In the mean time our enemies were not idle in mustering their forces and committing depredations, nor had they been, it was, in fact, their gatherings that called ours into existence; their forces continued to accumulate, they assumed a threatening attitude, and assembled in large bodies, armed and equipped for war, and threatened the destruction & extermination of the Mormons. An account of their outrages and assemb[l]ages was forwarded to almost daily, accompanied by affidavits furnished by eye witnesses of their proceedings. Persons were also sent out to the Counties around with pacific intentions to give them an account of the true state of affairs and to notify them of the feelings and disposition of the people of , and thus if possible quell the excitement. In some of the more distant counties these men were very successfull and produced a salutary influence upon the minds of many intelligent and well disposed men. In neighboring counties, however, where Anti-Mormon influence prevailed, they produced little effect. At the same time guards were stationed around and picquet guards in the distance. At length opposing forces gathered, so near, that more active measures were taken; reconnoitering parties were sent out, and the proclaimed under Martial law. Things now assumed a belligerant attitude, and persons passing through the were questioned as to what they knew of the enemy whilst passes were in [p. 15]