormon Church, and says he is ready to return to Utah and give testimony in person relative to the Mountain Meadow atrocity.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  SITUATION  IN  UTAH.
________

Lecture by the Rev. Norman McLeod -- An Interesting Discourse.
________

The Rev. Norman McLeod, pastor of the Congregational Church at Great Salt Lake City, who is so uncomfortable a thorn in the side of Brigham Young, lectured before an audience of about one hundred ladies and gentlemen at Howard Presbyterian Church last night. Dr. McLeod is in the prime of life, apparently; his address is pleasing, his style earnest and his diction good... By request, the speaker briefly recited the blood curdling horror of

THE  MOUNTAIN  MEADOWS  MASSACRE.

The party of emigrants who met their awful fate in that butchery were 140 or 150 in number. They started from Missouri in September [sic], 1857, and were passing through Southern Utah, en route to California. They were well armed and provisioned, had excellent wagons, fine horses and cattle, and were very intelligent and respectable people. The train was the wealthiest that ever started across the plains. While encamped in the Mountain Meadows, they were furiously attacked by mean disguised as Indians. Their long rifles kept off the attacking party for three days. Reinforcements came to their enemies but still the Spartan band stood firm. They sunk their wagon wheels in trenches so that the bodies rested on the ground, thus securing shelder behind which they could fight. At least they were thrown off their guard by a flag of truce, and having laid down their arms under promise of honorable treatment, were mercilessly slaughtered -- men, women and children -- in cold blood, the women being devoted to a double assassination! The men who committed this atrocious butchery were Mormons, led on by Mormon bishops, one of whom was a Federal officer, and Indian Agent. Some of the smallest of the children were spared, but one of them only for a short time. She was a little girl ten years old -- too old, alas, to live. A Mormon Council sat in judgment on her fate -- she was doomed. A strong man executed the judgment; he seized the tender child , threw her down, and with his knee on her breast and his hand in her hair, severed with a knife her head from her body. The lecturer said he received this account from one who had been high in authority on the Mormon Church. Tell me not such crimes can be covered up! Never will I cease to expose and denounce the authors! Never would I stop calling for their punishment, though Brigham Young had the power, as he has the will, to damn me.

The rude monuments raised by the United States soldiers over the remains of the victims of the massacre were torn down, and their dust again scattered abroad, that Brigham's prophecy might be fulfilled: "The bones of the Gentiles shall bleach in the wastes!"...


Note: See the Oct. and Nov. issues of the 1872 Salt Lake Tribune for more on Rev. McLeod's lectures.

MOUNTAIN  MEADOWS  MASSACRE.
________

Something about an Almost Forgotten Crime.
________

John D. Lee's Dreadful Secret --
Does he Tell All he Knows?
________

(under construction)

 


Notes: (forthcoming)

MOUNTAIN  MEADOWS  MASSACRE.

On Monday next, John D. Lee will be tried for the part he took in the massacre of emigrants passing through the southern part of Utah en route to California several years ago. It is stated that LEE has consented, by advice of his counsel, to turn State s evidence and that many prominent men in Mormondom begin to quake with fear over anticipated developments.


Notes: (forthcoming)

MOUNTAIN  MEADOWS  MASSACRE.
________

The Horrors of St. Bartholomew Eclipsed.
________

The Story of the Awful Crime Told by
Actors and Eye-Witnesses.
________

The Mormon Authorities Responsible
for the Deed -- The Trial of Lee.
________

(under construction)

 


Notes: (forthcoming)

ANOTHER VINDICATION. -- The trial of John D. Lee, for participation in the "Mountain Meadow Massacre," has resulted in a disagreement and discharge of the jury. They are reported as standing 9 for acquital, 2 for conviction, and one ready to vote either way. This is an exact counterpart of the stand of the jury in the Beecher case, which... Wherefore we are justified in claiming that Lee has been "fully vindicated," and we cannot see why a grand ovation to this maligned apostle would not be in order.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  END  OF  ELDER  PRATT.
________

Pursued and Killed by his Seventh Wife's Husband --
The Tragedy that Led to the Mountain Meadows Massacre
Described by an Eye-Witness -- A Mother's Life Ended in Lunacy.
________

Fort Smith, Ark., September, 9th. -- A reader of the Sun having seen an account of the killing of Parley P. Pratt, second elder in the Mormon Church, in 1855 or 1856, by the husband of the woman he abducted and made his seventh wife, and knowing it to be erroneous in many particulars, has requested me, as an eye-witness of the tragedy, to write something in regard to it.

Hector H. McLean married a Miss McComb in New Orleans, and afterwards settled in San Francisco. There he became connected with the steamship companies, which brought him an income of about $2,000 a year. He had an interesting, highly-educated and accomplished wife, and two children, a boy and a girl, both intelligent beyond their years. They were living peacefully and happily together when Parley P. Pratt abducted Mrs. McLean, took her to Salt Lake City, and made her his seventh wife. So great was the shock to her husband that it almost unsettled his reason. He went to New Orleans, taking his children there to his father-in-law, and then returned to San Francisco and resumed his business. What was his surprise to learn that Pratt and Mrs. McLean had left Salt Lake and were trying to steal his children, and later that they had accomplished their purpose. McLean then set out to hunt up the abductor and recover his children. He gave up his business and started for New York. There he learned that Pratt was in the city but could not be found. A few days later he learned that Pratt was in St. Louis, and he started immediately for that city; but so well did the old scoundrel cover his tracks that no trace of him could be found. McLean then went to New Orleans, and there learned that his wife and children were in the northern part of Texas with a large caravan about to start for Salt Lake. He went to Texas and there intercepted letters addressed to Mrs. P. P. Parker, and written by old Pratt in a peculiar cypher, which he had to study a long time before he could read it. These letters proposed to meet Mrs. Parker at or near Fort Gibson in the Cherokee nation.

Mr. McLean returned dispirited to his father-in-law's in New Orleans and concluded to give up the chase. Resolving, however, to make one further effort he started up the Arkansas river under the assumed name of Johnson. Arriving at Fort Gibson he told his story in confidence to the officers there, and they afforded him every facility to trap the seducer. In this he was successful, first getting possession of his wife and children. Having Pratt, as he thought, in the hands of the law, he attempted no violence on him, but had him taken to Van Buren, Ark., for trial before the United States Court. As there was no United States law by which an abductor could be punished, a charge was made against Pratt of stealing the clothing of the wife and children when he abducted them. This charge, however, would not stand. Pratt was tried before Judge John B. Ogden, and there was great excitement about him. When Mr. McLean related his grievances on the witness stand, and read the clandestine correspondence between Pratt and his wife, there was hardly a dry eye in the court room. Then when he began to understand that there was no law for the redress of his wrings, and that it was probable the old scoundrel would be released, he became so much excited that he attempted to shoot Pratt on the spot, in the presence of the court. It was at this time that the writer was made McLean's acquaintance. He caught hold of McLean and stayed his arm as he was about to shoot, and told him that he must take no advantage of a man in custody. This led to a statement of all the facts of the case to me. Had there been at that time any mob law in Arkansas, Pratt would have been summarily hanged, so exasperated were the citizens. Having, however, more respect for the United States authorities than they might have had for the State's, no outrage was committed. The Court put the case off for a day, and had Pratt released early in the morning, so that he might escape, and he immediately left town on horseback. When McLean and his friends found this out, they started in pursuit.

On my arrival in Van Buren that morning I was informed that a footman had just come in who had met Pratt and McLean within 600 yards of each other. Some half dozen or more of us started out to see what had happened. Five or six miles out we met McLean, who said he had not seen Pratt. While returning with us he began following the track of a horse across to another road. Myself and another gentleman accompanied him, not knowing but that we were following the track of one of our men. We followed pretty rapidly until, when about eight miles from Van Buren, we got sight of a man ahead. The writer being in advance, put spurs to his horse to see whether it was Pratt, and to get away from the expected recontre. McLean followed rapidly, and immediately after the writer passed Pratt (for it was he,) a pistil ball came whizzing by his head, and he thought it best to get out of the road. On looking back I saw two horsemen going rapidly through the woods and bushes, heard the discharge of firearms, and saw the smoke of the powder. In a short time all was still, and I ventured to return by the road. What was my surprise to find that, at the point or thereabouts where the first firing began, both McLean and Pratt were dismounted and engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle. I rode right up, and in a moment or so McLean seemed suddenly to recollect that he had another postol, for he stepped back and drew one, and fired apparently right into the body of Pratt, who soon fell. Then McLean made a motion as though to draw a knife, and I ride off and found the gentleman whom we left behind. Presently McLean joined us, and finding that he had dropped his Derringer pistol, he got a postol of one of us, and returned to Pratt to pick up his. We were astonished at hearing another report of a pistol. McLean, when he returned, said he found the "old scoundrel" sitting up, leaning on his elbow, and he put a pistol to his head and shot him. He was not struck by a postol ball at all, but was killed with a knife. He lived long enough to send to town for Mrs. McLean to go and see him. Me. Mclean left here with his children, feeling that he had done no more than was right, and in this the community were with him. Mrs. McLean went to Salt Lake where she still resides. The above was the whole cause of the Mountain Meadow massacre.

SEBASTIAN.        

Notes: (forthcoming)

Salt Lake City, Oct. 10th -- At Beaver, Utah, Judge Boremen passed sentence upon John D. Lee, for participating in the Mountain Meadow massacre, 19 years ago. In doing so, he called attention to the atrocity of the crime, the inability heretofore of the authorities to procure evidence, that the conspiracy to murder was widespread, that Lee was finally offered up as a sacrifice to popular indignation, but that others equally guilty might hereafter expect punishment. The prisoner having the right, under the laws of the Territory, to chose death by hanging, shooting, or beheading, and having chosen to be shot, was sentenced to be shot to death on Jan. 26th, 1877.


Notes: (forthcoming)

BRIGHAM  YOUNG.
______

The Champion Criminal of the Age...

The telegraph brings a full statement if John D. Lee, under sentence to be shot to death to-morrow... Following are its important parts:

My name is John D. Lee. I was born September 6, 1812, Kaskaskia, Illinois. My mother belonged to the Catholic Church and I was christened in the faith. My parents died while I was still a child, and my boyhood was one of trial and hardship.

I  MARRIED

Agatha Ann Woolsey in 1833 and moved to Fayette county, Illinois, on Sucker creek. There I became wealthy. In 1836 I became acquainted with some traveling Mormon preachers. I bought, read, and believed the Book of Mormon. I sold my property in Illinois and moved to far West in Missouri in 1837, where I joined the Mormon Church and became intimately acquainted with Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and other leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I was subsequently initiated into the order of Danites at its first formation. The members of this order were solemnly sworn to obey all the orders of the priesthood of the Mormon Cnurch, to do any and all things as commanded.

THE  "DESTROYING  ANGELS"

of the Mormon Church were selected from this organization. I took an active part as a Mormon soldier, as it was the recurring conflicts between the people and the Mormons which made Jackson County, Missouri, a historic ground. When the Mormons were expelled from Missouri, I was one of the first to settle at Nauvoo, Illinois, where I took an active part in all that was done by the Church or city. I had charge of the construction of many public buildings there, and was the policeman and body-guard of Joseph Smith at Nauvoo. After his death I held the same position to Brigham Young, who succeeded Joseph Smith as prophet, priest and revelator in the Church. I was Recorder for

THE  QUORUM  OF  SEVENTY,

head clerk of the Church, and organized the priesthood in the Order of Seventy. I took all the degrees of the Endowment House, and stood high in the priesthood. I traveled extensively throughout the United States as a Mormon missionary, and acted as trader and financial agent of the Church. From the death of Joseph Smith until the settlement at Salt Lake City, I was one of the Locating Committee that selected sites for various towns and cities in Utah Territory. I held many offices in the Territory and was a member of the Mormon Legislature, and Probate Judge of Washington county, Utah. Immediately after Joseph Smith received

THE  REVELATION  CONCERNING  POLYGAMY,

the revelation concerning polygamy, I was informed of its doctrines by said Joseph Smith and the apostles. I believe in the doctrine, and have been sealed to eighteen women, three of whom were sisters, and one was the mother of three of my wives. I was sealed to this old woman for her soul's salvation. I was an honored man in the Church, flattered and regarded by Brigham Young and the apostles, until 1868, when I was cut off from the Church and selected as a scapegoat to suffer for and bear the sins of my people. As a duty to myself and mankind I now confess all that I did at the Mountain Meadow massacre, without animosity to any one, shielding none and giving the facts as they existed. Those with me on that occasion were

ACTING  UNDER  ORDERS

from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The horrid deeds then committed were done as a duty which we believed [we owed] to God and our Church. We were all sworn to secrecy before and after the massacre. The penalty for giving information concerning it was death. As I am to suffer death for what I then did, and have been betrayed both by those who gave orders to act and those who were the most active of my assistants, I now give the world the true facts as they exist, and tell why the massacre was committed, and who were

THE  ACTIVE  PARTICIPANTS.

The Mountain Meadows massacre was the result of the direct teachings of Brigham Young, and it was done by order of those high in authority in the Mormon community. The immediate order for the massacre was issued by Colonel Dame, Lieutenan-Colilonel Isaac C. Haight and a council of Mormons at Cedar City, Utah. I had no position either in the civil or military departments or in the Church at that time. About September 7th I went to Cedar City, where I met Isaac C. Haight, President of that [Stake] of Zion, and also Lieutenant-Colonel of the Iron county Mormon militia. This was Sunday. Lieutenant-Colonel Haight

WAS  THE  LEADER.

in all things concerning civil, church and military matters. It was a crime punishable by death to disobey his orders. Lieutenant-Colonel Haight gave me a full account of the immigrants who were coming. We slept in the iron-works all that night, and arranged our plans. Lieutenant-Colonel Haight said the immigrants were a rough set; that they were bad men, robbers and murderers, and had helped to kill the Missouri [sic Mormon?] prophets. I believed him. I was ordered to raise an Indian band to attack their train and run off their cattle, and to [have] the Indians

KILL  THE  EMIGRANTS.

The remainder of the document is a detailed recapitulation of the steps which preceded the horrible massacre, and the particulars of the killing, and concludes as follows:

THE  FATHER  OF  SIXTY-FOUR  CHILDREN..

Ten are dead and fifty-four are still living. The witnesses on my trial have not told the whole truth. They are all guilty of helping to kill the emigrants. This is the only act of violence I ever took part in, except in lawful battle. I would not have acted on that occasion [as I did] to have saved my body from torture, had I not believed I was obeying the orders from the heads of the Church. I knew I was doing according to the teachings of the priesthood, and I still think Haight had his orders from the heads of the church. My journals and private writings have been destroyed by Brigham Young, and I have nothing left but my memory to give the account of the foul deeds done in God's name during the years when Brigham Young was chief ruler in Utah. I know of many other murders, castrations and robberies committed by order of the Priesthood, all of which I have fully stated in my writings delivered to my attorney, W. W. Bishop. I have told the whole truth, and the God I am soon to meet face to face knows that my assertions are nothing but the truth."


Note: Beginning at the sub-heading "the Active Participants," some sources quote an alternate version of Lee's confession, which provides parallel, but differently worded, information. -- (see J. H. Beadle's Western Wilds for an example of the variant reading).

JOHN  D.  LEE.
________

The Leading Spirit of the Mountain Meadows Massacre...
________

(under construction)

 

---

THE  PRATT-McLEAN  LIAISON.
________

Origin of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
________

The McLean Family -- Elder Parley P. Pratt's
Relations to Mrs. McLean -- Pratt's
Death at the Hands of Hector
McLean -- Fate of the
Family -- The McLean
Residence.
________

The origin of the horrible burchery at Mountain Meadows, September 8, 1857, which is revived to-day through the execution and confession of John D. Lee, is directly traceable to this city, being credited to the killing of the Mormon Elder, Parley P. Pratt, by Hector McLean, near Van Buren, Arkansas, in the early part of that year. Both Pratt and McLean had been residents of this city. The McLean family, which consisted of Hector H., his wife Eleanor, and their children -- named respectively Fitzroy, Albert and Annie -- were among the earlier emigrants to California. Mrs. McLean was a well educated woman, and belonged to a highly respectable family in New Orleans. She was an ardent Campbellite -- an emotional religionist in the strict sense of the term, and ultimately became a firm believer in affinities. McLean wan an unemotional, plain man, a good bookeepper; and altogether the opposite intellectually of his wofe. He received an appointment in the Custom House when John A. Collier was Port Collector, and was instrumental in unearthing the crookedness of that official in office, having kept a duplicate set of Custom House accounts.

MRS. M'LEAN'S CONVERSION TO MORMONISM.

During the residence of the McLeans in this city, Parley P. Pratt was engaged here also in missionary work as a Mormon elder and teacher. The McLean residence was on the northeast corner of Jones and Filbert streets. The Mormons held services regularly in a building on the corner of Stockton and Jackson streets, which was afterward converted into a dancing hall, and also in an old adobe house on the corner of Powell street and Broadway. Every Sunday converts to the Mormon faith were publicaly baptized at the beach. A near neighbor of the McLean family was a Mrs. Hollenbeck, her residence being at the corner of Taylor and Chestnut streets. She was an earnest disciple of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. She was a frequent visitor at the McLean residence, and was instrumental in converting Mrs. McLean to the Mormon faith. Mrs. McLean was also introduced to Elder Pratt by Mrs. Hollenbeck. McLean learned of his wife's espousal of Mormonism by accident, and he was greatly pained to find that she had been secretly attending the meetings of the Mormons for some time previously, and holding long converse with Elder Parley P. Pratt. Every effort made to persuade her to renounce the heresy failed.

ELDER PRATT'S CONDUCT AND TREATMENT AT THE
M'LEAN'S RESIDENCE.

Pratt was told to discontinue his visits to Mrs. McLean. But the Mormon Elder visited her after that surreptitiously. Being found in the house one day by McLean, he was kicked kicked out by him. Mrs. McLean was so thoroughly infatuated by the Mormon Elder and with the faith that he taught, that whenever he called at the house she devotedly washed his feet. She was thus engaged one evening when McLean disturbed the ceremony by appearing unexpectedly in the room. The Mormon Elder, without standing on the order of going, fled, McLean discharging the contents of a pistol he had drawn as he came in the room, at the disappearing form of the Elder as he beat a hasty retreat across the balcony in the rear of the house.

MRS. M'LEAN TRIES TO ABDUCT HER CHILDREN TO
GO TO SALT LAKE.

Mrs. McLean subsequently endeavored to abduct her children for the purpose of setting out to Salt Lake, to which place she was bent on going. McLean then sent his children to her parents in New Orleans, in hopes that she would be induced to follow, and that she would thus break loose from the baleful influences surrounding her in San Francisco. She was almost distracted at the loss of her children, and consented to return to New Orleans, to which place her husband paid her passage. It is but justice to McLean to say that his wife's family sympathized fully with him, and co-operated earnestly with him in the efforts made to reclaim her.

MRS. M'LEAN TRIES DECEIVES HER PARENTS AND STEALS
AWAY WITH HER CHILDREN.

Under the influence and advice of her old friends at New Orleans Mrs. McLean showed signs of returning rationality, but it subsequently turned out that it was all assumed for the purpose of enabling her to get her children successfully away, for one day it was discovered that she had boarded a river boat bound north, en route to Salt Lake. She was overtaken, however, by the police, and the children recovered. But she went on her way without them, arriving safely in Salt Lake, and taking up her residence in Brigham Young's family as a teacher of his children. The yearning for her children caused her to return to New Orleans, where she professed penitence, and led her parents again to believe that she had finally renounced the Mormon faith.

MRS. M'LEAN AGAIN ABDUCTS THE CHILDREN.

As soon, however, as she regained their confidence, she suddenly disappeared with the children. McLean, who was still in San Francisco, and then engaged in mercantile pursuits, was at once informed of his wife's movements. The news sent him home at once. He visited New York, the grand depot of Mormon emigration and the residence of Parley P. Pratt, who was then Emigration Superintendent, suspecting that his wife might be in that city. In this he was mistaken, spending several weeks in unavailing search. A dispatch received by him from St. Louis led him to believe that she was in that city, but he met with no better success there. He then received a letter from New Orleans, in which Houston, Texas was given as Mrs. McLean's place of concealment. But before McLean reached that city she had left for Utah with a party of Mormons. In company with his father, McLean started out in pursuit, cutting across the country to Fort Smith in the Cherokee Nation in the hope of intercepting the fugitives. The exertion was too much for the old man, and he was left behind. Arriving at Fort Smith, McLean found that he was ahead of the Mormon train. He also found letters in the post office there addressed to his wife, written by Parley Pratt.

One of PRATT's LETTERS.

ONE OF Pratt'S letters reads as follows:

Dear Eleanor: McLean is in St. Louis; he has [offered] a reward for your discovery, or your children, or me. The apostates have betrayed me and you. I had to get away on foot, and leave all to save myself. If you come to Fort Gibson, you can hire a messenger and send him to Riley Perryman's mill on the Arkansas River, twenty-five miles from Fort Gibson, and let him inquire for Washington N. Cook, Mormon Missionary, and when he has found him he will soon tell where Elder Pratt Parker is. Do not let your children or any friend know that I am in this region, or anywhere else on the earth; except it is an elder from Texas, who is in your confidence, and even him under strictest charge of keep you it.

If you send a messenger to Perryman's Mill for Elder Cook in order to find me, send a note addressed to Washington N. Cook. Everybody knows the place. He may live a few miles distant, but the folks at Riley Perryman's Mill know where he is. And if they can be made sensible that it requires immediate action, some of them can go and find him. Your messenger can leave the note at Riley Perryman's or with Elder George Burgess there, and return, but you must state in the note where you can be found, and Elder Cook will probably call on you before he can have time to see me, as I may be some days journey away, for I don't much expect you at Fort Gibson, as I don't believe you received my last letter mailed at St. Louis, March 4th, and addressed as usual to the usual place. Elder Cook knows all, and you can trust him with all necessary information. When I know that you and the children are safe and your circumstances, I will know what to do.

Be sure not to let the Texas company know anything, for all the frontiers are watched, and some of them may betray you there. I must hide you or pass you some other way.

Pray much. Be still and wise. I have made use of some of the late alterations in the alphabet. I am well, and your own _______ _______."

MRS. M'LEAN "SEALED" TO PRATT -- THEIR ARREST.

At Fort Smith McLean learned that his wife had been "sealed" to Pratt as his ninth wife, or concubine. He obtained from the United States Commissioner at Van Buren, Arkansas, a writ for the arrest of his wife and Parley P. Pratt, and on the approach of the Mormon caraven, went out with the officers to seize them. In the first wagon sat Mrs. McLean and her children and the Mormon Elder, Parley P. Pratt. McLean at once took charge of his long lost children, but Pratt and Mrs. McLean were placed in custody by the Maeshal. When the news was received at Van Buren, the excitement was intense, and it was deemed best to lock up the prisoners in jail, and postpone the examination until next day.

PRATT'S FLIGHT AND DEATH.

The excitement increasing, the Commissioner concluding that Pratt could not be legally held, mounted him on a swift horse and told him to make his escape good by flight. Pratt took that hint and started. When McLean heard of the Mormon Elder's escape he started off on horseback in hot pursuit, overtook him eight miles from Van Buren, and shot him. Pratt died from his wound within an hour later.

The Mormons were sorely exercised over the death of Pratt. The Arkansas company which was massacred at Mountain Meadows is believed to have contained in its numbers some of the very men who helped McLean to destroy Pratt at Van Buren, and the massacre is believed to have been instigated solely by a spirit of revenge for Pratt's death, although other reasons have since been given by the Mormons themselves.

THE FATE OF THE M'LEANS.

After Pratt had been disposed of, McLean was molested by no one, but his act was pretty generally sustained. Mrs. McLean fled to Memphis, but subsequently returned to Salt Lake, where she is believed to be at present. When last heard from she was engaged teaching the Mormon youth. McLean's whereabouts, if living, are not known. Fitzroy, the eldest boy, was killed during the war while serving in the rebel army; Albert, the second son, led a dissipated life and went early to the grave; the daughter married a well-to-do New Orleans man, and is believed to be living there now.

THE SAN FRANCISCO RESIDENCE OF THE M'LEANS.

The San Francisco residence of the McLeans is still standing.... In view of the excitement for the massacre of the Arkansas company, which was an outgrowth of the liaison of Parley P. Pratt and Mrs. McLean, formed in this house, the building and its surroundings are now of more than ordinary historical interest.


Note: According to a report evidently circulated by Charles H. Wandell, Eleanor McLean Pratt "is said to have recognized one or more of the emigrants as being present at the murder of the apostle," when the Fancher party passed through Salt Lake City -- see note attached to the "Argus" quotes on page 431 of T. B. H. Stenhouse's Rocky Mountain Saints.

The Death of Parley P. Pratt.
________

The date of the killing of Parley P. Pratt, the Mormon Elder, by Hector H. McLean, has now become a matter of some historical value. The execution of John D. Lee for the part he took in the massacre of the Arkansas emigrants at Mountain Meadows has revived the stiry of that horrible affair and all antecedent events bearing upon it. Parley P. Pratt was killed by McLean within eight miles of Van Buren, Arkansas, about the middle of May, 1857, the exact date we have been unable to obtain. The Bulletin of July 1, 1857, contained an elaborate account of the affair. The Mountain Meadows massacre occurred on the 8th of September in the same year. But it was not until a long time afterward that the news of the butchery was received here. Then, the only cause assigned for the massacre was the killing of Pratt, some of the members of the Arkansas company having, it was said, aided McLean in wreaking vengeance on the destroyer of his domestic happiness. When the Mormons became conscious that the finger of suspicion was pointed unmistakably in their direction, they endeavored to justify the horrible deed by accusing the emigrants of boasting in the streets of Salt Lake City that they had participated in the death of Jo. Smith and threatened to kill Brigham Young. Lee speaks of the same thing in his last confession. Those who are most familiar, however, with the history of the massacre, remember well enough that this was an after-thought, trumped up to suit the occasion by the Mormon leaders. The story that Pratt was not killed until two years after the massacre is a stupid misrepresentation, invented in the over fertile brain of a newspaper reporter, who is evidently ignorant of facts which are a matter of record. About the middle of July, 1857, Mrs. McLean, then known as Mrs. Pratt, passed an Indiana emigrant train as a passenger in the Mormon express, at Fort Bridger, on her way to Salt Lake. An attache of the Bulletin was connected with that train, on his way to California, and the killing of Pratt was the current topic of conversation among the emigrants after the departure of the Mormon express.


Note: Eleanor McLean Pratt notified her LDS superiors, by letter, of the death of Parley P. Pratt in mid-May. Word of the murder must have reached Utah Territory towards the end of June. The event was reported in the Salt Lake City Deseret News on July 1st. The widow herself had arrived in Salt Lake City before Aug. 1, 1857, when she had an interview with Apostle Wilford Woodruff (who recorded her summary of the murder in his journal on that date). The Fancher wagon train emigrants arrived in town two days later -- so it is not inconceiveable that Eleanor passed them on the trail a few days earlier and recognized somebody in that group. There is, however, no reliable evidence that she ever pointed out any of the emigrants as associates of Pratt's murderer.

Evidences  of  Brigham's  Guilt.

A correspondent writing to a San Francisco journal from Kernville, Kern county, under date of 2d instant, avers that the contents of the dispatch recently sent from Tucson, giving the military order issued by the Mormon General D. H. Wells and approved by the signature of Brigham Young, directing the Mormon militia under Haight and Lee to slaughter the Texas [sic - Arkansas?] emigrants at Mountain Meadow, is substantially correct. The writer alleges that he was at that time (1857) a Lieutenant in the Mormon militia; that he wasresent with Lee and Haight at the foundry when the order was read (as related in Lee's confession), and that he heard the order read and saw it, and saw Brigham Young's signature attached to it. The writer further alleges that at the time he remonstrated with his superiors and attempted to prevent the butchery, but was told he had better keep quiet, for "the penalty of death was meted out to all for disobedience to the orders of the Holy Prophet of the Lord."

These statements are given as additional links in the long chain of circumstantial evidence going to show that the Mormon Church and the church authorities, with Brigham Young as their representative and acknowledged head, deliberately planned and executed the butchery at Mountain Meadow.

But there are other sources of evidence, written and oral, that have passed into history, that furnish proof positive that Brigham Young was accessory before the fact, to that massacre, and that no other evidence need be adduced to convince any honest jury in the world of his guilt. As the Prophet of the Lord, claiming to receive revelations directly from Heaven, Brigham Young decreed, by prophesy, the death of the slaughtered ones long before they had entered the valley of the Great Salt Lake. The prophecy was written, spoken and published, and was reported by nearly every Mormon tongue in Utah before the unfortunate emigrants entered that Territory. Yet they were allowed to enter Salt Lake and proceed 300 miles through the Mormon settlements, and thirty-five miles beyond the most southerly town (Cedar City) on their route before the "prophecy" was fulfilled. The prophecy was uttered in accordance with what Brigham claimed, and his fanatical followers believed, to be divine will and divine revelation, and the emigrants were slaughtered to avenge the death of the Mormon Apostle, Parley Parker Pratt, who was killed in the early part of the same year, near Fort Smith, in the Cherokee country, by H. H. McLain, of San Francisco, to avenge the seduction of his wife and the abduction of his children by Pratt. The prophecy was, in substance, that "the Lord would avenge the death of His Apostles by the death of an hundred to one." Its fulfillment is proof positive that Brigham Young was accessory before the fact to the Mountain Meadow massacre.

Subsequently, to appease the pangs of conscience of those who had carried out his murderous orders, Brigham's inhumanity pursued the murdered emigrants beyond the grave, and denied their bodies sepulture. He "prophesied" again that the bones of the slaughtered emigrants would bleach in the sun till the elements had destroyed them, and that if any loving or human hand should build a monument over them, the "Lord" would tear it down, and that not one stone would be left upon another. This prophecy was likewise fulfilled; for when the troops visited the scene of the massacre, gathered the bones together and buried them, and built a rude monument of granite blocks above the resting place, they had not returned to Camp Floyd before the manument was scattered over the Meadows. If our memory is not at fault the monument was rebuilt and again tirn down, and was built a third time before it was allowed to stand. The fulfillment of this "prophecy" is proof quite as conclusive that Brigham Young was accessory after the fact to the Mountain Meadows massacre.


Note 1: The Tuscon Star's March 28, 1877 press release from "L. C. Hughes" purported to give the contents of a "Special Order" sent out to Mormon troops by James Ferguson, under command of General Daniel H. Wells. This document reportedly was "found among the papers of the late ex-Chief Justice John Titus, of Arizona, and formerly Chief Justice of Utah." The major problem being, that the transcript communicated by Hughes bore the date "April 19, 1958," and thus, even if authentic, could have no direct bearing upon the 1857 massacre at Miuntain Meadows. See the Denver Daily Rocky Mountain News and the Boston Daily Advertiser, both of March 29, 1877, for further details (cf. Mrs. Stenhouse's Tell it All, page 650 and J. H. Beadle's Life in Utah, page 193).

Note 2: The referenced Apr. 2, 1877 letter from the old ex-Mormon Kernville has not been located in any contemporary San Francisco newspaper.

SALT  LAKE.
________

Polygamous  Brigham.
________

Salt Lake City, April 30. -- Brigham Young preached in the Tabernacle yesterday a sermon justifying the Mountain Meadow massacre, on the ground that the Gentiles had killed the original Mormon Prophet, Joe Smith, and had driven the Mormons from Missouri and other States by Force of arms. He concluded by defying any power on earth or in hell to overthrow his Church, and assured his hearers that the Mormons would continue their practices and dot the whole of Utah with their temples.


Notes: (forthcoming)

HISTORIC  MOUNTAIN  MEADOWS.
________

The Destroying Angels Murder the Betrayer
of the Great Massacre.
________

(Pioche Record, July 22d.)

News has reached Pioche that Bishop Philip Klingon Smith, at one time a man of high standing and great influence in the Mormon Church, and the exposer of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and the names of the men who participated in the bloody deed, is dead. His body was found in a prospect hole in the State of Sonora, Mexico, and a letter from there, which was received in the vicinity of Pioche, states that the mystery surrounding the body indicates that Smith had been murdered. Smith died just as he expected, for on his return from Beaver in 1876, after testifying in the trial of John D. Lee, we met Smith in town, in a sort of secluded spot, and during the conversation Smith remarked: "I know that the Church will kill me, sooner or later, and I am as confident of that fact as that I am sitting on this rock. It is only a question of time; but I'm going to love as long as I can." Immediately after Smith's return from Lee's trial, as his wife at Panaca refused to have anything to do with him, being so ordered by the Church, he started southward, and loved in Arizona for some time, following prospecting. During his residence in the mountains of that Territory two attempts were made upon his life, and by whom he was never able to discover. Smith made the exposure of the butchery at Mountain Meadows more for self protection than anything else. In the early days, when Hiko was the county seat of Lincoln and the flourishing and only prominent mining camp in this southern country, the Mormons used to haul all the freight from Salt Lake to Hiko. Smith was engaged in freighting. Smith was engaged in freighting, and his son, Bud Smith, was assisting him. During one of these trips father and son had a quarrel, and Bud went to Hiko and obtained employment. It was during the winter of 1867-68, when Klingon Smith arrived in Hiko with a load of freight, his son pointed him out to the people, and told them that just after the massacre his father pointed out a young girl to him and ordered him to kill her, saying that if "he (Bud) did not kill her he (his father) would kill him." Bud told his father that he would not kill the girl and that he might kill him. Then Bishop Smith turned upon the poor girl himself, and knocked her brains out with a club. This was the first inkling to anything authentic in connection with the massacre, and caused considerable excitement among the settlers of Hiko. Wandell, one of the county officials at that time, informed Bishop Smith what his son exposed, and hurried him out of town. After that, while engaged in handling freight, upon his arrival at Panaca, Smith would always hire some one to drive his team over to Hiko. In 1871 Bishop Smith made affidavits before the Clerk of Lincoln county, making the exposure of the massacre and the names of those connected therewith, which was published in the Record and made public for the first time. Mrs. Smith is now living at Bullionville, and is married to a man named Dolf Laundrich. Mrs. Smith is an intelligent old lady, and is the mother of seventeen children by Smith, the last two being twin girls, who are now about sixteen years of age. Most of the Smith family reside in Lincoln county.


Notes: (forthcoming)

Correspondence.
_______

A letter from Wm. B. Smith, the last remaining brother of Joseph Smith the founder of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints and one of the Twelve Apostles, at the date of the death of his brother, and who repudiated the leadership of Brigham Young, and his false doctrines and has ever since stood aloof from Brighamism, and who is a staunch defender of the claims of the Reorganized Church.

                                                                   Elkader, Jan. 18. 1885.
To the friends of the Expositor. After compliments and best wishes to my old comrade and fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, Brother H. P. Brown, Editor; we take the pen to say that we are in receipt of the first number of the Expositor; and to say that we are well pleased with it would be a term too insufficient to express our gratification and praise of its true merits.

We like the looks of the Expositor very much, and the tone of the sentiments and principles it proposes to advocate. It seems to have the right kind of ring in it for the work.

More light is needed in opening the eyes of those who have been led into apostasy by false apostles; and by deceitful and designing men.

The Expositor, we trust, as an expounder of the doctrines of the Church of Christ will do much, to set the faith of the true Saint before the public; and thus draw the dividing line between the true and spurious doctrines of Mormonism

Situated as the Expositor is, upon the Pacific Slope, it will have a much better chance, with its helpers, the Herald, Hope and Advocate, to counteract the influence which is brought to bear against the truth by the bad example and teachings of the Utah Mormons.

Go on, go on, brethren and saints. May God bless and speed the good work, for the redemption of fallen Israel, and planting the gospel standard in every land, and among every nation, people and tongue. -- A kingdom to prepare in righteousness for the coming of God's dear son!

For the time is coming when all Israel will be free; when truth and peace, and the knowledge of God, shall abound from land to land and from sea to sea.

Then to accomplish so great a work, as the destruction of sin, iniquity and false doctrines from the earth; and also of those things which have so cursed the name of Mormon or Mormonism by the corrupt doings of those Utah Apostates; it becomes the duty of every Latter Day Saint to put forth a helping hand in so praiseworthy a cause, as the Expositor is engaged in.

It is needless to multiply words further on this subject. If there is anything virtuous; if there is anything honest; if there is anything just; if there is anything good dwelling in the hearts of the truth loving Saints of God, it is now a good time for them to show their faith and love for the cause, they have so much professed to love by responding to the Expositor's call for help and aid in this work, of redemption of Latter Day Israel and for the planting [of] the true gospel standard among all nations,

Brethren and Saints you will also remember that prayers like faith, without works are dead, being alone.

Send on your money brethren and saints everywhere and give aid to the good cause.

The Expositor should be maintained. In much hope I subscribe to all saints.
                                                                          Yours truly,
                                                                 WILLIAM B. SMITH.


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  MORMON  ANNIHILATOR,
CLARK  BRADEN.
_______

The most interesting exchange we have is the Blue Valley Blade, published by L. L. Luse at Wilber, Neb. It seems Mr. Luse brought out and groomed the Rev. Clark Braden as the great Mormon annihilator, and fed and clothed him, and gave him $110 out of $150 for his services in the first Braden-Kelley debate on Mormonism. It further appears that Braden is an inbred scoundrel of the first water, having been advertised by his own church at Perry, Pike county, Ill., as unworthy of Christian confidence, and signed by five members of that church. But that made no difference; he was just the man to annihilate Mormonism with. Being completely whipped by Kelley, he made his friends believe if he could only get on the classic grounds of Kirtland, Ohio, where the Mormons first settled, he could bury Kelley and the Mormons under the load of dirt and filth so deeply that forever after he would be recognized as the "Mormon Annihilator."

Bro. Lane, still taking stock in him, and hoping he would retrieve his fortune in the next debate, went with him to Kirtland, Ohio, and attended that debate with Kelley, as a sort of second, where Braden showed such a filthy character as a debater and Christian that the people in Kirtland gave Kelley and wife an ovation, to the chagrin of Bro. Lane and the disgust of Braden... "Let the sinners in Zion be afraid, and fearfulness seize the hypocrites."


Notes: (forthcoming)

THE  "MORMON  ANNIHILATOR,"
CLARK  BRADEN.
_______

The Blue Valley Blade of April 16th, after quoting a portion of our editorial under the above caption, and giving us due credit, says:

When we engaged Braden to conduct the Wilber debate we knew nothing about him, save he had some ability as a debater, and that he represented himself to us as being a member of the Christian Church, which representation we found to be false; but it was not until both the Wilber and Kirtland debates were over. At the close of the Wilber debate, and after he and Elder Kelley had agreed to repeat it at Kirtland, we informed him that he had not given satisfaction and that Kelley had knocked out the persimmons. He promised if we would not bounce him he would do better at Kirtland; so we took him to our bosom and gave him over half of the house, greatly to the displeasure of our wife. We kept his rooms at a high temperature, at an expense of $3.75 per week for fuel, thinking we might thaw some of the crotchetyness out of him; but, alas! alas! the more we groomed him the more like the long-eared animal he became, and the more natural inherent cussedness came to the surface. We went to Kirtland at the beginning of the debate, but became so thoroughly disgusted with his unjust, dishonest and unscrupulous methods, and his sarcasm, vituperation and falsehoods, that we left Kirtland and came home before the debate was half over.

Well, Bro. Luse, we feel like forgiving you now for perpetrating such an unmitigated villain upon one of our young elders, since you have had the grace and honesty to acknowledge that you did not know his character when you pitted him against brother E. L. Kelley.

As Braden has gone where the "woodbine twineth," and is so well advertised by the Blue Valley Blade, we propose to drop a tear of commiseration for his lack of Christian virtue and purity, and hope and pray that at no distant day he may realize his situation and, through faith, repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, he may receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and become a meek and humble follower of Jesus, whom he has so signally disgraced by his anti-Christian conduct.

The lesson to be drawn from this whole matter is to be careful to know the character of the company we keep; and that when we wish to teach morality and Christianity to others, we see to it that we introduce as champions only such as we can vouch for as being both moral and Christian teachers.

---

WILLIAM SMITH ON MORMONISM.
A True Account of the Origin of the "Book of Mormon."

This work, small though it is, should be in the hands of all who believe in the divine mission of Joseph Smith. It is an important work, and should be read by every Latter-Day Saint. Brethren who remit to the author at Elkader, Clayton county, Iowa, will be promptly attended to. The price is 25 cents for one copy; five for one dollar.

From a letter from Bro. William B. Smith, dated April 6th, we extract the following:

"Glad to see the Expositor's pleasant face when it comes in. Glad to see also that plainness of speech that some newspaper editors are justly deserving of, who love to peddle out falsehood against the character of an innocent people. May the Expositor's face continue to shine while truth is the privileged ornament of a true Latter-Day Saint,"

Thanks, Uncle William, write often..