But the fiat of despotism had gone forth. "When the time comes to burn and lay waste our improvements, if any man undertakes to shield his, he will be sheared down; for 'judgment will be laid to the line, and righteousness to the plummet.'" This means, in plain English, that any man who refused to obey Young should be put to death; and the people well understood it. As it was certain death to resist his will, they vied with each other in seeming to render a willing obedience to a tyrant whom many hated, and all feared.
They fortified Echo Canyon, a narrow pass, about eighteen miles in length, eastward from the city. Piles of huge stones were heaped up along the borders of the precipices, ready to be dashed against the troops, as they should essay to pass the gorge. Intrenchments were thrown up, and such other warlike preparations made as their facilities afforded.
The United States troops had entered the Territory of Utah, and were encamped in Green River County, near Fort Bridger, a distance of 118 miles from Salt Lake City. From this place Governor Cumming issued the following proclamation:--
"GREEN RIVER COUNTY, near Fort Bridger, } UTAH TERRITORY, 21st November, 1857. }
"On the 11th day of July, 1857, the President appointed me to preside over the executive department of the government of this Territory. I arrived at this point on the 17th of this month, and shall probably be detained some time, in consequence of the loss of animals during the recent snow-storm. I will proceed at this point to make the preliminary arrangements for the temporary organization of the territorial government. Many treasonable acts of violence have recently been committed by lawless individuals, supposed to have been commanded by the late executive. Such persons are in a state of rebellion.
"Proceedings will be instituted against them in a court organized by Chief Justice Eckels, held in this county, which court will supersede the necessity of appointing military commissions for the trial of such offenders.
"It is my duty to enforce unconditional obedience to the Constitution, and the organic law of this Territory, and to all the other laws of Congress applicable to you.
"To enable me to effect this object, I will, in the event of resistance, rely first upon a _posse comitatus_ of the well-disposed portion of the inhabitants of this Territory, and will only resort to a military _posse_ in case of necessity. I trust this necessity will not occur. I have come among you with no prejudices or enmities; and by the exercise of a just and firm administration I hope to command your confidence.