Utah War

In 1857, Johnston’s Army was sent by President James Buchanan to quell the libelist lies directed at the “Mormon Rebellion” that supposedly existed in what is now Utah.   It was later known as Buchanan’s Blunder.  The Utah War cost the United States in excess of $15,000,000 (Pg. 322)!   Although the Utah War began the year following the Martin Handcart Trek, many of the Handcarters were still affected by it.  George Harrision for instance (Pg. 325-6) actually came into the Salt Lake Valley with the Army, riding a horse provided by them.  The Jackson family moved to Spanish Fork and settled there (Pg. 312) because of the coming of the Army to protect the family from what might happen.   Almon Babbitt’s death and Orrin Porter Rockwell’s possession of his goods ricocheted back and forth among the enemies of the Church until they reached the desk of the President of the United States, James Buchanan (Pgs. 321-2) .  These lies along with other erroneous rumors fueled the flames and Johnston’s Army was despatched to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake.  Joseph Warren Wadsworth, a rescuer, helped to guard Echo Canyon when the Army tried to enter the Valley (Pg. 342).  Levi Savage, who spoke out against continuing on, to the Willie Company citing the lateness of the Season, also participated in building fortifications, standing guard, and watched as the new governor came down Echo Canyon the next year without the army (Pg. 344) to take his place as the head of Deseret Territory.