would be like to make a stand. It would be a place where emigrants would be glad to call and buy grain and provisions and would soon be one of the best markets in the . All travellers agree that there are many perfect beautiful Parks surrounded by high mountains and could easily be fortified against all hostile foes. The great political bone of contention now is that we shall go to & increase in numbers and power so as to be more than a match for them. Whenever we get ourselves planted in that region of country we can send scouts to explore the whole country to the coast and seek out suitable places where we can locate and fortify ourselves so as to bid defiance to the enemy; and also where the Saints from the Eastern States and could land [p. [89]]
The New YorkSun reflected some of these fears as it reported on the anticipated move of Mormons to the West. The editor asserted that Mormons would “become formidable enemies to the United States either in California or Oregon, and Government should look to this matter in season.” (“The Mormons,” Sun [New York City], 19 Nov. 1845, [2].)