Item Detail
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17286
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0
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0
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English
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From the Journal of A.J. Allen
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Our Pioneer Heritage
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1958
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1
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102-114
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July 4, 1857 to November 2, 1858. Allen begins his diary with a short biography of his life. He describes the July 24, 1857 celebrations and speeches. He mentions that John M. Bernhisel returns from Washington, D.C. with discouraging news concerning Utah becoming a state. He mentions that the Saints had lost the mail contracts. Rumors about the coming army abound in late summer and early fall. Colonel Van Vleit arrives in Utah. Allen is sent with other members of the Nauvoo Legion to the Green River to watch for the approach of Johnson's Army. Allen mentions Daniel H. Wells, Lot Smith, and Orrin P. Rockwell. He gives some details concerning Mormon harrassment of the approaching army, including the burning of government wagons. He mentions skirmishes with the soldiers and that some soldiers were taken prisoner. When Johnston's Army makes Winter Quarters near Fort Bridger, Allen and others return to the Salt Lake Valley in November. In 1858, Brigham Young plans to evacuate Salt Lake City and move south to avoid a clash with Johnston's Army. Allen describes the organization used in the move south and conditions in Utah Valley. Thomas L. Kane and the new territorial governor, Alfred Cumming, enter the territory. Allen gives his opinion of the new governor. Johnston's Army enters Utah and settles southwest of Utah Valley. Many Gentile merchants enter the territory, and Church leaders warn the Saints not to deal with them. Allen describes what he considers deplorable and immoral conditions in Salt Lake City as the Saints begin to return from the south. Allen mentions that some Saints had apostatized.