[George Q. Cannon]
Before going to bed last night I asked the Lord to give me a dream, my mind being occupied with the what I had been told concerning [Ulysses S.] Grant's message [probably regarding an anti-polygamy bill being debated]. He heard my prayer. I dreamed that a company of brethren were assembled, who were dressed in uniform. I was among them, and was one of the officers. We were expecting an attack from an enemy, who was formidable in numbers and equipments, and whom we were looking for every minute. They were moving upon us I thought with rifled cannon, improved fire-arms and ammunition and in great force. I thought we were drawn up in line to receive them. In falling into line with the other officers I thought I got into the most exposed position. I was aware of it, and saw that from the direction of the enemy I should be hit before they <those who were near me> could be reached, as my body covered, in military parlance, theirs. We were all nerved up expecting each moment the shock of battle. There was no flinching. I thought my position a very exposed one, and I seemed to take in all the <its> danger and to feel that a volley of grape and canister would be likely to hit me; and I was nerved up and had a feeling of suspense that was intense, such as a man might have who expected the next second the attack of a desperate foe. While in this frame <of mind> all at once we found the enemy had disappeared. How they had gone or where they had gone I do not now remember; but the reaction when I knew they were gone, was as great and real as it seems to me it could possibly be, if it were a scene in real life. We felt that we had been brought face to face with death and had escaped, and praise and thanksgiving filled our hearts. I then awoke and thanked the Lord for the comfort conveyed to me in the dream. The message was brought in, as my informant Mr. Wight, told me it would be; but was not read. The N. Y. Herald of this morning gives an account of a conversation that Clagett & Merritt had with Grant; they urged him to send a Message. The prospect looks threatening. But God reigns, and as Gen. Grant seems disposed to emulate the example of Pharaoh of old, we shall see whether he will be any more successful than Pharaoh was. I have no doubt but that the Lord will make Grant's wrath a cause of praise to Him. Wrote to Pres. Young, as I did yesterday, Wednesday & Tuesday, but directed them to Pres. Wells also that he might read them.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
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