it was
a common thing for small bands of people on their way from
California to pass through Cedar City. Many of these people were
killed. When a Gentile came into a town he was looked upon with
suspicion, and most of the people considered every stranger a spy
from the United States army. The killing of Gentiles was a means
of grace and a virtuous deed. I remember an affair that took
place at the old distillery in Cedar City, just before the
massacre.

Three men came to Cedar City one evening; they were poor, and
much worn by their long journey. They were on their way to
California. The authorities believed they were dangerous men;
that they were spies from Johnston's army; and ordered the
Danites to devise a plan to put them out of the way decently and
in order.

That the will of God might be done, these men were coaxed to go
to the old distillery and take a drink. They went in company with
Danites John M. Higbee, John Weston, James Haslem, and Wm. C.
Stewart, and another man, whose name I have forgotten. The party
drank considerable, and when the emigrants got under the
influence of the whisky the brethren attacked them and knocked
the brains out of two with the kingbolt of a wagon. The third man
was powerful and muscular; he fought valiantly for his life, but
after a struggle he was overcome and killed. They were buried
near Cedar City.

Some time in the fall of 1857, not long after the Mountain
Meadows massacre, it was decided by the authorities at Salt Lake
City that Lieut. Tobin must be killed. Tobin had left a train in
Salt Lake, joined the Church there, and afterwards married a
daughter of Brother Charles C. Rich, one of the twelve apostles.
Tobin was a smart man, and soon after his marriage he was sent to
England on a mission.

While preaching in England, it was reported that he had committed
adultery, and he was ordered home. On his arrival in Salt Lake he
was cut off from the Church, and his wife taken from him by order
of Brigham. He made several efforts to get out of the Territory.

Finally he joined a company and left Salt Lake, intending to go
to California. After he had been gone a few days the Destroying
Angels were put on his trail, with orders to kill him before they
returned.

Two desperate Danites were selected, who knew nothing but to obey
orders: Joel White and John Willis were the Danites. They started
on the trail, determined to kill Tobin when they found him.

White and Willis ove