It is with the view of calling the attention of the Government and of the people of the country to the dangerous character of this monarchy growing up in the midst of the Republic, that the political history of Utah has been written. The chief interest of the work, however, with a large class of readers, will doubtless consist in the information it contains, relative to the family and social relations of the celebrated Mormon leader. These, and all other facts contained in this volume, may be relied upon as true, and many of them are now published for the first time. The subject of polygamy is treated thoroughly, and as dispassionately as the writer's utter abhorrence of the system will permit. A residence of two years in the midst of this state of society, could not fail to afford me a tolerably good view of its inside workings, and this view I have presented to my readers. Some of the facts narrated in this volume have been furnished by persons in Salt Lake, who are thoroughly conversant with them; in some cases, by persons who have long been in the service of Young, and know whereof they relate. While I am not at liberty to mention their names, I take this opportunity to return them my thanks for such valuable information. This book is believed to be a desideratum demanded by the social and political well-being of the country, and as such it is presented to the consideration of the people of this country, and especially to my own sex, who are deeply interested in preventing the framework of our social system from being broken up and superseded by the customs and maxims of the worst ages of barbarism. To the suffering women of Utah, I especially dedicate this result of my labors in their behalf; and I am not without hope that many of them may, upon a perusal of its pages, be induced to retrace their steps, and rescue themselves from the snares of the religious impostors now seeking their destruction. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. EARLY HISTORY OF BRIGHAM YOUNG. PAGE The Birth and Parentage of Brigham Young.--His Brothers and Sisters.--He embraces Mormonism, and becomes a Leader.--Is appointed President of the Twelve, and finally placed at the Head of the Church, to succeed Joseph Smith.--Establishes the Mormons in Salt-Lake. 1 CHAPTER II. POLITICAL. Brigham as Governor of Utah and Superintendent of Indian Affairs.--Formation of the State of Deseret.--Proceedings of the Utah Legislature.--Brigham's Proclamations.--Difficulties with the Federal Officers.--Proceedings of the First Judges. 11 CHAPTER III. POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED.