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Show 246 Upon reaching Parowan, Dame made arrangements to have the cattle forwarded to Desert Camp. Jesse N. Smith, one of the Parowan men who failed to make the original expedition because his animals were in Salt Lake with the exodus was ordered to proceed to Meadow Valley with the cattle and to take charge of the mission. Shortly after his return, Dame received a letter from President Young in response to his communication of May 26. In this letter dated June 9, Young appeared to be well pleased with Dame's exertions, "...your report from Desert Camp, May 26, afforded much gratification," wrote Young, "and tbe energy and perseverance of yourself & company, in given operations, are highly commendable. In regard to your further movements," he continued, it will probably be best for you to at once arrange to leave enough of your company, selected from those who can most conveniently tarry, to farm as much as the soil and water will admit and explore around for secure places for caching, and yourself and the rest of the company return home; and you, so soon as you have prepared your map pay me a visit. Young's letter also contained another positive note. Peace commissioners from President Buchanan had arrived in Salt Lake on the 7th of June. "I propose going to G.S.L. City tomorrow, where we shall, probably soon be able to learn a few items which may have a bearing on our next movements," declared the prophet to Colonel Dame. Things seemed to be looking brighter for the beleaguered churchman. The government, it appeared, may be suing for peace. Perhaps his tactics were bearing fruit. Hostilities appeared more remote than at any time since July of 1857. It is in this light that Young's letter to Dame is viewed. William H. Dame's report of May 26 was negative; so was Bean's report of May 22 and his oral report of June 7. Dame was exasperated with his failure to find good places for settle- |
