A Study In Scarlet...

[_gramps]

Gibbs writes about the Snow incident in his history of the Massacre. I haven't looked at that in some time, but, I believe, you can find it online. There is another old history, but I don't remember it now. Maybe Linn. Again, that is online, as well.

Also, check with a google search for the Tanners' stuff. That might lead you to some sources yet unmentioned.

[_Doctor Scratch]

Any information you have on this would be most helpful to me, Dan.

I'm somewhat aware of the story, but have no specific information on it. I'll have to check.

My faith doesn't, of course, rest on the sinlessness of bishops, whether historically or in the present. I've been a bishop myself, and I lay no claim to moral perfection.

So if this turns out to be an essentially true story, that will be sad but not faith-destroying.

I do, however, take strong issue with any suggestion that such a story would convey the fundamental atmosphere of nineteenth-century Utah. I don't know of any serious historian of the period, Mormon or non-Mormon (with the possible exception of Mike Quinn), who would suggest such a thing.

That isn't correct at all. Quinn frames his discussion of blood atonement within his larger discussion of "Shadow Governments and Priesthood Rule." He's careful to point out that the American West at that time was violent in general, and that actual instances of blood atonement were rare.

[_Daniel Peterson]

Hence, my language about "the possible exception of Mike Quinn."

I try to be generous to the opposing point of view.

But even he doesn't see it that way.

[_Yoda]

The story does not shake my faith in the gospel, and it does not necessarily convince me of any type of fundamental 19th Century Utah atmosphere.

It does, however, influence my opinion of Brigham Young. As horrific as the bishop's act was, for the prophet to sustain such an act is just as horrific, if not moreso.

I wonder whether it's true.

The source from which the story is quoted doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

Are you saying that Quinn is an unreliable source?