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Interesting News from the Utah Expedition
The Weekly Raleigh Register
27 January 1858
Washington, Jan. 23
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Dispatches have been received by the War Department from Col. Johnson, dated November 30th, confirming the previous reports of the excessive suffering and great loss of draught animals by snow storms, cold and starvation. A sufficient number of oxen, although poor, had been saved to supply a part ration for six days in the week, and there was bacon on hand for one day per week for seven months, together with a supply of flour and small rations.
The storm had dealt roughly with Col. Cook's command. He had lost half his horses, beside a number of mules. Further advances toward Salt Lake City cannot be made without a new supply of such animals, to procure which Capt. Marcy had been dispatched to New Mexico to secure a supply for the use in early spring, when the army with volunteer force, 2,000 strong, will resume march as soon as supplied with horses and mules and grass on the mountains sufficient for their support.
Two volunteer companies have mustered into the service for nine months, and it is expected that two more will join in a few days.
The troops have borne the danger and privations of the march with patience and cheerfulness. They are in fine health, although some are suffering from frost bite.
Another letter from an officer of the army says that the Mormons are afraid of mounted men. They are great cowards, like all assassins and robbers, and he fears their leaders and those who have no claim in the Valley will run away, requiring their deluded followers to destroy their property lest it may benefit the army.
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