So from where did they learn of it? The Newspapers of the 19th century covered it as best as possible. Consequently this was the sole source of light into a dark subject. The public was reduced to this relatively small window of information. .
The motives and factors into why the massacre happened are not essential, although they are important. What is essential is determining what was reported and by whom. The media will be divided into 2 camps; Mormon and non-Mormon. It is also vital to understand who the public represents. For the cause here, the public will again be divided into Mormon and non-Mormon sides. "The Mountain Meadows Massacre" by Juanita Brooks, published in 1950, will be considered authoritative on the subject of the massacre and will be basis to which all information presented by the press, true or false, will be considered. .
According to Brooks it was in early September 1857 that an emigrant wagon train, known as the Fancher Company, rolled through the grassy knolls of Southern Utah. The train was made of mostly families from Missouri and Arkansas, headed for a new life in California. They had made contact with Mormons, whom were prominent in the area and also with the local Indians but had no idea what was in store for them. On the morning of September 7th, they awoke to besieging Indians, yelling and shooting. The Fancher party was able to repel the Indians by returning fire, but did sustain seven casualties and several wounded. The emigrants circled the wagons and defended their selves against several succeeding Indian attacks. Subsequently the emigrants decided to send three men to seek help and rescue. All three were attacked, but only one killed, by white men. It was then that Brooks writes that it was decided among the Mormons, who had apparently also instigated the initial Indians attacks, that "the emigrants, all who were old enough to talk, must be put out of the way.