HOW BRIGHAM YOUNG FOUGHT THE UNITED STATES.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 348, 31 December 1915, Page 7

HOW BRIGHAM YOUNG FOUGHT THE UNITED STATES.

In 1860 an armed expedition was sent out by the United States Govern-

ment against Brigham Young and his folloAvers, never dreaming that the Mormons Avould take the offensive. The Mormons waited until the foremost train of troops Avas in a convenient spot for ambushing, attacked the troops at dead of night, and inflicted a severe defeat. Commander Johnston, the leader of the expedition, realising the huge task he had been, giA'en of reaching Salt Lake City, Avent into Avinter quarters, and this gave Young the oppotrunity to resist the Federals to the last gasp. In the spring the advance guard of the Federals inarched through Emiigratlon Canon and saw the city of the ' Saints lying at their feet, beautiful, and bathed in sunshine. The Mormons threatened to bIcAV up the city and all the troops if he adA'anced further, and negotiations Avere opened up Avith Young, with the result that eventually the Mormons agreed to recognise the authority of the United States Government.

But eve nthen the Governors who were sent to rule at Sail Lake City were mere puppets in the hands of Young, and wee betide any who happened to offend him. Some were 'assassinated ;none knpw why or by whom. One Governor tried to escape, but was captured, and horribly mutilated.

Of course, such horrors as these would not have been perpetrated with impunity if the Federal Government had net been engaged in a life-tmd-death struggle with the Southern States.