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Show CHAPTER IV THE CRISIS The winter of 1857 was one of the gayest ever seen in Utah. While the U.S. forces were suffering the cold and privations of their winter encampment east of the Rockies, the Saints called in their troops. Singing, dancing and celebrations were everywhere. The Lord had heard the pleas of His children, and while He was protecting the Saints, he was humiliating the enemy. As long as the army remained snowbound east of the mountain passes there was no danger. The people were ever reminded that God would hold their enemies in check as long as the Saints would heed the counsel of the prophets. Speaking to a large New Year's Day social gathering, Apostle Woodruff told the people: The blessings which you are enjoying thi© evening are from the hand of God. We all should acknowledge the hand of God in all things. We have had to hew our necks to the yoke of tyrants and our persecutors in days gone by. The seen £sic] is past; the yoke is now upon the necks of our enemies in a measure. They have to stop East of the mountains in the snow while we have the privilege of living still in our homes. It depends on our conduct whether we still enjoy our own homes or have to flee to the mountains.1 The contingency plans were laid, but if the Saints were faithful, they would not not have to flee to the mountains. One thing was certain: When the spring sun melted the snow in the passes, the Mormons were going to have to whip the army or run. The thought of surrender never seems to have occurred to them. 78 |