John Stevens' Courtship.
A STORY OF THE ECHO CANYON WAR.
By SUSA YOUNG GATES
Salt Lake City. Utah.
1909.
TO THAT OTHER JOHN, TO DIAN HERSELF,
AND TO WALTER,
THE THREE FRIENDSWHO HAVE MADE "JOHN STEVENS" POSSIBLE,
THIS BOOK IS AFFECTIONATELYDEDICATED
PREFACE.
A story of love, in the rugged setting of pioneer days, isthe theme of this book. The characters of the story move among thestirring incidents of the Echo Canyon War—an affair absolutely uniquein the history of the land. The scenes and events depict faithfullythe conditions that, according to the historians—Tullidge, Whitneyand Bancroft—prevailed in and about the Territory of Utah during theperiod of the "War." Much information has also been gathered from Vol.II of the Contributor and from numerous pioneers who recall vividly theintensity of feeling that characterized the days of "Johnston's Army"and "the Move." The characters of the story are, of course, mainlyfictitious and have had an existence only in the author's mind. JohnStevens is a composite; his outer appearance was faintly suggestedby an obscure character of pioneer days; many pioneers knew and willrecognize Aunt Clara; Diantha was modeled after a woman yet living inthe prime of her life.
Young people often think that romance and thrilling episodes, for whichyouth hungers, are not found within daily life; and frequently go toperilous lengths in search for that which in fact is right at home.An avowed purpose of this book is to show that there is plenty ofromance and color in every-day life—if the eye be not life-colorblind.If, therefore, John Stevens, with his big, generous heart can awakenthe soul of one youth to a higher courage, a more manly outlook uponthe splendidly hard discipline of pioneer Western life; if Diantha'ssuffering and sweet Ellen's sad death help just one vacillating girlto a realization of the dangers with which the path of love and youthare always strewn, then indeed will the author be satisfied. The lasttwo chapters were written at the solicitation of Diantha herself. Shebegged that the "girls" might be made to see how sweet and enthrallingtrue, pure and sanctified married affection can be.
It is fitting that acknowledgment be here made of the careful andhelpful service rendered by the many friends who have read, re-read,suggested, corrected, approved, criticized and molded "John Stevens"into a somewhat passable shape. To these friends, grateful thanks.
The pioneer days were days of beauty and rich emotions. That theirmemory should be perpetuated is the author's chief justification forthe writing of this book.
SUSA YOUNG GATES. Salt Lake City, July 24, 1909.
CONTENTS
VII. Van Arden Enters the Valley