Nothing but Evasive Replies

Abstract Judge John Cradlebaugh becomes frustrated when his grand jury returns no murder indictments for several incidences that occurred in his second judicial district over the past few years, including the Parrish murders. The people of Provo and Spanish Fork submit petitions to Utah governor Alfred Cumming, complaining about the seventy troops that have been stationed outside the courthouse and within city limits. Some prosecution witnesses, however, are fearful for their safety and grateful for the troops’ presence. One of these witnesses is former Cedar City resident Henry Higgins, who testifies that he saw two wagonfuls of Cedar City men, including John M. Higbee, heading for the Mountain Meadows shortly before the massacre. The wagons return not long after, carrying plunder. In a church meeting two weeks later, Isaac Haight publicly “dismissed” Higgins as the city’s herdsman. Higgins later went to Camp Floyd with his story.