140 years ago today - Jul 2, 1881

To J.D.T. McAllister St. George The lamentable news having reached this City this morning that an attempt has been made upon the life of President Garfield by an assassin and that he is now lying dangerously wounded. exciating as we do the horrible crime of assassination we suggest to the latter day Saints That out of respect to the nations chief magistrate and in accordance with our perfits Sympathy in his behalf, all preperations made by them for celebrating the nationall birthday July fourth through the Territory of Utah be suspended and the demonstration usually had on that day be dispensed with. John Taylor Geo. Q Cannon Joseph F. Smith

[Telegram from First Presidency to J. D. T. McAllister recorded in Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]