[OREGON TRAIL] Indian wars do what cholera could not and keep emigration down to only 5000 each year. Travel changes with the beginning of freight traffic leaving Leavenworth, Atchison, and Westport. The largest freight company is the firm of Russell, Majors, and Waddell. (1)
-- Jan 16, 1858
[Utah War] A large mass meeting of citizens was held in the Tabernacle, SLC. A petition and resolution, setting forth the true state of affairs in Utah, were adopted, and, on motion, sent to the U.S. government at Washington. (2)
-- Jan 26, 1858 - March
[Utah War] Varied opinions were presented in Congress regarding the Utah situation. The one extreme was to drive Mormons out or exterminate them. Others suggested seeking peace through investigation to determine the Mormon position, which President Buchanan had neglected. (2)
-- Feb 16, 1858
[Lucy Mack Smith] George A. Smith expresses skepticism to Brigham Young about David Whitmer's ability to do two days worth of harrowing in one. George A. writes letters to David Whitmer, Solomon Mack, and John Bear by 23 February inquiring about the accuracy of some points. He hears only from Bear, who confirms inaccuracy. (3)
-- Feb 25, 1858
[Utah War] Thomas L. Kane arrived in SLC and met with the First Presidency and the Twelve. He said that he came as an ambassador from the President and encouraged that they assist the "poor suffering soldiers" to come to SLC and "bid them a hearty welcome." (Wilford Woodruff diary) (2)
-- Mar 18, 1858-21
[Utah War] The decision was made to retreat rather than resist. The first movement was to abandon SLC and the settlements north and go south and prepare to burn the City before the Army could take possession of it. The Mormon response was a remarkable widespread willingness to burn their homes and evacuate. Information was contradictory. Van Vliet and Cummings had insured that the Army was coming in peace, but there were many expressed opinions in Congress, rumors and newspapers articles supporting the belief that the approaching army was sent to destroy the Mormons. (summary of this council: Hosea Stout Diary) (2)
-- Mar 21, 1858
The citizens of Utah, living north of Utah County, agreed to abandon their homes and move south. This was deemed advisable as a defensive measure. ,In the meantime Col. Thos. L. Kane had arrived in Salt Lake City, via California, for the purpose of bringing about a peaceful solution of the difficulties between the U. S. and Utah. (4)
-- Mar 23, 1858
[Deseret] Brigham Young implements a scorched earth policy. All faithful are ordered to move south to Provo and to prepare their homes in Salt Lake City for burning. (5)
-- Mar 24, 1858
[Utah War] Gov. Cummings wrote to Sec. Cass of his intention to visit SLC before the Army advanced. (2)
-- Apr 5, 1858
[Utah War] Governor Alfred Cumming left Camp Scott, Wyoming, for Salt Lake City (115 miles) with Col. Kane and two attendants to assume his office, but with no military escort. (2)
-- Apr 6, 1858
[Deseret] James Buchannan: Proclamation on the Rebellion in Utah. ("a free pardon for the seditions and treasons heretofore by them committed;") (5)
[Utah War] Pres. Buchanan issued a Proclamation to be hand carried by L.W. Powell and Major Ben McCullough, peace commissionors, to Utah. It listed some 42 accusations against the Mormons and gave his reasons for sending the army, and offered a conditional pardon. (2)
-- Apr 12, 1858
[Deseret] The U.S. Army and Cumming arrive in Salt Lake City. Brigham Young surrenders the title of governor to Alfred Cumming. (5)
[Utah War] Cumming arrived in Salt Lake City. Over several days of meetings with Brigham Young, he began his office as Governor with the help and support of Brigham Young. (2)
-- Apr 15, 1858
[Utah War] Gov. Cumming wrote a favorable report to Col. Johnston of his respectful reception in SLC and Brigham Young's willing assistance in turning over to him public property including all records which Gov. Cumming reported had not been destroyed. (2)
-- Apr 19, 1858
Gov. Cumming and Col. Kane visited the Utah library, where they were shown the records and seal of the U. S. Court, which was said to have been destroyed. (4)
Footnotes:
1 - Clackamas Heritage Partners, http://www.historicoregoncity.org/HOC/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=107Itemid=75
2 - Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
4 - Richards, Franklin Dewey and Little, James A., Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
5 - Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/
