Church History Matters: Episode 091 – "Buchanan's Blunder" and the Utah War
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 091 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths delve deep into a pivotal and tumultuous period in Latter-day Saint history: the Utah War. Building upon previous discussions about the Mormon conflicts in Missouri and Nauvoo, this episode bridges the gap between the 1838 Mormon War and the ensuing Utah War, exploring the complexities of peace and violence in the church's past.
Relocation from Nauvoo to Utah
Timestamp: [00:06]
Scott begins by recounting the Saints' migration from Missouri to Illinois, where they established Nauvoo. Despite a brief period of tranquility, tensions quickly resurfaced, leading to the tragic martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. This series of expulsions and conflicts set the stage for the Saints' westward journey to the Salt Lake Valley, where new challenges awaited them.
Reflections on Discussing Violence
Timestamp: [01:26] – [02:58]
Casey and Scott acknowledge the heavy nature of their topic—violence in church history. Scott shares a poignant anecdote about a neighbor apologizing for finding the episodes too intense, highlighting the sensitive balance between addressing difficult history and respecting listeners' emotional capacities.
The Battle of Nauvoo
Timestamp: [10:55] – [23:45]
The discussion transitions to the Battle of Nauvoo in September 1846. Despite most Saints having evacuated Nauvoo by early 1846, a small group remained, leading to a confrontation with approximately 1,000 anti-Mormon forces. The Saints' improvised defenses, including makeshift cannons, were swiftly overwhelmed. Notably, Daniel H. Wells played a crucial role in convincing defenders to surrender, emphasizing the futility of fighting for a city they had already chosen to leave. Scott classifies this confrontation as Category One violence—situations where the Saints were primarily victims.
Conflict with Native Americans: The Walker War
Timestamp: [24:13] – [34:47]
Upon arriving in Utah, the Saints faced new tensions with Native American tribes, particularly the Walker War (1853-1854). Brigham Young's initial stance was one of preparedness to defend against potential threats, as he stated, "we were prepared to meet all the Indians in these mountains, kill every soul of them if we had been obliged to do so" ([24:13]). However, a complex relationship unfolded as doctrine and pragmatic concerns influenced interactions. While early conflicts saw retaliatory actions against Ute tribes, Brigham Young eventually advocated for peace, recognizing the value of alliances and the importance of treating Native Americans with respect. This period is categorized as Category Two violence, where the Saints engaged in defensive actions but ultimately sought peaceful resolutions.
The Utah War: Buchanan's Blunder
Timestamp: [39:18] – [68:50]
The centerpiece of the episode is the Utah War, also known as Buchanan's Blunder. President James Buchanan's decision to dispatch a 2,500-strong military force led by Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston to Utah Territory without prior investigation or communication with Brigham Young sparked widespread conflict. The Saints' strategy, under Brigham Young's leadership, focused on delaying the army's advance through scorched earth tactics and leveraging alliances with Native Americans.
Key Strategies and Tactics
-
Delaying the Army: The Nauvoo Legion employed guerrilla tactics to intercept supply trains and destroy resources, aiming to stall the army until winter set in. Scott summarizes Brigham Young's strategy: "slow the army's approach... burn up grass, cut up the roads, and stampede the animals" ([52:02]).
-
Psychological Warfare: Brigham Young emphasized the moral high ground, directing raiders to minimize loss of life. As Casey notes, "they have the moral high ground... they don't want anyone to die" ([52:11]).
-
Negotiation and Mediation: Entering the conflict was Thomas L. Kane, a long-standing friend of the Saints. His efforts culminated in a meeting with Brigham Young, leading to a peaceful resolution. Scott highlights Kane's pivotal role: "Thomas L. Kane single-handedly averted a very bloody conflict" ([66:58]).
Outcome and Aftermath
The Utah War concluded without significant bloodshed, largely due to the effective mediation by Thomas L. Kane. Brigham Young agreed to step down as governor under specific conditions, and peace was restored through negotiated settlements. This marked the end of the theodemocracy—theocratic and civil authority previously held by Brigham Young. Casey categorizes the Utah War as Category Two violence, noting the Saints' defensive stance and minimal bloodshed despite intense confrontations.
Notable Quotes
-
“We have suffered nothing from them [Native Americans] compared with what we have suffered from white men who are disposed to steal.” – Brigham Young ([24:31])
-
“I love the city of Nauvoo too well to save my life at your expense.” – Joseph Smith to Dan Jones ([06:06])
-
“When the authentic evidence shall arrive, if it shall establish the facts about Utah which are believed to exist, it shall become the duty of Congress to apply the knife and cut out this loathsome, disgusting cancer.” – Stephen A. Douglas ([45:09])
Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode
Scott and Casey conclude by emphasizing the Utah War's role as a precursor to the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the most tragic and violent episode in church history. They stress the importance of understanding the Utah War's context to comprehend later events fully.
Closing Remarks
The episode underscores the delicate interplay between defense, strategy, and the pursuit of peace in the face of external threats. By categorizing instances of violence and highlighting key figures like Thomas L. Kane, Scott and Casey provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of a complex chapter in Latter-day Saint history.
Notable Contributors
- Thomas L. Kane: A pivotal mediator whose efforts prevented further bloodshed.
- Albert Sidney Johnston: Confederate General whose early role in the Utah War juxtaposes his later actions in the Civil War.
- Daniel H. Wells: Leader within the Nauvoo Legion who advocated for surrender during the Battle of Nauvoo.
Upcoming Episode
Stay tuned for the next episode, where Scott and Casey explore the Mountain Meadows Massacre, delving into the events leading up to this dark day and its profound impact on the church.
Listen to Episode 091 on [Your Preferred Platform]
Produced by Scott Woodward | Edited by Nick Goletti | Transcript by Gabe Davis