Well, if I married someone like you,
why would I want to marry anybody else?
Captain Fancher! Oh, dear God, no.
God, no!
- We found her in the river. - Captain Fancher!
Oh, God.
Don't let the children see this. What happened?
We don't know. We found her floating in the river.
- What were you doing down at the river? - I just went there to bathe.
And what were you doing there?
Emily, you need to be with Nancy's children now.
- But... - Emily, they're alone now.
- Where are you going? - To help...
I don't think that's a good idea right now, son.
You're not one of us. You don't belong here.
Best be on your way. Let us take care of our own.
I'm sorry.
I'm very sorry.
In these perilous times, it's important to remember God's commandment
to love even those who hate us.
"Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.
"O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!"
"Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed,
"which do err from thy commandments."
"I've chosen the way of truth."
Jonathan.
Jonathan, wake up.
You're still here.
I couldn't leave.
We're leaving soon.
And Captain Fancher wants us gone by first light.
First light?
Yes.
Nancy's death has made us all very nervous.
Then I'm going with you.
- To California? - Yes, to California.
You would leave everything and just come with me to California?
Yes.
Because I love you and I want you to marry me.
You do?
I would give up my life for you.
This is my pledge to marry you.
And this represents my commitment to leave.
She's beautiful.
She was my mother.
She would have loved you.
I have to get back before they miss me.
I'll slip out early and I'll be back by first light.
- All right. - I promise.
I've asked for this special meeting of the Saints
because we're about to embark on one of our greatest missions.
Not even your closest wives must know.
You all agree to a vow of secrecy?
- Yes. - Yes.
The Gentiles have once again invaded our land.
I had a vision.
- I had a vision. - What's going on?
Where were you?
The Prophet Joseph Smith came to me last night and he said,
"How long will you let the Gentiles continue to drive us away?"
And I couldn't answer him. I couldn't answer him.
Then Joseph Smith whispered that God has decreed these Gentiles are cursed.
And that they will murder every Mormon man, woman and child.
- Never! Never! - Wait!
- Stop it! - Wait, let me speak!
Mormon Saints, do you remember the Mormon War?
Yes!
They ran us out of Missouri!
Are we going to wait for them to burn our houses and slaughter us again?
No! No! No!
- These Gentiles must die! - Yes! Die!
It's not true! It's not true!
I've been among them.
Upon your order, I've spied on them.
I didn't see or hear anything to support what you're saying.
Have you forgotten your pledge
to obey the Prophet and the Apostles without question?
The Prophet and his Apostles sent word
that they were each given the same revelation from God.
Joseph Smith said,
"As Aaron was chosen by Jehovah to speak for Jehovah to Israel,
"so Jehovah created me, Joseph Smith, to be your God on Earth."
Hallelujah!
"The Apostles were chosen to be my mouth."
Hallelujah!
To question the Prophet and the Apostles is to question Jehovah himself!
- Hallelujah! - Hallelujah!
We, we have been honored
above all other men to be the chosen instruments of death
in carrying out this merciful deed. It is our sacred duty!
Through their deaths, these Gentiles will obtain eternal salvation.
We are to consider their deaths a virtuous act of grace and mercy.
Brethren, we have a duty to perform.
It is a duty we owe to God and to our Church.
The orders of those in authority are that all the emigrants must die.
Amen! Amen!
Our leaders speak with inspired tongues,
and their orders come from the God of Heaven.
We have no right to question what they have commanded us to do.
It is our duty to obey.
And what of the laws of our land?
Do we disobey the laws of our country?
Whether we like it or not, we're still part of the United States.
How dare you question the voice of the Heavenly Father?
I do not question the Heavenly Father,
I question what the Prophet and the Apostles think they heard.
Is it not possible that Satan has deceived us all?
The Prophet and the Apostles never make mistakes!
They're called by the Heavenly Father himself!
Although you are my son, I warn you, beware.
Lest Joseph Smith and Jehovah demand your blood as atonement for your sins.
- You know the penalties for disobedience. - Amen!
The Prophet decrees a crown of celestial glory for all
who are faithful and willingly obey.
Hallelujah!
- Blood atonement! - Blood atonement!
Blood atonement! Blood atonement! Blood atonement!
- Have you all gone mad? - Blood atonement!
Traitor! Arrest him! Arrest him!
Tie him up! Make sure he can't warn the emigrants!
For the love of God!
We praise you, Joseph Smith,
and vow to avenge your blood and the blood of all the other Saints
murdered by these wicked people!
Blood atonement! Blood atonement! Blood atonement!
Father, please.
You can't do this.
Try to understand.
Before Joseph Smith picked me off the streets, I had no future.
He changed all that, made me a bishop. I have more than I ever dreamed of,
money, respect, beautiful wives.
I owe everything to him. He believed in me before anyone else did.
Do you understand how much that meant to me?
For the first time, I understood
that I had it in me to become a god someday.
I was no longer a failure. There is greatness in me.
And so you choose to kill innocent women and children?
They're not innocent.
Yes, they are, Father.
Like lambs to the slaughter.
They murdered Mormon children in Missouri.
God demands their blood spill on the earth to atone for sins
that can never be wiped away by Christ's blood.
We're saving their eternal lives,
giving them a chance to get into one of the heavens.
And you really believe that?
How can you all blindly honor and obey as a god on earth
a man who went to school for two months?
Brigham Young is an uneducated madman.
Please.
No, please!
So you think he's God on Earth?
Well, if he is, let him hear me now!
He's a crazy tyrant!
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom.
God will bless you.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom.
God will bless you.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom.
God will bless you.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom in the last days.
God will bless you for building up his kingdom.
God will bless you.
Indians!
It's Indians!
Come on, let's go!
Ready arms!
Draw those knives!
Help!
Help them load!
Powder!
Rob, behind you!
Now, get over there. Get out!
No!
Now, now!
Look out!
We're out of ammo!
Get down, now!
Stay down!
- He said he'd come back. - Who?
Jonathan. He said he'd come back.
I'm sure he tried. Maybe he can't get through.
He asked...
He asked me to marry him.
And he said he wanted to come with me to California.
So we exchanged our most precious possession.
I gave him my cross. Are you angry?
I could never be angry with you, no matter what.
If we get out of this, will you marry us?
I would be proud to marry you.
It has always been my dream to do so.
Pray for him.
I love him so much.
I volunteered to ride to the Mormons for help.
It would give me great peace of mind
if you would look after my daughter while I'm gone.
Isn't there anyone else?
You should be here with your baby at a time like this.
I'm the best rider we got. We have the best chance if I am riding.
I will look after her as though she were my own.
Return safely, Robert.
Let's go.
It's been four days. I don't know how long we can hold out.
Our food's low, we have no water.
They know we'll die without water. All they have to do is wait.
Our ammunition is almost gone.
Captain Baker is dead. I'm the only leader, and, God help me, I don't know what to do.
We can pray.
We can all pray together.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.
"He leadeth me beside the still waters.
"He restoreth my soul.
"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
"I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.
"Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
"Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over.
"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
"and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
- Amen. - Amen.
These are your orders from President Haight.
It has been sent by the Council at Cedar City
and it has been approved by all highest authorities.
Sir?
I cannot do this.
President Haight has counseled with Colonel Dame
and has orders from him to put all of the emigrants out of the way.
None who are old enough to talk are to be spared.
Brethren.
The entire camp are cut-throats, robbers and assassins.
They are a part of the people who drove the Saints from Missouri,
and who helped shed the blood of our prophets, Joseph and Hyrum.
It is our orders from all in authority to get the emigrants from their stronghold.
Brother Lee, the brethren in the priesthood are united in this.
It would not go well with you to oppose them.
Let us pray on this matter again.
Brethren, I have the evidence of God's approval of our mission.
It is God's will that we carry out our instructions to the letter.
Amen.
Micah? Thank God.
Micah!
Jonathan. Jonathan. Help me.
Get me out of here. I can't help you in here.
- I can't do it anymore. - Do what?
Oh, my God, what's happening?
Micah, what's happening?
The Indians and the wagon train.
It's awful. It's awful.
I can't make any sense of it.
Micah, you tell me what's happening at the wagon train,
or so help me, I will cut your throat!
Yes, of course. Blood atonement.
You, too?
I thought you were the innocent one.
Tell me, please.
We attacked. It's started.
- Get me out of here. Please. - It's too late.
It's too late. It's started. It's too late for me. It's too late for everybody.
- It's started. It's too late. - Micah!
Micah!
Use this on the chain, and free yourself.
And when you get free, Jonathan, you run as far and as fast as you can.
Do not come back and do not look back. Save yourself from this while you still can.
No, I have to go to her. I have to.
There'll be nothing left to go to, Jonathan. You run. Run.
Micah.
Goodbye, my brother.
No.
No, Micah, don't.
I'm going to follow the brethren
and do my duty to the Mormon god, Brigham Young.
Micah. Micah! Micah!
- I didn't see it. - What?
I didn't see the sun rise.
They're coming! Get ready!
Hold your fire!
Thank God. It's the Mormons!
I'm John D. Lee, Indian Commissioner for this district.
We've got the Indians under control.
Come with us, and you'll be safe.
Thank God. They've been at us for days.
I don't think we could have lasted much longer.
Most of the Indians trust us. We have an agreement worked out with them.
But we must move quickly before the dissenters convince the others
to attack again.
Don't worry, we've dealt with them before.
What should we do?
We must take all the weapons, all your guns, and put them in one of the wagons.
Why should we give up our guns?
We have to give the appearance of peace. No weapons.
I don't like us giving up our guns. We'd be defenseless.
Sir, we know these savages. They know that we are a militia.
We have to convince them that you are in our custody.
Giving up our weapons doesn't make much sense.
Nothing we have to do in order to appease the Indians makes much sense, sir.
Trust me.
Don't worry, we will transport you to Cedar City in safety.
Once there, you will be cared for
until the opportunity comes for you to be taken to California.
I don't know about the others, but I've got a bad feeling about this.
We're out of water.
We're almost out of food,
and the guns will do us no good without ammunition.
All right.
Put all children, eight years old and younger, into the other wagon.
- I'm not giving you my child. - Neither am I.
Do you want to save your babies? Then put them into that wagon.
There'll be armed guards all around.
Your babies will be protected better than your gold.
- Take good care of him, Reverend. - I will.
Please comfort her, Reverend. She's so afraid.
I will take care of them all as if they were my own Emily.
- Take care of them, will you? - I will.
This is loving our neighbor as ourselves.
If he needs help, help him.
If he wishes salvation,
and it is necessary to spill his blood upon the ground in order that he be saved,
spill it.
Will you love your brothers and sisters likewise,
when they have committed a sin that cannot be atoned for
without the shedding of their blood?
Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood?
That is what Jesus Christ meant.
He never told a man or woman to love their enemies in their wickedness.
He never intended any such thing.
I could refer you to plenty of instances
where men have been righteously slain in order to atone for their sins.
Oh, my God.
No.
Halt!
Wait.
Mormons! Do your duty!
- Have mercy! - I do this out of duty.
May God forgive you.
Oh, Lord, my God, receive their spirits.
We were not to spill the blood of the innocent!
I shot her before I realized she had a baby.
Micah! Micah! Enough.
The boy's dead.
- Are you sure? - Go, do your duty for Jehovah.
Micah?
Follow the brethren. Do my duty.
Micah.
Micah, where's Jonathan?
Jonathan.
He's free.
He's innocent.
Micah.
Why are you here?
You shouldn't be here. I told you to stay out of this!
- I told you to leave! - Jonathan!
- Micah, give me the gun. - No.
No, I cannot do that!
- I have to do my duty! - Micah, you can't do this.
You'll be cursed.
I'm already cursed!
Please, Jonathan,
shoot me.
Please. I can't live like this.
Put me out of my misery, please.
Please...
I can't.
- Help me atone for my sins. - You're my brother.
I love you.
Jonathan, if you do this for me, I'll be saved.
Please put me out of my misery.
- Kill me before I kill her! - No! Micah!
Thank you.
I'm free now.
No!
Jonathan? Jonathan?
Jonathan?
Please.
Jonathan.
You came back.
Nothing or no one could ever keep us apart.
We're going to California together, remember?
California.
Jonathan.
Yes?
I don't... I don't think I'm going to make it to California.
You can't die. I won't let you die!
I don't think I'm gonna make it.
You have to make it.
If you die, I die.
- You can't. - Don't die.
I have nothing left but you.
If you die, I have nothing.
We saved each other that cold September dawn.
Sixteen children survived, too young to remember, too young to tell.
They were taken to Mormon families to be raised.
It was a year and a half before the United States Army tracked them down
and returned them to their relatives.
The story of hate will eventually die.
The story of love will last forever.
When did you first hear of the attack and destruction
of this Arkansas company at Mountain Meadows in September 1857?
I did not learn anything of the attack or destruction
of the Arkansas company until some time after it occurred,
and then only by floating rumor.
Did John D. Lee report to you at any time after this massacre
what had been done at the massacre and if so,
what did you reply to him in reference thereto?
Within some two or three months after the massacre,
he called at my office and had much to say with regard to the Indians,
their being stirred up to anger
and threatening the settlement of the whites.
He then commenced giving an account of the massacre.
I told him to stop. I did not wish my feelings harrowed up by a recital of details.
Did you, on the 10th of September 1857,
receive a communication from Isaac C. Haight,
or any other person of Cedar City,
concerning a company of emigrants called the Arkansas company?
I did, from Isaac C. Haight
or John D. Lee, who was a farmer for the Indians.
- And have you that communication? - I have not.
I have made diligent search for it, but I cannot find it.
Did you answer that communication?
I did, to Isaac C. Haight, who was then acting President at Cedar City.
Will you state the substance of your letter to him?
Yes, it was to allow this company of emigrants
- and all companies of emigrants... - Ready.
...to pass through the country unmolested.
Aim.
And to allay the angry feelings of the Indians as much as possible.
Fire.