At the time of the Johnston's Army invasion of Utah, President Brigham Young decided, during the very severe winter of 1857-58, that he wanted to send a message to the US Army encamped near the burned Fort Bridger. President Young, who was also governor of Utah Territory, met Joseph Sharp and his brother Adam Sharp on the street, and told them he wanted someone to take the message. They inquired, "How soon do you want us to leave?" He replied, "As soon as you can get ready. How about tomorrow morning?"
They told him they would be ready in one hour. Ready they were, and received the letter at the old office of the First Presidency, just west of the Beehive House, which was the governor's mansion. They headed east up the Old Mormon Trail, through deep snow, and icy weather. At each settlement they got fresh horses.
When they reached the Army encampment, it was late afternoon. The soldiers had tents with warm fires and a hot meal just ready to be served. But, they did not invite the two Mormons to come in out of the wintry blasts, or to eat any food. The two Sharp brothers were left to care for themselves as best they could. They jumped up and down and waved their arms to restore circulations. Some of the soldiers gathered around and poured out many vile names concerning the character of the Mormons
The Word of Wisdom was not observed too strictly in those days, and Joseph chewed tobacco. He chewed up a particularly large mouthful as he waited. As soon as they received the written answer to President Young's message, they jumped onto their horses and galloped away — but not before Joseph spat his mouthful of tobacco and saliva into the face of the soldier who had berated him the worst. They returned to Salt Lake City safely.
Submitted by Ruth H. Barker, 2010