Thomas Kane was instrumental in lobbying President Polk as a way of supporting the Mormons in their treck west. The president wanted to assure the loyalty of the Mormons. After the recruiters had tried recruiting in the eastern Iowa locations where the Mormons had camped, Captain James Allen finally arrived in Kanesville. Brigham Young encouraged people to enlist, for the financial help it would give the church. Each recruit would receive a $42 clothing allowance, but unifors were not required. Much of that money went to support the church in Winter Quarters and on the journey west. The mustering of the Mormon Battalion also provided a way for the church to show their political support for the United States. Over five hundred joined the Battalion, five companies, which was the only unit, "Mormon Battalion," with a religious name.
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| Mormon Battalion uniform and equipment |
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| Brigham Young and a man saying goodbye to his wife |
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