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Show 272 Because two of the mules bolted at daylight, the trek back to Desert Camp was a slow one. While Christian went in pursuit of the animals, Smith and White proceeded with only the two remaining mules to pull the heavily loaded wagons over the unbroken ground. It was late in the day of July 24 when they reached camp, but, to be sure, Smith and White were more than content just to be out of the canyon with its treacherous inhabitants. Earlier in the day, an express arrived from Colonel Dame, John W. Osburn earring the mail into Desert Camp about 2 P.M. The message, which arrived on the anniversary of Utah's struggle with the government, was as anticipated: Dame had ordered the abandonment of the mission. What few crops remained were to be given to the Indians. Considering the situation at Meadow Valley, Dame had no reasonable alternative; yet he still found it difficult to close down the mission ordered by Brigham Young. Before issuing the order, he conferred with Apostles Amasa Lyman and George A. Smith, who were then in the South, and he issued the order only upon their sanction. Soon afterward he explained his actions in a letter to the prophet dated July 31. After commending his men to Young, asserting they "have done as they were told and still hold themselves in readyness for any call," he justified bis decision: "I saw no other way to n24 do. If I have done wrong, please inform me that I may make amends." But Brigham Young remained silent, and the mission was closed. The morning after Dame's instructions were received, the brethren gathered together what they could salvage and began the trek home. Early on the morning of their departure, President Smith sent for the Indians to come into camp. Pursuant to his instructions from Colonel Dame, he turned the fields over to the natives, telling them that if they continued to water the crops they might raise something to harvest. The men wasted no time in leaving camp. When assembled, the return company consisted of fifteen men, seven wagons, twenty-six horses and |
