UTAH.
We have received a file of The Deseret News to July 30. The Saints are Buffering from drought, insects, and the prospect of famine; but they have had one or two jolly celebrations, of which we find an account as fellows:
PROSPECTS,— In addition to the drought and de-struction by insects last season, to the severity of the past Winter, and consequent heavy loss of stock, and to the destitution we are still suffering, the long-continued dry weather, the scant supply of water at command for irrigation, the entire destruction of crops by grasshoppers in Cache County, and the like de-struction in portions of Box Elder and Utah Counties, the general ravages of tobacco and other worms upon potatoes and corn, and the parching of whole fields of grain before the heads are filled, are far from promis-ing a surplus of food for the Saints now here and the thousands already on their way to the mountains.
Strong faith in the wisdom of the providences of the Almighty, great skill, strict obedience to the command-ments of the Lord and the counsels of his servants, the most rigid economy and untiring well-directed indus-try, may enable us to escape starvation until a harvest in 1857. But those who have not the above-named essential qualifications, and who do not intend to strive for them, will be apt to have their feelings sorely chafed and their stomachs severely pinched, ere plenty again gladc ens our quiet homes.
And until the lapse of at least another year, emi-grants and others will fail in their dependence upon Utah for sustenance, and will run great risk of starving unless they bring their supplies with them and that, too, not in gold, silver and merchandise, with a view to exchange advantageously, but in such an amount of provisions as they may need until August, 1857, and for how much longer we are not informed.
FOURTH OF JULY.—The 4th of July was enthusias-tically celebrated in this city, as may be readily in-ferred by reading the reported proceedings printed in this number. So far as we can learn, such has been the case throughout the numerous cities and settle-ments in Utah.
But the patriotism manifested was not the only ch-eering feature for amid the assembled thousands not a blasphemous nor foul expression, not a single quarrel or slight jar, nor even an intoxicated person, marred the joyous harmony of our commemoration of the memorable day of '76.
His Excellency Governor Young delivered an ora-tion fiom which we take one or two paragraphs:
“Let it ever be remembered that ours is a govern-ment long cherished as an asylum for the oppressed, to whose borders were invited the poor and down-trodden races from every nation, from under every clime. Here they could bask in the sunshine of liberty and be pro-tected in their natural rights. The broad prairies and uncultivated wills beckoned them to come and inhabit and draw sustenance from her prolific bosom.
"Painful indeed is the reflection that, while nature yet smiles and showers her bounties upon a domain so favored and extensive, while yet it has the sun, the rain, the dew to gladder, warm, nourish and invigo-rate, while yet vast solitudes yearn for the peaceful hand of civilized cultivation, while the nation's can-vas whitens every sea, and high Heaven smiles upon her rapid progress still onward and upward to a des-tiny yet unfulfilled, to a greatness and power un-known, save to that Supreme Being who sits en-throned in yonder heavens—a nation in the enjoyment of all these and a thousand other blessings, blest with Liberty and a full fruition of the benefits arising therefrom, with a Republican form of government which has come down to us an invaluable legacy, sealed with the blood of our fathers, cemented by thousands of tender recollections and endeared by the ties of kindred and with the yet green graves of an honored and patriotic ancestry around us, whose counsels and examples are still fresh in our memories—should so soon forget to be brethren of one grand Confederacy and seek to spill each other s blood.
How long, suppose ye, will the Great Ruler of our destiny hold the nation as in the hollow of his hand, while the crimson gore of unnatural and fratricidal butchery floods the land and arises in a smoking in-cense, a most damning testimony against it? Where shall we look, in this our day, for the great and enno-bling deeds of deathless fame which, in times past, have adorned the pathway of our illustrious sires? Not in the West, where the Spaniard, the Chilian, the Chinaman and the Indian may be shot down like the prowling wolves, and where murder at high noon comes an unbidden, though not an unwelcome guest. Not in Kansas, where should be brethren are hasten-ing to cut each other's throats; nor yet in Missouri, where cloven-footed and hydra-headed mobocracy held her fearful orgies. Let the diminished greatness of her thirty-years' leader, expounder and exponent be a lesson to her would-be great men not to follow in footsteps that fall so low; not to exercise an influence to destroy the innocent, nor lend powerful aid to screen the guilty who break, abrogate and set at defi-ance all law and order, with a view to carry out their own wicked, selfish and disloyal purposes. Not in Washington, where the bludgeon, the deadly missile and revolver disgrace the hands of so called honorable members, not only of the more popular branch, but also of that high, grave and dignified body, the Senate of the United States. Not where sordid ambition, po-litical knavery, swindling and governmental stock-jobbing have grown gray in service, and where the cesspool of political pollution sends forth its foul streams to stench and corrupt the fairest domain, the richest heritage ever vouchsafed to man.
CELEBRATION OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH OF JULY, 1856, IN THE TOPS OF THE MOUNTAINS
On the morning of the 23d July, Presidents Brig-ham Young, Heber C. Kimball and Jedediah M. Grant, and many citizens from Great Salt Lake City and surrounding country, with wives and children, entered the mouth of Big Cottonwood kanyon, on their way to the head waters of that stream to spend the ninth anniversary of the entrance of the pioneers into the Valley of Great Salt Lake.
It would be folly in me to attempt a description of the wild grandeur of the scenery, whose precipitous crags and towering peaks now found the beholder in their vast and ragged spell, and at other points draped their huge proportions with the rich beauties of the vegetable kingdom, from the lowly plant to the giant pine, until word-painting is at fault, and even the pen-cil of the most skillful artist would fail in giving a faith-ful delineation.
In the year 1852, the Legislature of the Territory of Utah granted to Joseph Young and others a charter to this kanyon, and the company built a mill a short dis-tance above its mouth, which has since been taken down.
President Brigham Young and others bought the claims and improvements of the chartered company, and in the Fall of 1854 began to make roads and build mills. They now have three excellent saw mills in operation, which have already cut over 800,000 feet of lumber. I could but remark the appropriation of the motto on a flag floating over the third mill, "Industry Re-warded." Opposite this mill is a large double log building, I should think 40 feet long by 20 wide, and ever it we observed a flag with the motto, "Our Moun-tain Home."
There is a blacksmith's shop at the second mill, and at all the mills there are comfortable and commodious log buildings for the accommodation of the workmen and their families.
The Company now occupying the kanyon is styled “The Big Cottonwood Lumber Company." To prop-erly appreciate the vast amount of labor they have ex-pended in building mills and houses, and in making roads to the head of the kanyon—a work previously pronounced impossible by many experienced men—one must pass over the road, located and walked with the best judgment and skill of any in the mountains, and see for himself.
The Company design to build five more mills at dif-ferent points from which the timber in the main and numerous side kanyens will be easily accessible.
All who passed up the kanyon were requested to show their tickets at the gate close by the first mill.
[TICKET OF INVITATION] "PIC-NIC PARTY AT THE HEADWATERS OF BIG COTTON WOOD.
"Pres. Brigham Young respectfully invites ………and family to attend a Pic Nic Party at the Lake, in Big Cottonwood Kanyon, on Thursday, July 24.
"You will be required to start from the city very early on Wednesday morning, as no one will be permitted after 2 o'clock p. m., of the 23d, to pass the first mill, about four miles up the kanyon.
“All persons are forbidden to make or kindle fires at any place in the kanyon, except on the camp-ground.
"G. S, L. City, July 13. 1866"
After traveling up the kanyon some ten miles in an easterly direction, the road turns to about south east by south, the kanyon opens, the bluffs are less rugged, having their slopes densely clothed with pine; and in about seven miles you reach an open and nearly level area containing from 300 to 400 acres, and surrounded with lofty mountains, many of them covered with tim-ber almost to their summits.
This lovely spot is adorned with beautiful copses of pine, fringes and clumps of willows, clear, grassy patches, two low, rocky ledges sprinkled with im-mense blocks of granite, and a small, clear lake, cov-ering about 40 acres, on its west border, which is fed by one of the two small streams that highten the en-chantment by their meanderings.
The Lumber Company have been at considerable expense, expressly for the occasion, in making about five miles of road above their upper cabin, passable for carriages, in building two rafts for excursions upon the lake and angling for the numerous trout in its waters, and building a bowery 40 feet by 24, comfort-ably provided with floor and seats.
The camp ground was located on a fairy-like spot overlooking the surrounding meadows and lake. The bowery, President Young's marquee and President tent occupied an open space amid the small copses of pine, while the numerous carriages were conveniently grouped around. A massive granite rock 54 feet in circumference by 4 feet high, stood at the entrance to this lovely spot; from the center of this, rock, and apparently without earth to sustain them, grew three pine trees, which were fringed around at the top of the rock with a thick cluster of young pines about two feet high. A large flag was suspended from these trees, bearing the motto, "Clear the Way," with the all seeing eye in an oval in the upper margin, above two clasped hands, under which scribed upon a scroll, were the words, "Blessings follow Sacrifices;'' a representation of the upper crossing of the North Fork of the Platte, with the Pioneer company upon both banks and crossing upon rafts, occupies the center. "The Pioneers of " 1847 at the upper crossing of the Platte, in pursuit; of the Valleys of the Mountains," fills the lower margin.
A little further to the right, and near the north-west corner of the bowery, is a stately pine, from which floated several flags. Among them and near the top of the tree, was a small one bearing the rep-resentation of an old gentleman seated between two bags of money; the one on his left very large, resting on a marble stand, and marked with bold letters, "Oregon," with the old gentleman's hand resting upon it; in his right hand, between his thumb and forefinger, he held a small bag marked "Utah" motto, "Uncle's Justice to Utah."
A little lower down, another flag had the representa-tion of a bundle of sticks bound together with strong cords, and the inscription, "United we are One." Beneath that was another, representing a hand holding a scroll unfolded, on which is the inscription, "The Constitution of the United States; Equal Rights;
"Wo to its Violators." Then came "The Clerks' "Own: 4 4 to the friends of the Union; no 1-4 to its "enemies."
From the front of the bowery hung three flags, the first having the representation of a rock in the midst of the ocean, with a flag floating from its summit and bearing the inscription, "The Constitution of the United States," and having inscribed over it, " The Mormons defend the lock, who can prevail against it?” The second flag had the picture of a lion with one paw upon the rock, above which is the inscription, "Utah Courage," and underneath, "The spirit of ‘76 is not dead."
The third had the representation of a lion standing, a lamb lying beside him, and the inscription, "Peace reigns here."
At the head of the bowery is a large pine 100 feet high, at the top of which Br. John Bagley, assisted by Patriarch John Smith, son of Hyrum Smith, who was martyred for his religion in Carthage jail, fastened the flag of the United States.
Nature seems to have exerted herself to outvie art in forming this enchantingly beautiful place. The trees grew in pyramidal groups with thick foliage, each group fringed with small pines some two feet high, back of which gradually rose other trees gently leading the sight to the lofty tops on the center. Every heart that could feel, every mind that could appreciate the skillful blending of the sublime and picturesque, and realize the deep silent peace that all nature seemed bathed in, could not entertain an angry thought, a jealous feeling, an unvirtuous desire, and badly a willingness to ever again mingle with the ungodly world.
Every one wished to clothe his impressions with words, but the language of the trees, the rocks, the streams, and the hush of peace were so eloquent that a sensation of the want of expressive language left many a person to silently reflect in a fullness of joy and wonder.
Major R. T. Burton, with a detachment of Life Guards, was detained to guard against accidents at the swings and on the lake, and to take charge of the animals as they roamed freely over the richly grassed meadows.
Capt Dimick B. Huntington, assisted by Elisha Averett, had charge of the cannon. Capt. Ballo's band, the Nauvoo Brass Band and the Martial Band, and many other musicians were present.
At sunset of the 23d, the camp assembled for prayers.
The choir sung, "Come, come, ye Saints."
Prayer by Elder Amasa Lyman, chaplain of the camp, after which President Brigham Young made the following remarks: "To-morrow morning, at, 7 o'clock we wish the camp to again assemble here for prayers, with the exception of those who must necessarily stay at the wagons. We wish those who have children here to see that they are in the tents, and not have the cry go forth that this, that and the other child is lost. I also wish to give a word of caution to all who may visit the small lake just west of us. I would rather have staid at home than to have it said that a child has been lost or any person drowned through visiting this place.
"Suppose that a child was lost in these woods and could not be found; suppose . you should lose a sister, a daughter, or a companion, on this lake; you would always think on our visit to Big Cottonwood kanyon with bitter regret. A circumstance of this nature would mar the peace of every person.
"I wish the sisters and children to keep away from those rafts, unless they have some person in their com-pany capable of taking care of them; if they know enough to do as they should, they will listen to this counsel.
"Here are swings and a bowery prepared for your enjoyment; here are most beautiful groves, meander-ing streams and a lovely sheet of water, amid the towering peaks of the Wahsatch Mountains. Here are the stupendous works of the God of Nature, though all do not appreciate His wisdom as manifested in His works, but are tempted to recklessness through the buoyant feelings of youth and health, and without caution are liable to run headlong into every danger.
"Some if they had the power, would be on the other side of these lofty peaks in ten minutes, instead of calmly meditating upon the wonderful works of God, and his kind providence that has watched over us and provided for us, more especially during the last ten or fifteen years of our history. I could sit here for a month and reflect on the mercies of our God, and hum-ble myself in thankfulness because of all his favors to myself as an individual and to all this great people.
"What do you think Joseph and Hyrum would have given to have seen this day in the fl-esh and to have been here instead of being taken to Carthage, like lambs to the slaughter, and butchered by their ene-mies? We are here hid up in the Lord's secret cham-bers, according to his promise, where none can molest us or make us afraid.
"Here is a good floor which we have prepared ex-pressly for your enjoyment, and here are the musicians ready to accommodate you. You can enjoy your-selves in the dance, in your tents meditati-ng on the matchless power and goodness of our God, or in gazing upon a splendid grouping of the mighty, the lovely and varied productions of nature.
"Be prudent, and let every man, woman are child take care of themselves, and see that others are taken care of.
"The guard should be on the alert continually to see that no person is running into danger, and that the ani-mals are taken care of. And again, I say, I wish the sisters to take the precaution to keep away from the lake, that they may not go from here sick with colds caused by damp feet.
"Enjoy yourselves; and if you observe these few words of caution, I think we can spend tomorrow very happily. I do not wish to have to reflect on the loss a life in my own family or in yours
“We have made the last five miles of the road ex-pressly that the brethern and sisters might come here without accidents, and we will mike you as comfort-able as it lays in our power to do.
"Mothers, take care of your children, for they are a blessing to you, and I bless you all, in the, name of Jesus Christ. Hearken to counsel and you will be blessed, from this time, henceforth and forever: Amen."
Music and dancing enlivened the few hours preced-ing the night's rest.
TWENTY-FOURTH.
Reveille at five minutes before 5 a.m.
At 5, two rounds from the cannon woke the silent echoes of centuries, as the roar crashed through the dense pines and reverberated from peaks glens and dells, announcing to a world that freemen were cele-brating the blessings which make life valuable.
At half past, 5, three rounds were fired for our repre-sentative and delegate.
At 6, nine rounds were fired, one for each year the Saints have dwelt, in these valleys.
At half-past 6, three rounds were fired for the First Presidency.
At 7, the camp asssembled for prayers. The morn-ing was cloudless and lovely, earth, air and sky con-tributing to the deep toned joy pervading every bosom.
The choir sung,
"On the mountain top appearing,
Lo the sacred herald stands."
Prayer by Elder Lyman.
At 8, the United States flag was unfurled from the tall pine at the bowery, and national enthusiasm glowed upon every countenance, as the flag of our country floated high and proudly in the free mountain breeze, about 8,000 feet above the level of the sea; probably the highest that ever a flag was hoisted on the continent of America, when surrounded by a large concourse of people in the celebration of any day.
Music, dancing, and other varied sources of enjoy-ment lent their aid to highten the keen zest of the joy-ous company.
At 8 ½, martial music, under Capt. Averett, serenaded on the late.
At 2 ½, a hymn, composed for the occasion by Miss E. R. Snow, was sung by Elder James Smithies, aesisted by some of the choir.
By Elder Frederick Keeler:
Brigham Young—The Lion of the Lord. He will never be less
Heber C. Kimball—One of the Lord's annointed. Pay atten-tion to his sayings.
Jedediah M. Grant-One of the Lord's mighty chieftans. May he live long, to be a comfort to his friends and a terror to his enemies.
The Twenty-fourth of July—Lift up your heads, ye Sainte of the Lord and rejoice
By Elder W. W. Phelps:
Let her rip and let her roll,
As the heathen nations do;
And the Mormons sit and laugh,
While the devil pops them through.
"Mormonism"—A plurality of worlds, a plurality of Gods, and a plurality of wives with all truth in all eternity.
A Chamber in the Mountains—The way to it was constructed by the “Lion of the Lord." Blessed be they that walk blame-less.
President Brigham Young—With the keys of Heaven and Earth to open and shut, and all Israel to sanction.
By Elder C. Lambert:
The Shifts—May we ever cherish the principles of Peace, Virtue aid Liberty.
The Authorities of this Church— They have proved themselves worthy; may we ever cherish and honor their counsels, that peace, union and good will may crown our labors.
By Elder G D. Watt:
The Big Cottenwood Lumber Company—The rocks and pines of this rugged kanyon, hitherto deemed impracticable, hare yielded to their skill, industry and perseverance, unto which we are indebted for an access to this secluded vale. Brigham Young—Ever merciful.
Heber C Kimball—Ever true.
Jedediah M. Grant—Ever just.
Three rounds from the cannon for the songs and toasts.
A poem was read by Mr. Naisbitt, followed by a round from the cannon.
Dancing resumed.
Eight rounds from the cannon signaled the set of sun.
The Martial Band beat the retreat, and the United States flag was furled.
Camp assembled for prayers.
The choir sung a hymn.
Prayer by Prest. J. M. Grant.
Our Father and our God, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we bow before thee, and thank thee that we have the privilege of coming to the tops of these mountains to worship thee, our God, and to celebrate the liberty of thy people and their entrance into these peaceful valleys and mountains.
We thank thee for these mountains, for the fountains of waters that flow from them, for the timber that grows upon them, and for all the blessings that thou hast vouchsafed to thy people in this land.
We thank thee that thou hast preserved this land from the eye of the wicked, that they nave not desired it, that they have not coveted it, that thou hast kept it for thy people, and hast brought them hither, through the instrumentality of thy servant Brigham, whom thou hast inspired by the Holy Ghost.
We thank thee that we here rest secure from our enemies, that we aid our families enjoy peace and rest from the persecutions of those who hate thy chosen people.
We thank thee for this goodly inheritance which thou hast vouchsafed to thy people, and for the privi-lege of raising our banners and ensigns on these mountain tops. May our enemies never have power over us, and may we be blessed by doing right and keeping the commandments, by living pure, and by being watchful and careful to do no evil, that we may multiply in our families, in our flocks and in our herds, in our fields and habitations.
We pray thee, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that thou wouldst bless this valley and all the adjacent valleys; and bless the streams of water that flow from the mountains. As we are at the head of Big Cotton-wood Kanyon, we pray that thou will bless it, and the water that flows to the mills and to the land we culti-vate. And may the timber, and grass and vegetation of every description, growing in this little valley in the tops of these mountains, be blessed; and we con-secrate and dedicate it to thee for the benefit of thy people, for their happiness, that they may rest here and be safe Bless all the elements that are here; may the rocks and mountains be blessed, and every-thing that has life.
We pray thee, in the name of the Lord Jesus, that thou wouldst bless thy servant Brigham and those as-sociated with him, who have taken pains to prepare the way and kindly invite us to these regions. May we feel that we are blest, and that the Lord, through the dispensation of his providence, has granted to us these favors. We ask thy choicest blessings on thy servants, Brigham, Heber and the Twelve, and upon all try faithful people in every kingdom and nation. Bless our friends, and all who speak comforting words to thy people, and defend them, and may the enemies of truth and righteousness be confounded, and not have power to injure the people of God. Bl-ess thy servant George A. Smith, and thy servant John Tay-lor and thy servant, John M. Bemhieel, and bless all thy servants in every land and clime. Bless those who write and defend thy people through the press, may our prayers come up before thee in their behalf, for thou knowest we have not sinned against thee in these groves—in this kanyon. We do not visit groves, as did Israel of old, to commit adultery, nor to depart from the Lord our God. But we desire to appear be-fore thee with clean hands and hearts, to call upon thee for thy blessing and do thy will, that our inheri-tance may be blest and all we have, and that all the efforts we make to build up Zion and rear temples to thy name may be blest, that the people of God may flock to the mountains by tens of thousands; may the wicked be cut off, may they be taken in the snares they have spread for thy people, and fall into the pits they have dug for thy Saints, and may they not pros-per on the earth.
We desire that thou wouldst fulfill the covenants made with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, with Lehi and Nephi, and with all the prophets that have lived on this land, that Zion may come down from above and Zion come up from beneath; that every band may be broken and all Israel be saved. O Lord, we ask Thee to bless us in our efforts on the earth; may righteous-ness and peace spread as the light of the morning, may we rejoice In the natural fortresses of this land, and may we be the pioneers of truth, men who will break the crust of nations, gather Israel and send the truth to every clime. May we accomplish the great work Thou didst commence through thy servant Jo-seph, that truth may reign on the earth and righteous-ness predominate among all people. May we have power over the wicked nations, that Zion may be the seat of Government for the universe, the love of God be extended and the scepter of righteousness swayed over this whole world; and eventually with the re-deemed may we be brought to celebrate Thy praise, in Thy kingdom and presence. These favors, and all we need to prepare us to live here, to dwell with Thee and the sanctified hereafter, we humbly crave in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
President Brigham Young then remarked:
I wish to tell you that I am satisfied with every indi-vidual that has come up this kanyon, and I am per-fectly satisfied with our day's exercises. We have been as happy, I presume, as we are capable of being; I have enjoyed myself extremely well. I will now ask my brethren and sisters whether they are all satis-fied, if you are, follow my example. (He raised his right hand, and all raised theirs.) If the-re are any who are not satisfied, they can make it known after they leave this place.
I have enjoyed this day, because of the liberty each of us has enjoyed. We have celebrated the 4th and the 24th of July ever since we first came into the valleys in the mountains, but I have never had the privilege, before this day, of freely acting myself. Hitherto I have been placed, by the people, where I must sit, and been told to walk just so, eyes right, eyes left, eyes front, now forward, right, left, right, left, etc. To-day I have been at liberty, looking round and seeing the people enjoy themselves, without any stringent rules and regulations, and I may say that we have had perfect freedom. I told you to do anything or everything you wished to, if you would not do wrong, and enjoy yourselves in the way that would make you the most happy.
I would like to have had the whole church here, but when I reflect a party, on any occasion, I never know where to stop short of getting the last saint on earth enrolled in it. I have no distinction in my feelings, for I feel that we are all one family, and all brethren and sisters. The whole church could not come here, we could only invite a few; and as we have observed strict decorum since we came out, I wish it to be ob-served until we leave the kanyon, and from that rime henceforth, that when we leave we may have the pleasing reflection that no accident has occurred to mar our enjoyment.
We wish every man, woman and child to observe the strictest law of equity in the rest of our enjoy-ments this evening. When morning comes we will fee a salute to wake you up, when we wish the brethren and sisters to arise, eat their breakfasts and take up the line of march, and if you see any persons in the mud pick them up and carry them with you. We wish the company, so soon as breakfast if over, to put out their fires and vacate this ground, for I intend to tarry with the lumber company until the rest are gone, and see that the fires are all well put out, when we shall take up our line of march and follow you.
Many times I have a feeing to bring this people un-der a covenant, but a doubt as to the propriety of do-ing so operates as a check upon that feeling. While the toasts were being read, some of the brethren wished me to make some remarks, and it was strongly in my mind to ask, will you live your religion from this time, henceforth and forever? and to bring the people under a covenant. But they are already under one, and my feelings are, I would rather they would not make covenants, than to make them and break them. Live your religion; live honestly before your God, deal justly with your own conscience and with one another, and do right from henceforth, and you shall be blessed.
I could say a great deal on this occasion, the anni-versary of our emancipation from the yoke of bond-age, but | should say that which I do not wish to say, were I to give free vent to my thoughts. I shall wait with patience, in anticipation of the day when the people of God will triumph over the wiles and powers of Satan, and assume their place among the nations of the earth. But let me tell you that this will never be until this people are a holy people. They have got to be sanctified; and when I can see the armies of Israel sanctified, no matter whether they are many or few, when that time comes they will go forth and maintain their rights "conquering and to conquer," until Satan is bound. But we will wait with patience, all we have to do is to live our religion and wait, for the time will come as quickly as we are prepared for it.
I will say to the brethren who have entertained us with music, you will please receive my thanks for your attendance here. I understand that you ask no pay for your services; that is right, and just as it should be.
I will now propose that we do not dissolve this meeting, if that is the feeling of those present, but ad-journ it until the 23d day of July, 1857, to meet on this ground by 4 o'clock p.m., preparatory to cele-brating the 24th; that virtually gives the people pres-ent an invitation, aside from those I shall invite here-after. The brethren and sisters who are now here and those whom I shall invite I shall be happy to see here another season; but I give no liberty to any person to invite others to come here without my permission. I have no question but that all have friends whom they would like to bring with them, but order and decorum must be maintained in this, as in all matters pertain-ing to the kingdom of God. [Prest. Heber C. Kim-ball moved that the meeting he adjourned to the 23d of July, 1857; seconded by Pres. J. M. Grant, and passed unanimously]. I expected the vote would be unanimous.
Brethren and Sisters, may Almighty God bless you; you have my prayers and my faith continually, and I bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, and I bless your little ones and all that pertains to you, with the whole house of Jacob, inasmuch as it is my right to bless you.
Now you can dance as much as you please, but do not wear out the musicians. Dancing continued until 2 a.m. of the 25th.
Thus ended one of the best and happiest days of our lives. It certainly was a foretaste of the day to come when the Spirit of God shall be poured out upon all flesh, and when Zion shall be freed from struggling against the powers of Satan and a wicked world.
July 25.—At sunrise, six rounds from the cannon and music from the bands awaked the camp, and soon all were busily engaged in preparing to start for their less elevated homes.
During the egress from the kanyon one of President Kimball s wives descried a bear sitting upon a rock not far from the roadside, and apparently looking with amazement upon the strange spectacle of a long line of carriages in so wild a region. Not satisfied with a distant view, the bear approached the road, and was shot by Br. Cbarles Decker with a Sharp's rifle. Three shots were fired before bruin succumbed; the first passed through the lights, the second grazed the heart, and the third pierced the brain.
All returned without accident to man or beast, and no incident occurred to mar in the least the rich enjoy-ment of an anniversary in one of the Lord's secret chambers, the memory of which will ever be fondly cher-ished by those who shared in the privileges to liberally and courteously extended by the Big Cottonwood Lum-ber Company.
About 450 persons, with 71 carriages and 201 horses and mules, participated in this ever memorable trip to the headwaters of Big Cottonwood.
GEORGE W. WATT, Reporter.
