165 years ago today - Oct 4, 1857

Daniel Wells, adjutant general of the militia and a counselor to Brigham Young, issues the following statement to Joseph Taylor: "On ascertaining the locality or route of the troops, proceed at once to annoy them in every possible way. Use every exertion to stampede their animals and set fire to their trains. Burn the whole country before them and on their flanks. Keep them from sleeping by night surprises . . . God bless you and give you success." A few days later, army soldier Eugene Banal reports, "On the east side of Green River we found ironworks of 25 burned wagons-chains, axles, and other wagon parts-covering the trail, on the west side of the Green River, the remains of fifty more wagons."