History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

AN ARMY EN ROUTE. 497
mond and others that they came in conflict with the
secular authorities, and even then every precaution
was taken to avoid, if possible, the shedding of blood.
"The instructions of the commanding officer," writes
the secretary of war, "were deliberately considered
and carefully drawn, and he was charged not to allow
anv conflict to take place between the troops and the
people of the territory, except only he should be called
upon by the governor for soldiers to act as a posse
comitatus in enforcing obedience to the laws."
Before the departure of the troops an opinion was
requested of General Winfield Scott as to the prospects
of an expedition during the year 1857. The
general's decision was strongly against the despatch
of an army until the following season, on account of
the distance and the time required for the concentra-
tion of regiments. It would have been well if his advice
had been taken, but other counsels prevailed, and
about the end of May orders were given that a force,
consisting of the 5th and 10th infantry, the 2d dragoons,
and a battery of the 4th artillery, should assemble
as soon as possible at Fort Leavenworth. 31
Several
reenforcements were sent forward during the year,
and in June 1858 there were more than six thousand
troops in Utah, or en route for that territory. 32 The
command was given to Brigadier-general Harney, a.
man of much rude force of character, ambitious, and
a capable officer, but otherwise ill fitted for the conduct
of an expedition that needed the qualities of a diplomatist
more than those of a soldier.
It is probable that no expedition was ever despatched
by the United States better equipped and provisioned
than was the army of Utah, 33 of which the portion
31 Circular letter of Winfield Scott, addressed to the adjutant-general and
other officers, on the 28th of May, 1S57. A copy of it will be found in Tullidge's
Hist. S. L. City, 121-2.
Z1 A statement of the disposition of the troops and the reenforcements en
route at this date will be found in the report of the secretary of war, in House
Ex. Doc, 2, 35th Cong. 2d Sess., pp. 31-2.
3i For estimates of supplies and subsistence, see House Ex. Doc, 35th Cong.
1st Sess., ix. no. 33, xii. no. 99.
Hist. Utah. 32