History of Utah, 1540-1886 - Brigham Young University

620
PROGRESS OF EVENTS.
at Camp Douglas, and other gentiles, 40 the chief magistrate
released the prisoners and remitted the fines. 41
For thus turning loose on the community a number
of persons whom the Mormon rulers classed as dangerous
criminals, only three days after conviction, and
before any investigation had been made, Harding was
severely censured by the grand jury. "Therefore we
present his 'Excellency' Stephen S. Harding, gov-
ernor of Utah, as we would an unsafe bridge over a
dangerous stream— jeopardizing the lives of all who
pass over it—or as we would a pestiferous cesspool in
our district breeding disease and death." Meanwhile
the bonds of such offenders as had failed to appear
for trial were declared forfeited by the chief justice,
and execution issued against their property. The
homestead of one of them named Abraham Taylor
was sold for a trifling sum, 42 and his family turned
into the street. By the advice of Judge Waite, who
investigated the matter, and found that no judgment
had been recorded, Taylor applied to the chief justice
for an injunction. The application was refused, on the
ground that "if there was no judgment, he could render
one, as the court had not permanently adjourned,
but only to meet on his own motion."
Of the further career of the Morrisites it remains
only to be said that a few who were possessed of
means at once left the territory, while most of the
remainder found refuge and employment at Camp
Douglas. A few weeks later Connor established a
military post at Soda Springs, on Bear Biver, imme-
40 And by some of the Mormons. Beadle's Life in Utah, 421; Hickman's
Destroying Angel, 163. Harding, in Id., 216, says that no Mormon signatures
except that of Hickman appeared on the petitions, but that several of the
saints called at his quarters after dark to intercede for the Morrisites.
41 Beadle states that Bishop Woolley called on Harding to remonstrate
against the pardon, saying, as he took his leave, that if it were granted, 'the
people might proceed to violence.' Life in Utah, 421. On pp. 423-5, he relates
an improbable story of a visit paid to the governor by Banks' widow, to
warn him of a plot against his life.
42 To Joseph A. Johnson, clerk of Kinney's court, for $200. Beadle's Life
in Utah, 425. In 186S Taylor recovered his property, with back rents for five
years.