Elias Smith - Journal of a Pioneer Editor (con...)

Utah Historical Quarterly

Vol. XXI, 1953, No. 3

ELIAS SMITH JOURNAL OF A PIONEER EDITOR March 6, 1859—September 23. 1863 (continued)

EDITED BY A. R. MORTENSEN

Tuesday [October] 2 [I860].—Held court for the trial of the case The People vs Deloss M Gibson for murder and spent most of the day in arranging a jury without completing the pannel There had [been] so many who had expressed opinions or been identified or connected with the case, first and last, it was a difficult matter to get twelve good and lawful jurors who were unexceptionable to one party or the other

It was late at night before the News was ready for press

Wednesday 3d.—The case of Gibson was before the Court; the Jurry [sic] was completed in the forenoon and the testimony heard in the afternoon, and at about Seven o clock in the evening, after being out about one hour and a half, the jury returned a verdict of "guilty of murder in the Second degree" and Sentenced him to ten years in the Penitentiary at hard labor.

I was unwell in the morning and sick in the afternoon, but tried my best to overcome it, and kept at my post till the last, tho I had to leave the Court room two or three times for a few minutes at a time in consequence of sickness or pain, being attacked with cholera morbus violently, and after the case was disposed of by the verdict of the jury, I had to be taken home which act of charity was performed by R. T. Burton and Andrew Cunningham who took me in a carriage for which I was thankful indeed. I was very sick all night but not in much pain, that having left me after the administration of the elders which I solicited as soon as the Court room was closed by the departure of those who were in attendance on the Court

J. W. Youngs freight train arrived in the evening, also E D Woolley's train. They had both been to the Missouri river and back this summer—the former with ox teams, the latter with mules

The fifth annual Fair of the DA8M Society commenced in the Deseret store, G. S. L City. The wind blew hard all day and like a hurricane part of the time. In the evening just as the brethren were taking me home it commenced raining and continued through the night

Friday 5th.—I attended Court being taken to the Court House in a carriage; finished the case of the People vs Gibson, by passing Sentence upon the prisoner acording [sic] to the finding of the jury, heard the evidence in the Habeas Corpus case Graham vs A McRae Warden of the Penitentiary and dismissed the case but did not get through with it till late in the evening. Judge Kinny arrived in the evening or last evening [Written at bottom of page: Capt Budge arrived with last emigrant company]

Saturday 6th.—I went to the News Office in the morning and remained there through the day My health improving The Semi annual Conference commenced in the Tabernacle —the weather being unsuitable for holding it in the Bowery which is more spacious

Sunday 7th.—Attended my circle meeting and then spent the remainder of the day in my office The weather being pleasant the conference was held in the Bowery. There was a vast concourse of people in attendance

Monday 8th.—Conference adjourned at noon and the people from the Country soon began to disperse and leave the city for their respective homes.

The City during the conference had a lively appearance and the streets were thronged with people from the country who had much business to transact, as well as to attend the conference and the Fair and altogether it was one of the most stirring weeks of the Season

Tuesday 9th.—A rush of business on my hands and the News was not ready for press till about midnight

Tuesday 16th.—-I was attending the County Court till its adjournment in the afternoon Then held a short session of the Probate Court, and adjourned till the 17th at 4 P M After getting through with court matters, I went to the News Office and read proof till midnight and on getting a revise about 1 o clock in the morning I went home and retired to rest, weary enough, and suffering severely with sore eyes

Wednesday 17.—I was up early, and worked at distributing papers till about one p m then took a nap and after dinner went to Court and entered judgement by default in two cases against Rogers Shropshire & Ross one in favor Doan King & Co and the other in favor of Taussig Abels & Co the first judgement being for $11,286.32, the last for $5,044.04 and costs. At a late hour retired to rest

Friday 19th.—Mostly in the News office.

Tuesday 23d.—Preparing for publication but did not get the News ready for press till late at night

Wednesday 24.—Unusually thronged at the office in the forenoon. Held court both in fore and afternoon, but not lengthy sessions. The Clerk John G. Lynch has been sick for some time and his brother Patrick is doing his business. President Young and a party started South

Tuesday 30th.—Preparing the News for publicationWednesday 31st.—Busy as usual on publication days

Held court in the evening to decide a question on demurrer Chaffin vs Taylor

Thursday Nov 1st.—Held court in the forenoon and determined a case between Young and Stambaugh Adjourned the September term without day. The weather since Monday last has been very cold tho some what pleasant

Monday 5th.—A special election was held to elect a member to the Legislative Council in place of Orson Pratt Sen resigned I was busy in the morning in seeing that all things went off right and every person was at his post connected with the holding the election

Tuesday 6th.—Very busy preparing the News for publication but did not get to press till late at night

Wednesday 7.—Canvassed the election returns. The vote was small only 218 in the County W. Woodruff had no opposition. Prest Young returned from the South

Sunday 11th.—Attended my circle meeting but did not go to meeting in the Tabernacle. In the evening the Pony express brought news from the east to the effect that Lincoln was elected President at the National election on Tuesday last

Wednesday 14.—Assisted the boys in the office in distributing the papers. Visited John G. Lynch who was very sic[k] and not expected to live; held Court part of the day, and performed other duties of an official and business nature

Thursday 15.—John G. Lynch, Clerk of the Probate and County Courts for Great Salt Lake County died this morning at six o clock. I was quite ill having a cold with severe headache but kept about all day A cold raw day with some rain then snow from North West which made it uncommonly tedious and uncomfortable out doors especially in the afternoon

Friday 16th.—Attended the funeral of John G. Lynch whose remains in the afternoon were followed to their resting place in Salt Lake City Cemetery by a numerous concourse of friends

The wind blew almost a hurricane from the East nearly all day, but no particular damage was done further than the prostration of some fences &C In Davis, Weber and Box Elder Counties the damage done was very extensive

Tuesday 20th.—Applied myself closely to the business of the office and was late in getting ready for Press. California mail arrived

Appointed E. W. East Esqr Clerk of the Probate Court

Sunday 25.—Spent the day as I did last Sabbath The Eastern mail arrived in the forenoon

Wednesday 28th.—-In the office in the forenoon In the afternoon I was attending to some matters at the office of the County Clerk In the evening the news of the killing of George A Smith jr by the Navajoe Indians on the 2d inst near or in the County of the Moquis Indians New Mexico, reached the city. It was sad intelligence indeed to his father, mother, sisters and relatives generally

George W. Gee came from Provo on a visit

Monday [December] 10.—The Legislature convened in the Social Hall in this City and after organizing adjourned to the Court House which had been tendered the members for the holding of the Session Commenced December term of Court & adjourned

Tuesday 11th.—The Legislature met in joint session at the Court and received the Governors message. There was but little business done All hands in the News office were busy in getting the News ready for press

Wednesday 12.—An unusual rush for papers & being a little behind time it was late at night before those to be mailed were ready to be forwarded

Monday 17th.—More than busy all day. In the afternoon about half past one o clock the pony express arrived bringing the presidents message at the commencement of the Session of Congress December 3 with other documents confirming, as far as circumstances and declarations could do so, the determination of the South, or some of the Southern States, to secede from the Union as has been believed for months. Raining

Wednesday 19th.—A rush for the News and we were exceedingly hurried with business till late at night. I took a good nap in the afternoon as I was very weary from constant labor for days past and sitting up last night

Monday 24th.—Attending to my editorial duties strictly and closely

Tuesday 25.—A quiet time in the city, more so than common on Christmas day. There was a rapid movement of the "Zouaves" in the evening and a report was in circulation soon after that they had been ingloriously defeated. The "Zouaves" so called, are an association of Federal officials, merchants. Sutlers, traders, surveyers and other sojourners known as gentiles, who occasionally make demonstrations in the streets and about the City of a bacchanalian character. The special object of the company evidently being to cover the retreat or flight of the scattered remnants of the hordes of "Modern Civilizers" who came with the army to improve the social and moral condition of the Mormons, but having failed have principally left there being but five to be found in the Territory and those generally are preparing to leave. The Hon. Secretary of Territory made a charge on them some time in the evening with an unchargd lockless double- barrelled shot gun for which they were entirely unprepared and the only alternative was to flee before the attacking party. Their clamorous flight aroused the police who followed after them and arrested the victorious "Captain" who claims to be a "descendant of one of the first families" and took him to "quarters" The agility of the pursued, said to have been marvellous prevented them from being captured and the "decendant" on getting sober and his belligerent passions somewhat cooled by his detention in the "quarters" was subsequently escorted home The condition of his gun was considered favorably as no damage could accrue to the fleeing "braves" from an attempt at discharge

Thursday 27th.—The snow was six or eight inches deep in the morning, and the weather very cold City Creek had frozen up and obstructed by the snow and was flowing profusely through some of the Streets rendering them nearly impassible. I kept in my office closely all day

Sunday 30th.—The coldest morning there has been this winter. Thermometer at sunrise two degrees below zero Attended my circle meeting and spent the balance of the day in the News Office

Monday 31st.—Pushing things in the Printing office as fast as possible in or[der] to give the hands a little leisure on New Years day The weather cold

Tuesday [January] 1st [1861].—By invitation from brother John M Bollwinckel I took took [sic] dinner at his hous[e] accompanied by Lucy and Amy Jane Everything connected with the feast was got up in good style and the short time I passed there being in a hurry to get out the News and consequently did not remain there all the afternoon was spent very agreeably I returned there in the evening took supper and then with my wives went home very well satisfied with the entertainment and visit

Wednesday 2d.—An unusually busy day at the News office there being a great anxiety among the people to read the News

Wednesday 9th.—This morning between 10 and eleven 0 clock John M. Bollwinckels oldest son a lad about three years old died of croup

Thursday 10th.—Attended the funeral of bro Bollwinckels child A cold raw day

Monday 14th.—Busy preparing for publicationTuesday 15th.—Got the News to press in the evening

Wednesday 16th.—Attended the Printers Festival in the evening in the 13th Ward Assembly Rooms accompanied by Lucy & Amy Jane also by Emma C. Hoyt and Jane Burbidge her sister Spent a pleasant evening Weather cold

Thursday 17th.—Attended the Legislative party at the Social Hall in the evening Lucy Amy Jane and Sister Burbidge going with me. Had a very pleasant party

Friday 18th.—The County Court was in session and I was in attendance It being the last day of the session of the Legislative Assembly after getting through with the business of the day in court I spent the evening in listening to the debates in the Council and House alternately till the hour of adjournment, which was at 4 o clock on Saturday morning

Saturday 19th.—The County Court continued it sitting and it was late in the day before the business was all disposed of adjourned Sine die I also held a short session of the Probate Court and decreed a divorce in the case of Crawford vs Crawford and adjourned that Court till Wednesday the 23d at 2 P M

Tuesday 22d.—Strict attention to business was requisite in order to get the News out in season I was quite ill in the evening

Wednesday 23d.—I felt dull and heavy all day, hardly able to be about, but having to attend Court pursuant to adjournment 1 went to the Court House and investigated a case between the people of the County and Bradford Leonard, a suit brought on an appearance bond Deferred judgement till Saturday at 10 am till which time the Court adjourned. At the News office in the evening but retired to rest early

Saturday 26.—Held a short session of Court and rendered judgement in the case of the People vs B Leonard, and then settled some taxes with the County Collector Spent the evening at home. Brother Alfred Bell from Lehi who came down to attend a trial in the Seventies Council staid with us both on Friday and Saturday evening.

Monday 28th.—A very busy day with me in the office preparing for publication

Tuesday 29th.—Did not get ready for press till late at night

Wednesday 30th.—After getting the City subscribers supplied with the papers I retired to a room in my house with Joshua Arthur where we could be secluded while looking over and arranging some old printing accounts Remained at home in the evening not feeling very well having a pain in my head

Thursday 31st.—I was very much thronged with business during the day. In the evening went to a party held in the Social Hall gotten up by a new Quadrille Band familiarly known as the "Shangar" Band Lucy went with me and it was one of the best parties I ever attended

Monday [February] 4th.—My health good. Busy preparing for the publication of the next number of the News. A pony express arrived from the east with dates to the 25th of January

Tuesday 5th.—Busy preparing for the publication of the News in good season

Wednesday 6th.—Went to a party at the Social Hall gotten up by President Young which commenced at 2 p m and continued till twelve at night The afternoon was devoted to dancing and the evening principally to singing recitations &C It was intended as a model party to set an example to those who preferred having parties kept up during the night

Saturday 9th.—Held a short session of Court and determined a divorce case Bone vs Bone Adjourned the term of Court without day

Monday 11th.—It was rumored early in the morning that the Eastern mail which had not arrived for nearly for nearly [sic] four weeks, was near at hand, but it did not get in till about eight o clock in the evening

Tuesday 12th.—There is much anxiety to hear the news from the States Since secession has become the order of the day, and to satisfy the people I have exerted myself of late as far as possible to give them as much as there was space for in the columns of the News from week to week, and occasionally throw off an Extra. The News was ready for delivery in the evening

Wednesday 13.—Another "pony" arrived from the East in the forenoon and we got out an extra in the evening

Thursday 14th.—I went in the evening with Lucy to a theatrical performance at the house of H. Bowring in the evening

Friday 15th.—Afflicted with a severe cold which made me dull and heavy all day

Saturday 16th.—An express with dates to the 12th inst arrived from the east. The News called for an other Extra. Secession was progressing finely at latest dates

Tuesday 19.—Getting the News ready for press

Friday 22.—In the evening attended a grand ball at the Social Hall in Commemoration of Washington's birth day Mayor Smoot, Col J. C. Little, Col Burton and H. W. Lawrence were managers. Lucy Amy Jane and Emma Hoyt also attended

Tuesday 26th.—The last number of Vol ten Deseret News went to press early in the evening. A Dispatch by "Pony" was received and we put out an Extra

Wednesday 27th.—The distribution of the papers kept all hands busy from early morn till evening

Monday [March] 4th.—Attended the March session of the County Court and held a short session of the Probate Court as in consequence of the District Court setting next Monday the Probate Court had by law, to be held on the week previous Adjourned probate Court till Thursday

Tuesday 5th.—Another Express arrived but it was but a lengthy concern. Attended the County Court in the afternoon

Wednesday 6th.—At my post in the County Court An express from the East but it was a small one indeed Issued no 1 Vol 11 Deseret News

Thursday 7.—Finished up the business before the County Court and adjourned Sine a die. Also held a Short Session of Probate Court in the afternoon and adjourned it till the next day

Friday 8th.—Held court in the afternoon and decided two divorce cases Marvin vs Marvin and Luffkin vs Luffkin.

Tuesday 12th.—The Pony Express from Kearny arrived with President Lincoln's inaugural address, about 10 o clock A. M. and it was late at night when the News went to press

Wednesday 13th.—I went to the Court House in the forenoon having been summoned as a witness in a case between B. Leonard & J. M. Moody but the court had not reached it, and I was permitted to come back, after a short delay, as the matter was not likely to come up till tomorrow. Spent the afternoon and evening in writing letters to agents, and in assisting the boys, in doing up the papers for the mails

Friday 15th.—Attended court again as a witness. The pony from the East arrived with Washington dates to the 9th inst. Issued an Extra. Have a severe cold

Saturday 16th.—The District Court adjourned in the evening I spent part of the forenoon in settling a divorce case between Mary Cobb & her husband James T. Cobb. Nearly sick with a cold

Monday 18th.-The Eastern mail arrived and the Pony express also S. P. Hoyt and Hiram Bennett from Fillmore who are going to the Weber in the vicinity of the Coal Mines to look up a location

Tuesday 19th.—By extraordinary exertion got the News ready for press in good season. Bro J. C. Wright made me a visit at my office and afterwards went home with me to dinner and staid over night

Wednesday 20.—Assisted in distributing and mailing the papers; wrote several business letters; directed about planting my garden some little, which with other matters kept me quite busy till late in the evening My cold no better and I had a severe cough which afflicted me much

Thursday 21.—Spent part of the day in the investigation of a matter of difference between Mrs. Arnold widow of Josiah Arnold deceased and his heirs concerning some land claims, the balance in the transaction of various business matters about my office. Cold and windy with rain and Snow attended with some thunder in the afternoon California mail arrived

Friday 22d.—Cold and the ground covered with snow in the morning which did not entirely disappear during the day. The Eastern pony arrived in the evening with news to the 15 inst

Saturday 23d.—'The eastern Mail arrived, but no papers nor letters were obtained from the office till next morning In the office as usual

Thursday 28.—A stormy day Brother Hoyt & Bennett started on their return to Fillmore Judge Kinney also started on his return to Nebraska expecting to be gone till fall

Friday 29.—The Pony arrived with eastern dates to the 22d The eastern mail went out taking H. W Lawrence & W. S Godbe as passengers and on arriving at Hanks Station would take in Judge Kinney A spring shower in the evening Held court in afternoon

Monday April 1st.—I was very closely confined to my office with business. The Express arrived in the morning

Tuesday 2d.—A rainy day good Got the News to press in good season

Wednesday 3d.—The rush for the papers in the morning was tremendous and kept all hands busy in handing them out. I was very weary and glad when night came It rained much of the day Bro W. B Smith & wife, her father and a young man who was with them from Kaysville was at our house at night which was very stormy

Thursday 4th.—Snowing and rainy alternately during the day. I was very busy as I had many things to do preparatory to departure of the mail tomorrow morning

The Pony from the East arrived in the evening and the hands worked all night in getting out an extra The California Mail arrived late in the afternoon

Friday 5th.—People from the country were arriving from North, South & West, in small numbers compared with former years, were arriving to attend conference. The roads were so bad that many who intended coming remained at home

Saturday 6th.—The annual conference commenced. The citizens of this city having been requested to give place to those coming from the country and from other cities there was not as many out by thousands as otherwise would have been I was busily engaged all day in the office The Eastern mail arrived in the evening

Sunday 7th.—A beautiful day and not more than one half of those in attendance could get into the Tabernacle and a meeting was held on the Temple Block both in the forenoon and in the afternoon which was addressed by Elders O. Hyde J. Taylor E. T. Benson J. Clinton N. H. [illegible] and others

At the Tabernacle the congregation was addressed by Elder L Snow and Presidents Kimball and Young in the forenoon and by President Young and elder J Hunt in the afternoon. Conference adjourned till the 6th day of October

Tuesday 9th.—Got the News to press in the evening

Thursday 11th.—I was not well but was in the office part of the day The Pony arrived in the evening

Friday 12th.—I went down to Jordan Bridge to examine the herds of cattle driven there A general drive of stock being made for the purpose if possible of finding cattle and horses that had not been seen for a long time by their owners which was partly successful. I had the good fortune to find one young ox or steer

Saturday 13th.—Held court part of the day and determined a divorce case between J. F. Parsons and wife. I also spent part of the day attending to the settle of the accounts of E. Eastmund administrator of the estate of Samuel P. Brown deceased Eastern mail arrived

Monday 15th.—The Express from the East arrived in the forenoon upon which an Extra was issued instantly

Tuesday 16th.—Extremely busy preparing for publication and got to press in the evening

Wednesday 17.—An other Express from the east in the evening.

Thursday 18th.—A warm day I was up early and had the hands in the Printing office at work getting out an Extra before sunrise In the evening bro W. Rydalch drove in two of my cows from Grantsville which he has been wintering

Friday 19th.—The teams going to the States to aid the poor in emigrating to Utah this season commenced arriving in the City. I was in my sanctum early and late

Saturday 20th.—The Streets were thronged with emigrant teams, on their way to the rendezvous near the mouth of Parley's Kanyon Held court in the afternoon but there was no business There were several showers in the afternoon and evening. The Pony arrived between 10 & 11 o clock in the evening and in the midst of a heavy shower of rain I sent for the office hands and got out an extra by nine o clock next morning, the news being considered important, as it related to the taking of Fort Sumpter by the the [sic] South Carolinians on the 12th inst The attack on the fort took place or commenced on the 12th at four o clock in the morning

Sunday 21st.—After the Extra went to press, I went home and took a nap. The balance of the day I spent in the office. It rained fast all the forenoon

Tuesday 23.-—• Visited the camp of the emigration companies going to the States near the mouth of Parleys Kanyon in company with T. B. Stenhouse J. M Bollwinckel charioteer [?] Most of the teams started on up the kanyon but some of them were not ready having to wait for flour and can not go till the flour is made at the mill

Wednesday 24th.—There was nothing new presented itself for consideration till evening when the pony arrived All hands were busy in issuing and mailing the News during the day, and then in issuing an Extra at night, which took till eight oclock next morning

Thursday 25th.—The news received last evening by the express created much excitement on its being made public this morning as all were anxious to hear how the civil war in the States was progressing the indications being that blood will shortly be spilt in great profusion and that all political parties will be merged into two divisions—the South and the North, which are now arraying against each other in deadly strife Exceedingly busy in preparing for the Eastern mail

Friday 26th.—The weather is and has been for several days very cold for the season

Saturday 27th.—The weather cool, and very windy in the evening. The express arrived about eight o clock at night with the news of the attacking of troops passing through Baltimore from Massachusetts for Washington by a Baltimore mob and the killing of ten or twelve men belonging to the attacking party and three or four soldiers besides the wounding of many others. The arsenal at Harper's Ferry had been burned and several men killed there which with the destruction of railroad bridges and many other important events, demanded an extra to get out which I was up all night as well as most of the office hands

Tuesday 30th.—Got the News to press in good season in the evening.

Wednesday May 1st.—Before sunset, by extraordinary exertion the papers in sufficient quantities were struck off to supply the city subscribers and those who receive their papers through the Post office in the Territory and in California

The Eastern Express arrived with very important news about seven o clock and the hands after attending the theater worked all night in getting out an extra in time for the mornings mails

Thursday 2d.—I was very weary and did not do much business during the day The weather was very warm and the fruit trees in blossom gave the city a beautiful appearance

Saturday 4th. —A rainy day Bishop Evans and his wife Rebecca was at our house and remained last night and till Sunday morning The Pony arrived in the evening and an Extra from the News office was issued which took all night

Tuesday 7th.—I was much better than yesterday and succeeded in getting the News to press in good season

Wednesday 8th.—The Express arrived about two o clock P. M. Published an Extra

Friday 10th.—The weather is quite cool for the season In the News office most of the day

Saturday 11th.—Express arrived a little after four o clock Got out an Extra by 11 P M

Tuesday 14th.—It was late in the evening before the News was ready to go to press after which I went to the President's Office and had a short interview with him

Wednesday 15th.—In the morning about eight oclock Presidents Young and Wells, Elders Woodruff Taylor G. A. Smith & others started on an excursion to the Southern part of the Territory. The E [a] stern mail arrived in the evening

In the afternoon between three and four o clock the Eastern Express arrived We issued an extra and a messenger started about eleven o clock to take it to the President and party with other dispatches

Saturday 18th.—The Express did not arrive till after seven in the evening and the day dawned before we got the Extra ready for delivery

Tuesday 21st.—A warm windy day Got the News to press in the evening

Wednesday 22.—The Express arrived about four p.m. Got out an Extra which was forwarded by express to Prest Young at at [sic] about half past eleven o clock

Saturday 25.—Rainy in the morning. I held a special term of Court in the afternoon and while I was at the Court House the Express arrived from the east Got out an Extra in good season

Tuesday 28.—A very windy day Father Asahel Woodruff died at one P M Got to press early in the evening

Wednesday 29th Cool in the morning but quite warm in the afternoon. The Express arrived at five minutes past four The dispatch was lengthy and altho the boys worked lively it was late in the evening before we got the Extra ready for delivery The news by the Express was quite important An Express started for President Youngs company at five minutes to twelve at night

Saturday June 1st.—The Express arrived at twenty minutes past four The news of the advancement of the Federal troops into Virginia brought by it created much excitement An Extra was issued from the News office without delay

Wednesday 5.—At Court again till its adjournment in the afternoon after which I was in the office superintending the issuing of an "Extra" The Express arriving about two o clock I was very weary on going to rest at a late hour at night and withal not very well

Thursday 6th.—In the afternoon about 3 o clock I started for Kays Creek for the purpose of bringing home Amy Jane and her children who had been on a visit at her father's nearly three weeks. I took with me my two little daughters who were anxious for a ride into the country

Saturday 8th.—Started homewards about 11 o clock and instead of having a pleasant time as expected when we started from Bro Kings it rained most of the time till late in the afternoon in consequence of which the roads were very muddy and we did not reach home till about 7 p. m. President Young and company arriving from their trip South and short time previously all well Amy Jane and her three children had been well while on their visit and the little ones were pleased to see their father, The[y] all enjoyed the trip home through the rain much better than I did

Found all well at home on my return The Express had arrived and the hands in the office had an Extra nearly set up which was issued early in the evening

Monday 10th.—The funeral of Capt. D. Ballo who died suddenly yesterday evening was attended by a large concourse of people at Ballo's Hall in the afternoon

Tuesday 11th.—The hand[s] in the office for causes they could not well have avoided were late in getting the "News" ready for press and I did not retire to rest till one o clock on Wednesday morning

Wednesday 12.—The Express arrived about noon The getting out of an "Extra" with the mailing & distribution of the regular issue kept all hands busy till late at night and I was weary enough on retiring to rest High winds

Saturday 15th.—The Express arrived at half past eleven A.M. Held court in the afternoon Got an Extra out in good season News not important

Tuesday 18th.—Got the News to press in good season in the evening

Wednesday 19th.—The Express arrived from Kearny at half past one An Extra was soon issued altho the news was not of the most important nature

In the afternoon J. William Lewis and his wife Mary my sister Esther's oldest daughter arrived from Fort Des Moines Iowa where they have resided since my sister left there in 1856.

Thursday 20th.—At a meeting held at the city Hall a committee of arrangements for the celebration of American Independence on the Fourth of July was appointed consisted of Bishop E. Hunter, Elias Smith, A. O. Smoot, J. C. Little, L. W. Hardry, Jeter Clinton R. T. Burton, A. H. Raleigh 6 E. F. Sheets. I was very busy all day at my usual avocations and superintending this white washing the News Office establishment

Saturday 22nd.—Spent most of the day in connection with Colonels J C. Little and R. T. Burton in making arrangements for the celebration & having been appointed with these two a special committee to draft a programme for the consideration of the committee to be presented to them at their next meeting which was held in the evening but we did not make much progress No dispatch by the Pony to day

Monday 24th,—I was very busy in preparing for publication of the News during the day and met again with the committee in the evening at the City Hall.

Tuesday 25.—Got to press early in the evening

Wednesday 26th.—The Pony arrived at about eight o clock in the morning bringing a short dispatch the wires which had previously been cut near the Western boundry line of Missouri having been repaired.

Held court in the afternoon A case between Houtz G Bringhurst Plaintiffs and Thomas Box defendent was tried, by a jury judgement for Plaintiffs

Friday 28th.—The County Court was in session which I attended The balance of the day I was engaged with R. T. Burton drafting the programme for the Fourth. Met with the committee of arrangements at the City Hall in the evening

Saturday 29th.—An exceedingly warm day The Express arrived about 10 A M

Sunday 30th..—Met with my circle as usual and with little exception spent the balance of the day in my sanctum Uncomfortably hot A comet was seen in the North West in the evening

Monday July 1st.—The Eastern Mail arrived last evening but too late for distribution. The Post Office was moved Wm. Bell, the new post master to the Warehouse of Livingston Bell & Co. as he entered upon the duties of office this morning

Tuesday 2nd.—The comet since its appearance on Sunday evening has attracted considerable attention It is very brilliant and travels with great velocity Got the News to press in the evening Heat has been very oppressive all day and but for the breezes that were blowing occassionally it would have [been] almost suffocating

Wednesday 3rd.—An exceedingly busy day with me, but by the blessings of the Lord I had strength to perform all the duties and labors of the day quite to my satisfaction, whether so to others or not. The Express did not arrive till nearly noon. An Extra had then to be issued which was pushed forward with all haste and was published in a very short time. The preparations for the "Fourth" occupied my mind as well as much of the time during the day, they were completed however, and on retiring to rest, the committee of arrangements felt that they had thus far accomplished all that was expected for them in arranging for the celebration

Thursday 4th.—There was a great turn out of the citizens to participate in and witness the doings of the day which were conducted strictly according to the programme there were but five accidents occurred to mar thro the hilarity peace and good order of the day.

The display made by the farmers, Mechanics and tradesmen was creditable to all concerned The juvenile division of the procession was numerous and the various select and public schools of the city presented a beautiful appearance

I went to a party at the Assembly Rooms Thirteenth Ward in the evening with Amy Jane and my sister Mary Jane and enjoyed my self in the dance till about midnight when according to rule the ball terminated

Friday 5.—The office Hands were some what weary; the weather was warm and I did not feel much like exercising either body or mind and so there was but little done in the office A mail arrived from the east late in the evening of the 4th Mr Wm. Morrell late Post Master of this place was a passenger. Excessively warm

Saturday 6th.—The Express arrived at 10 A.M. We got out an Extra fourth with after which I went to the Court House and held court till sunset and with out any case being tried adjourned till Tuesday next 9th inst at 2 P. M

Sunday 7th.—Spent the Sabbath as usual The First party over land coach from Cal. arrived

Tuesday 9th.—Held court in the afternoon and till late in the evening. A case between Hockaday & Burr and Surveyor General S. C. Stambaugh was tried by a jury. Verdict for plaintiffs for the full amount claimed

Wednesday 10th.—The Express arrived early—at half past 7 in the morning, with very lengthy dispatches. Published an Extra. Held court in the after noon when a case between James Townsend and B. Leonard was tried by jury Verdict for Townsend. Did not get the News ready for Press in consequence of having so many things to see after the first Telegraph pole on the Western end of the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph line was set up nearly in front Livingston Bell & Co's Store East Temple street at 3:30 p. m. by Mr. Street of San Francisco agent of the company 24 Excessively hot

Thursday 11th.—Got the News ready for Press but no papers were struck off and there is not paper enough in the office to strike off only a part of the issue and the Paper mill is not yet quite in working order

Friday 12.—By invitation of President Young I went with him in his carriage to see the Paper mill put in motion in company with bro Carrington Calder 6 Ellerbeck. Prests Kimball & Wells & F. Kesler in another carriage also went to witness the making of the first sheet of paper but from some cause the mill did not operate as well as anticipated and the only pleasure experienced by the party was the drive to the Mill which is in the old sugar House building some four miles from the business part of the city and just at the edge of its southern boundry.

In the afternoon attended an adjourned session of the County Court There was a tremendous blow in the evening preceeding a light shower not heavy enough however to lay the dust which by the wind was blown about in clouds in great profusion

Saturday 13th.—The Express arrived at half past six in the morning bringing dispatches to the morning of the 8th. Some fighting done and the war progressing rapidly

Sunday 14th.—Went to my circle meeting and then to meeting at the Bowery. President Spencer of the Stake spoke first, then Prest. H. C. Kimball, followed by Prest B. Young In the afternoon Presidents Young & Kimball and Elder Woodruff addressed the congregation. My little son Elias A. went with me to meeting in the forenoon

Monday 15th.—The weather very warm Many persons left the city to attend the sales of Camp Floyd preparatory to the Armys leaving as supposed every thing there not needed for transportation being advertised for sale on the 16th

I was about my office most of the day. In the evening after calling at the Presidents office a short time during which I was introduced to Mr. J. J. Benjamin the Jewish traveller I went to the house of George Sims in the 20th Ward to see Matthew Wilkie who has gone there to stay a short time

Tuesday 16th.—Very hot. Some showers passed over the valley but none over the city of sufficient duration to lay the dust The Government sale at Crittenden [Camp Floyd] commenced

Wednesday 17th.—Having no paper on which to publish the Deseret News there was no issue to day.

The Express arrived early in the morning with lengthy dispatches. An Extra was issued containing all the important items of News among which were the account of several battles between the parties to the civil war fought in Missouri and Virginia, between the 3rd and 10th of July

There was a caucus meeting at the Historians office in the evening at 6 o clock at which I was present. Hon J. M. Bernhisel was nominated as a Delegate to Congress to be voted for at the election on the first Monday in August. Also D. H. Wells, W. Woodruff A. Carrington, D. Spencer, and F. D. Richards for councellors; and J. Taylor, H. B. Clawson, H. Stout, H. S. Eldredge, E. D. Woolley J. A. Young, J. V. Long, A. P. Rockwood and J. M. Moody for representatives in the Legislative Assembly next to be held in this Territory. The weather excessively hot

Saturday 20th.—The Express arrived a little before eight It was a small affair, but being the latest news we got out a small Extra I was very unwell in the afternoon, and kept at home not feeling able to sit up much of the time

Monday 22nd.—In the afternoon by invitation of some of the office hands who had obtained a carriage for a ride to the paper Mill I accompanied them, thinking that a little exercise of this kind might be of benefit to me. After visiting the Paper Mill and examining its machinery which seemed to be in complete order but may warrant a little adjusting when set in motion for making paper, which the principal manufacturer assured us would be in a few days at farthest. We visited A. C. Pypers Powder Mill and Chemical establishment near by, and were shown the operation of some of its machinery by the gentle manly proprietor. Arrived at home just at dark somewhat weary, but well pleased with the excursion.

Wednesday 24.—The issuing of an Extra after the arrival of the Express occupied my time till nearly three o clock next morning The dispatches reced were lengthy and highly important as relating to the civil War which has for the last three months been raging in the State there having been considerable fighting done of late between the North and the South

On this day the paper Mill was put in motion by Thomas Howard the chief manufacturer or workman employed by President Young to run the mill and some brown paper was turned out or made of a very good quality

There was very little display made in the city on the occasion of the fourteenth anniversary of the entrance into Great Salt Lake Valley of the Pioneers. A few parties in the evening was all that was seen more than usual during the day

Thursday 25th.—Having received an invitation from President B. Young, I went with him again to see the operations of the Paper Mill. President Wells was also along with part of his family in his own carriage also F. Kesler Hosea Stout and John D. Parker also with me, had seats in the carriage of the President. We started about half past ten in the Morning and returned about two in the afternoon had a fine excursion. Saw the mill in motion turning out paper suitable for wrapping paper, but not for printing The machine runs beautifully, and will as soon as the chloride of lime, which is in process of making, is ready

There is no doubt but that printing paper will be produced of a good quality, which I hope will be the case in a few days

Friday 26.—Held court in the afternoon and heard and decided a divorce case Charles Hammer vs. Emeline Hammer. Weather warm

Saturday 27.—The Pony arrived at a few minutes to eleven o clock, with plenty of war news, and we got out an extra as expeditously as possible The weather was very warm, and I was exceedingly weary when night came

The Army at Fort Crittenden was under marching orders, this morning and was to take up its line of march for the States at nine o clock, having sold out all the government stores and property they could not carry away excepting what they destroyed for order of the War Department including a large quantity of muskets. Minie rifles Yuager [?] revolvers, and all the ordinances stores & much other property, that it was thought would be of use to the citizens of the Territory if left in the country, a more damnable act, could not well be done but it was such an one as might be expected from the Government of the United States which has long sought the destruction of the Saints, and would of course do nothing that would enable them to defend themselves from the assaults of the savages who surround them in these mountains nor from the lawless acts of bandits who might make depredations upon their unprotected settlements

Wednesday 31.—The Express from the States [arrived] about seven The dispatches received were very lengthy A big battle was fought at Bulls run near Manassas Junction Virginia July 21st between the federal forces under General McDowell and the seccesion forces under Generals Beauregard and Johnston in which the former were defeated with great slaughter. Although very unwell I kept up, and issued an Extra which was not ready for distribution till near midnight

Saturday [August] 3rd.—I was very ill but managed to keep about and get out an extra after the arrival of the Express at about 11 A m

Monday 5th.—At eight minutes past one, Lucy had a daughter born weighing nine and a half pounds smart and healthy which we afterwards named Edith Ann after Lucy's Mother and grandmother There was a heavy shower in the afternoon and more water fell than in any shower I had ever before seen in August since residing in the Great Basin. The clouds emptying themselves or bursting in the mountains on the east of the valley the waters flowed down Mill Creek and Big and Little Cottonwood doing great damage destroying the roads, carrying away bridges and sweeping every moveable thing before it that was in its course

Tuesday 6th.—Held court in the afternoon for the trial of the case called up on Friday last between W. H. Broadhead and the firm of Livingston Bell & Co. which caused some little excitement and there were many persons in attendence. The Jury rendered a verdict in favor of Plaintiff in the sum of $622.68/no

There was another shower in the evening raining steadily two or three hours

Wednesday 7th.—On the arrival of the Express I issued an Extra containing the principal terms of News from the seat of war

Thursday 8th.—Canvassed the Election returns in connection with E. W. East Esqr County Clerk with whom I took dinner

Friday 9th.—Held Court in the forenoon and heard the evidence in a replevin case Hockaday & Burr vs H. Wm Lawrence Territorial Marshal and held it under advisement till tomorrow

Saturday 10th.—Held court in the afternoon and heard and decided a case of debt Staines Needham & Co vs Thomas Box & Co; a divorce case [blank] Hards vs [blank] Hards a case Townsend vs Leonard in which Brigham Young Trustee in Trust and Brigham Young individually was garnisheed I also made a decesion in the case investigated yesterday

The pony did not arrive till three o clock in the afternoon. The dispatches were short and were in type in a short time after arrival There had been no more fighting between the contending fractions in the states, at least none reported, but preparations for war were progressing on a grand scale

Wednesday 14th.—The pony arrived, but no dispatches from the seat of War.

Friday 16th.—The first company of emigrants from the States to this Territory this season arrived in charge of Elder D. H. Cannon

Saturday 17.—The Pony arrived at about the usual hour but the dispatch was a very lean concern. I had an Extra issued tho there was nothing of interest to publish

Wednesday 21st.—The Pony arrived at 20 M to 10 a.m. with the intelligence that a battle was fought near Springfield Mo. on the 10th inst between the federal forces under General Lyon and the confederate troops under Gen Jackson and Generals McCullock and Price, in which the confederates were victorious. Gen Lyon was killed certainly and McCullock and Price reported slain

The issuing of the usual Extra occupied all the time till late in the evening

Friday 23rd.—In company with bros R. J. Golding R. T. Burton, E. W. East T McKean N. V. Jones went to Bishop Millers and from there to the crossing of the Little Cottonwood on the State Road, to examine the Creek and make some arrangements for completing a bridge that was commenced there before the high water last spring and was materially damaged by the flood

From the Creek we returned to Bishop Millers and took dinner & after spending two or three hours very agreeably in conversing on the State of the nation, and testing the qualities of a large quantity of water & Muskmelons, returned home To make the excursion and visit more interesting most of the party took their wives with them. Lucy who had not been out before since babe was born thought it would do her good to ride out and so did I consequently went along accompanied by her sister Mary

We had a splendid ride a good visit and returned in the evening a little tired but well pleased with the treat of an excursion into the country

Saturday 24th.—A very warm day. The Pony arrived about nine o clock, with very important dispatche from the seat of war which I had published in an "Extra"

Wednesday 28th.—The Eastern Express did not arrive till about noon the dispatch received was not lengthy Extra issued in good time

Thursday 29th.—The weather continues very warm I spent the day somewhat idly as I was about the streets more than on any day during the last three years. Succeeded in getting my pay from Secretary Wooton for what public printing was done last winter

Saturday 31st.—The Pony did not arrive till four o clock. The dispatch was short but it was late in the evening before our "Extra" was out.

There was a sad affair occured in the afternoon. On Tuesday last upon complaint of an emigrant named John Love, I issued a warrant for the arrest of Alexander McRae junior, Kenneth McRae, Charles Manhard and Truelove Manhard for robbery The Warrant was returned to day served by arresting the two Manhard's the others not found. An alias warrant was then issued for the arrest of the two McRaes which was returned this evening with the dead bodies of the two accused persons young men aged about 19 & 21 years they having been killed after they were arrested in an attempt to escape

On being informed of what had transpired by the return of the Sheriff I directed that the bodies after the necessary inquires as to the facts in the case were made to be prepared for interment and handed over to the City sexton for that purpose and appointed Monday the 2nd day of September at 10 am. for the examination of the two prisoners arrested on the original warrant It was after midnight when I retired to rest

[Journal to be concluded in October issue]

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