"_Resolved_, That while we will, at all times, honor and magnify all wholesome laws of our country, and desire to be subservient to their dictates, and the equitable administration of justice, we will resist, in a proper manner, every attempt upon the liberties, guaranteed by our fathers, whether made by insidious foes or open traitors.
"_Resolved_, That a committee be appointed by the meeting to wait upon the Governor, and Judges Waite and Drake, to request them to resign their offices and leave the Territory.
"_Resolved_, That John Taylor, Jetu Clinton, and Orson Pratt, Sen., be that committee.
"_Resolved_, That we petition the President of the United States to remove Governor Harding, and Judges Waite and Drake, and to appoint good men in their stead."
The following is the petition to the President, which was signed by several thousand persons:--
"_To His Excellency Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States_:--
"Sir,--We, your petitioners, citizens of the Territory of Utah, respectfully represent that,
"_Whereas_, From the most reliable information in our possession, we are satisfied that His Excellency Stephen S. Harding, Governor, Charles B. Waite and Thomas J. Drake, Associate Justices, are strenuously endeavoring to create mischief and stir up strife between the people of the Territory of Utah and the troops now in Camp Douglas, (situated within the limits of Great Salt Lake City,) and, of far graver import in our nation's difficulties, between the people of the aforesaid Territory and the Government of the United States:
"_Therefore_, We respectfully petition your Excellency to forthwith remove the aforesaid persons from the offices they now hold, and to appoint in their places men who will attend to the duties of their offices, honor their appointments, and regard the rights of all, attending to their own affairs and leaving alone the affairs of others; and in all their conduct demeaning themselves as honorable citizens and officers worthy of commendation by yourself, our Government, and all good men; and for the aforesaid removals and appointments your petitioners will continue most respectfully to pray.
"_Great Salt Lake City, Territory of Utah_, March 3, 1863."