"_Whereas_, From the most reliable information in our possession, we are satisfied that His Excellency Stephen S. Harding, Governor, Charles B. Waite and Thomas J. Drake, Associate Justices, are strenuously endeavoring to create mischief and stir up strife between the people of the Territory of Utah and the troops now in Camp Douglas, (situated within the limits of Great Salt Lake City,) and, of far graver import in our nation's difficulties, between the people of the aforesaid Territory and the Government of the United States: "_Therefore_, We respectfully petition your Excellency to forthwith remove the aforesaid persons from the offices they now hold, and to appoint in their places men who will attend to the duties of their offices, honor their appointments, and regard the rights of all, attending to their own affairs and leaving alone the affairs of others; and in all their conduct demeaning themselves as honorable citizens and officers worthy of commendation by yourself, our Government, and all good men; and for the aforesaid removals and appointments your petitioners will continue most respectfully to pray. "_Great Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah_, March 3, 1863." The best reply to the charges contained in the foregoing petition, is the counter-petition sent to the President by the military officers of General Connor's command, of which the following is a copy:-- "HEADQUARTERS, COLUMN FOR UTAH, CAMP DOUGLAS, } UTAH TERRITORY, NEAR SALT LAKE CITY, March 8, 1863. } "_To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States_:-- "It is an unusual proceeding for officers of the army to join in representing to the Government their knowledge of facts and opinion of proceedings, having reference to civil authority, or to the actions of the people for expressing their displeasure at the conduct of their officers. "The condition of affairs in the Territory of Utah, however, and the result of this condition of affairs, which culminated in a mass meeting in Salt Lake City on the 3d inst., in our opinion demands from us a respectful statement to your Excellency of the matter having allusion to ourselves, simply as an act of duty we owe to our Government. "We do not propose to inquire into recommendations affecting the laws of the Territory, made by the Governor and Associate Judges of the Supreme Court of Utah. The Government must know, as regards the justice or injustice of the proposed amendments to existing laws, made by the officers above named.