James Buchanan was inagurated as the 15th President of the United
States March 4, 1857. Brigham Young was appointed to a four year term as first Governor of the Utah Territory by President
Millard Fillmore September 1850. Governor Young took his oath of office in February 1851 and thus his first term expired in
1855. However, President Pierce did not respond to strong encouragement to reappoint Governer Young, nor to equally strong
encouragement to appoint a new Governor. Governor Young "carried over" and continued as Governor awaiting
action from the President.
Less than two months after taking office, President Buchanan decided
to replace Governor Young. This action was based upon his uninvestigated belief that Young and the Territory were in
rebellion. He further decided to send an army along with the new Governor to quash the alleged rebellion and to enforce the
authority of the new Governor.
In May the President ordered troops to assemble at Fort Leavenworth and
from there to proceed to Salt Lake valley before winter. Six weeks later he appointed Alfred Cumming Governor of Utah Territory.
These decisions and the subsequent actions all took place without any
notice being given by the President to the Governor who was to be replaced. Nor was any notification given to Governor Young
of the decision to send an army to Salt Lake valley or his reason for this highly significant expedition involving about one-third
of the national army.
President Buchanan displayed some apparent sense of urgency.
The army was sent in disregard to counsel that it was too late; that it was unlikely the army would reach
Salt Lake Valley before winter. Also, President Buchanan ignored the required Congressional approval for the Presidental appointment
of a new territorial governor.
Alfred Cumming was appointed Governor of Utah and took his oath of office
in July 1857. In November he was on his way to his new post. He arrived at the army's winter camp where it was stalled,
in what is now southwest Wyoming, awaiting spring. In December he was presented for Congressional approval which he received
in January 1858.
