214. July 1[1857] - Utah Territory, Al to his dear mother. At last they have reached and passed through the long-desired Salt Lake City. Now encamped in full sight of it, awaiting developments.
Left Camp Scott middle of last month; march encumbered by the
army’s enormous subsistence and baggage trains. Marched through the city on the 26th with much “pomp and circumstance.” Extremely chagrined to find deserted houses. City itself exceeded their expectations as to its size and appearance. Wide streets shaded by a variety of trees. Through streets run rapid streams of clear cold mountain water. Saw the governor only once as he left
for Provo. Saw more of Mrs. Cumming who exchanges visits with
Brighams‘ s first wife. Sends regards to Dr. Steiner. ALS – from calendar compiled by Mary Ann Cashin
Photograph of the letter writer Alfred Cumming
Francis Trevelyan Miller and Robert S. Lanier, The Photographic History of the Civil War in Ten Volumes, Vol. Ten (New York: The Review of Reviews Co., 1910): 265. E468.7.M64
Alfred Cumming, the nephew of Utah territory Governor Alfred Cumming and Elizabeth Cumming would later distinguish himself as a CSA Brigadier General
Illustration of the Mormon Temple as “Al” might have seen it in 1857. Courtesy of the Library of Congress : Illus. in AP2.H32 1857 (Case Y) [P&P]
Zina Young may have been regarded as Young’s first wife in 1901 but Mrs. Elizabeth Cumming exchanged visits with the first Mrs. Young, Mary Ann Angell, in 1857. The New York Times reported on Angell’s death on July 5, 1882
For more read The Genteel Gentile: Letters of Elizabeth Cumming 1857-1858 SC F826 C96A34