Elias Smith - Journal of a Pioneer Editor II

Utah Historical Quarterly

Vol. XXI, 1953, No. 2

ELIAS SMITH JOURNAL OF A PIONEER EDITORMarch 6, 1859-September 23, 1863 (continued)

EDITED BY A. R. MORTENSEN

Thursday September 1st [1859]—The Church Train so called in charge of Capt H D Haight arrived in the afternoon in good order and fine condition The California mail arrived soon after

Friday 2d.—Last night there was another remarkable display of light in the heavens the sky or "upper deep" much resembled a sea of blood from about [blank] o clock till day light

Josiah Arnold who was shot on Saturday night last at the time Drownes was killed died this morning of his wound

Sunday 4th.—I went to the circle meeting and then to the News Office where I spent part of the day. In the evening about 5 o clock Capt. Rawley's Company of imigrants (hand cart Company) arrived at the east side of the City and at Union Square 3about 6 o clock there was a large concourse of people accompanied them through the city and the Square was literally covered with men, women & children who were anxious to witness their arrival

Tuesday 6.—In the County court room part of the day and part of the day in the News office The Eastern mail arrived at 10 or half past 9AM but no papers were or could be got from the office till it was too late to get any news from the east for publication in the Deseret News of tomorrow

Thursday 8..—Snow on the mountain in the morning which indicated that winter was here or not far off In the course of the day F[eramorz] Little arrived from the States whidier he went last Spring with teams for goods & His train some wagons will be in shortly. At the office of Prest Young in the evening

Monday 12.—Commenced the Sept term of the Probate Court but there was little business to be done and at noon adjourned to Thursday next at 10 AM

The adjourned Session of the District Court commenced and adjourned to Wednesday

Tuesday 13.—Busy in getting up the News

Wednesday 14.—A variety of subjects presented themselves for consideration and I was overwhelmed in business all day In the evening Sister Mary Jane came down from Provo on a visit and we were all happy to receive her, as she has not been back before since the move south. Her health is first rate

Sunday 18th.—Necessity compelled me to be in the News office part of the day and to attend to other business matters which were necessary to be done and therefore I did not attend meeting nor the circle

Monday 19th—A variety of business matters occupied my attention besides attending to my editorial duties My health none the best

Tuesday 20th.—In changing presses and fixing up the office the hands got behind with the News and I had to exert myself to keep it from being a failure this week

Wednesday 21st.—It was about 10 AM when the first number was struck off and 4 pm before there was enough printed to supply the City subscribers

Monday 26th.—Held Court in the forenoon and heard decided a case of attachment H. B. Clawson vs John Hartnett, Secretary of the Territory

Tuesday 27th.—Engaged in the News OfficeWednesday 28th.—Employed my time as on yesterday

Thursday 29.—Started South in the mail coach and arrived at Provo in the evening and put up with brother Silas Found all my kinsfolks in that place well

Friday 30th.—The Mail coach Starting before I was ready I waited till nearly noon and then took passage with F D. Richards who was also going south with his brother Samuel W. and went to Springville and took dinner with C H. Wheelock whom we found sick but on our arrival got off his bed and soon felt better

From Springville we went to Payson and stopped a few minutes at A. L. [illegible] and then to Santaquin where we spent the night with Bishop Wm McBride

Saturday October 1.—Accompanied by F. D. & S. W. Richards B F Johnson Bp McBride and Levi Sawyer I went to Punyun [or Punjun] Spring Ranch in Juab County and examined it in reference to farming & settlement there and returned to Santaquin where bro Sawyer who is going to settle at the Springs with his brothers and some others and myself put up with B F. Johnson and the others with Bp McBride

Sunday 2d—Attended meeting at Santaquin in the forenoon and then in company with Franklin and Samuel W. Richards came back to Payson where F. D. R addressed the people in the evening. Staid with Philip Ballard over night

Monday 3.—Having met with my brother in-law Hiram B. Bennet at Payson I came back with him to Provo as he was on his way to the City. Took Supper at brother Silas' and then took passage for home in the Mail Coach that night having for fellow passengers S. W. Richards Franklin J. Young & Charles B. Hancock

Tuesday 4th.—Arrived at home about Sunrise in the morning and found all well Being tired and weary I did not do much excepting to look after some few things that needed attention and see that they were done by others.

Wednesday 5.—It was late before the papers were ready for delivery and consequently everything was behind time all day I visited the Agricultural and Manufacturing exhibition a few minutes in the afternoon just before it was closed and was at the finale with the Board of Directors. S P Hoyt and family from Fillmore arrived in the evening to make us a visit and attend conference

Thursday 6.—The Semi annual conference commenced but as it was the regular monthly fast day there was no business done. Prest Young preached some to the people and the balance of the first meeting was devoted to promiscuous speaking. The second meeting was not held till five o clock and was not lengthy. Elder O. Hyde and Prest Young occupied the time

Bros Silas Smith Hiram B. Bennett Alfred Bell John Letham and others arrived in the morning and put up with us, and we had a goodly visit with them

Wednesday 12th.—Went to press early with the News but having so many things to see after we did not get them all ready for the mail till late in the evening. M F Wilkie arrived from California

Saturday 15th.—In Court both in the forenoon and afternoon and arranging other things heard and decided a divorce case between one Thomas & his wife Rainy in the morning

Sunday 16th.—Late in the afternoon Samuel P. Hoyt having all things in readiness started homeward with his family and the cattle goods &C which he had purchased in this City during conference and Since

Monday 17th.—Pleasant, and the Streets were filled with men and teams passing to and fro from morning till evening The News occupied my attention more than any other subject presented for consideration.

Wednesday 19.—The publishing day always keeps all connected with the office busy but to day I was completely swamped with business too much for my good as I was somewhat ill from the effect of a bad cold

Tuesday 25th.—Got the News to press in the evening. My health poor

Wednesday 26th.—Confined to the house most of the day having a severe attack of the prevailing influenza that is passing through the City

Friday 28th.—A little better and spent most of the day in the office

Thomas H Ferguson was executed by the U. S Marshal Dotson for the murder of Carpenter according to the sentence of the Court The execution took place a little north of the City wall on the bench above the 20th Ward

Tuesday November 1st.—We got the News to press in the evening Very sick in the afternoon

Wednesday 2d.—A rush of business presented itself for my consideration and action. Was much better than I was yesterday. Otherwise I could not have done all that required doing The wind blew from the south tremendously and there was plenty of dust in Motion J M Bollwinckel started for Cedar City in the evening

Saturday 5th.—Held Court most of the day and also in the evening A case between Davis and Woodmansee being the most prominent one investigated

Sunday 6th.—Attended the Circle meeting. Was in the News office part of the day, part of the day at home and at the Ward meeting in the evening

Monday 7th.—Attended closely to my editorial duties. Rained last night & snowed all the forenoon

Tuesday 8.—The Eastern mail arrived to press in the evening

Got the News

Wednesday 9th.—A cool cloudy day and quite windy Thronged with business

Thursday 10th Cold rainy day. Held court in the forenoon and in the afternoon went with E. F. Sheets and A. Cunningham to look at the job the latter has been doing between the City and Mill Creek on the State Road. Spent the evening at home California mail arrived

Sunday 13th.—Attended the Circle meeting. The balance of the day in the office of Deseret NewsMonday 14th.—Engaged in my editorial duties from morning till evening with the exception of a short time I [was] holding Court

Tuesday 15th.—Cloudy and Stormy. Held Court for the investigation of a Habeus Corpus Case. Joseph Loveless vs Robert T. Burton Sheriff of Great Salt Lake County and discharged the prisoner after hearing all the evidence in the case. He had been arrested by a detachment of U S Troops charged with shooting at them which was not made to appear from the evidence of some five or six soldiers who came all the way from Camp Floyd to testify in the case

Wednesday 16th.—Distributing and mailing papers

Thursday 17th.—Held Court in the forenoon My health being poor I kept at home in the afternoon till nearly sunset. Then went to the office and remained there awhile and then went to the house of William Wheeler in the 17th Ward and Married David P. Anderson and Mary E. Milan

Monday 21st..—I was very busy in my sanctum in order to be ready for publication at the regular hour. Stormy day

Wednesday 23d.—I arose early and disposed of or wrote off the city list of subscribers before I went to breakfast. There was no want of business for my consideration during the day and it was late in the evening before I went to bed

Saturday 26th.—Held a session of Court Issued a warrant for the arrest of T. J. Wheeler on the complaint of C. B. Webb jr. for horse and mule stealing. On his being brought before me I set the examination for Monday the 28th at 1 P M

Stormy raining hard in the evening

Monday 28.—The examination of the case of Wheeler came on but was adjourned till Saturday next Dec 3d I disposed of one or two cases in Court and then went to my office to prepare for the publication of the News

Tuesday 29.—About 4 P. M. The Eastern mail arrived and wishing to give a little fresh news we did not go to press quite as soon as usual

Saturday [December] 3d.—Held Court for the examination of the Case of the People vs T. J Wheeler and after hearing the testimony ordered him to Cedar County for further proceedings.

Monday 5th.—Thermometer 5 degrees below Frost in the morning weather clear Attended the Session of the County Court for December. In the evening adjourned to Wednesday next

Tuesday 6th.—The coldest morning ever seen in this Valley since it was settled by the Saints Thermometer at 32 below zero at day light and 30 at 7 o clock It was certainly a snorter I was very busy preparing for the publication of the next number of the News

Saturday 10.—Very cold but pleasant. On petition issued a Habeas Corpus went in the afternoon to bring John Allen and Samuel Graham before me who had been sentenced to the Penitentiary the former for five years and the latter for one year by A F Farr probate Judge for Weber county. Investigated the matter in the evening at the Court room and released the prisoners for irregularity in proceedings and unlawfulness of the sentence. After deciding the matter I went to Mr. Bowman's evening school and spent a short time

Sunday 11th.—Spent the day much as I did the last Sabbath Hon J. C. Wright from Brigham City arrived He is a member elect of the Legislative Assembly which convenes to morrow and will board with us during the Winter

Monday 12th.—The Ninth Legislative Assembly convened in the Social Hall at ten AM. By request I attended and administered the usual oath to the Members and officers of both Houses

I then went to the Court House and commenced the December Term of the Probate Court for Great Salt Lake County determined several cases including a Divorce case Caroline Young vs John Young after which I adjourned the Court till Saturday next at 2 P M The balance of the day attended to my editorial duties

Tuesday 13.-The Eastern Mail arrived in the evening. The boys in the printing office were late in getting the News to press and I did not get away from the office till nearly midnight

Wednesday 14.—The distribution and mailing of the papers kept all hands busy till nine in the evening

Tuesday 20th.—Spent part of the day attending County Court The balance of the time I was engaged as usual, the day before publication In the evening the Court was adjourned till Thursday 22d

Friday 23d.—In Court the same as yesterday

Saturday 24th,—The County Court adjourned at about 1 P. M till Friday next. After the adjournment I held a session of the Probate Court and heard and determined several cases among which was a case between J. B. Kimball & C. Christman

Sunday 25th.—There was a most disgraceful affray in the streets just after the close of the meeting in which Lott Huntington and W. A. Hickman were wounded, the latter severely

January 1860

Sunday 1st.—I arose about as early as usual but my wives and children and most of those about the house were up before me seemingly enjoying themselves with the return of another new years day. The weather was beautiful and all out door objects looked gay and smiling

Elder George Sims calling in just as were were sitting down to breakfast by invitation sat down and partook with us enlivening all with his lively conversation for some little time after breakfast was over

Monday 2d.—The Deseret News occupied my attention almost exclusively

Tuesday 3d.—Engaged as on yesterday. The News was not ready to go to press

Wednesday 4th.—The publishing and distribution of the News gave us all ample employment during the day

Friday 6th.—In the office in the forenoon and in the afternoon I was at the Court House in company with E. F. Sheets preparing a memorial to the Legislative Assembly in relation to criminal proceedings in the District Court in this County

Monday 9th.—By invitation I attended a dinner party at Prest B. Youngs in company with my two wives. Came home in the evening about 8 o clock and found a small party in the room occupied by Hon J. C. Wright whom he had invited there to spend the evening among were Gen C. W. West of Ogden City B. Snow from San Pete County J. F Hardy of Payson Members of the Legislative Assembly W. C. Dunbar L. Wines and many others of this City. They were having a good time and we spent the balance of the evening with them very agreeably

Tuesday 10.—I was very busy in preparing for the next publication of the News

Friday 20th.—The Legislative Assembly adjourned late atnight

Tuesday 24th.—The Eastern mail arrived about noon bringing the President's message. The California mail arrived in the evening too late to get any news before going to press, in truth there was no news in the papers when they were opened next morning

Wednesday 25th.—Nothing new transpiring All hands busy distributing the papers as fast as they come from the press

Thursday 26.—An unusual rush of business at the News office and not being well I was nearly swamped under and after going to the Circle in the evening I went home nearly sick

A comet has lately made its appearance in the constellation of Cancer It appears very small and is not very brilliant

Sunday 29th.—Preparing copy for the next number of the News reading proof &C

Tuesday [31].—Preparing for publication An express arrived from the States bringing a little later news than had previously been secured. Settled my tithing with the Bishop [?]

Wednesday Feby 1st.—Published the 48 number of the current Vol Deseret News which went to press in good Season Amy Janes father made us a visit

Thursday 2d.—Office duties engaged my whole attention

Saturday 4th.—Held an adjourned Session of the Probate Court in the afternoon and decided two divorce cases Brown vs Brown and Bailley vs Bailley

Tuesday 7th.—I was up at 3 o clock in the morning in order to get things in readiness so that the News could be got to press in good season in which plan I succeeded. In the evening I went to a splendid party got up under the direction of Prest Brigham Young. I took both my wives with me and we certainly had a joyful party. Prests Young, Kimball and Wells Elders O. Hyde O. Pratt E. T. Benson B Snow and F D. Richards of the Twelve the officers of the County and City and other distinguished citizens

His Excellency Gov. Cumming & lady Col Stambough U States Surveyor General for Utah with his "Staff," consisting of Messrs. Wentz Mason Miller and Jones were also there as guests

This being the first time Prest Young has indulged in "the dance" publickly Since the commencement of the late difficulties the occasion was rendered doubly interesting by his presence and that of his counsellors and of the Twelve

Thursday 9th.—Held a Session of Court in the afternoon for the examination of a complaint made by Peter Preece vs Thomas Graham David Graham and Andrew Rose for threatening his life. After a lengthy examination of the case the Defendants were discharged.

Monday 13th.—Warm and pleasant The City election under the new charter came off Unusually busy all day and till late at night

Tuesday 14th.—We got to press in the evening Too much on my hands all day

Wednesday 15th.—Yesterday Joshua Arthur had a son born unto him and this morning J. M. Bollwinckel had another added to his family

Friday 17.—In the evening went with my wives and daughter Emily Jane to a party at the Social Hall where we all enjoyed ourselves in the dance during the night [with] Bro M F Wilkie and Sophina Fuller The printers generally were at the party the last one to be held there this winter

Wednesday 22.—The publication of the News as usual made a stirring time in the office A party at my House in the evening

Thursday 23d.—Held a session of Court in the afternoon

Monday 27th.—I was not very well The Eastern Mail arrived a little after noon bringing the news of the election of Mr Pennington of New Jersey as Speaker of the House of Representatives of the thirty sixth Congress

Tuesday 28 - Vigorous exertions had to be made to get the News ready for press as the typos were somewhat behind with their part of the work

Wednesday 29th.—The work in the office was behind hand, and it was after ten in the evening before the papers were all struck off or enough to make up the mails The boys got up the press that had been loaned to the Mountaineer office and fixed it up so that they could do job work while the News was being printed which will make it more convenient for them than it has been since they have had but one large press in the office

The warmest day there has been since the winter set in and the snow thawed very fast

Monday [March] 5.—This being the day for the commencement of the March Session of the County Court I was present as the presiding officer of the Court

Tuesday 6.—Attending to my duties in the County Court and prepared the first number of Vol Ten Deseret News for publication A severe snow storm in the evening

Monday 12th.—Commenced the March Term of the Probate Court for Great Salt Lake County Amy Jane went to Provo to see Sister M[ary] J[ane] who is very sick

Empannelled the Grand Jury and done some other things necessary to be done The Eastern Mail arrived

Tuesday 13th.—Held Court and got the News ready for publication but the Typos were late with their part of the work

Wednesday 14th.—In Court and also in the News Office first one and then the other and did not leave the latter till late at night. Wrote a letter to Mary Jane at Provo

Thursday 15.—Held court part of the day and the balance I spent in the office excepting a small portion of time devoted to preparing for the Printers Festival which came off at the Social Hall in the evening which I attended in company with Lucy and her sister Mary

Saturday 17th.—Moroni Clawson Isaac Neibaur Charles & Freelove Manhard and Joseph Covey were brought into Court having been indicted for Larceny in connection with Clark Allen Huntington who had been previously arrested and admitted to bail to appear from time to time subject to the order of Court. Neibaur and Covey got bail for their appearance on Monday and the others were remanded to jail or rather into the custody of the Sheriff

Monday 19th.—I was holding Court all day Clark Allen Huntington was tried and convicted of the crime of larceny and sentenced to one year's imprisonment in the penitentiary

Tuesday 20.—Moroni Clawson was found guilty of Larceny and sentenced to eighteen month's imprisonment in the Penitentiary. Court held in Ballo's Hall in the afternoon

Dr William France died at 6 o clock in the morning

Wednesday 21.—Charles and Freelove Manhard were tried the former was acquitted and the latter found guilty and sentenced to six mo[n]ths incarceration in the Penitentiary. It was late in the evening when Court adjourned

Thursday 22.—Isaac Neibaur and Joseph Covey were tried for Larceny and acquitted

Friday 23.—After disposing of what little business there was on hand ready for action the Court adjourned till Monday next Being quite unwell with a cold I did not do much after the adjournment of Court till after supper when I went to the News office and arranged a few matters and spent an hour or so at President Youngs Office where I saw Hickman for the first time since he was wounded on the 25th of December. He came into the presidents office just as I was leaving

Monday 26th.—The March Term of the County Court having been adjourned till this day I of necessity had to attend tho I had other matters of importance to see after and moreover I was nearly sick with cold Spent the evening at the Presidents Office

Tuesday 27th.—Tho sick I attended the County Court but we were not able to finish up the business and adjourned till 9 A M next day

Wednesday 28.—This being the day set for the trial of W. W. Wheeler for horse stealing I was engaged in the Probate Court and the selectmen finished up the business of the County Court without my assistance.

In the case of the People vs Wheeler the jury found a verdict of guilty and affixed the penalty at eighteen months in the Penitentiary Amy Jane came home from Provo

Thursday 29th.—Held Court a short time in the forenoon and passed judgement on Wheeler and adjourned the Court till Friday at 2 P. M.

Friday 30th.—Held Court in the afternoon and decided a case about the custody of a child between the father Shem Burnell and its mother Elizabeth Jones his former wife. Raining some little

Monday [April] 2d.—Examined two boys accused of stealing a horse from D. H. Cannon and committed them for further examination.

Gen H. S. Eldredge started for the States by whom I sent for printing paper &C

Tuesday 3d.—-The prisoners Martin Wheeler C. A. Huntington Moroni Clawson Freelove Manhard and William Wesley Wheeler were released from the penitentiary on writs of Habeas Corpus issued by Judge Eckels returnable at Camp Floyd where he discharged them with out ceremony or investigation Snowing most of the day Being behind time with the News I did not get a chance to retire to rest till about Midnight

Wednesday 4th.—A cold blustery day which I spent chiefly in the office

Thursday 5th.—Held a Session of Court in the forenoon and heard a case ex parte Willard Smith vs Nephi Hampton in attachment

Friday 6.—The Thirty fourth annual conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was commenced in the Tabernacle which was filled to overflowing at an early hour

The weather was cool and in the evening there was a snow snow [sic] storm Amy Janes father and mother arrived from Kays Creek in the afternoon

Tuesday 10..—J B. Atkins alias Atkinson was arraigned on an Indictment for Larceny and plead guilty also William Bratton alias Hiram Mecham Charged with horse stealing plead guilty and both were remanded for sentence. John Mowry alias George Wyers alias George Harrison on being arraigned plead not guilty, was tried and acquitted

Wednesday 11.—I was quite unwell all day; Held a short Session of Court the balance of the day in the News office

Thursday 12th.—The Grand Jury having finished up their business reported and were discharged.

The two prisoners that pleaded were brought into Court and each received their sentences. Mecham was Sentenced to the Penitentiary for six months and Atkinson was fined $100.

I was very ill in the morning and got off from my bed to go to the Court and after I came back I took to my bed again and there remained till late in the afternoon when I got up and soon after being sent for I went to Mayor Smoots where several of the relatives of the chief officer of the city, and Some of mine were assembled for a Social visit. Lucy had preceded me. I felt some better in the evening and walked home

Monday 16th.—Attending to my editorial duties

Tuesday 17th.—Managed to get the News to press in good season. S H B Smith married Mary Catherine Smith

Wednesday 18.—Having been under the necessity of discharging Joshua Arthur who has been acting as clerk in the News Office Since the commencement of my editorial labors in consequence of his love for spirituous liquors Samuel Reed took his place and I hope that Joshua will learn a lesson by it that will be of benefit to him in time to come

Thursday 19th.—Inasmuch as Samuel H B Smith who married Miss Mary Catherine Smith on Wednesday last has lived with us most of the time Since we have been in this Territory we invited him and his wife and as many of his and our relatives as were in the city that could attend to spend the afternoon and evening at our house for a social visit and to enjoy a little festivity on the occasion of the wedding There was a shower of rain which made it a little inconvenient being out, but a goodly number of the kinsfolk were in attendence on the occasion among whom were Samuels Step Mother Sister Amy G A Smith his wives Bathsheba and Susan, his daughter Bathsheba, J. L. Smith, and wife Augusta, Joseph Smith and wife and many others and we had a good family meeting which all seemed to enjoy The evening after supper was mostly Spent in social chit chat. Songs and in the relation of historical incidents connected with our wanderings for the last twenty five years

Friday 20th.—Held Court for the trial of Charles Manhard who was found guilty by the jury and sentenced to two years and a half imprisonment

Saturday 21st.—In court a short time in the afternoon just long enough to pass sentence upon Manhard and adjourned till Tuesday the 24th

Tuesday 24.—In the office most of the day Held a short session of court during which Rodney Swazey was brought in accused by an indictment of the Grand Jury of horse stealing.

He had been arrested in Provo by Dept Sheriff Whipple of Utah County and brought there on a warrant that was issued some weeks since H Stout Esqr appeared as his counsel and asked for a postponement of the trial till the June term on account of witnesses which was granted and he was required to give bail for his appearance in the sum of $1,000 or be committed to prison

Wednesday 25.—An unusually busy day with me and I did not get through with my labors till late in the evening Bro P. H Buzzard was with us at dinner and I closed the bargain with him about the farm I had partly contracted for some time since. He starts for Iowa tomorrow.

Thursday 26th.—I was very unwell during the latter part of the day but managed to keep moving. Held a session of the Probate Court and heard and determined a case between De Wolfe and Franklin Hunter Wilde The balance of the day attending to other matters The Missionaries some forty in number started for Europe and a company of ox teams for the Missouri river for freight

Friday 27th.—In the forenoon having an invitation from Messrs Blair and Ferguson I took a ride with them to the mouth of Big Kanyon where the missionaries and company going to the States were encamped to witness their departure after being duly organized at that place according to previous arrangements Presidents Young and Wells went out to attend to the organization and many others to witness the departure of the Company but most of them returned before the camp broke up and so did we as some of the cattle and mules had strayed and were not found as late as twelve o clock at noon at which hour we started back

The company consisted of thirty ox teams of three and four yoke of oxen to a wagon going after freight for the Trustee in Trust and others to the Missouri river, and some fifty Missionaries in all [blank] persons Also E. D Woolley with two ox and two mule teams was there going for merchandise and George Beebe with three and P. H. Buzzard with two mule teams returning to Fort Des Moines making quite a large company & if they all travel together they will not be very liable to be attacked by Indians nor white men while crossing the plains

Sunday 29th.—Spent the day much as usual after going to the Circle meeting in the morning. In the evening I blessed James William Rhodes son of Sarah and J W Burbidge born on the 5th of April and Benjamin Wellesley son of Joshua Arthur and Charlotte his wife on the 13th of February 1860 at the request of the parents of the first one and of the mother of the last who were at our house at supper The weather cold

Tuesday May 1st.—My business was so crowding that I was closely confined in the office from morning till evening but succeeded in getting the "News" to press before sunset Elders Lyman & Rich started for England

Wednesday May 2.—Quite warm but windy My little daughter Emily Jane was baptised circumstances having been such that her baptism was not attended to at the proper time that is when she was eight years old Sophina Fuller returned from Provo where she has been on a visit several weeks

Thursday 3d.—Warm but very windy Joshua Arthur having made restitution so far as he could for the unwise course he has pursued for some time past I took him back again into the office and trust that he will do better in future

Tuesday 8th.—I was, as usual, engaged in getting the News ready for press

Wednesday 9th.—A pleasant day which was principally occupied in distributing and mailing the "News"

Saturday 12th.—A tremendous snow storm the most uncomfortable that I ever experienced at this season of the year within my recollection. I held a court in the afternoon and heard a case. John Zeizler vs Samuel Snider which was decided by a jury in favor of Plaintiff

Tuesday 15th—I was more than busy preparing for the publication of the News which the hands were late in getting to press

Wednesday 16th.—The weather much warmer In the News Office most of the day.

Thursday 17.—The weather is getting warmer. I was engaged much as usual. In the evening Myron Brewer and R. Keith Johnson were killed by some persons unknown near the corner of East Temple and Second South Street

Friday 18th.—Quite warm. Some commotion in the city in consequence of the shooting affair last night.

Sunday 20.—After going to the Circle I spent the day principally in overhauling the papers received by mail last evening from the East and in making some selections for the forthcoming issue of the News

Tuesday 22.—By perseverence the News was ready for press early in the evening

Wednesday 23.—All hands engaged in delivering and mailing papers

Friday 25.—The Pony Express from the East arrived in the forenoon bringing a telegram from Capt Hooper that Abraham Lincoln of Illinois had been nominated by the Chicago convention for President and Hannibal Hamblin of Maine for Vice President Held a court of inquiry on a complaint the People vs W. W. Triby [?] for horse stealing and sent the prisoner over to Cache County as the crime was committed there if at all

Saturday 26th.—Held a court in the afternoon and heard and determined a case between Charles H. Stoddard and Justus Earle on attachment

Tuesday 29th.—Exerted myself to get the News to press In the evening the California mail arrived

Wednesday 30th.—Being a little late last evening in consequence of the delay occasioned by the arrival of the Western mail or rather by setting up a summary of News after its arrival the Pressman did not begin to strike off till this morning which caused some little inconvenience in the forenoon. So many were calling for papers, before they were ready for delivery

Friday June 1st.—A very windy day. The Pony Express arrived in the afternoon about [blank] o clock. Amy Jane went home with her mother who came down on Wednesday and took her two children with her to spend a few days

Wednesday 6th.—Busy as usual on publishing days

Thursday 7th.—In company with brother M. J. Wilkie and S. W. Richards I started northward intending to visit our mill at Farmington and then to go to Kays Creek to bro Kings after Amy Jane We arrived at Farmington about 1PM and after staying there two or three hours I went on to br Kings in company with br Wilkie where we arrived about sunset and found all well.

Friday 8th.—Started on our return home and calling at the mill in Farmington and taking dinner with bro S. W. as on yesterday we spent a few hours there and then came home arriving in good Season enjoying the trip first rate

Tuesday 12.—The mail from the east arrived last night and I was very busy getting the papers ready for publication. In the evening the Express came in from the West and to get the latest news before the sending of the News I sat up till 12 o clock at night There [were] several showers in the course of the day attended with thunder

Wednesday 13th.—Helped the clerks in mailing and distributing papers. The weather very warm

Wednesday 20.—At my post as usual. The Express from California arrived yesterday and this evening Wm Morell Post Master arrived He reports that he came through from Carson with a company of fifteen men bringing the mail to Roberts Creek and also the Express. That at Roberts Creek he met Major Egan with the out going mail. The Indians were troublesome yet—'but did not attack their party

Monday 25th.—Having previously received an invitation to attend a wedding party at br William Howard's in Big Cottonwood ward the occasion being the marriage of his daughter Catherine Alice with Isaac Brockbank jr I left home about nine o clock in the morning with Lucy & Amy Jane and arrived at bro Howards a little before eleven A. M. where there was a goodly number of people assembled to witness the ceremony and participate in the festivities of the occasion.

The marriage ceremony was performed at twelve o clock in which by special request I was the officiating magistrate. The afternoon and evening was spent in eating and drinking dancing and social conviviality, all seemingly enjoying themselves without restraint & without excess or impropriety, nothing transpiring to mar the festivities or produce ill feeling on the part of the guests or others in attendance We returned at two o clock next morning. Weather very warm

Tuesday 26th.—The News occupied my attention closely. The Eastern Mail arrived during my absence yesterday. The Pony Express from the east arrived at eight and from the west at a quarter past eight in the evening and we did not get ready to go to press till nearly morning

Wednesday 27th.—A very warm day but the hands in the office got the papers ready for mailing in good season.

Thursday 28th.—In company with the Selectmen of the County, I spent the day in letting jobs on the roads south of the City, Leaving home about nine o clock in company with E F. Sheets Selectman, R. T Burton Sheriff of the County, John G Lynch, Clerk of Probate and County Courts, and bro M. F. Wilkie in a carriage we proceed to the point previously indicated for meeting with the other two Selectmen R Miller & S D. Huffaker and after doing what had been arranged for in the forenoon on the State Road, went to Br Millers and took dinner, then went to the Middle County Road and let the jobs that had been designated there and then came home arriving at nine in the evening. Extremely warm

Tuesday [July] 3d.—Got to press about noon The weather very warm and my health poor feeling like I had a fever during the latter part of the day

Wednesday 4th.—The day was very warm The celebration of the anniversary of American Independence engrossed my attention till about 2pm 'though I felt very ill. I then took to a couch and rested till 5 pm after which I got up and in the evening went with Lucy and Amy Jane to a party at the Court House where I enjoyed myself as well as I could feeling very sick most of the time I remained there

Sunday 8.—Kept in my room but felt some better and scribbled some little for the News

Monday 9th.—Necessity compelled me to arrange for the next number of the Deseret News, and I was engaged at that business all day or during the greater part thereof. In the forenoon held a court of examination and inquired into a charge for horse stealing prefered against Thomas Lutz. After hearing the evidence the prisoner was discharged

Wednesday 11th.—This is the first time that I have not been in the office on publication day so far as my memory serves me since I have had charge of the editorial Department of the News

Wednesday 18th.—I was up early and witnessed the eclipse of the sun, remained in the office most of the forenoon and then went home and remained the balance of the day

Thursday 19th.—1 staid at home in the forenoon In the afternoon I held court for the hearing of Divorce cases Hancock vs Hancock and White vs White but my health was very poor and I hardly felt able to be about

Saturday 21st.—I was about most of the day and held court in the afternoon and heard and decided a case McCormick vs Harbin Amy Janes mother brother & sister made us a visit

Tuesday 24th.—Although I was very ill I managed to keep up and get the News to press early in the afternoon.

There was a large picnic party at the Head waters of the Big Cottonwood in commemoration of the entrance of the pioneers into this Valley in 1847. In the City there was much excitement on the occasion

Wednesday 25th.—I was well enough to be out all day consequently after helping the boys awhile in the office I went home and remained there till late in the afternoon before going to the office again The pioneers returned in the afternoon and reported that it had rained most of the time in the mountains while they were there

Thursday 26th.—I felt some better and was around all day. Spent some little time in visiting with Dr Stamper & Wm Mclntyre old Iowa acquaintances who being on their way to California called to see me, and spent the afternoon and evening at our house

Monday 30th.—Attending to my editorial duties

Tuesday 31st—Dr. Stamper Wm Mclntyre & wife James Bowden & wife were at our house to dinner and started on their way to California soon after

Wednesday Aug 1st.—Deloss M. Gibson was brought before me on a writ of Habeas Corpus on Monday last and the matter postponed till to day when I examined into the matter and found that he was held in custody by virtue of an order of the Third District Court of the United States for this Territory sitting as a Federal Court in Sept Last. Judging from the evidence adduced that he was illegally held by virtue of said order I concluded to discharge him but held him to bail in the sum of one thousand dollars to answer for at the Sept term of Court for the crime alledged against him it being for the murder of James Johnson and for which he was on trial in the Probate Court for this County at the June term 1859 and taken out of the custody of the Sheriff by Habeas Corpus issued by the Third District Court which claimed exclusive jurisdiction but instead of being tried was remanded to jail till the next time of said Court which has not as yet and probably will not soon be held

Thursday 2d.—I gave my decision in the Habeas Corpus case in relation to Gibson in the afternoon which seemed to give general satisfaction

Saturday 4th.—Held a session of the Probate Court in the afternoon and adjourned the June term of which it was a continuance sine die

Monday 6th.—The Eastern mail arrived and I was very busy in getting the News ready for publication and in attending the election

Tuesday 7th.—-Got to press in the evening and I was very weary on going to bed

Wednesday 8th.—Canvassed the election returns for this county in connection with J G Lynch Clerk

Thursday 9th.—Unusually busy in the News office The weather was warm somewhat oppressive Capt. Wallings company of Saints, the first that has arrived this season, came into the City in the afternoon and camped on the square in the 8th Ward There were 160 persons in the company mostly from the States Lucy went home with Bro. W Smiths folks on a visit

Monday 13th.—Hon. W. H. Hooper Elder G. Q. Cannon and Genl Eldredge arrived from the States all well. Attending to my editorial duties

Tuesday 14th.—Being late with the News it was not ready for Press till nearly midnight

Wednesday 15.—Lucy returned from her visit to Kaysville I held court in the afternoon and decreed a divorce in the case of Patten vs Patten

Thursday 16th.—Held a Session of court in the afternoon but there was not much business done In the evening went out to Bishop Millers with E F Sheets, one of the Selectmen, of the County and staid there overnight preparatory to a trip to the Southern portion of the County, to look out a location for a road bridge across Jordan &C.

Friday 17 th.—After breakfast, proceeded in company with bros. Sheets and Miller to attend to the business of looking at the country on the Jordan above the Mills, and hearing the arguments that were adduced by the people on each side of the river in favor of their respective motions about a road and bridge to connect the two settlements or wards Ate dinner at James Gardners and put up at night with Bishop Afrchibald] Gardner at Jordan Mills.

Sunday 19th.—Went to my circle meeting, and then to the Bowery and listened to father [Gibson] Smith an old man of eighty who had lately arrived in the Valley from the State of New York, to Andrew Moffitt, W. H Hooper, and Prest B. Young. In the afternoon I took a nap, read the revise to the first side of the next number of the News &C.

Tuesday 21st.—I did not go to the office till late in the afternoon and it was late in the evening when the News was ready for press

Wednesday 22d.—Spent the forenoon in the office and afternoon in Court and heard and determined a matter in which H. B Clawson was ptf. and S. DeWolfe administrator of the estate of J Hartnett deceased was Defendant on motion to revise a judgment rendered against said Hartnet in his life time in favor of said Clawson and a case was determined by a jury in which H. B. Clawson was Ptff and S. D. Wolfe administrator as aforesaid was plaintiff a suit brought for damages done Ptffs house when said Hartnet was a tenant therein

Saturday 25th.—A suit brought by Brigham Young against P. K Dotson U S Marshal for the recovery of damages done to certain plates belonging to the Deseret Currency Association of which Plaintiff is President which the said Dotson took into his custody at the time of arresting D. McKenzie and others for Engraving a plate on which to strike counterfeit Government drafts and which the Said Defendant damaged as alledged in complaint to the amount of [blank] having been set for hearing in the afternoon I held court for that purpose but the matter after much discussion was adjourned till Friday the 31st at 10 AM

Friday 31st.—The case of B Young vs P. K. Dotson having been adjourned till to day I held court in the forenoon, but the case was adjourned again till Sept. 5th at 2 p.m

Monday [September] 3.—This being the day for the holding of the County Court I met with the Selectmen for that business and did not get back from the Court House till after sunset. The business before that Court will occupy most of the present week

Wednesday 5th.—I attended the County Court in the forenoon and in the afternoon the Probate Court being in Session pursuant to adjournment I was obliged to let the Selectmen proceed with the business before the County Court without my assistance

The case of Brigham Young sen vs P. K Dotson was called up again and the afternoon spent in arguing motions.

Thursday 6.—The case of B. Y. vs P. K. D was in proggress all day, and advanced so far that a jury was impanneled to try the matter and the Court adjourned till Friday

Friday 7.—The suit progressed slowly and occupied the whole day without getting through with the evidence

Saturday 8.—After a laborious effort the evidence was closed the jury addressed and retired about half past seven in the evening, and in about two hours returned a verdict in favor of Plaintiff for $1668 Trespass and $648.66 damages, making a total amount of $2316.66 and the Court adjourned without day Sunday 9th.—Met with my circle in the morning and spent

the balance of the day in the News office

Monday 10th.—Commenced the regular term of the Probate Court for September empanneled a Grand Jury which before the adjournment of the Court in the evening presented a "true bill" against James Banks (colored) for larceny, and one against Henry E. Gibson for aiding prisoners to escape

Tuesday 11th.—Court continued and "true bill" were presented by the Grand Jury against Henry Rich for Larceny, Jason Luce for Assault with intent to kill Lot Huntington and Isaac Neibaur for riot and Simon Baker for Assualt There was not much other business done that day

Wednesday 12th.—James Banks was arraigned tried found guilty of grand larceny and fined $150.00 and costs

The Grand Jury presented "true bills" against Kenneth McRae for riot John Luce for assault with intent to kill, and L Peters for Larceny

Henry E. Gibson Jason Luce, Isaac Neibaur Lot Huntington, Kenneth McRae, John M. Luce were arraigned and found not Guilty and Henry Rich on being required to answer plead "Guilty"

The Trial of Gibson was set for tomorrow in the forenoon

That of Jason Luce for Friday at 9 am the others to follow in order

Thursday 13th.—Henry E. Gibson was tried found guilty and fined $283.00 The case of Moore vs Moore in Divorce was called up and disposed of by granting the petition The case of Crawford vs Crawford in Divorce was heard but judgment was defered

Friday 14.—Jason Luce was tried for assau[l]t and found guilty Fined $50 and costs

Isaac Neibaur for riot was found guilty and fined $100 and costs

Saturday 15..—Lot Huntington and Kenneth McRae were each severally tried on the indictments found against them for riot and acquitted A nolle prosequi was entered in the case of J. M. Luce Henry Rich was called up and sentenced to thirty days imprisonment in the county jail and the court adjourned till Monday 17th at 10 a m

Sunday 16th.—Went to my circle and then to the News Office, read the revise to the first side of the next number of the News looked over some of the papers received by the eastern mail yesterday and made a few selections for publication

Tuesday 18th.—Held Court larceny and acquitted

Lyman Peters was tried for

Wednesday 19th.—D M Gibson was arraigned and plead "not guilty" to a charge for murder, the same as in the court one year ago last June.

Simon Baker was tried for assault in the afternoon found guilty by the jury and fined fifty dollars and costs

Thursday 20.—Held court in the afternoon, but there was not much business done

Friday 21st.—In the News office most of the day My health not good. Yesterday Bro J. H Burrell commenced the work of plastering my house and I trust that before it is too cold that I shall have four or five rooms finished so that we shall be comfortable during the winter and the balance of the work can be done next year

Saturday 23d [22].—In the afternoon I heard a case concerning the custody of a child, the son of James L Bess which came up on Habeas Corpus but deferred decision. The mother of the child having been divorced from the father the said James L. Bess, and married one Erastus Curtis a dispute had arose and became very serious about the custody of their son James L Bess jr whom the father at the time of commencing this suit had in his possession

Sunday 23d.—After attending my circle I was engaged in editorial duties till the close of the afternoon meeting at the Bowery

At half past five in the a[flternoon Amy Jane became the mother of a daughter healthy and sprightly weighing nine pounds which we subsequently named Rebecca Jane

Monday 24th.—Being behind with the News I was pressed with business all day and to add to my labors Joseph Bull one of the hands in the office was called to go to England with the missionaries now on the eve of starting and consequently had to be fitted out instantly

Tuesday 25th.—Overwhelmed with business but managed to get the News to press in time to attend the Missionary Picnic party at the Social Hall in the evening to which I received an invitation I was too weary and ill to enjoy the festivities of the occasion and did not participate in the dance. Lucy and her daughter Emily J. went with me and evidently enjoyed themselves better than I did.

Wednesday 26th.—The Missionaries some [blank] in number were getting ready to Start and Some few including John L. Smith and Jesse N. Smith got under way The rendezvous having been designated at Kimballs Ranch some twenty six miles out where they will all meet together with several who are going to the States on business some time the latter part of the week, and then take up their march across the Plains

Thursday 27th.—James McKnight who has since Nov 1st 1854 been foreman in the News office and Joseph Bull who has been connected with the office since January 1852 excepting when in California with Elder G. Q. Cannon from May 1854 till their return in [1858] took their departure for the east the former on a mission to the States and the latter to England Several other elders and persons going east started out to the place of rendezvous

I was in Court part of the afternoon and gave decision in the Habeas Corpus case investigated last Saturday also disposed of some other matters and then adjourned till Saturday next at 9 A. M.

In the evening M. F. Wilkie returned with the teams sent out to meet Capt J. W Young train for the purpose of bringing in some papers and thereby lighten the loading of which there was too much for the teams He had been out as far as Pacific Creek Reported that Capt Young's team was getting along very well and would be in before conference. He brought in Elder T. S Williams & family who had been sent for by Capt Hooper

Saturday 29.—Held Court for the investigation of a Habeas Corpus case James Graham who was recently sent to the Penitentiary from Weber County having served out the writ, alledging that he had been illegally convicted. The entire day was consumed in making dilatory pleas arguing motions &C and the case was continued for the procurement of evidence on the part of complainant till Oct

Hon W H Hooper started on his return to Washington taking his family with him and T. S. Williams who only arrived here on Thursday last going as his clerk Elder G. Q. Cannon destined for Liverpool England and wife and several others started out among whom were Elders O. Pratt & E. Snow Elder Cannon is going out to take charge of the star office and the Elders Pratt & Snow to the States

[Journal to be continued in July issue]

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