The Mormons.
Enrolment of Volunteers.-We have already stated that Capt. Allen, U. S. A., had succeeded in enrolling from 300 to 500 Mormons, to act in the expedition under the command of Gen. Kearney. The Hancock Eagle, published at Nauvoo of the 17th. contains the official papers on this subject. We learn from the same source, that General Kearney, in consideration of their having placed five hundred men at the disposal of the Government, has pledged himself that protection shall be given to the emigrating Mormons, and that they shall have the use of "any of the Indians lands they may think proper to select," until they are ready to cross the mountains. The Mormons have, in accordance with this arrangement, selected Grand Island, on the Platte river, for their temporary residence. It is a large tract, and has a salt spring upon it. There they will winter, and collect the entire Mormons population of ihe West, preparatory to their march to California next spring. They propose to push forward for this point, as rapidly as possible, and, after reaching it, to send back from five hundred to one thousand wagons, for the purpose of helping along those who may yet be in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. This is to be done with all possible expedition. Grand Island is stated to be between one and two hundred miles west of Council Bluffs. At the last dates, the requisition of Gen. Kearney was rapidly filling up; and on the 7th. the United Sates officers gave the Mormons a splendid fete or ball, which is said to have been a fine affair.
Gen. Kearny distinctly points to California as his place of destination, and stipulates for the discharge of the Mormons from service in that country. The whole body of Mormons are represented as in a very destitute condition. Not only without food, but in want of shoes and clothing. It can hardly fail that many of these persons, especially the aged and sick, wo men and children, must perish during the next fall and winter. The main body are encamped, we understand, at a point known as Bellevue, where there is no game and no means of subsistence, except a very scanty supply ot fish. St. Louis Rep. 24th. ult.
