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Conspiring Minds

CAMP TURLEY, a picturesque spot on the west bank of the Casas Grandes River, was in the heart of the rich farming lands of San Jose. Under spreading cottonwoods camp life was resumed with the proviso that it was to be endured only until the return of Elders Thatcher and MacDonald when, God willing, permanent foundations would be laid. A tentative search for lands to rent at once became a major concern as a safeguard against the future. But before any planting could take place MacDonald returned, and alone. "No luck," he reported. Second-choice land deals in Corralitos, Galeana and in the Acuna tract had not materialized. Questionable ownership or unfavorable locations had forbidden purchase. Elder Thatcher had returned to Utah to report unexpected disappointments, and Elder George Teasdale had arrived in Camp Diaz to resume leadership in Thatcher's place. Under Teasdale's direction search for lands would be resumed. Scouting parties composed of able frontiersmen from all camps would be organized. After naming possible scouts from Camp Turley, and suggesting immediate and continued resumption of seeding plans, MacDonald passed on to other camps.

On April 9, 1885 while hopeful preparations were at their height, a Casas Grandes official entered camp carrying a letter addressed to A. F. MacDonald. MacDonald was in Corralitos and while W. W. Roundy carried the letter to him there, not one but speculated apprehensively on the contents of the letter. The manner of the bearer had inspired dire forebodings.

MacDonald returned the next day and confirmed their worst fears. It was an order of expulsion according to which they were to be out of the country in fifteen days. Comfortingly he explained it was not as serious as it seemed. The order was of local origin and proper contacts with key officials in Mexico City might gain a revocation. General Pacheco, governor of the state, was in Mexico City on business relating to the interior. Through him colonization permits were obtained, and revocation of this expulsion order by him would be inevitable. General Fuero, acting governor and author of the ejection order was to be approached by Teasdale and MacDonald to gain a stay in the proceedings in case the fifteen days he so grudgingly gave were not sufficient time. A delegate to intercede with Sylvestre Quevedo, Presidente at Casas Grandes, and the one through whom the order was delivered would offset opposition on home grounds. The case, so it seemed, might be won.

MacDonald philosophically explained that the order should not have been a great surprise. Emigrants had poured into the country so rapidly that local officials had taken alarm. Intentions of the Mormons had been declared only to government officials in Mexico City. Evidently the permits had not been properly relayed to local officials. After all, he explained, they did resemble a military encampment more than peaceable homeseekers, with tents, covered wagons and tethered animals stretching over a fifty-mile area, much like an invading army. With assuring words MacDonald left on horseback for Camp Diaz to consult with Elder Teasdale.