Chapter IV (1)

First Week at Great Salt Lake City.--Preliminaries.

Before entering upon the subject of the Mormons I would fain offer to the reader a few words of warning. During my twenty-four days at head-quarters, ample opportunities of surface observation were afforded me. I saw, as will presently appear, specimens of every class, from the Head of the Church down to the field-hand, and, being a stranger in the land, could ask questions and receive replies upon subjects which would have been forbidden to an American of the States, more especially to an official. But there is in Mormondom, as in all other exclusive faiths, whether Jewish, Hindoo, or other, an inner life into which I can not flatter myself or deceive the reader with the idea of my having penetrated. At the same time, it is only fair to state that no Gentile, even the unprejudiced, who are _raræ aves_, however long he may live or intimately he may be connected with Mormons, can expect to see any thing but the superficies. The writings of the Faithful are necessarily wholly presumed. And, finally, the accounts of Life in the City of the Saints published by anti-Mormons and apostates are venomous, and, as their serious discrepancies prove, thoroughly untrustworthy. I may therefore still hope, by recounting honestly and truthfully as lies in my power what I heard, and felt, and saw, and by allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, to take new ground.

[BIBLIOLOGY.]

The Mormons have been represented, and are generally believed to be, an intolerant race; I found the reverse far nearer the fact. The best proof of this is that there is hardly one anti-Mormon publication, however untruthful, violent, or scandalous, which I did not find in Great Salt Lake City.[129] The extent of the subjoined bibliographical list would deter me from a theme so used up by friend and foe, were it not for these considerations. In the first place, I have found, since my return to England, a prodigious general ignorance of the “Mormon rule;” the mass of the public has heard of the Saints, but even well-educated men hold theirs to be a kind of socialistic or communist concern, where, as in the world to come, there is no marrying nor giving in marriage. Even where this is not the case, the reader of travels will not dislike to peruse something more of a theme with which he is already perhaps familiar; for in this department of literature, as in history and biography, the more we know of a subject, the more we want to know. Moreover, since 1857, no book of general interest has appeared, and the Mormons are a progressive people, whose “go-a-headitiveness” in social growth is only to be compared with their obstinate conservatism in adhering to institutions that date from the days of Abraham. Secondly, the natural history of the New Faith--for such it is--through the several periods of conception, birth, and growth to vigorous youth, with fair promise of stalwart manhood, is a subject of general and no small importance. It interests the religionist, who looks upon it as the “scourge of corrupted Christianity,” as much as the skeptic, that admires how, in these days of steam-traveling, printing, and telegramming, when “many run to and fro,” and when “knowledge” has been “increased,” human credulity will display itself in the same glaring colors which it wore ere the diffusion of knowledge became a part of social labor. The philosophic observer will detect in it a notable example of how _mens agitat molem_, the “powerful personal influence of personal character,” and the “effect that may be produced by a single mind inflexibly applied to the pursuit of a single object;” and another proof that “it is easier to extend the belief of the multitude than to contract it--a circumstance which proceeds from the false but prevalent notion that too much belief is at least an error on the right side.” The statist will consider it in its aspect as a new system of colonization. In America the politician will look with curiosity at a despotism thriving in the centre of a democracy, and perhaps with apprehension at its future efforts, in case of war or other troubles, upon the destinies of the whilom Great Republic. In England, which principally supplies this number of souls, men, instead of regarding it as one of many safety-valves, will be reminded of their obligations toward the classes by which Mormonism is fed, and urged to the improvement of education, religion, and justice. And I hope to make it appear that the highly-colored social peculiarities of the New Faith have been used as a tool by designing men to raise up enmity against a peaceful, industrious, and law-abiding people, whose whole history has been a course of cruel persecution, which, if man really believed in his own improvement, would be a disgrace to a self-styled enlightened age. The prejudice has naturally enough extended from America to England. In 1845, when the Mormons petitioned for permission to retire to Vancouver’s Island, they met with nothing but discouragement. And even in 1860, I am told, when a report was raised that Mr. Brigham Young would willingly have taken refuge with his adherents in the valley of the Saskatchawan, the British minister was instructed to oppose the useful emigration to the utmost of his power.

[129] A list of works published upon the subject of Mormonism may not
be uninteresting. They admit of a triple division--the Gentile, the
anti-Mormon, and the Mormon.

Of the Gentiles, by which I understand the comparatively unprejudiced
observer, the principal are,

1. The Exploration and Survey of the Great Salt Lake by Captain
Stansbury, who followed up Colonel Frémont’s flying survey in 1849,
or two years before the Mormons had settled in the basin, and found
the young colony about 2-3 years old. Anti-Mormons find fault with
Captain Stansbury for expending upon their adversaries too much of
the milk of human kindness.

2. The Mormons or Latter-Day Saints, by Lieutenant J. W. Gunnison,
of the U. S. Topographical Engineers. This officer was second in
command of the exploration under Captain Stansbury, and has recorded,
in unpretending style and with great impartiality, his opinions
concerning the “rise and progress, peculiar doctrines, personal
conditions and prospects” of the Mormons, “derived from personal
observation.” Like his commanding officer, Lieutenant Gunnison is
accused of having favored the New Faith, and yet, with all the
inconsistency of the odium theologicum, the Faithful are charged with
his subsequent murder; the only motive of the foul deed being that
the Saints dreaded future disclosures, and were determined, though
one of their number had been sent to accompany Captain Stansbury as
assistant, to prevent other expeditions. Upon Lieutenant Gunnison’s
volume is founded “Les Mormons” of M. Étourneau, first printed in the
“Presse,” and afterward republished, Paris, 1856.

3. The Mormons; a Discourse delivered before the Historical Society
of Pennsylvania, March 26th, 1850, by Colonel T. L. Kane (U. S.
Militia): this gentleman, an eye-witness, who has touchingly, and,
I believe, truthfully related the details of the Nauvoo Exodus, is
called by anti-Mormons an “apologist,” and is suspected of being
a Latter-Day Saint--baptized under the name of Dr. Osborne--in
Christian disguise. Arrived at Fort Bridger in 1857, he found
assembled there the three heads of departments, Governor Cumming,
Chief Justice Eccles, and General Johnston. According to the Saints,
he was watched, spied, treated as a Mormon emissary, and nearly shot
by a mistake made on purpose; he was, however, supported by the
governor against the general, and the result was a coolness most
favorable to the New Faith. Colonel Kane is said to have preserved an
affectionate and respectful remembrance of his friends the Mormons.

4. History of the Mormons, by Messrs. Chambers, Edinburgh.

5. An Excursion to California, over the Prairies, Rocky Mountains,
and Great Sierra Nevada, by W. Kelly, Esq., J.P. Mr. Kelly, whose
work shared at the time of its appearance the interest and admiration
of the public with Messrs. Hue and Gabet’s Travels in Tartary, Tibet,
and the Chinese Empire, visited Great Salt Lake City in 1849, an
important epoch in the annals of the infant colony, and leaves the
reader only to regret that he devoted so little of his time and of
his two volumes to the history of the Saints.

6. The Mormons or Latter-Day Saints, with Memoirs of the Life
of Joseph Smith, the American Mahomet. Office of the National
Illustrated Library, 198 Strand, London. This little compilation,
dealing with facts rather than theories, borrows from the polemics
of both parties, and displays the calmness of judgment which results
from studying the subject at a distance; though Gentile, it is
somewhat in favor with Mormons because it shows some desire to speak
the truth. This solid merit has won it the honor of an abridged
translation with the title “Les Mormons” (292 pages in 12mo, Messrs.
Hachette, Paris, 1854), by M. Amédée Pichot, and a brilliant review
by M. Prosper Mérimée in the “Moniteur,” and reprinted in “Les
Mélanges Historiques et Littéraires” (p. 1-58, Michel Levy, 1855).

7. A Visit to Salt Lake, and a Residence in the Mormon Settlements
at Utah, by William Chandless. London: Smith, Elder, and Co., 1857.
Mr. Chandless, about the middle of July, 1855, crossed the prairies
in the character of a “teamster for pay,” spent the end of the
year at Great Salt Lake City, and thence traveled _viâ_ Fillmore
and San Bernardino to California. The book is exceedingly lively
and picturesque, combining pleasant reading with just observation,
impartiality, and good sense.

8. Voyage au Pays des Mormons, par Jules Remy (2 vols., E. Dentu,
Paris, 1860). The author, accompanied by Mr. Brenchley, M.A.,
traveled in July and the autumn of 1855 from San Francisco along the
line of the Carson and Humboldt Rivers to Great Salt Lake City, and
returned, like Mr. Chandless, by the southern road. The two volumes
are more valuable for the observations on the natural history of the
little-known basin, than for the generalisms, more or less sound,
with which the subject of the New Faith is discussed.

Not a few anomalies appear in the judgments passed by M. Remy upon
the Saints: while in some places they are represented as fervent
and full of faith, we also read: “Le Mormonisme n’a pas caractère
de spontanéité des religions primitives, ce qui va, du reste, de
soi, ni la naïveté des religions qui suivirent, ni la sincérité des
révélations ou des réformes religieuses qui, durant les siècles
derniers, out pris place dans l’histoire;” and while Mr. Joseph Smith
is in parts tenderly treated, he is ruthlessly characterized in p. 24
as _un fourbe et un imposteur_, a “savage and gigantic Tartuffe.” An
excellent English translation of this work has lately appeared, under
the auspices of Mr. Jeffs, Burlington Arcade, but an account of Great
Salt Lake City in 1855 is as archæological as a study of London life
in A.D. 1800.

9. Incidents of Travel and Adventure in the Far West, by M. Carvalho,
who accompanied Colonel Frémont in his last exploration. According to
anti-Mormons, the account of the Saints is far too favorable (1856).

10. Geological Survey of the Territory of Utah, by H. Englemann.
Washington, 1860.

The principal anti-Mormon works are the following, ranged in the
order of their respective dates. The _Cons_, it will be observed,
more than treble the _Pros_.

1. A brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints
(commonly called Mormons), including an Account of their Doctrine
and Discipline, with the reason of the Author for leaving the said
Church, by John Corrill, a member of the Legislature of Missouri (50
pages, 8vo, St. Louis, 1839). I know nothing beyond the name of this
little work, or of the nine following.

2. Addresses on Mormonism, by the Rev. Hays Douglas (Isle of Man,
1839).

3. Mormonism weighed in the Balances of the Sanctuary and found
Wanting, by Samuel Haining (66 pages, Douglas, Isle of Man, 1839).

4. The Latter-Day Saints and Book of Mormon. By W. J. Morrish,
Ledbury.

5. An Exposure of the Errors and Fallacies of the Self-named
Latter-Day Saints. By W. Hewitt, Staffordshire.

6. Tract on Mormonism. By Capt. D. L. St. Clair. (1840.)

7. Mormonism Unveiled. By E. D. Howe. (1841.)

8. Mormonism Exposed. By the Rev. L. Sunderland. (1841.)

9. Mormonism Portrayed; its Errors and Absurdities Exposed, and the
Spirit and Designs of its Author made Manifest. By W. Harris (64
pages, Warsaw, Illinois, 1841).

10. Mormonism in all Ages; or, the Rise, Progress, and Causes of
Mormonism; with the Biography of its Author and Founder, Joseph
Smith, junior. By Professor J. B. Turner, Illinois College,
Jacksonville. (304 pages, 12mo, New York, 1842.)

11. Gleanings by the Way. By the Rev. John A. Clark, D.D. (352 pages
in 12mo, Philadelphia, 1842), Minister at Palmyra in New York at the
time when the New Faith arose.

12. The History of the Saints, or an Exposé of Joe Smith and
Mormonism. By John C. Bennett (344 pages, 12mo, Boston, 1842).
This is the work of a celebrated apostate, who for a season took a
prominent propagandist part in the political history of Mormondom.
Defeated in his hopes of dominion, he has revenged himself by
a volume whose title declares the character of its contents,
and which wants nothing but the confidence of the reader to be
highly interesting. The Mormons speak of him as the Musaylimat el
Kazzáb--Musaylimat the Liar, who tried, and failed to enter into
partnership with Mohammed--of their religion.

The four following works were written by the Rev. Henry Caswall, a
violent anti-Mormon, who solemnly and apparently honestly believes
all the calumnies against the “worthless family” of the Prophet;
unhesitatingly adopts the Solomon Spaulding story, discovers
in Mormon Scripture as many “anachronisms, contradictions, and
grammatical errors” as ever Celsus and Porphyry detected in the
writings of the early Christians, and designates the faith in which
hundreds of thousands live and die as a “delusion in some respects
worse than paganism, and a system destined perhaps to act like
Mohammedanism (!) as a scourge upon corrupted Christianity” (sub. the
American?). The Mormons speak of this gentleman as of a 19th century
Torquemada: he appears by his own evidence to have combined with
the heart of the great inquisitor some of the head qualities of Mr.
Coroner W---- when insisting upon the unhappy Fire-king’s swallowing
his (Mr. W.’s) prussic acid instead of the pseudo-poison provided for
the edification of the public. Mr. Caswall went to Nauvoo holding
in his hand an ancient MS. of the Greek Psalter, and completely,
according to his account, puzzled the Prophet, who decided it to
be “reformed Egyptian.” Moreover, he convicted of falsehood the
“wretched old creature,” viz., the maternal parent of Mr. Joseph
Smith, called a mother in Israel, looked upon as one of the holiest
of women, and who, at any rate, was a good and kind-hearted mother,
that could not be reproached, like Luther’s, with “chastising her son
so severely about a nut that the blood came.” It is no light proof of
Mormon tolerance that so truculent a divine and opponent _par voie de
fait_ should have been allowed to depart from among a people whom he
had offended and insulted without loss of liberty or life.

13. The City of the Mormons, or three Days in Nauvoo in 1842 (87
pages, Messrs. Rivingtons, London, 1843).

14. The Prophet of the 19th Century; or, the Rise, Progress, and
Present State of the Mormons (277 pages, 8vo, published by the same,
London, 1843).

15. Joseph Smith and the Mormons. Chapter xiii. of America and the
American Church (John and Charles Mozley, Paternoster Row, London,
1851).

16. Mormonism and its Author; or, a Statement of the Doctrines of the
Latter-Day Saints. London: Tract Society, No. 866 (16 pages, 1858).

17. Narrative of some of the Proceedings of the Mormons, giving an
Account of their Iniquities, with Particulars concerning the Training
of the Indians by them; Descriptions of their Mode of Endowment,
Plurality of Wives, &c. By Catharine Lewis Lynn (24 pages, 8vo,
1848). As will presently appear, when the fair sex enters upon the
subject of polygamy, it apparently loses all self-control, not to say
its senses.

18. Friendly Warnings on the Subject of Mormonism. By a Country
Clergyman (London, 1850).

19. The Mormon Imposture: an Exposure of the Fraudulent Origin of the
Book of Mormon (8vo, Newbury, London, 1851).

20. Mormonism Exposed. By Mr. Bowes. (1851.)

21. Mormonism or the Bible; a Question for the Times. By a Cambridge
Clergyman (12mo, Cambridge and London, 1852). According to Mormon
view, the title should have been Mormonism _and_ the Bible.

22. History of Illinois. By Governor Ford (Chicago, 1854). The author
was a determined opponent of the New Faith, and gives his own version
of the massacres at Carthage and Nauvoo: it is valuable only on the
venerable principle “audi alteram partem.”

23. Mormonism. By J. W. Conybeare, first printed in the “Edinburgh
Review” (No. ccii., April, 1854, and reprinted in 112 pages, 12mo, by
Messrs. Longman, London, 1854).

24. Utah and the Mormons; the History, Government, Doctrines,
Customs, and Prospects of the Latter-Day Saints, from Personal
Observations during a Six-months’ Residence at Great Salt Lake
City. By Benjamin G. Ferris, late Secretary of Utah Territory (347
pages, 12mo, Messrs. Harper, New York, 1854). The author being
married, appears to have lived among them to as little purpose--for
observation--as possible. Every thing is considered from an
anti-Mormon point of view, and some of the accusations against the
Saints, as in the case of the Eldridges and the Howards, I know to be
not founded on fact. The calmness of the work, upon a highly exciting
subject, contrasts curiously with the feminine violence--the natural
result of contemplating polygamy--of another that issued under the
same name.

25. Mormonism Unveiled; or, a History of Mormonism to the Present
Time (235 pages, 8vo, London, 1855).

26. Mormonism Examined: a few Kind Words to a Mormon (8vo,
Birmingham, 1855).

27. Female Life among the Mormons, published anonymously for the
demand of the New York market, and especially intended for the
followers of Miss Lucy Stone and of the Rev. Miss Antoinette Brown,
but known to be by Mrs. Maria Ward, who subsequently edited another
work. The authoress, who professes to have escaped from the Mormons,
was manifestly never among them. This “tissu de mensonges et de
calomnies,” as M. Remy somewhat ungallantly, but very truthfully
styles it, has had extensive currency. M. Révoil has given a free
translation of it, under the name of “Les Harems du Nouveau Monde”
(308 pages, Paris, 1856). Its success was such that its writeress was
in 1858 induced to repeat the experiment.

28. The Mormons at Home; in a Series of Letters, by Mrs. Ferris,
wife of the late United States Secretary for Utah Territory (Dix
and Edwards, Broadway, New York, 1856). The reasons for this lady’s
rabid hate may be found in polygamy, which is calculated to astound,
perplex, and enrage fair woman in America even more than her
strong-opinioned English sister, and in the somewhat contemptuous
estimation of a sex--which is early taught and soon learns to
consider itself creation’s cream--conveyed in these words of Mr.
Brigham Young: “If I did not consider myself competent to transact
business without asking my wife, or any other woman’s counsel, I
think I ought to let _that_ business alone.”

Accordingly, Mrs. Ferris finds herself in the hands and of a “society
of fanatics,” controlled by a “gang of licentious villains”--an
unpleasant predicament _pour cette vertu_--in fact, for virtue at any
time of life--characterizes the land as a “Botany Bay” for society in
general, and a “region of moral pestilence;” and while she lavishes
the treasures of her pity upon the “poor, poor wife,” holds her
spiritual rival to be _tout bonnement_ a “concubine,” and consigns
the wretches assembled here (_scil._ in Zion on the tops of the
Mountains) to the “very hottest part of the infernal torrid zone.”
Tantæne animis cœlestibus iræ?

The Mormons declare that they incurred this funny amount of feminine
wrath and suffered from its consequent pin-pricks by their not taking
sufficient interest in, or notice of the writer, especially by the
fact that on one occasion--it is made much of in the book--some
rude men actually did walk over a bridge before her. But coming
direct from the land of woman’s rights’ associations, lecturesses
on propagandism and voluntary celibatarians, whose “mission” it is
to reform, purify, and exalt the age, especially our wicked selves,
what else could be expected of outraged delicacy and self-esteem? Not
being “vivisectors,” we can not, however, quite join with Mrs. Ferris
in the complacency with which she relates her “probing the hearts” of
her Mormon guests and visitors “with ruthless questions” about their
domestic affairs; and we remark with pleasure that in more than one
place she has most unwillingly confessed the kindness and civility of
the Latter-Day Saints.

29. Adventures among the Mormons, by Elder Hawthornthwaite, an
Apostate Missionary. (1857.)

30. The Mormons, the Dream and the Reality; or, Leaves from the
Sketchbook of Experience. Edited by a Clergyman. W. B. F. (8vo,
London, 1857).

31. The Husband in Utah; or, Sights and Scenes among the Mormons. By
Austin N. Ward. Edited by Mrs. Maria Ward, Author of “Female Life
among the Mormons” (212 pages, 8vo, Derby and Jackson, Nassau Street,
New York, 1857). It is regretable that a respectable publisher should
lend his name to a volume like this. The authoress professes to
edit the MS. left by a nephew of her husband, who lived among the
Mormons en route to California, went on to the gold regions and died.
I can not but characterize it as a pure invention. The writer who
describes markets where not one ever existed, and “the tall spires
of the Mormon temples glittering in the rich sunlight” (p. 15),
there being no spires and no temples at Utah, can hardly expect to
be believed, even when, with all the eloquence of Mr. Potts, of the
“Eatanswill Gazette,” she dwells upon the “fanaticism and diabolism
that ever attends (?) the hideous and slimy course of Mormonism in
its progress over the world.” The imposture, too, is not “white;” it
is premeditatedly mischievous. Although Brother Underwood is a fancy
personage, Miss Eliza R. Snow, with whose name improper liberties are
taken, is no myth, but a well educated and highly respectable reality.

32. Fifteen Years among the Mormons, being the Narrative of Mrs. Mary
Ettie V. Smith, late of the Great Salt Lake City, a Sister of one
of the Mormon High-Priests, she having been personally acquainted
with most of the Mormon leaders, and long in the confidence of the
Prophet Brigham Young. By Nelson Winch Green. (Charles Scribner,
Broadway, New York, 1858, and unhappily republished by Messrs.
Routledge, London.) This work, whose exceedingly clap-trap title is
a key to the “popular” nature of the contents, is, _par excellence_,
_the_ most offensive publication of the kind, and bears within it
marks of an exceeding untruthfulness. The human sacrifices and the
abominable rites performed in the Endowment House are reproductions
of the accounts of hidden orgies in the Nauvoo Temple, invented
and promulgated by Mr. Bowes. The last words placed in the mouth
of Mr. Joseph Smith, “My God! my God! have mercy upon us, if there
is a God!”--a palpable plagiarism from Lord P----’s will--may be a
pious fraud to warn stray lambs from the fold of Mormonism, but as
a history shows, it is wholly destitute of fact. The murder in Mr.
Jones’, the butcher’s house, so circumstantially related, never took
place. Colonel Bridger, who is killed off by the Danites at the end
of the book, still lives; and a dream (ch. xxxviii.) seems to be the
only proof of Lieutenant Gunnison having been slaughtered by the
Latter-Day Saints, not, as is generally supposed, by the Indians.
“Milking the Gentiles,” coining “Bogus-money,” “whistling and
whittling” anti-Mormons out of the town, the dangers of competition
in love-matters with an apostle, and the imminent peril of being
scalped by white Indians, are stock accusations copied from book to
book, and rendered somewhat harmless by want of novelty. But nothing
will excuse the reckless accusations with which Mrs. Smith takes away
the characters of her Mormon sisters, and the abominations with which
she charges the wives of the highest dignitaries. Among those thus
foully defamed is Miss Snow, who also appears as a leading actress in
Mrs. Ward’s fiction. The “poetess of the Mormons,” now married to the
Prophet, has ever led a life of exceptional asceticism--cold in fact
as her name. The Latter-Day Saints retort upon Mrs. Smith, of course,
in kind, quoting Chaucer (but whether truthfully or not I can not
say):

“A woman she was the most discrete alive,
Husbandes at chirche-dore had she had five.”

33. Mormonism; its Leaders and Designs, by John Hyde, Jun.,
formerly a Mormon Elder, and resident of Great Salt Lake City.
(385 pages, 8vo, W. P. Fetridge & Co., Broadway, New York, 1857.)
This is the work of an apostate Mormon, now preaching, I believe,
Swedenborgianism in England: it has some pretensions to learning,
and it attacks the Mormons upon all their strongest grounds. It is
also satisfactory to see that in the circumstantial description of
the mysteries of the Endowment House, Mrs. Smith and Mr. Hyde, whose
account has apparently been borrowed by M. Remy, disagree, thus
justifying us in doubting both; and it is curious to remark, that
while the lady leans to the erotic, the gentleman dwells upon the
treasonous and mutinous tendency of the ceremony. According to Mr.
Hyde, he left the Mormons from conscientious motives. The Mormons,
who, however, never fail thoroughly to denigrate the character of
an enemy, especially of an apostate, declare that the author, when
a missionary at Havre de Grâce, proved useless, always shirking his
duty; and that, since dismissal from the ministry, he has left a wife
unprovided for at Great Salt Lake City.

The now almost forgotten polemical and anti-Mormon works are,

M. Favez. Fragments sur J. Smith et les Mormons. A methodistical
brochure.

Mr. Gray. Principles and Practices of Mormons.

M. Guers. L’Irvingisme et le Mormonisme jugés par la parole de Dieu.

Dr. Hurlburt’s Mormonism Unveiled. This work first set on foot the
story of “Solomon Spaulding” having composed the Book of Mormon,
concerning which more anon.

Mormonism a Delusion. By the Rev. E. B. Chalmers.

Mormonism Unmasked. By R. Clarke.

Mormonism, its History, Doctrine, etc. By the Rev. S. Simpson.

Mormonism an Imposture. By P. Drummond.

The Latter-Day Saints and their Spiritual Views. By H. S. J.

Tracts on Mormonism. A brochure by the Rev. Edmund Clay.

A Country Clergyman’s Warning to his Parishioners. (Wertheim &
M‘Intosh, London.)

The Materialism of the Mormons, or Latter-Day Saints, Examined and
Exposed. By S. W. P. Taylder.

The Book of Mormon Examined, and its Claims to be a Revelation from
God proved to be False. (12mo, Anonymous.)

The principal notices of Mormonism in periodical literature are,

Archives du Christianisme: articles de MM. Agénor de Gasparin et
Monod sur le Mormonisme. Nos. of the 11th of December, 1852, and
14th of May, 1853, quoted in the “Bibliographie Universelle” of MM.
Ferdinand Denis, Pinçon et De Narbonne, under the article “Utah.”

Sectes religieuses au xix^{me} siècle; Les Irvingiens et les Saints
du Dernier Jour, par M. Alfred Maury. Revue des Deux-Mondes. Vol.
iii. of the 23d year (A.D. 1853), 1st of September, pages 961-995.

History and Ideas of the Mormons. “Westminster Review,” vol. iii.,
pages 196-230. (1853.)

Le Mormonisme et sa valeur morale--La Société et la Vie des Mormons,
by M. Émile Montégut, “Revue des Deux-Mondes,” vol. i. of the 26th
year, pages 689-725, 15th of February, 1856.

Visite aux Mormons du Lac Salé par Jules Remy. Articles in the “Echo
du Pacifique,” San Francisco, January and February, 1856.

L’Illustration, Journal Universel. Vols. xv. and xxi. Articles by M.
Depping, “Sur les Mormons” (1858).

Biographie Genérale du Dr. Hæfer, publiée chez MM. Didot frères: a
long article upon Mr. Brigham Young, by M. Isambert (1858).

Une Campagne des Américains contre les Mormons. By M. Auguste Laugel.
“Revue des Deux-Mondes,” 1er Septembre, 1859, pages 194-211.

Magasin Pittoresque. Several articles upon the Great Salt Lake, by M.
Ferdinand Denis. Vol. xxvii., pages 172-239. Vol. xxviii., page 207.
(1859-1860.)

Le Mormonisme et les Etats-Unis. “Revue des Deux-Mondes,” 15th April,
1861, signed by M. Elisée Reclus; an article formed chiefly upon
the work of M. Remy. It is an able article, but written by one who,
unfortunately, was never in the country--a _sine quâ non_ for correct
description. The “Revue” had already undertaken the subject in the
number of the 1st of September, 1853, the 15th of February, 1856, and
the 1st of September, 1859.

The foreign works omitted in the catalogue at the end of this note
are,

Mormonismen och Swedenborgianismen. Upsala (8vo, 1854).

Geschichte der Mormonen, oder Jüngsten-Tages-Heiligen in
Nord-Amerika, von Theodor Olshausen. (Göttingen, 244 pages, 8vo,
1856.)

Geographische Wanderungen. Die Mormonen und ihr Land, von Karl
Andree. Dresden, 1859.

The Mormons have published at their General Repository only one
purely laical book, “The Route from Liverpool to Great Salt Lake
Valley,” illustrated with steel engravings and wood-cuts, from
sketches made by Frederick Piercy. Edited by James Linworth. It is a
highly creditable volume, especially in the artistic department, but
the letter-press is uninteresting, and appears a mere peg upon which
to hang copious notes and official returns. The price varies from
£1 to £1 3_s._, and the three first parts, containing an accurate
history of the Latter-Day Saints’ emigration from Europe up to 1854,
may be had separately, 1_s._ each.

So good a theme for romance could not fail to fall into the hands
of Captain Mayne Reid, who is to Mormonism what Alexander Dumas
was to Mesmerism. In his pages the exaggerated anti-Mormon feeling
attains its acme; the explorer Stansbury, who spoke fairly of the
Saints, is thus qualified: “the captain is at best but a superficial
observer”--quite a glass-house stone-throwing critique. Mr. Brigham
Young is a “vulgar Alcibiades;” the City of the Saints is a “modern
Gomorrah,” and the Saints themselves are “sanctified _forbans_;” the
plurality wife is a “_femme entretenue_.” In the tale of the “Wild
Huntress,” a young person married by foul means to Josh. Stebbing,
the Mormon, and rescued mainly by a young hero--of course a Mexican
volunteer--we have a sound abuse of the many-wife-system, despotism,
theocracy, Danites, tithes, “plebbishness,” and the “vulgar ring
which smacks (!) of ignoble origin.” On the other hand, the rascal
Wakara, an ignoble sub-chief of the Yutas, known mainly as a
horse-thief, contrasts splendidly by his valor, by his “delicate
attentions” to the pretty half-caste, and by his chivalry and
hospitality, which make him a very “Rolla of the North!” And this is
“fact taught through fiction!”

The Mormon Scriptures, corresponding with the Old Testament, the
Evangels, and the epistles of Christianity, consist of the following
works: purely bibliographical notices are here given; the contents
will be the subject of a future page.

1. The Book of Mormon, an Account written by the hand of Mormon, upon
plates taken from the Plates of Mormon. Translated by Joseph Smith,
Jun. The first edition was printed in 1830, at Palmyra, New York,
and consisted of 5000 copies. Since that time it has frequently been
republished in England and America: it was translated into French in
1852 (Marc Ducloux, Rue Saint Benoît 7, Paris, 1852), and versions
have appeared in the German, Italian, Danish, Welsh, and Hawaïan
tongues.

2. The Book of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus of
Latter-Day Saints, selected (!) from the Revelations of God. By
Joseph Smith, President (336 pages, 12mo). The first American edition
was printed in 1832, or ten years after the Book of Mormon, and was
published at Mr. Joseph Smith’s expense. Many translations of this
important work have appeared.

3. The Pearl of Great Price; being a Choice Selection from the
Revelations, Translations, and Narratives of Joseph Smith (56
pages, 8vo, Liverpool, first published in 1851). This little volume
contains the Book of Abraham, “translated from some records that have
fallen into our hands from the catacombs of Egypt, purporting to be
the writings of Abraham while he was in Egypt, called the Book of
Abraham, written by his own hand on papyrus. With a fac-simile of
three papyri.”

4. The Latter-Day Saints’ Millennial Star, begun in 1839, Manchester,
United States, and now published 42 Islington, Liverpool, every
Saturday. It has reached its 21st volume. The periodical is a single
sheet (16 pages), and the price is one penny. It is an important
publication, embracing the whole history of Mormonism; the hebdomadal
issue now contains polemical papers, vindications of the Faith, with
a kind of appendix, such as emigration reports, quarterly lists of
marriages and deaths, varieties, and money lists.

5. Journal of Discourses by Brigham Young and others. First published
in 1854 (8vo, Liverpool). It now appears in semi-monthly numbers,
1st and 15th, costing 2_d._, making up one volume per annum. The
above-mentioned and the writings of “Joseph the Seer and Parley P.
Pratt, wherever found,” are considered by the authorities of the
Church as direct revelations.

The Mormons do not hold the “Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith
the Prophet and his Progenitors, for many Generations, by Lucy Smith,
mother of the Prophet,” to be entirely trustworthy. Beyond its two
pages of preface by Orson Pratt, it is deep below criticism. This
work, 18mo, of 297 pages (including “Elegies” by Miss E. R. Snow),
was first printed in 1853.

The Controversialist works, not usually included in the London
catalogue, are the following. They are characterized by abundant
earnestness and enthusiasm, and are purposely written in a style
intelligible to the classes addressed:

The Word of our Lord to the Citizens of London, by H. C. Kimball and
W. Woodruff (1839).

The Millennium, and other Poems; to which is annexed a Treatise on
the Regeneration and Eternal Duration of Matter, by Parley P. Pratt,
New York, 1840.

A Cry out of the Wilderness, by Elder Hyde. This hook was first
published in Germany and in German (120 pages, in 1842).

Three Nights’ Public Discourse at Boulogne-sur-Mer, by Elder John
Taylor (46 pages in 8vo, Liverpool, 1850).

Three Letters to the “New York Herald,” of James Gordon Bennett,
Esq., from J. M. Grant (Mayor and President of the Quorum of
Seventies), of Utah, March, 1852. These epistles have been reprinted
in pamphlet form; they chiefly set forth Mormon grievances,
especially the injury done by the federal officials.

History of the Persecutions endured by the Church of Jesus of
Latter-Day Saints in America, compiled from Public Documents and
drawn from Authentic Sources, by C. W. Wandell, Minister of the
Gospel (without date, but subsequent to the 64 pp. 8vo edition,
printed at Sydney).

Journal of the House of Representatives, Council and Joint Sessions
of the First Annual Special Sessions of the Legislative Assembly
of the Territory of Utah, held at Great Salt Lake City, 1851-1852.
(Printed by Brigham Young, 175 pages 12mo, 1852.)

Defense of Polygamy, by a Lady of Utah (Mrs. Belinda Marden Pratt)
to her Sister in New Hampshire (11 pages, 8vo, first printed at
Great Salt Lake City in 1854, and subsequently republished in the
“Millennial Star” of the 29th of July in the same year). I shall
presently quote this curious work.

Acts and Resolutions of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of
Utah, Great Salt Lake City, 40 pages, 12mo. First printed in 1854,
and now published for every Annual Session (that of ’60-’61 being the
10th) at Great Salt Lake City. Printed at the “Mountaineer” Office,
by John S. Davis, Public Printer.

Acts, Resolutions, and Memorials passed at the several Annual
Sessions (the 9th in 1859-60) of the Legislative Assembly of the
Territory of Utah. Published by virtue of an Act approved January
19th, 1855, Great Salt Lake City, Joseph Cain, afterward J. S.
Davis, Public Printer, 1855-1860. 460 pages, 12mo. It contains the
Territorial Code of Deserét, and is purely secular.

Report of the First General Festival of the Renowned Mormon
Battalion, Great Salt Lake City. 39 pages in 8vo.

Discourses delivered by Joseph Smith (30th of June, 1843) and Brigham
Young (18th of February, 1855) on the Relations of the Mormons to the
Government of the United States. Great Salt Lake City, 16 pages.

Marriage and Morals in Utah, by Parley P. Pratt. 8 pages, 8vo,
Liverpool, 1856.

Twenty-four Miracles, by O. Pratt. Liverpool, 16 pages, 8vo, 1857.

Latter-Day Kingdom; or, the Preparation for the Second Advent, by O.
Pratt. Liverpool, 16 pages, 8vo, 1857.

Spiritual Gifts, by Orson Pratt. Liverpool and London, 80 pages, 8vo,
1857.

Universal Apostasy; or, the Seventeen Centuries of Darkness, by O.
Pratt, Liverpool, 16 pages in 8vo, 1857.

Compendium of the Faith and Doctrines of the Church of Jesus of
Latter-Day Saints, compiled from the Bible, and also from the Book
of Mormon, Doctrines and Covenants, and other publications of the
Church; with an Appendix, by Franklin D. Richards, one of the Twelve
Apostles of said Church. 42 Islington, Liverpool, 243 pages, long
18mo. (1857.) A concordance and compilation of the chief doctrinal
works and seven sermons.

The following is the Catalogue of English Works published by the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and for sale by Orson
Pratt, at their General Repository and “Millennial Star” Office, 42
Islington, Liverpool, and removed from 35 Jewin Street, City, to 30
Florence Street, Islington, London.

Hymn-Book, first edition in 1851. Morocco extra, 4_s._; calf, gilt
edges, 2_s._ 6_d._; calf grained, 2_s._; roan embossed, 1_s._ 6_d._

The Harp of Zion. Poems by John Lyon. Published for the benefit of
the Perpetual Emigrating Fund. First printed in 1853. Morocco extra,
6_s._ 6_d._; cloth, gilt extra, 3_s._ 6_d._; cloth embossed, 2_s._
6_d._

Poems, Religious, Historical, and Political. By Eliza R. Snow. Vol.
I. Morocco extra, 6_s._ 6_d._; calf gilt, 5_s._; cloth gilt, 3_s._
6_d._; cloth embossed, 2_s._ 6_d._

The Government of God, by John Taylor, one of the Twelve Apostles.
First printed in 1852. Stiff covers, 1_s._ 9_d._

Latter-Day Saints in Utah. Opinion of Judge Snow upon the Official
Course of His Excellency Gov. B. Young--Trial of Howard Egan on
Indictment, for the Murder of James Monroe, verdict--A Bill to
Establish a Territorial Government for Utah. The Territorial
Officers, etc. 9_d._

One Year in Scandinavia. Results of the Gospel in Denmark and Sweden,
by Erastus Snow, one of the Twelve Apostles. 3_d._

Reports of Three Nights’ Public Discussion in Bolton, between William
Gibson, H. P., Presiding Elder of the Manchester Conference of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Rev. Woodville
Woodman, Minister of the New Jerusalem Church. First published in
1851. 6_d._

Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith; also a condensed History of
the Expulsion of the Saints from Nauvoo, by Elder John S. Fullmer,
Pastor of the Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston Conferences. First
printed in 1856. 5_d._

Testimonies for the Truth; a Record of Manifestations of the Power
of God--miraculous and providential--witnessed in the travels and
experience of Benjamin Brown, H. P., Pastor of the London, Reading,
Kent, and Essex Conferences. It is a list of the Miracles performed
by the first Mormons. Printed in Liverpool, 1853. 4_d._

_Works by Parley P. Pratt, one of the Twelve Apostles._

Key to the Science of Theology; designed as an Introduction to
the First Principles of Spiritual Philosophy, Religion, Law, and
Government, as delivered by the Ancients, and as restored in this
Age, for the Final Development of Universal Peace, Truth, and
Knowledge. First published in 1855. It is a volume far superior in
matter and manner to the average run of Mormon composition. Morocco
extra, 5_s._ 6_d._; calf grained, 3_s._ 6_d._; cloth embossed, 2_s._

The Voice of Warning; or, an Introduction to the Faith and Doctrine
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This work has
been translated into French. Morocco extra, 4_s._; calf, gilt edges,
3_s._; calf grained, 2_s._ 6_d._; cloth embossed, 1_s._ 6_d._

_Works by Orson Pratt, A.M., one of the Twelve Apostles._

Absurdities of Immaterialism; or, a Reply to T. W. P. Taylder’s
Pamphlet, entitled “The Materialism of the Mormons, or Latter-Day
Saints, Examined and Exposed.” First edition in 1849. 4_d._

Great First Cause; or, the Self-moving Forces of the Universe. 2_d._

Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon, in 6 parts. Each part 2_d._

Divine Authority, or the Question, was Joseph Smith sent of God?
First published in 1848. 2_d._

Remarkable Visions. First published in 1849. 2_d._

The Kingdom of God, in 4 parts. First edition in 1849. Parts 1, 2, 3,
each 1_d._ Part 4, 2_d._

Reply to a Pamphlet printed at Glasgow, with the approbation
of Clergymen of different denominations, entitled, “Remarks on
Mormonism.” First edition in 1849. 2_d._

New Jerusalem; or, the Fulfillment of Modern Prophecy. First
published in 1849. 3_d._

Title and Index to the above Works, ¹⁄₂_d._

The Seer. Vol. I., 12 numbers; II., 8 numbers. Each number 2_d._ The
two volumes bound in one, in half calf, 5_s._

A Series of Pamphlets, now being published on the first Principles of
the Gospel.

The following numbers are already out: Chap. 1, The True Faith. Chap.
2, True Repentance. Chap. 3, Water Baptism. Chap. 4, The Holy Spirit.
Chap. 5, Spiritual Gifts. First printed in 1857. Each number, 2_d._

_Works by Lorenzo Snow, one of the Twelve Apostles._

The Voice of Joseph. A brief Account of the Rise, Progress, and
Persecutions of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with
their present Position and Prospects in Utah Territory; together with
American Exiles’ Memorial to Congress. First published in 1852. 3_d._

The Only Way to be Saved. An Explanation of the First Principles of
the Doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 1_d._

The Italian Mission, 4_d._

_Works by Elder Orson Spencer, A.B._

Letters exhibiting the most prominent Doctrines of the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in reply to the Rev. William
Crowel, A.M., Boston, Mass., U. S. A. First printed in 1852. Morocco
extra, 4_s._; calf grained, 2_s._ 6_d._; cloth embossed, 1_s._ 6_d._

Patriarchal Order, or Plurality of Wives. (Being the Fifteenth Letter
in Correspondence with the Rev. William Crowel, A.M.) 2_d._

The Prussian Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints. Report of Elder Orson Spencer, A.B., to President Brigham
Young. 2_d._

_Works by Elder John Jacques._

Catechism for Children. Cloth, gilt edges, 10_d._; stiff covers, 6_d._

Exclusive Salvation, 1_d._

Salvation. A Dialogue in two parts. Each part 1_d._

I will conclude this long enumeration with Catalogue of the principal
Works in foreign languages.

_Works in French._

Le Livre de Mormon (Book of Mormon), 3_s._ 6_d._

Une Voix d’Avertissement (Voice of Warning). Par Parley P. Pratt.
Morocco, gilt edges, 4_s._; roan, 1_s._ 9_d._; cloth, 1_s._ 6_d._;
paper covers, 1_s._ 3_d._

Les Mormons et leurs Enemis (The Latter-Day Saints and their
Enemies). Par T. B. H. Stenhouse, President des Missions Suisse et
Italienne. 1_s._ 6_d._

Autorité Divine (Divine Authority). Par L. A. Bertrand, Elder. 4_d._

De la Nécessité de Nouvelles Révélations prouvée par la Bible. Par
John Taylor, un des Douze Apôtres. 4_d._

Aux Amis de la Vérité Religieuse. Par John Taylor, Elder. 2_d._

Epitre du President de la Mission Française à l’Eglise des Saints des
Derniers-jours en France et dans les Iles de la Manche (Epistle of
the President of the French Mission, etc.), 1¹⁄₂_d._

Traité sur le Baptême. Par John Taylor, un des Douze Apôtres. 2_d._

_Works in German._

Das Buch Mormon (The Book of Mormon), 3_s._ 6_d._

Eine Gottliche Offenbarung; und Belehrung uber den Ehestand
(Revelation on Marriage; and Patriarchal order or Plurality of
Wives). Stiff covers, 6_d._

Zion’s Panier (Zion’s Pioneer). No. 1, 3_d._

_Works in Italian._

Il Libro di Mormon (The Book of Mormon). Morocco extra, 6_s._ 6_d._;
grained roan, 4_s._ 6_d._

_Works in Danish._

Mormons Bog (The Book of Mormon). Grained roan, 4_s._

_Works in Welsh._

Llyfr Mormon (Book of Mormon). Grained roan, 4_s._; roan, gilt edges,
4_s._ 6_d._

Athrawiaeth a Chyfammodau (Doctrine and Covenants). Grained roan,
3_s._ 6_d._; roan, gilt edges, 3_s._ 6_d._

Llfyr Hymnau (Hymn Book). Marble calf, 2_s._; grained roan, 2_s._
3_d._; calf, gilt edges, 2_s._ 6_d._

Y Perl o Fawr Bris (Pearl of Great Price), 1_s._ 2_d._

Priodas a Moesau yn Utah, gan Parley P. Pratt (Marriage and Morals in
Utah, by Parley P. Pratt), 1_d._

Prophwyd y Jubili (The Millennial Prophet), Vol. III. unbound, 2_s._
0¹⁄₂_d._

_By Elder Dan Jones._

Yr Eurgrawn Ysgrythyrol (Casket, or Treatises on upward of 100
subjects). Half calf, 3_s._ 3_d._; unbound, 2_s._ 6_d._

Pwy yw Duw y Saint? (Who is the God of the Saints?), 2¹⁄₂_d._

Yr Hen Grefydd Newydd (The old Religion anew), 6_d._

Annerchiad i’r Peirch, etc. (Proclamation to the Reverends, etc.),
1¹⁄₂_d._

Gwrthbrofion i’r Spaulding Story am Lyfr Mormon (Spaulding Story,
etc., refuted), 2_d._

Anmhoblogrwydd Mormoniaeth (Unpopularity of Mormonism), 1_d._

Arweinydd i Seion (Guide to Zion), 1¹⁄₂_d._

Pa beth yw Mormoniaeth? (What is Mormonism?), ¹⁄₂_d._

Pa beth yw gras Cadwedigol? (What is saving Grace?), ¹⁄₂_d._

Dadi ar Mormoniaeth? (Discussion on Mormonism), 2_d._

Anffyddiaeth Sectyddiaeth (Skepticism of Sectarianism), 1_d._

Amddiffyniad rhag Cam-gyhuddiadau (Replies to False Charges), 1_d._

Y Lleidr ar y Groes (The Thief on the Cross), ¹⁄₂_d._

“Peidiwch a’u Gwrando” (“Don’t go to hear them”), ¹⁄₂_d._

Egwyddorion Cyntaf a Gwahoddiadau (First Principles and Invitations),
¹⁄₄_d._

Ai duw a Ddanfonodd Joseph Smith (Divinity of Joseph’s Mission), 1_d._

Llofruddiad Joseph a Hyrum Smith (Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum
Smith), 1_d._

Tarddiad Llfyr Mormon (Origin of the Book of Mormon), 1_d._

Dammeg y Pren Ffrwythlawn (Parable of the Fruitful Tree), ¹⁄₂_d._

Darlun o’r Byd Crefyddol (The Religious World Illustrated), ¹⁄₂_d._

Traethodau D. Jones, yn rhwyn mewn hanner croen llo (D. Jones’ Works
bound in half calf), 6_s._ 4_d._

_By Elder John Davies._

Yr hyn sydd o ran, etc. (That which is in part, etc.), 1_d._

Epistol Cyffredinol Cyntaf (First General Epistle of the first
Presidency), 1_d._

Traethawd ar Wyrthiau (Treatise on Miracles), 1_d._

Etto Adolygiad, etc., Chwech Rhifyn (Do. in reply to Anti-Mormon
Lectures). Six Nos. (Each No. 1_d._)

Pregethu i’r Ysbrydion yn Ngharchar, etc. (Preaching to the Spirits
in Prison, etc.), 1_d._

Ewch a Dysgwch (Go and Teach), ¹⁄₄_d._

Darlithiau ar Ffydd, gan Joseph Smith (Joseph Smith’s Lectures on
Faith), 4_d._

Y Doniau Ysbrydol yn Mrawdlys y Gelyn (The Spiritual Gifts before
their Enemies’ Tribunal), 2_d._

Traethawd ar Fedydd (Treatise on Baptism), 1_d._

Corff Crist, neu yr Eglwys (The Body or Church of Christ), 1_d._

Ffordd y Bywyd Tragywyddol (The Way of Eternal Life), 1_d._

Yr Achos Mawr Cyntaf, gan O. Pratt (Great First Cause, by O. Pratt),
2_d._

Profwch Bob Peth, etc. (Prove all things, etc.), ¹⁄₂_d._

Athrawiaeth Iachus (Sound Doctrine), ¹⁄₂_d._

Ymddyddanion yn Gymraeg a Saesonaeg (Dialogues in Welsh and English),
¹⁄₂_d._

Llythyron Capt. Jones o Ddyffryn y li. H. Mawr, yn desgrifio
arderchawgrwydd Seion (Beauties of Zion described by Captain Jones,
in a Series of Letters from Great Salt Lake Valley), 2_d._

[SAN FRANCISCO ROAD.]

On the evening of our arrival Lieutenant Dana and I proceeded to the store of Messrs. Livingston, Bell, and Co.--formerly Livingston and Kinkhead--the sutlers of Camp Floyd, and the most considerable Gentile merchants in Great Salt Lake City; he to learn the readiest way of reaching head-quarters, I to make inquiries about the San Francisco road. We were cordially received by both these gentlemen, who, during the whole period of my stay, did all in their power to make the place pleasant. Governor Bell, as he is generally called, presently introduced me to his wife, a very charming person, of English descent, whose lively manners contrasted strongly and agreeably with the almost monastic gloom which the _régime_ of the “lady-saints” casts over society. Lieutenant Dana was offered seats in Mr. Livingston’s trotting-wagon on the ensuing Monday. I was less fortunate. Captain Miller, of Millersville, the principal agent and director at this end of the road, informed me that he had lately ceased to run the wagon, which had cost the company $15,000 a month, returning but $30,000 per annum, and was sending the mails on mule-back. However, my informants agreed that a party would probably be starting soon, and that, all things failing, I could ride the road, though with some little risk of scalp. We ended with a bottle of Heidseck, and with cigars which were not unpleasant even after the excellent “gold-leaf tobacco” of the States.

[GOVERNOR CUMMING.]

On the next day, Sunday, we walked up the main street northward, and doubling three corners of Temple Block, reached the large adobe house, with its neat garden, the abode of the then governor, Hon. Alfred Cumming. This gentleman, a Georgian by birth, after a long public service as Indian agent in the northern country, was, after several refusals, persuaded by the then president, who knew his high honor and tried intrepidity, to assume the supreme executive authority at Great Salt Lake City. The conditions were that polygamy should not be interfered with, nor forcible measures resorted to except in extremest need. Governor Cumming, accompanied by his wife, and an escort of 600 dragoons, left the Mississippi in the autumn of 1857, at a time when the Mormons were in arms against the federal authority, and ended his journey only in April of the ensuing year. By firmness, prudence, and conciliation, he not only prevented any collision between the local militia and the United States army, which was burning to revenge itself for the terrible hardships of the campaign, but succeeded in restoring order and obedience throughout the Territory. He had been told before entering that his life was in danger; he was not, however, a man to be deterred from a settled purpose, and experiment showed that, so far from being molested, he was received with a salute and all the honors. Having been warned that he might share the fate of Governor Boggs, who in 1843 was shot through the mouth when standing at the window, he enlarged the casements of his house in order to give the shooter a fair chance. His determination enabled him to issue, a few days after his arrival, a proclamation offering protection to all persons illegally restrained of their liberty in Utah. The scrupulous and conscientious impartiality which he has brought to the discharge of his difficult and delicate duties, and, more still, his resolution to treat the Saints like Gentiles and citizens, not as Digger Indians or felons, have won him scant favor from either party. The anti-Mormons use very hard language, and declare him to be a Mormon in Christian disguise. The Mormons, though more moderate, can never, by their very organization, rest contented without the combination of the temporal with the spiritual power. The governor does not meet his predecessor, the ex-governor, Mr. Brigham Young, from prudential motives, except on public duty. Mrs. Cumming visits Mrs. Young, and at the houses of the principal dignitaries, this being nearly the only society in the place. As, among Moslems, a Lady M. W. Montague can learn more of domestic life in a week than a man can in a year, so it is among the Mormons. I can not but express a hope that the amiable Mrs. Cumming will favor us with the results of her observation and experience, and that she will be as disinterested and unprejudiced as she is talented and accomplished. The kindness and hospitality which I found at the governor’s, and, indeed, at every place in New Zion, is “ungrateful to omit,” and would be “tedious to repeat.”

We dined with his excellency at the usual hour, 2 P.M. On the way I could dwell more observantly upon the main features of the city, which, after the free use of the pocket-compass, were becoming familiar to me. The first remark was, that every meridional street is traversed on both sides by a streamlet of limpid water, verdure-fringed, and gurgling with a murmur which would make a Persian Moollah long for improper drinks. The supplies are brought in raised and hollowed water-courses from City Creek, Red Buttes, and other kanyons lying north and east of the settlement. The few wells are never less than forty-five feet deep; artesians have been proposed for the benches, but the expense has hitherto proved an obstacle. Citizens can now draw with scanty trouble their drinking water in the morning, when it is purest, from the clear and sparkling streams that flow over the pebbly beds before their doors. The surplus is reserved for the purposes of irrigation, without which, as the “distillation from above” will not suffice, Deserét would still be a desert, and what is not wanted swells the City Creek, and eventually the waves of the Jordan. The element, which flows at about the rate of four miles an hour, is under a chief water-master or commissioner, assisted by a water-master in each ward, and by a deputy in each block, all sworn to see the fertilizing fluid fairly distributed. At the corners of every ward there is a water-gate which controls the supplies that branch off to the several blocks, and each lot of one and a quarter acres is allowed about three hours’ irrigation during the week. For repairs and other expenses a property tax of one mill per dollar is raised, and the total of the impost in 1860 was $1163 25. The system works like clock-work. “The Act to Incorporate the Great Salt Lake City Water-works” was approved January 21, 1853.

[THE HOLY CITY.]