Autobiography Volume 3 circa 1865-1866
Elder Nathaniel V. Jones arrived on the morning of the from
the United States Army with the express. He visited with Captain Van
Vleit both regiments. The first was the 10th Regiment. This was a
full regiment. The officers were young and full of fire and they swore they
would come in anyhow; they could whip out Utah. Captain Van Vleit
advised them not to come for they could yet [get] nothing and they would have
to fight their way; but they swore they would fight their way through
After Captain Van Vleit left them they marched 30 miles the next day.
The second regiment they met with were old officers
They considered the matter over more and thought it an imposition to be sent out
here and as a political movement to kill innocent people or to get killed. They
were to be at the Pacific Springs that night and our brethren were to commence
operations upon them.
Next day I had some conversation with general Wells upon
the subject of going into the Mountains. He said he should soon go
and take with him George A. Smith and John Taylor as councillors
He was going to take but a part of his staff and he wished me to stay at
home in the Office for the present. This was according to counsel.
The following conversation passed between President
Young and Captain Van Vleit not before recorded in this Journal. Captain
Van Vleit said I think that Congress will try to do all they can against you
President Young said if God inspires any man to speak for us it will be well
We have got to trust in God. If you will speak in favor of us and I
think you will the Lord will bless you for so doing. He will require it of
you. We have refuted lies so long that we have got tired of it and we
shall now trust in God for the future. Congress could send out an
investigating committee to Kansas or to any other place but to Utah. Upon
the mere rumor of lies they could send out 2000 soldiers to Utah to destroy the
people without investigating the subject at all
Captain Van Vleit said the Government may yet send
out one to Utah and consider it policy before they get through with it
