to the reader on recalling the description given of it in a former chapter. Echo Canyon, the only direct route from Fort Bridger through the mountains toward Salt Lake Valley, is a narrow defile about twenty-five miles long, winding its way through vertical and overhanging cliffs from eight to twelve hundred feet high. At certain points in the canyon, a few men, stationed on the heights above, or in the gorge below, might hold in check a large army. These places are termed "The Narrows," and it was near them that General Wells, about the last of September, ordered his camp located. His entire force at this time comprised about twelve hundred and fifty men, made up of companies from the various military districts. Most of the militia were ununiformed, but were

fairly equipped and provisioned for thirty days.

About the time that Echo Canyon was thus invested, a small company of men who had volunteered for the purpose went north to the Snake River country to form a new settlement, and watch the mountain passes in that region; it being feared that the invading army, finding its way disputed and effectually barred, so far as a direct route was concerned, might make a detour by way of Soda Springs and Bear River. This company, which numbered less than fifty men, was led by Captain Andrew Cunningham, and included such intrepid spirits as Alexander Burt, Brigham Y. Hampton and others. They formed a settlement near the present town of Blackfoot, Idaho, but were recalled south the same winter.* The army did not make the northern detour, though Colonel Alexander and subsequently General Johnston contemplated it, but remained facing the Echo Canyon situation until spring.

After forming his camp at "The Narrows," General Wells, dividing his staff and leaving a portion of the officers and most of the men at that point, proceeded with a small escort to Fort Bridger. The force left in Echo Canyon was commanded by Colonel N. V.

*About the time of their return, the Salmon River settlement-Fort Limhi-was attacked by Indians and the Saints compelled to leave that section.

and James Miller were killed, and five others wounded.

George McBride

Jones. He was instructed to dig trenches and make dams across the canyon, so that if necessary the road might be submerged; to construct breastworks and pile boulders upon the heights, for use against the enemy if he attempted to force a passage, and in short do everything that could be done to render the gorge impassable. Such a task was not very difficult, so much having been done by nature beforehand.

At Fort Bridger General Wells met Colonel Burton, who informed him of the latest movements of the Government troops, the establishment of Camp Winfield, and the location of the supply trains, to protect which Colonel Alexander had hurried forward. It was thought that the army would now attempt a forced march through the mountains to Salt Lake Valley.

From Fort Bridger, on September 30th, General Wells sent by Lewis Robison and Lot Smith the following communication to Colonel Alexander:

FORT BRIDGER, September 30, 1857.

SIR: I have the honor to forward you the accompanying letter from His Excellency Governor Young, together with two copies of his proclamation and a copy of the laws of Utah, 1856-57, containing the organic act of the Territory.

It may be proper to add that I am here to aid in carrying out the instructions of Governor Young.

General Robison will deliver these papers to you, and receive such communication as you may wish to make.

Trusting that your answer and actions will be dictated by a proper respect for the rights and liberties of American citizens,

I remain, very respectfully, etc.,

DANIEL H. Wells,

Lieutenant General Commanding, Nauvoo Legion.

The gist of Governor Young's letter, enclosed in that of General Wells, was this: The Mormon leader called attention to Section 2 of the Organic Act, which states that the Governor of Utah shall hold his office for four years and until his successor shall be appointed and qualified, unless sooner removed by the President of the United States, and that the Governor shall be commander-inchief of the militia of the Territory; that he, Brigham Young, was

still Governor and Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Utah, no successor having been appointed and qualified, and himself not having been removed by the President.* After reminding Colonel Alexander that he had disregarded the proclamation forbidding the entry of armed forces into the Territory, he directed him to forthwith retire therefrom, but gave him the alternative of remaining in the vicinity of his present encampment until spring, on condition that he would deposit his arms and ammunition with Lewis Robison, Quartermaster General of the Territory. Governor Young also stated that if the troops fell short of provisions they could be furnished on proper application being made.

General Robison and Major Smith were given permission, if they deemed it imprudent to enter the Federal lines, to send the documents to Colonel Alexander by a Mexican. They chose the latter course. The Colonel, though doubtless somewhat surprised at what he deemed the cool audacity of the Mormon leader, answered courteously as follows:

HEADQUARTERS 10TH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY,

Camp Winfield, on Ham's Fork, October 2, 1857. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of September 29, 1857; with two copies of Proclamation and one of "Laws of Utah," and have given it an attentive consideration.

I am at present the senior commanding officer of the troops of the United States at this point, and I will submit your letter to the general commanding as soon as he arrives here.

In the meantime I have only to say that these troops are here by the orders of the President of the United States, and their future movements will depend entirely upon the orders issued by competent military authority.

* Governor Young at this time had not been officially notified of the appointment of

his successor.