It had taken all able-bodied males between the ages of eighteen and forty-five.

There were a lieutenant-general, four generals, eleven colonels, and six majors.

In addition to the Saints' own forces there were the Indians, for Brigham had told a messenger who came to ascertain his disposition toward the approaching army that he would "no longer hold the Indians by the wrist." This messenger had suggested that, while the army might be kept from entering the valley that winter, it would assuredly march in, the following spring.

Brigham's reply had not lacked the point that sharpened most of his words.
"Before we shall suffer what we have in times gone by we will burn and lay waste our improvements, and you will find the desert here again.
There will not be left one building, nor one foot of lumber, nor a stick or tree or particle of grass or hay that will burn.

I will lay this valley utterly waste in the name of Israel's God.