the burning in . About the time of our arrival at , a report came into the place stating that a mob was about collecting at Bunckum [Buncombe], for the purpose of burning , if they had sufficient strength, and if not, to commence depredations <​on​> of the outskirts of the Mormon s[e]ttlements, by driving them off and burning their houses; it was therefore; thought best to send out a spy company to that vicinity to watch the movements of the mob, if there should be any, and report to ; accordingly a company of ten men was raised, of which I had the charge, we were instructed to range the Southern line of and watch the movements of armed bodies of men, if any were there, and in case they should commit any depradations upon the citizens of , we were to report to immediately; we were to act entirely on the Defenceive, and not to injure any people in person or property, except an attack should be made upon us in our own County, or upon the families of some of our people.