Joseph Smith Black – The Edmunds Law

The Edmunds Law

Soon after the passing of the Edmunds Law, in the spring of 1882, the marshals commenced their raids in different parts of the territory, which caused excitement and annoyance almost continuously. The raids on the different settlements were conducted thus:

They would designate a certain number of the brethren that they desired to capture and three or four of them would come into town during the night and lie in wait at the house of some traitor. The people reposing in a peaceful slumber not conscious of any danger being near. Perchance the husband and father being weary of camping out would have returned home for 11 good night’s rest and to enjoy the society of his loved ones. When all was quiet during the small hours of the morning, a loud rap would be heard at the door; the family would spring from their beds and in sudden tones would whisper the word, “Marshals.” Perchance a louder and harsher knock would follow and someone of the family would ask, “Who is there?” and they would say, “Marshals, open the door or we will burn it down,” and if the father would happen to be in the hall he would meet them with a light at the door and admit them. And with cocked revolvers they would demand his surrender; thus by demons in human shape he would be dragged away to some pretended court. In cases where the husband was not at home. The wife with almost frantic haste would admit them to the house and sometimes by threats and abusive language; she would be compelled to show them through the house. While the children would nestle close together in their beds. Being almost overcome with fright and anxiety for the safety of their father and protector. In many instances the women displayed a degree of heroism that would be commendable in any age of the world. Generally, on such occasions, the word of alarm would soon spread and lights would glitter in all parts of the town, and perchance if the raid had been successful the news would soon be conveyed from house to house of the capture of some of the most respectable citizens. Excitement would generally run high and many would be the expressions of indignation and were it not for wise counsel of more mature minds, many of these raids would have ended in a scene of blood, as it was hard to see fathers. Relatives and friends taken away in such a manner.

Another mode they had in capturing those they were hunting was for a stranger to ride to town, looking like a miner or stockman and they would call at the house and make inquiry about something, and would then serve papers on those who happened to be there, perhaps one wanted for witnesses, In all of the numerous cases of that kind. I have never known of any resistance by any lawful person. For four years they had been seeking to arrest me and offered rewards to different persons if they would assist to trap me. I am sad to say traitors were very plentiful, Conscious having committed no crime, except as made so by law, it was very humiliating to me to be continuously hiding from the officers and spotters, besides it caused me to neglect my business and thereby suffer loss.

On one occasion, Marshals Clauson, Morrell, and Mount surrounded my largest house in the night and after a thorough search, being unsuccessful they summoned members of my family and also some of the family of other citizens. I was a short distance from the house and could plainly see them carrying the lights from one room to the other. In the morning a messenger brought word to me that the Marshals were going to capture a brother who lived down the river. His son was plowing nearby and I went and informed him of the fact. He decided to go home at once, and I said I would ride with him as far as six miles below to my ranch and that I would wait at the corner of the street at my daughter’s home until he came along. While I was waiting there, my daughter went in the house out of breath and said, “Oh Pa the Marshals are coming up the lane.” This was at my daughter Nancy’s, and she urged me to get out of the way. I went into a secret place and the Marshals came and surrounded the house. They searched everywhere; two had given up the search, but Morrell continued. They came within three or four feet of me, while Morrell on his way to their carts, having given up the search, came right onto me, he said “G. D. you come out of there,” and used other abusive and profane language. I said “Mister you have captured me fairly and now I want you to treat me like a gentleman and use no such language in my presence.” The others shouted, “that is the Bishop.” “Oh,” he said, “I beg your pardon, I thought it was Allred. We were not looking for you. ” We went to the carts and I rode to my house with Clauson, with whom I had formerly been acquainted. The scene was enacted in the presence of quite a number of people, among them were some of the members of my family, who were overcome with grief The Marshal told me that they had been told by an individual that a man had been seen in that place, hence their raid, and by the excited manner of my daughter, they were satisfied that someone was there. At the house we talked matters over and I agreed to be before the commissioners at Provo the next week. This occurred on Monday.

In all the excitement of the raids there were many amusing scenes, and we ran many narrow risks of being captured. On one occasion a marshal was making a search for myself and others and boasting of what he could do. I passed him right on the sidewalk. And when he learned of the fact he was very much chagrined. On another occasion I met two in the road and was so close to them that retreat was impossible. I passed on. And as I did so I passed my hand into my vest bosom and said “Good evening gentlemen,” They returned the salute pleasantly. After passing a short distance they said “My God” that is the Bishop.” They afterwards would have captured me, but I had the drop on them. I had my hand on my revolver. At the commencement of the raiding I felt wry indignant and was fully determined to shoot any man who would break into my house in the night, but after Marshal Dyer came into office a more human course was pursued and I had laid my pistols by.

Another amusing instance transpired when I was at Manti attending the dedication of the Temple. A marshal learned of my whereabouts and had planned my capture. I was then stopping at Baton’s. A friend informed me of their intention and advised me to go somewhere else and sleep. He took me to L. L. Bench, who was an old acquaintance of mine. I informed him that I wanted a bed, but he said he was sorry that he could not accommodate me, as every bed was occupied,  also all the sleeping places on the floor, but said that down the road lived a Presbyterian School Teacher, who had a spare bed and was alone and if I was willing he was satisfied that he could get permission for me to stay there. I said that is good enough and accompanied him into the house; he introduced me as Mr. Brown, She said that I could stay and invited me to take a chair in a nicely furnished parlor. The house consisted of two bedrooms, a sitting room and a kitchen. The lady was about 25 years old. Of light complexion, beautiful figure and an agreeable manner. We soon entered into conversation; she gave me an outline of her faith, their Church Organization and Government, and part of her history. I in turn told her of my religious faith and mildly corrected her in some of her erroneous ideas. Our conversation became quite interesting and would retire to bed. She assured me that she was not weary in the least, so the conversation resumed and when I looked at my watch again it was nearly one o’clock. I bid her good night and retired. I arose early in the morning, as I had promised to go out to take breakfast with a friend. She was in the kitchen. I thanked her kindly as I had promised. She invited me while I was in Manti to make her house my home. As the marshals had searched the train for me at Nephi coming over, I decided to return by horse and buggy accompanied by my brother. I arrived all safe after having enjoyed my visit and the dedicatory services.

At the appointed time, I appeared before the Commissioner and was bound over in the sum of $800.00 to await the action of the Grand Jury. George Sutherland, one of the attorneys and Jacob Gates. Jr. went my bond. On the 17th of September the Grand Jury indicted me for unlawful cohabitation. Having procured a number of witnesses from our settlement, I appeared in the Court and in my plea admitted that technically, according to the ruling of the court, I was guilty while at the same time I did not feel the least guilt in my own heart. I was given until the 10th of October for sentence to be passed on me by the court. I immediately returned home to put my affairs in proper shape and also arrange the affairs of the ward; Virgil Kelly was called to fill the place of S. W. Western as first counselor in the Bishopric. As he had been called to go to England on a Mission, The meetinghouse work on the walls had been stopped owing to cold weather and the following spring they were completed. Time began to draw near when I should appear before the court for sentence. Being much perplexed and embarrassed. I am sorry to say that some of my brethren, instead of encouraging and assisting me, did all they could to embarrass and perplex me.

The Saints generally felt well. The Sabbath before leaving. After addressing the Saints for a short time, I bade them adieu for how long I did not know. After the services, many were the kind embraces which I received from the sisters. Many a warm clasp of the hand from the Brethren exhorting me to be of good cheer. The sentence would only be short. The day before, the Young Ladies made a beautiful dinner in the Scotts Grove. Some of the brethren were there from the City. Brigham Hampton and C. W. Wilkins. After dinner the sisters sang my favorite hymn. “Oh Awake Ye Defenders of Zion.”

The President of the Y. I. M. I.A, in behalf of the sisters, presented me with an autographed album with many loving expressions. I offered a few remarks and blessed them in the name of the Lord and I felt much affected by their manifest kindness, causing tears to flow. On the evening previous to my departure many of my family and a number of Brethren and Sisters assembled at my home and partook of a sumptuous supper. About 70 sat down. Afterward the table was cleared and the time was occupied by song. Recitations and music. In the course of the evening I made a few remarks to my family and those present, exhorting them to be faithful and steadfast in keeping the commandments of God read a biographical sketch of Father’s and prayed to God that they might do right and defend the right of the Saints. I went to prison conscious of being guilty of no crime and rather than break the covenant, which I had made before God with them and forsake my family and those I loved so dearly. I would bid them the last farewell and spend the rest army life in prison. The company was much affected, and I spoke words of comfort to cheer them. Brother Jesse W. Fox of Salt Lake and Brother Williams and Brother Hales spoke words of comfort and encouragement. I had seated with me at supper my four wives, my mother. Mother Stocks, my mother-in-law, and daughter Courteniah read the following address:

Most Beloved Father:

The time is at hand when we shall part for a short time. We shall miss the familiar sound of your footsteps on the threshold and the welcome smile that greets us as we meet you. We shall think of you in hours of your loneliness and every evening as wee retire we shall pray to God to protect our darling Father until your return to the homes of your beloved ones.

May He who clothes the lilies

And watches the Sparrows fall

Guide and protect you dear Father

And bring you safe through all.

Courteniah Black, Louisa Black, Emma A. Black, Phoebe D. Black

The above named daughters are all mine by three different wives.

It was now near twelve o’clock at night and the brethren and sisters prepared to accompany me to the depot a mile distant. We arrived about 12:30 at which time the train was due. In a few minutes the train arrived and after bidding them an affectionate farewell, I took a sleeper accompanied by my son Warren and arrived at Provo at 7:30 a.m.

In proceeding to the depot I rode with my oldest son Joseph. His. Team being on the lead of a long train of wagons and carriages reminded me of a funeral procession. I appeared before the court at 10:00 a.m., but owing to a press of business my sentence was put off until 2:00 p. m. Judge Judd was considered as good a judge as we had on the bench. And I will here record a few of his judicial acts, and then the reader can form an opinion of what the other judges would do. Many old gray haired veterans, honorable citizens who had married their wives many years ago in their young days and raised honorable families, which they refused to abandon, were given from sixty days to eight years in the penitentiary and in  some cases a heavy fine and costs besides. In a case of a man by the name of Wright who committed a deliberate murder by shooting Soren Christensen, at Deseret, while he was in his wagon with his wife and baby, blowing his brains out, bespattering the woman and child with brains and blood, was only sentenced to one year imprisonment. Mr. Dodd of Uinta Valley in a drunken row killed a man, shot four balls into his body, pled guilty to manslaughter, and through the kindness of Judge Judd had his sentence suspended. A Dr. Sharp of Sevier County who had seduced two women, getting them both with child, was sentenced to thirty days, A Mr. Wells or Provo, who seduced his wife’s sister while his wife was sick was given sixty days in the penitentiary. They were all non-Mormons, while on the other hand Mormons were sentenced as follows: Hans Jesperson for marrying and taking care of his wife was given eight years in the penitentiary and costs. L. Larson of St. George, for having two wives got two years. G. Anderson, the Clerk and Historian of Millard County got seventeen months and costs for being the father of his wile’s baby. Bishop Yates of Scipio and Paxton of Kanosh got ten months and costs each. There were ten Mormons from Millard County sentenced at this term of court limn 50 days to 17 months. Thus we can see the discrimination made between the two classes of offenders. During these proceedings. Many affecting scenes could be witnessed in the courtroom. The court was held in a large room and the Judge was seated on an elevated throne-like chair. This and a space for the jury and lawyers was partitioned off by a railing, Then the name of a defendant was called. He was conducted inside the enclosure by a bailiff and there standing below the throne he would be questioned by the Judge. In one case, I was much grieved, an old white-haired gentleman from Millard County by the name of Powell was called and appeared before the Judge, and the judge not being ready to pass sentence motioned him to a seat and while he did so the judge pointed the finger of scorn at him and turning to the jury and lawyers laughed and said “Six months and $300.00.” The jury and the court officers joined in the laugh, which showed the delight they were taking in crushing the feelings of those who were called to stand before them. The prosecutions were conducted by one David Evans, a bitter anti-Mormon, an apostate, a son of a Mormon Bishop and polygamist. And a polygamist child himself, and he did all ill his power to get the heaviest sentence passed upon those of the Mormon faith. The defense was conducted by William H. King and Samuel Thurman. I must say that Brother King labored heroically and conducted the defense in an able manner, but the procedure against the Mormons was so strong that evidence and arguments for the defendants was overwhelming.

Judge Judd was a man of medium height, heavy set and about 55 years old with a short gray beard. He is a native of Tennessee. He had an open and pleasant countenance and looked like a man with some sympathy, and were it not for his extreme prejudice against the Mormons, I think he would be an honorable judge. In passing sentence upon our Brethren he declared in a loud voice that this practice had to be stopped, having reference to unlawful cohabitation, and this government has got the will and power, and will never let up as long as the sun shines. On another occasion he said, “I am sorry to see you in trouble, and why do you not put away your wives and have this trouble cease.” He is a husband and I suppose a father, and certainly ought to know what parental love means. If he did he certainly ought to realize that nothing but death would prevent an affectionate father from providing for those whom he loved dearer than life. The strong arm of the law may place him behind the bars, but it would not destroy the affection of an honorable father and husband.

At 2 p.m. I appeared before the court for sentence. This was Oct. 10. 1889. The court asked me about my age, I answered 52 past. Court—“When did you marry your plural wife?” I answered, “1860.” He said, “Mr. Black have you anything to say to the court?” I answered “Nothing.” Court— “You will be sentenced to 75 days in the penitentiary and costs.” The costs amounted to $94.50.

I was then put in charge of a bailiff, who conducted me up to an upper room where a few of the brethren who had been sentenced had preceded me. The number continued to increase till there were 12 in the room. A man by the name of J. F. Gibbs had accompanied me from Deseret and was to have been sentenced the same afternoon, I kept watch to see him coming, but after a while was informed that he had unconditionally agreed to obey the law and abandon one of his families. About 3:30 p.m. we were conducted down the street of Provo to the Depot by two lynx-eyed deputy marshals, who kept a strict watch to prevent us from escaping, as though we had no interest in this country. Mr. B. Backman, who appeared to be a man with some heart. also accompanied us. Our party consisted of Bishop J. S. Black of Deseret, Jesse H. Martin, of Scipio, and William McKellar of Leamington, all of Millard County. H. Hans Jesperson of Goshen .. J. L. Jolley and L. Burnham of Moroni, C. Newman of Moroni, H. Hower of Fairview, Van Leeman of Aurora, George Curtis of Payson, John Beck and James Anderson of Spanish Fork.

On our way to the city, H. H. Parson, the U. S. Marshal, came into the car and sat down by me. As we had previously been acquainted. He said he was sorry to see the trouble in the Territory, as he had lived in the Territory for years. had many warm friends, he did hope that something would be devised to stop this trouble and he also said that he expected to perform the duties of his office in a humane and honorable manner and desired his deputies to do likewise. I told him that he was making history that would never die. He answered that he was conscious of tile fact, and expected to do as he wanted to be done by, under similar circumstances. President Cannon of Salt Lake Stake came into the car where we were and gave us words of encouragement. President Cannon had served a term of imprisonment of six  months for a similar offense.

We arrived at the depot of Salt Lake at 6:30 p.m. It was beginning to get dark I met on the platform Sister Yates, who had been to the penitentiary to see her husband. She greeted us kindly and bid us be of good cheer. Two wagons awaited our arrival into which we seated ourselves with our bedding and satchels, being very crowded and uncomfortable. We proceeded up South Temple Street. thence down Main on East Temple Street, and while riding along viewing the brilliant electric lights and the handsome displays in the store windows and viewing the busy throng on the sidewalk. where I had so often walked myself on business, a free man. I could not help reflect on my present situation, condemned as a criminal and under guard on the way to the penitentiary and that too. by a government that I had always been taught to love and respect. and while in the days of peril at the

We arrived at the penitentiary about 8 o’clock and we were ordered to leave our things outside. We were then crowded into a space of about four feet by twelve. Between two gates. The outer gate was opened to receive us and then shut on us before the inner one was opened. Thus we were made to feel near to each other. That being the first process of applying the screw. But before we were passed through the gate we were taken into a room and searched, and relieved of our money and our pocket books. A small man was sitting at the end of the table taking a list of what was taken from us and a large one with a black beard was doing the searching. This was done to ascertain whether we had any contraband goods. We were marched into a room that we thought was the bottomless pit that the sectarian ministers talk about. It had an iron door and 1100r with iron bars across the windows and one can almost imagine seeing little devils grinning through the bars from the other side.  Next ascended a flight of stairs and entered another room of iron. on one side was a long row of books, at the time the thought came into my mind that this may be the place where the acts of men recorded, but I was afterwards informed that it was a library, kept for the accommodation of the prisoners.

We then ascended another flight of stairs and entered another room, which was similar to that below but a little more pleasant. As there were some pictures hanging on the wall and grave looking fellows in stripes sat at the table, and another one of medium size and light complexioned and a large mustache appeared to superintend the business. We were then asked our names, who we were and what we wanted, or something like that. By this time I began to be considerably bewildered. I told him our names were Black and Jolley and I would like to get some place to lie down as I was considerably worn out. They said to be patient. the end had not yet come. We were then marched into a big room where tables were arranged, and seated before a bowl of coffee and some bread, they said that was an extra dish. I said I suppose it was because we were such a good looking crowd, The supper looked very inviting but not being used to that kind of fare, and as we could not control our thoughts to concentrate on supper, we had to retire without doing much eating. We were then conducted to an upper room which they called the highest heaven in the institution. An iron gate was opened to us by a guard, and Black and Jolley were ushered into cell No. 55. The bolts ‘were shoved back with all extremely harsh grate on our feelings and for the first time in our lives we realized what it was to be prisoners, We were in the dark in a strange place among strange people. We felt around and found a piece of a candle and struck a light., In our cell we found two pieces of canvas about seven by two feet, which we understood from previous information were to serve as beds. But being unacquainted with things and ways here. tried to construct a double bed by buckling the two pieces of canvas together On this we made our bed out of our quilts. and the space being narrow for two large men, about two feet. I can assure you that the first night of our prison life was spent very uncomfortably. But in spirit we felt well and before retiring we knelt down together and thanked God that we had been able to endure thus far, conscious that we had committed no willful crime wherefore we should be deprived of our liberty.

Next morning at 7 o’clock the bars were thrown back, and we looked down on an exceedingly strange sight. We were on what is called the upper tier north. The men were nearly all in stripes running crosswise and many of them carried large buckets in their hands. We had found one similar in our hall and in order to be in fashion one of us grabbed it and went down stairs. The name of this bucket is “dummigan.” We were then allowed to walk a short time in the yard, and at three taps from the bell, we went back into our cells again and at another three taps from the bell, we marched into the dining room. The breakfast consisted of boiled beef and gravy, black coffee and bread. We were allowed from eight to ten minutes for each meal. We marched to our places at the table and stood until a tap of the bell, when we were all seated on benches. We commenced to eat but as we were allowed neither knife nor fork, but only a spoon, many curious devices were resorted to supply the deficiency; wooden knives and forks and also forks made out of twisted wire and knives out of spoon handles, etc. It was my good fortune to procure a knife made out of a spoon flattened and sharpened some on one side. At the tap of the bell we all arose and marched back to our cells and from then till noon we amused ourselves as best we could, walking in the yard etc., at which time we marched back to dinner, which consisted of boiled beef and soup

Between four and five o’clock we got supper. which consisted of mush and tea with or without sugar. Those who are able can buy milk. at the rate 3 ½  cents a pint, which is a good favor. The bread and beef is good and plentiful. Those of us who have money or friends on the outside can get luxuries sent to them. such as fruit. sweets, etc, We are allowed vegetables once a week, During the first day we were taken outside, where our height, weight. complexion, nativity and occupation were recorded. My weight was 180 pounds, six feet tall. We were taken into the tailor shop where we were required to leave our citizen clothes and don the stripes that run crosswise. We were taken into the barber shop and deprived of our beards, When we then looked into the glass we found ourselves changed to other beings, our faces hardly recognizable.

Many touching scenes transpire when wives and children sometimes are permitted to come and see their husband and father. The father being so changed is scarcely recognizable to the wife and less so to the younger children. who when asked by the father to come to him, get frightened and shrink back and cry out “you are not my father,” which has caused many a sob and tear to escape from strong men. We try to read but cannot connect sentences and forget the preceding line. We try to write and forget how to spell and finally after making a complete failure. lay it all to one side.

In a few days. Brother Jolley and I were moved to cell 119 on the third tier south. which is more pleasantly situated. We could look down upon the class of convicts called toughs, number about 123, and can there see the most degraded and depraved characters, murderers. train robbers, highwaymen, etc .. who used the most profane, vulgar and foul language to which we had to listen. Our main building is of brick, 140 by 34 feet, at tile west end are three rooms. one above the other. and in each is an iron gate leading to each of the corridors and here the levers are located by which every cell on a tier, 20 in number, can he opened or shut by one move. The building is 34 feet wide on the inside and on the east end are stairs leading up to the different corridors. About the middle on the south side are heavy iron doors. the outlet for the prisoners. The cells are in three tiers. one above the other. They are five feet wide and seven feet long and high. The door and front is lattice work to let in air and light. The main building has two rows of large windows on each side, which are protected on the inside by heavy iron bars. The windows can be lowered, which afforded ample light and air, and the whole building is heated by steam. Running in front of each tier of cells is a corridor 3 feet wide with 1 1/2 inch iron pipe on the outer side for railing, one of which also conducts the steam. Cells and corridors are composed of iron 1/4 inch thick, very cold in winter and excessively hot in summer. On each southeast comer is a wash stand containing eight bowls with a sink at the bottom. in which the prisoners are required to wash every morning, In one comer of each cell is a little closet which can be closed with an iron door, where we can put our night bucket. Through this closet runs a hole from bottom to top through the building for ventilation. Cell No. 59 is what is called the sweat box. This is similar to other cells, except the front which is solid and when closed there is no air nor light except what comes from under the door. There, offenders against the rules are placed and kept sometimes for days on bread and water. From the second corridor south is a door leading to the dining room, which is 40 by 50 feet. Tables are arranged crosswise.

In this room religious services are held on the Sabbath afternoon. In the forenoon we Mormons are permitted to hold our Sabbath School, which is appreciated very much. All are compelled to attend Divine Service in the afternoon, but attendance at Sabbath School is optional. In the center of the yard is located the hospital, constructed of plank 2 by 6 put up flat like a log house, the building is 20 by 22. The floor is the same material put up edgewise. Inside are six crude bunks, where the sick are laid and cared for. All is surrounded by an adobe wall four feet thick and 22 feet high, on the northeast and southwest comers are guardhouses in which are stationed two sentinels, who part of the time, patrol the wall with their guns on their shoulders. On the west side is the gate and also a stairway leading up to the top of the wall, where visitors, when they get permission, go up and view the surroundings. Here I have seen women stand for hours watching for a chance to see their loved one and gaze upon him when he happens to be in sight. The devotion and heroism of some women are certainly commendable.

I am frequently cheered by visits from friends and relatives from the outside. notably by brother William, my daughter Josephine. and my niece Agnes, my son-in-law Petty. my sons Warren and Sidney, Delegate Cain, Bishop Burton and Sheets, Marshal Solomon. B. H. James, Jack and Brother Wilkins, Apostle Lyman and Brother Bateman. The latter and I were boys together in Nauvoo. S. P. Teasdale, a prominent merchant, has been a brother and friend in very deed. Occasionally I receive letters from home, which are very cheering.

Confined in prison, my brothers’ fellow prisoners are kind and affectionate. and also the other class of prisoners. who also treat me with respect. and often seek my advice. I also by special privilege had a daily paper come to me which was very much appreciated by myself and associates, We are allowed to receive all letters written to us, not objectionable and also allowed to write once a week, but all letters sent and received have to be examined by the guard. We also have a good choir, composed of our Brethren and a few others. including Mr. Dayle the officer in charge inside, who takes a great interest in the Saints. The Choir is lead by Brother Thomas Broadbent.

Mr. Dayle. the officer in charge, is an excellent singer and he is a gentleman whom I have previously alluded to as being the Superintendent. He is medium size. light complexioned. with a large mustache. He is polished intelligent and an excellent disciplinarian. He is very kindhearted, but through long experience as an overseer in the establishment. He has acquired a haughty appearance and sometimes his remarks are very harsh and he needs to bear in mind that men are sent here to be reclaimed if possible and that “a kind answer turneth away wrath.” Mr. Amos. our warden, is a heavy stout man with a jovial, kind face. Mr. Pratt preceded him, whom I have never heard a good word spoken by anyone of the prisoners. Mr. Ward the turnkey who did the searching when we came in, is spoken of as a kindhearted gentleman and very agreeable and appears to attend lo his duty with very much tact and promptness. Mr. Wright is the gentleman who examines articles, going in or out, and performs that business in a gentlemanly and agreeable manner, and is as accommodating as the prison rules will permit,

December 19. 1889. The time is drawing near when I expect to bid this prison, I hope, a long farewell. My time expires Monday. the 23d inst, I can say of my cell mate, Joseph L. Jolley, of Moroni, Sanpete County. we have spent our time together very agreeable. I can say he is worthy of the name Latter-day Saint. I was much grieved at being deprived of his company a few days ago. when for a slight offence he was moved down to the lower tier, north, among the toughs, and he was also deprived of his mustache in order to humiliate him. I have spent the time as pleasantly with my brethren and associates as prison life will permit. I thank God for his spirit which has been with us to comfort and cheer us in our time of trial, and I pray God for the prosperity of Zion and the triumph of right.