SACRAMENTO DAILY UNION,
INTERESTING FROM UTAH.
[CORRESPONDENCE OF THE UNION.]
The Thirteenth Anniversary of Mormon Inde-pendence—Great Picnic Excursion to the Head Waters of Big Cottonwood—Indian Affairs in the North—A Difficulty —Several Mormons Killed and Wounded—General News.
GREAT SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 1, 1860.
The thirteenth anniversary of Mormon Inde-pendence was celebrated yesterday week, at the head waters of Big Cottonwood, with considera-ble enthusiasm.
Whatever others may think, the Mormons are themselves fully satisfied that they have a mis-sion in the world and a destiny, around which they presently wreathe lots of glory, hallelujah, and all that sort of comforting, consoling thing, generally termed enthusiasm. While they dwelt in "Babylon"— i. e., their vernacular for the States—"the Church" seems to have taken but little notice of the first seventeen years after its organization, beyond regarding that period as an apprenticeship in the school of experience. Their expulsion from the States in 1845 was a perfect godsend to them. That epoch in their history, whatever policy may say to the con-trary, is unquestionably regarded by them as the guiding hand of Providence to a national existence. The arrival here of the pioneers, and their taking possession of soil, not then the property of Uncle Sam, was the first step to that nationality. Subsequent events alter noth-ing in their faith. Nearly thirty years ago they purchased some tracts of land in Missouri, "for the building up of Zion." From that they were driven; afterward they sojourned in Illinois were driven again, came here, and have every appearance of staying here to the end of the world—if the end ever comes; yet they speak of returning to take possession of Jackson county, Missouri, with all the confidence of conquerors flushed with victory. So do they speak of national existence and independence, and mean what they say. The advance of the pioneers arrived in this valley on the 22d of July, 1847, but Brigham and the balance of the pioneers only arriving on the 24th; that is the day to be celebrated throughout the settlements, cities and States of Zion, from generation to genera-tion. Of course, all this to some will be harm-less comfort and unmeaning words, mere bosh, yet to the Mormons it is everything. Faith is a great thing.
THE CELEBATION OF 1860.
The celebration last week had particular at-tractions for the people. It was while celebrat-ing the Twenty-Fourth, in '57, at the same place, that Brigham first learned the approach of the United States troops. For three years, demon-strations have been rather at a discount, but now that the Army has gone, a more than ordinary interest has been awakened and the anniversary of Independence again commemorated. It would fill more space than the UNION could or would spare to relate all that is said about the past three years; suffice it, Mormonism is more robust in hope of final triumph over all its ene-mies, by the short experience with the Army and the hosts of "Gentiles" accompanying, than ever it was. In addition to which, the commu-nity is many, many thosuands of dollars richer by the presence of these well abused "enemies of all righteousness." Great world, great people! In past years the excursionists to Big Cotton-wood lake, somewhere about thirty miles from here, were select—they were Brigham and guests; this year, in addition to his letters of invitation, the Bishops had the privilege of in-viting, or rather permitting, the inhabitants of their Wards to participate in the celebration, who, all told, are classified in one of the papers here, "1,122 persons, 56 carriages, 163 wagons, 235 horses, 159 mules, and 168 oxen." This con-glomeration of persons, cattle, horses and vehi-cles had to make the head waters by Monday, a no small task, nearly twenty miles up hill, over roads trying enough for everybody and every-thing. With fast teams and light buggies it was a pleasure trip to the fast folks, but when en- thusiasm had to be drawn by a pair of oxen up that rugged canon, some few hundreds had time to cool down as well as be compelled to take a large slice from the day of rest. However, they all got there and had a big time honoring "the authorities," firing salutes, dancing in the Boweries, and every other kind of sport that the freedom of the moment could suggest.
Having studied the logic of policy, there were no speeches on sovereignty, independence, etc. The high dudgeon was left to the Muses, and that is too lengthy for quotation. In brief, on the arrival of Brigham, Heber and Daniel, at the camping ground, there was a grand reception, salutations, and four brass bands in full blast, discoursing "Happy Land," "Du Dah," "God Save the King" and the "Star Spangled Ban-ner." The stars and stripes were hoisted on the highest tree, but from uncomfortable weather refused to "flutter in the breeze." The Pioneers were conspicuously honored with their names inscribed on an attractive banner. As the first installment of Mormonism in the mountains, I give the total: 143 men, 3 women, 2 children, 1 cannon, 93 horses, 52 mules, 66 oxen and 19 cows. The weather on Monday was terribly ugly, threatening imprisonment in wagons and tents. On Tuesday, the 24th, the weather moderated and the "faithful" went forth in the dance from early morning till after midnight. Three bowers were erected for the occasion, and from the opening to the close the Bishops and Masters of Ceremonies were hard run in accom-modating everybody. At six A. M. there was a salute of three guns in honor of "The First Presidency"—Brigham Young, Heber C. Kim-ball, Daniel H. Wells. Music played between the firing of each gun. At nine o'clock thirteen guns were fired—one for each anniversary of the arrival of the Pioneers—music accompany-ing. At six P.M. twelve guns were fired in honor of the Twelve Apostles—also accompanied with music. At ten o'clock there was a grand turn out of the musicians, winding up with "Home, sweet home" for a finale. Long after that hour, however, the young and old mingled in the "cotillon," "money musk " and "Sir Roger de Coverley." Unable to speak of past celebrations, I can make no comparison; but with the trifling inconvenience of a sprinkling of rain, I should think the thirteenth celebra-tion of the arrival of the Pioneers, the day of their independence, or anything they choose to call it, was a day of enthusiasm and rejoicing "long to be remembered." To the celebration, his Excellency the Governor had an invitation; so, also, a Federal officer and a private gentle-man—but these three were the only outsiders honored on the occasion. The Governor failed to put in an appearance. Notwithstanding the scrutiny around, there were several unwelcome guests. One gentleman, with strong proclivi-ties for quadrupeds, vulgarly regarded a horse-thief, was marched off the grounds with the honor of an escort; he was, or had been, a brother. Two ladies—sisters in the faith—had a narrow escape from the same intentions. They had come uninvited, and their reputation was not equal to that of Caesar's wife; the Commit-tee were, however, lenient, and "permitted" them to remain, upon condition that they did not mingle in the dance. One of them, unmind-ful of the proviso, stepped to the boards, but a gentle hint to the gentleman led her off again without participating in the enjoyment of the bewitching boards. Reputation is something, even among Mormons.
THE INDIANS—KILLED AND WOUNDED.
Of the Indians in the west I presume you will be fully posted by the Pony Express agents. I may, however, en passant, say there has been no disposition on their part to decrease the mag-nitude of hostile reports. A writer from Deer Creek, on the 21st ultimo, ends a lengthy letter to a paper here about a scouting party under Major Egan, going out in search of Indians. He is very graphic about the canons, high rocks, terrible places to encounter Indians; this party being divided off into so many companies, tak-ing to the right, left and center, passing over logs, scrambling through brush wood, fording creeks, and a host of other things they ex-pected, when they went away and when they re-turned, and wound up with nothing, absolutely nothing—and that has been pretty much the general disposition of all interested in the Pony enterprise since the first word of trouble was hinted. The Major, I am satisfied, must depre-cate the gift of exaggeration and show that some have tried to make of the business.
From the north we have information of an unfortunate affair with some Indians and new Settlers in Cache county, resulting in the death of one Indian, two Mormons, and three others of the same fraternity seriously wounded. It seems that a one-eyed Indian—Pugweenee—and ten others, had been to Smithfield, and had in their possession some quadrupeds they had taken from the citizens. Pugweenee was arrested and placed on somebody's house, with a guard in-side, and others at the door. One-eye's confed-erates encouraged him to come out, as there was nothing to apprehend from the cowardly whites. Pugweenee listened and approved, disregarded the warning of the guard, and in attempting to escape was shot dead. The ten Indians fired on the guard, but accomplished nothing, rode off and reloaded, and in returning to the scene of strife, came up to three men and a woman who had nothing to do with the affair, and upon them wreaked their vengeance. The woman had just got into a house, when the Indians fired, killing one John Reed, wounding mortally, it is sup-posed, Samuel Cogens, and wounding severely James Cowan. The Indians put out immediately for the canon, where they met two brothers by the name of Merrill. Ira they shot dead, and wounded his brother. They were immediately pursued, but the shades of evening sheltered them, and the pursuers returned without giv-ing "measure for measure." What the result of this open hostility may be is presently beyond ken; but, as a natural consequence, the Indians that visit the city are watched closely, and jealousy sees in them hostility. I saw the Southern Mail contractor last evening, who had just returned from the south, and reports some difficulty over horses between two Indians at Corn Creek, 160 miles from here. One Indian shot another, and the latter, before he yielded his last breath, drew a knife upon his murderer and wounded him severely. The reports of the Indians eastward are nothing favorable to peace; but at such times it is well to receive reports of hostility with some grains of allowance for the easy manner with which people are carried away with anything that is popular, and at the present time anything said against Indians is popular enough.
THE COMING EMIGRATION.
The last Eastern mail brings report of the following Mormon emigration passing Fort Kearney:
June 24th—Captain Franklin Brown's com-pany of 60 persons, 14 wagons, and about 80 head of stock. P. Brown, captain of guard; C. R. Savage, chaplain and secretary.
June 26th—The handcart company, Captain Daniel Robinson, consisting of 267 persons, 43 handcarts, and 5 wagons. M. H. Forscut, com-missary ; W. R. Corbitt, sergeant of guard; C. Webb, chaplain; B. Chadwic, pilot; D. Ash-down, G. Meldram, D. Robison, R. Stoney and J. Pilling, captains of tens.
June 28th—Captain Stoddard's merchant train of 11 men, and 11 wagons, drawn by mules.
June 30th—Captain J. E. Murphy's company, twelve days from Florence, consisting of 279 persons, 38 wagons, 2 carriages, and about 225 head of stock; J. Eardly, captain of guard; Paul Shettle, secretary; E. Murphy, chaplain T. Stilfox, B. J. Brown, J. Campbell, and H. Hogg, captains of tens.
J. B. Kimball & Co.'s merchant train, eleven days from Omaha, 22 men, 18 wagons, 1 car-riage, 106 head of cattle, and 4 mules.
July 2d—Captain Ross' company, consisting of 35 or 40 wagons; number of persons not re-ported.
July 3d—Captain J. Smith's company, seven-teen days from Florence, consisting of 359 per-sons and 39 wagons. N. Davis, captain of guard; C. G. Mason, chaplain and clerk; M. J. Turley, J. Slaugh, N. Sarater and B. Isaacs, captains of tens.
"Gentile" trains continue to arrive almost daily, get supplies and move on again to Cali-fornia. Few have taken the northern route; notwithstanding the difficulties on the Central, that route is preferred.
THE SURVEYOR GENERAL.
Colonel S. C. Stambaugh, with a surveying party, left here on Saturday evening for the south, with the view of examining the surveys of Mr. Mogo, a sub-contractor under his predecessor in office. There is considerable interest over this examination, as Mogo is charged with doing the work loosely; in fact, not doing it at all. It is certainly an excellent thing to be in the service of the present Administration. Col. Stambaugh arrived here last September to make the examination. He ran a few lines from the city in the direction of the lake sometime last Fall, and concluded to stop at that. He has remained here without other surveying, attend-ing to Forney's investigation, and now sets out to examine Mogo's stakes. With a personal salary of $4,000, three clerks and a messenger to be paid, besides other et ceteras. Government work in the end must cost something.
REMOVAL OF DR. FORNEY.
"With the advice and consent of the Senate," Mr. Buchanan has removed Dr. Forney from the Superintendency of Indian Affairs, and ap-pointed Benjamin Davies, of Missouri, in his stead. For this act, Mr. Buchanan comes in for a liberal share of abuse from some folks here. While all law holds a man innocent till proven guilty, Mr. Buchanan's removal of Forney, pend-ing the examination of the charges against him, is very unfavorably interpreted. It is generally thought that Forney has been offered a sacrifice to satiate in some measure those who have hunted a victim in the Covode investigation. Postmaster Fowler's defalcation unquestionably helped Forney to the guillotine.
THE FORTHCOMING FAMINE.
For years back you have probably, like other folks, heard of the Mormon prediction about a great famine. I have just dropped upon a curi-ous and fanatical document, which urges practi-cal steps to measurably avoid its consequences. It is hardly worthy of publication.
