When this crime was committed most of the Apostles were absent from Nauvoo. Upon hearing the tidings, they at once re turned, and in August of that year (1844) succeeded to the leader ship of the Church. Sidney Rigdon claimed the succession, by virtue of having been Joseph Smith's counsellor in the first Presi dency, the highest authority in the Church ; the Twelve Apostles ranking next. But the Prophet's death had dissolved the First Presidency. Moreover, he had said: "Where I am not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve." This ruling, overwhelm ingly sustained by the people, disposed of Rigdon's claim and settled the question as to who should preside over the Church. A number of others parted company with the main body at that time, and founded the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints (see p. 8i ). The majority, however, followed Brig ham Young and his fellow Apostles.
From Illinois to Utah.—Less than two years later came the enforced wintry exodus of the saints from Illinois, the first companies crossing the frozen Mississippi on the ice. Dragging their heavily loaded wagons across snow-covered, rain-soaked Iowa, tarrying on the way only long enough to found temporary settlements and sow crops to be reaped by those who followed them, the vanguard, in June 1846, reached the Missouri River, and by permission encamped temporarily on the Pottawatomie Indian lands. They were now on the nation's frontier.
It devolved upon Brigham Young (q.v.) to lead the migrating Mormons to their new home in the wilderness. During the troubles in Missouri he had given proof of his ability as an or ganizer and leader. His mission to Britain furnished additional evidence. He was the man of all men for the responsibility now resting upon him. At the head of a picked company numbering 143 men, three women and two children, Brigham Young, in April 1847, started to cross the great plains between the Mis souri river and the Rocky mountains. (See UTAH : History.) In covered wagons, drawn by mules and oxen, they carried ploughs, implements, seed grain and a year's supply of provisions. Passing through the Indian country, over wide prairies and rugged moun tains, these pioneers, on July 24th, entered the valley of the Great Salt lake, then uninhabited except by red men, and in cluded in a region belonging to Mexico. At the close of the Mexican War the land was ceded to the United States.
Other companies of Mormon emigrants followed and, as soon as practicable, the settlers took steps to organize a civil govern ment. In March 1849 they set up the Provisional State of Deseret, and petitioned Congress for admission into the Union. The prayer for Statehood failed, but the Territory of Utah was organized September 185o. Brigham Young was appointed Governor by President Fillmore, and at the expiration of a four year term, was reappointed by President Pierce.
Frontier Hardships.—Many hardships attended the coloniza tion of the barren region in which these people made their home.
Not only drouth, but crop-devouring crickets and grasshoppers, as well as blood-thirsty Indians, had to be dealt with and over come. "It is better to feed the Indians than to fight them," said Brigham Young, and his wise policy prevailed, the warlike red men finally becoming friendly and peaceable. Drouth was con quered by irrigation, the Mormons being the pioneers in that art.
Political Relations with Federal Government.—There were also political difficulties between the Mormons and the U.S. officials sent to govern them and administer the law. Some of President Pierce's appointments were unfortunate in considera tion of the delicate task which they faced, and the Mormons were justly aroused to anger by their deeds. On the other hand there was the evident determination of the Church to maintain its authority over civil affairs. Official after official returned to Washington, maintaining that his office was untenable, some of them reporting actual violence against them. It was rumoured that a crowd broke into the office of Judge George P. Stiles and seized the Federal court records along with the Judge's personal books and papers. The former were placed in a church safe, but the latter were burned. Stiles believed the court records were included in the bonfire and reported their destruction to Washington. Out rages against non-Mormons were continually reported and in the summer of 1857 occurred the famous Mountain Meadows mas sacre in which 120 men, women and children were killed by the Mormons and Indians. The Church has always disclaimed re sponsibility for this incident, but it, nevertheless, inflamed the people throughout the United States. President Buchanan soon after his inauguration decided to appoint a non-Mormon governor, and to back up his acts and those of other Federal officials with force if necessary, in order to restore U.S. authority. Alfred Cumming was appointed governor and Col. Albert Sidney John son was ordered to the territory with 1,5oo troops in the autumn of 1857. He was shut out from Salt Lake Valley and compelled to winter east of the Wasatch mountains, the way being blocked by winter snows and the Territorial Militia acting under orders from Brigham Young. When spring came Gov. Cumming entered Salt Lake city and was received with every demonstration of good will. His reports were favourable to the Mormons and peace commissions sent by Buchanan were able to strike a compromise with the Mormon officials.